Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.075

Graphic Packaging Holding Company's (NYSE:GPK) investors are due to receive a payment of $0.075 per share on 5th of October. The dividend yield is 1.4% based on this payment, which is a little bit low compared to the other companies in the industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Graphic Packaging Holding

Graphic Packaging Holding's Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings

It would be nice for the yield to be higher, but we should also check if higher levels of dividend payment would be sustainable. Graphic Packaging Holding 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.

The next year is set to see EPS grow by 174.4%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 13% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.

Graphic Packaging Holding Doesn't Have A Long Payment History

Even though the company has been paying a consistent dividend for a while, we would like to see a few more years before we feel comfortable relying on it. The annual payment during the last 8 years was $0.20 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $0.30. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 5.2% over that duration. Graphic Packaging Holding has been growing its dividend at a decent rate, and the payments have been stable. However, the payment history is very short, so there is no evidence yet that the dividend can be sustained over a full economic cycle.

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. Graphic Packaging Holding has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 11% per annum. With a decent amount of growth and a low payout ratio, we think this bodes well for Graphic Packaging Holding's prospects of growing its dividend payments in the future.

Our Thoughts On Graphic Packaging Holding's Dividend

Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. While Graphic Packaging Holding is earning enough to cover the payments, the cash flows are lacking. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment.

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, Graphic Packaging Holding has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is a bit concerning) we think you should know about. Is Graphic Packaging Holding 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.