September 2023 Recap

My annual income increased $25 as a result of dividend increases from Microsoft (+10%), NJR (+7.7%), and 5 other holdings. Meanwhile, there were changes to the Dividend Safety Scores of W. P. Carey, Smucker, and Walgreens. W.P. Carey Surprises With Plan to Exit All Office Properties; Dividend Could Be Reduced by Around 20%. Downgraded to Unsafe • Sep 21 J.M. Smucker to Acquire Hostess Brands, Increasing Leverage. Downgraded to Safe • Sep 12  Leadership Changes, Softening Consumer Spending Suggest Walgreens' Turnaround Struggles Continue. Downgraded to Borderline Safe • Sep 1 Casino Expansion, Higher Rates Weigh on Realty Income; Dividend Coverage Remains Healthy. Safe Rating Reaffirmed • Sep 13  Dominion Nears End of Strategic Review With Gas Utilities Divestiture; Dividend Expected to Remain Flat. Safe Rating Reaffirmed • Sep 7 Enbridge to Become More Diversified Energy Company With Gas Utilities Acquisition; Dividend Remains Safe. Safe Rating Reaffirmed • Sep 6 Brandywine cuts dividend by 21%, as economic headwinds continue to pressure office REITs Fortis increases payout by 4.4%, celebrating 50 consecutive years of annual dividend growth Microsoft hikes dividend by 10%, reaching 14th consecutive year of payout growth W. P. Carey raises dividend by 0.19% Philip Morris ups dividend by a modest 2.4%, balancing deleveraging goals with payout growth Realty Income raises dividend by 0.20%NJR increases dividend by 7.7%, marking 30th increase in 27 years Verizon raises dividend by 1.9%, reaching 17th consecutive year of annual payout growth   For questions or comments contact me at [email protected]