ETYM Latin dividendum thing to be divided, neut. of the gerundive of dividere: cf. French dividende.
1. A bonus; something extra (especially a share of a surplus).
2. A number to be divided by another number.
3. That part of the earnings of a corporation that is distributed to its shareholders; usually paid quarterly.
In business, the amount of money that company directors decide should be taken out of net profits for distribution to stockholders. It is usually declared as a percentage or fixed amount per share.
The percentage of after-tax profits paid out in dividends ranged in 1991 from 13% in Germany to 60% in the UK; Italy 55%, France 42%, Japan 28%. The UK figure had risen sharply from 17% in 1979 (France 39%, Japan 24%, Germany 9%).
Most companies pay dividends quarterly; others once a year. + prikaži više