First Bancorp Boosts Dividend

Alright, gather ’round, y’all, because Lena Ledger Oracle’s got visions of dividends dancing in my crystal ball! Yahoo Finance says First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FNLC) is shelling out a fatter dividend this year, and honey, that’s like music to the ears of any investor looking to fatten their own nest egg. But before you go betting the farm, let’s dive deeper than a catfish in the Mississippi and see what this dividend doozy really means, alright?

A Dividend Dance: More Than Just Pocket Change

Now, First Bancorp ain’t exactly shouting from the rooftops about this, but the numbers whisper a sweet little tune. They’ve been steadily increasing their dividend payouts, making them look like a real responsible partner. Think of it like this: they’re sharing the pie, and who doesn’t like a bigger slice? Recent moves just confirm this trend. Late June 2021, they bumped it to US$0.32. Jump ahead to June 2025, and we see a lift to $0.23, which is about a 4.5% jump from the year before. And, hold your horses, ’cause just a bit later in July 2025, they announced a dividend of $0.37 a share, a modest 2.8% increase from the $0.36 we saw the year before. Not long after that, another announcement came with a dividend of $0.35, marking about a 2.9% increase from the prior year.

As of July 18, 2025, the quarterly dividend is sitting pretty at $0.37 a share, and if you were a shareholder on July 8, 2025, that sweet cash is headed your way. That means the annual dividend is $1.48, with a yield of about 5.94%.

Digging Into the Dividend Dirt: Is It Sustainable, Y’all?

Okay, a bigger dividend is tempting, but before we start counting those imaginary dollar bills, we gotta ask the tough questions. Can First Bancorp actually afford this generosity? Or are they just putting on a show with smoke and mirrors?

• The Growth Trajectory: First Bancorp isn’t just throwing money around. They’ve been averaging a 4.7% annual dividend growth rate over the past decade. That consistent upward trend suggests that they’re doing something right with their finances.

• Earning’s the Name of the Game: This dividend growth is supported by increasing earnings per share. In other words, they’re making more money, which means they can afford to share more money. It’s not just financial hocus pocus, it’s real, tangible growth.

• The Payout Ratio Puzzle: Here’s where we get technical, but bear with me. The payout ratio is the percentage of earnings that a company pays out as dividends. First Bancorp’s payout ratio is around 47%. This is a good sign; it means they’re not spending all their earnings on dividends. They’re keeping some in the bank for future growth, investments, and, let’s be real, a rainy day. A payout ratio that’s too high is like a sugar rush – exciting at first, but unsustainable in the long run.

• Stock Performance: The stock price has seen some appreciation, rising 6% over the past year. This means that the dividend yield has seen a slight decrease of 2.9%. But, the overall yield remains competitive within the regional banking industry.

First Bancorp: A Safe Bet or a Risky Roll of the Dice?

So, the big question: is First Bancorp a smart investment for you dividend-hungry folks? Well, honey, that depends. Every investor is different, with different goals and risk tolerances. But here’s what my crystal ball tells me:

• Eleven Years Strong: This ain’t no flash in the pan. First Bancorp has increased its dividend for eleven straight years. That’s a track record that speaks volumes about their commitment to rewarding shareholders. They’re in it for the long haul, baby.

• Room to Grow: The payout ratio suggests that they have plenty of room to keep increasing that dividend in the future. They’re not maxed out, they’re not stretched thin. They’re sitting pretty with a healthy financial cushion.

• The Return: Returns of 20% over the past year! Now, that’s something to write home about.

Now, here’s a little dose of reality. While the company’s fundamentals look great, you can’t deny that the financial waters can change in an instant. But, for now, it would seem the company is a solid choice.

The Oracle Has Spoken (But Don’t Bet Your House on It!)

Alright, my little chickadees, Lena Ledger Oracle has laid it all out for ya. First Bancorp’s dividend is looking pretty sweet right now. They’re increasing payouts, they’re earning more money, and they seem committed to keeping that dividend train rolling.

But here’s the real tea: I’m just a humble fortune-teller with a keyboard and a knack for spinning yarns. Don’t go making any rash decisions based on my ramblings. Do your own research, talk to a financial advisor (unlike me, they actually know what they’re doing!), and make sure First Bancorp fits into your overall investment strategy.

And remember, darlings, the stock market is a fickle beast. There are no guarantees, no sure things. But if you’re looking for a reliable dividend payer with a solid track record, First Bancorp might just be worth a closer look. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go check my own bank account. Turns out, even Wall Street’s seer gets hit with overdraft fees sometimes! Fate’s sealed, baby!