Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 
 
Blog Home
Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 

  The Trend For Stock Dividends Is Up
Posted Under: Broader Stock Market
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
View from the Observation Deck 

  1. The number of companies that have increased their stock dividend payouts has grown dramatically since the end of the last recession in 2009 (see chart).
  2. In 2013, 2,895 companies boosted their dividend payout to shareholders, up 143% from the 1,191 increases registered in 2009, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.
  3. On the flip side, the number of companies that decreased their dividend payout in 2013 totaled 299, well below the 804 decreases posted in 2009.
  4. Stock dividend distributions are a longstanding barometer of a company's financial condition. Dividends are one of the means by which management can enhance shareholder value.
  5. Companies have managed to increase their payouts while reducing their payout rate. Historically, the ratio has been closer to 52%, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.
  6. The dividend payout rate (% of a dollar's worth of earnings paid out as a dividend) has been in the vicinity of 35% in recent quarters. That implies there is the potential for further increases.
  7. S&P Dow Jones Indices reported that companies increased their actual cash payments to shareholders by over 10% in 2013, and expects them to raise them further in 2014. 

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. There can be no assurance that any of the projections cited will occur. The illustration excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions or other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

To Download a PDF of this post, please click here.
Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 @ 4:18 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
MARKET ANALYSIS
Market Commentary and Analysis
Market Commentary Video
Monthly Talking Points
Quarterly Newsletter
Market Observations
Subscribe To Receive Email
 


 PREVIOUS POSTS
How Much Are You Willing To Pay For That Yield?
The Rise In Stock Dividend Payouts Encouraging On Two Fronts
Corporations Are Still Socking The Cash Away
A Look at 2014
Style Is A Function Of The Times
Materials Companies Could Be Poised To Benefit From Stronger Growth In 2014
Really? You’re Kidding!
Oil Producers Are Focused On The Direction/Level Of Crude Oil Prices
How Long Has This Been Going On?
1,729 Days And Counting For The Current Bull
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.