News summary: UnitedHealth board OKs dividend hike
News summary: UnitedHealth board OKs 32 pct hike in quarterly dividend to 28 cents per share
THE RAISE: Health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. said Wednesday it will raise the quarterly dividend it pays shareholders 32 percent to 28 cents per share from 21.25 cents.
IMPORTANT DATES: The new payout will be made June 26 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business June 17.
THE CONTEXT: UnitedHealth is the nation's largest health insurer. In 2010, it became the first major insurer to give shareholders more than a token dividend. The latest payout will produce a yield of 1.8 percent, up from 1.5 percent, based on the stock's Tuesday closing price.
