PLANO, Texas (AP) -- Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. declared a regular quarterly dividend of 15 cents on Friday, a first for the beverage maker.

The company, whose brands include 7Up, Mott's as well as Dr. Pepper and Snapple, will pay the dividend on Jan. 8, 2010, to shareholders of record Dec. 21.

Earlier this month, the beverage company reported its third-quarter profit rose 42.5 percent on lower costs.

Shares of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group gained 50 cents to $27.29 in midday trading. Over the past year, the stock has traded in a range of $11.83 to $30.65.