Why COPT Defense (CDP) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

Company Overview - COPT Defense (CDP) is based in Columbia and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of -4.06% [2] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.29 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.8%, which is higher than the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry's yield of 4.77% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.61% [2] Dividend Performance - COPT Defense's current annualized dividend of $1.18 has increased by 3.5% from the previous year [2] - Over the last 5 years, the company has raised its dividend twice on a year-over-year basis, averaging an annual increase of 1.01% [2] - The company's current payout ratio is 48%, indicating that it paid out 48% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [2] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year 2024, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for COPT Defense's earnings is $2.52 per share, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 4.13% [3] Investment Appeal - COPT Defense is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4]