Stellar Bancorp, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share of common stock, payable on March 29, 2024. Shareholders of record as of March 18, 2024, will receive the dividend.

Financial Analyst

The declaration of a quarterly cash dividend by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. is a significant indicator of the company's current financial health and its ability to generate ample cash flow. Dividends are typically disbursed from retained earnings and the ability to pay them consistently can be viewed positively by investors, as it suggests a stable and potentially growing income stream. It's important to analyze the dividend yield, which is the dividend per share divided by the price per share. If the yield is higher than the industry average, it may attract income-focused investors and could indicate the stock is undervalued.

Furthermore, the dividend payout ratio, which is the portion of net income paid to shareholders as dividends, should be evaluated. A sustainable payout ratio generally ranges from 35% to 55%. Ratios significantly higher may indicate that the company is not reinvesting enough back into its operations, which could impact long-term growth. Conversely, a very low payout ratio could suggest that the company is reinvesting heavily, which might be positive for future growth but could also imply that current returns to shareholders are not being maximized.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the announcement of a dividend payment can signal confidence from management in the company's future performance. It can also serve as a catalyst for stock price movements. Historical data shows that stocks often react positively to dividend announcements, as they provide tangible returns to shareholders. However, it's crucial to compare the dividend announcement with the company's historical dividend payments. An increase in the dividend amount can be seen as a strong signal of growth, whereas a decrease or stagnation could raise concerns about the company's future prospects.

Additionally, the timing of the dividend in relation to the overall market and economic conditions should be considered. In a bear market or during economic downturns, a stable or increasing dividend can be particularly reassuring to investors. Conversely, in a bull market, investors might prioritize capital gains over dividend income, potentially reducing the impact of dividend announcements on stock prices.

Economist

The broader economic implications of Stellar Bancorp's dividend declaration should be taken into account. Dividend distributions can have macroeconomic effects, such as influencing consumer spending. Shareholders receiving dividends may have a higher propensity to consume, which can stimulate economic activity. On a microeconomic level, the decision to pay out dividends instead of retaining earnings for reinvestment may reflect the company's assessment of investment opportunities within the sector. If a company perceives fewer high-return investment options, it may opt to return cash to shareholders rather than risk lower returns on new investments.

It's also insightful to assess the company's dividend policy in the context of interest rates. In a low-interest-rate environment, dividends become more attractive relative to fixed-income securities, potentially increasing demand for the company's stock. Conversely, if interest rates are rising, dividend-paying stocks might become less attractive as investors seek higher yields from fixed-income investments, potentially leading to a reallocation of capital within the market.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: STEL) today announced that on February 22, 2024, its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.13 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 29, 2024 to the Company’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2024.

About Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

Stellar Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Company’s principal banking subsidiary, Stellar Bank, provides a diversified range of commercial banking services primarily to small- to medium-sized businesses and individual customers across the Houston, Dallas, Beaumont and surrounding communities in Texas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as required by law, the Company does not assume any duty to update forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s plans, objectives, strategies, expectations, intentions and other statements that are not statements of historical fact, and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “building,” “continue,” “could,” “drive,” “estimates,” “expects,” “extent,” “focus,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “position,” “probable,” “progressing,” “projects,” “prudent,” “seeks,” “should,” “target,” “view,” “will” or “would” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. For a list of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, see the risk factors described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240223074354/en/

IR@stellar.bank

Source: Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

When was the quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL)?

Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL) declared the quarterly cash dividend on February 22, 2024.

What is the amount of the quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL)?

The quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL) is $0.13 per share of common stock.

When will the quarterly cash dividend be payable by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL)?

The quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL) will be payable on March 29, 2024.

Who will receive the quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL)?

Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2024, will receive the quarterly cash dividend declared by Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (STEL).