Big Tech's Embrace of Dividends Signals Investor Demand for Payouts

Meta, Microsoft, and other large companies recently started paying dividends, indicating investors are now more open to dividends.

Historically dividends have accounted for 32% of S&P 500 returns.

Meta announced a dividend the same day as strong earnings results on Feb. 1st. The stock has performed well since.

Salesforce and Booking Holdings also recently announced inaugural dividends.

S&P 500 dividends increased $16B in Q1 2023, but the per-share dividend amount actually decreased 1.7%.