The Largest Dividend Player in the World

Dividends have become an essential component of successful investing recently, and companies have been racing to boost their dividend payouts. When it comes to the biggest companies in the stock market, what they pay in annual dividends alone is enough to dwarf the total value of many smaller and mid-sized companies.

In the following video, Fool markets analyst Mike Klesta talks with Fool contributor Dan Caplinger about the tug-of-war going on among the two biggest dividend-payers in the world. Dan discusses the competing payout increases that both companies have made recently and what they mean for shareholders, as well as the futures of the companies involved.

Apple didn't even pay a dividend until recently, but many investors are more worried about whether Apple remains a buy as its growth continues to slow. The Motley Fool's senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, as well as what opportunities remain for the company (and your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thoughts on Apple, simply click here now.

The article The Largest Dividend Player in the World originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger owns shares of Apple. Mike Klesta has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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