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Understanding DRP Rounding Methods

Understand Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) rounding methods, their calculations, and how to ensure accurate dividend tracking in Navexa.

Tom Wilson avatar
Written by Tom Wilson
Updated over 3 weeks ago

What Are DRP Rounding Methods?

When dividends are reinvested through a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP), the dividend amount rarely equates exactly to whole shares. To handle this, share registries and brokers apply a specific rounding method.

In Navexa, selecting the correct rounding method ensures accurate portfolio tracking and reporting.

Here’s how each method works, with calculation examples for clarity:


1. Round Down

  • Dividends purchase shares rounded down to the nearest whole number.

  • Any remaining dividend balance is discarded.

See Example:

  • Dividend received: $100

  • Share price: $27

  • Calculation: $100 ÷ $27 = 3.7 shares → rounded down to 3 shares

  • Shares received: 3 shares (worth $81)

  • Remaining balance: $19 discarded


2. Round Up

  • Dividends purchase shares rounded up to the nearest whole number.

  • Typically, this method requires covering the shortfall with additional funds or arrangements set by the share registry or broker.

See Example:

  • Dividend received: $100

  • Share price: $27

  • Calculation: $100 ÷ $27 = 3.7 shares → rounded up to 4 shares

  • Shares received: 4 shares (worth $108)

  • Additional funds required: $8


3. Round to Nearest

  • Dividends purchase shares rounded to the nearest whole number (up or down).

See Example (Round Up):

  • Dividend received: $100

  • Share price: $27

  • Calculation: $100 ÷ $27 = 3.7 shares → rounded up to 4 shares

See Example (Round Down):

  • Dividend received: $100

  • Share price: $30

  • Calculation: $100 ÷ $30 = 3.3 shares → rounded down to 3 shares


4. Round Down with Balance Tracking

  • Dividends purchase shares rounded down to the nearest whole number.

  • Remaining dividend balances carry forward, combining with future dividends.

See Example:

  • Dividend received: $100

  • Share price: $27

  • Calculation: $100 ÷ $27 = 3.7 shares → rounded down to 3 shares

  • Shares received: 3 shares (worth $81)

  • Remaining balance of $19 carried forward to next DRP reinvestment.


Important Notes

  • DRP rounding methods are determined by your company or ETF provider, and implemented by your share registry (e.g., Computershare, Link Market Services) or broker.

  • Always confirm your DRP method via your registry or broker's documentation to ensure accurate tracking.

  • Selecting the incorrect rounding method in Navexa may cause small discrepancies in your recorded holdings, affecting dividends and investment reporting accuracy.

  • Regularly verify and update your Navexa DRP settings to maintain accuracy.

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