Smith and Jones, Inc. is primarily engaged in the worldwide production, processing, distribution, and marketing of food products. The following information is from its 2009 annual report:

 

2009

2008

Earnings per share

$1.08

$1.14

Cash dividends per common share

$0.80

$0.76

Market price per common share

$12.94

$15.19

Common shares outstanding

25,380,000

25,316,000

Total assets

$1,264,086,000

$1,173,924,000

Total liabilities

$823,758,000

$742,499,000

Nonredeemable preferred stock

$16,600,000

$16,600,000

Preferred dividends

$4,567,000

$930,000

Net income

$32,094,000

$31,049,000

Required

a. Based on these data, compute the following for 2009 and 2008:

1. Percentage of earnings retained

2. Price/earnings ratio

3. Dividend payout

4. Dividend yield

5. Book value per share

b. Discuss your findings from the viewpoint of a potential investor.