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.

August Dividends Received 2024

 As we step into the latter half of 2024, it's time to reflect on the dividends received in August and how they compare to previous years. This year has been particularly interesting, with several stocks showing significant changes in their dividend payouts. Let's dive into the details and explore the trends and insights from the August dividends of 2024.

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

Year-Over-Year Growth Highlights:

1. 2020-2021 Growth: +19.54%

   • The portfolio grew significantly in 2021 with dividends increasing from $478.57 to $572.00. Notable contributors like T (AT&T) and ABBV (AbbVie) helped drive this growth.

2. 2021-2022 Growth: +10.58%

   • In 2022, the portfolio saw continued growth with dividend increases across key holdings like BMY (Bristol-Myers Squibb) and CAT (Caterpillar).

3. 2022-2023 Growth: +10.23%

   • By 2023, the portfolio showed resilience with steady growth, as dividend payouts from AAPL (Apple) and PG (Procter & Gamble) increased significantly, reflecting the portfolio's stability.

4. 2023-2024 Growth: +16.29%

   • The jump in dividends from $697.33 in 2023 to $810.91 in 2024 is one of the largest gains in recent years. Strong performances from VZ (Verizon) (+$15.90), SBUX (Starbucks) (+$6.89), and CAT (Caterpillar) (+$7.25) were major contributors to this growth.

Key Dividend Performers in 2024:

• VZ (Verizon): Strong growth with a +23% increase, contributing $85.61.
• ABBV (AbbVie): Continued solid growth with an +8.89% increase, adding $105.35.
• SBUX (Starbucks): Added $29.42 with a growth of +30.6%.
• CAT (Caterpillar): An increase of +10.38% with dividends rising to $77.08.

Conclusion:

The consistent dividend growth over the last five years reflects a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The August 2024 dividends of $810.91 show a remarkable overall growth of +69.45% compared to August 2020. Key contributors, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and consumer goods, have been the driving forces behind this success. As the portfolio continues to grow, the focus on high-quality dividend-paying stocks is paying off, with strong potential for continued growth in the future.

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.

2024 March Dividend Income

It's a testament to the power of dividend investing and the potential for generating passive income from your investments. It seems like you have a well-diversified portfolio with holdings across various stocks or funds that pay dividends. Receiving $3116 in dividends in a single month can provide a significant boost to your income or can be reinvested to further grow your portfolio. Keep up the good work in managing your investments!

In March 2024, the financial world witnessed a notable surge in dividend payouts across various stocks. This surge underscored the enduring appeal of dividends as a key component of wealth generation for investors.

The table below outlines the dividend payments received for select stocks during March 2024:

Stock symbol	2021	2022	2023	2024	Difference 2024-2023
V	8.01	9.43	11.4	13.26	1.86
SO	22.94	25.04	27.48	29.16	1.68
JNJ	16.48	33.62	36.77	40.79	4.02
CVX	35.46	40.52	44.55	49.49	4.94
TGT	22.74	30.41	37.36	38.96	1.6
MSFT	9.06	10.09	11.17	12.42	1.25
MMM	2.96	9.02	11.05	11.62	0.57
O	6.24	6.79	7.87	8.89	1.02
BTG	7	7.19	7.44	7.54	0.1
BBL	129.78	207.63	131.78	105.42	-26.36
TROW	55.78	70.31	78.05	82.99	4.94
UNP	47.08	58.39	65	67.4675	2.4675
AVGO	7.2	8.44	18.4	22.3425	3.9425
WFC	2.01	5.9	7.48	8.99	1.51
ADM	7.83	8.72	10.07	11.46	1.39
MMM	55.51	69.37	88.42	95.5	7.08
BBL	6.06	10.04	6.65	0	-6.65
WFC	5.87	14.81	18.19	21.87	3.68
WFC	3.72	9.4	11.54	13.88	2.34
KR	4.37	5.18	6.53	7.46	0.93
AFL	12.22	18.05	19.86	24.2	4.34
DFS	79.22	91.1	111.705	133.75	22.045
DFS	13.63	15.73	19.29	23.105	3.815
AMGN	44.6	50.33	56.99	62.25	5.26
JNJ	51.55	55.28	60.47	65.5	5.03
AGNC	6.17	7.04	8.03	8	-0.03
LMT	0	16.93	25.16	35.32	10.16
FLO	11.3	12.27	13.29	14.42	1.13
HD	2.29	24.12	63.85	81.52	17.67
HON	23.36	25.03	26.86	28.77	1.91
UPS	11.22	16.97	18.67	19.5	0.83
PRU	23.06	25.05	27.365	30	2.635
TGT	17.66	23.62	29.2	30.5	1.3
LYB	9.88	12.45	30.01	35.11	5.1
HSY	24.6	27.97	32.73	44.17	11.44
ED	39.15	41.1	43.56	46.22	2.66
KTB	2.85	3.35	3.67	3.98	0.31
FLO	18.17	19.57	21.1925	23.01	1.8175
D	14.69	15.95	16.54	17.42	0.88
VFC	26.22	27.29	17.24	0	-17.24
VTMGX	20.11	11.01	0	0	0
VMCIX	70	121.9	193.95	291.8	97.85	Replaced old VIMAX
VIIIX	0	148.93	186.4	244.42	58.02
UL	52.2	50.85	49.55	52.2025	2.6525
VMCPX	131.45	151.66	290.84	435	144.16
VSCPX	102.27	103.78	319.56	293.67	-25.89
LMT	64.18	71.46	78.33	84.4775	6.1475
AVGO	18.89	59.16	91.66	113.83	22.17
GILD	29.82	34.39	37.25	39.72	2.47
SHEL	19.84	29.3	36.41	42.6125	6.2025
GILD	33.59	38.57	41.92	44.715	2.795
PEP	11.69	13.72	17.4225	19.6825	2.26
SCHD	0	0	0	31.01
AVGO	18.99	33.15	38.39	46.75	8.36
	1460.97	2037.38	2664.565	3116.145	451.58

Comparing 2023 VS 2024

1. Overall Increase: The total dividends received in 2024 ($3116.145) surpassed those of 2023 ($2664.565) by $451.58, indicating an overall uptrend in dividend payouts during this period.

2. Positive Growth: Many stocks experienced growth in dividend payments from 2023 to 2024, reflecting improved financial performance and increased shareholder value. For example, stocks like JNJ, CVX, TGT, MSFT, O, BTG, TROW, UNP, AVGO, ADM, AFL, DFS, AMGN, LMT, FLO, HD, HON, UPS, PRU, LYB, HSY, ED, KTB, D, VMCPX, GILD, SHEL, PEP, and SCHD all saw increases in dividend payouts during this period.

3. Substantial Increases: Certain stocks witnessed significant jumps in dividend payments, indicating robust performance or enhanced dividend policies. Notable examples include DFS (with a $22.045 increase), VMCPX (with a $144.16 increase), HD (with a $17.67 increase), and AVGO (with a $22.17 increase).

1. Overall Summary:

   • Total dividends received in 2021: $1460.97
   • Total dividends received in 2022: $2037.38
   • Total dividends received in 2023: $2664.565
   • Total dividends received in 2024: $3116.145
   • Difference between total dividends in 2024 and 2023: $451.58 (indicating an overall increase in dividend payouts from 2023 to 2024)

2. Trends:

• Overall, there's a general trend of increasing dividends over the years for most stocks.
• Some stocks show significant increases in dividends from 2023 to 2024, while others show smaller or negative changes.