Record-breaking dividends and Microsoft’s dominance in payouts

  • Global dividends reached a record $1.66 trillion in 2023
  • Microsoft reclaimed the title of biggest dividend payer
  • 86% of the world’s largest public companies increased or maintained their dividends
  • Underlying growth rate of dividends was 7.2% in Q4 2023
  • Janus Henderson forecasts dividends of $1.72 trillion for 2024
  • Banks delivered $220 billion in dividends, contributing 26% of total global payouts
  • Mining sector payouts fell by $23 billion, down 11.5%
  • Five U.S. companies, including Microsoft and Apple, make the top ten list of dividend payers

Global dividends hit a new milestone in 2023, reaching a record $1.66 trillion. This growth was driven by a 5% increase in bank payouts, compensating for lower distributions from the mining sector. Microsoft reclaimed its position as the largest dividend payer, while 86% of the world’s largest public companies either increased or maintained their dividends. The fourth quarter of 2023 saw strong underlying growth of 7.2%, and Janus Henderson predicts dividends of $1.72 trillion for 2024. Banks played a significant role in this growth, delivering $220 billion in dividends, while the mining sector experienced a decline of 11.5%. Five U.S. companies, including Microsoft and Apple, made the top ten list of dividend payers.

Factuality Level: 3
Factuality Justification: The article provides information about global dividends in 2023, including data on different countries and sectors. However, the article lacks depth and context, and it primarily serves as a promotional piece for Janus Henderson. It contains no opposing viewpoints or critical analysis, and it presents the information in a somewhat sensationalized manner.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed analysis of global dividends in 2023, including information on different countries, sectors, and companies. It includes data and insights from Janus Henderson, a reputable source. The article stays on topic and does not contain irrelevant information. However, it lacks depth in terms of exploring the broader implications or consequences of the dividend trends.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information on global dividends and the performance of various sectors, including banks and mining companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article focuses on financial topics, specifically global dividends and the performance of different sectors. There is no mention of any extreme events.
Public Companies: Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), China Construction Bank (601939), JPMorgan Chase (JPM)
Key People: Ben Lofthouse (Head of Global Equity Income at Janus Henderson)


Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com