MAY 2020 DIVIDEND INCREASES (AND CUT)

Well, the market did not absolutely tank.  In fact I am no longer underwater.  I'm just a mere 5 years behind in equity gains...

Fortunately, these are dividend earning companies and I am a solid 44% ahead when dividend income is included, even with the rough patch we have been going through. 

The big event this month is the slashing of the Westrock (WRK) dividend by 57%.  It actually came as a surprise, figuring that a cardboard box maker would be doing well at a time like this.  Nope..

TICKER	OLD DIV	NEW DIV	% Gain	old annual	new annual	INCREASE	Yield	Yield on Purchase	Date
WRK	$0.4650	$0.2000	-57%	$208.32	$89.60	-$118.72	2.64%	2.24%	5/5/20
PEP	$0.9550	$1.0225	7%	$191.00	$204.50	$13.50	3.02%	4.63%	5/5/20
AMP	$0.9700	$1.0400	7%	$7.76	$8.32	$0.56	3.5%	3.23%	5/6/20
CB	$0.7500	$0.7800	4%	$42.00	$43.68	$1.68	2.7%	0.7%	5/20/20
FLO	$0.1900	$0.2000	5.3%	$144.40	$152.00	$7.60	3.53%	3.81%	5/21/20
				$407.08	$302.42	-$104.66	-25.71%

On a positive note, Pepsi and Ameriprise Financial rose their dividend by 7% each. 

Overall, I lost $104.66 in my annual dividend income.  With the $40.12 I gained through new purchases, this is not as bad as it could have been.

I have a hunch that this is just about the end of this period of dividend cuts.  I feel we have turned a corner somewhat, even though Covid cases are showing no signs of slowing. 

Until next month, wash your hands hundereds of times!