More Companies Raising Dividends

Shareholders were treated to another flurry of positive dividend news Wednesday.

Since Congress voted in May to cut the tax on dividend income to a maximum of 15%, a raft of companies have decided to begin paying a dividend for the first time or to boost existing quarterly payouts. Among those doing so Wednesday:

Brewer Anheuser-Busch Cos. raised its quarterly dividend to 22 cents from 19.5 cents. Still, its shares fell 44 cents to $51.10. Natural gas producer Burlington Resources Inc. boosted its dividend for the first time in a decade, raising it to 15 cents from 13.75 cents. Its shares also fell, dipping 26 cents to $50.30.

Packaging firm Ball Corp. lifted its dividend to 15 cents a quarter from 9 cents. Its shares jumped $2.60 to $48.60.

Station Casinos Inc. said it would begin paying a quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents a share. The gaming firm’s stock rose $2.30 to $29.45. Clear Channel Communications also announced its first quarterly dividend. It will pay 10 cents a share. The stock lost $1.42 to $39.49 before the announcement.

All trade on the New York Stock Exchange.