AUTOS

GM Boosts Stock Dividend: The Detroit-based auto maker raised its quarterly dividend on its common stock to 30 cents a share from 20 cents, payable June 10 to shareholders of record on May 11. “We’ve come a long way in improving the financial health of the corporation and in strengthening the balance sheet,” said General Motors Corp. President Jack Smith. “Our work is not done yet, but we have reached a position at which we believe a dividend increase for (GM common stock) can be sustained.” GM, the world’s largest auto maker, reported a record profit last month of $2.2 billion for the first quarter. Full-year earnings in 1994 were a record $4.9 billion.