Whether a stock pays dividends may play a big role in your investment strategy. A dividend provides a source of income. It offsets losses. When reinvested, it compounds growth. But this isn’t an argument that dividend paying stocks are better. It’s an introduction to dividends, giving you an idea of what to expect and what to watch out for when owning dividend stocks.
There are three things a company can do with its profits. Reinvest it to further grow the company. Do a share buyback, which should increase the stock price over time. Or return the money to shareholders in the form of a dividend. Most companies combine the three to offer the best return for shareholders.
What Is A Dividend?
A dividend is a piece of a company’s earnings paid out to shareholders. When a company pays a dividend it’s usually done quarterly. There are a few companies that only pay annually or bi-annually, but it is not the norm. Continue Reading…

A common way for companies to return money to shareholders is through stock buybacks. When done right, it’s the easiest way a company can increase shareholder value outside of growing the company’s earnings.
There was time when families would hunker down around the TV to watch the big show of the night. It was a bit more black and white back then, literally, and the only competition was radio.
a short-term goal, taking extra risk is like playing with fire. Since you don’t know what might happen in the markets in the next few years, it’s best to keep things in perspective. The best short-term investments don’t lose you money when you need it most.