Seaport Global has taken up coverage of John Fredriksen’s Ship Finance International with a neutral rating, suggesting the shipowner has the cash to maintain dividend payments.

Analyst Magnus Fyhr says the New York-listed company also has the scope for growth but is unlikely to do so greatly short-term given present industry headwinds.

Fyhr, who has placed a $16.00 per share target price on Ship Finance, noted it had paid out to shareholders for 49 consecutive quarters.

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