You’ll receive your new Investment Digest this afternoon. First, here’s one more Daily Alert recommendation, from Dow Theory Forecasts.
“In the September quarter, U.S. Bancorp (USB, $33) earned a record $0.74 per share, up 16% and in line with analyst expectations. Revenue increased 8% to $5.18 billion, slightly ahead of the consensus. Results reflect robust mortgage-banking activity, which contributed to growth in both loans and fee income.
“Revenue from mortgage banking more than doubled to $519 million, helping drive a 10% increase in noninterest income. Average total loans rose 7% from a year earlier, paced by a 22% increase in commercial loans. Overall credit quality of the loan portfolio continued to improve, as net charge-offs and nonperforming assets declined from year-earlier levels.
“U.S. Bancorp has a bright near-term growth outlook, with low interest rates and government incentives stoking demand for home loans. For 2012, the consensus calls for per-share earnings of $2.85, up 18%. U.S. Bancorp is a Buy and a Long-Term Buy.”
- Richard J. Moroney, Dow Theory Forecasts, October 22, 2012