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Glossary

What is Dividend?

A dividend is a thank you payment some companies send to the people who own their stock.

The simple explanation

When a company makes more cash than it needs, it may share part of it with shareholders. Dividends are usually paid every quarter. Not every company pays one, and a company can raise, cut or stop its dividend.

An example

If a company pays 1 dollar per share each year and you own 100 shares, you receive 100 dollars a year.

Why it matters

Dividends are a way to earn money from a stock without selling it.

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Related terms

Educational information, not financial advice.