Q: Hello 5i Team,
I was thinking about adding to my EMA position until I read last week's dividend growth forecast reduction to only 1% - 2% per year instead of its historical 4% increase. While the "going in" yield is attractive at over 6% now, would the reduction in dividend growth stop you from putting more money into this company's stock?
As an alternative, I was also considering adding to Keyera - lower initial yield, but dividend growth in the 4-5% range annually.
How would you compare these two in terms of payout ratio, debt management, and total return prospects over the long term?
Many thanks,
Brian
I was thinking about adding to my EMA position until I read last week's dividend growth forecast reduction to only 1% - 2% per year instead of its historical 4% increase. While the "going in" yield is attractive at over 6% now, would the reduction in dividend growth stop you from putting more money into this company's stock?
As an alternative, I was also considering adding to Keyera - lower initial yield, but dividend growth in the 4-5% range annually.
How would you compare these two in terms of payout ratio, debt management, and total return prospects over the long term?
Many thanks,
Brian
5i Research Answer:
EMA's payout ratio (12 months) is only 24%. KEY is 42%, Five year dividend growth is 2.24% for KEY and 4.08% for EMA. KEY is slightly more expensive on valuation (16X P/E vs 15X) and has outperformed EMA. We would be happy with either. But for an 'add' we would prefer dividend growth. With EMA's plan to reduce dividend growth rates, KEY looks marginally better.