The number of dividend increases reported in...

The number of dividend increases reported in 1987 slightly exceeded last year’s figure, despite the Oct. 19 stock market crash, according to Standard & Poor’s. A total of 1,590 dividend increases were reported in 1987, up 5% from the 1,515 reported in 1986. From the first of the year through Oct. 19, dividend increases were running ahead of 1986 figures, but between Oct. 19 and 30, such increases slowed considerably. Increases rebounded in November and December, topping figures for the same months in 1986. Favorable actions in 1987--extra, increased and resumed dividends--numbered 2,046, up 126 from 1986. Unfavorable actions--decreased and omitted dividends--dropped to 178 from 186 in 1986.