stock dividend

noun

Updated on: 27 Feb 2018

Definition of stock dividend

1 : the payment by a corporation of a dividend in the form of shares usually of its own stock without change in par value — compare stock split

2 : the stock distributed in a stock dividend

Recent Examples of stock dividend from the Web

Investment income that mostly flows to the richest households, such as capital gains and stock dividends, is usually subject to state income taxes.

— steve wamhoff, Fortune, "Commentary: States Are Trying to Fix the New Tax Bill. But They Might End Up Making It Worse.," 18 Jan. 2018
Critics have called such announcements nothing more than publicity stunts, and some experts have said companies will likely spend much of the tax cut proceeds on stock dividends and buying back their own shares, a move that can boost stock prices.

— deon roberts, charlotteobserver, "Despite tax bill, these Charlotte companies aren’t giving bonuses | Charlotte Observer," 8 Jan. 2018
That is because a common-stock dividend of 44 cents would pay Berkshire more than the $300 million that the preferred stake provides annually.

— rachel louise ensign, WSJ, "It’s Official: Warren Buffett Made About $13 Billion on Bank of America Deal," 29 Aug. 2017
Bergen’s total compensation in fiscal 2017 was $4.16 million: $1.25 million in base salary; $2.43 million in the incentive compensation plan; and $486,000 from stock dividends.

— ed christman, Billboard, "As Music Industry's Fortunes Rise, So Do Warner Music Group's Executive Payouts," 14 Dec. 2017
Until the review is completed, GE is halting dividends from its GE Capital unit to the parent, which has fueled concerns about whether the company will maintain its common-stock dividend.

— leslie scism, WSJ, "General Electric Has a Long-Term Care Problem. It Isn’t Alone," 23 Oct. 2017
That gives the bank the ability to boost its stock dividend and share buybacks, pending board approval.

— emily glazer, WSJ, "5 Things to Watch in Wells Fargo’s Results," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stock dividend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stock dividend

circa 1902

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Financial Definition of STOCK DIVIDEND

stock dividend

noun

What It Is

Dividends are a distribution of corporate earnings to shareholders and usually take place in one of two forms -- cash or stock. A stock dividend is the latter of these two kinds of dividends. Each organization's board of directors determines the actual dividend amount that the firm will pay out. Most cash dividends are paid on a quarterly basis, but stock dividends are generally paid at infrequent intervals.

How It Works

When researching a company, it is important to recognize when it pays dividends. However, it is easy to be confused by several different dates a company may specify when informing investors of their dividend structure. You should be aware of the following terms:

Dividend Declaration Date: This is the date on which a company's board of directors declares that a dividend will be paid. The board determines the amount of the dividend, as well as when it is to be paid to shareholders on record.

Dividend Record Date: This is the date on which a company reviews its books to determine its "shareholders of record." Shareholders who hold a particular stock on this date will receive the firm's dividend payment.

Ex-dividend Date: After the Record Date has been determined, the stock exchanges or the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) assign the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date for stocks is typically two business days prior to the record date. If an investor buys a stock before the ex-dividend date, then he or she will receive the dividend payment. If an investor purchases the stock on or after the ex-dividend date, then he or she is not entitled to receive the dividend. On the ex-dividend date, a firm's share price usually declines to reflect the value of the dividend paid.

Why It Matters

Many investors rely on dividend payments as a source of income. Stock dividends, however, are more like doubling down on an investment. For the company, stock dividends are a way to give something back to shareholders without having to give up cash.

It is important to note that stock dividends often increase the number of shares outstanding. This can have a dramatic effect on calculations that rely on the number of shares outstanding, such as earnings per share.

Dividend payments are very important to the relationship between company and investor. Cuts in dividends can anger shareholders and even tank a stock price.

Source: Investing Answers