3 Reasons to Love Microsoft's Dividend

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft's dividend is characterized by safety, consistent increases, and strong growth potential, making it an attractive option despite its low yield [2][13]. Group 1: Reliable Dividend - Microsoft earned $13.64 per share in fiscal 2025, paying out only a small fraction in dividends, with a quarterly run rate of $0.83, representing roughly 24% of last year's earnings per share [4]. - In fiscal 2025, Microsoft generated over $136 billion in net cash from operations, with free cash flow near $71.6 billion, while only paying $24 billion in dividends, indicating significant room for continued investment and dividend increases [5]. Group 2: Strong Dividend Growth Potential - The quarterly dividend has increased from $0.31 ten years ago to the current $0.83, reflecting a strong growth trajectory [6]. - Revenue rose 18% year over year in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with Microsoft Cloud revenue climbing 27%, supporting the potential for further dividend increases [7]. - Management is bullish on growth prospects, with expected capital expenditures exceeding $30 billion in the fiscal first quarter, driven by strong demand signals, particularly in AI integration [8][9]. Group 3: Share Buyback Program - In fiscal 2025, Microsoft repurchased approximately $18.4 billion of stock and returned $9.4 billion via dividends and buybacks in the fourth quarter [11]. - A $60 billion repurchase authorization enhances the company's capital allocation strategy, allowing for aggressive business investment while returning capital to shareholders [11].