Global dividends hit a record $1.66 trillion last year, according to a report by fund manager Janus Henderson Group, which expects another all-time high in 2024.
Payouts were up 5% in 2023, according to the report. Almost half the growth came from the banking sector, which rewarded shareholders following a surge in profit from lending.
It was the third consecutive record high for dividends following a brief decline in payouts during the pandemic in 2020. Janus Henderson expects total dividends to hit a fresh record of $1.72 trillion this year, up 3.9% on a headline basis.
The data suggests corporate balance sheets are resilient, despite a global economic downturn and higher debt-servicing costs. It’s also an indication of the benefits to the banking sector of higher interest rates.
“Corporate cash flow in most sectors remained strong and this provided plenty of firepower,” said Ben Lofthouse, head of Global Equity Income at Janus Henderson.
Among companies globally, 86% either increased their dividends or left them unchanged last year, with notable increases also coming from technology, vehicle manufacturing and energy.
Blue Anchor Capital Management and Pickett also purchased “highly aggressive and volatile” securities, according to the order.
Reshuffle provides strong indication of where the regulator's priorities now lie.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management report reveals sharpened focus on annuities.
Ahead of Father's Day, InvestmentNews speaks with Andrew Crowell.
Cerulli research finds nearly two-thirds of active retirement plan participants are unadvised, opening a potential engagement opportunity.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today’s choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave
