Does SSE PLC Pass My Triple Yield Test?

Finding affordable stocks is getting difficult in today’s buoyant market. Does SSE PLC (LON:SSE) fit the bill?

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Like most private investors, I drip-feed money from my earnings into my investment account each month. To stay fully invested, I need to make regular purchases, regardless of the market’s latest gyrations.

However, the FTSE’s gains mean that the wider market is no longer cheap, and it’s getting harder to find shares that meet my criteria for affordability.

In this article, I’m going to run my investing eye over SSE (LSE: SSE) (NASDAQOTH: SSEZY.US).

Should you invest £1,000 in Centrica right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Centrica made the list?

See the 6 stocks

The triple yield test

Today’s low cash saving and government bond rates mean that high-yielding shares have become some of the most attractive income-bearing investments available.

To gauge the affordability of a share for my income portfolio, I like to look at three key yield figures –the dividend, earnings and free cash flow yields. I call this my triple yield test:

SSE Value
Current share price 1,322p
Dividend yield 6.4%
Earnings yield 8.5%
Free cash flow yield 2.6%
FTSE 100 average dividend yield 2.9%
FTSE 100 earnings yield 5.8%
Instant access cash savings rate 1.5%
UK 10yr govt bond yield 2.8%

A share’s earnings yield is simply the inverse of its P/E ratio, and makes it easier to compare a company’s earnings with its dividend yield. SSE’s earnings yield of 8.5% is substantially above the FTSE 100 average, as is its 6.4% dividend yield.

However, I believe that SSE’s dividend yield has now risen so high that it needs to be considered as a possible warning of trouble ahead. This potential problem is highlighted by SSE’s free cash flow yield, which is just 2.6%.

Free cash flow yield shows how much a company could pay in dividends, if it paid out the surplus cash generated after capital expenditure, taxes and interest payments. SSE is not generating enough cash to fund its dividend, which must therefore be coming out of the utility’s reserves and borrowings.

Falling consumption

Consumers’ average energy consumption has fallen in recent years; in its most recent trading update, SSE said that electricity consumption had fallen by 4.3% over the last year, while gas consumption had dropped by 9.5%. Utilities like SSE have become dependent on above-inflation price increase to prop up their profits, a practice that has made them increasingly unpopular with consumers.

Energy prices could become an issue in the 2015 general election, and if the next government decides to crack down on this practice, then I believe SSE could be forced to cut its dividend, and perhaps even raise funds through a rights issue.

In my view, SSE shares are cheap enough to rate a buy at the moment — but don’t expect that 6%+yield to last forever.

But this isn’t the only opportunity that’s caught my attention this week. Here are:

5 Shares for the Future of Energy

Investors who don’t own energy shares need to see this now.

Because Mark Rogers — The Motley Fool UK’s Director of Investing — sees 2 key reasons why energy is set to soar.

While sanctions slam Russian supplies, nations are also racing to achieve net zero emissions, he says. Mark believes 5 companies in particular are poised for spectacular profits.

Open this new report5 Shares for the Future of Energy — and discover:

  • Britain’s Energy Fort Knox, now controlling 30% of UK energy storage
  • How to potentially get paid by the weather
  • Electric Vehicles’ secret backdoor opportunity
  • One dead simple stock for the new nuclear boom

Click the button below to find out how you can get your hands on the full report now, and as a thank you for your interest, we’ll send you one of the five picks — absolutely free!

Grab your FREE Energy recommendation now

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

> Roland owns shares in SSE.

More on Investing Articles

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Up 272% in just a year, is Palantir stock just getting started?

This writer recognises that Palantir has grown its business very well -- but does the stock price offer him an…

Read more »

Runner standing at the starting point with 2025 year for starting in new year 2025 to achieve business planing and success concept.
Investing Articles

Up 50%? The Aston Martin share price forecast is mind-blowing! 

If analysts are right, the Aston Aston Martin share price could absolutely rocket in the year ahead. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the S&P 500 drops, here are 2 Stocks and Shares ISA holdings I’m watching

Our writer has different views on how President Trump's tariffs might affect these two US holdings in his Stocks and…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Tesla stock at Christmas is now worth…

Tesla stock has been one of best-performing investments of the past decade. But things haven't gone to plan for investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 279% in 5 years, could Meta stock keep soaring?

Meta stock has more than tripled in five years. This writer sees lots to like about the business but also…

Read more »

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

25% total return in a year? Is now the perfect time to buy BP shares?

BP shares are on the front line of today's global economic and political uncertainty but analysts think they can still…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

With Cash ISA changes coming, could now be the time to consider buying shares?

Changes to the Cash ISA could lead to greater investment in the stock market. This could be a good thing…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE 100 dividend shares just got cheaper, thanks to President Trump!

Investors buying dividend shares can lock in bigger long-term yields when share prices take a tumble. These two just did…

Read more »