DIVIDENDS:
As a commercial term, the word "dividends" has a variable meaning which depends on the context in which it is used. For purposes of company law, it denotes the payments which a company makes out of its profits to the shareholders in the company.
BASIC RULE
The basic rule is that "dividends must not be paid out of capital": Verner v General & Commercial Investment Trust (per Lindley, J). For purposes of this rule "Capital" means the money subscribed pursuant to the memorandum of association, or what represents that money: Verner v General & Commercial Investment Trust.