Microsoft widens lead as largest dividend payer in the United States
In a recent development, software and technology company Microsoft (MSFT) has solidified its position as the largest dividend payer in the United States, outpacing its closest competitors, including Apple and Exxon Mobil. The tech giant's latest dividend announcement (a 10.3% dividend hike, marking 21 consecutive years of dividend growth) reflects a significant increase, further extending its lead in this regard. Microsoft is approaching Dividend Aristocrat status.
Microsoft's dividend payout has seen a remarkable 10% increase, resulting in an additional $2 billion in dividends for shareholders. This brings the company's annual dividend payments to a substantial sum, exceeding $22 billion.
Here is a breakdown of the top dividend-paying companies in the United States as of the latest data:
- Microsoft (MSFT): $22.3 billion
- Apple (AAPL): $15.0 billion
- Exxon Mobil (XOM): $14.6 billion
In addition to Microsoft, several other U.S.-listed companies are notable for their substantial annual dividend payments. As of the latest data, the following companies also feature prominently in this category, including oil major Chevron (announcing a 6.3% dividend hike in 2023).
- JP Morgan Chase (JPM): $11.6 billion
- Chevron (CVX): $11.5 billion
- Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): $11.5 billion
- Verizon (VZ): $11.2 billion
- AbbVie (ABBV): $10.4 billion
This data underscores the robust dividend distributions by major U.S. companies, with eight companies now boasting annual dividend payments exceeding $10 billion. Microsoft's increased dividend payout highlights its commitment to returning value to shareholders and its ongoing success in the technology sector.
🚀 Big news for Microsoft investors! 💰 #Microsoft just raised its dividend by 10.3% to $0.75 quarterly. 📈 That's an impressive streak of 21 years of dividend increases for $MSFT. 💪💵 #Investing #DividendGrowth #MicrosoftStock
— dividend hike (@dividendhike) September 19, 2023
Yesterday, Microsoft announced a new 10.3% dividend hike to $0.75 quarterly per share. This brings the dividend yield to 0.9%, and more important, marks the 21st consecutive year of increased dividends. Within 4 years Microsoft could be a Dividend Aristocrat.
