LONDON -- Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN.L) pleased the market today by announcing a 50% increase to the interim dividend and a new progressive dividend policy that could significantly improve the shares' currently unimpressive 2% dividend yield.

Compared to other big names in the health-care sector, like FTSE 100 stalwarts GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK.L) and AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN.L), which boast yields of 4.6% and 3.8%, respectively, Smith & Nephew is downright disappointing if you're an income investor.

However, one year into new CEO Olivier Bohuon's restructuring plan, the company's margins are showing improvement, which is translating to stronger cash flow; free cash flow (cash from operations less spending on capital) was up 26% in the quarter. This, along with the 66 million pounds in cash from the sale of a 51% stake in the company's experimental biologics business, helped pay down 133 million pounds in debt in the quarter and provided the company with a net cash balance of 96 million pounds.

Bohuon had previously said excess cash would be aimed at acquisitions to complement the company's newly focused research efforts, but the Board has apparently heard the appeals from shareholders for some sharing of the wealth.

Even with this newfound generosity Smith & Nephew likely won't be topping income investors' wish lists, but this free report from The Motley Fool -- "8 Shares Held By Britain's Super Investor" -- offers up some of the shares favored by one of the U.K.'s most successful income investors. Click here to download your free copy today.

Income shares can provide uncertainty in troubled times. 10 Steps To Making A Million In The Market is the very latest Motley Fool guide to help Britain invest. Better. We urge you to read the report today -- it's free.

Further Motley Fool investment opportunities