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Total of after tax (bottom line) earnings divided by number of common shares including unexercised stock options, and unconverted preferred stock and convertible bonds. Undiluted earnings would be after tax earnings divided by issued stock only, not considering outstanding options, etc.

A plan implemented by a corporation allowing purchase of shares, or fractions of shares, directly from the company, usually on a regular basis. 

The difference between a bond’s face value and its current market price. 

A stockbroker charging lower commissions than full-service brokers. Discount brokers do not give investment advice.

The portion of the issuer’s equity paid directly to shareholders. It is generally paid on common or preferred shares. The issuer or its representative provides the amount, frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually), payable date, and record date. The exchange that the issue is listed on sets the ex-dividend/distribution (ex-d) date for entitlement. An issuer is under no legal obligation to pay either preferred or common dividends.

Total of 12-month’s dividends paid (historical or forecast) divided by the latest share price. 

The date set by the issuer on which the dividend/distribution will be paid.

The date on which a security holder must be registered as a holder of an issue to receive the dividend/distribution.

Cash or stock paid to shareholders, usually on a quarterly schedule.

Investing a fixed amount of dollars in a specific security at regular set intervals over a period of time. Dollar cost averaging results in a lower average cost per share, compared with purchasing a constant number of shares at set intervals. The investor buys more shares when the price is low and buys fewer shares when the price is high.