Archrock's (NYSE:AROC) Dividend Increase: A Closer Look

Archrock, Inc. (NYSE:AROC) has announced a significant increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it from $0.165 to $0.175 per share. This move, effective for the payout on November 13, 2024, reflects the company's confidence in its enduring demand growth for natural gas and its transformed platform. This article delves into the implications of this dividend increase, its impact on Archrock's financials, and its potential implications for investors.


The dividend increase is a testament to Archrock's strong financial performance and its commitment to returning value to shareholders. The new dividend represents a 6% increase over the previous quarter and a 13% increase over the same period last year. This is the fourth consecutive increase in Archrock's dividend over the past two years, reflecting the company's robust cash flow and earnings growth.


However, while the dividend increase is positive, it is essential to consider the sustainability of Archrock's dividend payout. Archrock has a history of dividend volatility, with a cut in the last decade. The company's dividend growth rate over the past decade has been less than 1% annually, which could be a concern for income-oriented investors.

Moreover, Archrock's dividend payout ratio has been high, with the dividend being 118% of cash flows before the recent increase. While the company's earnings per share are forecasted to rise by 85.1% over the next year, the payout ratio could still be 48% by next year, which is relatively high compared to industry peers.


Additionally, Archrock has issued stock equal to 12% of shares outstanding, which could potentially dilute the value of existing shares and impact the sustainability of the dividend.

In conclusion, Archrock's dividend increase reflects the company's strong financial performance and commitment to returning value to shareholders. However, the sustainability of the dividend and the potential impact of stock issuance on shareholder value should be carefully considered by investors. While the dividend increase is positive, it is essential to monitor Archrock's financial performance and dividend payout ratio in the coming quarters to ensure the dividend's long-term sustainability.