The increase in dividends is typically viewed positively by investors as it signals confidence in the company's financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders. Given McCormick's long history of dividend payments and the recent increase, this is likely to be seen as a strong positive signal, especially by income-focused investors. The company's solid cash position supports the sustainability of the dividend. However, the actual impact on the stock price may be moderate as dividend increases of this nature may already be anticipated by the market.