Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, will increase its quarterly dividend to $0.43 per share, up $0.01 from $0.42 per outstanding share paid last quarter. Payment will be made on Jan. 8, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 17, 2012.

"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 C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer of Merck.

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada. The company's core product categories include diabetes, cancer, vaccines and hospital acute care. Its products include prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products.