Why are dividends distributed by non-US companies often lower than those declared?

The amount of dividends you receive is also affected by the country of origin of the company distributing the dividends. This is because non-US company stocks are traded through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). ADRs allow investors to own shares of foreign companies without having to trade on a local exchange in local currency.

For example, stocks that are not US companies such as CNQ, EC, GRAB, SEA, etc. will apply additional withholding tax and other fees according to the regulations of the company's country of origin, so that the gross dividends given will be lower than those announced..