REDMOND: Microsoft Corporation says its board has approved a dividend increase and a new $40 billion stock buyback plan. The Redmond, Washington, company said Tuesday it will pay a quarterly dividend of 39 cents on December 8 to shareholders of record November 17. That's up 3 cents, or 8 percent, from its previous payout. The technology giant also said it's on track to complete its existing $40 billion stock buyback plan by year-end. The new plan has no expiration and may be terminated anytime. Shares of Microsoft are up about 30 percent in the past year. In after-hours trading, the stock rose 67 cents to $57.48.