As I'm writing this blog post, the heat and humidity has made its way back to Central Wisconsin with high temperatures reaching into the upper 80s Fahrenheit.
Playing basketball in the driveway will be a bit less comfortable with the heat, but that's not enough to stop me from getting exercise doing something I enjoy as long as I stay hydrated!
Without further ado, I'll be discussing the dividend increases that I received during July 2021 and looking ahead to the dividend increase that I am expecting for August 2021.
Actual July 2021 Dividend Increases
Dividend Increase #1: Wells Fargo (WFC)
While Wells Fargo fell short of my expectation of a 150% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.10/share to $0.25/share, it still increased its dividend 100% to $0.20/share, which is a step in the right direction for the company to restore its dividend to the pre-COVID level of $0.51/share in a few more years.
I'd rather a company gradually increase its dividend back to pre-COVID levels to build a cushion and prevent another dividend cut in the future than to have it rush to restore its dividend prematurely.
Across my 8 shares of WFC, my net annual forward dividends soared $3.20 due to the company's dividend increase.
Dividend Increase #2: J.M. Smucker (SJM)
One company that really delivered beyond my wildest dreams in July was J.M. Smucker, which announced a robust 10% dividend increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.90/share to $0.99/share.
The previous two dividend increases leading up to this dividend increase were pretty anemic, so it's nice to see SJM getting back to solid dividend growth.
My net annual forward dividends advanced by $0.72 across my 2 shares as a result of the company's dividend increase.
Dividend Increase #3: National Retail Properties (NNN)
Wrapping up the dividend increases that I received for July 2021, National Retail Properties announced a dividend increase that came in below my expectations. Rather than the 3.8% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.52/share to $0.54/share that I was predicting, NNN increased a 1.9% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.53/share.
I was somewhat surprised by the announcement given the recovery in NNN's AFFO/share that I cited in my previous post of this series, but I'll take whatever dividend increases I can get. Perhaps NNN will make up for it with a stronger dividend increase next year.
Across my 11 shares of NNN, my net annual forward dividends increased by $0.44 due to the company's dividend increase.
Expected Dividend Announcement(s) for August 2021
Dividend Increase #1: Altria Group (MO)
The only dividend increase that I am anticipating for August is from the 3rd largest holding in my portfolio in terms of annual dividend income, which is Altria Group (MO).
Most readers are probably aware, but for those that aren't, MO recently announced that it was selling its Ste. Michelle Wine Estates business for $1.2 billion to a private equity firm to focus more on its core business.
In addition, the company expects to use its proceeds to repurchase shares at what look to be an attractive valuation, which will also reduce the company's total dividend obligation, and create a bit more leeway for the next dividend increase.
As a result, I am expecting that MO will announce a 4.7% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.86/share to $0.90/share.
Should this dividend increase play out as expected, my net annual forward dividends would increase by $2.72 across my 17 shares as a result of the company's dividend increase.
Concluding Thoughts:
My net annual forward dividends increased by $4.36 due to dividend increases received in July 2021, which is equivalent to investing $109 in fresh capital at a 4% average yield.
Looking ahead to next month, I am expecting that MO's dividend increase will help my net annual forward dividends to increase by $2.72, which would be like investing $68 in one's own capital at a 4% average yield.
Discussion:
How was your July as it relates to dividend increases?
What companies are you anticipating you will receive dividend increases from in August?
I appreciate your readership and look forward to your comments in the comment section below!
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