Findev Inc.'s (CVE:FDI) investors are due to receive a payment of CA$0.0075 per share on 18th of January. This means the annual payment is 7.5% of the current stock price, which is above the average for the industry.
Check out our latest analysis for Findev
Findev's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions
We like to see robust dividend yields, but that doesn't matter if the payment isn't sustainable. Findev was earning enough to cover the previous dividend, but it was paying out quite a large proportion of its free cash flows. The company is clearly earning enough to pay this type of dividend, but it is definitely focused on returning cash to shareholders, rather than growing the business.
Over the next year, EPS could expand by 3.5% if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 54% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
Findev Is Still Building Its Track Record
The dividend's track record has been pretty solid, but with only 7 years of history we want to see a few more years of history before making any solid conclusions. There hasn't been much of a change in the dividend over the last 7 years. Findev hasn't been paying a dividend for very long, so we wouldn't get to excited about its record of growth just yet.
Findev May Find It Hard To Grow The Dividend
The company's investors will be pleased to have been receiving dividend income for some time. Earnings has been rising at 3.5% per annum over the last five years, which admittedly is a bit slow. Growth of 3.5% may indicate that the company has limited investment opportunity so it is returning its earnings to shareholders instead. While this isn't necessarily a negative, it definitely signals that dividend growth could be constrained in the future unless earnings start to pick up again.
In Summary
Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. The low payout ratio is a redeeming feature, but generally we are not too happy with the payments Findev has been making. We would be a touch cautious of relying on this stock primarily for the dividend income.
Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. Case in point: We've spotted 4 warning signs for Findev (of which 1 is concerning!) you should know about. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
About TSXV:FDI
Findev
A real estate finance company, provides real estate financing secured by investment properties and real estate developments in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada.
Solid track record with excellent balance sheet.