As the U.S. stock market takes a breather from its recent rally, investors are closely watching economic indicators like the upcoming jobs report to gauge future market movements. In such an environment, dividend stocks can offer a reliable source of income, providing stability amidst fluctuating markets and serving as a cornerstone for many investment portfolios seeking consistent returns.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United States

Click here to see the full list of 136 stocks from our Top US Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener.

Community Trust Bancorp

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆

Overview: Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for Community Trust Bank, Inc., with a market capitalization of $1.07 billion.

Operations: Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. generates its revenue primarily through Community Banking Services, which amounted to $226.76 million.

Dividend Yield: 3.2%

Community Trust Bancorp offers a stable dividend profile with a current payout ratio of 42%, indicating dividends are well covered by earnings. Recent affirmations include a $0.47 per share dividend payable on January 2, 2025. Despite trading below estimated fair value, its dividend yield of 3.19% is lower than the top quartile in the US market but remains reliable and has grown over the past decade, reflecting consistent financial performance amidst recent auditor changes and shelf registration filings for $33.26 million.

• Click here to discover the nuances of Community Trust Bancorp with our detailed analytical dividend report.
• Our valuation report here indicates Community Trust Bancorp may be undervalued.

First Bancorp

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆

Overview: The First Bancorp, Inc., with a market cap of $320.39 million, operates as the holding company for First National Bank, offering a variety of banking products and services to individuals and businesses.

Operations: First Bancorp's revenue segment primarily consists of its banking operations, which generated $78.19 million.

Dividend Yield: 5%

First Bancorp's recent earnings report shows modest growth, with third-quarter net income at US$7.57 million, slightly up from the previous year. The company declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.36 per share, maintaining its position among the top 25% of U.S. dividend payers with a yield of 5.05%. Despite trading significantly below fair value estimates, dividends have been stable and growing over the past decade, supported by a payout ratio of 59.3%.

• Take a closer look at First Bancorp's potential here in our dividend report.
• Insights from our recent valuation report point to the potential undervaluation of First Bancorp shares in the market.

First Financial

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆

Overview: First Financial Corporation, with a market cap of $588.53 million, operates through its subsidiaries to offer a range of financial services.

Operations: First Financial Corporation generates revenue of $190.12 million from its banking operations.

Dividend Yield: 3.6%

First Financial's dividend, recently affirmed at US$0.45 per share, is covered by a low payout ratio of 48.9%, indicating sustainability despite past volatility. The company's net income for the third quarter dropped to US$8.74 million from US$16.29 million last year, with net charge-offs rising to US$4.6 million. Although its dividend yield of 3.62% falls below top-tier U.S. payers, earnings are expected to grow significantly in coming years, enhancing future dividend coverage prospects.

• Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in First Financial's dividend report.
• Our valuation report unveils the possibility First Financial's shares may be trading at a discount.

Next Steps

• Discover the full array of 136 Top US Dividend Stocks right here.
• Are these companies part of your investment strategy? Use Simply Wall St to consolidate your holdings into a portfolio and gain insights with our comprehensive analysis tools.
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Looking For Alternative Opportunities?

• Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention.
• Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management.
• Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqGS:CTBI NasdaqGS:FNLC and NasdaqGS:THFF.

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