Their dividends are safe despite lower rates

Article Excerpt

The recent drop in interest rates will squeeze J.P. Morgan’s and Wells Fargo’s net interest margin (the spread between the interest they receive on loans less the interest paid to depositors). However, lower interest rates will help spur loan demand. As well, consumer credit card spending remains strong. Moreover, both banks continue to expand their fee-based businesses, including wealth management. J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO. $118 (New York symbol JPM; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 3.2 billion; Market cap: $377.6 billion; Dividend yield: 3.1%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.jpmorganchase.com) is the largest banking firm in the U.S. with total assets of $2.73 trillion as of June 30, 2019. Starting with the October 2019 payment, Morgan increases its quarterly dividend by 12.5%. Investors will then receive $0.90 a share, up from $0.80. The bank’s new annual rate of $3.60 yields 3.1%. Morgan also plans to buy back up to $29.4 billion of its common shares by June 30, 2020. The bank earned $9.65 billion…