Dividend Scan: DGX, WBS, MDC, BP, IFF, VIST, PCTI

Amidst the negative movement of the US market, several companies declared their future dividend plans. Some notable dividend payers are discussed here. Quest Diagnostics Inc. (NYSE: DGX), which provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally, today announced that its Board of Directors has increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.17 per share, payable on January 24, 2012, to shareholders of record on January 9, 2012. The dividend represents a 70 percent increase from the current $0.10 per share level. Shares jumped 13.52 percent or $6.89 to trade at $57.87. Webstar Financial Corp. (NYSE: WBS), which operates as the holding company for the Webster Bank that provides various banking and financial products and services in southern New England and eastern New York State, announced today that its Board of Directors had declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.05 on its common stock. The dividend on the common shares will be payable on November 21, 2011, to shareholders of record on November 7, 2011. Shares fell 1.26 percent or $0.25 to trade at $19.52. MDC Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MDC), engaged in homebuilding and financial services businesses in the US, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company's common stock. The dividend will be paid on November 22, 2011 to shareowners of record on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.12... Read more