It pays to look at the dividend history of a company and to study it carefully, like when we are preparing for our exams in the past. With this information, we are less likely to be hit with surprises. Let me illustrate this with a few of the companies in my portfolio: ST Eng. - look at its dividend history since listing. it has ups and downs but overall it is still uptrend. so the the last dividend announcement from 4c to 5c is can be expected, if not now, would not be too long down the road. nothing interesting, just a good blue chip to hold, possibly forever. Noel gifts. - this small company, much family owned. look at its history. it has the characteristics of paying out more when it earns more. Special dividend have happened before. So as I mentioned previously in my previous entry, I was ......