ease2002, while I certainly do not know any facts, I do believe that SNE was dropped from the docket in Texas. I can only offer the speculative answer that perhaps SNE, similarly as HP, has offered a settlement. I believe SNE was originally listed in the California proceeding, but dropped when it was relocated to Texas.
I should also speculate openly that offering a dividend was an interesting move for 2 reasons. First, it brings PTSC up on those screens in the firms that only invest in dividend offering firms, and second, that to be comfortable enough to issue a divide from cash in the bank might portend a high-level of comfort with potential incoming revenues.