- Q3 2021 U.S. common dividend increases were $22.2 billion, up 44.1% from $15.4 billion in Q2 2021 and up 163.5% from $8.4 billion in Q3 2020.
- Q3 2021 U.S. common dividend decreases were $1.3 billion, down 48.3% from $2.5 billion in Q2 2021, and down 88.1% from $10.8 billion in Q3 2020.
- Net indicated dividend rate change increased $20.9 billion, compared to $12.9 billion in Q2 2021, and $-2.3 billion in Q3 2020.
- The median Q3 2021 dividend increase in the S&P 500 was 9.68%, up from 8.28% in Q2 2021, and 4.17% in Q3 2020.
NEW YORK, October 5, 2021:S&P Dow Jones Indices announced today that indicated dividend net changes (increases less decreases) for U.S. domestic common stocks increased $20.9 billion during Q3 2021, the largest increase since Q1 2012 ($24.2 billion), compared to $12.9 billion in Q2 2021, and a decline of $2.3 billion in Q3 2020 (the COVID-inspired Q2 2020 was -$42.5 billion).
For the 12-month September 2021 period, the net dividend rate increased $61.4 billion, compared to a net decline of $39.7 billion for 12-month September 2020 period, as increases were $71.8 billion versus $39.5 billion, and decreases were $10.5 billion compared to $79.2 billion for 2020 period.
“Dividends are back as record earnings, sales, and margins have permitted companies to return to the business of returning shareholder wealth,” said Howard Silverblatt, Senior Index Analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices. “Larger dividend increases and a lack of cuts produced a record payment to S&P 500 shareholders in Q3 2021. Based on current indicated dividend rates and schedules, Q4 2021 appears set to replace both that quarterly record and set a new annual record for payments in 2021.”
Silverblatt continued, “Potential headwinds are changes to the dividend treatment or tax rate, which is now being discussed in Washington. Similar to prior historical changes, any confirmed change could lead to accelerated Q1 2022 payments in Q4 of 2021 or the use of extras paid in 2021.”
