Global dividends rose to a record $568.1 billion in Q2

The Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index (JHGDI) is a quarterly, long-term study into global dividend trends. The index measures the progress global firms are making in paying their investors an income on their capital.

According to the latest edition of the JHGDI, global dividends had a strong second quarter, just ahead of our optimistic expectations. Payouts reached a new record of $568.1 billion, up 4.9% year-on-year on a headline basis. Underlying growth of 6.3%, once lower special dividends were excluded, marked an acceleration compared to the first quarter and reflected the seasonal dominance of Europe during the second quarter.

European payouts rose by a tenth year-on-year (+9.7% headline, +10.0% underlying), reflecting strong profitability in the 2022 financial year, with most European companies making their customary single annual payment. Much higher banking dividends were the most important driver of European growth, followed by vehicle manufacturers. Indeed, banks accounted for half the global growth in Q2 as rising interest rates boosted margins and pandemic related disruption to dividend payments finally worked its way out of the numbers.

The pattern was evident all over the world with few exceptions. For example, in the UK total payouts were resilient in the face of lower mining dividends as HSBC returned to quarterly payments at a much higher level than seemed possible even a few months ago, while in Singapore, banks propelled the total paid to record levels.

Q2 is also seasonally important in Japan and payouts here rose 8.4% on an underlying basis, well ahead of the global average. Half the Japanese companies in our index delivered double-digit increases. The rate of growth in the U.S. continued its steady deceleration, however, while in Asia-Pacific ex Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea were relative weak spots. Emerging market dividends fell.

From a sector perspective, beyond the strong contribution made by banks, vehicle manufacturers accounted for one seventh of the year-on-year increase in Q2 payouts. Half of this came from German companies, but the sector was strong all over the world. Miners made the biggest negative contribution, owing to lower commodity prices, while oil payouts fell owing to cuts from Latin American producers.

Globally, 88% of companies either increased dividends or held them steady in Q2.

The second quarter was very positive for dividend payments, but when we speak to companies around the world, they are cautious about the outlook for growth. Having upgraded our 2023 global forecast in our last report, we are now prudently holding that dividend forecast steady for the year. We expect payouts to rise 5.2% on a headline basis to a record $1.64 trillion, equivalent to underlying growth of 5.0%.

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Unless otherwise stated, all data is sourced by Janus Henderson Investors as of 30 June 2023. Nothing in this document should be construed as advice.

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