Global dividends break Q1 record in post-pandemic surge

Strong Q1 sees Janus Henderson upgrade 2022 forecast to $1.54tn but dividend expectations remain unchanged given continued economic, geopolitical uncertainty

In the 34th edition of the Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index, the company reported that first-quarter dividends jumped up by 11 per cent on a headline basis to a total of $302.5 billion − a record for what is normally a quieter time of year, according to the latest Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index.

Underlying growth was even stronger at 16.1 per cent with Janus Henderson’s analysis showing payouts more than doubling since the start of the index in 2009.

The growth is in part due to the ongoing normalisation of payouts following the disruption caused by the pandemic. While Q1 2021 provides a relatively low base for comparison, given the extent of dividend cuts registered, Q1 2022 growth rates also reflect a robust post-COVID economic rebound which took place across much of the world during 2021 and the start of 2022.

Globally, 81 per cent of companies that issued payouts in the first quarter increased their dividends year-on-year, while another 13 per cent held them steady.

Upgraded forecast

Janus Henderson foresees...