Why First Business Financial Services (FBIZ) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

Company Overview - First Business Financial Services (FBIZ) is headquartered in Madison and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 9.05% since the beginning of the year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.25 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.29%, which is lower than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 2.78% and higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.61% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $1 represents a 9.9% increase from the previous year, with FBIZ having increased its dividend five times over the last five years, averaging an annual increase of 11.20% [4] - The company's payout ratio stands at 22%, indicating that it paid out 22% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Outlook - FBIZ is projected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 at $4.61 per share, reflecting a 6.47% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - FBIZ is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]