Microsoft’s board has approved a 10 percent rise in its quarterly dividend, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to rewarding shareholders. For the next payout, the dividend jumps to 91 cents per share, with payment set for December 11, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2025.
The dividend boost comes as Microsoft prepares for its annual shareholders meeting, scheduled for December 5, 2025, an event that will be held virtually with key members of executive leadership present to discuss the company's strategic direction for the coming year.
What Does the Dividend Increase Mean for Shareholders?
A 10 percent increase in the quarterly dividend reflects Microsoft’s confidence in future cash flows and profitability. Investors will now receive 91 cents per share, up from 83 cents previously, highlighting the company’s steady track record of returning capital and signaling optimism about revenues.
Dividend increases also boost total shareholder return, appealing to long-term investors and raising Microsoft’s profile among blue-chip dividend payers. The ex-dividend date is November 20, so only holders on or before that date will be eligible to receive the payout in December.
Did you know?
Microsoft reports that over half of Fortune 500 companies now use Azure’s AI capabilities for their core business operations.
How Did Microsoft Perform in Its Latest Quarter?
Microsoft delivered strong quarterly results in July. The company reported $76.44 billion in Q4 revenue, 17 percent higher than last year and well above consensus forecasts.
Earnings per share reached $3.65, again beating analyst expectations and validating strong operational performance across various business units.
Increased customer demand for cloud services, enterprise software, and AI-powered platforms drove the robust numbers. Continued momentum in these sectors helped Microsoft exceed both sales and profit projections, fueling shares to premarket gains above $515.
Which Factors Drove Microsoft’s Financial Growth?
Microsoft’s ongoing expansion in cloud and AI technologies is a leading growth driver. Azure AI Foundry is gaining traction among major customers, giving the company a competitive edge.
Analysts cited Microsoft’s “eye-popping” results, with strong guidance suggesting the company’s AI strategy is entering a new monetization phase.
Sector analysts from Wedbush, Cantor Fitzgerald, Oppenheimer, KeyBanc, and Piper Sandler have all raised price targets, highlighting Microsoft’s broad-based growth and bullish outlook even amid economic uncertainties.
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When Is the Upcoming Shareholder Meeting?
Microsoft has scheduled its virtual 2025 annual shareholder meeting for December 5. Investors who own shares as of September 30, 2025, will be able to vote and participate.
Senior leadership, including Satya Nadella and Amy Hood, is expected to outline priorities for continued innovation and long-term shareholder value.
The meeting offers a platform for direct engagement between leadership and investors, focusing on cloud transformation, AI development, capital allocation, and governance matters anticipated in the year ahead.
How Are Analysts Responding to Microsoft’s Move?
Wall Street has responded positively, with most firms reaffirming overweight ratings and raising price outlooks above $600. This ongoing optimism stems from both the company’s operational strengths and prospects for future growth linked to AI and cloud dominance. Fiscal 2026 is widely considered a breakthrough year.
The consensus is that increased dividends will further cement Microsoft’s appeal for both income- and growth-oriented investors, while management continues to execute its ambitious technology roadmap.
With strong financial performance, a rising dividend, and accelerated innovation in cloud and AI sectors, Microsoft appears well positioned for continued success and shareholder rewards. Investors are watching for new developments and strategic disclosures at the upcoming annual meeting.
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