Icahn Enterprises (IEP) is not a good dividend stock. Here's why:
- Sustainability of Dividend: The dividend yield of Icahn Enterprises is exceptionally high at 23.56%, which is unsustainable given the company's negative free cash flow of $1.52 billion1. The company's dividend is largely supported by new unit distributions to major shareholders instead of cash, which can lead to dilution and impact the share price2.
- Financial Health: The company's financial health is questionable, with a negative free cash flow and a significant payout ratio of -48.72%1. This indicates that the company is paying out more than it can afford, which is not a good sign for the sustainability of its dividends.
- Shareholder Return: The return on investment for shareholders is negative at -366.27%3, which is a clear indication that the company has not been generating positive returns for its shareholders.
- Dividend Growth: There is no dividend growth duration for Icahn Enterprises, which suggests that the company has not been consistently increasing its dividend payments over time4.
- Market Perception: The stock has been criticized for trading at a premium to its net asset value, which raises concerns about the company's valuation and the sustainability of its dividends5. Additionally, there are concerns about the company's investment performance, which has been negative for years5.
In conclusion, while the high dividend yield may be attractive, the underlying financial health of Icahn Enterprises raises significant concerns about the sustainability of its dividends. Investors should exercise caution and consider these factors before investing in IEP.