New York, New York, USA, 22 October 2008 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) today approved a regular quarterly cash dividend on the corporation's common stock. The dividend of USD 0.22 is payable on 10 December 2008, to shareholders of record on 25 November 2008.

The McGraw-Hill Companies has paid a dividend each year since 1937 and is one of fewer than 30 companies in the S&P 500 that has increased its dividend annually for the last 35 years. The annualized rate of USD 0.88 per share, which includes a 7.3% increase approved by the board in January of 2008, represents an average compound annual dividend growth rate of 10.3% since 1974.

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education, and business information markets. The corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were USD 6.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.