Ennis Combines and Moves Up 2 Dividend Payments

Ennis Inc. said it will combine its scheduled third- and fourth-quarter dividends into a 35-cent payment in late December.

Ennis will pay the dividend Dec. 28 to shareholders of record on Dec. 20. The company's quarterly dividend payment had been set at 17.5 cents and its third- and fourth-quarter dividends were to be paid in early 2013.The envelope, business form and clothing maker is the latest of many companies that is paying a dividend before the end of 2012 to shield investors from a potential increase in taxes on dividends next year.