Q: This name is in both the 5i Income and BE portfolios at a 6% weighting yet yields under 1%, where no other stock in the Income portfolio comes close to. I understand it is the best performer in that portfolio and am wondering if it is there to 'juice up' the return on an otherwise mediocre performance. Could you confirm this rationale or explain the thinking, please.
5i Research Answer:
WSP has seen a declining dividend yield over the past decade, from ~5% to 6% to its current less than 1% yield. The stock has become focused on paying down debt and acquisitions, alongside continuous, steady dividend payments. WSP has been in the income model portfolio for years, coming from a high yield to a now relatively lower yield. The income model portfolio aims to target an average portfolio yield of 4% to 5% and a total return target of 6% to 8%. We feel that while WSP does not help to bring up the average yield, the model portfolio continues to hold an average portfolio yield in the 4% to 5% range, and WSP's strong price appreciation has helped to near the total return target of 6% to 8%.