Why SB Financial Group, Inc. (SBFG) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

Company Overview - SB Financial Group, Inc. (SBFG) is located in Defiance and operates within the Finance sector. The stock has experienced a price decline of 9.47% since the beginning of the year [3]. Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.15 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.17%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.72% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.55% [3]. - SBFG's annualized dividend of $0.60 has increased by 7.1% compared to the previous year. Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 9.81% [4]. - The current payout ratio for SBFG is 32%, indicating that the company distributes 32% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4]. Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2025, SBFG anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate projecting earnings of $2.03 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 18.71% [5]. Investment Considerations - SBFG is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and the current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). The company is positioned well for income investors, especially in a market where high-yielding stocks may face challenges during rising interest rates [6].