This is Why Lakeland Financial (LKFN) is a Great Dividend Stock

Company Overview - Lakeland Financial (LKFN) is based in Warsaw and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -15.27% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.5 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.43%, which is higher than the Banks - Midwest industry's yield of 3.21% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.62% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of Lakeland Financial is $2, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 12.44% [4] - The current payout ratio is 59%, indicating that the company pays out 59% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - Lakeland Financial is expected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $3.76 per share, representing an 8.36% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - Dividends are favored by investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - Lakeland Financial is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]