Microsoft Replaces $40 Billion Share Buyback Program, Offers Dividend Increase

From DailyTech:
Microsoft is investing its cash into its own stock through a new share buyback program, and has also announced a dividend increase.

Microsoft introduced a new $40 billion buyback program, which is replacing the previous program that expires September 2013. While the previous and new buyback programs are both set at $40 billion, the new one doesn't have an expiration date.

This looks great for Microsoft because it shows that it wants to invest its own cash into its own stock.

In addition to the buyback program, Microsoft is upping the quarterly dividend from $0.23 to $0.28, which is a 22 percent increase over that of the previous quarter. According to Microsoft, the dividend is payable December 12, 2013 to shareholders "of record" on November 21, 2013.

“These actions reflect a continued commitment to returning cash to our shareholders,” said Amy Hood, chief financial officer of Microsoft.

Microsoft has been particularly busy this year trying to turn things around after a failed Surface launch, a lack of enthusiasm for Windows Phone and complaints about Windows 8. The company is currently undergoing a restructuring process, where CEO Steve Ballmer will be out within the next year and devices like Windows Phone, PC and Xbox One will become more unified for a more fluid user experience.

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