The board of AZZ Inc. (NYSE:AZZ) has announced that it will pay a dividend on the 1st of November, with investors receiving $0.17 per share. This means the dividend yield will be fairly typical at 1.5%.
See our latest analysis for AZZ
AZZ's Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings
We like to see a healthy dividend yield, but that is only helpful to us if the payment can continue. Before making this announcement, AZZ was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. This means that most of its earnings are being retained to grow the business.
Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 22.1%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 21% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
AZZ Has A Solid Track Record
Even over a long history of paying dividends, the company's distributions have been remarkably stable. The annual payment during the last 10 years was $0.56 in 2013, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $0.68. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 2.0% per annum over that time. While the consistency in the dividend payments is impressive, we think the relatively slow rate of growth is less attractive.
We Could See AZZ's Dividend Growing
Investors could be attracted to the stock based on the quality of its payment history. We are encouraged to see that AZZ has grown earnings per share at 7.5% per year over the past five years. Growth in EPS bodes well for the dividend, as does the low payout ratio that the company is currently reporting.
We Really Like AZZ's Dividend
Overall, we like to see the dividend staying consistent, and we think AZZ 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. Taking this all into consideration, this looks like it could be a good dividend opportunity.
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. For example, we've identified 2 warning signs for AZZ (1 can't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing. Is AZZ 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.
About NYSE:AZZ
AZZ
Provides hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions in North America.
Average dividend payer with moderate growth potential.
