Today is Wednesday, August 14, 2019, and this is your daily dividend safety update. Today we’re looking at Switch (NYSE: SWCH) stock to see whether its 0.57% 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)
Switch has a payout ratio of 124.1%. That’s too high for our liking. Payout ratio equals dividends per share divided by earnings per share. Payout ratios near or over 100% indicate that the company might not be able to afford its dividend — or that it might have to borrow money to pay it.
Cash Flow Growth Year-Over-Year
Switch has grown its cash flow by 106.1% 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
Switch 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
Switch stock has failed 1 of our 3 dividend safety metrics. With that in mind, we believe a dividend cut is possible in the next few years.
Editor’s Note: We’ve been keeping an eye on some dividend stocks that could be better for your income portfolio than Switch. These dividends are much bigger — and safer — than the paltry yields many investors settle for. Enter your email below to learn more.
