Looking at dividends received though the month and summarizing the numbers at the end of the month is such a great feeling because dividends represent real tangible income. I started focusing on dividend investing early last year and therefore, this is going to be the first full year where I can see the benefits of investments from last year. Starting this blog and documenting my progress has been really a great factor to keep me focused on investing regularly and aggressively. So let’s take a look at the dividends received in April 2015.
After a record-setting month in March, I was looking forward to April’s dividends. Typically 1st my dividends are highest in 1st month of the quarter, but after looking at March’s record numbers, I realized that 1st month of the quarter won’t be high anymore. But I was still looking forward to the numbers to see what I earned for the month.
Here are the dividends for April 2015. Total = $254.65
- Aetna Inc (AET) – $2.50
- General Electric Company (GE) – $86.25
- Hewlett-Packard Company (HPQ) – $32.80
- Altria Group Inc (MO) – $39.00
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc (WMT) – $3.13
- Philip Morris International Inc (PM) – $50.00
- Baxter International Inc (BAX) – $13.00
- The Coca-Cola Co (KO) – $7.11
- GlaxoSmithKline plc ADR (GSK) – $20.86
Here is how April 2015 ($254.65) compares with previous months.
- April 2014: $174.02, increased by $80.63, 46.33% increase.
- January 2015: $235.85, increased by $18.80, 7.97% increase.
Here are some charts looking at dividend growth over the years 🙂
The below chart shows March dividends over the years. Looking forward to seeing this chart go higher and higher.
The below chart shows the dividends that I have received until April each year. By April last year, I had received $420.48 and it has grown to $851.92 this year. That’s more than double 🙂
The below chart represents the total annual dividends. Looking at the numbers below, I have received little over 53% of my entire 2014 dividends in just 4 months in 2015. That’s really impressive.
Progress for 2015:
With April dividends of $254.65, I have received 34.07% of my 2015 target of $2,500.00. As of now, I am on pace to meet the goal and with increased dividends due to dividend increases and new investments, I will be meeting this goal earlier that the end of the year. I will be reviewing the goals mid-year to see if it needs to be revised.
The dividends page will be updated to reflect the April dividends.
Disclosure: Long on all stocks mentioned above.
Dividend Growth Journey 
Fantastic progress over the years, DGJ. Keep up the great work!
Congrats on the dividend income
R2R
Thanks R2R. Looking forward for the graphs to go even higher.
DGJ
DGJ,
Great month and year so far. Definitely sounds like the goals will be raised after your mid-year review. Definitely enjoy all of the visuals. Keep up the great work.
All the best.
FD
Thanks FD. Yes. It looks like the dividend goal might need to be revisited soon. Planning to do a mid-year review at the end of June and see where I stand.
DGJ
Hi DGJ,
Three great charts and also three incentives to keep the ball rolling – congrats!
Are you saying now that the 3rd month of the quarter is going to be your highest month going forward? It’s the same for me – so many companies pay on the 3rd month schedule that your portfolio is naturally going to lean that way as the number of stocks increases.
Keep up the great work!
Best wishes,
-DL
Thanks DL. Yes. From now on, it looks like the 3rd month will be the highest month. Will have to wait and see how the new investments play out. But like you mentioned, lot of companies pay out in the 3rd qtr.
DGJ
I really like your charts — they give a great perspective on your progress. Keep up the good work and congratulations on a solid month!
Thanks FerdiS. The charts are a quick to convey the message and pretty too 🙂
DGJ
Great month and year so far! Congratulations! I like how you compare the dividend income year over year and month over month. It’s an awesome way to keep record on the DGI progress.
Keep up the good work.
All the best,
MU
Thanks MU.
Comparing to the most recent quarter gives the recent performance improvement and helps to drive the growth faster. Comparing YoY will almost always result in an increase (due to div increases) even if new investments aren’t made. So QoQ will help in that regard.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Regards,
DGJ