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JPMorgan Q2 Results Affirm Dividend, Buybacks, & Growth 
There are many takeaways from JPMorgan Chase & Company’s (NYSE: JPM) FQ2 report, but the most noteworthy is a seemingly positive turn in CEO Jamie Dimon’s comments. While still highlighting risks, his remarks have turned from concern about dark clouds on the horizon to those citing resilience in the U.S. economy and financial landscape. The takeaway is that risks are present, but the business remains healthy, the outlook is positive, and the potential for economic tailwinds has increased. “The U.S. economy remained resilient in the quarter. The finalization of tax reform and potential deregulation are positive for the economic outlook; however, significant risks persist, including from tariffs and trade uncertainty, worsening geopolitical conditions, high fiscal deficits and elevated asset prices,” said Dimon in his comments. JPMorgan's Double-Beat Affirms the Stock Price Outlook JPMorgan’s stock price outlook was upbeat ahead of the Q2 release and strengthened in its wake. The company reported the expected contraction in YOY revenue, but less than expected, with strengths in critical areas. System-wide, average loans increased by 5%, while deposits rose by 6%. In the community banking segment, where the weaknesses were most pronounced, deposits contracted by a mere 1% and were offset by a double-digit increase in invested assets. Regarding investment income versus non-investment income, the company’s net interest income (NII) increased by 2% but was offset by a 20% decline in fee-based revenue. Margins were also solid. The company’s strong NII aided bottom-line outperformance and $4.96 in adjusted earnings. The adjusted earnings include a $0.28 tax-related benefit but still outpaced the consensus by a solid margin. The net result of segment strength, revenue, and profits is an increase to the guidance, which includes expected strength in top and bottom-line results driven by robust NII, to better-than-forecast levels. NII is likely to remain strong through 2026 due to the favorable interest rate outlook. The FOMC wants to cut rates, but may be unable to do so due to the pace of inflation. The latest CPI reveals that inflation is accelerating at both the headline and core levels compared to the prior month and year, contrary to the outlook for a rate reduction. As of mid-July, the CME FedWatch tool indicates a less than 70% chance of two 25-basis-point rate cuts by the end of the year. JPMorgan’s Fortress Balance Sheet and Capital Return Are Safe JPMorgan’s cash flow and balance sheet reveal built-in credit reserves but are otherwise robust. The build aligns with prior quarters, as do the charge-offs, and the capital ratios are excellent. The tier one ratio is slightly below the consensus forecast but remains well above requirements at 15%. Other critical metrics include the 10% increase in book value, $7 billion in share repurchases, and the board’s decision to increase the dividend for the second time this year. The cumulative increase is worth 20%, a nearly 2% annualized return, and additional increases are expected over time. The buybacks are worth approximately .9% of the market cap and a tailwind for market action. The analyst and institutional trends are positive for this stock. MarketBeat tracked a few price target reductions during Q2, but not many, and they were offset by upgrades and price target increases before the quarter's end. The result is that coverage was firm at 22 analysts when the report was released, sentiment was firming, and the price target was trending higher, indicating a 13% upside relative to the pre-release close that may be achieved before the end of 2025. Institutional activity aligns with the uptrend, with the group owning more than 70% of the stock and buying on balance in 2025. 
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