May
18
2024

How to Invest in Real Estate: 7 Ways for Beginners

By | Financial Independence, invest, Investing | Comments Off on How to Invest in Real Estate: 7 Ways for Beginners

Real estate investing can be an effective way to hedge against the effects of inflation in a portfolio while generating a steady stream of income. When it comes to how to invest in real estate, there’s no single path to entry.

Where you decide to get started can ultimately depend on how much money you have to invest, your risk tolerance, and how hands-on you want to be when managing real estate investments.

Key Points

•   Real estate investing offers portfolio diversification and potential income generation.

•   Benefits of real estate investing include hedging against inflation and potential tax breaks.

•   Different ways to invest in real estate include REITs, real estate funds, REIT ETFs, real estate crowdfunding, rental properties, fix and flip properties, and investing in your own home.

•   Each investment option has its own requirements, fees, holding periods, and risk factors.

•   Consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and available capital when deciding which real estate investment strategy is right for you.

Why Invest in Real Estate?

Real estate investing can yield numerous benefits, for new and seasoned investors alike. Here are some of the main advantages to consider with property investments.

•   Real estate can diversify your portfolio, allowing you to better balance risk and rewards.

•   Provides the opportunity to generate investment returns outside of owning securities such as stocks, ETFs, or bonds.

•   Historically, real estate is often seen as a hedge against inflation, since property prices tend to increase in tandem with price increases for other consumer goods and services.

•   Owning real estate investments can allow you to generate a steady stream of passive income in the form of rents or dividends.

•   Rental property ownership can include some tax breaks since the IRS allows you to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses related to operating the property.

•   Real estate may appreciate significantly over time, which could result in a sizable gain should you decide to sell it. However, real estate can also depreciate in value, leading to a possible loss or negative return. Investors should know that the real estate market is different than the stock market, and adjust their expectations accordingly.

There’s one more thing that makes real estate investing for beginners particularly attractive: There are many ways to do it, which means you can choose investments that are best suited to your needs and goals.

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7 Ways to Invest in Real Estate

Real estate investments can take different forms, some of which require direct property ownership and others that don’t. As you compare different real estate investments, here are some important things to weigh:

•   Minimum investment requirements

•   Any fees you might pay to own the investment

•   Holding periods

•   Past performance and expected returns

•   Investment-specific risk factors

With those things in mind, here are seven ways to get started with real estate investing for beginners.

1. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns and operates income-producing properties. The types of properties you might find in a REIT include warehouses, storage facilities, shopping centers, and office space. A REIT may also own mortgages or mortgage-backed securities.

REITs allow investors to enjoy the benefits of property ownership without having to buy a building or land. Specifically, that means steady income as REITs are required to pay out 90% of taxable income annually to shareholders in the form of dividends. Most REIT dividends are considered to be ordinary income for tax purposes.

Many REITs are publicly traded on an exchange just like a stock. That means you can buy shares through your brokerage account if you have one, making it relatively easy to add REITs to your portfolio. Remember to consider any commission fees you might pay to trade REIT shares in your brokerage account.

2. Real Estate Funds

Real estate funds are mutual funds that own a basket of securities. Depending on the fund’s investment strategy, that may include:

•   Individual commercial properties

•   REITs

•   Mortgages and mortgage-backed securities

Mutual funds also trade on stock exchanges, just like REITs. One of the key differences is that mutual funds are not required to pay out dividends to investors, though they can do so.

Instead, real estate funds aim to provide value to investors in the form of capital appreciation. A real estate fund may buy and hold property investments for the long term, in anticipation of those investments increasing in value over time.

Investing in a real estate fund vs. REIT could offer broader exposure to a wider range of property types or investments. A REIT, for instance, may invest only in hotels and resorts whereas a real estate mutual fund may diversify with hotels, office space, retail centers, and other property types.

3. REIT ETFs

A REIT ETF or exchange-traded fund is similar to a mutual fund, but the difference is that it trades on an exchange just like a stock. There’s also a difference between REIT ETFs and real estate mutual funds regarding what they invest in. With a REIT ETF, holdings are primarily concentrated on real estate investment trusts only.

That means you could buy a single REIT ETF and gain exposure to 10, 20 or more REITs in one investment vehicle.

Some of the main advantages of choosing a REIT ETF vs. real estate funds or individual REITs include:

•   Increased tax efficiency

•   Lower expense ratios

•   Potential for higher returns

A REIT ETF may also offer a lower minimum investment than a REIT or real estate fund, which could make it suitable for beginning investors who are working with a smaller amount of capital.

But along with those advantages, investors should know about some of the potential drawbacks:

•   ETF values may be sensitive to interest rate changes

•   REIT ETFs may experience volatility related to property trends

•   REIT ETFs may be subject to several other types of risk, such as management and liquidity risk more so than other types of ETFs.

As always, investors should consider the risks along with the potential advantages of any investment.

4. Real Estate Crowdfunding

Real estate crowdfunding platforms allow multiple investors to come together and pool funds to fund property investments. The minimum investment may be as low as $500, depending on which platform you’re using, and if you have enough cash to invest you could fund multiple projects.

Compared to REITs, REIT ETFs, or real estate funds, crowdfunding is less liquid since there’s usually a required minimum holding period you’re expected to commit to. That’s important to know if you’re not looking to tie up substantial amounts of money for several years.

You’ll also need to meet a platform’s requirements before you can invest. Some crowdfunding platforms only accept accredited investors. To be accredited, you must:

•   Have a net worth over $1 million, excluding your primary residence, OR

•   Have an income of $200,000 ($300,000 if married) for each of the prior two years, with the expectation of future income at the same level

You can also qualify as accredited if you hold a Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 securities license.

5. Rental Properties

Buying a rental property can help you create a long-term stream of income if you’re able to keep tenants in the home. Some of the ways you could generate rental income with real estate include:

•   Buying a second home and renting it out to long-term tenants

•   Buying a vacation home and renting it to short-term or seasonal tenants

•   Purchasing a multi-unit property, such as a duplex or triplex, and renting to multiple tenants

•   Renting a room in your home

But recognize the risks or downsides associated with rental properties, too:

•   Negative cash flow resulting from tenancy problems

•   Problem tenants

•   Lack of liquidity

•   Maintenance costs and property taxes

Further, the biggest consideration with rental properties usually revolves around how you’re going to finance a property purchase. You might try for a conventional mortgage, an FHA loan if you’re buying a multifamily home and plan to live in one of the units, a home equity loan or HELOC if you own a primary residence, or seller financing.

Each one has different credit, income, and down payment requirements. Weighing the pros and cons of each one can help you decide which financing option might be best.

6. Fix and Flip Properties

With fix-and-flip investments, you buy a property to renovate and then resell it for (ideally) a large profit. Becoming a house flipper could be lucrative if you’re able to buy properties low, then sell high, but it does take some knowledge of the local market you plan to sell in.

You’ll also have to think about who’s going to handle the renovations. Doing them yourself means you don’t have to spend any money hiring contractors, but if you’re not experienced with home improvements you could end up making more work for yourself in the long run.

If you’re looking for a financing option, hard money loans are one possibility. These loans let you borrow enough to cover the purchase price of the home and your estimated improvements, and make interest-only payments. However, these loans typically have terms ranging from 9 to 18 months so you’ll need to be fairly certain you can sell the property within that time frame.

7. Invest in Your Own Home

If you own a home, you could treat it as an investment on its own. Making improvements to your property that raise its value, for example, could pay off later should you decide to sell it. You may also be able to claim a tax break for the interest you pay on your mortgage.

Don’t own a home yet? Understanding what you need to qualify for a mortgage is a good place to start. Once you’re financially ready to buy, you can take the next step and shop around for the best mortgage lenders.

How to Know If Investing in Real Estate Is a Good Idea for You

Is real estate investing right for everyone? Not necessarily, as every investor’s goals are different. Asking yourself these questions can help you determine where real estate might fit into your portfolio:

•   How much money are you able and willing to invest in real estate?

•   What is your main goal or reason for considering property investments?

•   If you’re interested in rental properties, will you oversee their management yourself or hire a property management company? How much income would you need them to generate?

•   If you’re considering a fix-and-flip, can you make the necessary commitment of time and sweat equity to get the property ready to list?

•   How will you finance a rental or fix-and-flip if you’re thinking of pursuing either one?

•   If you’re thinking of choosing REITs, real estate crowdfunding, or REIT ETFs, how long do you anticipate holding them in your portfolio?

•   How much risk do you feel comfortable with, and what do you perceive as the biggest risks of real estate investing?

Talking to a financial advisor may be helpful if you’re wondering how real estate investments might affect your tax situation, or have a bigger goal in mind, like generating enough passive income from investments to retire early.

💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

The Takeaway

Real estate investing is one of the most attractive alternative investments for portfolio diversification. While you might assume that property investing is only for the super-rich, it’s not as difficult to get started as you might think. Keep in mind that, depending on how much money you have to invest initially and the degree of risk you’re comfortable taking, you’re not just limited to one option when building out your portfolio with real estate.

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FAQ

How Can I Invest in Property With Little Money?

If you don’t have a lot of money to invest in property, you might consider real estate investment trusts or real estate ETFs for your first investments. REITs and ETFs can offer lower barriers to entry versus something like purchasing a rental property or a fix-and-flip property.

Is Real Estate Investing Worth It?

Real estate investing can be worth it if you’re able to generate steady cash flow and income, hedge against inflation, enjoy tax breaks, and/or earn above-average returns. Whether investing in real estate is worth it for you can depend on what your goals are, how much money you have to invest, and how much time you’re willing to commit to managing those investments.

Is Investing in Real Estate Better Than Stocks?

Real estate tends to have a low correlation with stocks, meaning that what happens in the stock market doesn’t necessarily affect what happens in the property markets. Investing in real estate can also be attractive for investors who are looking for a way to hedge against the effects of inflation over the long term.

Is Investing in Real Estate Safer Than Stocks?

Just like stocks, real estate investments carry risk meaning one isn’t necessarily safer than the other. Investing in both real estate and stocks can help you create a well-rounded portfolio, as the risk/reward profile for each one isn’t the same.

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SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


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Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.
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May
18
2024
paper pie charts

Dividends: What They Are and How They Work

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on Dividends: What They Are and How They Work

A dividend is when a company periodically gives its shareholders a payment in cash, additional shares of stock, or property. The size of that dividend payment depends on the company’s dividend yield and how many shares you own.

Not all companies pay dividends, but many investors look to buy stock in companies that pay them as a way to generate regular income in addition to stock price appreciation. A dividend investing strategy is one way many investors look to make money from stocks and build wealth.

Key Points

•   Dividends are payments made by companies to shareholders, either in cash, additional shares of stock, or property.

•   Dividend payments are based on the company’s dividend yield and the number of shares owned by the investor.

•   Dividends can be paid out in cash or additional stock, and they usually follow a fixed schedule.

•   Companies are not required to pay dividends, and dividend payments are not always guaranteed.

•   Dividend stocks can provide regular passive income, offer dividend reinvestment plans, and may have tax advantages.

What Is a Dividend?

A dividend payment is a portion of a company’s earnings paid out to the shareholders. For every share of stock an investor owns, they get paid an amount of the company’s profits.

The total amount an investor receives in a dividend payment is based on the number of shares they own. For example, if a stock pays a quarterly dividend of $1 per share and the investor owns 50 shares, they would receive a dividend of $50 each quarter.

Companies can pay out dividends in cash, called a cash dividend, or additional stock, known as a stock dividend.

Generally, dividend payouts happen on a fixed schedule. Most dividend-paying companies will pay out their dividends quarterly. However, some companies pay out dividends annually, semi-annually (twice a year), or monthly.

Occasionally, companies will pay out dividends at random times, possibly due to a windfall in cash from a business unit sale. These payouts are known as special dividends or extra dividends.

A company is not required to pay out a dividend. There are no established rules for dividends; it’s entirely up to the company to decide if and when they pay them. Some companies pay dividends regularly, and others never do.

Even if companies pay dividends regularly, they are not always guaranteed. A company can skip or delay dividend payments as needed. For example, a company may withhold a dividend if they had a quarter with negative profits. However, such a move may spook the market, resulting in a drop in share price as investors sell the struggling company.

Types of Dividends

As noted, the most common types of dividends are cash dividends and stock dividends.

Cash dividends are dividends paid out in the form of cash to shareholders. Cash dividends are the most common form of dividend. Stock dividends are, likewise, more or less what they sound like: Dividends paid out in the form of additional stock. Generally, shareholders receive additional common stock.

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How Are Dividends Paid Out?

There are four critical dates investors need to keep in mind to determine when dividends are paid and see if they qualify to receive a dividend payment.

•   Declaration Date: The day when a company’s board of directors announces the next dividend payment. The company will inform investors of the date of record and the payable date on the declaration date. The company will notify shareholders of upcoming dividend payments by a press release on the declaration day.

•   Date of Record: The date of record, also known as the record date, is when a company will review its books to determine who its shareholders are and who will be entitled to a dividend payment.

•   Ex-dividend date: The ex-dividend date, typically set one business day before the record date, is an important date for investors. Before the ex-dividend date, investors who own the stock will receive the upcoming dividend payment. However, if you were to buy a stock on or after an ex-dividend date, you are not eligible to receive the future dividend payment.

•   Payable date: This is when the company pays the dividend to shareholders.

Example of Dividend Pay Out

Shareholders who own dividend-paying stocks would calculate their payout using a dividend payout ratio. Effectively, that’s the percentage of the company’s profits that are paid out to shareholders, which is determined by the company.

The formula is as follows: Dividend payout ratio = Dividends paid / net income

As an example, assume a company reported net income of $100,000 and paid out $20,000 in dividends. In this case, the dividend payout ratio would be 20%. Shareholders would either receive a cash payout in their brokerage account, or see their total share holdings increase after the payout.

Why Do Investors Buy Dividend Stocks?

As mentioned, dividend payments and stock price appreciation make up a stock’s total return. But beyond being an integral part of total stock market returns, dividend-paying stocks present unique opportunities for investors in the following ways.

Passive Dividend Income

Many investors look to buy stock in companies that pay dividends to generate a regular passive dividend income. They may be doing this to replace a salary — e.g., in retirement — or supplement their current income. Investors who are following an income-producing strategy tend to favor dividend-paying stocks, government and corporate bonds, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Dividend Reinvestment Plans

A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) allows investors to reinvest the money earned from dividend payments into more shares, or fractional shares, of that stock. A DRIP can help investors take advantage of compounding returns as they benefit from a growing share price, additional shares of stock, and regular dividend payments. The periodic payments from dividend stocks can be useful when utilizing a dividend reinvestment plan.

Dividend Tax Advantages

Another reason that investors may target dividend stocks is that they may receive favorable tax treatment depending on their financial situation, how long they’ve held the stock, and what kind of account holds the stock.

There are two types of dividends for tax purposes: ordinary and qualified. Ordinary dividends are taxable as ordinary income at your regular income tax rate. However, a dividend is eligible for the lower capital gains tax rate if it meets specific criteria to be a qualified dividend. These criteria are as follows:

•   It must be paid by a U.S. corporation or a qualified foreign corporation.

•   The dividends are not the type listed by the IRS under dividends that are not qualified dividends.

•   You must have held the stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period that begins 60 days before the ex-dividend date.

Investors can take advantage of the favorable tax treatments of qualified dividends when paying taxes on stocks.

How to Evaluate Dividend Stocks

Evaluating dividend stocks requires some research, like evaluating other types of stocks. There’s analysis to be done, but investors will also want to take special care to look at prospective dividend yields and other variables related to dividends.

In all, investors would likely begin by digging through a stock’s financial reports and earnings data, and then looking at its dividend yield.

Analysis

As noted, investors may want to start their stock evaluations by looking at the data available, including balance sheets, cash flow statements, quarterly and annual earnings reports, and more. They can also crunch some numbers to get a sense of a company’s overall financial performance.

Dividend Yield

A dividend yield is a financial ratio that shows how much a company pays out in dividends relative to its share price. The dividend yield can be a valuable indicator to compare stocks that trade for different dollar amounts and with varying dividend payments.

Here’s how to calculate the dividend yield for a stock:

Dividend Yield = Annual Dividend Per Share ÷ Price Per Share

To use the dividend yield to compare two different stocks, consider two companies that pay a similar $4 annual dividend. A stock of Company A costs $95 per share, and a stock of Company B costs $165.

Using the formula above, we can see that Company A has a higher dividend yield than Company B. Company A has a dividend yield of 4.2% ($4 annual dividend ÷ $95 per share = 4.2%). Company B has a yield of 2.4% ($4 annual dividend ÷ $165 per share = 2.4%).

If investors are looking to invest in a company with a relatively high dividend yield, they may invest in Company A.

While this formula helps compare dividend yields, there may be other factors to consider when deciding on the suitable investment. There are many reasons a company could have a high or low dividend yield, and some insight into dividend yields is necessary for further analysis.

Tax Implication of Dividends

Dividends do, generally, trigger a tax liability for investors. There may be some special considerations at play, so if you have a lot of dividends, it may be beneficial to consult with a financial professional to get a sense of your overall tax liabilities.

But in a broad sense, regular dividends are taxed like ordinary income if they’re reinvested. If an investor receives stock dividends, though, that’s typically not taxable until the investor sells the holdings later on. Further, qualified dividends are usually taxed at lower rates that apply to capital gains – but there may be some variables involved that can change that.

Investors who do receive dividends should receive a tax form, a 1099-DIV, from the payor of the dividends if the annual payout is at least $10.

💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

The Takeaway

Dividends are a way that companies compensate shareholders just for owning the stock, usually in the form of a cash payment. Many investors look to dividend-paying stocks to take advantage of the regular income the payments provide and the stock price appreciation in total returns.

Additionally, dividend-paying companies can be seen as stable companies, while growth companies, where value comes from stock price appreciation, may be riskier. If your investment risk tolerance is low, investing in dividend-paying companies may be worthwhile.

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For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Are dividends free money?

In a way, dividends may seem or feel like free money, but in another sense, they’re more like a reward for shareholders for owning a portion of a company.

Where do my dividends go?

Depending on the type of dividend, they’re usually distributed into an investor’s brokerage account in the form of cash or additional stock. The specifics depend on the type of account that dividend-paying stocks are held in, among other things.

How do I know if a stock pays dividends?

Investors can look at the details of stocks through their brokerage or government regulators’ websites. The information isn’t hard to find, typically, and some brokerages allow investors to search specifically for dividend-paying stocks, too.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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May
18
2024
Should I Use a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?

Dividend Reinvestment Plans: How DRIP Investing Works

By | Growing Wealth, Investing | No Comments

A dividend reinvestment plan, or DRIP, allows investors to reinvest the cash dividends they receive from their stocks into more shares of that stock. Hundreds of companies, funds, and brokerages offer DRIPs to shareholders. Reinvesting dividends through a DRIP may come with a discount on share prices or no commissions.

Of course, it’s possible to simply keep the cash dividends to spend or save, or use them to buy shares of a different stock. If you’re wondering, should I reinvest dividends?, it helps to know the pros and cons of dividend reinvestment programs and how they work.

Key Points

•   Dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) allow investors to reinvest cash dividends into more shares of the same stock.

•   DRIPs can be offered by companies or through brokerages, with potential discounts on share prices or no commissions.

•   There are two types of DRIPs: company-operated DRIPs and DRIPs through brokerages.

•   Reinvesting dividends through a DRIP may lead to greater long-term returns due to compounding.

•   However, DRIPs have limitations, such as tying up cash, risk exposure, and limited flexibility in choosing where to reinvest funds.

What Is Dividend Reinvestment?

Dividend reinvestment typically means using the dividends you receive to purchase additional shares of stock in the same company rather than taking the dividend as a payout.

When you initially buy a share of dividend-paying stock, you typically have the option of choosing whether you’ll want to reinvest your dividends automatically.

Need a refresher on dividends? Check out what a dividend is and how they work.

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What Is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan?

Depending on which stocks you invest in, you may have the option to enroll in a Dividend Reinvestment Plan or DRIP. This type of plan, offered by about 650 companies and 500 closed-end funds, allows you to automatically reinvest dividends as they’re paid out into additional shares of stock.

💡 Quick Tip: Investment fees are assessed in different ways, including trading costs, account management fees, and possibly broker commissions. When you set up an investment account, be sure to get the exact breakdown of your “all-in costs” so you know what you’re paying.

Types of Dividend Reinvestment Plans

There are two main types of dividend reinvestment plans. They are:

Company DRIPs

With this type of plan, the company operates its own DRIP as a program that’s offered to shareholders. Investors who choose to participate simply purchase the shares directly from the company, and DRIP shares are often offered to them at a discounted price. Some companies allow investors to do full or partial reinvestment, or to purchase fractional shares.

DRIPs through a brokerage

Many brokerages also provide dividend reinvestment as well. Investors can set up their brokerage account to automatically reinvest in shares they own that pay dividends.

DRIP Example

Here’s a dividend reinvestment example that illustrates how a company-operated DRIP works. If you own 20 shares of a stock that has a current trading value of $100 per share, and the company announces that it will pay $10 in dividends per share of stock, then the company would pay you $200 in dividends that year.

If you choose to reinvest the dividends, you would own 22 shares of that stock ($200 in dividends/$100 of current trading value = 2 new shares of stock added to your original 20). If the stock price was $200, you’d be able to purchase a single share; if it was $50, you could theoretically reinvest and own an additional four shares.

If, instead, you want cash, then you’d receive $200 to spend or save, and you’d still have the initial 20 shares of the stock.

Pros and Cons of DRIPs

If you’re wondering, should I reinvest dividends?, it’s a good idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of DRIPs. But note, too, that some of the pros and cons may be specific to one of the two types of DRIPs: Those offered through a company, and those through a brokerage.

Pros of Dividend Reinvestment Plans

On the “pros” side, one reason to reinvest your dividends is that it may help to position you for potentially greater long-term returns, thanks to the power of compounding returns, which may hold true whether investing through a company-operated DRIP, or one through a brokerage.

Generally, if a company pays out the same level of dividends each year — whether that’s 2%, 3%, or another amount — and you take your dividends in cash, then you’ll keep getting the same amount in dividends each year (assuming you don’t buy any additional shares).

But if you take your dividends and reinvest them through a DRIP, then you’ll have more shares of stock next year, and then more the year after that — which means, ideally, that the dollar amount of the dividends (at least in our example where the payout percentage is the same each year) will keep rising. Over a period of time, the amount you would receive during subsequent payouts could increase.

An important caveat, however: Real-life situations aren’t often as straightforward as this example, of course. For one thing, stock prices aren’t likely to stay exactly the same for an extended period of time.

Plus, there’s no guarantee that dividends will be paid out each period; and even if they are, there is no way to know for sure how much they’ll be. The performance of the company and the general economy can have a significant impact on company profitability and, therefore, typically affect dividends given to shareholders.

There are more benefits associated with DRIPs:

•   You may get a discount: Discounts on DRIP shares can be anywhere from 1% to 10%, depending on the type of DRIP (company-operated) and the specific company.

•   Zero commission: Most company-operated DRIP programs may allow you to buy new shares without paying commission fees. However, many brokerages offer zero-commission trading outside of DRIPs these days, too.

•   Fractional shares: DRIPs may allow you to reinvest into fractional shares, rather than whole shares that may be at a pricier level than you wish to purchase. This may be an option with either a company-operated or brokerage-operated DRIP.

•   Dollar-cost averaging: This is a common strategy investors use to manage price volatility. You invest the same amount of money on a regular basis (every week, month, quarter) no matter what the price of the asset is.

Cons of Dividend Reinvestment Plans

Dividend reinvestment plans also come with some potential negatives.

•   The cash is tied up. First, reinvesting dividends obviously puts that money out of reach if you need it, which may be particularly true for company-operated DRIP plans. That can be a downside if you want or need the money for, say, home improvements, a tuition bill, or an upcoming vacation.

•   Risk exposure. You should also keep potential risk factors in mind. For example, you may have concerns about the stock market in general, or about the particular company where you’re a shareholder, and reinvesting your cash into more equities may seem unwise.

Or you may need to rebalance your portfolio. If you’ve been reinvesting your dividends, and the stock portion of your portfolio has grown, using a DRIP could inadvertently put your allocation further out of whack.

•   Flexibility concerns. Another possible drawback to consider is that when your dividends are automatically reinvested through a DRIP, they will go right back into the company that issued the dividend. Though some company-operated DRIPs do give investors options (such as full or partial reinvestment), some investors may find that those DRIPs offer limited options as to where to reinvest their funds.

Perhaps you’d simply rather buy stock from another company – an option which may be available through a brokerage-operated DRIP. Note, though, that even brokerage-operated DRIPs may reinvest dividends as soon as they’re paid, so investors may not have a chance to redirect the investment.

•   Less liquidity. Also, when you use a company-operated DRIP, and later wish to sell those shares, you must sell them back to the company in many cases. DRIP shares cannot be sold on exchanges. Again, this will depend on the specific company and DRIP, but is something investors should keep in mind.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

Cash vs Reinvested Dividends

Should I reinvest dividends or take cash instead? How you approach this question can depend on several things, including:

•   Your short-term financial goals

•   Long-term financial goals

•   Income needs

Accepting the cash value of your dividends can provide you with ongoing income. That may be important to you if you’re looking for a way to supplement your paychecks during your working years, or for other income sources if you’re already retired.

As mentioned earlier, you could use that cash income to further a number of financial goals. For instance, you might use cash dividend payouts to pay off debt, fund home improvements or put your kids through college. Or you may use it to help pay for long-term care during your later years.

You might consider a cash option for dividends rather than reinvesting dividends if you’re already building sufficient wealth for retirement in your portfolio. That way, you can free up the cash now to enjoy it or address other current priorities.

Cash may also be more attractive if you’re comfortable with your current portfolio configuration and don’t want to purchase additional shares of the dividend stocks you already own.

On the other hand, reinvesting dividends automatically through a DRIP could help you to increase your savings for retirement. This assumes, of course, that your investments perform well and that the stocks you own don’t decrease or eliminate their dividend payout over time.

Tax Consequences of Dividends

For those wondering, do you have to pay taxes on reinvested dividends?, one thing to keep in mind is that dividends — whether you cash them out or reinvest them — are not free money. There may be tax consequences when you receive dividends because if the amount is significant enough, you might need to pay income taxes on what you’ve earned.

Each year, you’ll receive a tax form called a 1099-DIV for each investment that paid you dividends, and these forms will help you to determine how much you owe in taxes on those earnings.

Dividends are considered taxable whether you take them in cash or reinvest them — even though when you reinvest, the money isn’t currently available for you to spend.

The exception to that rule is for funds invested in retirement accounts, such as an online IRA, as the money invested in these accounts is tax-deferred. If you have received or believe you may receive dividends this year, it can make sense to get professional tax advice to see how you can minimize your tax liability.

Should You Reinvest Dividends?

Reinvesting dividends through a dividend reinvestment plan is partly a short-term decision, and mostly a long-term one.

If you need the cash from the dividend payouts in the near term, or have doubts about the market or the company you’d be reinvesting in (or you’d rather purchase another stock), you may not want to use a DRIP.

If on the other hand you don’t have an immediate need for the cash, and you can see the value of compounding the growth of your shares in the company over the long haul, reinvesting dividends could make sense.

The Takeaway

Reinvesting dividends and using a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) is an automatic feature investors can use to take their dividend payouts and use them to purchase more shares of the company’s stock. However, it’s important to consider all the scenarios before you decide to surrender your cash dividends to an automatic reinvestment plan.

While there is the potential for compound growth, and using a DRIP may allow you to purchase shares at a discount and with no transaction fees, these dividend reinvestment plans are limiting. You are locked into that company’s stock during a certain market period, and even if you decided to sell, you wouldn’t be able to sell DRIP shares on any exchange but back to the company. Whether you use a DRIP or not, you may want to consider having some dividend-paying stocks as part of a balanced portfolio in your investment account.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

How do you set up a dividend reinvestment plan?

There are two ways to set up a dividend reinvestment plan. First, you can set up an automatic dividend reinvestment plan with the company whose stock you own. Or you can set up automatic dividend reinvestment through a brokerage. Either way, all dividends paid for the stock will automatically be reinvested into more shares of stock.

Can you calculate dividend reinvestment rates?

There is a very complicated formula you can use to calculate dividend reinvestment rates, but it’s typically much easier to use an online dividend reinvestment calculator instead.

What is the difference between a stock dividend and a dividend reinvestment plan?

A stock dividend is a payment made from a company to its shareholders (people who own shares of their company’s stock). A dividend reinvestment plan allows investors to reinvest the cash dividends they receive from their stocks into more shares of that stock.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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TFSA vs RRSP: What’s the Difference?

TFSA vs RRSP: What’s the Difference?

By | Investing, money, Preparing for Retirement, Terminology | Comments Off on TFSA vs RRSP: What’s the Difference?

Both TFSAs and RRSPs are accounts that provide Canadian consumers with a chance to save while enjoying investment earnings and unique tax benefits. While a TFSA acts as a more general savings account, an RRSP is used for retirement savings.

Saving is never a bad idea, so here you can learn the difference between these accounts and how they can play a role in securing your financial future.

Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of a TFSA vs. RRSP so you can make the right financial move for your needs.

What Is the TFSA?

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a type of registered tax-advantaged savings account to help Canadians earn money on their savings — tax-free. TFSA accounts were created in 2009 by the Canadian government to encourage eligible citizens to contribute to this type of savings account.

Essentially, a TFSA holds qualified investments that can generate capital gains, interest, and dividends, and they’re tax-free. These accounts can be used to build an emergency fund, to save for a down payment on a home, or even to finance a dream vacation.

A TFSA can contain the following types of investments:

•   Cash

•   Stocks

•   Bonds

•   Mutual funds

It’s possible to withdraw the contributions and earnings generated from dividends, interest, and capital gains without having to pay any taxes. Accountholders don’t even have to report withdrawals as income when it’s time to file taxes.

There is a limit to how much someone can contribute to a TFSA on an annual basis. This limit is referred to as a contribution limit, and every year the Canadian government determines what the contribution limit for that year is. If someone doesn’t meet the contribution limit one year, their remaining allowed contributions can be made up for in following years.

To contribute to a TFSA, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and be a Canadian resident with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

💡 Quick Tip: Tired of paying pointless bank fees? When you open a bank account online you often avoid excess charges.

What Is the RRSP?

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is, as the name indicates, a type of savings plan specifically designed to help boost retirement savings. To obtain one, a Canadian citizen must register with the Canadian federal government for this financial product and can then start saving.

When someone contributes to an RRSP, their contributions are considered to be tax-advantaged. What this means: The funds they contribute to their RRSP are exempt from being taxed the year they make the contribution (which can reduce the total amount of taxes they need to pay for that year). On top of that, the investment income these contributions generate will grow tax-deferred. This means the account holder won’t pay any taxes on the earnings until they withdraw them.

Unlike a TFSA, there isn’t a minimum age requirement to open and contribute to an RRSP. That being said, certain financial institutions may require their customers to be the age of majority in order to contribute. It’s possible to contribute to an RRSP until the year the account holder turns 71 as long as they are a Canadian resident, earned an income, and filed a tax return.

Keep reading for a TFSA vs. RRSP comparison.

Similarities Between a TFSA and an RRSP

How does a TFSA vs. RRSP compare? There are a few similarities between TFSAs and RRSPs that are worth highlighting. Here are the main ways in which they are the same:

•   Only Canadians citizens can contribute

•   Contributions can help reach savings goals

•   Investments can be held in each account type

•   Both accounts offer tax advantages.

Differences Between a TFSA and RRSP

Next, let’s answer this question: What is the difference between an RRSP and a TFSA? Despite the fact that both an RRSP and a TFSA share similar goals (saving money and earning interest on it) and advantages (tax benefits), they have some key differences to be aware of.

•   Intended use. RRSPs are for retirement savings whereas TFSAs can be used to save for any purpose.

•   Age eligibility. To contribute to a TFSA one must be 18 years old, but there isn’t an age requirement to open an RRSP.

•   Contribution limit. The limits are usually set annually and are different for TFSAs and RRSPs. For 2024, the contribution limit for an RRSP is the lesser of either 18% of earned income reported on an individual’s tax return for the previous year or the contribution limit, which is currently $31,560 in US dollars. The limit for a TFSA, which also can vary annually, was most recently $7,000.

•   Taxation on withdrawals. While RRSP withdrawals are taxable (but subject to certain exceptions), TFSA withdrawals can be made at any time tax-free.

•   Taxation on contributions. Contributions made to a TFSA aren’t tax-deductible, but RRSP contributions are.

•   Plan maturity. An RRSP matures at the end of the calendar year that the account holder turns 71. TFSAs don’t have age limits for account maturity.

•   Spousal contributions. There is no form of spousal TFSA available, but someone can contribute to a spousal RRSP.

How Do I Choose Between a TFSA and RRSP?

Choosing between a TFSA and an RRSP depends on someone’s unique savings goals and tax preferences. That being said, if someone’s main goal is saving for retirement, they’ll likely find that an RRSP is the right fit for them. When someone contributes to an RRSP, they can defer paying taxes during their peak earning years. Once they retire and make withdrawals (which they will need to pay taxes on), they will ideally have a lower income (and be in a lower tax bracket) and smaller tax liabilities at that point in their life.

If someone wants to be able to use their savings for a variety of different purposes (perhaps including a medium-term goal like the amount needed for a down payment on a home), they may find that a TFSA offers them more flexibility.
That said, there’s no reason TFSA savings can’t be used for retirement later on. Contributing to a TFSA is a great option for someone who has already maxed out their RRSP contributions for the year, but who wants to continue saving and enjoying tax benefits.

Recommended: What Tax Bracket Do I Fall Under?

Can I Have Both a TFSA and RRSP?

It is indeed possible to have both an RRSP and TFSA and to contribute to them at the same time. Putting money into both of these financial vehicles can be a great way to save. There are no downsides associated with contributing to both an RRSP and TFSA at the same time if a person can afford to do so.

Can I Have Multiple RRSP and TFSA Accounts?

Yes, it’s possible to have more than one TFSA and RRSP open at the same time, but there’s no real benefit here. The same contribution limits apply.

That means that opening more than one version of the same account or plan only leads to having more accounts to manage and incurring more administration and management fees. Just as you don’t want to pay fees on your checking account and other bank accounts, you probably don’t want to burn through cash on fees here.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

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Should I Prioritize One Over the Other?

Which type of account someone should prioritize depends on their savings goals. Their preferences regarding the unique tax advantages of each account may also come into play. That being said, if someone is focused on saving for retirement, they’ll likely want to make sure they max out their RRSP contributions first.

The Takeaway

Both RRSP and TFSA accounts are great ways for Canadian citizens to save for financial goals like retiring or financing a wedding. Each account has unique advantages and contribution limits. While an RRSP account is designed to help with stashing away cash for retirement, a TFSA account can be used to save for any type of financial need. Whether you choose one or both of these products, you’ll be on a path towards saving and helping to secure your financial future.

Are you U.S.-based and looking to increase your savings efforts?

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is it better to invest in TFSA or RRSP?

When it comes to TFSA vs. RRSP, there’s no right answer to whether investing in one is better than the other. Someone focused on saving for retirement may want to prioritize an RRSP, while someone who wants to save for other expenses (like a home or wedding) may find a TFSA more appealing.

Should I max out RRSP or TFSA first?

If someone is focused on saving for retirement, they may want to max out their RRSP first. That being said, this is a personal decision that depends on unique financial goals and tax preferences.

When should you contribute to RRSP vs TFSA?

Typically, the contribution deadline for RRSPs is around March 1st. A Canadian citizen can put funds in a TFSA at any point in a calendar year, and if they don’t max out their account, they will usually be able to contribute the remaining amount in the future.

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As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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2024
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Direct Listings vs. IPOs: How Are They Different?

By | invest, Investing | Comments Off on Direct Listings vs. IPOs: How Are They Different?

When you hear of a company “going public,” one route is via an initial public offering, or IPO — but a company can also go public through a direct listing, where no new shares are created and underwriters are not required.

Direct listings, also known as the direct listing process (DLP), direct placement, or direct public offering (DPO), are a way for companies to raise capital by selling existing shares without the complexity of engaging investment banks and other intermediaries.

While a direct listing is typically less expensive than an IPO, and typically there’s no lock-up period, there is a risk in direct listing shares without the support of underwriters.

Key Points

•   Direct listings allow companies to go public by selling existing shares without underwriters.

•   Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) involve issuing new shares and usually require underwriters.

•   Direct listings can be less costly and avoid lock-up periods unlike IPOs.

•   IPOs provide companies with support from underwriters, which can help stabilize share prices.

•   Direct listings offer immediate liquidity for existing shareholders, allowing them to sell shares directly to the public.

What Is the Difference Between Direct Listings and IPOs?

A direct listing is one method by which a company can list shares of stock on a public exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Nasdaq directly, without using underwriters to create new shares, as you might with an IPO.

While some listing choices involve selling shares of stock to investors, IPOs and direct listings have many differences. The main difference between the two is that with an IPO a company issues and sells new shares of stock, while with a direct listing shareholders sell existing shares.

Comparing the Direct Listing and IPO Process

The differences between using a direct listing vs. an IPO to take a company public are pretty straightforward.

How a Direct Listing Works

If a private company is interested in going public, but doesn’t want the hassle of working with underwriters, they may choose to do a direct listing. With a direct listing, anyone who owns shares in the company can sell them directly to the public once the new company is listed on a public exchange. Shareholders may include investors, promoters, and employees.

By choosing a direct listing over an IPO, a company can avoid using an underwriter, which potentially saves money and time. Underwriters fulfill multiple roles in the IPO process, including working with the fledgling company to meet regulatory standards and set the initial price per share. These are important steps, but not necessary if a new company is only selling existing shares.

Further, because no new shares are created with a direct listing, existing shares won’t get diluted.

💡 Quick Tip: Access to IPO shares before they trade on public exchanges has usually been available only to large institutional investors. That’s changing now, and some brokerages offer pre-listing IPO investing to qualified investors.

How an Initial Public Offering Works

When a company offers shares of stock to the general public for the first time, it’s known as an initial public offering (IPO).

Before an IPO, a company is considered private, which means that shares of stock are not available for sale to the general public. Also, a private company is not generally required to disclose financial information to the public.

To have an IPO, a company must file a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company will use the prospectus to solicit investors, and it includes key information like the terms of the securities offered and the business’s overall financials.

Initial public offerings are a popular choice for companies looking to raise capital. The company works with an underwriter (typically part of an investment bank), who helps navigate regulations and figure out the initial price of the shares. They may also purchase shares from the company and sell them to investors (such as mutual funds, insurance companies, investment banks, and broker-dealers) who will in turn sell them to the public.

One benefit of working with an underwriter is the greenshoe option. This is an agreement that a company can enter into with the underwriter in which the underwriter has the right to sell a greater number of shares during the sale than they originally intended to, if there is a lot of market demand. This can help the company gain additional investment.

Working with an underwriter creates some security for the company, which is one reason so many companies go the route of the IPO.

Pros and Cons of Direct Listings

There are advantages and disadvantages for companies and investors when it comes to direct listings vs. IPOs.

Pros of a Direct Listing

Less expensive than an IPO for the company

Unlike IPOs, direct listings do not require underwriters, since no new shares are being created. Typically, an underwriter charges a fee between 3% and 7% per share. Depending on the scope of the IPO, these fees can add up to hundreds of millions of dollars.

In addition, underwriters often purchase shares below their agreed-upon market value, so companies don’t receive as much investment as they may have had they sold those shares directly to retail investors.

No lock-up periods for shares

If a company goes through an IPO, existing shareholders are generally not allowed to sell their shares to the public during the sale and for a period of time following the sale. These lock-up periods are required in order to prevent stock prices from decreasing due to an oversupply.

The direct listing model is essentially the opposite, in which existing shareholders sell their stock to the public and no new shares are sold.

Provides liquidity for existing shareholders

Anyone who owns stock in the company can sell their shares during a direct listing.

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening any investment account, consider what level of risk you are comfortable with. If you’re not sure, start with more conservative investments, and then adjust your portfolio as you learn more.

Cons of a Direct Listing

There are also some potential drawbacks when it comes to direct listings.

Risk that shares won’t sell

With a direct listing, the amount of shares sold is based solely on market demand. Because of this, it’s important for a company to evaluate the market demand for its stock before deciding to go the route of a direct listing.

Companies best suited to direct listings are those that sell directly to consumers and have both a strong, recognizable brand and a business model that the public can easily understand and evaluate.

No help from underwriters with marketing and sales

Underwriters provide guarantees, promotion, and support during the listing process. Without an underwriter involved, the company may find that shares are difficult to sell, there may be legal issues during the sale, and the share price may see extreme swings.

No guarantee of stock price

Just as there is no guarantee that shares will sell, there is also no guarantee of stock price. In contrast, having an underwriter can help manage potentially extreme price swings.

This chart outlines the main points covered above.

Pros of Direct Listings

 Cons of Direct Listings
Less expensive than an IPO Potential for initial volatility
No lock-up periods Risk that shares won’t sell
Liquidity for existing shareholders No help from underwriters
No stock price guarantee

The Takeaway

Direct listings are an appealing alternative to IPOs for private companies who want to go public, thanks in part to lower costs and reduced regulations. A direct listing may also be appealing to retail investors who want to purchase shares from companies that are going public.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).


For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Why would a company do a direct listing?

A direct listing offers a more direct path to going public on a stock exchange. The company doesn’t have to issue new shares, as only existing shares get sold in a direct listing. This eliminates the need for intermediaries like underwriters.

Can anyone buy a direct listing stock?

Yes, investors can buy a direct stock listing as they would any other stock listed on an exchange.

Is a direct offering good for a stock?

Since direct listings bypass the middleman and eliminate the need for underwriters, they can be less expensive for a company vs. IPOs, but the lack of marketing support could hurt the stock price and initial sales.

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