Dividend Investing

Yield vs Yield on Cost

Current yield = annual dividend ÷ current price. Yield on cost = annual dividend ÷ your purchase price. If you bought at £10 and the price is now £20, your yield on cost is double the current yield. Both metrics matter for different decisions.

Dividend Allowance (UK)

UK investors have a £500 annual dividend allowance (2024/25) before dividend tax applies. Above that: Basic rate taxpayers pay 8.75%, Higher rate 33.75%, Additional rate 39.35%. Dividends inside a Stocks & Shares ISA or SIPP are tax-free.

Dividend Sustainability

A high yield can signal risk — check the payout ratio (dividends ÷ earnings). A payout ratio above 80% is often unsustainable. A dividend yield above 6–7% warrants extra scrutiny as it may reflect market concern about a cut.

Dividend Yield Calculator

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