MGP Ingredients (NASDAQ:MGPI) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of $0.12

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGPI) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.12 per share on the 28th of November. This payment means the dividend yield will be 2.0%, which is below the average for the industry.

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MGP Ingredients' Long-term Dividend Outlook appears Promising

Even a low dividend yield can be attractive if it is sustained for years on end. MGP Ingredients is not generating a profit, but its free cash flows easily cover the dividend, leaving plenty for reinvestment in the business. In general, cash flows are more important than the more traditional measures of profit so we feel pretty comfortable with the dividend at this level.

According to analysts, EPS should be several times higher next year. If the dividend extends its recent trend, estimates say the dividend could reach 22%, which we would be comfortable to see continuing.

View our latest analysis for MGP Ingredients

Dividend Volatility

The company has a long dividend track record, but it doesn't look great with cuts in the past. Since 2015, the dividend has gone from $0.05 total annually to $0.48. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25% 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 Potential Is Shaky

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share is growing, which could point to a growing dividend in the future. MGP Ingredients' EPS has fallen by approximately 12% per year during the past five years. This steep decline can indicate that the business is going through a tough time, which could constrain its ability to pay a larger dividend each year in the future. On the bright side, earnings are predicted to gain some ground over the next year, but until this turns into a pattern we wouldn't be feeling too comfortable.

MGP Ingredients' Dividend Doesn't Look Sustainable

Overall, we don't think this company makes a great dividend stock, even though the dividend wasn't cut this year. The company is generating plenty of cash, which could maintain the dividend for a while, but the track record hasn't been great. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks.

Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for MGP Ingredients that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers.