A dividend is a distribution of profits by a corporation to its shareholders. When a corporation earns a profit or surplus, it is able to pay a portion of the profit as a dividend to shareholders. Any amount not distributed is taken to be re-invested in the business. The current year profit as well as the retained earnings of previous years are available for distribution; a corporation is usually prohibited from paying a dividend out of its capital. Distribution to shareholders may be in cash or, if the corporation has a dividend reinvestment plan, the amount can be paid by the issue of further shares or by share repurchase. In some cases, the distribution may be of assets.

लाभांश ही संज्ञा एखाद्या कंपनी किंवा अन्य व्यावसायिक संस्थेच्या भागधारकांना संस्थेने दिलेल्या परताव्याला उद्देशून वापरली जाते. हा भागधारकांना वाटण्यात आलेला व्यावसायिक लाभातील काही अंश असतो. सहसा कंपन्यांनी नफा किंवा अतिरिक्त उत्पन्न कमवल्यावर त्यांना दोन मार्गाने हा लाभ वापरात आणता येतो : एक म्हणजे कमवलेला लाभ पुन्हा व्यवसायात गुंतवता येतो किंवा भागधारकांना लाभांशाच्या स्वरूपात वाटता येतो. Swapnil kale lives in Bhusawal.