Look up the Wal-Mart company dividends for the past three years and the capital structure.

What has occurred with Wal- Marts dividend payout, dividend yield, and dividend per share over the past three years? Do you have any explanations for what has occurred? Also, has this company had any stock splits or stock repurchases in recent years?

How does your selected company's dividend payout, dividend yield, and dividend per share compare with other companies in its industry? Has the company's dividend strategy been similar to other companies in its industry?

Use Excel to plot your selected company's earnings and dividends over the past three years. Do you notice any patterns? What dividend policies from the background readings best match these patterns?