Higher interest rates lift their profits

Article Excerpt

While higher interest rates are increasing the potential for future loan losses at these two U.S. banks, they are also earnings more on new loans. In fact, both just raised their dividends, which is a sign of confidence. J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO. $140 is a buy. The bank (New York symbol JPM; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 2.9 billion; Market cap: $406.0 billion; Dividend yield: 3.0%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.jpmorganchase.com) is the largest banking firm in the U.S., with total assets of $3.90 trillion as of September 30, 2023. With the October 2023 payment, Morgan increased your quarterly dividend by 5.0%, to $1.05 a share from $1.00. The new annual rate of $4.20 yields 3.0%. The bank completed its acquisition of most of the assets and deposits of failed California-based First Republic Bank in May. Morgan paid $10.6 billion for most of First Republic’s $92 billion in deposits. The deal generated a one-time gain of $2.7 billion for Morgan and should add…