Dividend net increases for U.S. domestic stocks rose $17.8 billion during the first quarter of 2014, up from $14.5 billion during the first quarter a year ago. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices, 1,078 dividend increases were reported during the first quarter, breaking the first-quarter record previously set in 1979 (1,069 increases).
102 companies decreased dividends during the quarter, down from 139 in the quarter a year ago.
