Difference between SWP and Dividend Plans

Investors often seek regular cash flow from their investments, especially those aiming for financial stability or post-retirement income. Two popular methods to achieve this are Dividends from mutual funds and the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). While both provide periodic payouts, their mechanisms, taxation, and suitability differ significantly.

In this article, we will break down the difference between SWP and dividend, highlight their pros and cons, and help you understand which may align better with your financial objectives — without making any recommendations.

A dividend is a portion of a mutual fund’s profits distributed to investors. In a dividend plan, the Asset Management Company (AMC) declares payouts from the distributable surplus. These payouts can be monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the scheme.

It is important to note:

• The dividend is not guaranteed.
  

• The fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) decreases by the dividend amount paid.
  

• Dividends do not imply that your overall investment has grown — they may even be paid out of your invested capital during poor market performance.

What is SWP

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows investors to withdraw a fixed amount or specific units from their mutual fund investment at regular intervals. This withdrawal can be monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

Key points:

• The investor decides the withdrawal amount or units.
  

• Remaining investment continues to earn returns based on the scheme’s performance.
  

• Offers flexibility and control over cash flow.

Both dividends and SWP withdrawals have distinct tax treatments that investors should understand to optimise their returns and comply with regulations.

Dividends

• Taxable in the hands of the investor as Income from Other Sources.
  

• Tax rate: Slab rate applicable to the investor.
  

• AMCs deduct TDS at 10% if dividend exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year.
  

SWP

• Treated as a redemption, and gains are taxed based on holding period:
  

  • Equity-oriented funds:
    

    • Less than 12 months: Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) at 15%
      

    • 12 months or more: Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) at 10% above ₹1 lakh per year
      

  • Debt-oriented funds:
    

    • Taxed as per slab rate (post-April 2023 rules) without indexation benefits

Understanding the pros and cons of dividends and SWPs helps investors choose the right strategy based on their income needs and investment goals.

Dividends

Here’s how dividends work in practice, along with their benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages:

• Automatic payout when declared
  

• No need to redeem units manually
  

Limitations:

• No guarantee of amount or frequency
  

• May reduce invested capital during market downturns
  

SWP

Systematic Withdrawal Plans offer steady income with customizable options, but they require thoughtful management to avoid depleting your investment prematurely.

Advantages:

• Predictable, regular cash flow
  

• Flexibility to set amount and frequency
  

• Remaining capital stays invested for potential growth
  

Limitations:

• Withdrawals during market lows can erode capital faster
  

• Requires careful planning to ensure sustainability

While dividend vs SWP choices depend on personal financial goals, here are neutral considerations:

• Investors seeking predictable income may prefer SWP for its control.
  

• Those who want passive payouts without scheduling withdrawals may lean towards dividends.
  

• Tax implications can differ, affecting net returns.

Dividend provides periodic payouts automatically, whereas SWP allows investors to withdraw fixed amounts regularly while keeping the remaining investment active.

Case 1 — Dividend Option:
Ravi invests ₹10 lakh in an equity mutual fund with a dividend option. The AMC declares a 2% dividend (₹20,000). His NAV drops accordingly, and the amount is credited to his account.

Case 2 — SWP Option:
Meena invests ₹10 lakh in a similar scheme but sets an SWP of ₹20,000 every quarter. Her units are redeemed based on the NAV at the time of withdrawal, and the remaining corpus continues to grow or decline with market conditions.

Here’s a concise summary highlighting the key differences between SWP and dividends:

• Control: SWP offers more investor control over cash flow.
  

• Certainty: Dividends are uncertain and depend on AMC declaration; SWP is predictable.
  

• Taxation: Dividends are taxed as income; SWP is taxed as capital gains.
  

• Impact on Capital: Both reduce invested value, but the mechanism differs.

Both dividends and SWP serve the purpose of providing periodic income from mutual fund investments, but their working principles, tax treatment, and flexibility vary. Understanding these distinctions ensures you can make informed choices aligned with your needs, risk appetite, and investment horizon.

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.