Medtronic Stock Dividend Analysis

Medtronic Dividend Growth Stays Strong

Welcome to the Medtronic stock analysis & Medtronic stock dividend review.

First of all, Medtronic stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange. Furthermore, the company uses the stock ticker symbol MDT (NYSE: MDT). Finally, Medtronic operates in the health care sector.

And you likely know that health care and health insurance costs keep increasing.  And I know two ways to fight those rising costs.

1. Make smart dividend stock investments in the health care sector
2. Lead a safe & healthy lifestyle

Let’s focus on the second option. While we take a look at one of several health care stocks held in our model dividend stock portfolio.

Just like when you go to the doctor, we will be sure to see if the Medtronic dividend is healthy and if the MDT dividend is safe.

Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Medtronic Company Background

Medtronic is a global healthcare solutions company.

They are committed to improving people’s lives.  And do so through medical technologies, services, and solutions.

What Products Does Medtronic Make?

As a result, the company produces and sells products in these health care areas:

• Cardiac and vascular
• Minimally invasive therapies
• Restorative therapies
• Diabetes services and solutions

Related: Abbott Labs Stock Dividend Analysis

Other Company Facts & Statistics

Medtronic operates out of over 350 locations in more than 150 countries. And they execute their mission through 90,000+ employees.

So, we know a little bit about Medtronic, the company. Next, let’s discuss all of the facts and figures related to the Medtronic stock dividend.

Does Medtronic Pay A Dividend?

Yes. Medtronic pays a dividend. And has done so for many years.

Furthermore, the company has a history of increasing dividends regularly. In my opinion, Medtronic qualifies as a high-quality dividend growth stock.

How Much Is The Medtronic Stock Dividend Per Share?

Medtronic pays an annual forward dividend of $2.32 per share.

Medtronic Stock Dividend Yield

The annual dividend per share provides a 2% Medtronic dividend yield at the recent stock price.

Regular readers know I prefer stock with a dividend yield between 3%-5%. Medtronic’s dividend yield falls well below this target. And has for most of the time I have followed Medtronic stock.

But I will accept stock with a lower dividend yield in return for higher dividend growth. We will get to Medtronic stock dividend growth in a moment.

But first, a few other facts and figures about Medtronic’s dividend. Because we want to understand exactly how dividends are paid on shares of MDT.

How Often Does Medtronic Pay Dividends?

Medtronic pays dividends every 3 months or 4 times per year. Following a typical quarterly dividend frequency like many U.S. based dividend stocks.

In Which Months Does Medtronic Pay Dividends?

The company’s dividends are paid in January, April, July, and October. The dividend payment is typically made in the mid to later part of these months.

Medtronic Ex-Dividend Date

As an investor in Medtronic, you must complete your investment by the ex-dividend date. That is if you want to receive the next stock dividend payout.

For MDT, the ex-dividend date falls on or around the 25th day of the month PRIOR to when the quarterly dividend is paid.

These dates are subject to change. And they are partially dictated by the timing of the Board’s approval of each dividend payment.

So, if you want the next payment to increase your dividend income. Be sure to check the company’s investor relations website for the exact dates.

On the other hand, are you are a long-term buy and hold investor like me? Just for curiosity’s sake, I had to check when I made my first trade of MDT stock. It dates back to 2010.

My point is, for a buy and hold investment, there is no worry. Once you make your investment, you will be eligible for every dividend payment in the future.

There is nothing more for you to do. Just sit back and collect regular passive income from dividends!

MDT Dividend History

Medtronic started paying a quarterly cash dividend in 1977.

In 1978, the company increased its dividend payment for the first time. This started the company’s long trend of annual dividend increases by Medtronic management.

Medtronic Is A Dividend Aristocrat

Every year starting in 1978 the Medtronic dividend has been increased. Yes. Decades of annual dividend growth.

And classifies Medtronic stock as a Dividend Aristocrat. Dividend Aristocrats are those rare and special companies who have increased their dividends annually for at least 25 consecutive years.

This is an excellent track record of dividend growth.  And a nice long history of it.

But what does Medtronic’s dividend growth rate look like? Let’s check that area next.

Medtronic Stock Dividend Growth Rate

As shown in the table below, the Medtronic dividend growth rate has been quite good.

Table 1: MDT Compound Annual Dividend Growth Rate Through Fiscal Year End 2020

1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	7 Years
8.0%	7.9%	12.1%	11.0%

At least from my perspective. I can accept Medtronic’s lower dividend yield with consistently high dividend growth like this. In addition, Medtronic recently increased its dividend by another 7.4%.

On its investor relations site, Medtronic proudly touts its long term compound annual dividend growth rates. Since 1978, the Medtronic dividend has grown rapidly. And the company is proud to say so.

Medtronic Dividend Policy

I found some good information regarding dividend policy in a recent Medtronic health care conference presentation.

Here is what I uncovered. Medtronic…

• Is targeting a dividend payout ratio at 40% of free cash flow
• Expects the dividend to grow in line with earnings growth

These factors will be helpful as we move on with the Medtronic stock dividend analysis. But next, let’s look at some of the business fundamentals.

Medtronic Revenue Trend

Medtronic’s revenue growth comes from acquisitions of other businesses and the introduction of new products.  Most noteworthy, revenue jumped significantly in 2016 due to the acquisition of Covidien.

Chart 1: Medtronic 7 Year Annual Revenue Trend

Since the Covidien acquisition, Medtronic’s revenue growth has been relatively low. And the fiscal year 2020 closed out with a decline in revenue versus the prior year.

This was primarily due to deferred medical procedures. And a reprioritization of health care resources. Both a result of the global pandemic.

Related: Johnson & Johnson – JNJ Stock Dividend Analysis

Revenue By Product Category

Finally, revenue breaks out across their major product categories as shown in the chart below.

Chart 2: Medtronic Revenue By Business Segment

Let’s move to Medtronic’s earnings, cash flow and dividend payout ratios.

Medtronic Dividend Payout Ratio Based On Earnings

Based on earnings, the dividend payout ratio runs near 60%. 60% or less is a safe level for most companies that operate in industries with steady demand, like Medtronic.

Chart 3: MDT Earnings And Dividends Per Share

Note that the fiscal year 2018 earnings have been normalized for one-time charges related to the 2017 tax cut and jobs act.

Furthermore, a lower payout ratio is a positive indicator.  It shows the company has room to raise the dividend in the coming years.  Or, withstand an earnings drop without having to reduce it.

It is important to note that dividend growth has come partly due to a rising Medtronic dividend payout ratio. At least based on reported accounting earnings. But, I’ll wait to draw any conclusions about future dividend growth.

First, I want to check Medtronic’s dividends against free cash flow. We will do that now.

Related: Becton Dickinson Dividend Stock Analysis

Medtronic Dividend Payout Ratio Based On Cash Flows

Medtronic produces plenty of free cash flow to support current and future regular dividend payments. In recent years, the Medtronic dividend consumed only 47% of free cash flow.

Chart 4: MDT Dividends & Cash Flow

This is a very comfortable ratio. But, it is higher than the company’s stated target of 40%.

Here is what management had to say about free cash flow and its relationship to the quarterly dividend payments. I found the following information in the same investor document that held clues about the company’s dividend policy.

The company communicates its goal to “return a minimum of 50 percent of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases”. Furthermore, share repurchases are being “deprioritized as focus accelerates in other capital deployment avenues”.

I really like it when a company sends clear signals to investors about its intentions for the dividend. It lets me know they want to pay the dividend to reward shareholders with cash.

Finally, over the last several years, Medtronic has been directing most of its remaining free cash flow to reduce debt.

Debt reduction is a positive sign. Since Medtronic increased its debt load significantly in 2015 to finance the acquisition of Covidien.

Projected Medtronic Dividend Growth

Now, it’s fairly easy to come up with a forecast for future Medtronic dividend growth. I do this for all of my dividend stocks.

First of all, a forecast allows me to plan my future income from dividends. And it gives me a benchmark to compare the company’s actual increases against in the future.

I can base my forecast on the following assumptions.

• Long term projected earnings growth of 8%
• Intend for future dividend growth in line with earnings
• Targeting a dividend payout ratio of 40% of free cash flow

So, for my planning purposes, I’m going to assume a 7%-8% annual Medtronic stock dividend growth rate in future years.

Next, let’s move to Medtronic’s financial position. That’s the last piece of information I need to draw a conclusion about Medtronic’s dividend safety.

Medtronic Financial Position

To assess a company’s financial position, I like to look at credit ratings. And financial leverage according to their balance sheet.

Medtronic Credit Ratings

Moody’s rates Medtronic “A3”. S&P weighs in with an “A” rating. Source: FINRA Bond Center.

Table 2: Credit Rating Evaluation Grid

As shown in the table above, both Moody’s and S&P rate Medtronic: “Investment Grade – Low Credit Risk”. The credit ratings are solid and a good sign of financial health.

Most dependable dividend-paying companies carry investment-grade credit ratings. And Medtronic is no exception.

Medtronic Balance Sheet Leverage

Medtronic’s debt to equity ratio checks in at .6. This is a very manageable level. And represents a conservative capital structure. Plus the company holds ample cash and short-term investments for liquidity purposes.

I have no issues with Medtronic’s overall financial position. It is very strong.

Medtronic Dividend Safety

Everything we have discussed so far helps me evaluate the overall safety of Medtronic’s dividend. Those items addressed and discussed were:

• A company that supplies essential products
• Business fundamentals
• A strong dividend history
• Dividend payout ratios
• Financial position

Based on my review, I consider Medtronic’s dividend very safe. And when I say safe, I mean it’s unlikely the dividend will be reduced anytime in the foreseeable future.

One last item before we conclude. A Medtronic stock analysis would not be complete without an assessment of this dividend stock’s valuation.

Medtronic Stock Valuation

We have been discussing so many positive attributes of Medtronic stock and the Medtronic dividend. Here are a few positives that quickly come to mind:

• High dividend growth
• Solid dividend safety
• Strong financial position
• Consistent record of share price appreciation

So what’s the catch? Well, stocks that have these characteristics usually trade at a high stock valuation. Let’s look at value now to see if this holds true.

Medtronic Dividend Discount Model

The single-stage dividend discount model considers several factors I have discussed thus far.

• The current annual dividend payment
• Projected annual dividend growth

And 1 item we have not discussed yet. My desired annual return on investment of 10%

Using these assumptions, the dividend discount model calculates the fair value of Medtronic stock at $100 per share.

Medtronic Stock Price To Earnings Ratio

First of all, Medtronic’s stock is trading at a high level.  Furthermore, earnings growth has slowed from years past too.

These factors still result in a substantial Medtronic stock price to earnings ratio. More than 30 times the fiscal year 2020 earnings. Certainly, Medtronic stock is fully valued based on this measure.

But, a high price to earnings ratio is not uncommon for a quality dividend growth stock like Medtronic. Generally speaking, a lower price to earnings ratio represents a better value for the investor. But not always the best investment.

Related: Abbvie Dividend Stock For High Dividend Yield

Morningstar Fair Value

The investment analysis firm Morningstar is a little more optimistic. They place a fair value on Medtronic stock at $118 per share.

Source: Morningstar

Simply Investing Report

I use the Simply Investing Report as a source for high-quality dividend stock recommendations and analysis.

The SI report likes Medtronic’s valuation too. Currently, Simply Investing has Medtronic stock rated as undervalued.

You can read my full review of Simply Investing and what it has to offer here. There it will tell you exactly how Simply Investing judges the valuation of a dividend stock.

Medtronic Stock Valuation Recap

The valuation methods suggest a range of values for Medtronic stock. It appears to be fully valued at a minimum. Perhaps slightly overvalued at the time of this writing.

Medtronic Stock Forecast

Let’s put valuation and business fundamentals together now. This will help me establish my path forward with Medtronic stock. Maybe it will help you too? Here goes…

Management’s long term earnings guidance calls for 8% annual growth. And, I believe the stock price will grow at a similar rate.

So, taking those points into account, I have set a 5-year price target on the stock at $175 per share. Understanding there will be many ups and downs reflected in the stock price over the next 5 years.

Wrap Up On The Medtronic Stock Dividend & Medtronic Stock Analysis

Let’s wrap by answering a couple of frequently asked questions about Medtronic stock. After doing all of the stock research, I feel I’m in a good position to answer them now.

Is Medtronic Stock A Good Buy?

Medtronic stock is a better value now than it has been in the past. And, I believe the stock is good to buy on any dips in the share price.

For now, I have a solid hold sign on my current shares. And wouldn’t mind picking up some more shares if the stock price weakens from here.

Is Medtronic Stock A Good Investment?

Yes. Medtronic is a good investment.

I have been a shareholder in the company since 2010. And have enjoyed a nice return. In my opinion, the stock is a great investment option to consider. Why?

Because Medtronic offers just about everything I love about high-quality dividend growth stocks:

• A historical track record of business success
• Long-term steady demand for essential products
• Consistent current income from dividend payments
• Income growth from dividend increases
• A high level of dividend safety
• Solid long-term share price appreciation

To sum up, I think this is 1 of many high-quality and very good dividend stocks.

Are There Any Drawbacks To Owning Medtronic Stock?

It’s hard to come up with many negatives about MDT stock. But to be balanced, I will offer up a few.

First of all, we are dealing with a single stock in a volatile stock market. There are no guarantees. So, do your research and draw your own conclusions. After all, it’s your money! Manage it effectively.

Furthermore, Medtronic’s dividend yield is fairly low. I prefer dividend yields of at least 3%. But it rarely goes that high.

Finally, it’s common for Medtronic stock to run up and be overvalued. It can make it difficult to find a good entry point to purchase. Or, high prices may influence an investor to sell to realize a profit.

But for me, I like to buy and hold. To collect the type of dividends that this stock pays. And Medtronic stock has historically rewarded investors for doing just that.

Further Reading About Dividend Investing and Dividend Stocks

• A favorite book about dividends
• Another stock market sector that is known for dividends
• Another stock I like as much as Medtronic
• High dividends & growth from the best exchange-traded funds

My Favorite Dividend Investing Resources

• Trade stocks for free with the Webull app
• Get stock research from Morningstar
• And stock analysis from Motley Fool
• Or dividend stock recommendations from Simply Investing
• Manage your finances for free with Personal Capital

Disclosure & Disclaimer

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I own Medtronic stock and collect the Medtronic dividend.