Just in case the mainstream media's "record profit" narrative takes a hit during Q1 earnings announcements (which has a very good chance of happening [4]), and you have to actually put some analysis together when buying stocks, here is a breakdown of the S&P 500's dividend paying companies that you may want to take a look at.
First, the top 20 S&P 500 companies by Declared Dividend
Next, the top 20 S&P 500 companies by Dividend Yield
And finally, the top 20 S&P 500 companies by Dividend Payout Ratio (Note that it would be wise to study these a bit more closely, as this is a ratio of the most recent dividends paid out vs. earnings per share. A ratio of 100% or greater means that all earnings were paid out in the form of dividends. Any decline in earnings would mean they'd have to chip away at any cash already on the balance sheet, and probably is not sustainable over any lengthly period of time.)
Here's looking at you Bank of America, paying out 486% more than you earn (but Brian Moynihan promises that no additional capital is required, so please buy the stock)
Source: Bloomberg