I use what stockrover uses, which is the compounded annual growth rate
CAGR = ( Ending / Beginning ) ^ ( 1 / years ) -1
Use WAG:
End of 2013 they had a div / share of $1.18. 5 years prior, at end of 2008 they had a div / share of $0.41
CAGR = ( 1.18 / 0.41 ) ^ ( 1 / 5 ) - 1
CAGR = 2.878 ^ 0.2 -1
CAGR = 1.235 - 1
CAGR = .235
CAGR = 23.5%
Edit: Wolfram Alpha Calc
CAGR = ( Ending / Beginning ) ^ ( 1 / years ) -1
Use WAG:
End of 2013 they had a div / share of $1.18. 5 years prior, at end of 2008 they had a div / share of $0.41
CAGR = ( 1.18 / 0.41 ) ^ ( 1 / 5 ) - 1
CAGR = 2.878 ^ 0.2 -1
CAGR = 1.235 - 1
CAGR = .235
CAGR = 23.5%
Edit: Wolfram Alpha Calc