Sasken Technologies Limited's (NSE:SASKEN) investors are due to receive a payment of ₹12.00 per share on 5th of December. This makes the dividend yield 1.7%, which will augment investor returns quite nicely.
Estimates Indicate Sasken Technologies' Could Struggle to Maintain Dividend Payments In The Future
Impressive dividend yields are good, but this doesn't matter much if the payments can't be sustained. Before making this announcement, Sasken Technologies was earning enough to cover the dividend, but it wasn't generating any free cash flows. Since a dividend means the company is paying out cash to investors, this could prove to be a problem in the future.
EPS is set to fall by 14.1% over the next 12 months if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues along the path it has been on recently, the payout ratio in 12 months could be 127%, which is definitely a bit high to be sustainable going forward.
See our latest analysis for Sasken Technologies
Dividend Volatility
Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. Since 2015, the annual payment back then was ₹24.00, compared to the most recent full-year payment of ₹25.00. Dividend payments have been growing, but very slowly over the period. The dividend has seen some fluctuations in the past, so even though the dividend was raised this year, we should remember that it has been cut in the past.
Dividend Growth Potential Is Shaky
With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share is growing. Sasken Technologies' earnings per share has shrunk at 14% a year over the past five years. Such rapid declines definitely have the potential to constrain dividend payments if the trend continues into the future.
The Dividend Could Prove To Be Unreliable
Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. While Sasken Technologies is earning enough to cover the payments, the cash flows are lacking. We would be a touch cautious of relying on this stock primarily for the dividend income.
It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. Just as an example, we've come across 4 warning signs for Sasken Technologies you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit concerning. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks.
Valuation is complex, but we're here to simplify it.
Discover if Sasken Technologies might be undervalued or overvalued with our detailed analysis, featuring fair value estimates, potential risks, dividends, insider trades, and its financial condition.
Access Free AnalysisHave feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
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.