Today I’m selling 20 shares of RPV (Invesco S&P 500 Pure Value ETF) for $1,481.19. Back in May 2020, I picked up 35 shares for $1,549.10, and after more than a year, I’ve reached the target I had in mind when I first laid out my “Up 40%, Free Stock Strategy”.
But the real kicker? Not only have I almost recovered my full initial investment with this sale, but I also pocketed $72 in dividends along the way. So, let’s do a little math here:
- $1,481.19 from selling 20 shares
- $72 in dividends over the past year
- Total: $1,553.19—a tiny bit more than what I originally invested.
I’ve basically gotten my initial cash back, and now I’ve got 15 RPV shares for free.
Why Sell Today?
The value investing strategy, though boring to some, has worked its magic. Since I got in when things were shaky, RPV has appreciated over 40%, making it a great time to take some money off the table while keeping 15 shares for potential upside.
Why Keep the Free Shares?
Well, they’re free, for one! Also, the value theme isn’t dead. RPV focuses on deep value stocks in the S&P 500, which have been surging recently. Plus, now that I’ve sold enough to recover my cash, the remaining 15 shares are pure upside—no risk, all reward. They could keep appreciating, and if they don’t? No big deal, I’ve already secured my returns.
The Dividend Boost
And let’s not forget that $72 in dividends I’ve earned between May 2020 and today. Dividends are the gift that keeps on giving, and in this case, they’ve sweetened the deal even more. The added bonus of that dividend income makes holding onto those free shares feel like a no-brainer.
So, what’s the takeaway? I invested $1,549.10, made back $1,481.19 in the sale, got an extra $72 in dividends, and now I’m sitting on 15 free shares of RPV—essentially, I got paid to hold them. Not bad for a year’s work!
Here’s to the next investment, and maybe, just maybe, more free shares in the future.
4o
BUY, SELL, KEEP 
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