Lock In LCNB’s 5.8% Yield Before the Ex-Date—Here’s Why This Ohio Bank is a Dividend Dynamo!

Investors craving income in a low-yield world are about to miss out if they delay action on LCNB Corp (NASDAQ: LCNB). With a 5.8% dividend yield—nearly double the average for regional banks—and a spotless 26-year dividend track record, this Ohio-based financial powerhouse is a rare gem in today’s market. But here’s the kicker: to secure that juicy payout, you’ve got just three days left before the May 30 ex-dividend date.

Let’s break down why LCNB isn’t just a high-yield play but a bulletproof income machine—and why you need to act now.

The Dividend Dynamo: $0.22 Quarterly Payouts and a 5.8% Yield

LCNB’s dividend isn’t just a number—it’s a lifestyle. The bank has paid $0.22 per share quarterly since 2024, with no hint of slowing down. That adds up to an annualized $0.88 dividend per share, fueling a 5.8% yield based on its May 19 closing price of $15.32. Even if we account for rounding, the yield hovers around 5.77%, still far outpacing the S&P 500’s average of just 1.8%.

But here’s where it gets exciting: LCNB’s dividend isn’t a reckless payout. Its Q1 2025 earnings show a 66.67% payout ratio, meaning earnings comfortably cover the dividend. With net interest income up 8% year-over-year and non-performing loans at a historic low, this bank is built to deliver stability.

Why Regional Banks? LCNB’s Local Edge in a Volatile World

While Wall Street banks face headwinds from rising rates and tech disruption, regional banks like LCNB thrive. Why? They’re anchored in communities, not caught up in Wall Street’s high-risk games. LCNB serves Southwest Ohio, South-Central Ohio, and Northern Kentucky, where it’s the trusted lender for farmers, small businesses, and families. This low-risk, high-touch model keeps defaults low and customer loyalty high.

And let’s not forget: LCNB’s $216 million market cap is small enough to avoid Wall Street’s radar but large enough to sustain its dividend. With a Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio of 1.57—well below the 2.5 average for regional banks—it’s trading at a discount to its peers.

The Clock is Ticking—Act Before May 30

The May 30 ex-dividend date is a hard stop. To qualify for the June 16 dividend payment, you must own shares by the June 2 record date. But here’s the catch: once the ex-date passes, the stock price typically drops by the dividend amount (about $0.22 in this case). That means buying after May 30 could cost you both the dividend and immediate downside risk.

This isn’t just about the dividend. LCNB’s Wall Street target price of $16 (a 5% premium to current levels) suggests analysts see upside. Pair that with its Sharpe Ratio of 0.0299—indicating low volatility—and you’ve got a stock that’s safe enough for retirees but dynamic enough for growth hunters.

Final Call: LCNB is an Income Investor’s Dream—Don’t Miss the Boat

LCNB ticks every box for high-yield hunters: a 5.8% dividend, 26 years of growth, a fortress balance sheet, and a moat in its Ohio/Kentucky markets. With shares near $15.32 and a $16 target in sight, this is a buy, hold, and collect opportunity.

Here’s what to do:
1. Buy LCNB shares by May 30 to lock in the dividend.
2. Hold for the long term—this isn’t a trading stock; it’s a dividend stalwart.
3. Reinvest those dividends to let compounding work its magic.

In a world where yields are scarce and stability is king, LCNB Corp isn’t just a stock—it’s a ticket to steady income. Don’t let this one slip away.

Note: Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.