Answer:
35,000 stocks
Explanation:
Dividends can be either distributed in cash or distributed as new stock. In this case the company decided to issue stock instead of cash payments. Since the company has 500,000 outstanding and the board declared a 7% dividend, then 35,000 stocks should be issued (= 500,000 x 7%).
Whether shareholders receive money or stocks, they still have to include the dividends as part of their gross income.