special dividend

Special Dividend

A non-recurring distribution of company assets, usually in the form of cash, to shareholders. A special dividend is larger compared to normal dividends paid out by the company. Also referred to as an "extra dividend".

Notes:

Generally, special dividends are declared after exceptionally strong company earnings results as a way to distribute the profits directly to shareholders. Special dividends can also occur when a company wishes to make changes to its financial structure or to spin off a subsidiary company to its shareholders. For example, GenTek Inc. issued a special cash dividend of $31 per share on Mar 16, 2005, in order to restructure toward a more debt-based financing mix.

See also: Corporate Action, Declaration Date, Dividend, Ex-Date, Payment Date

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Special dividend

Also referred to as an extra dividend. Dividend that is unlikely to be repeated.

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special dividend

See extra dividend.