How the calendar works

For every holding we look at the months in which it went ex-dividend during the last 12 months, and we spread its estimated yearly dividend over those months. The estimate is your amount divided by the share price, times the dividends paid per share over the last 12 months. It is an average: the real payment can be larger or smaller, and companies can change the schedule.

Ex-dividend date versus payment date

The ex-dividend date is the first day you can no longer buy a share and still get the next dividend. The cash usually arrives a few weeks later, so the money may land a month after the month shown here. Treat the calendar as a guide to the rhythm of your income, not as an exact schedule.

Why bother with gaps?

Most US companies pay quarterly, and many pay in the same months. Two or three holdings can leave you with months that have nothing. If you want a steadier flow, you can add holdings that pay in the empty months, or use funds and companies that pay monthly. Our page on monthly dividend payers explains the options and the trade-offs.