3 High-Yield Stocks Whose Dividend Is Well Covered by Cash Flow

Stocks such as Aecon Group Inc (TSX:ARE) have attractive dividends that are well covered by cash flow.

| More on:

One of the most common mistakes made by dividend investors is relying solely on yield and payout ratio to determine the safety of the dividend. A high dividend yield and payout ratio might signify that the dividend is unsustainable and that a dividend cut is inevitable.

Not so fast. A company’s payout ratio is typically measured against a company’s earnings. Earnings often include many one-time and non-cash items that have no bearing on the company’s ability to pay a dividend. Likewise, a high yield doesn’t mean anything without context.

This is why I also look at a company’s dividend in relation to cash flow. This provides investors with a more accurate picture on the safety of the dividend. With that in mind, here are three stocks with above-average yields whose dividend are well covered by cash flow.

A top industrial stock

Aecon Group (TSX:ARE) is one of my favourite in the space. After the failed takeover attempt by China Construction, the company has flown under the radar. This is a company that is firing on all cylinders.

In 2018, the company achieved record revenue, up 16% over the full year 2017. It booked $5.8 billion in new contracts, a 107% increase over the $2.8 billion in booked in 2017. Now that the takeover overhang is behind it, the company is well positioned to move forward.

The company yields 3.27% and its dividend as a percentage of free cash flow is only 11%. It also raised dividends by 14.5% along with fourth-quarter results.

A hidden technology stock

Pason Systems (TSX:PSI) is a technology company buried in the oil and gas industry. Year to date, Pason’s stock is up 9% and has returned approximately 14% in the past year.

Pason currently yields 3.65%; however, it has a payout ratio near 95%. Is this reason for concern? Not at all. The company has no debt, and its dividend accounts for only 57% of cash flow.

It is also important to note that this is a company expected to grow earnings by double digits over the next couple of years.

An unloved consumer cyclical

Down 14% year to date, Transcontinental (TSX:TCL.A) has struggled over the past couple of years. As a result, the yield has jumped and it is now at levels not seen in almost a decade (5.27%).

Is the dividend safe? It sure looks that way. The payout ratio as a percentage of earnings is a reasonable 40% and it drops to 21% when compared to operational cash flow.

The company certainly has its challenges, but it is still expected to achieve low single-digit earnings growth over the next few years. Transcontinental is a Canadian Dividend Aristocrat with a 17-year streak of raising dividends. Even with slowing earnings growth, it has ample flexibility to grow its dividend.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Mat Litalien owns shares of AECON GROUP INC. Pason is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada and Dividend Investor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

customer uses bank ATM
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA and RRSP at Age 65 for Canadians

The TFSA and RRSP together make an ideal pairing for retirees, but is the average even enough?

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy the 3 Highest-Paying Dividend Stocks in Canada?

A few dividend stocks saw a sharp correction in November, increasing their yields. Are they a buy for high dividends?

Read more »

money while you sleep
Dividend Stocks

Buy These 2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Today and Sleep Soundly for a Decade

These stocks pay attractive dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

$15,000 Windfall? This Dividend Stock Is the Perfect Buy for Monthly Passive Income

If you get a windfall, after debt investing should be your next top option to create even more passive income!

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Worry-Free Income

These Canadian stocks have consistently paid dividends, generating a worry-free passive income for investors.

Read more »

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for a Potential $4,781.70 in Total Returns

A dividend stock doesn't have to be risky, or without growth. And in the case of this one, the growth…

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

2 Top TSX ETFs to Buy and Hold in a TFSA Forever

Don't get crazy. Just think simple growth with these two ETFs that are perfect in any TFSA.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $900 Per Month in Tax-Free Income

This covered call ETF plus a TFSA could be your ticket to high tax-free passive income.

Read more »