Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Expected Dividend Increases for February 2026

As I'm writing this blog post, it's currently Friday, January 23rd. The temperature here in Central Wisconsin is expected to reach a high of just 7 degrees Fahrenheit later today. So, needless today, I don't plan on spending more than a few minutes outside today!

With that aside, I'm going to be outlining the dividend raises that I have received this month (and raises that are still pending, which I will update as they are announced). I'll also preview the payout boosts that I expect for February 2026. Let's jump into it!

Actual Dividend Increases for January 2026

Dividend Increase #1: BlackRock (BLK)

BlackRock came up big for me, announcing a 10% hike in its quarterly dividend per share to $5.73. This was better than the 7.7% raise to $5.61 that I anticipated in this series' previous blog post.

Across my two shares of BLK, my net annual forward dividends grew by $4.16 from this dividend announcement.

Distribution Increase #2: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)

Enterprise Products Partners declared a 0.9% increase in its quarterly distribution per unit to $0.55. That came up short of the 2.8% raise to $0.56 that I was predicting.

My net annual forward distributions rose by $5.50 across my 275 units due to this distribution declaration.

Dividend Increase #3: Alliant Energy (LNT)

Alliant Energy made its 5.4% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.535 official. Across my 13 shares of LNT, my net annual forward dividends edged $1.43 higher from this dividend announcement.

Dividend Increase #4: L3Harris Technologies (LHX)

L3Harris Technologies upped its quarterly dividend per share by 4.2% to $1.25 (this was one penny below my forecast). Across my four shares of LHX, my net annual forward dividends grew by $0.80.

Pending Dividend Increase #1: Air Products & Chemicals (APD)

Air Products & Chemicals has yet to up its quarterly dividend per share. However, I believe that APD will declare a 2.2% increase in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.83.

My net annual forward dividends would inch $0.80 higher across my five shares of APD from such a dividend declaration.

Pending Dividend Increase #2: Comcast (CMCSA)

Comcast also hasn't announced its next quarterly dividend per share. Still, I think that CMCSA will announce a 6.1% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.35.

Across my 39 shares of CMCSA, my net annual forward dividends would grow by $3.12 due to such a dividend announcement.

Pending Distribution Increase #3: Energy Transfer (ET)

Energy Transfer has yet to declare its next quarterly distribution per unit. I'm sticking with my forecast that ET will declare a 0.8% bump in its quarterly distribution per unit to $0.3375.

My net annual forward distributions would rise by $2.07 across my 207 units of ET from such a distribution declaration.

Pending Dividend Increase #4: ONEOK (OKE)

Recently, I realized that I forgot to include ONEOK in the prior post of this series. I believe that OKE will announce a 3.9% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.07.

Across my 68 shares of OKE, my net annual forward dividends would surge $10.88 higher due to such a dividend announcement.

UPDATE: As expected, OKE upped its quarterly dividend per share by 3.9% to $1.07. This boosted my net annual forward dividends by $10.88.

Expected Dividend Increases for February 2026

Expected Dividend Increase #1: Allstate (ALL)

The first dividend hike that I'm expecting for next month will be from Allstate. My best guess is that ALL will declare an 8% hike in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.08.

My net annual forward dividends would grow by $1.60 across my five shares of ALL from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #2: Brookfield Asset Management (BAM)

The next payout boost that I am predicting for February 2026 will come from Brookfield Asset Management. My guess is that BAM will announce a 14.3% hike in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.50.

Across my 63 shares of BAM, my net annual forward dividends would soar by $15.75 due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #3: Equinix (EQIX)

The third dividend hike that I'm anticipating for next month will be from Equinix. I believe that EQIX will declare an 8.1% lift in its quarterly dividend per share to $5.07.

My net annual forward dividends would rise by $4.56 across my three shares of EQIX from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #4: The Home Depot (HD)

The next dividend raise that I am expecting for February 2026 will come from The Home Depot. My best guess is that HD will announce a 4.3% increase in its quarterly dividend per share to $2.40.

Across my five shares of HD, my net annual forward dividends would grow by $2 due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #5: Coca-Cola (KO)

The fifth dividend increase that I'm predicting for next month will be from Coca-Cola. My guess is that KO will declare a 4.9% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.535.

My net annual forward dividends would be lifted by $1 across my 10 shares of KO from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #6: British American Tobacco (BTI)

The next dividend raise that I am anticipating for February 2026 will come from British American Tobacco (originally, I had LHX here. I put BTI in out of order because I realized I forgot about it and this will be a placeholder for LHX, so I don't have to completely reformat much of this blog post).

I believe that BTI will announce a 3.6% increase in its quarterly dividend per share from 0.6006 GBP to 0.6222 GBP. At the current exchange rate, this would boost my net annual forward dividends by $16.628 across my 141 shares due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #7: Meta Platforms (META)

The seventh dividend increase that I'm expecting for next month will be from Meta Platforms. My best guess is that META will declare an 8.6% boost in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.57.

My net annual forward dividends would rise by $1.08 across my six shares of META from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #8: NextEra Energy (NEE)

The next dividend raise that I am predicting for February 2026 will come from NextEra Energy. My guess is that NEE will announce a 10% hike in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.623.

Across my 48 shares of NEE, my net annual forward dividends would surge $10.848 higher due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #9: Realty Income (O)

The ninth dividend bump that I'm anticipating for next month will be from Realty Income. I believe that O will declare a 1.9% increase in its monthly dividend per share to $0.275.

My net annual forward dividends would grow by $9.18 across my 153 shares of O from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #10: PepsiCo (PEP)

The next dividend raise that I am expecting for February 2026 will come from PepsiCo. My best guess is that PEP will announce a 4.9% bump in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.4925.

Across my 24 shares of PEP, my net annual forward dividends would rise by $6.72 due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #11: Prudential Financial (PRU)

The eleventh dividend increase that I'm predicting for next month will be from Prudential Financial. My guess is that PRU will declare a 3.7% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.40.

My net annual forward dividends would grow by $2 across my 10 shares of PRU from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #12: Rexford Industrial Realty (REXR)

The next dividend raise that I am anticipating for February 2026 will come from Rexford Industrial Realty. I believe that REXR will announce a 2.9% increase in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.4425.

Across my 30 shares of REXR, my net annual forward dividends would edge $1.50 higher due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #13: TJX Companies (TJX)

The thirteenth dividend hike that I'm expecting for next month will be from TJX Companies. My best guess is that TJX will declare a 9.4% boost in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.465.

Across my 11 shares of TJX, my net annual forward dividends would grow by $1.76 from such a dividend declaration.

Expected Dividend Increase #14: T. Rowe Price Group (TROW)

The next dividend increase that I am predicting for February 2026 will come from T. Rowe Price Group. My guess is that TROW will announce a 3.1% raise in its quarterly dividend per share to $1.31.

My net annual forward dividends would inch $0.96 higher across my six shares of TROW due to such a dividend announcement.

Expected Dividend Increase #15: Tractor Supply (TSCO)

The fifteenth dividend boost that I'm anticipating for next month will be from Tractor Supply. I believe that TSCO will declare an 8.7% lift in its quarterly dividend per share to $0.25.

Across my 25 shares of TSCO, my net annual forward dividends would grow by $2 from such a dividend declaration.

Concluding Thoughts:

If my remaining dividend raises play out as expected, my net annual forward dividends would rise by $28.76 in January 2026 (including the LHX raise). That would be equivalent to investing $958.67 at a 3% net dividend yield.

If my 15 raises that I'm predicting for February 2026 materialize, my net annual forward dividends would rocket $77.586 higher. This would be like investing $2,586.20 at a 3% net dividend yield.

Discussion:

How was your January 2026 for dividend boosts?

Are you expecting any first-time payout hikes in your portfolio next month as I am with EQIX?

I appreciate your readership and look forward to your comments below!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

February 2026 Dividend Stock Watch List

As I'm writing this blog post, it's Friday, January 16th. The temperature here in Central Wisconsin is set to reach a high of 25 degrees Fahrenheit later today, which isn't bad for this time of the year. Unfortunately, the high temperatures won't reach beyond the high single digits this weekend.

The time of the month means that I'm likely done buying stocks for the next couple of weeks. Thus, I believe now is a good time to look ahead to the dividend stocks on my watch list for February 2026. Let's dive into it!

Dividend Stock #1: Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

The first dividend stock on my watch list for next month is Automatic Data Processing. Interested readers can check out my investment thesis in this Seeking Alpha article from earlier this month.

Basically, ADP is a fundamentally robust business. It's the leader in a large, fragmented, and growing market. I believe this provides it with a path to steady 8% to 10% annual adjusted diluted EPS growth for the foreseeable future. ADP is a financial fortress as well, with an AA- S&P credit rating and a stable outlook. The 2.6% dividend yield is safe (the adjusted diluted EPS and free cash flow payout ratios are both easily covered), with room to build on its 51-year dividend growth streak. At the current $262 share price (as of January 16th, 2026), the stock is priced at a nearly 20% discount to my $320+ fair value per share estimate.

Dividend Stock #2: Enbridge (ENB)

The next dividend stock on my watch list for February 2026 is Enbridge. Curious readers will find that my investment thesis isn't all that different from my September 2024 Dividend Stock Watch List blog post.

ENB remains set up to capitalize on the ongoing AI boom and surge in electricity demand with its impressive energy infrastructure network. Its BBB+ S&P credit rating with a stable outlook is another selling point. The 31-year dividend growth streak in CAD is another positive, with more dividend growth likely ahead. Finally, the stock looks to be slightly discounted from the current $46 share price.

Dividend Stock #3: Meta Platforms (META)

The third dividend stock on my watch list for next month is Meta Platforms. Since my December 2025 Dividend Stock Watch List blog post, the investment thesis is basically the same.

META's most recent quarterly results reflected the influence of its social media ecosystem. Seamless integration of AI into its core business is likely to assist it in continuing to deliver outsized growth to shareholders. META's AA- S&P credit rating with a stable outlook is a sign of immense financial strength. The stock's 0.3% dividend yield is small, but I believe it will be one of the great dividend growers of the next 10, 15, or 20 years. In conclusion, META's $647 share price is well below my $800 fair value per share estimate.

Dividend Stock #4: Microsoft (MSFT)

The final dividend stock on my watch list for February 2026 is Microsoft. As I explained in my January 2026 Dividend Stock Watch List blog post, MSFT is a versatile compounder.

My overall investment thesis that MSFT is a leader in numerous fast-growing market verticals (e.g., cloud computing and enterprise software) still holds true. The company earns the distinction of being the only tech company to earn an AAA S&P credit rating. MSFT's 0.8% dividend yield is backed up by a payout ratio in the low-20% range. This puts it in a position to become a Dividend Aristocrat in another four years. Lastly, the $478 share price is moderately below my $525 fair value per share estimate.

Concluding Thoughts:

That's all for now. Four world-class businesses that I'm planning to buy within the next few weeks. My tentative weighting will be as follows: 32% to ENB, ~30% to MSFT, 21% to META, and 17% to ADP. This should produce a net dividend yield in the high-2% range to go along with intriguing valuations and growth potential.

Discussion:

Are any of ADP, ENB, META, or MSFT on your watch list for February 2026?

If not, what stocks are on your radar for next month?

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

My Financial And Personal Goals For 2026

As I'm writing this blog post, it's Friday, January 9th. The calendar year 2026 is already well under way. We're in a nice warming trend right now here in Central Wisconsin, with the high temperature set to reach 36 degrees Fahrenheit later today. Needless to say, I will be getting outside a bit today.

With that weather update aside, I'll be briefly outlining my goals for 2026. Without further ado, let's get into it!

My Financial Goals For 2026

1. Generate At Least 25% Growth In Net Dividends Collected

As I indicated in last week's Review of 2025 Goals blog post, I collected $5,982.13 in net dividends in 2025. This was up 25.1% over what was received in 2024. I'm going to be running back this goal for 2026.

Granted, it will require higher fresh capital contributions on my end to replicate this year as my capital base and passive income base continues to grow larger. The good news is that I'm cautiously optimistic that my income will be moderately higher in 2026 as well. Even with somewhat higher expenses than 2025, this should help me to grow my net dividends collected by over 15% from capital contributions. The remaining 10% can realistically come from dividend raises and reinvestment.

In my view, this strikes the balance between being an ambitious yet achievable goal.

2. Grow Net Annual Forward Dividends By 25%

Accordingly, I'm also aiming to grow my net annual forward dividends by 25% or more from my base of $6,740 heading into the year. This means I need to end calendar year 2026 with at least $8,430 in net annual forward dividends to go into 2027. Such a goal won't be easy to accomplish but it should be doable.

Personal Goals For 2026

1. Bike 30 To 40 Miles A Week

I'm pleased with my stationary biking routine as it is right now. Thus, I hope to stick with it for the duration of 2026, just as I did throughout most of 2025. This is a goal that will required sustained and consistent effort (three to four days a week of exercise), but it's something I'm confident that I can achieve.

2. Lift Weights Four Times A Week

I will be standing by my goal to lift weights four times a week in calendar year 2026 as well. For me, this is a nice mix of maintaining/building muscle and still manageable enough for me to accomplish my financial and professional goals.

3. Publish A Blog Post Each Week

Once again, I'm going to be running back my goal to publish one blog post a week. Just as I have done for more than seven years, by God's grace, I believe I can keep the momentum going on this front in 2026.

Concluding Thoughts:

That's it for today. My goals are in place for the year. Now, it's just a matter of putting in the work, achieving them, and having fun along the way!

Discussion:

What are your goals for 2026?

Do you believe any of your goals will be harder to attain than others?

I appreciate your readership and look forward to your comments below!

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Review Of 2025 Goals

As I'm writing this blog post, it's Friday, January 2nd. The calendar year 2025 has recently concluded. In other words, it's out with 2025 and in with 2026. The high temperature here in Central Wisconsin is set to reach 16 degrees today, so it certainly feels like January!

With that in mind, I'm going to take a moment to summarize how I did with attaining my goals in 2025. Let's jump into it!

Financial Goals For 2025

1. Generate At Least 25% Growth In Net Dividends Collected - Pass

In 2025, I received $5,982.13 in net dividends. This represented a 25.1% growth rate compared to the amount collected in 2024. So, I just barely achieved this goal. My allocation of roughly $30,000 in fresh capital and dividend raises were factors in this higher dividend income.

2. Grow Net Annual Forward Dividends By 25% - Fail

Heading into 2026, my net annual forward dividends are approximately $6,740. That equates to a 23.6% growth rate versus the $5,455 in net annual forward dividends at the start of 2025. So, I fell just short of hitting this goal.

Overall, I'm pleased with my progress on this goal for the year, though. The key element that held me back from achieving this goal was my bout with pneumonia back in March. If it wasn't for a little more than a week of missed work and modest medical bills, I would have narrowly surpassed my goal.

Personal Goals For 2025

1. Bike 40 Miles A Week - Mostly Pass

Throughout much of 2025, I did bike 40 miles a week or at least came close. As I alluded to earlier, there was a time when I was sick with pneumonia and recovering from it that I obviously didn't exercise. Outside of that and easing back into my routine, I met this goal.

2. Lift Weights Four Times A Week - Mostly Pass

Once again, I generally stuck to my goal of doing light weight training four days a week. I didn't end up finishing the year doing three sets of 12 reps of various motions with 20 lb dumb bells, however.

3. Publish A Blog Post Each Week - Pass

Having published 52 blog posts in 2025, I met my goal of publishing one blog post each week. For over seven years now, I have done so on this blog. God willing, I will keep this going in 2026 and in the years that follow.

Concluding Thoughts:

For the most part, 2025 was a decent year. I mostly met or surpassed four out of my five goals for the year. This blog post won't be published until Tuesday, January 6th, but I hope that everybody's New Year is off to a great start!

Discussion:

How was your 2025?

Did you achieve your goals?

I appreciate your readership and welcome your comments below!