Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK) will pay a dividend of $0.10 on the 5th of April. Including this payment, the dividend yield on the stock will be 1.5%, which is a modest boost for shareholders' returns.
Check out our latest analysis for Graphic Packaging Holding
Graphic Packaging Holding's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions
The dividend yield is a little bit low, but sustainability of the payments is also an important part of evaluating an income stock. Before making this announcement, Graphic Packaging Holding was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. This means that most of its earnings are being retained to grow the business.
Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 27.0%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 14% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.
Graphic Packaging Holding Is Still Building Its Track Record
Graphic Packaging Holding's dividend has been pretty stable for a little while now, but we will continue to be cautious until it has been demonstrated for a few more years. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $0.20 in 2015 to the most recent total annual payment of $0.40. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 8.0% 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
Investors could be attracted to the stock based on the quality of its payment history. Graphic Packaging Holding has impressed us by growing EPS at 27% per 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.
We Really Like Graphic Packaging Holding's Dividend
In summary, it is good to see that the dividend is staying consistent, and we don't think there is any reason to suspect this might change over the medium term. Earnings are easily covering distributions, and the company is generating plenty of cash. All in all, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for when choosing an income stock.
Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. For instance, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Graphic Packaging Holding that investors should take into consideration. 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.
About NYSE:GPK
Graphic Packaging Holding
Designs, produces, and sells consumer packaging products to brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products.
Undervalued with proven track record and pays a dividend.