Bear Stearns Cos. reported that its second-quarter...

Bear Stearns Cos. reported that its second-quarter net income jumped to $63.3 million from $500,000 a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $624.6 million, up 41%. The New York holding company for Bear, Stearns & Co. said the quarterly profit--its highest ever--reflected strong performance in stock trading and investment banking. The company also said it would buy back up to 4 million shares and that it increased the quarterly dividend on its common stock to 14 cents, payable March 15.