A Few Companies Raising Dividends (DPS, CLX)

Well, despite all the negative news about the euro, Thailand, financial regulation, oil spills, volcanic ash, and China collapsing, apparently some companies feel secure enough in this environment to hike their dividends. Dr. Pepper Snapple Group DPS announced after the close today that it would raise its quarterly stock dividend 67 percent to 25 cents per share. The maker of Dr. Pepper and 7UP said attaining its target capital structure made the increase possible. Clorox CLX also raised its quarterly dividend by 10 percent to 55 cents per share. Earlier this month Clorox reported that its fiscal third-quarter profit rose 8 percent as volume improved. Apparently there is some good news out there that the media fails to ignore. I guess good news doesn't make for good ratings.