Definition
An extra dividend is a type of dividend that is provided to shareholders in addition to the regular dividends they receive. This additional payment is usually made when a company has experienced a particularly profitable period or recognizes exceptional financial performance. The extra dividend serves as a way to reward shareholders for their investment and to maintain their loyalty by sharing a portion of the company’s surplus earnings.
Examples
- Tech Corporation Extra Dividend: After reporting record profits in the fourth quarter, Tech Corporation announced it would distribute an extra dividend of $1.50 per share in addition to the regular quarterly dividend.
- Consumer Goods Inc. Special Payout: To celebrate its 50th anniversary and a year of exceptional sales, Consumer Goods Inc. declared an extra dividend of $0.75 per share on top of the regular $0.50 quarterly dividend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why do companies issue extra dividends?
A1. Companies issue extra dividends to reward shareholders, share the benefits of exceptional financial performance, and foster shareholder loyalty.
Q2. How is an extra dividend different from a regular dividend?
A2. A regular dividend is a scheduled payment made periodically, whereas an extra dividend is an additional, unscheduled payment made under special circumstances, such as exceptional profitability.
Q3. Does payment of an extra dividend indicate financial strength?
A3. Yes, it generally indicates strong financial health and confidence in continued profitability.
- Regular Dividend: A scheduled payment made to shareholders, typically on a quarterly basis.
- Special Dividend: Similar to an extra dividend, a special dividend is a one-time payment made by a company, often following extraordinary profits or events.
- Dividend Yield: A financial ratio that shows how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its stock price.
Online References
- Investopedia - Extra Dividend
- Corporate Finance Institute - Special Dividend
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
- “Dividends Still Don’t Lie” by Kelley Wright
- “Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits” by Philip Fisher
### What is the primary purpose of issuing an extra dividend?
- [ ] To increase the stock price permanently
- [x] To reward shareholders and share the benefits of exceptional profitability
- [ ] To reduce company expenses
- [ ] To reinvest in the company's operations
> **Explanation:** The primary purpose of issuing an extra dividend is to reward shareholders for their investment and share the benefits of exceptional profitability.
### How often are extra dividends typically paid out?
- [ ] Monthly
- [ ] Annually
- [ ] Quarterly
- [x] They are unscheduled and paid out under special circumstances
> **Explanation:** Extra dividends are unscheduled payments made under special circumstances, typically following exceptional financial performance.
### What type of shareholder loyalty might a company cultivate by issuing extra dividends?
- [x] Positive shareholder loyalty
- [ ] Negative shareholder loyalty
- [ ] Neutral shareholder loyalty
- [ ] Disinterested shareholder loyalty
> **Explanation:** Extra dividends help to cultivate positive shareholder loyalty by rewarding shareholders and encouraging them to remain invested in the company.
### What financial performance typically triggers an extra dividend?
- [ ] Poor financial performance
- [ ] Average financial performance
- [x] Exceptional financial performance
- [ ] Declining financial performance
> **Explanation:** Exceptional financial performance, such as a particularly profitable year, typically triggers the distribution of an extra dividend.
### Extra dividends are often accompanied by what other type of dividend?
- [ ] Liquidating dividend
- [ ] Preferred dividend
- [ ] Deferred dividend
- [x] Regular dividend
> **Explanation:** Extra dividends are additional payments that accompany the regular dividend, which is the scheduled periodic payment to shareholders.
### Which entity or group generally approves the distribution of an extra dividend?
- [ ] Shareholders
- [ ] The SEC
- [x] The company's board of directors
- [ ] Government regulatory bodies
> **Explanation:** The company’s board of directors typically approves the distribution of an extra dividend, reflecting confidence in the company's financial health and prospects.
### When a company pays an extra dividend, what does it imply about its excess profits?
- [x] The company has excess profits it wants to disburse to shareholders
- [ ] The company wants to reinvest those profits
- [ ] The company plans to use the excess profits to pay off debt
- [ ] The company does not have excess profits
> **Explanation:** When a company pays an extra dividend, it implies that it has excess profits it wishes to disburse to shareholders beyond the regular dividend.
### How is an extra dividend generally perceived by the stock market?
- [ ] As a sign of financial trouble
- [x] As a sign of strong financial health and confidence
- [ ] As an irrelevant event
- [ ] As a routine part of business operations
> **Explanation:** An extra dividend is generally perceived by the stock market as a sign of strong financial health and confidence in continued profitability.
### In which sector are extra dividends more commonly observed?
- [ ] Non-profit organizations
- [ ] Start-ups
- [x] Established, profitable companies
- [ ] New businesses
> **Explanation:** Extra dividends are more commonly observed in established, profitable companies that have a track record of strong financial performance.
### What is a key distinction between a special dividend and an extra dividend?
- [ ] Amount paid
- [x] Frequency and conditions of payment
- [ ] Method of payment
- [ ] Shareholder eligibility
> **Explanation:** The key distinction is that a special dividend is often a one-time payment due to extraordinary events, while an extra dividend is an additional unscheduled dividend payment made under special profitable conditions.
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