Yahoo Finance Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP) Is Paying Out A Dividend Of $0.25
The board of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.25 per share on the 1st of December. Based on this payment, the dividend yield will be 2.2%, which is fairly typical for the industry.
Check out our latest analysis for Helmerich & Payne
Helmerich & Payne's Payment Has Solid Earnings Coverage
We aren't too impressed by dividend yields unless they can be sustained over time. Even in the absence of profits, Helmerich & Payne is paying a dividend. The company is also yet to generate cash flow, so the dividend sustainability is definitely questionable.
Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise exponentially over the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 9.5%, so there isn't too much pressure on the dividend.
Helmerich & Payne Has A Solid Track Record
The company has a sustained record of paying dividends with very little fluctuation. The annual payment during the last 10 years was $0.28 in 2012, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $1.00. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 14% a year over that time. It is good to see that there has been strong dividend growth, and that there haven't been any cuts for a long time.
Dividend Growth Potential Is Shaky
Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. However, things aren't all that rosy. Over the past five years, it looks as though Helmerich & Payne's EPS has declined at around 46% a year. Such rapid declines definitely have the potential to constrain dividend payments if the trend continues into the future. 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.
The Dividend Could Prove To Be Unreliable
Overall, it's nice to see a consistent dividend payment, but we think that longer term, the current level of payment might be unsustainable. Although they have been consistent in the past, we think the payments are a little high to be sustained. We don't think Helmerich & Payne is a great stock to add to your portfolio if income is your focus.
Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Helmerich & Payne that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.
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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.
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