Dividends: Raises for the Stockholders

As corporate indicators go, earnings are usually proof of what has been, dividends an indication of what is yet to be. Even in strong years, companies seldom raise dividends unless they feel able to justify the increase by favorable prospects. Last year General Motors chalked up the highest corporate earnings in history; anticipating an even better 1965, G.M. last week raised its quarter-year dividend rate from 65¢ a share to 75¢.

G.M.'s decision also indicated broad confidence in the economy, and many other companies shared its mood. In January, 203 corporations raised their dividends v. 183 a year earlier, according to Standard & Poor's. Among them: Union Carbide, Socony Mobil, Lockheed Aircraft, International Harvester, Coca-Cola, Allied Chemical, American & Foreign Power and Lukens Steel. General Dynamics, which has not paid a dividend in 44 months, last week announced that it will resume quarterly 250 payments.

One quarter scarcely makes a year, but 1965 nonetheless seems destined to surpass 1964, when a record 1,958 companies increased their dividends and total cash payments rose to $19.8 billion. Reason: in addition to higher sales, most companies are retaining more earnings, getting higher investment tax credits and depreciation allowances, and benefiting from continuing corporate tax cuts.