OREANDA-NEWS. Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that the Board of Directors has increased the company’s quarterly dividend to $0.46 per outstanding share of the company’s common stock, up $0.01 from $0.45 per outstanding share paid last quarter. Payment will be made on Jan. 8, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 15, 2015.

“We continue to make scientific progress in some of the world’s most challenging areas of unmet medical need,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. “The increase in our dividend reflects confidence in our future and our ongoing commitment to creating value for shareholders.”

Merck last announced a dividend increase in November 2014, when the Board raised the dividend from $0.44 to $0.45 per common share.

Today's Merck is a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships.