A Yield to Caution

Article Excerpt

EXCHANGE INCOME CORP. $42.36 (Toronto symbol EIF; Shares o/s: 28.6 million; Market cap: $1.2 billion; Dividend yield: 5.0%; www.exchangeincomecorp.ca) operates in aviation and manufacturing. The aviation business (80% of its revenue) serves communities in Manitoba, Ontario and Nunavut through regional airlines. The manufacturing business (20% of revenue) includes WesTower Communications Canada (a maker and installer of wireless communication towers), Water Blast Manufacturing and Stainless Fabrication. Exchange Income’s sales and profits continue to rise, and its monthly dividend of $0.175 offers investors a high 5.0% yield. However, the company prefers to expand through acquisitions. That adds considerable risk. Newly purchased companies may come with hidden problems or face unforeseen setbacks. As well, most of Exchange Income’s acquisitions are private businesses, which makes them difficult to value. The company’s long-term debt of $598.4 million (as of September 30, 2016) is a high 50% of its market cap. That also adds risk. Altogether, that makes the sustainability of its dividend uncertain. We don’t recommend the shares of Exchange Income Corp…