Today is Thursday, April 25, 2019, and this is your daily dividend safety update. Today we’re looking at Eaton Vance (NYSE: EV) stock to see whether its 3.21% dividend is safe.
Let’s look at the company’s payout ratio, cash flow growth, and dividend history to gauge the probability of a dividend cut in the next few years.
Payout Ratio (Dividends/Earnings)
Eaton Vance has a payout ratio of 38.54%. That’s low enough for us! Payout ratio equals dividends per share divided by earnings per share. A low payout ratio indicates that the company has plenty of money to cover its dividend. We’d be more concerned if the ratio was closer to 100% (or over it).
Cash Flow Growth Year-Over-Year
Eaton Vance has grown its cash flow by 142.11% in the last year. That’s a good omen for dividend investors! When a company grows its cash flow, it can use some of that extra cash to strengthen — or even raise — its dividend.
Dividend History & Recent Cuts
Eaton Vance has not cut its dividend in the recent past. That’s a good sign. It’s not a guarantee that the company will never cut its dividend, but companies that have cut their dividends recently are generally more likely to cut them again.
The Takeaway
Eaton Vance stock has failed 0 of our 3 dividend safety metrics. With that in mind, we believe a dividend cut is unlikely in the next few years.
We’ve been keeping an eye on some dividend stocks that could be better for your income portfolio than Eaton Vance. These dividends are much bigger — and safer — than the paltry yields many investors settle for. Enter your email below to learn more.
P.S. Are you worried about the safety of your dividend stocks? Is there a particular stock you want us to grade next? Leave the ticker symbol in the comment section below.
