Dividend Income: Not So Fixed

Since interest rates are still relatively low right now, many investors looking for income and yield have begun to assess switching a portion of their investment allocation from bonds into dividend-paying stocks. However, it is important to remember that the interest payment of a bond is a contractual obligation of the company, whereas dividend payments are not. If a bond issuer does not pay either interest or principal on time, the company will be in default, and likely will be placed into bankruptcy. However, dividend payments are not a contractual obligation of a company and can be either cut or raised by its board of directors at will. When times are tough, companies may cut dividends to conserve cash, such as during the 2008 credit crisis. Conversely, when times are good, companies may increase their dividend payments, providing investors with additional upside.