Bar Harbor Bankshares (BHB) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - Bar Harbor Bankshares (BHB) is headquartered in Bar Harbor and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 1.7% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Bar Harbor Bankshares currently pays a dividend of $0.3 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.86$1.20 has increased by 1.7% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, the company has increased its dividend 4 times year-over-year, averaging an annual increase of 7.72% [4] - The current payout ratio is 42%, indicating that the company paid out 42% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, Bar Harbor Bankshares anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.84 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 0.35% [5] Investment Considerations - Dividends are favored by investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - High-yielding stocks may face challenges during periods of rising interest rates, but Bar Harbor Bankshares is positioned as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]