Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: What do you think of Exchange Income Corporation. What is their probability of maintaining their dividend? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Exchange Income Corp., $17.61, symbol EIF on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 13.9 million; Market cap: $244.1 million, www.exchangeincomecorp.ca), operates in two niche businesses: aviation and specialty manufacturing. The aviation segment consists of regional airlines Perimeter Aviation LP, Keewatin Air LP and Calm Air International LP. The specialty manufacturing segment consists of Jasper Tank Ltd., Overlanders Manufacturing LP, Water Blast Manufacturing LP and Stainless Fabrication, Inc. The company reported cash flow of $7.5 million in the latest quarter. It paid out $5.3 million, so it appears to be able to maintain its dividend if cash flow remains steady. Exchange Income plans to keep growing by acquisition, in the airline industry or other businesses. This strategy could be risky. Newly purchased companies may come with hidden problems, or they may develop unforeseen problems, especially in an unsettled economy. Meanwhile, the acquiring company’s managers have to divide their attention among unfamiliar companies and industries. The fund’s concentration in Manitoba adds a lot of geographic risk…