DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien plc (NYSE: COV) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a 12.5% increase in the quarterly dividend rate, from $0.20 per ordinary share to $0.225 per ordinary share. “This increase reflects our good performance to date in 2011, our confidence in our future growth, sustainable cash flow and our commitment to enhance shareholder value,” said José (Joe) E. Almeida, President and CEO.
