United Bankshares (UBSI) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?

Company Overview - United Bankshares (UBSI) is based in Charleston and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 18.54% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.38 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.34%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.12% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of United Bankshares is $1.52, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend two times on a year-over-year basis, with an average annual increase of 1.39% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 46%, indicating that the company pays out 46% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in 2026 is projected at $3.54 per share, with an expected earnings growth of 8.26% compared to the previous year [5] - The company is anticipated to experience earnings expansion in the current fiscal year [5] Investment Appeal - United Bankshares is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]