Jude Peter, a former national$-$level ice hockey player from Abbotsford, British Columbia, underwent a significant career change due to a career$-$ending injury. His father's invitation to manage a boutique hotel in Whistler led him to create 'AyurWhistler', a unique hotel concept blending Ayurvedic principles with the vibrancy of a ski resort. Jude's vision for 'AyurWhistler' included a holistic wellness retreats, Ayurvedic cuisine, and yoga and meditation workshops, all with early$-$bird and bundle pricing deals.

Jude Peter's venture, 'AyurWhistler', has been a collaborative effort from the start, with many of the shareholders being close friends who believe in Jude's vision. His promise to them was simple: as the company flourishes, so would their dividends. This commitment to increase their dividends has been a cornerstone of Jude's approach to business, reflecting both his gratitude for their support and his desire to see them benefit directly from the company's success.

However, the company's recent financial performance has prompted caution from the accounting team. The accountant, looking strictly at the numbers, advises against increasing the dividends under the current fiscal conditions. The concern is clear: the company's dwindling cash reserves and climbing liabilities paint a picture of potential financial strain. This conservative viewpoint, aimed at safeguarding the company's financial stability, conflicts with Jude's initial promise to

his shareholders.

Now, Jude is confronted with a tough decision. Should he honor his original promise to increase dividends, thereby maintaining the trust and goodwill of his shareholders, at the risk of straining the company's finances? Or should he consider the accountant's advice to postpone the dividend hike, which could help preserve the company's financial health but might also lead to disappointment among his friends and investors? The path Jude chooses will not only reveal his business acumen but will also test the strength of his personal relationships with those who invested not just their money, but their faith in him

Over the past two years, 'AyurWhistler', has faced a decline in cash reserves, creating anxiety about its liquidity and the ability to cover short$-$term liabilities. Financial statement extracts expose key movements in the company's fiscal position: solutions to this case study