Boeing to shower shareholders with cash

<p><strong>US aerospace giant Boeing has announced a $14 billion share buyback and 20 percent increase in its regular quarterly dividend starting 2016 to $1.09 per share.</strong></p> <p>Boeing said the new buyback plan will replace the $12 billion plan that was previously in place of which $5.25 billion remained.</p> <p><em>&quot;Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to a balanced cash deployment strategy that fuels investments in our people, innovation and growth, and returns significant value to our shareholders,&quot;</em>&nbsp;said Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg in a news release.</p> <p><em>&quot;Our strategy is rooted in a foundation of strong operating performance across our business, confidence in our team and long-term market outlook and an unmatched portfolio of products and services,&quot;</em>&nbsp;he added.</p> <p>Last year, the firm bought back $6.75 billion worth of its own stock.</p> <p>Boeing has increased the dividend for five years in a row and has paid dividends consistently for more than 75 years.</p> <p><em>&quot;We continue to take a disciplined approach to managing our financial strength, channeling our strong cash flow generation toward continued investments in the business and consistent returns for our shareholders,&quot;</em>&nbsp;said Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith.</p>