Microsoft just increased its dividend by 10%

Core Points - Microsoft announced a quarterly dividend increase of 9.6%, raising the payout to $0.91 per share, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend growth [1] - The company expects an estimated $27.1 billion in annual dividends, with the next payment scheduled for December 11, 2025 [2] - Microsoft shares were trading at $515.40, reflecting a modest increase of 0.14% in pre-market trading, influenced by the dividend hike and positive analyst sentiment [3] - Analyst Keith Weiss from Morgan Stanley reiterated a "Buy" rating on Microsoft, citing its financial strength and long-term growth outlook [3] - The company has $55 billion remaining under its current share repurchase authorization, indicating a strong commitment to shareholder returns [4] - Microsoft is expected to receive a new equity stake of up to 30% in OpenAI, which could add approximately $150 billion to its valuation [5]