Q: HI Guys
I know you were asked a recent question about Arcadian Timber but Just wanted some clarity. On the recent question you said " In the last year, ADN saw it's price see a slight drawdown, but total return was up by 3%. ADN continues to be a solid dividend payer with a yield of 7.14% while payout ratio is quite good at 37.36%. "
Today with their earning report they stated the dividend payout ratio for the year ending December 2023 was 132%, but 99% with the DRIP. and "Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $20.6 million, compared to $18.2 million in 2022. Acadian generated $15.0 million of Free Cash Flow during the year, compared to $12.2 million in 2022, and declared dividends of $19.8 million or $1.16 per share to our shareholders. Acadian's balance sheet remains solid with $14.8 million of net liquidity as at December 31, 2023, which includes funds available under our credit facilities."
So just wondering about how much extra funds they generate/accumulate beyond the dividend and the security of the dividend going forward. Aren't they at a level that is somewhat worrying if there was a further downturn in the lumber industry?
By the way I am a long time holder of this stock.
Thanks so much
Stuart
I know you were asked a recent question about Arcadian Timber but Just wanted some clarity. On the recent question you said " In the last year, ADN saw it's price see a slight drawdown, but total return was up by 3%. ADN continues to be a solid dividend payer with a yield of 7.14% while payout ratio is quite good at 37.36%. "
Today with their earning report they stated the dividend payout ratio for the year ending December 2023 was 132%, but 99% with the DRIP. and "Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $20.6 million, compared to $18.2 million in 2022. Acadian generated $15.0 million of Free Cash Flow during the year, compared to $12.2 million in 2022, and declared dividends of $19.8 million or $1.16 per share to our shareholders. Acadian's balance sheet remains solid with $14.8 million of net liquidity as at December 31, 2023, which includes funds available under our credit facilities."
So just wondering about how much extra funds they generate/accumulate beyond the dividend and the security of the dividend going forward. Aren't they at a level that is somewhat worrying if there was a further downturn in the lumber industry?
By the way I am a long time holder of this stock.
Thanks so much
Stuart
5i Research Answer:
Our data was incorrect regarding the payout ratio. It is correct that the payout ratio is high at these levels, but it did improve throughout 2023, in-line with the company's performance which makes us feel a bit better about it. We see that the operating cash flow for ADN for FY2023 was $10.4M, and annualized dividends will be about $19.8M, making the payout ratio about 190%. The outlook for ADN and the lumber industry looks decent enough that we are not overly worried about the dividend being sustained, but the ratio is high and we would like to see its fundamentals improve to help fund its dividends. ADN could also fund the dividend through cash or additional debt if necessary.