U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) raises its annual dividend to $0.78 from $0.50 and receives board authorization to repurchase up to 100M shares of stock. This comes following the all-clear from the Fed. "The Federal Reseve did not object to the Company's request (for capital distributions)." Shares +0.3% AH, after a 4.5% gain in the day session. (PR)