UK dividends ended 2025 on firmer ground

Headline totals softened as one‑off specials fell, but regular dividends grew and Q4 finished strong. Our Q4 2025 UK Dividend Monitor explains what changed – and what’s next.

Key highlights:​

  • Headline: £87.5bn for 2025 (–0.9%) ; specials £2.9bn (about half the 10‑year average)
  • Underlying: +3.6% (Q4 +2.1%) on a constant‑currency basis
  • Buybacks: £63.6bn in 2025; strong preference for repurchases persist
  • Leaders: Industrials and financials; mid‑caps +5.4% vs top 100 +3.4% (underlying)
  • Yield: UK equities projected to yield ~3.3% over the next 12 months 
  • Outlook 2026: Headline £88.8bn (+1.5%). underlying +2.0% 

“2025 reminded us that headline totals don’t always tell the whole story. Underneath, regular dividends strengthened, sectors stabilised and Q4 showed clear signs of momentum.”

Mark Cleland

Mark Cleland
CEO of Governance Services and CEO of Issuer Services UCIA

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