What are dividends?
A dividend is paid as a percentage on the price of an individual stock.  It can be paid out quarterly, monthly, or yearly.  It's a payment or distribution of earning from a company paid to shareholders and it is approved by the company's board of directors.  It can be paid out as a cash payment or in company stock.
Instruction: What are dividends?
Context: 
Response: A dividend is paid as a percentage on the price of an individual stock.  It can be paid out quarterly, monthly, or yearly.  It's a payment or distribution of earning from a company paid to shareholders and it is approved by the company's board of directors.  It can be paid out as a cash payment or in company stock.