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.