Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Do you love roller coasters? Then you're going to love Fifth Street Finance
So what: Last night on Mad Money, Cramer worried aloud over Fifth Street's ability to finance its monster 11% dividend yield. This morning, the worry turned contagious. Granted, after the plunge investors came to their senses and began buying the stock again, reducing Fifth Street's loss to just 2% at last count -- but not before a whole lot of damage was done to investor portfolios.
Now what: Was the damage deserved? I'm not so sure it was. If it's the company's dividend payout ratio of 188% that worries Cramer, well, Fifth Street could easily cut that payout in half, and still pay out a 5.7% divvy. Tack that onto the company's 7.6% growth rate and P/E of 15.6, and you're pretty close to a fair price on this stock.
Long story short, I'm not personally going to run out and buy Fifth Street at today's prices. But I'm not convinced it's a great short idea either.
Want a graduate level course in Fifth Street Finance? Add it to your Fool Watchlist.
