July 2024 Dividend Analysis:

 Introduction: July 2024 marked a significant milestone in our dividend portfolio, with total dividends received amounting to $749.59. This represents a substantial year-over-year growth of +27.53%, driven by strong performances from key holdings and the introduction of new contributors.

Key Growth Drivers: One of the standout performers was FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund), which delivered an impressive $138.38, reflecting robust market conditions. Similarly, MO (Altria Group) continued its strong performance, contributing $84.18. The addition of DOX (Amdocs) was a game-changer, adding $91.25 in its first-ever dividend payout.

Steady Performers: Companies like Coca-Cola (KO) and Realty Income (O) maintained their consistent growth patterns, contributing to the overall increase in dividends. Both companies are known for their reliable dividend policies, which continue to benefit the portfolio.

Challenges and Declines: However, not all was rosy. Ladder Capital (LADR), which had been a consistent contributor in previous years, saw its dividends drop to zero, signaling possible financial challenges. Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) also showed minimal growth, indicating a more cautious approach in the current economic climate.

SYMBOL	2021 July	2020 July	2022	2023	2024	Difference
KO	9.89	9.17	10.67	11.94	13	1.06
MO	48.88	36.3	56.7	72.21	84.18	11.97
VTR	15.15	15.15	15.64	16.29	16.94	0.65
O	6.31	6.22	7	8.03	10.35	2.32
LADR	4.67	4.07	5.49	6.67	0	-6.67
CSCO	32.82	30.91	35.72	38.9	42	3.1
BNS	41.9	37.69	48.8	48.06	48.88	0.82
NLY	12	12	13.42	10.96	12.59	1.63
CINF	35.65	33	39.87	44.47	49.42	4.95
STWD	56.64	56.64	61.09	67.4	74.12	6.72
AGNC	6.26	6.17	7.31	8.42	9.8	1.38
MO	8.71	7.81	9.79	11.11	12.66	1.55
IRM	6.17	5.74	6.5	6.84	7.47	0.63
FXAIX	90.52	89.45	106.71	113.29	138.38	25.09
DG	4.22	3.6	11.07	13.46	20.68	7.22
STWD	26.45	25.32	28.52	31.44	34.59	3.15
ITW	7.32	6.76	15.71	17.3	18.9	1.6
Fundrise	31.22	16.92	40.2	49.32	50.55	1.23
TROW	155.91		0	0	0	0
DOX	0	0	0	0	91.25	91.25
JPM	9.96	9.9	11.36	11.72	13.83	2.11
	610.65	416.32	531.57	587.83	749.59	161.76

Summary of the Data:

• Total for 2021 July: 610.65
• Total for 2020 July: 416.32
• Total for 2022: 531.57
• Total for 2023: 587.83
• Total for 2024: 749.59
• Total Difference: 161.76

2024 Dividend Goal Progress Summary

As of July 2024, your total dividends received amount to $9,663.29. Here’s how each month has contributed to this impressive figure:

• January: $572.46
• February: $765.00
• March: $3,116.15 (a standout month)
• April: $699.64
• May: $790.46
• June: $2,970.00
• July: $749.59

Key Observations:

1. March and June are the top-performing months so far, with March alone contributing over $3,000 in dividends.
2. June also saw a significant contribution of nearly $3,000, reflecting strong mid-year performance.
3. July marked a smaller increase, but it was still a solid month, adding $749.59 to the total.

Progress Towards 2024 Goal:

Your 2024 goal is 49.56% of your target, with the current total reaching $9,663.29. You’re making steady progress, and with five months left in the year, you’re well on your way to achieving, if not exceeding, your goal.

June Dividend Reflection - 2024

As June unfolds, marking the midpoint of the year, it’s an ideal time to take stock of our dividend journey. For dividend investors, June is not just another month; it’s a moment to reflect on the past six months, evaluate the performance of our investments, and set the stage for the remainder of the year.

Reflecting on June Dividends Across the Years

June is a significant month in our dividend calendar, and analyzing its performance over the past five years offers valuable insights into our portfolio's growth and stability. Here’s a look at the dividends received in June from 2020 to 2024 and what these figures reveal about our investment journey.

Dividends received in June are $2970

Stock	2020 June	2021 June	2022 June	2023 June	2024 June
AVGO	$17.44	$29.64	$46.00	$40.32	$46.94
PEP	$11.69	$12.29	$14.77	$19.26	$21.24
GILD	$29.46	$35.02	$39.53	$42.31	$45.19
LMT	$48.00	$64.84	$88.00	$78.88	$35.57
D	$21.92	$14.69	$16.08	$16.74	$17.66
Shel	$18.68	$20.52	$30.80	$36.78	$45.80
VFC	$25.68	$26.22	$27.53	$17.48	$0.00
FLO	$18.17	$19.08	$20.68	$22.34	$24.25
PRU	$20.44	$23.06	$25.33	$27.77	$30.39
LYB	$5.25	$10.74	$71.21	$31.68	$44.80
ED	$38.25	$39.15	$41.46	$43.93	$46.64
HSY	$23.65	$24.60	$28.09	$32.87	$44.48
TGT	$17.44	$17.66	$23.72	$29.20	$30.70
UPS	$11.11	$11.22	$17.10	$18.84	$19.73
AGNC	$6.17	$6.22	$7.24	$8.32	$9.68
JNJ	$51.55	$54.24	$59.30	$64.15	$68.87
AMGN	$40.55	$44.60	$50.75	$57.50	$62.85
HON	$18.00	$23.36	$25.16	$26.99	$28.92
DFS	$87.17	$92.90	$128.72	$153.60	$157.82
WMT	$9.23	$9.44	$10.32	$10.34	$12.41
SO	$22.94	$23.66	$26.73	$28.58	$30.29
AVGO	$22.75	$23.79	$66.36	$115.00	$137.13
TROW	$46.48	$56.13	$70.86	$78.96	$83.83
WFC	$55.65	$11.92	$5.93	$29.91	$45.03
ADM	$7.56	$7.88	$8.77	$10.13	$11.56
HD	$2.07	$2.60	$44.70	$69.12	$88.32
GILD	$24.48	$31.88	$34.81	$37.59	$40.14
VMCPX	$129.42	$144.48	$223.52	$312.00	$417.00
VSCPX	$69.70	$101.23	$250.54	$326.00	$367.75
VTMGX	$8.32	$42.77	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
AFL	$9.53	$12.22	$18.16	$19.98	$24.35
KR	$3.89	$4.37	$5.20	$6.57	$7.51
V	$7.51	$8.01	$9.45	$11.43	$13.28
VIMAX	$40.42	$89.35	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
MMM	$42.57	$58.91	$86.60	$101.06	$49.74
TGT	$22.07	$22.74	$30.54	$37.61	$39.22
FLO	$11.20	$11.96	$12.96	$14.00	$15.20
UL	$45.15	$52.40	$48.04	$51.44	$51.70
JNJ	$15.47	$17.30	$36.06	$39.01	$42.82
CVX	$34.17	$36.84	$40.85	$44.96	$50.02
MSFT	$8.25	$9.06	$10.11	$11.20	$12.43
O	$6.20	$6.28	$7.38	$7.98	$10.28
VIIIX			$68.34	$111.00	$159.48
SCHD	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$67.68	$125.45
VMCIX			$121.00	$219.61	$286.64
UNP	$47.08	$52.17	$64.61	$66.27	$67.83
Total Dividends	$1202.73	$1407.44	$2063.31	$2596.39	$2970.94

As we reach the halfway point of 2024, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our financial journey so far and assess our progress towards the annual goals we set at the beginning of the year. With $8,913.70 in dividends received from January to June, we’ve achieved significant milestones, representing approximately 45.71% of our ambitious 2024 goal.

2024 May Dividends

 As the month of May comes to a close, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the dividend distributions from a variety of prominent companies over the past four years. Dividends are a critical aspect of shareholder returns, often signaling a company’s financial health and its commitment to returning value to its investors.

Dividends received for the month of may are $790.45.

	2021	2022	2023	2024	Difference
SBUX	9.7	11.6571	13.44	14.775	1.335
RY	10.6	12.98	14.04	15.3775	1.3375
AMP	17.07	19.2	21.08	23.48	2.4
CAT	52.77	58.04	64.1	70.81	6.71
HRL	11.55	15.68	16.9525	17.98	1.0275
ABBV	73.85	86.5	94.4325	104.35	9.9175
NNN	3.63	3.88	4.22	4.58	0.36
AGNC	6.17	7.17	8.22	9.56	1.34
DE	23.01	27.07	32.6025	38.85	6.2475
GD	24.99	31.94	34.18	37.60	3.4225
T	53.56	31.27	30.8025	30.83	0.0275
AAPL	88.56	93.14	97.78	102.39	4.61333
O	6.26	7.35	7.95	8.990	1.0408
PG	22.95	26.5	28	28.51	0.51
T	54.48	30.83	32.65	34.95	2.3
VZ	17.52	47.28	66.98	82.79	15.81
CVS	25.38	28.56	32.18	37.95	5.77
MA	0.8	3.35	7.08	9.24	2.16
SBUX	13.23	16.17	20.42	26.78	6.36
BMY	0	48.88	52.775	61.9775	9.2025
SCHW	0	0	10.5	10.55	0.05
WRK	8.53	9.94	15.95	18.13	2.18
	524.61	617.3871	706.335	790.4566	84.12166

The data reveals a robust upward trend in dividends received, with the total dividends from the companies analyzed growing from $524.61 in May 2021 to $790.46 in May 2024. 

Key Insights:

1. Overall Growth in Dividends:

• The total dividends received in May increased each year from $524.61 in 2021 to $790.46 in 2024. This represents a total increase of $265.85 over the four years.
• The average annual increase across all companies is approximately $66.46, indicating a consistent growth trend in dividends.

May Dividend Comparison: 2023 vs. 2024

In analyzing the dividends received in May from 2023 to 2024, we observe substantial changes across various companies. This year-over-year comparison highlights growth patterns and identifies companies that have increased their payouts significantly over the past year.

Key Findings:

1. Overall Increase in Dividends:

   • The total dividends for all companies combined rose from $706.34 in May 2023 to $790.46 in May 2024. This represents an overall increase of $84.12, translating to a 11.9% growth in dividend payouts within a year.

2. Companies with Significant Dividend Growth:

   • VZ (Verizon): Demonstrated the most notable increase in dividends, rising from $66.98 in 2023 to $82.79 in 2024, an increase of $15.81. Added shares and DRIP last few quarters showed improvement
   • ABBV (AbbVie): Increased its dividend from $94.43 in 2023 to $104.35 in 2024, a rise of $9.92, or 10.5%. This substantial growth reflects AbbVie’s strong financial health and strategic dividend policy. Completely  Drip enabled on this one.
   • BMY (Bristol-Myers Squibb): Experienced a notable dividend increase from $52.78 in 2023 to $61.98 in 2024, up by $9.20, or 17.4%. This indicates a significant upward adjustment in their payout strategy.
   • CAT (Caterpillar): Saw a growth from $64.10 in 2023 to $70.81 in 2024, a $6.71 increase, marking a 10.5% rise. Caterpillar’s consistent dividend increases highlight its stable financial performance.

3. Moderate Dividend Increases:

   • DE (Deere & Company): Increased its dividends by $6.25, from $32.60 in 2023 to $38.85 in 2024, a 19.2% rise.
   • AAPL (Apple Inc.): Grew its dividend from $97.78 in 2023 to $102.39 in 2024, an increase of $4.61, or 4.7%, showing Apple’s steady approach to dividend growth.
   • GD (General Dynamics): Saw a rise of $3.42, from $34.18 in 2023 to $37.60 in 2024, a 10.0% increase, maintaining a strong dividend policy.
   • CVS (CVS Health): Increased its dividend from $32.18 in 2023 to $37.95 in 2024, a growth of $5.77, or 17.9%, reflecting its solid operational performance and financial stability.

4. Companies with Smaller Increases:

   • O (Realty Income Corporation): Grew from $7.95 in 2023 to $8.99 in 2024, a modest increase of $1.04, or 13.1%.
   • PG (Procter & Gamble): Had a slight increase of $0.51, from $28.00 in 2023 to $28.51 in 2024, marking a 1.8% rise.
   • NNN (National Retail Properties): Increased its dividend by $0.36, from $4.22 in 2023 to $4.58 in 2024, an 8.5% increase.

5. Minimal Changes:

• SCHW (Charles Schwab): Increased by only $0.05, from $10.50 in 2023 to $10.55 in 2024, showing almost no change.
• MA (Mastercard): Increased by $2.16, from $7.08 in 2023 to $9.24 in 2024, marking a 30.5% increase, albeit from a lower base.

2024 Dividend Goal:

Current Status:

• YTD Dividends Received (2024): $5,943.70
• Annual Dividend Goal for 2024: $19,500.00
• Progress Towards Goal: Approximately 30.47%

With a YTD dividend total of $5,943.70, investors have achieved about 30.47% of the annual goal of $19,500. This percentage reflects the dividends received from January to the end of May.

2024 April Dividends

 

Analyzing April Dividends: A Look at Dividend Growth from 2021 to 2024

As we progress through 2024, it's good to look back at the dividend trends over the past few years. The following analysis highlights the dividends received in April for various stocks from 2021 to 2024, along with the differences in these dividends over the period.

Dividend Growth Overview

Here's a detailed table showing the dividends received in April from 2021 to 2024, along with the growth difference for each stock symbol:

Stock Symbol	2021	2022	2023	2024	Difference
MO	22.02	26.62	28	39.57	11.57
JPM	9.9	11.27	11.635	13.75	2.115
MO	8.71	9.64	10.895	12.38	1.485
NLY	12	12.98	10.5975	12.175	1.5775
CINF	35.44	39.67	44.1725	49.1	4.9275
STWD	56.64	59.89	65.6075	72.32	6.7125
AGNC	6.17	7.11	8.12	9.44	1.32
DG	4.21	11.05	12.45	20.6	8.15
FXAIX	75.15	85.19	100.86	117.58	16.72
IRM	6.17	6.43	6.76	7.41	0.65
BCS	5.9	22.44	27.46	31.39	3.93
KO	9.39	10.56	10.63	12.89	2.26
WMT	9.4	10.28	11.4	12.36	0.96
VTR	15.15	15.53	15.75	16.77	1.02
LADR	4.67	4.91	6.44	7.2	0.76
O	6.26	7.33	7.08	8.91	1.83
CSCO	22.14	24.13	25.74	27.8	2.06
BNS	42.18	46.87	48	50	2
MO	25.98	28.8	37.63	42.76	5.13
CSCO	10.44	11.48	12.66	13.39	0.73
ITW	7.28	15.61	17.2	18.8	1.6
STWD	25.97	27.97	30.59	33.73	3.14
WDS	0	0	36	15	-21
Fundrise	25.7	48.77	50.14	54.31	4.17
	446.87	544.53	635.8175	699.635	63.8175

Key Insights

Top Performers

1. FXAIX:

   • 2021: $75.15
   • 2024: $117.58
   • Increase: $16.72

   FXAIX shows the highest growth, with a substantial increase of $16.72 over three years. This indicates strong performance and a robust investment return.

2. MO (First Entry):

   • 2021: $22.02
   • 2024: $39.57
   • Increase: $11.57

   Altria Group (MO) also demonstrates impressive growth, with dividends rising by $11.57.

3. DG:

   • 2021: $4.21
   • 2024: $20.60
   • Increase: $8.15

   Dollar General (DG) has shown significant growth in dividends, reflecting its expanding market presence and profitability.

Consistent Performers

1. STWD:

   • 2021: $56.64
   • 2024: $72.32
   • Increase: $6.71

   Starwood Property Trust (STWD) maintains steady growth, a sign of stability in the real estate sector.

2. CINF:

   • 2021: $35.44
   • 2024: $49.10
   • Increase: $4.93

   Cincinnati Financial (CINF) continues to provide reliable returns, indicating its solid position in the financial sector.

3. Fundrise:

   • 2021: $25.70
   • 2024: $54.31
   • Increase: $4.17

   Fundrise shows a consistent increase, representing the benefits of investing in real estate crowdfunding.

Areas of Concern

1. WDS:

   • 2021: $0.00
   • 2024: $15.00
   • Decrease: $-21.00

   Despite having no dividends in the initial years and a substantial increase in 2023, Woodside Petroleum (WDS) experienced a sharp decline by 2024, indicating potential volatility or market challenges.

2. IRM and WMT:

   • IRM: Increase of $0.65
   • WMT: Increase of $0.96

   These stocks show minimal growth, which could suggest limited dividend growth potential or a conservative dividend policy.

Tracking Dividend Income: Achieving the 2024 Goal

As we progress through 2024, tracking our monthly dividend income is essential for understanding our investment performance and working towards our annual financial goals. Here’s a detailed look at the dividend income received so far this year and our progress towards the 2024 target.

Monthly Dividend Income in 2024

Below is the dividend income received from January to April 2024:

Month	2024
Jan	572.46
Feb	765.00
Mar	3116.15
Apr	699.64

Progress Towards 2024 Goal

Our goal for 2024 is to achieve a total dividend income of $19,500. Given the current YTD total income of $5153.24, we can calculate the remaining amount needed and assess our progress.

$$\text{Remaining Income Needed}=\text{Goal}-\text{YTD Income}=19500-5153.24=14346.76$$

To understand our progress better, we can break it down into monthly targets for the rest of the year.

Monthly Targets for the Rest of the Year

With 8 months remaining, here’s the average monthly dividend income needed to meet the goal:

$$\text{Average Monthly Income Needed}=\frac{\text{Remaining Income Needed}}{\text{Months Remaining}}=\frac{14346.76}{8}=1793.345$$

Analysis and Insights

1. YTD Performance:

   • The total income up to April is $5153.24, which is 26.42% of our annual goal of $19,500.

2. Monthly Breakdown:

   • January: $572.46, providing a modest start to the year.
   • February: $765.00, showing a significant increase.
   • March: $3116.15, indicating a remarkable spike, possibly due to quarterly or special dividends.
   • April: $699.64, a slight decrease but still maintaining a healthy dividend income.

Strategic Actions Moving Forward

To ensure we reach our annual goal, we can adopt several strategies:

1. Reinvest Dividends:

   • Utilize dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) to purchase more shares, compounding income over time.

2. Diversify Holdings:

   • Spread investments across various sectors to mitigate risks and capitalize on different growth opportunities.

3. Focus on High-Yield Stocks:

   • Include high-yield dividend stocks in the portfolio to boost overall income.

4. Monitor and Adjust:

   • Regularly review the portfolio to identify underperforming stocks and reallocate investments as needed.

5. Stay Informed:

   • Keep abreast of market trends and company performance to make informed investment decisions.

Conclusion

With $5153.24 in dividend income accumulated by April, we need to focus on generating an average of $1793.345 per month for the rest of the year to reach our 2024 goal of $19,500. This challenge requires strategic investment choices, reinvestment of dividends, and diversification of holdings.