Many investors probably haven't heard of PPD, but just about any executive in the pharmaceutical, biotech or medical-device industry has. And the company's confidence in its long-term outlook led it Tuesday to boost its dividend. The Wilmington, N.C., company is one of the world's largest contract-research organizations. It helps its clients arrange clinical trials of new products and also develops its own compounds in partnership with other firms. The new payout will bring PPD's quarterly dividend to 15 cents a share from 12.5 cents, producing a 3% yield on its shares (PPDI). Disbursement is scheduled for June 29 to investors on the books June 15. The stock goes ex-dividend June 11. The hike comes about a month after PPD had trimmed its 2009 revenue and profit guidance. "This increase...demonstrates our view of the long-term prospects of our business," declared Chief Executive Fred N. Eshelman, who founded PPD in 1985. "We remain fully focused on executing on behalf of our clients and driving long-term value for PPD shareholders." Payouts were initiated in 2005 and have been enhanced annually.

Global food giant H.J. Heinz (HNZ), the subject of an upbeat profile in Barron's Jan. 26, Thursday posted a quarterly profit in line with Wall Street's expectations but offered a full-year forecast that fell short of previous estimates. Nonetheless, the 140-year-old Pittsburgh company sweetened its quarterly common dividend a half-cent, to 42 cents a share. This is the sixth consecutive annual hike. The respective distribution, record and ex-dividend dates are July 10, June 24 and June 22. Yield: 4.57%. Dividends have been paid since Heinz went public in 1946. CEO William R. Johnson said the boost "reflects the ongoing confidence of management and...directors in the future of Heinz and our strategy of returning a high percentage of earnings to Heinz shareholders."