BTS Group AB (publ)'s (STO:BTS B) investors are due to receive a payment of SEK3.05 per share on 21st of November. This makes the dividend yield about the same as the industry average at 3.0%.
While it is always good to see a solid dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is feasible. Before making this announcement, BTS Group was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. As a result, a large proportion of what it earned was being reinvested back into the business.
Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to fall by 23.9% over the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio could be 48%, which we consider to be quite comfortable, with most of the company's earnings left over to grow the business in the future.
View our latest analysis for BTS Group
The company's dividend history has been marked by instability, with at least one cut in the last 10 years. Since 2015, the annual payment back then was SEK1.75, compared to the most recent full-year payment of SEK6.10. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 13% a year over that time. BTS Group has grown distributions at a rapid rate despite cutting the dividend at least once in the past. Companies that cut once often cut again, so we would be cautious about buying this stock solely for the dividend income.
With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share is growing. We are encouraged to see that BTS Group has grown earnings per share at 21% per year over the past five years. 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 BTS Group is a strong income stock thanks to its track record and growing earnings. The earnings easily cover the company's distributions, and the company is generating plenty of cash. We should point out that the earnings are expected to fall over the next 12 months, which won't be a problem if this doesn't become a trend, but could cause some turbulence in the next year. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock.
Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. Just as an example, we've come across 3 warning signs for BTS Group you should be aware of, and 1 of them is significant. 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.