FollowThe previous year was considered to be a good year for all dividend-paying stocks and also their investors. A total of in excess of 3,300 companies increased their overall payouts for the year 2014. That is a staggering 14.3% rise from a total of 2,895 dividend stocks which raised total payouts last 2013.
2014’s fiscal year experienced $54.8B when it comes to overall dividend increases, which is just below the previous year’s full-year total increase that was recorded at $54.9B.
Howard Silverblatt, an S&P Dow Jones Indices Senior Index Analyst, stated that this year’s fourth year prompted double-digit overall increases when it comes to cash dividends. He added that many companies even increased cash payments to $197B over the past four years.
Many experts believe that 2015 is bound to set yet another record when it comes to dividend payments. Investors are warned though to watch out for the effects of oil price plunges.
Silverblatt also stated that Energy accounts in excess of 11% of total general market dividends and if ever oil price decreases and cuts into cash flow and earnings, dividend payments may eventually be affected. But as of the moment, no signs of any slowdown is expected, and dividend hikes are most likely to occur.
