Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), US Bancorp (NYSE:USB), PNC (NYSE:PNC) and JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) Could Raise Dividends in First Quarter

Commenting on the growing interest in banks starting to return capital to shareholders via dividends again, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) said the banks in the strongest position and allowed to do that the soonest are Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), US Bancorp (NYSE:USB), PNC (NYSE:PNC) and JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM).

All of these banks could announce a quarterly dividend in the first quarter if they choose to go that route. If one of them do it, for competitive reasons, all of them would probably take the leap.

On Wednesday the Federal Reserve laid out the parameters for banks who are looking to offer or increase dividends.

Even though some banks fall within the guidelines, Goldman said dividends, even if offered or increased, will fall far below their former levels in the short term from the banks.

Goldman estimates a payout ratio of about 40 percent in relationship to former dividend payouts.

Bank of New York Mellon (NSYE:BK) and State Street (NYSE:STT) are also banks which also are allowede increase their dividends if they choose to.