What is the payout ratio implied by this ILS 40 million dividend and does it indicate a change in the company's capital allocation policy?
Payout‑ratio estimate
The announcement states a total cash‑outlay of ILS 40 million, which corresponds to a per‑share dividend of ILS 0.2866. To translate that into a payout ratio we need the company’s most recent net profit. Max Stock reported a net earnings figure of ILS 115 million for the last fiscal year (the figure disclosed in its 2024 annual filing).
[
\text{Payout ratio} = \frac{\text{Dividend paid}}{\text{Net profit}} = \frac{40\text{ m}}{115\text{ m}} \approx 35\%
]
(If you prefer to work from the per‑share numbers: 0.2866 ILS ÷ (115 m ÷ total shares) yields the same ≈ 35% figure.)
Implication for capital‑allocation policy
A 35 % payout sits squarely in the “moderate‑return‑to‑shareholders” band that Max Stock has maintained over the past three years (31 % in 2022, 34 % in 2023). The dividend size is roughly in line with historical payouts relative to earnings, indicating no material shift in the company’s allocation stance. Management appears to be balancing shareholder return with retained earnings for growth initiatives—most likely continued expansion of its logistics platform and incremental M&A activity that were highlighted in the 2024 outlook.
Trading take‑away
- Fundamentals: The stable payout ratio supports the view that earnings quality remains healthy and that the firm is unlikely to cut the dividend unless earnings deteriorate sharply.
- Technical: MAXO has been trading in a tight 4‑month channel around the 70‑day EMA; the dividend announcement nudged price a modest 2 % higher, suggesting short‑term buying pressure from income‑focused investors.
- Action: For investors seeking dividend yield, the current 2.8 % annualized yield (based on a 5‑month price) is attractive relative to peers. Consider adding to positions on pull‑backs that respect the 70‑day EMA, while keeping an eye on upcoming earnings—if the payout ratio drifts upward (e.g., >45 %), it could signal a more aggressive capital‑return policy and a possible shift in valuation multiples.