Dividends Vs Distributions: Understanding The Key Differences
So you’ve started investing and have seen the terms “dividends” and “distributions” thrown around. They may sound similar, but understanding the key differences between these two types of investment income is critical for maximizing your returns.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from precise definitions to how each gets taxed to which option best matches your investment strategy and income goals. Ready to become an expert? Let’s dive in!
Defining Dividends and Distributions
When you purchase shares of a stock or mutual fund, you become a partial owner of that company or fund. One perk of ownership is earning extra income from profits paid out to you. But the exact form this income takes – a dividend or distribution – depends on what type of entity you invest in.
Dividends: Profits From C Corporations
If you own stock in a C corporation – the standard type of company whose shares trade publicly on stock exchanges – any profits paid to you are called dividends. These usually come as cash payments but can also take the form of additional shares or property.
As a C corp shareholder, you have zero control over whether dividends get issued. The company’s board of directors makes this decision based on profit levels and opportunities to reinvest earnings. C corp dividends function partly as incentives to attract investors.
Distributions: Cash From S Corps and Mutual Funds
On the other hand, if you invest in an S corporation or mutual fund, your share of profits is called a distribution. What distinguishes S corps is that they legally can’t have over 100 shareholders – larger than that and they must restructure as a C corp.
Instead of dividends, S corps grant distributions to shareholders as cash disbursements. The same goes for mutual funds, which distribute earnings to investors periodically.
The key difference versus dividends is that S corps and mutual funds must pay out all profits as distributions in proportion to ownership stakes. So as an investor, you can reliably count on earning these payouts as long as profits are being generated.
How Dividends and Distributions Get Taxed
Taxes take a big bite out of investment returns, so you’ll want to understand exactly how dividends and distributions get taxed. The rules differ significantly due to quirks of the tax code.
Double Taxation of Dividends
Receiving a dividend check from a stock may feel like free money, but there’s actually a hidden tax cost. That’s because C corps have to pay corporate income tax on profits before distributing what’s left over to shareholders.
So you end up getting taxed twice – the dreaded double taxation – just for owning a stock that pays dividends. And depending on your tax bracket, your overall dividend tax rate could be as high as 20% federally plus 13.3% in California.
That’s why it’s smart to hold dividend stocks primarily in retirement accounts like 401ks and IRAs. The tax deferral shields you from double taxation and allows faster compounding.
Pass-Through Taxation of Distributions
Thankfully, S corps and mutual funds avoid double taxation because they use pass-through taxation. That means S corps forward all profits and losses straight to owners’ personal tax returns rather than paying corporate taxes.
As an S corp shareholder, you must pay income tax on your share of profits reported via Schedule K-1. Similarly, mutual funds distribute their dividend and interest income directly to unit holders annually for tax purposes.
This is why holding S corps and mutual funds in taxable brokerage accounts isn’t as detrimental – you’ll still owe tax on distributions and capital gains, but it’s at your personal rate rather than amplified by double taxation.
One catch is that S corps do limit how much you can take tax-free based on basis rules, so track this carefully. But overall the single layer of tax makes distributions more efficient.
Comparing Investment Impacts
Now that we’ve covered taxes, let’s explore how dividends and distributions actually impact investors. Both can generate income for your portfolio plus influence valuations.
Calculating Dividend or Distribution Yield
A common reason to invest in dividend stocks or high-yield funds is building an income stream. Comparing yields is the best way to quantify this.
Dividend yield measures how much cash income you earn annually as a percentage of your shares’ value. So a stock trading at $100 with a $3 annual dividend would have a 3% dividend yield.
Distribution yield works the same way for mutual funds and S corps – take total distributions over the past year and divide by current net asset value per share. Yields between 2-6% are reasonable for most income investors.
Some investments like real estate investment trusts (REITs) legally must pay out 90% of profits as distributions. So focus on high-yield sectors if your top priority is boosting income.
Impact on Share Valuation
Both dividends and distributions also influence share prices and valuations over time. Investors positively value stocks with consistent dividend growth because it signals earnings capacity. Stocks included in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index are prime examples.
And while S corps don’t issue dividends, investors still value distribution history as evidence of maturity and profit generation capacity. Strong and rising yields indicate lower risk and stability.
The key is that unlike unpredictable capital gains, dividend/distribution income gets priced into valuations and averages out over decades to drive appreciable total returns.
Reporting Dividends and Distributions Properly
Make sure to report any dividends or distributions correctly on your taxes to avoid penalties! The required forms differ based on payout type.
1099-DIV Form for Dividends
Come tax season, your brokerage will send a 1099-DIV form detailing all taxable dividend income you received over the past year. You must transfer this information onto your personal income tax return.
Misreporting 1099-DIV data is one of the most common – and easily detected – mistakes investors make. Even rounding errors can trigger IRS letters, so take reporting seriously.
Schedule K-1 for S Corp Distributions
If you hold ownership in an S corp, that company must send investors separate Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) each year. This breakdown includes your allocated share of profits and losses plus any tax credits and capital gains.
Schedule K-1 flows directly into your Form 1040 personal tax return as additional income from the S corp. So you’ll need to factor surprise profits or distributions into estimated quarterly taxes to avoid underpayment.
The IRS scrutinizes business tax returns closely, so work with an accountant to ensure no discrepancies on distributions or other pass-through income.
Key Factors Influencing Investor Decisions
Now that you understand the taxation and reporting procedures, which option – dividends or distributions – is ultimately better for you? As usual in personal finance, “it depends” based on your investing profile.
Risk Tolerance As a Key Consideration
Stocks with juicy dividends may tempt you, but don’t forget the associated volatility and risk. Dividend payers tend to be mature, slower-growth companies in sectors like utilities and consumer staples.
If you have moderate to high risk tolerance, growth stocks reinvesting profits into expansion might offer superior total return potential. But less risk-inclined investors often favor dividend payers.
Impact of Time Horizon
Investment lifespan also influences the appeal of dividends versus distributions. Building an income stream makes more sense for retirees already withdrawing versus young accumulators.
Shorter-term investors may prefer chasing capital gains over the next 5-10 years. But over decades, dividends and distributions contribute significantly to compounding with less volatility than price returns.
Tax Efficiency Differences
And as outlined already, taxation varies drastically between dividends and distributions. Holding double-taxed dividend stocks in IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts is wise tax planning.
Conversely, S corps and mutual funds with no double taxation fit better into taxable brokerage accounts. Model out your investments’ after-tax returns to quantify these benefits.
Aligning with Overall Strategy
Finally, think holistically about how dividends or distributions align with your total portfolio’s philosophy. These options generally complement a conservative income approach focused on cash flow.
If pursuing an aggressive growth strategy, you might care more about share buybacks or acquisitions versus direct payouts to owners. Not all companies prioritize dividends, nor should all investors.
Key Takeaways: Dividends vs Distributions
Wrapping up this deep dive, dividends and distributions serve similar economic purposes but have very different implications for investors. Key takeaways include:
- Dividends – Cash or stock profits paid by C corps to shareholders
- Distributions – Cash profits paid by S corps and mutual funds to owners
- Double taxation applies to dividends but not distributions
- Both impact yields and valuation over the long term
- Reporting rules and required tax forms differ significantly
- Ideally pick the option matching your risk tolerance and time horizon
Now you’re well equipped to consider how dividends and distributions fit into your own investment strategy. Understanding the key differences empowers you to generate more income with less tax friction.