diff --git a/samples/drivers/lcd_hd44780/src/main.c b/samples/drivers/lcd_hd44780/src/main.c
index 4b015be..da7b937 100644
--- a/samples/drivers/lcd_hd44780/src/main.c
+++ b/samples/drivers/lcd_hd44780/src/main.c
@@ -530,6 +530,7 @@
 	gpio_dev = device_get_binding(GPIO_DRV_NAME);
 	if (!gpio_dev) {
 		printk("Cannot find %s!\n", GPIO_DRV_NAME);
+		return;
 	}
 
 	/* Setup GPIO output */