Group 1: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The terminal rate of the benchmark lending rate increased to 5.1% this year, up from the 4.6% projected in March [1] - The Fed maintained the existing interest rate range of 5.25-5.5% and indicated a more cautious approach to inflation [1][18] - Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested only one rate cut of 25 basis points in 2024, a reduction from three cuts previously hinted [7] Group 2: Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) - Hancock Whitney is expected to meet debt obligations and sustain capital distribution plans due to a solid liquidity position [3] - The net interest margin (NIM) for HWC is projected to rise to 3.39% this year, benefiting from high rates [3] - Total revenues for HWC are projected to increase by 3.2% in 2024, supported by strategic expansion initiatives and a solid loan balance [8] Group 3: UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) - UnitedHealth Group declared a dividend of $2.10 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.7% [4] - Adjusted net earnings per share for UNH are anticipated to be in the range of $27.5-$28.00 in 2024, up from $25.12 in 2023 [9] - UNH's growth is supported by a strong market position, new deals, and expansion of service offerings [20] Group 4: Eni S.p.A. (E) - Eni declared a dividend of $0.372 per share, with a dividend yield of 4.8% [5] - Eni's long-term growth will be driven by an increased focus on expanding upstream operations and natural gas production [14] - Eni has diversified into renewable energy through its subsidiary, Plenitude, achieving significant growth [21] Group 5: FedEx Corporation (FDX) - FedEx is implementing a cost realignment initiative called DRIVE, expected to yield annual cost savings of $4 billion by 2025 [15] - FDX declared a dividend of $1.38 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.2% [22] - The company plans to repurchase $2.5 billion of common stock and pay $1.3 billion in dividends during fiscal 2024 [15] Group 6: Hamilton Lane Inc. (HLNE) - Hamilton Lane declared a dividend of $0.49 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.6% [16] - HLNE focuses on investments in various sectors including energy, industrials, and healthcare, across multiple regions [6]
5 Stocks With Recent Dividend Hike for a Stable Portfolio