Steady dividends despite cyclical risk

Article Excerpt

Finning has a track record of maintaining its dividend, even during economic downturns. Its recent cost-cutting plan and efficiency gains have further strengthened its position. That should let the company continue to raise its dividend—even when commodity prices decline again. Still, it’s important to note Finning’s exposure to volatile commodity prices gives it higher risk than dividend-payers such as utilities.  FINNING INTERNATIONAL INC. $31 (Toronto symbol FTT; Cyclical- Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 168.1 million; Market cap: $5.2 billion; Dividend yield: 2.5%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.finning.com) began operating in 1933 and is now the world’s largest seller of Caterpillar-brand heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and tractors. • Finning has paid regular dividends since 1970 • Company has raised the dividend four times in the past five years • Generated a total of $1.6 billion in free cash flow between 2013 and 2016 despite weaker commodity prices The company is the exclusive Caterpillar dealer in three regions: Western Canada (B.C., Alberta,…