Accenture Raises Dividend, Increases Share Buyback $5B (ACN)

Along with reporting its earnings on Thursday after the bell, Accenture plc (ACN) also announced a 14.8% increase to its semi-annual dividend and added $5 billion to its share repurchase plan.

The management consulting company will now pay a semi-annual dividend of 93 cents, which is a 12 cent increase from its previous dividend. Annually, the company will pay $1.86. The dividend will be paid on November 15 to all shareholders on record as of October 8. The ex-dividend date is October 4.

In addition to its dividend boost, the company also added an additional $5 billion to it share buyback plan, which brings the total amount of planned repurchases to $7 billion.

ACN shares were down 25 cents, or .33%, at market close on Thursday, and were trading substantially lower in after-hours trading. The company’s stock is up over 10% YTD.