What are dividends?

Dividends refer to the payments made by a corporation to its shareholders, typically in the form of cash or additional shares. They represent a portion of the company's profits that is distributed to its equity investors as a reward for their investment in the company. Dividends are often seen as a sign of a company's financial health and profitability, as successful firms frequently provide returns to their investors when they have excess cash.

This option is correct because dividends serve as a way for companies to share their earnings with shareholders, aligning the interests of management and investors. The payment of dividends can also influence investor sentiment and help to establish a steady income stream for shareholders, especially for those relying on investment income, such as retirees.

The other options do not define dividends; they refer to different concepts within corporate finance. Taxes on corporate profits relate to how businesses are taxed on their earnings, performance-based employee payments pertain to salary incentives, and interest payments on bonds are a cost of borrowing for corporations, none of which accurately describe the nature of dividends as distributions to shareholders.