Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has announced that the Board of Directors has increased the company’s quarterly dividend to $0.47 per outstanding share of the company’s common stock, up $0.01 from $0.46 per outstanding share paid last quarter. Payment will be made on Jan. 9, 2017, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 15, 2016.
“We are making strides toward our overarching goal of bringing forward medicines and vaccines that create value for society and shareholders alike,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. “The dividend increase reflects our confidence in our innovation strategy and our commitment to returning meaningful value to our shareholders.”
Merck last announced a dividend increase in November 2015, when the Board raised the dividend from $0.45 to $0.46 per common share.