2. Accounting for Stock Dividends—A stock dividend affects the
components of equity by transferring part of retained earnings
to contributed capital accounts.
a. A small stock dividend is a distribution of 25% or less of
the previously outstanding shares.
i. The market value of the shares to be distributed is
capitalized.
ii. Entry to record a small stock dividend upon
declaration: debit Retained Earnings (for the current
market value of the stock to be distributed), credit
Common Stock Dividend Distributable (for the par
value of the stock to be distributed), credit Paid-in
Capital in Excess of Par Value, Common Stock (for
the excess).
iii. Entry to record a small stock dividend at date of
payment: debit Common Stock Dividend
Distributable, credit Common Stock.
b. A large stock dividend is a distribution of more than 25%
of the shares outstanding before the dividend.
i. Only the legally required minimum amount (par or
stated value of shares) must be capitalized.
ii. Entry to record a large stock dividend upon
declaration: debit Retained Earnings, credit Common
Stock Dividend Distributable (for the par value of the
stock to be distributed).
iii. Entry to record a large stock dividend at date of
payment: debit Common Stock Dividend
Distributable, credit Common Stock.