It’s not unusual to find some of the best UK dividend shares on the FTSE 250. The smaller market caps mean it’s prone to more extreme price fluctuations. This can lead to inflated yields as the two metrics are inversely correlated.
Naturally, nobody wants to invest in a high-yield dividend stock just to watch the share price plummet. So when evaluating UK stocks for passive income, it’s crucial to assess where the price might be heading.
With an eye-catching 11.2% dividend yield, Ashmore Group (LSE: ASHM) stands out as one of the highest-paying stocks on the index. But is this a genuine dividend gold mine, or is the yield too good to be true?
I took a closer look at the company and assessed the pros and cons of investing in it.
High yield, moderate value
Ashmore Group is a specialist emerging markets investment manager, overseeing billions in assets across fixed income, equities and alternative investments. The company’s expertise in developing markets has helped it carve out a niche, while also exposing it to global economic volatility.
At around 11.2%, its yield is well above the average for FTSE 250 dividend stocks. However, this is partly due to its falling share price, which has declined since early 2021.
Some concerns have been raised by shareholders, including outflows and declining assets under management (AUM). However, the firm has maintained its dividend despite these challenges, raising questions about its sustainability.
Earnings also suffered recently, missing expectations by 36% in the second half of 2024. That’s no small miss and naturally, a cause for concern. Fortunately, things seem to be improving, with earnings up 5.7% in the first half of 2025.
The shares seem fairly priced, with a moderate price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.4 — down from 45 in early 2023.
What are the risks?
The main thing that worries me is the dividend sustainability. A high yield is attractive but it can also be a red flag. With profits under pressure due to declining AUM, some analysts question whether Ashmore’s dividend policy is too generous and at risk of being cut.
Adding to this worry is the question of emerging markets. With its performance closely tied to emerging economies, it could suffer high volatility due to currency fluctuations, political instability or changing interest rates.
And last but not least, share price performance has been less than impressive. The stock has been on a downward trend for several years, significantly underperforming the broader market. A declining share price can sometimes indicate structural issues within a company.
On the plus side
The double-digit yield is undeniably appealing for income-focused investors. It also has a track record of consistent payouts and its strong balance sheet suggests it can continue rewarding shareholders in the near term.
Despite asset outflows, the company has minimal debt and is still profitable. Its high operating margins and cost efficiency could help sustain dividends even in difficult market conditions.
Its exposure to emerging markets, while risky, also offers benefits. At times, such markets have delivered higher long-term returns compared to developed economies. If capital flows into these regions recover, Ashmore’s assets under management could rebound, boosting profits and share price performance.
Overall, I think Ashmore is a stock worth considering for dividends.
