JAPAN PRESS: Listed Japanese companies are expected..

JAPAN PRESS: Listed Japanese companies are expected to pay out Y2,791.7
billion in year-end dividends for fiscal 2009, 5% more than they
distributed a year ago, a Nikkei survey showed. The finding reflects
improved corporate confidence. As earnings recover and the financial
crisis recedes in memory, firms are shifting priority from hoarding
funds to rewarding shareholders. Of the 2,311 companies surveyed, 397
plan to increase or resume year-end dividend payments, up 50% from last
year, the report said.