It pays dividends to check out data in reports

For investors in equities there is nothing quite as important as notification that a hard dividend payment has been deposited into their accounts.

That transaction goes to the heart of what prudent and conservative investors should value most when managing and developing a portfolio of shares.

Yet, dividends are often left at the bottom of many media reports when companies release their results. Sales momentum, operating profits and news about corporate acquisitions and disposals tend to dominate the headlines. For those who care more about creating long-term shareholder value I always advise a close eye on the paragraph covering dividends.