Interest rates brighten outlook for U.S. banks

Article Excerpt

The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate in December 2016—the first time in a year. Officials expect further boosts in 2017. That—plus the prospect of looser regulations under a Trump administration—should spur earnings and dividends for these leading U.S. banks. J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO. $86 (New York symbol JPM; Conservative Growth Payer Portfolio, Finance sec tor; Shares o/s: 3.6 billion; Market cap: $309.6 billion; Dividend yield: 2.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.jpmorganchase.com) last raised its quarterly dividend by 9.1%, with the July 2016 payment, to $0.48 a share from $0.44. The annual rate of $1.92 yields 2.2%. In the three months ended December 31, 2016, Morgan earned $6.7 billion. Thanks to a $475 million tax benefit, the latest earnings are up 23.8% from $5.4 billion a year earlier. Due to fewer shares outstanding, earnings per share gained 29.5%, to $1.71 from $1.32. Revenue in the quarter rose 2.5%, to $24.3 billion from $23.7 billion. The bank continues to see…