2025 March Dividends.

 March 2025 has been an eventful month , offering a mix of triumphs and challenges. With the year-to-date (YTD) dividend income at $5,094.78, investors have achieved 22.18% of the ambitious 2025 goal of $22,978. This month presents insights into growing sectors, emerging contributors, and a few underperforming assets. Here’s a deep dive into the numbers and trends.

Here's the breakdown of dividends received in March 2025 by stock category, along with year-over-year differences for each:

1. Dividend Growth Stocks

These are stocks with consistent dividend increases over time, reflecting strong financial health and growth potential:

• Visa (V): $15.15 (+$1.89 from 2024)

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): $70.54 (+$5.04 from 2024)

• Chevron (CVX): $54.20 (+$4.71 from 2024)

• Microsoft (MSFT): $13.83 (+$1.41 from 2024)

• PepsiCo (PEP): $21.77 (+$2.09 from 2024)

2. High Dividend Yield Stocks

These stocks pay higher-than-average dividend yields, appealing for income-focused strategies:

• Broadcom (AVGO): $129.57 (+$15.74 from 2024)

• Aflac (AFL): $28.65 (+$4.45 from 2024)

• Discover Financial Services (DFS): $136.58 (+$2.83 from 2024)

• Union Pacific (UNP): $71.12 (+$3.65 from 2024)

3. Dividend Aristocrats

Stocks that have increased dividends for 25+ consecutive years:

• Target (TGT): $31.98 (+$1.48 from 2024)

• Realty Income (O): $12.03 (+$3.14 from 2024)

• 3M (MMM): $46.99 (-$48.51 from 2024) (experienced a significant decrease)

4. New or Emerging Contributors

Stocks or funds contributing dividends for the first time this year:

• Google (GOOG): $24.00 (new addition in 2025)

• SCHD ETF: $135.82 (+$104.81 from 2024)

5. Dividend Reduction or Elimination

These stocks saw declines or halted dividend payments:

• Barrick Gold (BTG): $0 (-$7.54 from 2024)

• BHP Group (BBL): $76.83 (-$28.59 from 2024)

• VF Corporation (VFC): $0 (unchanged at $0 since 2024)

6. Index and Mutual Funds

These funds provide diversified exposure and growing income:

• VMCPX: $529.47 (+$94.47 from 2024)

• VSCPX: $403.26 (+$109.59 from 2024)

• VIIIX: $268.88 (+$24.46 from 2024)

Key Takeaways

1. High Performers and Newcomers

• Top Dividend Growth: Stocks like LYB (+13.07), AVGO (+15.74), and HD (+10.39) led the charge with impressive dividend increases, highlighting strong corporate performance and commitment to shareholder returns.

• First-Time Contributors: Google entered the dividend portfolio for the first time, contributing $24, along with SCHD's dramatic leap (+104.81), showcasing its potential as a high-yield ETF.

2. Steady Climbers

Dividend stalwarts like Visa (+$1.89), Johnson & Johnson (+$5.04), and Chevron (+$4.71) continue to reward long-term investors with steady increases, reinforcing their role as cornerstones of the portfolio.

3. Challenges and Declines

• Dividend Reductions: Significant declines were observed for stocks like MMM (-$48.51) and BTG (-$7.54), raising concerns about their future contribution to portfolio stability.

• Discontinuation: BHP Group (BBL) saw a decline to $76.83, reflecting a downturn in its dividend payouts.

March’s Impact on the 2025 Dividend Goal

With a total YTD income of $5,094.78 against a target of $22,978, I  have made solid strides, though there is still a long way to go. 

Strategies Moving Forward

1. Double Down on High Performers: Increase stakes in consistent growers like LYB, CVX, and VMCPX to maximize returns.

2. Explore New Opportunities: Continue identifying emerging contributors like Google to diversify income streams.

March 2025 underscores the dynamic nature of dividend investing. From steady growth to unexpected challenges, the journey to financial independence continues to evolve. With careful planning and strategic adjustments, investors can confidently stride toward their dividend goals while navigating the ever-changing investment landscape.

Options Trading : A Comprehensive Review of Recent Transactions

This post delves into a series of trades involving put and call options, as well as a stock purchase, highlighting key aspects of each transaction and offering a comprehensive overview of the trading landscape.

Introduction to the Trades

Over the past few weeks, several transactions were executed across different assets, including TSLL, CAVA, SOUN, NVDL, and RDDT. These trades involved selling put options, buying a stock, and engaging in call option transactions. Each transaction offers a unique perspective on risk management, profit generation, and market positioning.

Transaction Breakdown

1. TSLL Put Options

• Strike Prices: $10 and $10.50

• Expiration Date: March 28

• Number of Contracts: 3 and 5, respectively

• Price per Contract: $0.28 for both

Selling put options on TSLL at these strike prices indicates a bullish or neutral stance on the stock, with the seller obligated to buy the shares if the options are exercised. The premiums received provide immediate income, contributing to overall trading profits.

2. CAVA Stock Purchase

• Symbol: CAVA

• Number of Shares: 1

• Price per Share: $90.45

This transaction involves buying a single share of CAVA stock, reflecting a long-term investment strategy or a speculative play based on market analysis.

3. SOUN Call Option

• Strike Price: $22

• Expiration Date: July 18

• Number of Contracts: 1

• Price per Contract: $0.66

Selling a call option on SOUN suggests a neutral or bearish outlook, as the seller is obligated to sell the shares at the strike price if the option is exercised. The premium received adds to trading income.

4. NVDL Put Options

• Strike Price: $41

• Expiration Date: March 21

• Number of Contracts: 1 (sold and bought)

Initially, selling a put option on NVDL generated income, but later buying a similar option closed the position. This strategy could be part of a hedging or speculative play, depending on market conditions.

5. RDDT Put Options

• Strike Price: $110

• Expiration Date: March 21

• Number of Contracts: 1 (sold and bought)

Similar to NVDL, selling a put option on RDDT initially generated significant income. However, buying back the option later closed the position, potentially as part of a risk management strategy.

Profit Analysis

To calculate the total profit from these transactions, we sum the profits from each:

• NVDL Put Options: Profit from selling ($97.92) minus loss from buying ($20.08) = $77.84

• RDDT Put Options: Profit from selling ($209.92) minus loss from buying ($154.08) = $55.84

Total Profit = $77.84 + $55.84 = $133.68

However, this calculation does not account for the CAVA stock purchase cost or any potential losses from the stock's price movement. Adjusting for the actual profit calculation provided earlier, which includes all fees and costs, the total profit is approximately $133.68.

Conclusion

These transactions demonstrate a mix of income generation through option premiums and strategic positioning in the market. They highlight the importance of risk management, as seen in the closing of positions on NVDL and RDDT. Understanding the dynamics of each trade can help traders refine their strategies and navigate complex market conditions effectively.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Always consult with a financial advisor before making trading decisions.

February 2025 Dividend Income Report

 February 2025 has brought another round of dividend payments, highlighting both promising growth and unexpected shifts. In this post, we'll share our detailed dividend income data, analyze key trends, and provide actionable insights for investors.

:

• : $765,62

• : $785,63

• : $20,01

• :

  • : Significant dividend increase indicates robust financial health and confidence in future growth.

  •  and CAT (+$7,17) continue their consistent growth trajectory.

• :

  •  experienced a substantial reduction in dividends this year; This is due to covered call that got called away.

• :

  • Companies such as CVS (+$0,81) and NNN (+$0,38) provided stable dividends with modest increases.

• :

• , which started paying dividends in February last year (2024), continues to provide incremental growth (+$1).

2025 Dividend Goal & progress:

• : As of March 8, 2025, the year-to-date (YTD) dividend income stands at $1,461.57, representing approximately 6.36% of the annual goal of $22,978.

• : Dividend payments received in February have contributed significantly to this total, showcasing a steady upward trajectory

Conclusion

The February dividends received in the year of February 2025 reflect a positive overall trend in dividend income despite individual fluctuations among specific stocks.

Stay tuned for next month's update as we continue tracking our dividend journey!