Yield Trend Methodology

Trailing-twelve-month yield

TTM yield = sum of declared dividends paid over the past 365 days, divided by the current closing price. Special dividends are flagged separately and shown both included (broader TTM) and excluded (regular TTM).

Forward yield

Forward yield = the most recent regular dividend amount × the declared payment frequency, divided by current price. For a quarterly payer of $0.25, the forward annual is $1.00.

Forward yield is intentionally the "naive forecast" — it does NOT incorporate growth expectations. To project income with growth, use the Dividend Growth Forecast methodology page above.

Yield anomaly detection

A yield more than 2× the 5-year median is flagged as a possible yield trap — price decline driving an apparent yield spike, often preceding a cut. The Safety Score is the primary cross-check.

Limitations

Yields are point-in-time. For tickers paying irregular distributions (variable-pay REITs, some BDCs), TTM yield is more reliable than forward yield as a forecast signal.