Merck upped its quarterly dividend by a penny to 43 cents per share Tuesday, citing optimism about the future.

“This increase in our dividend reflects our optimism about the future of our business and our commitment to providing value to our shareholders," said Kenneth Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck.

Developing: Merck upped its quarterly dividend by a penny to 43 cents per share Tuesday, citing optimism about the future.

“This increase in our dividend reflects our optimism about the future of our business and our commitment to providing value to our shareholders," said Kenneth Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck.

Developing: Merck upped its quarterly dividend by a penny to 43 cents per share Tuesday, citing optimism about the future.

“This increase in our dividend reflects our optimism about the future of our business and our commitment to providing value to our shareholders," said Kenneth Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck.