On Tuesday, Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) enhanced its quarterly common stock dividend by 16.7% to 35 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on Jun 1, 2014 to shareholders of record as of May 9, 2014.
This marks Wells Fargo’s 5th dividend increase since 2011, reflecting its commitment to return value to shareholders with strong cash generation capabilities. Prior to this, the company had increased its dividend by 20% (from 25 cents to 30 cents per share) in Apr 2013.
The dividend increase is part of Wells Fargo’s 2014 Capital Plan. The company’s capital plan, which included dividend hike and other capital actions, was submitted to the Federal Reserve in Jan 2014. Following the approval of the plan, the company increased its quarterly dividend.
For Wells Fargo, its business model is quite impressive as it allows the company to generate sufficient capital, strengthen its balance sheet and help return capital to shareholders. Moreover, we believe that strategic acquisitions will expand the company’s business and improve its profitability over time.
The company’s diversified revenue stream, strong capital position and expanded business through acquisitions, along with better expense management and improved credit quality, will support its profit figures. Yet, a sluggish economic recovery coupled with regulatory issues might limit its growth to some extent.
In first-quarter 2014, the company paid roughly $1.6 billion in dividends to the common shareholders. Moreover, it repurchased common stock worth about $1.0 billion during the quarter. Cash and due from banks exiting the quarter were $19.7 billion.
Wells Fargo currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We believe that the announcement of a dividend increase will augur well for the company and help boost shareholders’ confidence.
Other companies in the same sector worth considering include KeyCorp. (KEY), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) and Piper Jaffray Companies (PJC). All three carry a Zacks Rank #2.
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