Microsoft’s board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program allowing the company to buy back up to $40 billion of its common stock. The program has no expiration date and may be terminated at any time.

In addition to the share repurchase program, Microsoft announced an increase in its quarterly dividend. The dividend was raised by 11 cents per share, bringing the new quarterly dividend to 46 cents per share. This dividend is payable on December 13, 2018, to shareholders of record on November 15, 2018.

The share repurchase program and dividend increase demonstrate Microsoft’s strong financial performance and its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The company’s robust cash flow enables it to invest in future growth opportunities while also rewarding investors.

Microsoft’s management believes that the company’s shares are undervalued, making the repurchase program an attractive use of capital. The buybacks are expected to reduce the number of outstanding shares, potentially increasing earnings per share and boosting shareholder value.

Microsoft has announced a share repurchase program, authorizing the company to repurchase up to $40 billion of its common stock. This decision underscores Microsoft’s strong financial standing and its optimistic outlook for future growth.

The share repurchase program will be executed at management’s discretion, and repurchases may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, legal requirements, and other business considerations.

The program does not have a fixed expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Share buybacks are often used by companies to return value to shareholders and can also help to increase earnings per share by reducing the number of outstanding shares.