Learn about dividends

What is an ex-dividend date?

The ex-dividend date decides who gets the next dividend. Learn what it means, how the last day to buy works, and what happens to the share price.

4 min read

Ex-dividend date vs record date vs payment date

Four dates matter for every dividend: declaration, ex-dividend, record and payment. Here is what each one means and how they fit together.

4 min read

How dividend yield works

Dividend yield compares a stock's yearly dividend to its price. Learn the formula, the difference between forward and trailing yield, and why a very high yield can be a warning.

5 min read

Weekly, monthly or quarterly: dividend payment frequency

Companies and funds pay dividends weekly, monthly, quarterly, twice a year or yearly. See how frequency affects your income and how to read it.

4 min read

How to build monthly dividend income

A practical look at spreading dividend payments across the year, from monthly payers to staggered quarterly cycles, and how to track it.

5 min read

Payout ratio and dividend safety

The payout ratio shows how much of a company's earnings goes to dividends. Learn how to read it and how Dividend101's safety rating works.

4 min read

DRIP: reinvesting dividends explained

A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) uses your dividends to buy more shares automatically. See how it compounds and what to watch for.

4 min read

Qualified vs ordinary dividends (US tax basics)

Qualified dividends are taxed at lower US rates than ordinary dividends. Learn the difference and the holding period rule that decides which one you get.

5 min read

Dividend Aristocrats and Dividend Kings explained

Dividend Aristocrats have raised their dividend for 25+ years in a row, and Dividend Kings for 50+. Learn what the labels mean and what they do not tell you.

4 min read

Dividend growth investing: how it works

Dividend growth investing favors companies that raise their payouts year after year. See the idea, the trade-offs versus high yield, and what to check.

5 min read

What is a dividend yield trap?

A very high dividend yield can mean the market expects a dividend cut. Learn the warning signs of a yield trap and how to check before you buy.

4 min read

Dividend capture strategy: does it work?

Dividend capture means buying before the ex-dividend date and selling soon after. Learn why the price drop, taxes and trading costs often cancel the benefit.

4 min read

REIT dividends: why yields are higher

REITs must pay out most of their income, so their dividend yields are often higher. Learn how REIT dividends work, how they are taxed and what to watch.

5 min read

Dividend ETFs vs individual dividend stocks

Compare dividend ETFs and individual dividend stocks: diversification, control, fees, payment schedules and tax treatment, in plain language.

5 min read

Special dividends: what they are and how they work

A special dividend is a one-time payment outside a company's regular schedule. Learn why companies pay them and how they differ from regular dividends.

4 min read

Yield on cost explained

Yield on cost shows your annual dividend divided by what you originally paid. Learn how it works, why it grows, and why it should not be your only measure.

4 min read

What happens when a company cuts its dividend?

Dividend cuts and suspensions can hit both income and share price. See why companies cut, the signs that come before, and how to respond calmly.

5 min read