Matt has been told by his instructor that dividends reduce retained earnings (and therefore stockholders’ equity). However, since he knows that stockholders are receiving the dividends, Matt doesn’t understand how paying dividends would decrease stockholders’ equity. Explain this to Matt.

Principles of Accounting Volume 1
19th Edition
ISBN:9781947172685
Author:OpenStax
Publisher:OpenStax
Chapter14: Corporation Accounting
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 14Q: Your friend has questions about retained earnings and dividends. How do you explain to him that...
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Matt has been told by his instructor that dividends reduce retained earnings (and therefore stockholders’ equity). However, since he knows that stockholders are receiving the dividends, Matt doesn’t understand how paying dividends would decrease stockholders’ equity. Explain this to Matt.

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