Stock Analysis
Shiseido Company, Limited's (TSE:4911) investors are due to receive a payment of ¥30.00 per share on 27th of March. This means the dividend yield will be fairly typical at 1.8%.
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. Shiseido Company's stock price has reduced by 36% in the last 3 months, which is not ideal for investors and can explain a sharp increase in the dividend yield.
View our latest analysis for Shiseido Company
Estimates Indicate Shiseido Company's Could Struggle to Maintain Dividend Payments In The Future
Unless the payments are sustainable, the dividend yield doesn't mean too much. Before making this announcement, the company's dividend was much higher than its earnings. This situation certainly isn't ideal, and could place significant strain on the balance sheet if it continues.
Earnings per share is forecast to rise by 35.4% over the next year. However, if the dividend continues along recent trends, it could start putting pressure on the balance sheet with the payout ratio reaching 194% over the next year.
Dividend Volatility
The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. The dividend has gone from an annual total of ¥20.00 in 2014 to the most recent total annual payment of ¥60.00. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 12% over that duration. Shiseido Company has grown distributions at a rapid rate despite cutting the dividend at least once in the past. Companies that cut once often cut again, so we would be cautious about buying this stock solely for the dividend income.
The Dividend Has Limited Growth Potential
Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Shiseido Company's EPS has fallen by approximately 31% per year during the past five years. Such rapid declines definitely have the potential to constrain dividend payments if the trend continues into the future. Over the next year, however, earnings are actually predicted to rise, but we would still be cautious until a track record of earnings growth can be built.
We're Not Big Fans Of Shiseido Company's Dividend
Overall, while some might be pleased that the dividend wasn't cut, we think this may help Shiseido Company make more consistent payments in the future. The company isn't making enough to be paying as much as it is, and the other factors don't look particularly promising either. The dividend doesn't inspire confidence that it will provide solid income in the future.
Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. To that end, Shiseido Company has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should know about. Is Shiseido Company 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.
About TSE:4911
Shiseido Company
Engages in the production and sale of cosmetics in Japan and internationally.