The common stock of Buffalo Inc. is currently selling at $113 per share. The directors wish to reduce the share price and increase share volume prior to a new issue. The per share par value is $10; book value is $68 per share. 8.40 million shares are issued and outstanding. Required:
Prepare the necessary journal entries assuming the following.

a. The board votes a 2-for-l stock split.
b. The board votes a 100% stock dividend. Briefly discuss the accounting and securities market differences between these two methods of increasing the number of shares outstanding.

Buffalo Inc.

a. Journal Entry:

No journal entry required except a memorandum to record the split.  

b. Journal Entry:

Debit Stock Dividend (Retained Earnings) $84 million

Credit Stock Dividend Distributable $84 million

To record the declaration of a 100% stock dividend.

When issued:

Debit Stock Dividend Distributable $84 million

Credit Common Stock $84 million

To record the issuance of stock dividends.

2. Both methods increase the outstanding number of shares by 100%.  However, with a stock split of 2-for-1, there is no journal entry except a memorandum record to state the split.

Secondly, with a stock split or 2-for-1, the market price is also halved.  This does not happen with a stock dividend.  The market forces will determine and correct the market price to an acceptable level.  A stock dividend requires some accounting entries to be made.

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Current market price of common stock per share = $113

Par value per share = $10

Book value per share = $68

Shares issued and outstanding = 8.40 million

a. The board votes a 2-for-l stock split:

Shares outstanding = 16.80 million shares

Market price = $56.50

Journal Entry:

No journal entry required except a memorandum to record the split.  The value of common stock remains the same.

b. The board votes a 100% stock dividend:

Shares outstanding will increase to 16.80 million shares

Market price = $113 and level off based on demand and supply.

Journal Entry:

Stock Dividend (Retained Earnings) $84 million

Common Stock $84 million

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