Dividend Stocks, Dec. 17 -- Dividend-paying companies remain a major draw for investors seeking regular income along with long-term stability. A dividend represents a portion of a company's profits that is distributed to shareholders, typically on a quarterly or annual basis.

One key metric used to assess the attractiveness of a dividend-paying stock is the dividend yield, which is calculated as the annual dividends paid divided by the stock's current market price. A higher dividend yield generally suggests stronger income potential, though investors also look at profitability, cash flows and sector trends before making a choice.

According to data compiled by Axis Securities, several small-cap names stand out for delivering robust divid...