AT&T increases dividend 2.2 pc

DALLAS, USA: AT&T Inc. has announced that its board of directors has approved a 2.2 percent increase in the company's quarterly dividend to stockholders.

AT&T directors increased the quarterly dividend rate from $0.45 to $0.46 a share on a quarterly basis, or an increase from $1.80 to $1.84 a share on an annualized basis.

According to Randall Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T: ""Returning value to our shareholders is one of AT&T's top priorities. We've now increased the quarterly dividend for 30 straight years. During this time, we've seen swings in the financial markets and we've led tremendous investment in new technologies that have transformed the industry. As we've done these things, we've also maintained one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry supported by strong cash flows. This financial strength has helped us honor our commitment to our owners."

The dividend will be payable on Feb. 3, 2014 to common stockholders of record on Jan. 10, 2014.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.