Dividend Safety Forensics
Composite of six quantitative scores plus a 5-point yield-trap framework. Each axis contributes independently; the overall label is the aggregate.
Forensics: WatchYield Trap: Yellow1 of 6 red flags · 2 of 5 trap signals
Score breakdown
Altman Z (bankruptcy)
Distance from bankruptcy. Safe > 2.99, Distress < 1.81.
Distress (0.71)
Ohlson O (default prob)
Estimated 1-year probability of financial distress.
High (79.9%)
Piotroski F-Score
Fundamental quality (9 binary criteria). 7+ strong, 3- weak.
5/9 (Moderate)
Beneish M (manipulation)
Detects accounting manipulation signals in earnings.
Clean
Dividend Safety (EQ)
Composite from payout ratio, FCF coverage, accrual quality.
No coverage
FCF Coverage
Free cash flow divided by dividends. 2.0× = strong cushion.
No coverage
Yield-trap signals (5-point Benzinga framework)
Payout > 100%
Paying out more than it earns over TTM.
⚠ Fired
FCF coverage < 1.0×
Free cash flow doesn't fully cover the dividend.
✓ OK
Yield > 2× sector median
Yield well above peers — often a sign of price collapse, not premium income.
✓ OK
High leverage (D/E > 2)
Debt-to-equity above 2× — limits flexibility if cash flow dips.
⚠ Fired
6m return < -25%
Current 6m return: +7.8%
✓ OK