: Westlake raises quarterly dividend by 40% to 50 cents a share

Westlake Corp. WLK, a manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated building products, said Monday its board has agreed to raise its quarterly dividend by 40% to 50 cents a share from 35.70 cents previously. The dividend will be payable on Sept. 12 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 25. The company has paid a dividend 76 straight quarters since its IPO in August of 2004. The stock has gained 29% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX has gained 16%.

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