IBM Spending for its Shareholders

IBM (NYSE:IBM) is one of the few companies that is putting its money to use for existing shareholders.  Today the high tech giant authorized $5 billion more for stock buybacks, to be added to $4.2 billion previously authorized. IBM has returned $70 billion to shareholders in six years.

IBM is kicking ass, in 2009 its shares are up 43% and are now trading just $7 away from its 52-week high of $128.61.  ARMONK, N.Y.--(Business Wire)-- The IBM (NYSE: IBM) board of directors today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per common share, payable December 10, 2009 to stockholders of record November 10, 2009.

With the payment of the December 10 dividend, IBM will have paid consecutive quarterly dividends every year since 1916.

The board today also authorized $5 billion in additional funds for use in thec ompany`s stock repurchase program. IBM said it will repurchase shares on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions.

This amount is in addition to approximately $4.2 billion remaining at the end of September 2009 from a prior authorization. With this new authorization, IBM will have approximately $9.2 billion for its stock repurchase program. IBM expects to request additional share repurchase authorization at the April 2010 board meeting.

Samuel J. Palmisano, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer said "IBM`s strategic transformation to higher value businesses continues to drive profitable growth, and our strong cash flow performance has enabled IBM to return $73 billion since 2003 to our shareholders."