You are theCEO of a corporation whose board has just decided to cut the dividend to the stockholders.

You are the CEO of a corporation whose board has just decided to cut the dividend to the stockholders. This is a matter of absolute confidentiality, as it could have major effects on your stock prices if the information gets out before implementation of the cut.

At a reception, you are approached by an elderly gentleman, who retired from the company several years ago. Virtually all of his savings and much of his retirement income is in company stock. He asks, point blank, whether he should sell some of his stock, in order to obtain some needed funds for living expenses. You know that he knows a "yes" answer will indicate some dramatic decision, such as a decision to cut the dividend, is impending. If you tell him "no," he could lose considerable value on his stock.

Do you tell him?

What do you say?

If you tell him, could it affect your company?

Could this affect your own job?