Inter Action Corporation (TSE:7725) will pay a dividend of ¥10.00 on the 19th of February. This means the annual payment is 3.0% of the current stock price, which is above the average for the industry.
View our latest analysis for Inter Action
Inter Action's Projected Earnings Seem Likely To Cover Future Distributions
Impressive dividend yields are good, but this doesn't matter much if the payments can't be sustained. Based on the last payment, Inter Action was earning enough to cover the dividend, but free cash flows weren't positive. In general, we consider cash flow to be more important than earnings, so we would be cautious about relying on the sustainability of this dividend.
Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 13.4%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 35% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
Dividend Volatility
The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. The annual payment during the last 10 years was ¥5.00 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was ¥35.00. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 21% a year over that time. Despite the rapid growth in the dividend over the past number of years, we have seen the payments go down the past as well, so that makes us cautious.
Dividend Growth Is Doubtful
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. In the last five years, Inter Action's earnings per share has shrunk at approximately 5.9% per annum. If the company is making less over time, it naturally follows that it will also have to pay out less in dividends. However, the next year is actually looking up, with earnings set to rise. We would just wait until it becomes a pattern before getting too excited.
Inter Action's Dividend Doesn't Look Sustainable
In summary, while it's good to see that the dividend hasn't been cut, we are a bit cautious about Inter Action's payments, as there could be some issues with sustaining them into the future. While Inter Action is earning enough to cover the payments, the cash flows are lacking. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment.
Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. Just as an example, we've come across 3 warning signs for Inter Action you should be aware of, and 1 of them is significant. Is Inter Action 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:7725
Inter Action
Engages in the develops, manufactures, and sells inspection illuminators for applications in imaging semiconductors manufacturing processes in Japan.
Excellent balance sheet with proven track record.