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The attractions of dividends

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Richard Larsen
The attractions of dividends

Dividends can be a powerful tool in an investor's arsenal. Understanding what they are, their benefits, drawbacks, and their role in your overall portfolio is crucial. When it comes to growing your money, there are typically two main avenues to consider, each with its own characteristics. The first option is the low-risk approach of cash savings, where your money sits in a bank account and earns interest over time. However, this strategy requires patience, especially when interest rates are low. 

The alternative is investing in equities, such as stocks and shares. While this carries higher risk, the principle is simple: if share prices rise, your investment value increases, though the opposite is also true.

But there's another advantage to holding certain types of shares that novice investors often overlook: dividends. In addition to potential gains from share value appreciation, some shares entitle shareholders to receive extra payments known as dividends.


A dividend represents a portion of a company's profits that is distributed among its shareholders. While companies may pay dividends at any stage of their development, it is more common among those that have transitioned past their high-growth phase. By paying dividends, companies keep shareholders engaged and allow them to benefit from their share ownership even when the share price appears stagnant. Regular dividend payments also make shares more appealing to investors, driving demand and ideally raising the share price.


The amount of the dividend is determined by the company, provided it has sufficient post-tax profits to make the payments. The dividend yield, the dividend's size relative to the share price, is a key metric to consider. For example, if the share price is £10 and the dividend is £1, the dividend yield is 10%. You can learn the formulas and the dividend payout ratio, calculate the dividend yield in the blog of BeatMarket an IT platform and mobile application for analyzing an investment portfolio.


Dividends come in different forms, with the main categories being cash dividends and stock dividends. Cash dividends are straightforward cash payments, while stock dividends are additional shares in the company.


The appeal of dividends lies in their stability and potential for consistent returns. Companies that pay dividends are typically in a more mature phase, making their shares less risky than those of fast-growing companies. Shareholders can have more confidence in the stability of their investment while still receiving a regular return. Additionally, any underlying growth in the company can further increase the value of the dividends.

Dividend stocks are often favored by investors with a medium-high risk profile. They offer more stable returns compared to fast-growth companies but are riskier than bonds or cash investments. For individuals seeking income during retirement, companies that pay regular and predictable dividends can be particularly attractive, as the reliability of income takes precedence over investment growth.


Another advantage of dividends is the lower tax rate they attract compared to ordinary income. This makes them an appealing choice for business owners who want to extract income from their business while minimizing tax liabilities compared to a salary.

Understanding the potential of dividends and their role in your investment strategy can enhance your portfolio's performance and provide a consistent income stream.


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Richard Larsen
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