Merlo, Inc. maintains a debt-equity ratio of .40 and follows a residual dividend policy. The company has after-tax earnings of $1,600 for the year and needs $1,400 for new investments. What is the total amount Merlo will pay out in dividends this year? 

 

You recently purchased a stock that is expected to earn 12 % in a booming economy, 8 % in a normal economy and lose 5 % in a recessionary economy. There is a 15 % probability of a boom, a 75 % chance of a normal economy, and a 10 % chance of a recession. What is your expected rate of return on this stock? 

Shares are currently selling for $4.4625. At the beginning of the year you bought them for $4.25 and during the year a dividend of 21.25 cents per share was paid. What is the return?