DOW JONES NEWSWIRES Rockwell Automation Inc. (ROK) boosted its quarterly dividend 21%, joining a long list of companies that have increased payouts to shareholders in recent months using stockpiled cash. The payout boost reflects the company's solid financial position and confidence in its ability to generate cash throughout different business cycles, Chairman and Chief Executive Keith D. Nosbusch said. The maker of factory-automation equipment and software posted higher earnings in its latest fiscal second-quarter as sales conditions improved, especially in China and India. The 7.5 cent increase, to 42.5 cents a share, will cost the company about $42.7 million more a year. Rockwell last June raised its dividend by the same percentage. Shares of the company were off 18 cents, to $82.87 in light after-hours Thursday. The stock is up 54% over the past 12 months. -By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909; Andrew.FitzGerald@dowjones.com
