U.K. dividend payouts soared by 25% in the first quarter of 2012 to reach £18.8bn ($30bn), according to the latest Dividend Monitor report from Capita Registrars, which analyses data provided by Exchange Data International.

In total, British firms paid out £3.8bn ($6.1bn) more than the same period in 2011, making 2012 a record for the first quarter.

Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/5187...0bn-in-q1-2012