Dividend Income Update: Shell & Barclays (BCS)

 Investing in dividend-paying stocks continues to be a cornerstone of my financial strategy. This week, I received dividends from two well-established companies: Shell and Barclays (BCS). Here’s a breakdown and some insights into what this means for my portfolio and future growth.

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Dividends Received This Week:

• Shell (SHEL): $46.24
  Shell, a global leader in energy, continues to be a reliable source of dividend income. The company's strong commitment to shareholders is evident in its consistent payouts, and this week I added $46.24 from my Shell holdings. Shell has maintained solid earnings, even during market volatility, making it a core position in my portfolio.

• Barclays (BCS): $18.35
  Barclays, one of the UK's largest financial institutions, deposited $18.35 into my account this week. Though smaller than my Shell dividend, it’s a testament to the power of diversification. Having financial sector exposure through a global player like Barclays helps cushion my portfolio against sector-specific risks.

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Total Dividends This Week: $64.59

The combined dividends this week total $64.59. While this might not seem huge in the grand scheme, every dollar counts when building a stream of passive income. Small, consistent wins like this can have a significant compounding effect over time, especially when reinvested.

Recent Buy--NVDA,LMT

On September 4th, I made several notable purchases in the stock market, focusing on NVIDIA (NVDA) and Lockheed Martin (LMT). Here's a detailed breakdown of these transactions:

NVIDIA (NVDA) Purchases

1. $100 at $107.12/share

   • Number of Shares Purchased: 0.933
   • Total Investment: $100
   • Average Price per Share: $107.12

2. $500 at $109.13/share

   • Number of Shares Purchased: 4.585
   • Total Investment: $500
   • Average Price per Share: $109.13

3. $107.08 at $109.21/share

   • Number of Shares Purchased: 0.981
   • Total Investment: $107.08
   • Average Price per Share: $109.21

4. $500 at $109.01/share

   • Number of Shares Purchased: 4.596
   • Total Investment: $500
   • Average Price per Share: $109.01

Total NVIDIA Investment: $1,207.16
Total Number of Shares Purchased: 10.095

Analysis:
NVIDIA, a leading player in the tech and semiconductor sector, has been a significant part of my investment strategy. The purchases made on September 4th indicate a belief in NVIDIA's continued growth and performance. By averaging in at different price points, I aim to mitigate the impact of short-term price fluctuations and capture a better overall average cost per share.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) Purchase

1. $100 at $573.26/share
   • Number of Shares Purchased: 0.174
   • Total Investment: $100
   • Average Price per Share: $573.26

Total Lockheed Martin Investment: $100
Total Number of Shares Purchased: 0.174

Analysis:
Lockheed Martin, a key player in the defense and aerospace industry, represents a strategic investment in a sector with stable demand and government contracts. The purchase reflects confidence in the company's strong position and growth prospects in a crucial industry.

August 2024 Dividends Analysis: A Remarkable Peak in Dividend Income

 This month’s total dividends reached an impressive $810.91, reflecting a significant +16.27% increase compared to the previous year.

Stock	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Difference 2024 -2023
T	104	109.82	62.1	33.18	66.36	33.18
VZ	16.61	23.17	49.48	69.71	85.61	15.9
CVS	23	25.54	28.73	33.66	38.42	4.76
MA	0.52	0.88	4.03	7.65	9.26	1.61
SBUX	11.95	13.29	18.13	22.53	29.42	6.89
WRK	7.05	8.57	10	16.1	18.24	2.14
BMY	0	29.4	48.88	57	62.81	5.81
GD	19.16	29.64	32.11	34.395	37.79	3.395
ABBV	61.36	74.68	87.3	96.75	105.35	8.6
NNN	3.28	3.75	4.07	4.39	4.77	0.38
HRL	10.96	11.61	15.7612	17.07	18.12	1.05
SBUX	8.83	9.73	11.74	13.5	14.8825	1.3825
DE	19.43	23.01	29.21	32.71	39	6.29
AGNC	6.17	6.3	7.39	8.53	9.92	1.39
CAT	52.77	57.11	63.27	69.83	77.08	7.25
RY	8.17	10.22	13.69	14.51	16.01	1.5
AAPL	82.52	88.71	93.29	97.91	102.53	4.62
O	6.22	6.33	7.45	8.06	10.4	2.34
AMP	15.71	17.15	19.28	21.1725	23.56	2.3875
SCHW	0	0	0	10.5	10.5	0
PG	20.86	23.09	26.67	28.17	30.88	2.71
Total	478.57	572	632.5812	697.3275	810.9125	113.585

Key Highlights

1. AT&T (T): A Remarkable Recovery

   • 2023: $33.18
   • 2024: $66.36 (+100.1%)
   • AT&T’s dividends saw a dramatic recovery, doubling its payout from the previous year. This impressive increase is a positive signal of the company’s renewed financial stability and commitment to shareholders.

2. Verizon (VZ): Consistent Growth

   • 2023: $69.71
   • 2024: $85.61 (+22.81%)
   • Verizon continued its trend of reliable dividend growth, with a notable increase of +22.81%. This steady performance reinforces Verizon’s role as a strong, stable income generator in the portfolio.

3. Starbucks (SBUX): Exceptional Performance

   • 2023: $22.53
   • 2024: $29.42 (+30.6%)
   • Starbucks delivered one of the most significant increases of the month, with a +30.6% rise in dividends. This boost reflects the company's strong operational performance and its commitment to rewarding investors.

4. AbbVie (ABBV): Steady and Strong

   • 2023: $96.75
   • 2024: $105.35 (+8.9%)
   • AbbVie’s dividends grew by +8.9%, maintaining its status as a reliable dividend payer. This consistent growth showcases AbbVie’s robust financial health and its dedication to delivering value to shareholders.

5. Caterpillar (CAT): Robust Growth

• 2023: $69.83
• 2024: $77.08 (+10.3%)
• Caterpillar’s dividend increase of +10.3% underscores its continued success in the industrial sector, contributing positively to the overall portfolio performance.

2024 Year-to-Date (YTD) Dividend Summary

As of August 2024, your total dividends received stand at $10,474.20. Your goal for the year is to reach $19,500 in total dividends, putting you at 53.71% of your target.

Here’s a breakdown of your progress so far:

Year	YTD Dividends	Goal	Progress (%)
2024	$10,474.20	$19,500	53.71%

Key Observations:

• Strong Start: With just over half of the year completed, you've already achieved more than 50% of your annual goal.
• Momentum: The significant dividend payouts in March and June have contributed to your strong year-to-date progress. August’s growth further bolstered this, pushing your YTD total past the halfway mark.

Focus for the Remaining Months:

With four months remaining, maintaining or increasing the current dividend momentum will be crucial to reaching your goal of $19,500. If your portfolio continues growing at the current pace, you’re well-positioned to exceed your target for 2024.