what is dividend?

 A dividend is a distribution of a portion of a company's earnings, decided by the board of directors, to a class of its shareholders. Dividends are usually issued in the form of cash payments, but can also be issued in the form of stock or other property. Dividends are typically paid out on a quarterly basis, but can also be paid annually or semi-annually. Dividends are generally considered a sign of a company's financial health and stability, and are often used by investors as a way to generate income from their investments in the stock market.