Dividend

A dividend is a payment or other distribution to shareholders from distributable profit or reserves. In Switzerland, dividends depend on approved accounts, a valid shareholder resolution and compliance with capital maintenance rules. The board proposes, and the general meeting decides, within the limits of available equity and any statutory or articles-based restrictions. Unlawful distributions may have to be repaid and may trigger liability for directors or shareholders who received them in bad faith. Tax consequences, including withholding tax and shareholder-level taxation, must be assessed separately.