Apollo Micro Systems Limited (NSE:APOLLO) has announced that it will pay a dividend of ₹0.25 per share on the 20th of October. Including this payment, the dividend yield on the stock will be 0.2%, which is a modest boost for shareholders' returns.
Check out our latest analysis for Apollo Micro Systems
Apollo Micro Systems' Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions
While yield is important, another factor to consider about a company's dividend is whether the current payout levels are feasible. However, Apollo Micro Systems' earnings easily cover the dividend. As a result, a large proportion of what it earned was being reinvested back into the business.
Looking forward, EPS could fall by 9.9% if the company can't turn things around from the last few years. If the dividend continues along the path it has been on recently, we estimate the payout ratio could be 2.2%, which is definitely feasible to continue.
Apollo Micro Systems' Dividend Has Lacked Consistency
Looking back, the company hasn't been paying the most consistent dividend, but with such a short dividend history it could be too early to draw solid conclusions. The annual payment during the last 4 years was ₹1.00 in 2018, and the most recent fiscal year payment was ₹0.25. The dividend has fallen 75% over that period. A company that decreases its dividend over time generally isn't what we are looking for.
Dividend Growth Is Doubtful
Given that dividend payments have been shrinking like a glacier in a warming world, we need to check if there are some bright spots on the horizon. Over the past five years, it looks as though Apollo Micro Systems' EPS has declined at around 9.9% a year. Declining earnings will inevitably lead to the company paying a lower dividend in line with lower profits.
Our Thoughts On Apollo Micro Systems' Dividend
Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. The payments haven't been particularly stable and we don't see huge growth potential, but with the dividend well covered by cash flows it could prove to be reliable over the short term. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment.
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. For example, we've identified 2 warning signs for Apollo Micro Systems (1 can't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing. 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.
About NSEI:APOLLO
Apollo Micro Systems
Designs, develops, and assembles electronic and electro-mechanical solutions in India.
High growth potential with proven track record.