Investopedia explains 'Accumulated Dividend'
Preferred stock can either be "non-cumulative", which is traditionally the case or “cumulative" when it comes to dividends. Non-cumulative shares are entitled to dividends only if dividends are declared. Some investors may want a guaranteed return on a preferred stock. A cumulative preferred stock allows the investor to earn dividends regardless of the company’s ability to pay them immediately or in the future. In some instances, when some companies are not in a financial position to pay a dividend during a certain year, accumulated dividends are created. These dividends must be paid before any other dividends can be paid.
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