Quanex Corp. announced that its Board of Directors raised the company's common stock cash dividend by 6.5%, or $0.05 per share on an annualized basis. In a separate action, the Board declared a three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend.

"Quanex's stock split, and the increase in our cash dividend for the second time this year, are appropriate actions by the Board of Directors given record fiscal 2004 operating results, our high stock price and our very favorable business outlook," stated Raymond Jean, Chairman and CEO.

The increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.2025 is prior to giving effect to the 50% stock dividend, and $0.135 after giving effect to the 50% stock dividend. Both the cash dividend and the stock dividend are effective to shareholders of record on December 17, 2004. Both dividends will be paid on December 31, 2004.

Quanex is a $1.5 billion industry-leading manufacturer of value-added, engineered materials and components serving the Vehicular Products and Building Products markets.