Starbucks increases dividend and share buyback program to return $10 billion more to investors by 2020

• Starbucks has struggled with sales in the U.S. for several quarters.
• The coffee chain has been focused on bolstering its loyalty program.
• It's also leaning more into its refreshments category, as Frappuccino sales fall.

Mark Makela | Reuters

Starbucks is raising its dividend and increasing its share buyback program to return $10 billion more to shareholders by 2020 than previously promised, CEO Kevin Johnson told analysts on a conference call Thursday. 

In November, the company announced it would return $15 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends through fiscal year 2020.

"As we flex our balance sheet, we have now expanded that commitment equipment to $25 billion," Johnson said on a call discussing the company's fiscal third-quarter earnings results. Starbucks generated record profit and revenue, beating Wall Street estimates on both. 

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