Investor Definitions

EARNINGS PER SHARE

A public company's net profit divided by the number of its common shares.

5 years ago

EARLY WITHDRAWAL

If a CD is redeemed before it matures, you may have to pay a penalty or forgo a portion of…

5 years ago

DTC CHILLS AND FREEZES

Should problems arise with a company or its securities on deposit at The Depository Trust Company (DTC), DTC may impose…

5 years ago

DIVIDEND

A portion of a company's profit paid to shareholders. Public companies that pay dividends usually do so on a fixed…

5 years ago

DIVERSIFICATION

Diversification is a strategy that can be neatly summed up as "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." The…

5 years ago

DISTRIBUTION [AND/OR SERVICE] (12B-1) FEES

So-called “12b-1 fees” are fees paid out of mutual fund or ETF assets to cover the costs of distribution – marketing and…

5 years ago

DISTRIBUTION FEES

Fees paid out of fund assets to cover marketing and selling fund shares. These fees may cover advertising costs, compensating…

5 years ago

DISCOUNT NOTE

Short-term obligations issued at a discount from face value. Discount notes have no periodic interest payments; the investor receives the…

5 years ago

DISCOUNT

A bond sold before it matures might not sell at full par value. If it sells below par, it is…

5 years ago

DISCLOSURE

Information about a company’s financial condition and business that it makes public. Investors can use this information to make informed…

5 years ago