Microsoft wants to reward its patient shareholders: The world's largest software company announced Tuesday after the market close that it would be increasing its quarterly dividend by 15%. But as impressive as the dividends are, the market would gladly trade them for one thing.
The investment firm wants to see Steve Ballmer & Co. jack up the dividend, design a coherent consumer strategy and lead in cloud computing. The launch of Windows Phone 7 will be a key indicator.
In a sign of confidence in the economy, Microsoft says it's raising its dividend for the first time in two years. Shareholders will now get a quarterly dividend of 16 cents, up 23% from 13 cents. The news comes a week after Cisco said it would start paying a dividend.