Barclays To GM: Dividend Play Or Growth Story, Pick One And Stick With It

In a report issued Friday, Barclays analyst Brian A. Johnson shared a look into General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) and asked the question: Is it a disruptor or a dividend play?

In fact, he added, “What is the brand of GM equity?... Is it a mass market carmaker (i.e. Chevy Malibu)? A rugged truck maker (i.e. the GMC Sierra)? A luxury car maker (Cadillac)? Or is it all of the above?”

Having to ask these questions makes one thing clear: GM has an identity issue, and so does its stock.

On the one hand, the company offers a robust earnings growth story. On the other hand, the stock’s 5 percent dividend yield makes it an alluring dividend play. So, which is it?

Related Link: Daiwa Downgrades GM To Neutral, Says Global Performance Is Unstable

Well, “in reality, neither group of investors appears interested in GM, which closed only +1.7 percent (vs. S&P -40bp) despite a big 2Q beat ($1.86 vs. cons. $1.52),” Johnson stated. Growth investors are drawn to “seemingly more exciting visions” like Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA)’s, while dividend investors seek for either “the stable revenue outlook of consumer packaged goods firms or the family-committed dividend at Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F).”

So, Johnson added, maybe it's time for GM to focus on convincing investors that its dividend will remains stable, no matter what, instead of focusing on selling its ability to continue to post strong earnings growth so far into the cycle.

For now, Barclays maintains an Equal-Weight rating on shares of General Motors.

Full ratings data available on Benzinga Pro.

Did you like this article? Could it have been improved? Please email feedback@benzinga.com with the story link to let us know!

Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no interest in any of the securities or entities mentioned above.