How does a corporation usually distribute dividends?

Corporations typically distribute dividends primarily in the form of cash payments to their shareholders. This pro-rata cash distribution means that dividends are allocated based on the number of shares held by each shareholder. For example, if a corporation declares a cash dividend of $1 per share and a shareholder owns 100 shares, that shareholder would receive $100 in dividends.

This method of distribution is favored because it provides shareholders with immediate liquidity and a clear return on their investment. Additionally, cash dividends are straightforward for both the paying corporation and the receiving shareholders to understand and manage.

While stock dividends and other forms of distributions do exist, they are less common for regular dividend payments. Stock dividends involve issuing additional shares rather than cash, which dilutes share value. Non-monetary forms of dividends might include property or stock but are not typical for most corporations. Corporate bonds are a form of debt, not a dividend distribution, hence they don’t align with the typical understanding of how dividends are distributed to shareholders.