Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 29th. Apple has increased its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 14 years. Apple has a dividend payout ratio of 13.3% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Apple in a research note on Friday. Raymond James Financial reissued a “market perform” rating on shares of Apple in a research note on Friday, January 2nd.