Q: Further to your earlier answer yesterday, you referred to the payout ratio as still being high. My impression is that they have been lowering it over the last 2 or 3 years. I seem to recall it is in the 70's percent-wise, having been in the 90's. If my memory is correct (no guarantees here!), this shows very positive improvement, in line with the targets espoused by their CEO in previous calls.
Would you be able to tell me what the payout ratio is currently (based on cash flow, I assume), and also indicate how you are calculating it from the numbers off of the statements? I am particularly interested in knowing the adjustments you make, and your reasoning.
(This, I hope, falls into the category of not just giving me fish, but teaching me HOW to fish!)
Also, at least one other analyst doesn't get the seasonality of their quarterly statements (they have a slow period - the summer - when the kids aren't on the bus)and keeps referring to the falling profitability without due consideration. Do you refer to yearly stats when calculating payout ratios and such, or if not, what adjustments do you make to the statements regarding seasonality?
Thanks!
paul
Would you be able to tell me what the payout ratio is currently (based on cash flow, I assume), and also indicate how you are calculating it from the numbers off of the statements? I am particularly interested in knowing the adjustments you make, and your reasoning.
(This, I hope, falls into the category of not just giving me fish, but teaching me HOW to fish!)
Also, at least one other analyst doesn't get the seasonality of their quarterly statements (they have a slow period - the summer - when the kids aren't on the bus)and keeps referring to the falling profitability without due consideration. Do you refer to yearly stats when calculating payout ratios and such, or if not, what adjustments do you make to the statements regarding seasonality?
Thanks!
paul
