What trailing dividend yield means
Trailing dividend yield uses dividends from a past period, often the last twelve months, compared with a price or benchmark value.
Example
Hypothetical example: if a company paid 2.00 per share over the last twelve months and the current price is 50.00, the simple trailing yield is 4.00%.
Why it matters
Trailing yield is easy to calculate from historical payments, which makes it useful for snapshots and tables.
Limitation or caveat
Past dividends can include special payments or old policy levels. Trailing yield does not prove future income.
Related DividendTen pages
For more context, read Trailing dividend yield vs forward yield and use Dividend yield calculator. You can also review the methodology and data verification policy.
Educational context only. This glossary entry is not investment, tax, legal, or personalized financial advice. Dividend terms help readers understand data fields, not decide whether any security is suitable.