Answer (D) is correct . The entry to record the declaration of a small stock dividend (one less than 20% to 25% of the shares outstanding) involves a debit to one stockholders’ equity account (retained earnings) and a credit to one or more other stockholders’ equity accounts (common stock dividend distributable and paid-in capital in excess of par) for the fair value of the stock. Consequently, the declaration has no effect on total stockholders’ equity because the entry merely entails a transfer from retained earnings to permanent capital. The subsequent distribution of a stock dividend requires only a debit to common stock dividend distributable and a credit to common stock. Because both are stockholders’ equity accounts, the distribution has no effect on total stockholders’ equity.
Answer (A) is incorrect because Neither the distribution nor the declaration of a stock dividend has an effect on total stockholders’ equity. Answer (B) is incorrect because The distribution of a stock dividend has no effect on total stockholders’ equity. Answer (C) is incorrect because The declaration of a stock dividend has no effect on total stockholders’ equity.
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