Dividendy
Dividend Calendar: How to Spread Payouts Across the Whole Year
Key takeaways
- The ex-dividend date is the key date — anyone who buys after it will not receive the dividend for that round.
- US companies typically pay quarterly; European companies annually or semi-annually.
- By diversifying into companies with different payment months, you can achieve monthly passive income.
- Dividend income is more predictable than selling part of a portfolio, but it is still not guaranteed.
A dividend calendar is a schedule of dividend payouts over time — it helps investors know when and how much money is coming to their account.
Key dates for every dividend
For each payout, track four dates:
- Declaration date: the company announces the amount and timing of the dividend
- Ex-dividend date: whoever holds the share before this date will receive the dividend
- Record date: the day the company records eligible shareholders (usually 1 day after the ex-date)
- Payment date: when the money arrives in your account — usually 2–6 weeks after the ex-date
The most important date for you is the ex-dividend date. If you buy on or after this date, you will not receive the dividend for that round.
Payment frequency by region
US companies pay quarterly — in March, June, September, and December. European companies prefer annual or semi-annual payouts. UK companies are an exception — they pay semi-annually, but some pay quarterly. Australian REITs pay quarterly; Japanese companies pay semi-annually.
How to build a portfolio with even payouts
Divide positions into three groups by payment cycle. Each month, income then comes from a different group of companies. An alternative is ETFs that aggregate dividends — distributions are typically quarterly or monthly depending on the fund.
Limits of a dividend calendar
A dividend is not guaranteed. A company can cut or cancel it — this happened on a massive scale in 2020. Therefore, monitor not only the yield but also the payout ratio (the share of earnings paid out — ideally below 70%) and the payment history. More on selecting dividend ETFs can be found in the overview of Dividend Aristocrats. For a full picture of passive income from investments, also see the power of compound interest.
FAQ
What is the ex-dividend date?
The date from which you must hold the share to receive the dividend for the current round. If you buy on or after this date, you will not receive the dividend for this round — it goes to the new owner.
How can I receive dividends every month?
Divide your portfolio into three groups of US companies with different quarterly cycles — January/April/July/October, February/May/August/November, March/June/September/December. Each month income then flows from a different group.
How long do I need to hold a share to get the dividend?
It is enough to hold it the day before the ex-dividend date. You can sell it the next day and you will still receive the dividend for this round. But be aware: the share price usually drops by the amount of the dividend on the ex-date.
Are dividend payments guaranteed?
No. A company can cut or cancel a dividend. Monitor the payout ratio (ideally below 70%) and the payment history for the past 10 years. Aristocrats with 25-year track records are more reliable.