3. The residual dividend model The residual dividend policy approach to dividend policy is based on the theory that a firm's optimal dividend distribution policy is a function of the firm's target capital structure, the investment opportunities available to the firm, and the availability and cost of external capital. The firm makes distributions based on the residual earnings. Consider the case of Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group is expected to generate $180,000,000 in net income over the next year. Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group's stockholders expect it to maintain its long-run dividend payout ratio of 30% of earnings. 40% Equity 60% Debt If the firm wants to maintain its current capital structure of 60% debt and 40% equity, the maximum capital budget it can support with this year's expected net income is If Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group reduces the amount of its forecasted capital budget, how will this affect the firm's annual dividend, assuming that all other factors are held constant? The amount that Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group will pay out in dividends this year will increase. O The amount that Red Bison Petroleum Producers Group will pay out in dividends this year will decrease. Blue Guppie Seafood Corporation has very stable, predictable earnings, but its capital investment tends to be lumpy. That means that its required capital budget usually is relatively low, but every few years some large expenditures cause the firm's capital budget to be quite large. Blue Guppie Seafood Corporation follow a strict residual dividend policy