Size of the text
A large regional bank and an insurance company were among the companies that recently announced an increase in their dividends during the light week that preceded the sending of such notifications.
Eli Christman
SunTrust Banks (STI) announced Tuesday a quarterly dividend of 50 cents per share, up 40 cents per share, for a 25% increase.
The stock of the Atlanta-based bank yields 2.2%. It returned 13.5% this year, versus 2.6% for Invesco KBW Bank (KBWB).
The bank's branch network extends over much of the southeastern United States
First American Financial (FAF) announced an increase in its quarterly dividend of 4 cents, or 11%, to 42 cents per share.
The stock, which posted a return of about 0.5% this year, yields 2.7%. The company's activities include title insurance, which plays on the housing market.
Sign up for Review & Preview, a new daily email from Barron's. Every night, we review the news that has shifted the markets during the day and consider what it means for your wallet in the morning.