The correct answer is: B. 30 days
A dividend is a distribution of a portion of a company’s earnings, decided by its board of directors, to a class of its shareholders. The payment of dividends is a way for a company to return profits to its shareholders.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that a company must pay a dividend within 30 days of declaring it. This is to ensure that shareholders receive their dividends as soon as possible.
Option A is incorrect because it is too short a period of time. A company needs time to prepare for the payment of dividends, such as setting up a dividend payment system and notifying shareholders.
Option C is incorrect because it is too long a period of time. Shareholders should receive their dividends as soon as possible.
Option D is incorrect because it is not a valid option.