Sysco Dividend Stock Analysis - Dividends Diversify

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The Sysco Dividend Survives Uncertain Times

Let’s see what a Sysco stock analysis and Sysco dividend review tell us.

After all, dining out has taken a big hit in recent years. And that’s a large part of Sysco’s business.

Is the Sysco dividend safe? Will it grow? Is Sysco stock a good buy? We will answer these questions and more.

And before you go. Be sure to check out the dozens of dividend stock reviews and dividend investing articles. That Dividends Diversify has to offer.

But now, let’s get on with today’s main course, a Sysco dividend stock analysis.

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

Sysco Stock Analysis And Dividend Review: Key Takeaways

1. Sysco’s stock held up well during the global health crisis. Even though the restaurants it services took a hit.

2. Furthermore, Sysco is a Dividend King stock, having paid rising dividends per share for more than 50 years in a row.

4. Although the company carries a large amount of debt, the dividend appears safe for the short-term. However, longer-term dividend growth is dependent on a healthy economy.

5. Sysco stock appears to be a good buy to me only on pullbacks in the share price.

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With those key points taken care of. Let’s dive into the details about Sysco, analyze Sysco stock, and check the Sysco dividend metrics.

Sysco Company Background

Sysco is a global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food and non-food products. Their primary customers are restaurants, healthcare businesses, educational institutions, and lodging establishments.

The company is comprised of four business groups:

US Broadline is the largest. It distributes a full line of food and non-food products to independent restaurants, chain restaurants, healthcare institutions, and educational facilities across the US.

Specialty meets the needs of customers looking for unique and differentiated produce, meat, or seafood products.

International supports customer’s food and non-food product needs in many different countries outside of the US.

Sygma focuses on the logistics of working closely with centralized corporate purchasing systems of large national restaurant chains.

Revenue is reported by these business segments. With the U.S. broadline food service business being the largest by far.

Sysco Growth Strategy

Sysco’s growth strategy is based on a few key areas.

Leverage scale as the largest foodservice operator in the US to optimize costs and increase market share
Grow internationally where the company remains a much smaller player
Support global growth with strategic and tuck-in acquisitions

Sysco Stock Symbol

Finally, Sysco stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange. Using the stock symbol SYY (NYSE: SYY).

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Sysco serves up some tasty food products.

Next, let’s move onto the Sysco dividends: what are they and how do they work?

Does Sysco Pay Dividends?

It’s always nice to start with an easy question. And the answer is?

Yes. Sysco stock pays dividends. And has done so on a regular basis. For a very long time.

What Is Sysco’s Dividend Rate Per Share?

Like all dividend stocks, the company has an annual forward dividend.

The annual forward dividend is the most recent quarterly dividend approved by Sysco’s board of directors. Multiplied by the number of times a year the company pays its dividend.

By taking the forward dividend and dividing it by the stock price. We get a stock’s dividend yield…

Sysco Dividend Yield

Normally, I target yields between 3 and 5%. For my dividend stock screening purchases.

However, I do make exceptions to this rule. Of which Sysco is one. Since the stock’s yield is normally out of my preferred range.

Dividend yields can change rapidly. Since they move in the opposite direction of the stock price. Thus, I hesitate to quote the exact dividend yield here.

Therefore, be sure to check for the latest dividend yield. I use the Simply Investing Report & Analysis Platform to get all the latest dividend metrics.

How Often Does Sysco Stock Pay Dividends?

Sysco stock pays dividends 4 times per year. And does so in 3-month intervals. Each quarterly dividend payment is one-four of the annual dividend rate.

When Does Sysco Pay Dividends?

The company’s dividends are paid during these months: January, April, July, and October.

During these months in which dividends are paid. Expect to receive your cash on approximately the 25th day. Give or take a day or two.

The payment date changes slightly each quarter. Depending on how the calendar falls.

So, it’s a good idea to check Sysco’s investor relations website. If you want to know the exact timing of dividend payments for your dividend income calendar.

Sysco’s Ex-Dividend Date

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

First of all, Sysco’s ex-dividend date usually (but not always) falls during the SAME month in which its quarterly dividend is paid.

Furthermore, Sysco stock goes ex-dividend during the first week of these months.

To put it another way, ex-dividend is about 3 weeks prior to when the dividend is paid.

Since Sysco’s ex-dividend date is slightly different each quarter. Once again, it is best to check the Sysco investor relations site for the most recent information.

Sysco Dividend History

First of all, Sysco was founded in 1969.

Furthermore, it became a publicly traded company the next year.

Finally, the company pays dividends every quarter. And has done so since it went public in 1970.

Sysco Is A Dividend King

Each year, since Sysco began paying dividends. Management has increased the payout. This number of consecutive annual dividend increases makes Sysco a Dividend King.

To become a Dividend King, a company must have paid increasing dividends for at least 50 years in a row. Only a handful of elite businesses have achieved this type of status.

Investing in Dividend Kings is a great strategy for anyone. But, especially for beginning dividend investors. Building a dividend portfolio from scratch.

Sysco Dividend Growth Rate

Next, let’s talk a little bit more about dividend growth.

Sysco Dividend Increase: Fiscal Year 2020

The dividend increase announced in November 2019 for the fiscal year 2020 was outstanding. Management increased the Sysco dividend by 15.4%!

Sysco Dividend Increase: Fiscal Year 2021

On the other hand, Sysco typically announces its dividend increases in November. But they chose to delay the dividend increase at that time.

And it comes as no surprise to me. The company was severely impacted by restaurant closures. Due to the global health crisis.

Furthermore, to maintain its status as a Dividend King, Sysco had to pay a higher quarterly dividend before the end of the calendar year 2021.

And they did do so. Even if it is was a small increase.

Because it is the act of paying a higher dividend rate each calendar year. Not increasing the quarterly dividend each year. That qualifies a company as a Dividend King.

To better explain, Sysco can skip it’s typical November dividend increase as it did. Approve and pay a higher quarterly dividend before the end of the calendar year 2021. And still, maintain Dividend King status.

It all depends on the timing of dividend payments and when they increase their dividend rate.

And I know, that seems a little confusing. But I include it here as a bit of a history lesson.

First for how quickly business fundamentals can change. And for how a Dividend King can hang onto its title. When experiencing difficult economic times.

Sysco Dividend Policy

To my knowledge, Sysco does not have a stated dividend policy. But it is clear from management’s historical actions that they intend to:

Pay quarterly cash dividends every year, and
Increase those dividend payments on an annual basis

Let’s move to financial reporting and business fundamentals next.

Sysco Revenue Trend

First of all, the company operates in slow-growth business markets that are partly dependent on

A healthy economy
Solid consumer spending
Economic growth

Furthermore, Sysco is the largest food service distributor in the US. However, the market is very fragmented with many smaller and regional competitors.

So, revenue growth is constrained by competition and economic growth. But revenue increases are generated from:

Overall growth in the economy
Taking market share from competitors, and
Acquisition of competitors

But, no one anticipated the events of 2020. And how they would impact our food consumption behaviors.

We all have to eat. But, we can choose to prepare meals and eat at home. When the economy or our finances hit a rough spot.

Thus, no matter the cause of restaurant closures and people eating at home. Those trends will negatively impact Sysco’s revenues.

Sysco Dividend Payout Ratio Based On Earnings

With a booming economy, earnings growth was accelerating prior to the pandemic. And was a catalyst for dividend increases.

More recently the dividend per share exceeded earnings. Which brought a slow-down to the company’s dividend growth.

In any company’s case, a dividend is not sustainable when it exceeds earnings. At least not in the long term. Fortunately, Sysco has been working its way back to higher profits.

So, we will need to see a continuing economic and business turnaround for Sysco to maintain its dividend safety.

Let’s see how the dividend stacks up against cash flow next…

Sysco Dividend Payout Ratio Based On Free Cash Flow

Sysco’s cash flows have been covering the company’s dividends. This is a positive sign.

Furthermore, in a typical year, any remaining cash is mainly allocated to

Share buybacks
Acquisitions
Debt service

Of course, the pandemic was not typical of normal times. As share buybacks and acquisitions were curtailed.

Next, our Sysco stock analysis continues with a check on financial position. A strong financial position is important for a good dividend stock. In order to maintain its dividend during difficult times.

So we will look at credit ratings. And debt levels.

Sysco Credit Rating

Knowing a company’s credit rating can be helpful. I use it as one indicator of dividend safety.

A corporation’s credit rating is similar to how your personal credit score works. Higher ratings mean lower risk to those who lend the company money. Put another way, higher ratings mean lenders will be more likely to get their loans paid back.

Resource: Check your credit for free with Credit Karma

Sysco has a lower credit rating as compared to most quality dividend-paying companies. However, the company typically maintains investment-grade ratings.

Credit Rating Evaluation Grid

Sysco Debt To Equity

A weak spot for Sysco in its financial position is leverage. Why? The company carries a large amount of debt.

It’s never a good sign to go into a business downturn. Or encounter financial difficulties with a large amount of debt.

Sysco’s debt to equity ratio is very high. So, Sysco is much more leveraged than the average dividend-paying company that I follow here at Dividends Diversify.

Higher debt levels are likely a reason for the credit ratings to be at the lower end of the investment-grade scale.

Is The Sysco Dividend Safe?

I see a moderate risk for Sysco’s dividend safety. But, I do not expect a dividend reduction from this stock to be forthcoming.

One key question to ask is, “what is the stock market telling us?”.

With a relatively low dividend yield, the collective minds of investors are telling us Sysco’s dividend is safe. Otherwise, Sysco’s dividend yield would be much higher, in my opinion.

However, I also don’t have a crystal ball. And for Sysco’s current dividend to be secure in the long term, we need dining away from home to be supported by strong economic conditions.

Sysco Dividend Safety Score From Utility Forecaster

Also, one of my favorite investment newsletters is Utility Forecaster. As the name implies, the publication primarily focuses on the utility sector. But recently, it has broadened out to cover some other industries. Mainly consumer staples.

Furthermore, Utility Forecaster has a proprietary dividend safety score. And provides it for all of the stocks that it covers.

As of this update, Utility Forecaster scores Sysco’s dividend safety favorably. Always check for the latest dividend metrics before you invest.

Sysco Dividend Growth Projection

For each dividend stock that I own, I make a projection of future dividend growth. Doing so helps me plan my future income. And, provides an expectation to compare future dividend increases against.

I base my projection on several factors including:

Historical dividend growth
Dividend payout ratios
Stated dividend policy (when provided)
Business fundamentals
Business strategy and its growth potential

Sysco’s dividend situation is a very unique case right now. And to forecast dividend growth, I need to assume life will return to “near-normal”.

But even if it does, I expect Sysco to be very cautious with their cash. And start to allocate more to debt reduction than they have in the past.

So, in the long run, I can’t see the dividend rate going much above 4-5%.

Okay now. There’s more.

Our Sysco stock analysis would not be complete without a check on valuation. Let’s do that, then wrap up.

Resource: Stock analysis provided by Motley Fool

Is Sysco Stock A Good Buy?

Sysco stock does not appear to be a good buy at this time.

Said another way, it is expensive considering the risks and uncertainty involved.

To me, it doesn’t look like the stock market has factored in all of the business challenges Sysco is facing.

I use a dividend discount model to assess valuation. But understand valuation metrics can change quickly.

Either due to fluctuations in the stock price. Or, shifting business fundamentals.

You can get a current call on Sysco’s stock valuation from Simply Investing.

Sysco Dividend Discount Model

As of this article update, the single-stage dividend discount model shows Sysco stock to be overvalued.

The model uses the current annual dividend rate. My dividend growth forecast and desired return on investment.

Based on these assumptions, the dividend discount model tells us the shares are not a good buy at this time.

Partly because this valuation model penalizes slow-growing dividends.

Sysco Dividend Stock Analysis Wrap Up

Sysco stock holds a mid-size position in my dividend stock investment portfolio.

I won’t be adding to my position at current prices. Because of the relatively low dividend yield, stock valuation, and business risks.

What if I didn’t own Sysco stock?

I would not initiate a position at the current price levels.

Resource: Dividend stock recommendations from Simply Investing

On the brighter side, I do believe Sysco has a good opportunity to pick up market share. From weaker competitors during these difficult times. And may emerge a stronger company when the health crisis subsides.

I’m just not sure I have the desire to see that scenario through. On the other hand, I will hold my shares.

Since it’s hard for me to walk away from a Dividend King like Sysco.

Regardless, I will keep an eye on the high debt levels. And the company’s all-important business fundamentals moving forward.

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Author Bio, Disclosure, & Disclaimer: Please join me (Tom) as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. Instead, I’m a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. I’m here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. This site’s only purpose is general information & entertainment. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

I own Sysco Stock and collect the Sysco dividend