Here are key updates on 3 dividend payers

Article Excerpt

NEWELL BRANDS INC. $17 remains a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol NWL; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 424.3 million; Market cap: $7.2 billion; Dividend yield: 5.4%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.newellbrands.com) recently completed its plan to narrow its focus to the following key product lines: writing; baby; home fragrance; food; fishing; appliances and cookware; outdoor and recreation; and safety and security. Newell last raised its quarterly dividend with the June 2017 payment. The annual rate of $0.92 yields a high 5.4%. That payment still looks safe. In the 12 months ended June 30, 2020, dividends accounted for a moderate 41.7% of free cash flow (regular cash flow less capital expenditures). However, Newell’s sales for all of 2020 will probably decline 5% from 2019 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. That could put pressure the company to cut the dividend. Newell Brands is still a hold. ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO. $50 is a buy. The stock (New York symbol…