Answer:
Option (b) Decline 20%
Explanation:
Data provided in the question:
Firm X has declared a stock dividend that pays one share of stock for every five shares owned
Therefore,
The increase in number of shares
= [ 1 ÷ 5 ] × 100%
= 20%
Thus,
The earnings per share will decrease by the amount of increase in number of shares i.e decrease by 20%
Hence,
Option (b) Decline 20%