Stock Analysis
GPT Infraprojects Limited (NSE:GPTINFRA) will pay a dividend of ₹1.00 on the 12th of December. This means the annual payment is 1.3% of the current stock price, which is above the average for the industry.
While the dividend yield is important for income investors, it is also important to consider any large share price moves, as this will generally outweigh any gains from distributions. GPT Infraprojects' stock price has reduced by 37% in the last 3 months, which is not ideal for investors and can explain a sharp increase in the dividend yield.
View our latest analysis for GPT Infraprojects
GPT Infraprojects' Projected Earnings Seem Likely To Cover Future Distributions
We like to see robust dividend yields, but that doesn't matter if the payment isn't sustainable. Before making this announcement, GPT Infraprojects 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.
Over the next year, EPS could expand by 39.6% if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 50% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
Dividend Volatility
The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. The dividend has gone from an annual total of ₹0.125 in 2014 to the most recent total annual payment of ₹1.50. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 28% a year over that time. GPT Infraprojects 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.
The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow
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. We are encouraged to see that GPT Infraprojects has grown earnings per share at 40% per year over the past five years. Earnings per share is growing at a solid clip, and the payout ratio is low which we think is an ideal combination in a dividend stock as the company can quite easily raise the dividend in the future.
We Really Like GPT Infraprojects' Dividend
Overall, we like to see the dividend staying consistent, and we think GPT Infraprojects might even raise payments in the future. The company is easily earning enough to cover its dividend payments and it is great to see that these earnings are being translated into cash flow. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock.
It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. As an example, we've identified 2 warning signs for GPT Infraprojects 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:GPTINFRA
GPT Infraprojects
Engages in the execution of civil and infrastructure projects in India and internationally.