Google dividend history and dividend per share in 2025
Published: April 17, 2025 / Stock analysis
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, Google (or rather its parent company Alphabet Inc.) has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. For many years, Google was known for not paying dividends. However, in a significant shift in corporate strategy, Alphabet Inc. began paying dividends in 2024, marking a new chapter in the company's approach to shareholder returns. This article explores Google's dividend history, the implications of its new dividend-paying status, and how investors can potentially benefit from this evolution in capital
Google dividend history: A new chapter begins
For most of its existence, Google chose not to pay dividends to its shareholders. This strategic decision aligned with the company's focus on reinvesting profits to fuel innovation and expansion rather than distributing earnings to shareholders. However, in 2024, Alphabet initiated its first-ever dividend program. According to the dividend history data:
| Ex/EFF Date | Type | Cash Amount | Declaration Date | Record Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/2025 | Cash | $0.20 | 02/04/2025 | 03/10/2025 | 03/17/2025 |
| 12/09/2024 | Cash | $0.20 | 10/28/2024 | 12/09/2024 | 12/16/2024 |
| 09/09/2024 | Cash | $0.20 | 07/17/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 09/16/2024 |
| 06/10/2024 | Cash | $0.20 | 04/25/2024 | 06/10/2024 | 06/17/2024 |
Alphabet established a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, with its first payment in June 2024, amounting to an annual dividend of $0.80 per share.
Google and dividend yield: From zero to meaningful returns
Where Google's yield once stood at zero, Alphabet now offers a dividend yield of approximately 0.51%. While this yield is modest compared to traditional dividend stocks, it represents a significant shift in the company's capital allocation strategy and signals confidence in sustained financial performance. This move appeals to income-oriented investors who previously might have avoided the stock due to its non-dividend-paying status, while still allowing the company to maintain substantial investment in growth initiatives.
Google and dividend per share: Building a new record
The dividend per share (DPS) metric now applies to Alphabet, with the company distributing $0.20 per share quarterly. This consistent quarterly payment structure provides predictability for income-focused investors while allowing the company to maintain its tradition of investing heavily in innovation.
Alphabet Inc.'s decision to begin paying dividends in 2024 marks a significant evolution in its approach to capital allocation. This shift suggests the company has reached a level of financial maturity where it can both fund ambitious growth initiatives and return value directly to shareholders through regular dividend payments.
For investors, this development offers the best of both worlds: the potential for capital appreciation from Google's continued innovation and expansion, plus the benefit of regular dividend income. As Alphabet continues to evolve and extend its influence across various industries, its balanced approach to growth and shareholder returns may ultimately prove even more rewarding for a broader base of investors.
