Loyal3 Purchases - 12/01

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 12/01.

I decided to invest $300 this week and may do the same the remaining weeks this year. Its a safer option dollar cost averaging instead of committing funds to a single purchase.
 
12/01:
Macys Inc. (M) - 2.5491 shares @$39.23 ($100). Yield = 3.67%
Target Corp. (TGT) - 1.3772 shares @$72.61 ($100). Yield = 3.08%
PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) - 0.9907 shares @$100.94 ($100). Yield = 2.78%


$300 of new capital invested and adding $9.54 to my annual dividend income.


These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $1,020.28.

Dividend Income Update - November 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

November 2015 Dividends -  

Apple Inc (AAPL) - $15.60
AT&T Inc (T) - $23.50
Kinder Morgan Inc (KMI) - $35.70
Proctor & Gamble Co. (PG) - $13.26
Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) - $26.38
AbbVie  Inc (Abbv) - $9.18
HCP Inc (HCP) - $16.95
Starbucks Corp (SBUX) - $1.04

Total dividends received during the month of November 2015 = $141.61. 
This has been a 507% increase as compared to dividend earnings in November 2014 of $23.30.

One of my goals is to receive $400 in dividend income during this calendar year. I've now received $496.69 in the first 11 months. I have crushed my goal!!
There is another month and I should cross $520 + 

Thanks for reading!

Loyal3 Purchases - 11/17 and 11/24

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 11/17 and 11/24.

11/17:
Microsoft Corp (MSFT) - 1.8730 shares @$53.39 ($100). Yield = 2.69%
Macys Inc. (M) - 2.5914 shares @$38.59 ($100). Yield = 3.73%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.42 to my annual dividend income.
Added to existing positions in Microsoft and Macy's.


11/24:
Unilever PLC (UL) - 2.3213 shares @$43.08 ($100). Yield = 3.13%
Macys Inc. (M) - 2.5176 shares @$39.72 ($100). Yield = 3.62%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.75 to my annual dividend income.
Added to existing positions in Macy's Inc and Unilever PLC.


These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $1,010.74.

Loyal3 Purchases - 11/03 and 11/10

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 11/03 and 11/10.

11/03:
PEP - 0.9916 shares @$100.85 ($100). Yield = 2.78%
WMT - 1.7227 shares @$58.05 ($100). Yield = 3.37%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.16 to my annual dividend income.
Added to existing positions in PepsiCo and Wal-Mart.


11/10:
Microsoft Corp (MSFT) - 1.8643 shares @$53.64 ($100). Yield = 2.68%
Unilever PLC (UL) - 2.3496 shares @$42.56 ($100). Yield = 3.17%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $5.85 to my annual dividend income.
Added to existing positions in Microsoft Corp. and Unilever PLC.

These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $997.57

Dividend Income Update - October 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

October 2015 Dividends -  

Coca-Cola Co (KO) - $1.70
Macy's Inc (M) - $5.40
W.P.Carey Inc (WPC) - $15.28
Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) - $7.98
General Electric Co (GE) - $2.30


Total dividends received during the month of October: $32.66. This is lower than the previous quarter where earnings was $41.21 (due to Disney payment) 

One of my goals is to receive $400 in dividend income during this calendar year. I've now received $355.08 in the first 10 months. This is approximately 88% of my goal. 

Thanks for reading!

Dividend Increase - ETP, SBUX, ABBV

I track dividend increases for stocks that I own. 
A dividend increase means more money every quarter and therefore yearly. It translates to additional dividend income.

Energy Transfer Partners (ETP)
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP) announced on Monday, 10/26/2015 a $0.02 (or 1.9%) increase in its quarterly distribution to $1.055 per ETP common unit ($4.22 annualized) for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015.

This marks the ninth consecutive quarter that ETP has raised its distribution. The cash distribution will be paid on November 16, 2015 to unit holders of record as of the close of business on November 5, 2015.

I own 25 ETP shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $2.00 to $980.41.


Starbucks (SBUX)

Starbucks Corp (SBUX) announced a 25% increase in its cash dividend on Thursday, 10/29/2015. The quarterly cash dividend will increase from $ 0.16 to $ 0.20 per share and payable on Nov 27, 2015 to shareholders on record as of Nov 12, 2015. The annual dividend rate goes up from $ 0.64 to $ 0.80. 

I own 5.2111 SBUX shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $0.83 to $981.24.


AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)

AbbVie announced an approximately 12% increase in its cash dividend on Friday, 10/30/2015. The quarterly cash dividend will increase from $0.51 to $0.57 per share beginning with the dividend payable on February 16, 2016 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2016. 


I own 18 ABBV shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $4.32 to $985.56.

Loyal3 Purchases - 10/27

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 10/27.

10/27:
WMT - 1.7349 shares @$57.64 ($100). Yield = 3.40%
SBUX - 1.5959 shares @$62.66 ($100). Yield = 1.02%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $4.42 to my annual dividend income.
I will continue to add Wal-Mart under $60 - $62.
These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $978.41

Dividend Increase - KMI

I track dividend increases for stocks that I own. 
A dividend increase means more money every quarter and therefore yearly. It translates to additional dividend income.

Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI)
Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) today announced that its board of directors approved an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.51 ($2.04 annualized) payable on Nov. 13, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 2, 2015. This represents a 16 percent increase over the third quarter 2014 dividend of $0.44 per share ($1.76 annualized) and is up from $0.49 per share ($1.96 annualized) for the second quarter of 2015. This is KMI’s 15th quarterly dividend raise since it went public in February 2011.

Dividend Yield: 6.98%
Annual Payout: $2.04 (Paid Quarterly)
Payout Ratio: 283.3% (EPS: $0.72)
Dividend Growth: 4 years (Since 2011) 

I own 70 KMI shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $5.60 to $973.99.

Loyal3 Purchases - 10/20

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 10/20.

10/20:
TGT - 1.3414 shares @$74.55 ($100). Yield = 3%
WMT - 1.7007 shares @$58.80 ($100). Yield = 3.33%
$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.33 to my annual dividend income.


Target Corporation (TGT) is a new position. Loyal3 provides investors an opportunity to buy positions in many a dividend aristocrat. 
Target has continuously increased its dividend payout every year for the past 47 years. 

Also added to my position in Wal-Mart after the quarterly results.


These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $968.39

Recent Buy - ETP

I purchased 25 shares of Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) on 10/16/15 for $46.719 per share. Total spend including a $7 transaction fee = $1,174.98. 

This is a new position and the intention is to buy another 25 shares if ever I get a lower price.

Dividend Yield = 8.86%
Annual Payout = $4.14
Payout Ratio = 517.5%
Dividend Growth = 2 years
52 Week High = 11/18/2014| 69.66
% Off 52 Week High = (32.74)%
Beta (5 Yr) = 1.04
Payable = $1.035 - QRTR



Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (NYSE:ETP) is a master limited partnership owning and operating one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States. ETP's subsidiaries include Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP (the successor of Southern Union Company) and Lone Star NGL LLC, which owns and operates natural gas liquids storage, fractionation and transportation assets. In total, ETP currently owns and operates approximately 62,500 miles of natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines. ETP also owns the general partner, 100% of the incentive distribution rights, and approximately 67.1 million common units in Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE:SXL), which operates a geographically diverse portfolio of crude oil and refined products pipelines, terminalling and crude oil acquisition and marketing assets. Additionally, ETP owns approximately 51% of the limited partner interests in Sunoco LP (formerly Susser Petroleum Partners LP) (NYSE:SUN), a wholesale fuel distributor and convenience store operator. ETP's general partner is owned by Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE:ETE).

This purchase adds $103.50 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $1.035 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $962.06 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Loyal3 Purchases - 10/13

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 10/13.

10/13:
I opened new positions in Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and PepsiCo Inc (PEP).

MSFT - 2.1250 shares @$47.06 ($100). Yield = 3.06%
PEP - 1.0152 shares @$98.50 ($100). Yield = 2.82%
$200 of new capital invested and adding $5.91 to my annual dividend income.


These weekly purchases add $5.91 to my annual dividends resulting in a 2.95% yield.
These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $858.56.

Loyal3 Purchases - 9/29 and 10/06

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 9/29 and 10/06.

9/29:
SBUX - 1.7870 shares @$55.96 ($100). Yield = 1.14%
WMT - 1.5713 shares @$63.64 ($100). Yield = 3.01%
$200 of new capital invested and adding $4.16 to my annual dividend income.

10/06:
KO - 2.4319 shares @$41.12 ($100). Yield = 3.21%
BRK.B - 0.7594 shares @$131.68 ($100).
$200 of new capital invested and adding $3.21 to my annual dividend income.


These weekly purchases add $7.37 to my annual dividends resulting in a 1.84% yield.
These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $852.65.

FRIP Purchase - Sept 2015

The Flexible Reinvestment Program (FRIP) offered by Scottrade allows the accumulation of dividend payments from ones equities to purchase full shares of ones choice, commission free.

The following are the FRIP purchases I made on 9/28/2015.

CISCO – 1 shares@25.739 

This purchase adds $0.84 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.21 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $845.28 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Recent Buy - MMM

I purchased 12 shares of 3M Company (MMM) on 9/18/15 for $140.35 per share. 

This is a new position and the intention is to make 3M a core holding i.e. buy incrementally until I have approximately 50 - 70 shares.

Dividend Yield = 2.92%
Annual Payout = $4.10
Payout Ratio = 52.8%
Dividend Growth = 56 years
52 Week High = 03/02/2015| 170.50
% Off 52 Week High = -21.48%
Beta (5 Yr) = 1.1
Payable = $1.025 - QRTR
Transaction fees = $7


This purchase adds $49.20 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $1.025 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $844.44 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Dividend Income Update - September 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

September 2015 Dividends -  

Flushing Financial Corporation (FFIC) - $8.00
Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) - $7.50
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - $7.50
Emerson Electric Co (EMR) - $13.16
BHP Billiton Plc (Britain) - $9.92

Total dividends received during the month of September: $46.08. This is a 100% increase over the previous quarter earnings of $23.  This is the first quarter that I've received dividends from EMR and BBL.


One of my goals is to receive $400 in dividend income during this calendar year. I've now received $322.42 in the first 9 months. This is 80% of my goal. 

Thanks for reading!

Recent Buy - KMI

I purchased 40 shares of Kinder Morgan (KMI) on 9/09/15 for $30.61 per share. 

I initiated a position in KMI on 6/4/2015 buying 25 shares @40.2691 and then again later on 7/6/2015 buying 5 shares @$37.4691. Both of these were free trades. 

I've now got 70 shares of KMI averaging $34.65. With the current prices 15% below my average, I will add another 30 shares in the very near future. 


Dividend Yield = 6.27%
Annual Payout = $1.96
Payout Ratio = 256.0%
Dividend Growth = 4 years
52 Week High = 04/24/2015| 44.71
% Off 52 Week High = -31.53%
Beta (5 Yr) = 0.7
Payable = $0.49 - QRTR
Transaction fees = $7

This purchase adds $78.40 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.49 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $795.24 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Loyal3 Purchases - 9/15 and 9/22

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 9/15 and 9/22.

9/15:
KO - 2.5967 shares @$38.51 ($100). Yield = 3.42%
UL - 2.5183 shares @$39.71 ($100). Yield = 3.27%
$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.70 to my annual dividend income.

9/22:
UL - 2.5458 shares @$39.28 ($100). Yield = 3.31%
WMT - 1.5865 shares @$63.03 ($100). Yield = 3.04%
BRK.B = 0.3878 shares @$128.94 ($50).
$250 of new capital invested and adding $6.35 to my annual dividend income.

Loyal3 provides an opportunity to buy into Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B). The company is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. 
The company wholly owns, amongst others:

• GEICO
• BNSF
• Lubrizol
• Dairy Queen
• Fruit of the Loom
• Helzberg Diamonds
• FlightSafety International
• NetJets
• 26% of Kraft Heinz
• Undisclosed percentage of Mars, Incorporated
• Significant minority holdings in American Express, The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo, IBM and Restaurant Brands International. 

These weekly purchases add $13.05 to my annual dividends resulting in a 2.90% yield.
These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $716.84.

Dividend Income Update - August 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

August 2015 Dividends -  

AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) - $9.18
Apple Inc. (AAPL) - $15.60
AT&T Inc. (T) - $23.50
HCP, Inc. (HCP) - $16.95
Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) - $14.70


Total dividends received during the month of August: $79.93
I did not have dividend earnings in August 2014 and hence cannot do a %increase comparison.

One of my goals is to receive $400 in dividend income during this calendar year. I've now received $276.34 in the first 8 months. This is 69% of my goal. 

Thanks for reading!

Loyal3 Purchases - 8/25, 9/01 and 9/08

As per my strategy of investing periodically i.e. weekly, every Tuesday this post highlights purchases made on 8/25, 9/01 and 9/08.

8/25:

• KO - 2.5621 shares @$39.03 ($100). Yield = 3.38%
• WMT - 1.5254 shares @$65.56 ($100). Yield = 2.93%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.31 to my annual dividend income.

9/01:

• UL - 2.5419 shares @$39.34 ($100). Yield = 3.30%
• WMT - 1.5606 shares @$64.08 ($100). Yield = 2.99%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $6.30 to my annual dividend income.

9/08:

• KO - 2.58 shares @$38.76 ($100). Yield = 3.41%
• SBUX - 1.8282 shares @$54.70 ($100). Yield = 1.17%

$200 of new capital invested and adding $4.57 to my annual dividend income.

These weekly purchases add $17.18 to my annual dividends resulting in a 2.86% yield.
These purchases increase my total annual projected dividends to $703.79.

Loyal3

Loyal3 is a discount brokerage house that is different from all of the existing ones. With traditional stock brokers, you pay a commission every time you make a trade. With Loyal3, all trades are free. I like free!!

Pros:

• Free stock trades.
• Low Minimum Deposit - You only need $10 to start investing.
• Easy to Use Interface.
• Automatic Monthly Stock Purchase Plan.
• Fractional Shares - When purchasing, all of your money is invested.

Cons:

• Limited Stock Selection. As of September 2015, only 66 stocks available.
• No Retirement Accounts available.
• No Investment Guidance
• Delayed Buy/Sell Execution.

The following are the stock options:- 
Consumer Cyclicals: 
Wal Mart Stores Inc (WMT); Target Corp (TGT); Starbucks Corp (SBUX); Nike Inc (NKE); McDonald's Corp (MCD); Walt Disney Co (DIS) and Hasbro Inc (HAS) among others.

Consumer Non Cyclicals:
Unilever PLC (UL); Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc (DPS); PepsiCo Inc. (PEP); Kraft Heinz Co (KHC); Hershey Co (HSY); Coca-Cola Co (KO) among others.

Technology:
Apple Inc (AAPL); Microsoft Corp (MSFT); Intel Corp (INTC); Google Inc (GOOGL) and Facebook Inc (FB)

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) is also an investment option.


My Strategy:

• Invest a fixed amount i.e. approx $200 - $300 every Tuesday.
• Dollar cost average into stocks that have fallen off their 52 week highs. 
• Invest in dividend aristocrats: WMT; TGT; MCD; KO and PEP.
• Invest in high growth stocks: GOOGL; AAPL; FB; NKE; DIS and Starbucks. 

FRIP Purchase - Aug 2015

The Flexible Reinvestment Program (FRIP) offered by Scottrade allows the accumulation of dividend payments from ones equities to purchase full shares of ones choice, commission free.

The following are the FRIP purchases I made on 8/28/2015.

CISCO – 2 shares@25.9699 ($51.94)

This purchase adds $1.68 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.21 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $686.60 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Recent Buy - EMR

I purchased 28 shares of Emerson Electric Co (EMR) on 8/10/15 for $49.98 per share. Post fees, cost basis equaled $50.23

Emerson Electric Co EMR:NYSE (Common Stock)

• Industrials
• |
• Machinery, Equipment & Components
• 
  

Emerson Electric is a dividend aristocrat having increased annual dividends every year for at least the past 25 years. EMR has increased dividend for 58 years.

Dividend Yield = 3.76%
Annual Payout = $1.88
Payout Ratio = 58.2%
Dividend Growth = 58 years
52 Week High = 11/25/2014 | 65.94
% Off 52 Week High = -24.2%
Beta (5 Yr) 1.3

This purchase adds $52.64 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.47 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $684.92 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Recent Buy - PG

I purchased 20 shares of Proctor & Gamble (PG) on 
7/30/15 for $77.87 per share. This is the 1st time I paid a commission of $7.
The cost basis of the 20 shares = $78.22

Proctor & Gamble is a dividend aristocrat having increased annual dividends every year for at least the past 25 years. P&G have increased dividend for 58 years.

Dividend Yield = 3.4%
Annual Payout = $2.65
Payout Ratio = 67.9%
Dividend Growth = 58 years

This purchase adds $53 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.6625 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $632.28 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Dividend Income Update - July 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

I began investing in September 2014 and my 1st stock was Apple Inc on 9/22/2014. I'm beginning to experience a wee bit of the snowball effect. Many a drop, makes an ocean.

July 2015 Dividends -  

Macy's Inc (M) - $5.40

Walt Disney Co (DIS) - $13.20

Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) - $7.35

W.P. Carey (WPC) - $15.26

Total dividends received during the month of June: $41.21

I did not have dividend earnings in July 2014 and hence cannot do a %increase comparison.

Thanks for reading!

Recent Buy - GE; BBL; KMI and HCP

I had 4 free trades and approximately $1000 in my account. I wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity to open new positions or average down on an existing position.

I purchased 10 shares of the General Electric Company (GE) on 7/6/15 for $26.2299 per share. This is a new position and I intend to keep buying in increments of 25 shares until I have approx. 100 shares. 

This purchase adds $9.20 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.23 quarterly dividend. 

Dividend Yield: 3.38%
Payout Ratio: 71.3%
Dividend Growth: 5 years (since 2010)


I purchased 8 shares of BHP Billiton PLC (BBL) on 7/6/15 for $38.2288 per share. This is a new position and I intend to keep buying in increments of 25 shares until I have approx. 100 - 125 shares. 

This purchase adds $19.84 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $1.24 semi-annual dividend. 

Dividend Yield: 6.39%
Payout Ratio: 86.1%

I also purchased 5 shares of Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) on 7/6/15 for $37.4691 per share. This isn't a new position and since I had a free trade, I averaged down and got a few more shares. I initiated a position on 6/4/15 picking up 25 shares @40.2691. I intend to keep buying in increments of 25 shares until I have approx. 100 - 125 shares. 

This purchase adds $9.80 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.49 quarterly dividend. . 

Dividend Yield: 5.31%
Payout Ratio: 245.0%
Dividend Growth: 4 years (since 2011)


I also purchased 7 shares of HCP Inc. (HCP) on 7/6/15 for $37.09 per share. This isn't a new position and since I had a free trade, I averaged down and got a few more shares. I initiated a position earlier on 2/10/15 picking up 23 shares @42.39.  

This purchase adds $15.82 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.565 quarterly dividend. . 

Dividend Yield: 6.03%
Payout Ratio: 72.7%
Dividend Growth: 29 years (since 1986)


The four purchases will add $54.66 to my annual dividend income.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $578.28 in dividends over the next 12 months. 

Dividend Increases - Disney and W.P.Carey Inc.

I track dividend increases for stocks that I own. 
A dividend increase means more money every quarter and therefore yearly. It translates to additional dividend income.

The Walt Disney Company (DIS)
Disney (NSE: DIS) declared a 15% increase. The yearly dividend increased from $1.15 to $1.32 per share. The company is also starting to pay dividends twice a year – instead of annually as has been its custom for years. 

The dividend will be payable on July 29, 2015, to stockholders of record on July 06, 2015.

Dividend Yield: 1.12%
Annual Payout: $1.32 (Paid Semi-Annual)
Payout Ratio: 26.1% (EPS: $5.05)
Dividend Growth: 4 years (Since 2011) 

I own 20 Disney shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $3.40.


W.P. Carey Inc. (WPC)
W.P. Carey Inc. (NSE: WPC) announced its 57th consecutive quarterly dividend increase, a dividend of 95.4¢ per share, payable on 15 July to shareholders of record on 30 June. 

The yearly dividend increased from $3.81 to $3.82 per share. 

Dividend Yield: 6.31%
Annual Payout: $3.82 (Paid Quarterly)
Payout Ratio: 93.3% (EPS: $4.09)
Dividend Growth: 14 years (Since 2001) 

I own 16 W.P. Carey shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $0.16.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $523.62 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Dividend Income Update - June 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

I've begun investing only since the last 9 months i.e. since Oct 2014 and I'm beginning to experience a wee bit of the snowball effect. Many a drop, makes an ocean.

June 2015 Dividends received 
Flushing Financial Corporation (FFIC) - $8.00
Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) - $7.50
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - $7.50


Total dividends received during the month of June: $23.00
I did not have dividend earnings in June 2014 and hence cannot do a %increase comparison.

Thanks for reading!

Recent Buy - KMI; CSCO

I purchased 25 shares of Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) on 
6/4/15 for $40.2691 per share.

This purchase adds $48 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.48 quarterly dividend.

Kinder Morgan is the largest energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates approximately 84,000 miles of pipelines and 165 terminals. The pipelines transport natural gas, refined petroleum products, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Kinder Morgan also stores or handles a variety of products and materials at their terminals such as gasoline, jet fuel, ethanol, coal, petroleum coke and steel.

Kinder Morgan is the largest midstream and the third largest energy company in North America with an enterprise value of approximately $130 billion.

Asset Map:

Kinder Morgan's large footprint of assets span North America.

View an enlarged map of all Kinder Morgan assets (in PDF).

I also purchased 1 share of Cisco Systems (CSCO) on 
6/4/15 for $28.65 per share. I've enrolled in the Flexible Reinvestment Program (FRIP) offered by Scottrade. Dividends received in this account will buy full shares of upto 5 securities. Currently I'm looking to buy only Cisco Systems at this time.

This purchase adds $0.84 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.21 quarterly dividend.

My dividend stock portfolio will pay $520.06 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Dividend Income Update - May 2015

Each month I will post dividends received to keep track of earned passive income. Opening a new position or adding to an existing position on a regular basis causes increases in income on a monthly or quarterly basis.

I've begun investing only since the last 8 months i.e. since Oct 2014 and I'm beginning to experience a wee bit of the snowball effect. Many a drop, makes an ocean.

May 2015 Dividends received 

• AT&T Inc. (T) - $9.40
• Apple Inc. (AAPL) - $15.60
• HCP, Inc. (HCP) - $13.00
• AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) - $9.18

Total dividends received during the month of May: $47.18.

I did not have dividend earnings in May 2014 and hence cannot do a %increase comparison.

One of my goals is to receive $400 in dividend income during this calendar year. I've now received $132.20 in the first 5 months. This is 33% of my goal. I've some catching up to do.I may not be able to meet my goal due to expenses later this year (expecting our 2nd baby and a trip to home country)

Thanks for reading!

Dividend Increases - Macy's

I track dividend increases for stocks that I own. 
A dividend increase means more money every quarter and therefore yearly. It translates to additional dividend income.

Macy's Inc. (M)
Macy's (NYSE: M) declared a 15.2% increase. The quarterly dividend increased from $0.3125 to $0.36 per share, or $1.44 annualized. 

The dividend will be payable on July 1, 2015, to stockholders of record on June 15, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of June 11, 2015.


Dividend Yield: 2.11%
Annual Payout: $1.44 (Paid Quarterly)
Payout Ratio: 30.6% (EPS: $4.71)
Dividend Growth: 4 years (Since 2011) 

I own 15 Macy's shares and hence my yearly dividends will increase by $2.85.
My dividend stock portfolio will pay $471.22 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Recent Buy - W.P.Carey Inc

I had approximately $1K sitting in my newly opened Roth IRA and decided to put the capital to use. The market was in the red and I couldn't resist!!

This is a new position and one that many have purchased in the recent past and is approx 14% off 1 year highs. 

I purchased 16 shares of W.P. Carey Inc. (WPC) on 5/6/15 for $62.99 per share.

This purchase adds $60.96 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.9525 quarterly dividend.


 My dividend stock portfolio will pay $468.37 in dividends over the next 12 months.

Jan-Apr 2015 Update

Dividends Received

Total dividends received during the initial 4 months were $85.02.


Purchases 

The following were the purchases made during the initial 4 months;

• $1,011.20 of Wells Fargo
• $1,010.50 of Johnson & Johnson
• $951.29 of Cisco Systems
• $1,033.74 of AbbVie Inc.
• $975.20 of HCP, Inc
• $976.17 of AT&T Inc. (Roth IRA)

Total new capital invested = $5,958.10

Dividend Increases

• JNJ 7.1% increase. Annual payout: $2.80 -> $3.00. 
• ABBV 4.1% increase. Annual payout: $1.96 -> $2.04.
• APPL 11% increase. Annual payout: $1.88 -> $2.08.
• FFIC 6.7% increase. Annual payout: $0.60 -> $0.64.
• WFC 7% increase. Annual payout: $1.40 -> $1.50.
• CSCO 11% increase. Annual payout: $0.76 -> $0.84.
• HCP 3.7% increase. Annual payout: $2.18 -> $2.26.

Annualized Dividend Income

As of today, my dividend stocks will pay $407.41 in dividends over the next 12 months.

New Roth IRA - AT&T

I opened my 2nd taxable account at Scottrade due to the following reasons: 

1. Lower fees as compared to TD Ameritrade
2. Flexible Reinvestment Program (FRIP) - This commission-free program allows an individual to  pool dividends from most dividend-paying equities in order to purchase full shares of up to five eligible securities of choice.

An initial allocation of $ 5K and I opened positions in 5 dividend paying companies.

Dividend Income: Increased by $173. 26)

Wells Fargo --> $28 (Annual Payout = $ 1.40)
JNJ --> $28 @ $2.8  (AP = $2.80)
CSCO --> $28.56 (AP = $0.84)
ABBV --> $36. 72 (AP = $2.04)
HCP --> $ 51.98 (AP = $2.26)


Roth IRA:
I opened a ROTH IRA at Scottrade, 1st week of April 2015. This was just in-time after much deliberation. I desperately wanted to take advantage of a 2014 contribution that I could make until Tax day on 15th April. I deployed only $2K since available investment is limited. A new-born is expected in August this year and I've had to have extra money parked in Savings and HSA.


I purchased 30 shares of AT&T (Symbol: T) on 4/17/2015 for $32.54 per share. 
This purchase adds $56.40 to my annual dividend income, based on the current $0.47 quarterly dividend.

I've got a $ 1K remaining in the Roth IRA and have plenty of free trades. I will make a couple of purchases shortly. Stay tuned!

This isn't a new position. Adding to the 20 shares that I purchased for my TD Ameritrade taxable account.

Initial Buys @TD Ameritrade

So, finally I mustered the courage to open a trading account. This was before the time I had known about Dividend Growth investing and the art of re-investing dividends. The brokerage house TD Ameritrade appealed due to the wide selection of investment choices and the fact that I could trade commission free for the first 60 days. 

The account was active on the 10th September 2014. This was a milestone day and event. I was eager to purchase stocks and make some money.

The following are my purchases from Sept - December 2014:


Apple Inc. (Symbol: AAPL)
Purchased 10 shares on 9/22/2014 for $101.80. I purchased an additional 10 shares after 3 days for $98.28 and another 10 shares on 10/16/2014 for $97.188. Cost basis for the 30 shares = $99.09.                   
 
Rite Aid Corporation (Symbol: RAD)                                          
Purchased 50 shares on 9/25/2014 for $5.33. Rite Aid dropped 17% due to lower guidance for FY 2015, despite beating earnings estimates. This has turned out to be a good buy.
 
AT&T Inc. (Symbol: T)                                                             
Purchased 20 shares on 10/01/2014 for $35.02. AT&T is a dividend aristocrat having increased its dividend payments for 30 consecutive years. 
 
The Walt Disney Company (Symbol: DIS)                                  
Purchased 10 shares on 10/22/2014 for $87.08. I purchased an additional 5 shares on 11/07/2014 for $89.19 and another 5 shares on 11/11/2014 for $89.63. Cost basis for the 20 shares = $88.24
 
J C Penney Company Inc (Symbol: JCP)
Purchased 25 shares on 10/27/2014 for $7.58. This has turned out to be a good buy.
 
Twitter Inc. (Symbol: TWTR)                                                    
Purchased 20 shares on 10/28/2014 for $42.57.
 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (Symbol: BABA)
Purchased 5 shares on 10/28/2014 for $99.86. I purchased an additional 5 shares on 11/12/2014 for $115.75.
 
Macy's, Inc. (Symbol: M)                                                              
Purchased 15 shares on 10/29/2014 for $57.29.
 
Flushing Financial Corporation (Symbol: FFIC)                                    
This is an old-line New York state bank that offers a full complement of deposit, loan and cash management services through 17 branches in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Nassau County. The company derives the vast majority of its income from its $3.64 billion loan portfolio.  Purchased 50 shares on 11/12/2014 for $20.25.
 
My total investment during the time period was $ 9, 695.85. 
The current value of the portfolio is 10, 985.70.
Gain (%) = 13.30%

Would you have done any different ? This being my first allocation, I was firing on all cylinders and made quick purchases. I regret opening positions in BABA and FFIC.

Hello World

Hello, Everyone. 

My first post as a blogger and I'm excited and yet, nervous. I have never ventured into writing posts or articles and hence taking this up as a challenge. I will strive to improve with every post and in the process will make many a mistakes. 

I intend to introduce myself, providing readers with information that can be used to build my "persona". I'm a blessed man in my mid-thirties. My wife and daughter are the only family I have in the USA. My desire is to generate substantial income for a happy retirement, pay for college education and also leave behind wealth & inheritance for my dear wife and daughter. 

I've always had a desire to generate passive income and one of the best ways is dividends generated off a diversified stock portfolio. There are sure other ways and I will explore options as time rolls on. I've come to realize that investing in the stock market is one of the only ways to create wealth and then again one could lose entire savings as well, if not done right. 

I'm a Christian and as a family, we honor the Lord with our tithe, every month. My stock portfolio will include growth, dividend paying and a few speculative stocks. Diversification will be the key! Then again, I will choose to not invest in the tobacco, marijuana, gambling and alcohol industry. 

At this point of time, the blog is a start-up and I've already got a small portfolio. I began investing in October 2014. The next few posts will provide details of the stocks I own. 

My hobbies and interests also include running the 5K and 10K races.

Thank you for reading. I will count on the reader community to guide and provide feedback.