President of the SET, Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong, announced that 231 listed companies on the SET and mai (49% of all 468 listed companies excluding those in the Rehabilitation Sector) have announced dividend payments for the year 2004 worth nearly THB150 bln. This amount represents a 4.09% dividend yield, which is 1.62% higher than 2003’s yield.
“When comparing dividend yields to the current average savings deposit rate of 1%, selective investing in stocks that pay out satisfactory dividends at a rate of over 4% should make for an interesting option with good possible returns,” Mr. Kittiratt said. The top four industry groups having the highest dividend yields are:
- Consumer Products Industry Group, with 16 out of its total 39 companies having announced dividend payments, will be paying out a total of THB2.221 bln. (approx. USD55.53 mln.). This group’s dividend payments represent a 6.10% dividend yield. The Group was led by the Household Goods Sector and Fashion Sector, which had 7.59% and 5.65% yields respectively.
- Services Group, with 41 out of its total 78 companies having announced dividend payments, will be paying out a total of THB21.585 bln. (approx. USD539.63 mln.). This group’s dividend payments represent a 5.06% dividend yield. The Group was led by the Commerce Sector, Transportation & Logistics Sector, and the Hotel & Travel Services Sector which had 6.89%, 5.27%, and 5.22% yields respectively.
- Industrials Group, with 25 out of its total 48 companies having announced dividend payments, will be paying a total of THB11.854 bln. (approx. USD296.35 mln.). This group’s dividend payments represent a 4.84% dividend yield. The Group was led by the Petrochemicals & Chemicals Sector, Paper & Printing Materials Sector, and the Packaging Sector which had 5.30%, 4.95%, and 4.66% yields respectively.
- Property & Construction Group, with 32 out of its total 71 companies having announced dividend payments, will be paying out a total of THB30.554 bln. (approx. USD763.85 mln.). This group’s dividend payments represent a 4.58% dividend yield. The Group was led by the Construction Materials Sector, which had a 5.03% yield.
The Resources Group is comprised of 15 companies in Energy & Utilities and one company in the Mining Sector. Fourteen of them have announced dividend payments worth a total of THB35.619 bln. (approx. USD890.48 mln.). PTT Pcl., the top profit earner, will be paying THB6.75 per share, which represents a 3.18% dividend yield. Its total dividends are worth THB18.881 bln. (approx. USD472.03 mln.).
The second industry group is Property & Construction Industry Group. It is comprised of 30 companies in the Construction Materials Sector and 41 companies in the Property Development Sector. Thirty-two of them have announced dividend payments worth a total of THB30.554 bln. (approx. USD763.85 mln.). Siam Cement Pcl., the top profit earner, will be paying THB9.50 per share which represents a 5.73% dividend yield. Its total dividends are worth THB18.000 bln. (approx. USD450 mln.).
The third industry group is Technology Industry Group. It is comprised of 16 companies in the Electrical Products & Computer Sector, 11 companies in the Electronic Components Sector, and 17 companies in the Communication Sector. Twenty-four of them have announced dividend payments worth a total of THB24.168 bln. (approx. USD604.20 mln.). Advanced Info Service Pcl., the top profit earner, will be paying THB2.60 per share which represents a 4.44% dividend yield. Its total dividends are worth THB13.983 bln. (approx. USD349.58 mln.).
Many listed companies are still considering their dividend payments and should soon announce them. For more investment information, please browse the SET website at www.set.or.th and SETTRADE.Com’s website at www.settrade.com
