a small dividend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small dividend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial contexts to refer to a modest payment made to shareholders from a company's profits. Example: "Investors were pleased to receive a small dividend this quarter, reflecting the company's steady performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Wendy's pays a small dividend now, and we think it is likely to increase it.

The New York Times

Given the sale is expected to reach in the region of £1m, it is only "a small dividend".

The Guardian - Business

"Even a small dividend can add up to a pretty substantial amount of money," said Paul Hodgson, a senior research associate at GovernanceMetrics International.

The New York Times

AT&T Business, which will get what is left when the other parts are carved off, probably will have a small dividend.

The New York Times

With memories still fresh of its near collapse in the financial crisis, Citigroup is likely to be permitted only a small dividend increase, as it slowly streamlines and winds down unprofitable businesses.

The New York Times

The company had been paying a small dividend going into the announcement.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

There are two we like, RWR, which has a good dividend and ITB, which has a smaller dividend.

Forbes

Nortel is a more volatile, growth-oriented stock based on the communications equipment business that pays a relatively small dividend of about 12 cents a share.

The New York Times

Finally, the creation of an Iraqi oil fund could begin to help repair America's damaged image abroad -- itself no small dividend at a time when many people remain suspicious about American motives in the Middle East.

The New York Times

She also gets a "small annual dividend," she added, from a family business, Security Signals, in Cordova, Tenn.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps more crucially to its own future, it is also another source of revenue, a means of drawing a small early dividend on all that academy outlay.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To create a more objective tone, mention the specific dividend yield percentage alongside the phrase "a small dividend".

Common error

Avoid assuming "a small dividend" is insignificant. Even seemingly small dividends can contribute substantially to long-term investment returns, especially when reinvested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small dividend" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence related to financial payouts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes a payment to shareholders.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small dividend" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a modest payment to shareholders. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently used in news and business contexts to provide information about a company's financial performance. While it might not always be seen as a positive indicator, it's essential to consider the context and potential reasons behind a company's decision to distribute "a small dividend". By using related phrases like "a modest payout" or "a minor return", you can fine-tune the message based on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest payout

Emphasizes the act of distributing a small amount, rather than the yield itself.

a minor return

Highlights the limited financial gain or yield from an investment.

a marginal profit

Focuses on the slight increase in value or earnings.

a slight yield

Directly refers to the low percentage of return on an investment.

a limited distribution

Stresses the restriction on the amount being shared.

a trickle of income

Uses a metaphor to describe a very slow and small flow of earnings.

a fractional gain

Implies a very small, almost negligible increase.

a nominal dividend

Indicates a dividend that is small in name only, perhaps to maintain appearances.

a slim return

Highlights the thin or meager nature of the financial benefit.

a lightweight dividend

Uses a descriptive adjective to indicate a non-substantial dividend.

FAQs

How is "a small dividend" typically used in financial reporting?

The term "a small dividend" is used to describe a modest payment made to shareholders from a company's profits. It suggests that the payout is not substantial but still represents a return on investment.

What are some synonyms for "a small dividend"?

Alternatives include "a modest payout", "a minor return", or "a limited distribution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe a dividend as "small"?

Not necessarily. While a large dividend might be more appealing, "a small dividend" can indicate that a company is reinvesting its profits for future growth, which can be a positive sign.

What factors might lead a company to pay "a small dividend"?

A company might pay "a small dividend" if it is prioritizing debt reduction, investing in research and development, or expanding its operations. It can also be a sign of cautious financial management.