Stock dividend versus stock split-Firm The board of Wicker Home Health Care, Inc., is exploring ways to expand the number of shares outstanding in an effort to reduce the market price per share to a level that the firm considers more appealing to investors. The options under consideration are a 20% stock dividend and, alternatively, a 5-for-4 stock split. At the present time, the firm's equity account and other per-share information are given as follows: a. Show the effect on the equity accounts and per-share data of a 20% stock dividend. b. Show the effect on the equity accounts and per-share data of a 5-for-4 stock split. c. Which option will accomplish Wicker's goal of reducing the current stock price while maintaining a stable level of retained earnings? d. What legal constraints might encourage the firm to choose a stock split over a stock dividend? Preferred Stock Common Stock (300,000 shares at $1 par) Paid-in capital in excess of par Retained Earnings Total Stockholders' equity 0 300,000 800,000 2,580,000 $3,680,000 Price per share Earnings per share Dividend per share $38 $3.70 $1.17