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Peoples Financial Services (PFIS) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - Peoples Financial Services (PFIS) is based in Dunmore and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -0.25% [3] - The company is the holding entity for Peoples Security Bank and Trust, currently offering a dividend of $0.62 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.84% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $2.47 represents a 20.2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, PFIS has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 11.43% [4] - The company's current payout ratio stands at 52%, indicating that it distributes 52% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - PFIS is projected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $5.97 per share, reflecting a 58.36% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - PFIS is characterized as an attractive dividend investment, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting it is a compelling investment opportunity [6] - The company is positioned favorably compared to the Banks - Northeast industry, which has a dividend yield of 2.72%, and the S&P 500, which has a yield of 1.55% [3]