WALTHAM, Mass., March 25, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's Board of Directors has voted to increase the Company's annual dividend payout rate by 11 percent from $1.12 to $1.24 per share. The Board also authorized payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per outstanding share of common stock to be paid on May 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 7, 2009. Payment of quarterly dividends is subject to Board authorization.

"The increase in our dividend reflects our Company's strong financial position, our continued confidence in our future and our ongoing commitment to our shareholders," said William H. Swanson, Raytheon's Chairman and CEO.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

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SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

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