Forward Dividend

The expected total dividend per share over the next 12 months, based on the current rate.

Part of the Growth & Capital Returns course · Lesson 13 of 26

Formula

Forward Dividend = latest regular dividend per period x payments per year; Forward Yield = Forward Dividend / Price

What it is

The forward dividend is an estimate of the dividends per share a company will pay over the coming year, usually calculated by annualizing the most recent regular dividend. For a quarterly payer it is the latest quarterly dividend multiplied by four. It is forward-looking, unlike the trailing dividend, which sums the past 12 months actually paid.

Why it matters

The forward dividend drives the forward dividend yield, which is what most quote pages show, so it shapes how income investors compare stocks. Because it assumes the current rate continues, it can overstate income if a cut is coming or understate it just before an expected raise.

How it's calculated

Multiply the most recent regular dividend per share by the number of payments per year (4 for quarterly, 12 for monthly, 2 for semi-annual). Special dividends are excluded.

How Quintarthai uses it

See the annualized dividend and forward yield in the key-metrics grid on a company's deep-analysis page (Summary tab).

Cross-border note. Annualize using the payment frequency the company actually uses: many Canadian issuers and REITs pay monthly (multiply by 12), while most U.S. companies pay quarterly (multiply by 4). Also confirm the dividend's native currency before comparing forward yields across the border.

FAQ

What is the difference between forward and trailing dividend?

Forward dividend annualizes the current rate to estimate the next 12 months; trailing dividend adds up what was actually paid over the past 12 months. They differ whenever the rate recently changed or a special dividend was paid.

Does the forward dividend include special dividends?

No. It is based on the regular, recurring dividend only. One-time special dividends are excluded so the figure reflects sustainable income.

See Forward Dividend on a real company

Open any stock in Quintarthai and explore it live across the screener and company pages.

Open the app →