From Barron's 6-11-07 The No. 3 chain (after Barnes & Noble andBorders) Wednesday declared a one-time payout of $3 a share. That's worth some $50.4 million to the Birmingham, Ala., company's investors. The stock, which changes hands on Nasdaq, surged 6% that day in after-hours trading and Friday was at 18.58. It's 52-week high and low are 23.70 and 13.77. The bonus dividend is payable July 5 to holders of record June 20. The ex-date is June 18.

From Barron's 6-11-07 Monday enhanced its quarterly common payout on its nonvoting Class A stock a hefty 56%, to 28 cents a share from 18 cents. Ditto its Class B stock, to 42 cents from 27 cents. The numbers are adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock split in April. J. Gasser called the boost "consistent with the company's targeted dividend payout ratio of 30% to 35% over a complete business cycle." Shareholders of record June 18 will receive the new disbursements July 1; the ex-dividend date is June 14.

From Barron's 6-11-07 Hiked its quarterly common payout 25% Wednesday, to 31.25 cents a share from 25 cents. The respective payment, record and ex dates are Aug. 28, Aug. 7 and Aug. 3. Yield: 1.69%. Dividends have been ongoing since 1973. This is the second consecutive annual boost. The stock is 9% below its 52-week high of 80.77.