The Awesome Dividend Stock You Haven't Considered

Many dividend investors probably haven't looked into Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC) as a dividend investment yet. If they have, chances are their interest in the stock began earlier this month, when the investment bank and asset management firm announced its first increase for its quarterly dividend, as well as shared plans for an aggressive annual special dividend policy.

After initiating its dividend in the beginning of 2017, Jaffray has quickly evolved into a compelling dividend investment. And management's recent decision to revise its dividend policy to one that caters to income investors more favorably solidifies its attractiveness as a dividend stock.

Here's a close look at Piper Jaffray's dividend, and why income investors should consider it -- despite its short dividend history and small dividend yield.

Piper Jaffray's dividend

In a Nov. 9 press release, Piper Jaffray notably announced its first dividend increase since initiating a dividend earlier this year, increasing it by a nice 20%. But it also announced a dividend policy intended to return 30% to 50% of non-GAAP net income from the previous fiscal year, payable in the first quarter of each fiscal year. In other words, each year, Jaffray will pay out a special dividend large enough to ensure it is paying out 30% to 50% of the previous year's non-GAAP net income after taking into account its regular quarterly dividends paid throughout the year.

After noting in its recent press release that the new policy demonstrates the huge success of its advisory business, Piper Jaffray CEO Andrew Duff explained the dividend strategy:

Dividend growth ahead

Paying out just 19% of its adjusted net income since it initiated its dividend earlier this year, there's plenty of room for dividend increases and future special dividends. Making future dividend growth easier, the investment bank and asset management firm has benefited from significant success recently. Its adjusted net income in the nine months ending Sept. 30 was up 78.5% compared to the same period last year.

But investors should be prepared for a bumpy ride. Jaffray's business is likely to be more volatile and cyclical on a quarter-to-quarter and even year-to-year basis than the stable income investments dividend investors are typically attracted to. However, the company's recent record revenue and its impressive growth in its advisory business suggest Jaffray's dividend is poised for growth over the long haul -- even if the growth trajectory features an occasional blip.

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Daniel Sparks has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.