Payout Ratio: A payout ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the rate at which a company distributes earnings to its shareholders in the form of dividends. For example, a company that earns $5 a share and pays out $2 a share has a payout ratio of 2 to 5, or 40%. A normal range for companies that do pay dividends is 25% to 50% of earnings. But the percentage may vary if a company keeps the amount of its dividend consistent with past dividends regardless of a drop in its earnings.

 

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Payout Ratio: A payout ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the rate at which a company distributes earnings to its shareholders in the form of dividends. For example, a company that earns $5 a share and . . . View Full Definition

Dividend Payout Ratio: You can calculate a dividend payout ratio by dividing the dividend a company pays per share by the company's earnings per share. The normal range is 25% to 50% of earnings, though the averag . . . View Full Definition

Orchestration: Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also, the study of music.

Organization For Economic Development And Cooperation (OECD): An international organization established by the United States, Canada and certain Western European countries in 1960. The OECD studies and discusses trade and related matters. Its current 2 . . . View Full Definition