- Global dividends rose 5.0% on an underlying basis to a record $1.66 trillion in 2023; headline growth was 5.6% for the year
- 22 countries saw record payouts, including the US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia
- Large cuts from just five companies reduced the global underlying growth rate by two percentage points, masking encouraging broad-based growth in many parts of the world
- 86% of companies globally increased dividends or held them steady
- Banks delivered record dividends in 2023 and contributed half the world’s dividend growth
- The positive impact from higher banking dividends was almost entirely offset by cuts from the mining sector
- The fourth quarter was particularly encouraging, with underlying growth of 7.2%
Global dividends rose to a record $1.66 trillion in 2023, up by 5.0% on an underlying basis, according to the latest Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index. The year ended on a particularly positive note, with Q4 dividends rising 7.2% on an underlying basis, thanks to strength in Europe, the UK and Japan.
Banks were the key driver of dividend growth
The banking sector delivered record payouts in 2023 and contributed half the world’s dividend growth, as the higher interest rate environment enabled many banks to increase their margins. Emerging market banks made a particularly large contribution to the increase, though those in China did not participate in the banking-sector’s dividend boom.
The positive impact from higher banking dividends was almost entirely offset by cuts from the mining sector, whose profits have fallen in tandem with lower commodity prices. Beyond these two sectors, whose impact was unusually large, Janus Henderson’s index identified encouraging growth from industries as varied as vehicles, utilities, software, food, and engineering, demonstrating the importance of having a diversified portfolio.
86% of companies raised or held dividends; cuts from 5 big companies made a disproportionate impact
Globally 86% of companies either increased dividends or held them steady but large cuts from just five companies – BHP, Petrobras, Rio Tinto, Intel and AT&T- reduced the global underlying growth rate for the year by two percentage points.
22 countries saw record payouts with Europe ex UK and Japan as key drivers of global dividend growth
From a geographical perspective, the US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia were just a handful of the 22 countries to see record payouts in 2023. Europe ex UK was a key growth driver during the year, contributing two-fifths of the global increase. Payouts from the region rose 10.4% on an underlying basis to a record $300.7bn total. Japan was also a major contributor, though the weak yen masked some of the strength shown across 91% of its companies. Although its large size meant the US made the most significant contribution to global dividend growth, its 5.1% underlying growth rate was simply in line with the global average.
Emerging markets delivered record dividends
Emerging markets delivered record dividends for the third year running with payouts of $166.1bn, up 8.0% on a headline basis. Overall, however, emerging market dividends were flat on an underlying basis, as steep cuts in Brazil and lacklustre growth in China offset strong banking payouts.
UK dividend growth of 5.4% roughly matched the global average as significant increases among the banks and oil producers were largely offset by lower mining payouts. Elsewhere, most developed countries in Asia-Pacific ex Japan saw lower payouts year-on-year.
2024 Forecast
Janus Henderson expects 2024 to show similar underlying growth to 2023, even if a likely fall in one-off special dividends reduces the headline growth rate. Janus Henderson forecasts dividends of $1.72 trillion for 2024, up 3.9% on a headline basis, equivalent to underlying growth of 5.0%.
Ben Lofthouse, Head of Global Equity income at Janus Henderson, said: “Pessimism over the global economy proved ill-founded in 2023 and although the outlook is uncertain, dividends are well supported. Corporate cash flow in most sectors has remained strong and is providing plenty of firepower for dividends and share buybacks.”
“The lagged effect of higher interest rates will continue to have an impact, with slower global economic growth anticipated and higher funding costs for companies. We are nevertheless optimistic for dividends in the year ahead. The run-rate of US dividend growth in the fourth quarter bodes well for the full year, Japanese companies have embarked on a process of returning more capital to shareholders, Asia looks likely to pick up, and dividends in Europe are well covered.”
“From a sector perspective, even though the rapid growth we have seen from banks around the world is going to slow this year, the rapid declines from the mining sector are also likely to make less of an impact. Energy prices remain firm so oil dividends are affordable and the big defensive sectors like healthcare, food and basic consumer goods should continue to make steady progress. What’s more, dividends are much less variable than profits over time.”
ENDS
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Notes to editors
Our headline growth rate describes the change in the total dollar amount paid by companies compared to the corresponding quarter each year. Our underlying figure adjusts for the distortion that can be caused by one-off special dividends, changing exchange rates, the effect of companies entering and leaving the global top 1,200 that comprise our index and the impact of changes in payment dates. The latter two tend to be negligible over the course of a whole year at the global level, though they can have a greater impact in any one quarter, geography or sector.
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