What does the Dividend Pay-out Ratio measure?

The Dividend Pay-out Ratio measures the percentage of net income that is distributed to shareholders as dividends. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total dividends paid by the net income of a company. A higher pay-out ratio indicates that a larger portion of earnings is being returned to shareholders, which can signal a company's commitment to returning value to its investors. This metric is crucial for investors who are interested in income from their investments, as it helps them understand how much profit is being shared versus retained for reinvestment in the company.

Understanding the dividend pay-out ratio provides insights into a company's financial health and its approach to profit allocation. It reflects the balance between providing returns to shareholders and funding future growth through retained earnings.