Microsoft had two pieces of good news for investors this morning. The world’s second most valuable company is increasing its shareholder payout by 10% and launching a $60 billion share buyback program.

Only three U.S. companies have ever announced buyback programs bigger than Microsoft’s latest — though the new dividend yield is still low relative to those of fellow Dow components.

Microsoft will raise its quarterly payout by about 11% and begin a new stock-buyback program.

Overall, history indicates that the buyback will have little impact on Microsoft's stock. While $60 billion sounds like a lot, it represents less than 2% of its shares outstanding and won't move the needle much.

Companies have several ways they can share their success with their investors: They can pay dividends or they can buy back stock. Both are popular with investors and are generally considered a bullish signal on Wall Street.

The software company said shareholders as of November 21 will receive a quarterly dividend of 83 cents a share, compared with the current 75 cents. The share repurchase agreement, which has no expiration date,

Tech giant Microsoft revealed that its board of directors approved a new $60 billion stock-buyback program. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be terminated at any time, according to the company’s statement.

Microsoft late Monday announced a $60 billion buyback and a 10% quarterly dividend hike. MSFT stock rose slightly Tuesday.