Microsoft (MSFT) will raise its quarterly dividend by 25 percent ($0.04) to $0.20 per share in the fourth quarter of 2011. This follows a 3 cent per share dividend hike by the tech giant last year.

The next dividend will be paid on December 8, 2011 to shareholders of record on November 17, 2011. Microsoft has now raised its annual dividend for nine consecutive years. The company initiated a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share in 2003.

Microsoft Corporation is a technology company. The Company develops, licenses, and supports software products, services and devices. Its products include operating systems and a wide range of applications and devices (including tablets and gaming and entertainment consoles) that integrate with its cloud-based offerings.