Robert Coles Sun, Jan 13, 2013 @ 07:01 AM. If Internet memes have taught us anything, it's that there are plenty of ways to waste time, be it at work, at home on the couch, or on Facebook at a restaurant.
Retained earnings and stockholders' equity are decreased by a per-share cash dividend that is paid on common and preferred shares of stock, and not on shares of repurchased or treasury stock.
The amount calculated is your retained earnings. For example, add the beginning retained earnings amount of $100,000 to net income of $50,000 to get $150,000. Subtract preferred stock dividends of $4,000 and common stock dividends of $5,000 from the $150,000. The retained earnings amount is $141,000.