The board of IPS, Inc. (TSE:4390) has announced that it will pay a dividend on the 27th of June, with investors receiving ¥20.00 per share. Despite this raise, the dividend yield of 1.6% is only a modest boost to shareholder returns.
View our latest analysis for IPS
IPS' Projected Earnings Seem Likely To Cover Future Distributions
If it is predictable over a long period, even low dividend yields can be attractive. IPS is quite easily earning enough to cover the dividend, however it is being let down by weak cash flows. With the company not bringing in any cash, paying out to shareholders is bound to become difficult at some point.
Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 11.3% over the next year. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 16% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
IPS Doesn't Have A Long Payment History
The dividend hasn't seen any major cuts in the past, but the company has only been paying a dividend for 4 years, which isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. The annual payment during the last 4 years was ¥10.00 in 2021, and the most recent fiscal year payment was ¥40.00. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 41% per annum over that time. We're not overly excited about the relatively short history of dividend payments, however the dividend is growing at a nice rate and we might take a closer look.
The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow
Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. It's encouraging to see that IPS has been growing its earnings per share at 39% a year over the past five years. Earnings have been growing rapidly, and with a low payout ratio we think that the company could turn out to be a great dividend stock.
In Summary
Overall, this is probably not a great income stock, even though the dividend is being raised at the moment. With cash flows lacking, it is difficult to see how the company can sustain a dividend payment. We don't think IPS is a great stock to add to your portfolio if income is your focus.
Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for IPS (of which 1 can't be ignored!) you should know about. Is IPS 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:4390
IPS
Provides IT and telecommunications services in Japan and the Philippines.
Reasonable growth potential with proven track record.