MA Financial Group (ASX:MAF) Is Paying Out A Dividend Of A$0.14

MA Financial Group Limited's (ASX:MAF) investors are due to receive a payment of A$0.14 per share on 20th of March. This means that the annual payment will be 4.5% of the current stock price, which is in line with the average for the industry.

Check out our latest analysis for MA Financial Group

MA Financial Group's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions

We aren't too impressed by dividend yields unless they can be sustained over time. Prior to this announcement, the company was paying out 112% of what it was earning. Without profits and cash flows increasing, it would be difficult for the company to continue paying the dividend at this level.

Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 132.2% over the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 58%, which would make us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend, despite the levels currently being quite high.

MA Financial Group Is Still Building Its Track Record

MA Financial Group's dividend has been pretty stable for a little while now, but we will continue to be cautious until it has been demonstrated for a few more years. The dividend has gone from an annual total of A$0.07 in 2018 to the most recent total annual payment of A$0.20. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 19% per annum over that time. We're not overly excited about the relatively short history of dividend payments, however the dividend is growing at a nice rate and we might take a closer look.

The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited

Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. Let's not jump to conclusions as things might not be as good as they appear on the surface. Unfortunately, MA Financial Group's earnings per share has been essentially flat over the past five years, which means the dividend may not be increased each year.

We're Not Big Fans Of MA Financial Group's Dividend

Overall, while some might be pleased that the dividend wasn't cut, we think this may help MA Financial Group make more consistent payments in the future. The company isn't making enough to be paying as much as it is, and the other factors don't look particularly promising either. Overall, the dividend is not reliable enough to make this a good income 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. For example, we've identified 3 warning signs for MA Financial Group (2 don't sit too well with us!) that you should be aware of before investing. Is MA Financial Group not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top 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.