Q: Peter,
Dividend sustainability is a significant concern to so many investors. You mention Free cash flow as a good measuring stick. Is there an industry consensus of how this is determined? For instance on Telus ( FYE Dec 31,2019) annual report shows free cash flow of $932m, with a disclaimer note about no industry standard . Morningstar shows $33 million free cash flow for the same period. Both sources show $3,927m as operating cash flow . Which one do you recommend as the most accurate predictor of the ability of a company to sustain or increase their dividend payouts ? If it is free cash flow, what source / formula should one use?
Thank you,
Paul
Dividend sustainability is a significant concern to so many investors. You mention Free cash flow as a good measuring stick. Is there an industry consensus of how this is determined? For instance on Telus ( FYE Dec 31,2019) annual report shows free cash flow of $932m, with a disclaimer note about no industry standard . Morningstar shows $33 million free cash flow for the same period. Both sources show $3,927m as operating cash flow . Which one do you recommend as the most accurate predictor of the ability of a company to sustain or increase their dividend payouts ? If it is free cash flow, what source / formula should one use?
Thank you,
Paul