Procter & Gamble (PG) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - Procter & Gamble (PG) is headquartered in Cincinnati and operates in the Consumer Staples sector [2] - The stock has experienced a price change of 16.88% since the beginning of the year [2] Dividend Information - Procter & Gamble is currently paying a dividend of $1.01 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.35%, which matches the Soap and Cleaning Materials industry's yield [2] - The annualized dividend of $4.03 has increased by 5.2% from the previous year [2] - Over the last 5 years, Procter & Gamble has raised its dividend 5 times, averaging an annual increase of 6.17% [2] - The current payout ratio is 60%, indicating that 60% of the trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) is distributed as dividends [2] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2024, the Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts earnings of $6.97 per share, reflecting a 5.77% increase from the previous year [3] Investment Considerations - Dividends are favored by investors for various reasons, including tax advantages and reduced portfolio risk [4] - High-yielding stocks may face challenges during periods of rising interest rates, but Procter & Gamble is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4]