HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments (HKG:2638) Has Announced A Dividend Of HK$0.16

HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments Limited (HKG:2638) will pay a dividend of HK$0.16 on the 11th of April. This means the dividend yield will be fairly typical at 4.1%.

See our latest analysis for HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments

HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments' Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings

We aren't too impressed by dividend yields unless they can be sustained over time. Before making this announcement, the company's dividend was much higher than its earnings. This situation certainly isn't ideal, and could place significant strain on the balance sheet if it continues.

Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 1.9%. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, our estimates say the payout ratio could reach 91%. This is definitely on the higher side, but we wouldn't necessarily say this is unsustainable.

HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments' Dividend Has Lacked Consistency

Even in its relatively short history, the company has reduced the dividend at least once. If the company cuts once, it definitely isn't argument against the possibility of it cutting in the future. The dividend has gone from HK$0.33 in 2014 to the most recent annual payment of HK$0.32. Payments have been decreasing at a very slow pace in this time period. Declining dividends isn't generally what we look for as they can indicate that the company is running into some challenges.

Dividend Growth May Be Hard To Achieve

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share is growing. Over the past five years, it looks as though HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments' EPS has declined at around 4.0% a year. Declining earnings will inevitably lead to the company paying a lower dividend in line with lower profits. It's not all bad news though, as the earnings are predicted to rise over the next 12 months - we would just be a bit cautious until this can turn into a longer term trend.

HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments' Dividend Doesn't Look Great

Overall, while some might be pleased that the dividend wasn't cut, we think this may help HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments make more consistent payments in the future. The company's earnings aren't high enough to be making such big distributions, and it isn't backed up by strong growth or consistency either. Overall, this doesn't get us very excited from an income standpoint.

It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For instance, we've picked out 2 warning signs for HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments that investors should take into consideration. Is HK Electric Investments and HK Electric Investments 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.