Universal Logistics Holdings (NASDAQ:ULH) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of $0.105

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ULH) investors are due to receive a payment of $0.105 per share on 3rd of October. This payment means the dividend yield will be 1.2%, which is below 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. Investors will be pleased to see that Universal Logistics Holdings' stock price has increased by 51% in the last 3 months, which is good for shareholders and can also explain a decrease in the dividend yield.

See our latest analysis for Universal Logistics Holdings

Universal Logistics Holdings' Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings

While yield is important, another factor to consider about a company's dividend is whether the current payout levels are feasible. However, Universal Logistics Holdings' earnings easily cover the dividend. This means that most of what the business earns is being used to help it grow.

Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 13.5%. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 9.0% by next year, which is in a pretty sustainable range.

Dividend Volatility

Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. Since 2012, the annual payment back then was $1.00, compared to the most recent full-year payment of $0.42. This works out to be a decline of approximately 8.3% per year over that time. Generally, we don't like to see a dividend that has been declining over time as this can degrade shareholders' returns and indicate that the company may be running into problems.

The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow

Dividends have been going in the wrong direction, so we definitely want to see a different trend in the earnings per share. We are encouraged to see that Universal Logistics Holdings has grown earnings per share at 53% per year over the past five years. A low payout ratio gives the company a lot of flexibility, and growing earnings also make it very easy for it to grow the dividend.

We Really Like Universal Logistics Holdings' Dividend

Overall, we like to see the dividend staying consistent, and we think Universal Logistics Holdings 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 in all, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for when choosing an income 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 1 warning sign for Universal Logistics Holdings that you should be aware of before investing. Is Universal Logistics Holdings 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.