A Very Good Month For Dividends

Posted by: Howard Silverblatt on February 25, 2010

Dividend data (as of now) for the month of February (all reporting issues not just the 500) are showing that dividend increases are up 29% from Feb,’09 (still 42% off Feb,’08), and decreases are down a dramatic 88% from Feb,’09 and are even less than the Feb,’08 decreases by 33%. February is typically a good month, and this one has come through. Actual cash payments are still down year-over-year, but at least it’s starting to go back up (most likely 2012-13 until we reach 2008 levels).

For the S&P 500 index it is the best month in 2 years, with a very impressive 3-month run. I expect more good news, but not as much of it over the next few months; I also expect reductions to start next month.

Full file and details after month end.