Sprint Nextel gives 2.5-cent dividend

RESTON, Va.-Sprint Nextel Corp.’s board of directors declared a first quarter dividend for the company’s common stock of 2.5 cents per share.

The dividend is payable March 31, 2006, to shareholders who own common stock at the close of the markets on March 10.

Sprint Nextel is expected to announce fourth quarter financial results and customer numbers Feb. 22.