At least Microsoft is good for something :-)  CNET is reporting that Microsoft will give up to $75 BILLION dollars back to its shareholders over the next few years:

Microsoft said Tuesday that it will boost its dividend, buy back shares and offer a $3-per-share one-time payout as part of a plan to return up to $75 billion to shareholders over the next four years.

Analysts have been calling on the company for some time to distribute a chunk of its massive cash holdings. The company initially urged patience but had promised in recent months that it would offer a plan for the cash before an analysts' meeting next week.

Microsoft said it will spend about $14 billion over four years in boosting its dividend to a total of 32 cents per share a year, essentially doubling the past year's dividend of 16 cents per share. The company expects to spend $32 billion on the one-time payout and $30 billion on the stock buyback.