ABC had the following net income (loss) the first three years of operation: $7,100, ($1,600), and $3,600. If the Retained Earnings balance at the end of year three is $1,100, what was the total amount of dividends paid over these three years?

Total amount of dividends paid over these three years is equal to the values of accumulated net income or losses less the balance of Retained Earnings.

This value is $7,400 (7,100+3,000-1,600) - 1,100.

Explanation:

Retained Earnings are the total amounts from net income or loss that are not distributed to stockholders.  They are usually re-invested in the company to earn more income.

The allocation of surplus income between retained earnings and dividends is one of the decisions that a company makes to balance stockholders' expectation for immediate returns and long-term growth of their investments.  It is a very delicate decision that must be taken to meet the varying expectations of stockholders.

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answernet income for 2017 will be greater if the inventory quantity declines;