EIH Limited's (NSE:EIHOTEL) periodic dividend will be increasing on the 31st of August to ₹1.50, with investors receiving 25% more than last year's ₹1.20. This takes the annual payment to 0.3% of the current stock price, which is about average for the industry.
While it is always good to see a solid dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is feasible. However, EIH's earnings easily cover the dividend. As a result, a large proportion of what it earned was being reinvested back into the business.
Over the next year, EPS could expand by 35.3% if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 12% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
Check out our latest analysis for EIH
Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. Since 2015, the annual payment back then was ₹1.10, compared to the most recent full-year payment of ₹1.20. Dividend payments have grown at less than 1% a year over this period. The dividend has seen some fluctuations in the past, so even though the dividend was raised this year, we should remember that it has been cut in the past.
Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. EIH has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 35% per annum. Rapid earnings growth and a low payout ratio suggest this company has been effectively reinvesting in its business. Should that continue, this company could have a bright future.
Overall, a dividend increase is always good, and we think that EIH is a strong income stock thanks to its track record and growing earnings. Earnings are easily covering distributions, and the company is generating plenty of cash. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock.
Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. Taking the debate a bit further, we've identified 1 warning sign for EIH that investors need to be conscious of moving forward. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.