Dividend

A dividend is 'part' of the profit of a company that is paid to shareholders and the amount received normally proportional to the percentage of that 'part' that they own by virtue of their shareholding. Dividends can be paid annually, or at regular intervals throughout the company's accounting period (these are known as 'interim' dividends).  A company can also propose a 'special' or 'extraordinary' dividend at any time as a result of a particular event or result.  There are several types and statuses of dividends, therefore investing in them requires some experience, or expert advice.