Fijian companies listed on the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) have declared a total of FJ$43 million in dividends from January to April 2025, signaling a robust start to the year and a continued commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

This figure represents a remarkable 116% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when total declared dividends stood at FJ$19.95 million.

Notably, the current year’s declared amount has already surpassed half of the FJ$76 million distributed across all of 2024 — the highest annual dividend payout on record for the SPX.

Sheraj Obeyesekere, Chief Executive Officer of SPX, praised the ongoing strength of the Fijian stock market, emphasizing the role of dividends in investor returns.

“The Fijian stock market has long demonstrated a strong culture of rewarding shareholders through consistent dividend payments,” Obeyesekere said.

“In addition to capital gains, where investors benefit by selling shares at a higher price than they purchased, dividends form a key part of the return for investors. The Fijian market benefits from companies that regularly prioritize shareholder returns,” he added.

He further highlighted the long-term value offered by SPX-listed firms, noting that as of the end of 2024, more than FJ$1 billion in dividends have been paid out since 2000.

This milestone underscores the enduring appeal of the stock market for investors seeking steady income and capital appreciation.

Obeyesekere encouraged the Fijian public to explore stock market investment as a means of building long-term wealth.

Dividends, typically drawn from a company’s profits, are payments made to shareholders as a way to share earnings and reward investment. For many investors, they form a stable and predictable source of income, complementing the potential for capital gains.

The surge in dividend declarations early in 2025 reflects strong corporate performance and investor confidence in Fiji’s capital markets.