Sweco AB (publ) (STO:SWEC B) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 27th of April to SEK2.70. Despite this raise, the dividend yield of 2.0% is only a modest boost to shareholder returns.
See our latest analysis for Sweco
Sweco's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions
If it is predictable over a long period, even low dividend yields can be attractive. Prior to this announcement, Sweco's dividend was comfortably covered by both cash flow and earnings. This indicates that a lot of the earnings are being reinvested into the business, with the aim of fueling growth.
The next year is set to see EPS grow by 29.1%. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 50%, which is in the range that makes us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend.
Dividend Volatility
The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. Since 2013, the annual payment back then was SEK1.00, compared to the most recent full-year payment of SEK2.70. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 10% over that duration. Sweco 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.
We Could See Sweco's Dividend Growing
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. Sweco has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 6.2% per annum. Earnings are on the uptrend, and it is only paying a small portion of those earnings to shareholders.
In Summary
Overall, it's great to see the dividend being raised and that it is still in a sustainable range. While the payout ratios are a good sign, we are less enthusiastic about the company's dividend record. The payment isn't stellar, but it could make a decent addition to a dividend portfolio.
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. Taking the debate a bit further, we've identified 2 warning signs for Sweco that investors need to be conscious of moving forward. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.
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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 OM:SWEC B
Sweco
Provides architecture and engineering consultancy services worldwide.
Flawless balance sheet with reasonable growth potential and pays a dividend.
