"Wednesday, the world's No. 1 fast-food chain (ticker: MCD) boosted its annual common payout 50%, to $1.50 a share, from $1. That translates into $597 million more cash for investors. Disbursement is slated for Dec. 3 to holders of record Nov. 15. The stock goes ex-dividend Nov. 13."

"Last week with another dividend boost and also a 3-for-2 stock split was Paccar (PCAR), the world's second-largest big-rig truck manufacturer after DaimlerChrysler's Freightliner subsidiary. The new shares resulting from the split will be distributed Oct. 9 to investors on the books Sept. 25. The ex-date is Oct. 10. Then, on Dec. 5, holders of record Nov. 19 will receive a quarterly common payout of a post-split 18 cents a share, up from an adjusted 16.7 cents. Ex-date: Nov. 15."

"Citing its operating results and strong financial condition, Zenith National Insurance (ZNT) Wednesday boosted its quarterly for the second time this year, giving its stock a 4.56% yield. The new dividend is 50 cents a share, up 19% from 42 cents. It's payable Nov. 15 to investors of record Oct. 31. Oct. 29 is the ex-date."