dividend

noun

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div·i·dend | \ ˈdi-və-ˌdend

, -dənd \

Definition of dividend

1 : an individual share of something distributed: such as

a : a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders Profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends.

b : a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating insurance policy

2a : a resultant return or reward our efforts are finally paying dividends

b : bonus

3a mathematics : a number to be divided

b : a sum or fund to be divided and distributed

Other Words from dividend Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing dividend Learn More About dividend

Examples of dividend in a Sentence

Profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends. the reward money was an unexpected dividend for our good deed

Recent Examples on the Web Annualizing the most recent quarterly payout of $0.68 on May 13 produces a 4.3% dividend yield. — John Dobosz, Forbes, 23 May 2022 Dunleavy had hoped for a higher dividend payment of at least $3,700 amid a state revenue windfall that came after war in Ukraine boosted oil prices. — Iris Samuels, Anchorage Daily News, 20 May 2022 At one point during the early-2020 recession, the dividend yield on utility stocks was nearly 4 percentage points higher than the yield on 10-year Treasury notes. — Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, 14 May 2022 Its dividend rose to 25 cents per share as planned. — Reuters, CNN, 5 May 2022 The company performed well in its fiscal fourth quarter and also boosted its dividend and set a new stock buyback. — Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 May 2022 Following its usual pattern, Apple used its second-quarter report to increase its dividend and boost stock repurchases. — Mark Gurman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2022 Apple announced a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend, which has been steadily rising since the company revived the payment a decade ago. — Michael Liedtke, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2022 Seeking to end years of debates over the size of the Permanent Fund dividend, the Alaska Senate Finance Committee voted without dissent Thursday to advance a new payment formula to the full Senate. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dividend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near dividend

divide evenly

dividend

dividend warrant

Statistics for dividend

Last Updated

26 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Dividend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dividend. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for dividend

dividend

noun

div·i·dend | \ ˈdi-və-ˌdend

Kids Definition of dividend

1 : a number to be divided by another number

2 : an amount of a company's profits that is paid to the owners of its stock

dividend

noun

div·i·dend | \ ˈdi-və-ˌdend

Legal Definition of dividend

1 : the part of corporate net earnings distributed usually periodically (as quarterly) to stockholders in the form of cash, additional shares, or property either as a set amount per share or a percentage of par value

— constructive dividend

: a benefit (as unreasonable compensation or use of corporate property) or transfer of funds from a corporation to a shareholder that is interpreted by a taxing authority as a dividend

— cumulative dividend

: a dividend distributed to preferred stockholders that is added to and paid with the next payment or future payments if not paid when due

— extraordinary dividend

: a dividend declared in addition to a regular dividend because of unanticipated profits or a nonrecurring increase of revenue

2 : a share of the surplus earnings of a mutual insurance company paid to policyholders either in the form of cash disbursements or through reduction of premiums

3 : a payment disbursed to investors from the income of a mutual fund