Free Dividend Yield Calculator
What is Dividend Yield?
The Dividend Yield is a financial ratio that shows how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its stock price. It is expressed as a percentage and helps income-focused investors evaluate the return on investment (ROI) generated specifically from dividends, excluding capital appreciation.
Essentially, it answers the question: "For every dollar I invest in this stock today, how much cash flow will I receive back this year?"
How to Calculate Dividend Yield
The formula for dividend yield is straightforward. You divide the annual dividend per share by the current share price.
Real-World Example
Let's assume you are looking at two different stocks for your portfolio:
| Company | Stock Price | Annual Dividend | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | $50.00 | $2.00 | 4.00% |
| Company B | $100.00 | $3.00 | 3.00% |
Even though Company B pays a higher dollar amount ($3.00 vs $2.00), Company A actually has a higher yield (4% vs 3%) because the stock is cheaper to buy relative to the payout.
Why is Dividend Yield Important?
- Income Generation: For retirees or passive income seekers, yield determines the cash flow generated by a portfolio.
- Valuation Metric: Historically high yields might indicate a stock is undervalued, while historically low yields might suggest it is overvalued (or that the dividend is at risk).
- Risk Assessment: Extremely high yields (often above 8-10%) can sometimes be a "yield trap," indicating the market expects the company to cut the dividend due to financial trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "good" dividend yield?
A "good" yield depends on the industry and the current interest rate environment. Generally, a yield between 2% and 6% is considered healthy for stable, dividend-paying companies (like Utilities or REITs). Technology companies often have lower yields, while growth stocks may pay no dividends at all.
Does dividend yield change?
Yes, constantly. Since the stock price fluctuates every day the market is open, the yield changes inversely to the price. If the stock price drops, the yield goes up (assuming the dividend payout remains constant). Conversely, if the stock price rises, the yield goes down.
What is the difference between Yield and Payout Ratio?
The yield tells you the return based on the stock price. The Payout Ratio tells you what percentage of the company's total earnings are being paid out as dividends. The payout ratio is a measure of the dividend's safety.