Microsoft Raises Quarterly Dividend and Launches $60 Billion Stock Buyback Program

Microsoft recently announced a quarterly dividend of $0.83 per share, marking an 8-cent or 10% increase compared to the previous quarter’s dividend of $0.75 per share. The Board of Directors has declared that this increased quarterly dividend will be payable on December 12, 2024, to shareholders who are on record as of November 21, 2024. Notably, the ex-dividend date is also set for November 21, 2024.

In addition to the elevated quarterly dividend, Microsoft’s Board of Directors has approved a significant share repurchase program, totaling up to $60 billion. Unlike prior repurchase initiatives, this latest program does not have an expiration date and can be terminated at any time.

In 2019, the Microsoft Board authorized a share repurchase program allowing up to $40 billion in buybacks. After its completion in 2021, the Board introduced a new share repurchase program in September 2021, which permitted up to $60 billion in repurchases. With the recent announcement of another $60 billion share repurchase program, Microsoft’s total share buyback commitment has escalated to $160 billion over the past five years.

Moreover, Microsoft has scheduled its 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting for December 10, 2024. Eligible Microsoft stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 30, 2024, will be allowed to participate in the voting process during the meeting.

As anticipated, the 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting will be conducted virtually, hosted by Satya Nadella (Chairman and CEO of Microsoft), Amy Hood (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), Brad Smith (Vice Chair and President), and Sandra E. Peterson (Microsoft’s Lead Independent Director).

These announcements from Microsoft underscore a robust commitment to enhancing shareholder value. The strategy of combining an increased quarterly dividend with a substantial and open-ended share repurchase program reflects the company’s strong financial standing and optimistic growth outlook. Furthermore, these developments, along with the details regarding the forthcoming Annual Shareholders Meeting, demonstrate Microsoft’s dedication to transparency and active engagement with its investors.

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