August '26 dividend portfolio update: mixed views + the next stock I'm selling
August brought portfolio results from a FTSE 100 financial that's attracting mixed views from analysts and a FTSE 250 firm that's flying high. I review both results and explain why I've decided to sell one of my oldest holdings.
Welcome to my monthly dividend portfolio review for August.
After July's takeover action, August was a little quieter, with just two of my portfolio stocks issuing results during the summer lull. Both companies are market leaders in their main areas of activity, but they're very different beasts.
In this review I give my view on the latest numbers from each company. I also discuss a longstanding holding that I've decided to sell:
- Company #1: this FTSE 250 firm recently reported record H1 profits, thanks partly to geopolitical tailwinds. Market sentiment remains strong, despite the stock now trading on a relatively demanding valuation. I explain why I'm staying invested despite the risk if a cyclical slowdown at some point.
- Company #2: shares in this FTSE 100 financial are trading close to their all-time highs, but the stock has received an unusual barrage of sell ratings from City analysts. They appear to be increasingly sceptical about the quality and sustainability of the company's earnings – and its shareholder returns.
- Company #3 - what I'm selling: I've decided to sell one of my largest and oldest holdings after a strong run. I've held the shares personally since 2018 and in the model dividend portfolio since its inception in December 2021. The business in question is still trading well and is arguably not too expensive, but I think the story has changed. While there's a risk I'll miss out on explosive new growth, I think risk has increased and I am no longer comfortable with the direction of travel.
Quick reminder: my model dividend portfolio broadly mirrors the shares in my main personal portfolio, although position sizing and prices paid will vary for practical reasons.
Please note that my comments reflect my personal views and are not investment advice or recommendations. Please do your own research and seek professional advice if needed. Full disclaimer here.
For an explanation of my Quality Dividend score, see here.
In this month's report
Please scroll down for the full report, or click on the links to go directly to a specific section:
