Core Viewpoint - Income investors prioritize generating consistent cash flow from liquid investments, with dividends being a significant component of long-term returns [1][2]. Company Overview - S&T Bancorp (STBA), headquartered in Indiana, has experienced a price change of 9.61% this year and currently pays a dividend of $0.36 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.34% [3]. - The company's annualized dividend of $1.44 has increased by 4.3% from the previous year, with an average annual increase of 5.08% over the last five years [4]. Dividend and Earnings Growth - S&T Bancorp's current payout ratio is 41%, indicating that it pays out 41% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company's earnings in 2026 is projected at $3.66 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 4.87% [5]. Investment Appeal - S&T Bancorp is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6].

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that mea ...

Company Overview - HBT Financial (HBT) is based in Bloomington and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 12.3% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.23 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.17%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.3% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.39% [3] Dividend Performance - HBT Financial's annualized dividend of $0.92 has increased by 9.5% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.62% [4] - The current payout ratio is 33%, indicating that the company distributes 33% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth and Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HBT's earnings in 2026 is projected at $2.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.52% [5] - Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth and the payout ratio [4] Investment Considerations - HBT Financial is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend performance and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] - The company is positioned well as a dividend play, especially in the context of rising interest rates, which can impact high-yielding stocks [6]

Core Viewpoint - MVB Financial (MVBF) reported quarterly earnings of $0.32 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.31 per share, but down from $0.72 per share a year ago, indicating a significant earnings surprise of +4.92% [1] Group 1: Earnings Performance - The company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times over the last four quarters [2] - MVB Financial's revenues for the quarter ended December 2025 were $39.08 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.98%, but down from $46.18 million year-over-year [2] - The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - MVB Financial shares have increased approximately 9.9% since the beginning of the year, compared to the S&P 500's gain of 1.4% [3] - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.38 for the coming quarter and $1.95 for the current fiscal year [4][7] - The estimate revisions trend for MVB Financial was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Group 3: Industry Context - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Northeast is currently in the top 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for the sector [8] - Another company in the same industry, Peapack-Gladstone (PGC), is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +25% [9]

Company Performance - Pathward Financial (CASH) shares have increased by 25.4% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $95.1 [1] - Year-to-date, Pathward has gained 30.1%, significantly outperforming the Zacks Finance sector's 2.3% and the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry's 13.1% [1] Earnings and Revenue - Pathward has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting EPS of $1.57 against a consensus estimate of $1.38 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, Pathward is projected to achieve earnings of $8.7 per share on revenues of $825.7 million, reflecting a 10.55% increase in EPS and a 0.84% change in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts earnings of $9.6 per share, indicating a year-over-year EPS growth of 10.34% while revenues are expected to remain stable at $825.7 million [3] Valuation Metrics - Pathward's current trading valuation is at 10.6X the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 10.1X [7] - On a trailing cash flow basis, Pathward trades at 8.6X compared to the peer group's average of 12.6X, positioning it favorably for value investors [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Pathward holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, indicating potential for further price appreciation [8] - The stock has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of D, and a Momentum Score of B, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6][8] Industry Comparison - The Banks - Northeast industry is performing well, ranking in the top 19% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Pathward and its peers [11] - Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania (UVSP), a peer, also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and shows strong earnings performance, further indicating a competitive industry landscape [9][10]

Company Overview - Meridian Bank (MRBK) is headquartered in Malvern and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 16.33% since the beginning of the year [3]. Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.12 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.74%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.3% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.35% [3]. - Meridian Bank's annualized dividend of $0.56 has increased by 12% from the previous year, with an average annual increase of 18.90% over the last five years [4]. Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, MRBK anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 projected at $2.30 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth rate of 21.69% [5]. Investment Considerations - The company has a current payout ratio of 26%, meaning it distributes 26% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4]. - MRBK is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6].

分组1 - Middlefield Banc Corp. reported quarterly earnings of $0.38 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.65 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -41.54% [1] - The company posted revenues of $19.34 million for the quarter ended December 2025, which was 3.29% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, compared to $17.47 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Middlefield Banc has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times as well [2] 分组2 - The stock has added about 1.4% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 1.7% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.62 on $20 million in revenues, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.63 on $84 million in revenues [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Northeast is currently in the top 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - Middlefield Banc Corp. (MBCN) is positioned well to potentially beat earnings estimates in its upcoming quarterly report, supported by a strong history of exceeding expectations [1]. Earnings Performance - Middlefield Banc has a solid track record of surpassing earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 17.45% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the most recent quarter, the company reported earnings of $0.65 per share against an expectation of $0.64, resulting in a surprise of 1.56% [2]. - For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.57 per share, while the actual earnings were $0.76 per share, leading to a surprise of 33.33% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Middlefield Banc have been trending upward, influenced by its history of earnings surprises [5]. - The company currently has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP of +1.54%, indicating that analysts are optimistic about its earnings prospects [8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a strong possibility of another earnings beat [8]. Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7]. Importance of Earnings ESP - It is crucial for investors to check a company's Earnings ESP prior to its quarterly release to enhance the likelihood of successful investment decisions [10].

Company Overview - S&T Bancorp (STBA) is based in Indiana and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 12.15% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.36 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.26%, which is higher than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.41% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of S&T Bancorp is $1.44, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, S&T Bancorp has increased its dividend four times year-over-year, achieving an average annual increase of 5.08% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 41%, indicating that it pays out 41% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, S&T Bancorp anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 projected at $3.66 per share, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 4.87% [5] Investment Considerations - S&T Bancorp is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend yield and strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6] - The company is positioned well compared to high-growth firms or tech start-ups, which typically do not provide dividends, making it an appealing option for income investors [6]

Company Overview - First Bank (FRBA) is headquartered in Hamilton and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 3.95% since the beginning of the year [3]. Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.09 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.1%, which is lower than the Banks - Northeast industry's yield of 2.41% and higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3]. - First Bank's annualized dividend of $0.36 has increased by 50% from the previous year, with an average annual increase of 16.92% over the last five years [4]. Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Bank's earnings in 2026 is projected to be $2.02 per share, indicating a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 16.09% [5]. Investment Opportunity - First Bank is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend and a strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6].