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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.

Updated over 3 months 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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