Today is Monday, May 6, 2019, and this is your daily dividend safety update. Today we’re looking at Welltower Incorporated (NYSE: WELL) stock to see whether its 4.59% dividend is safe.
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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)
Welltower Incorporated has a payout ratio of 213.2%. 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
Welltower Incorporated has not grown its cash flow in the last year. That’s a bad omen for dividend investors. No cash flow means no dividend, so if cash flow isn’t growing, that’s a problem for us.
Dividend History & Recent Cuts
Welltower Incorporated 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
Welltower Incorporated stock has failed 2 of our 3 dividend safety metrics. With that in mind, we believe a dividend cut is likely in the next few years.
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.
