Microsoft Hikes Dividend

Microsoft (MSFT Quote) said its board of directors voted to boost the software giant's quarterly dividend by 1 cent to 11 cents a share.

The next dividend will be payable Dec. 13 to shareholders of record on Nov. 15. The ex-dividend date will be Nov. 13, Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said.

Shares of Microsoft rose 10 cents to $29.03 in early trading Thursday.