Ensco Dividend Safety Analysis

Offshore drillers have been getting hammered in the market the past few months as demand for rigs has waned and driving rates have declined, causing analysts to cut forecasts. Although oil prices have remained relatively stable, a decrease in capital spending programs by oil exploration companies has been the primary driver for the decrease in demand of these offshore rigs.

Offshore drilling companies have become a popular destination for income investors looking for high yields. But with the downturn in the industry, should investors be concerned with the safety of these fat dividend payments? Today we will look at one of those high yielders, Ensco Plc (ESV). With a current yield near 6.0% and a recent history of impressive dividend growth, Ensco offers an enticing income option.

Utilizing our Dividend Safety scoring system, let's look at some important metrics that provide insight into Ensco's dividend health.

Using our analysis, there are two things that should immediately jump out at investors.

1) The company has not been generating free cash flow to keep up with its dividend payment.

2) The company has an enviable debt load, especially for an offshore driller.

So why do Ensco's free cash flow payout numbers look so bad? The company significantly increased capital expenditures in 2012 and 2013 in order to build additional offshore rigs. It currently has seven offshore rigs under construction that are expected to come on-line in the next two to three years. These new rigs are intended to drive future growth for the company, which would allow it to continue to grow its dividend.

Because Ensco's management decided to primarily fund these new rigs internally, the company has been able to keep its debt level quite low. Ensco enjoys an investment grade bond rating, low debt-to-total capital, and has enough cash on hand to comfortably cover its debt payments.

If Ensco's investments in the new rigs do provide the growth expected then the current valuation and dividend yield provide investors a nice entry point. But if the market for rigs continues to deteriorate and the new rigs are forced to be idle then the company may need to take on debt in order to cover the current dividend payment.

Disclosure: The 4% Portfolio Retirement Service has made no recommendations on ESV.

About the author:4PercentThe 4% Portfolio is designed to provide a smarter way for retirees to follow the 4% rule without having to sell a portion of their stock portfolio each year. Our portfolio is based around financially sound corporations spread across multiple industries who reward investors through regular dividend payments. When invested evenly among the stocks in our Portfolio, an investor will yield at least 4% in dividend income each year.

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