Dividend guides
Each guide explains one concept behind the Dividend Calculator, with the formula, hypothetical worked examples, and common misconceptions.
Dividend Yield: What It Means and How to Calculate It
The formula for dividend yield, trailing vs. forward yield, and why yield moves when the share price does.
Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP): How Reinvesting Dividends Compounds
How each reinvested payment buys more shares, a worked 20-year comparison, and the tax point many people miss.
Dividend Growth Rate: How Rising Dividends Change Future Income
How to measure a dividend's historical growth rate and why small differences in growth add up over decades.
Dividend Payout Frequency: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Dividends
How payout schedules change the size and timing of each payment, and how much they really affect compounding.
How Dividends Are Taxed in the US: Qualified vs. Ordinary Dividends
A general US overview of qualified vs. ordinary dividends, the holding period, Form 1099-DIV, and the NIIT.
Dividend Payout Ratio: How Much of Earnings a Company Pays Out
The share of earnings paid as dividends, what it suggests about room for growth, and why it varies by industry.
Ex-Dividend Date: Who Gets the Dividend and When
The four dividend dates, when you must own shares to be paid, and why the price usually adjusts on the ex-date.
Ready to run the numbers? Open the Dividend Calculator.