July 20, 2004

Microsoft Plans Big Dividend NBC4.TV, CA - Microsoft is announcing a series of steps aimed at keeping investors happy, by putting its cash to work. The software giant says it will give shareholders a one-time dividend of $3 a share. It also says its board has approved a quarterly dividend of 8 cents a share. Furthermore, Microsoft plans to buy back $30 billion of the company's stock during the next four years. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer says the steps will provide $75 billion to shareholders in the next four years. 9:34:42 PM