Bonus Shares vs Stock Dividends: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

When a company distributes a portion of its profits to its shareholders, it’s typically done through dividends. But there are two primary ways to do this: bonus shares and stock dividends. While both methods involve giving shareholders additional shares, they differ in their implications and the underlying mechanisms. This article will delve into the distinctions between bonus shares and stock dividends, helping you understand which might be more beneficial for you as a shareholder.

Understanding Bonus Shares

Bonus shares are additional shares issued to existing shareholders at no cost directly from the company’s reserves. These shares are typically issued in proportion to the existing shares held by each shareholder. For instance, if a shareholder owns 100 shares and the company declares a 1:1 bonus, they will receive an additional 100 shares.

Key Characteristics of Bonus Shares

• No Cost: Shareholders receive bonus shares without making any additional investment.
• Reserves Utilisation: Companies use their accumulated reserves to issue bonus shares.
• Share Capital Increase: The issuance of bonus shares increases the company’s total share capital.
• No Impact on Share Price: Theoretically, the issuance of bonus shares does not affect the share price, as the total value of the shareholder’s investment remains the same. However, in practice, market forces can influence the price.

Types of Bonus Shares

• Fully Paid-Up Bonus Shares: These shares are fully paid up, meaning the company has already covered the entire share capital for these shares.
• Partly Paid-Up Bonus Shares: These shares require the shareholder to pay a portion of the share capital to make them fully paid up.

Understanding Stock Dividends

Stock dividends, also known as scrip dividends, are dividends paid in the form of additional shares instead of cash. They are typically issued at a predetermined price, often at a discount to the market price. For example, a company might declare a stock dividend of 10% at a discount of 10%. This means that shareholders will receive additional shares worth 10% of their existing holdings at a price 10% lower than the market price.

Key Characteristics of Stock Dividends:

• Cash Equivalent: Stock dividends are essentially a form of cash dividend, but instead of receiving cash, shareholders receive shares.
• Market Price Impact: Stock dividends can have a dilutive effect on the share price, as the number of shares outstanding increases.
• Tax Implications: The tax treatment of stock dividends can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific terms of the dividend.

Which Is Better: Bonus Shares or Stock Dividends?

The choice between bonus shares and stock dividends depends on several factors, including the company’s financial health, the shareholder’s investment goals, and tax implications.

Bonus Shares might be preferable for shareholders who:

• Desire More Holdings in the Company: Bonus shares can increase the number of shares owned without requiring additional investment.
• Seek Long-Term Investment: Bonus shares can be a good option for long-term investors who believe in the company’s growth prospects.

Stock Dividends might be preferable for shareholders who:

• Interested in Compounding Their Investment: Stock dividends can be appealing for investors who wish to reinvest their payouts and increase their ownership stake in the company.
• Short-Term Investment Horizon: Stock dividends can be more attractive for investors with a shorter investment horizon. 

Conclusion

Both bonus shares and stock dividends offer unique benefits and considerations. Understanding the distinctions between these two dividend types can help you make informed decisions as a shareholder. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual circumstances and the stocks you hold. To explore stocks and make informed investment choices, consider Share India and browse through our stock offerings on our trading platform.