liquidating dividend investment & finance definition

A pro rata distribution of cash or property to stockholders as part of the dissolution of a business. For example, a firm may be liquidated because the officers believe its stock price does not adequately reflect the value of its assets. All debts and other obligations usually must be satisfied before issuance of a final liquidating dividend. A stock paying a liquidating dividend is indicated in stock transaction tables in newspapers by the symbol C, next to the dividend column. See also final dividend 1, General Utilities Doctrine.