Comcast (CMCSA) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) offers a current dividend yield of 4.45%, paid quarterly at $0.33 per share.
• The company has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years, with an average annual growth rate of about 7% over the past five years.
• Payout ratio stands at a conservative 18.37%, indicating strong sustainability supported by earnings and free cash flow (FCF).
• Recent ex-dividend date was April 1, 2026, with payment on April 22, 2026.
• Dividend yield exceeds many media peers like Disney (DIS) at 1.4% but trails pure telecoms like Verizon (VZ).
• Low payout and robust FCF coverage position the dividend for continued reliability.

Dividend Overview

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), a leading telecommunications and media provider, maintains a shareholder-friendly dividend policy with quarterly payments. The current annual dividend is $1.32 per share, yielding 4.45% based on recent stock prices around $29.63. Payments have been consistent, with the most recent quarterly dividend of $0.33 declared on January 28, 2026, ex-dividend April 1, 2026, and payable April 22, 2026. This profile positions CMCSA as a dividend growth stock rather than a high-yield play, balancing income with reinvestment in broadband, NBCUniversal, and Peacock streaming. The yield is attractive for income seekers in a sector facing cord-cutting pressures, supported by stable cash broadband revenues.

Dividend History and Growth

Comcast has a strong track record of dividend growth, increasing payouts for 18 consecutive years. Quarterly dividends have risen steadily: from $0.31 in early 2024 to $0.33 since mid-2025, reflecting a 6.45% compound annual growth rate over the past year and higher over longer periods. Historical data shows progression from $0.195 per quarter in 2013 to the current $0.33, with annual increases averaging 7% over five years. No cuts have occurred in decades, underscoring commitment amid business evolution from cable TV to high-speed internet and content. This consistency aligns with a strategy prioritizing shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

The dividend's sustainability is robust, with a trailing payout ratio of 18.37%—well below 50%, leaving ample room for growth or downturns. Earnings per share comfortably cover payments, and levered free cash flow (FCF) totaled $5.59 billion over the trailing twelve months, more than sufficient for the annual dividend obligation of about $5 billion. Debt-to-equity at 107.86% is manageable given investment-grade ratings and predictable broadband cash flows. Historical FCF has hovered around $15 billion annually, providing a buffer. These metrics suggest the dividend is secure, even as media segments face competition.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

In the telecom and media sector, CMCSA's 4.45% yield stands out. Cable peer Charter Communications (CHTR) pays no dividend, focusing on debt reduction. Disney (DIS) yields about 1.4%, prioritizing growth investments. Pure telecoms like Verizon (VZ) and AT&T (T) offer higher yields around 6-6.5% but with elevated payout ratios over 50% and legacy wireline drags. Comcast's yield is competitive, blending income with growth potential superior to non-payers and safer than higher-yield telcos.

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Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) appeals to dividend growth investors seeking reliable increases over high yields, given its 18-year streak and low 18% payout ratio. Income-oriented portfolios may value the 4.45% yield, which provides steady quarterly cash flow amid volatile markets, backed by essential broadband services less sensitive to economic cycles. Conservative investors appreciate the coverage from earnings and FCF, plus a diversified model spanning connectivity, theme parks, and streaming. However, growth investors might note slower payout acceleration recently and media headwinds like streaming losses. Long-term holders could benefit from potential yield expansion if shares remain range-bound. Overall, it suits balanced dividend strategies prioritizing safety and modest growth over aggressive income.

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