Shutdowns add to Newell’s risk

Article Excerpt

NEWELL BRANDS INC. $25 remains a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol NWL; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 424.3 million; Market cap: $10.6 billion; Dividend yield: 3.7%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.newellbrands.com) makes a variety of consumer products in several categories: 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 solid 3.7%. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched a new restructuring plan to cut overhead expenses and streamline some operations. Those savings are helping Newell pay down its debt, which totalled $5.79 billion (or 55% of its market cap) as of September 30, 2020. However, ongoing school closures could hurt demand for the company’s pens, pencils and other school supplies. Newell Brands is a hold. hold…