Dividend Changes to Know Now: Amgen, CapLease, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Potash Corp., The Kroger Co.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN): Amgen CFO says will increase dividend meaningfully over time.

CapLease, Inc. (NYSE:LSE): CapLease increases quarterly dividend 8% to 7c per share. The company’s Board of Directors announced an increase in the company’s quarterly dividend by 8% beginning with the third quarter of 2012 to 7c per share. That increase reflects the company’s significant progress to date on its 2012 business plan including new investments added or committed of over $100M and existing portfolio management activity highlighted by leasing progress at the three Nestle properties and the extension and reduction of the related mortgage debt on those properties. The Board of Directors will continue to evaluate the company’s dividend policy for the remainder of the year as the company continues to implement its 2012 plan. The third quarter 2012 common and the preferred dividends are payable on October 15 to stockholders of record as of September 28.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL): Royal Caribbean increases quarterly dividend to 12c. Royal Caribbean declared a quarterly dividend of 12c per share payable on October 9 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (NYSE:POT): Potash raises dividend 50% to 21c from 14c per share. The dividend is payable November 5 to shareholders of record on October 15.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR): Kroger raises quarterly dividend 30% to 15c per share. The dividend is to be paid on December 1 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 15.

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