Microsoft announced a $40 billion stock buyback on Tuesday, as well as a 22 percent dividend increase.
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Ahead of the company's meeting with financial analysts on Thursday, the board approved the new stock repurchase program to replace the previous buyback program, which was set to expire at the end of this month. The new share repurchase program has no expiration date.
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The quarterly dividend was increased to $0.28 per share, which is a five cent increase over the previous quarter. The dividend will be payable to shareholders on December 12 and is applicable to all shareholder of record on Nov. 21, 2013.
Microsoft, which is known for its shareholder-friendly ways, has been paying a regular quarterly dividend since 2004. The company's last dividend increase was payable last September and was an increase of three cents, making the total dividend amount $0.23.
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