With falling rates in mind, investors are flocking to high quality dividend paying stocks. One such stock to beat falling rate enigma is
IPH Limited (ASX: IPH)
IPH Limited, a leading intellectual property services group, reported strong financial and strategic progress at its 2024 Annual General Meeting. The company achieved a 22.9% increase in revenue, reaching $609.9 million, while underlying EBITDA grew by 15% to $195.5 million. Net profit after tax and amortization (NPATA) saw a 13.5% rise to $112.4 million, and earnings per share (EPS) increased for the third consecutive year to 46.0 cents per share. In line with its commitment to shareholder returns, the company, one of the best dividend growth stocks, increased dividends per share by 6.1% to 35.0 cents, continuing a consistent trend of dividend growth since its listing in 2014.
A key strategic highlight was IPH’s expansion into the Canadian market, which has now become the company’s second-largest operating region. Over the past year, IPH successfully acquired Ridout & Maybee, ROBIC, and Bereskin & Parr, further strengthening its leadership position in Canada’s intellectual property sector. These acquisitions contributed to a double-digit revenue increase and an 8% rise in like-for-like earnings, demonstrating the effectiveness of IPH’s global expansion strategy. The integration of these firms is progressing well, with significant synergies already realized.
In future, organic growth and operational efficiencies remain a priority. IPH has launched a business transformation initiative aimed at improving process efficiency and cost optimization across its network. The appointment of new regional leadership in Canada and Asia further strengthens the company’s operational capabilities. In Australia and New Zealand, IPH has continued to narrow the gap in patent filings, reinforcing its competitive position.
The company also emphasized its strong capital management framework, with a disciplined approach to investments. A $100 million equity placement and a $25 million share purchase plan were executed to support acquisitions while maintaining financial flexibility. Following these initiatives, IPH’s leverage ratio remains at a conservative 1.7 times, well within its target range.
Challenges in the Asian market persist due to lower overall patent filings, but IPH is optimistic about recovery trends, particularly as U.S. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings show signs of improvement. The company expects this recovery to translate into higher national phase entries from late 2025.
Looking forward, IPH remains among the best long term dividend stocks, committed to driving shareholder value through global expansion, operational efficiency, and strategic investments. With a solid financial foundation, increasing global scale, and a focus on innovation in IP services, the company is well-positioned for sustainable long-term growth.
Source: Company’s Report
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