Independent Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBTX) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 4 days.  The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend.  The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle.   This means that investors who purchase Independent Bank Group's shares on or after the 1st of May will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 16th of May.  

The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.38 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed US$1.52 to shareholders.  Last year's total dividend payments show that Independent Bank Group has a trailing yield of 3.9% on the current share price of US$39.26.    We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose!  So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing.

Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut.   Independent Bank Group paid out more than half (60%) of its earnings last year, which is a regular payout ratio for most companies.  

Generally speaking, the lower a company's payout ratios, the more resilient its dividend usually is.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

NasdaqGS:IBTX Historic Dividend April 26th 2024

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

When earnings decline, dividend companies become much harder to analyse and own safely.   Investors love dividends, so if earnings fall and the dividend is reduced, expect a stock to be sold off heavily at the same time.     With that in mind, we're discomforted by Independent Bank Group's 10% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years.  Such a sharp decline casts doubt on the future sustainability of the dividend.    

Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth.     Since the start of our data, 10 years ago, Independent Bank Group has lifted its dividend by approximately 20% a year on average.       That's interesting, but the combination of a growing dividend despite declining earnings can typically only be achieved by paying out more of the company's profits. This can be valuable for shareholders, but it can't go on forever.    

Final Takeaway

Is Independent Bank Group an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf?      We're not overly enthused to see Independent Bank Group's earnings in retreat at the same time as the company is paying out more than half of its earnings as dividends to shareholders.        These characteristics don't generally lead to outstanding dividend performance, and investors may not be happy with the results of owning this stock for its dividend.  

Curious what other investors think of Independent Bank Group? See what analysts are forecasting, with this visualisation of its historical and future estimated earnings and cash flow.

If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking 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.