respectively. We have issued residual value guarantees in connection with various operating leases. These guarantees provide that if we do not purchase the leased property from the lessor at the end of the lease term, then we are liable to the lessor for an amount equal to the shortage (if any) between the proceeds from the sale of the property and an agreed value. As of June 30, 2006, the maximum amount of the residual value guarantees was approximately $271 million. We believe that proceeds from the sale of properties under operating leases would exceed the payment obligation and therefore no liability currently exists. We have not engaged in any related party transactions or arrangements with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity or the availability of requirements for capital resources. 

In fiscal year 2006, our Board of Directors declared $0.35 per share cash dividends, with $2.69 billion paid as of June 30, 2006. A quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share (or $906 million) was declared by our Board of Directors on June 21, 2006 to be paid to shareholders of record as of August 17, 2006, on September 14, 2006. 

On July 20, 2006, we announced the completion of the repurchase program initially approved by our Board of Directors on July 20, 2004 to buy back up to $30 billion in Microsoft common stock. The repurchases were made using our cash resources. During fiscal year 2006, we repurchased 754 million shares, or $19.75 billion, of our common stock under this plan. On July 20, 2006, we also announced that our Board of Directors authorized new share repurchase programs, comprised of a $20 billion 





tender offer which was completed on August 17, 2006, and an additional $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2011. Under the tender offer, we repurchased approximately 155 million shares of our common stock, or approximately 1.5% of the common shares outstanding, for approximately $3.8 billion at a price per share of $24.75. On August 18, 2006, we announced that the authorization for the ongoing share repurchase program, previously announced on July 20, 2006, had been increased by approximately $16.2 billion. As a result, the company is authorized to repurchase additional shares in an amount up to $36.2 billion through June 30, 2011. 

We believe existing cash and short-term investments, together with funds generated from operations should be sufficient to meet operating requirements, quarterly dividends and planned share repurchases. Our philosophy regarding the maintenance of a balance sheet with a large component of cash and short-term investments, and equity and other investments, reflects our views on potential future capital requirements relating to research and development, creation and expansion of sales distribution channels, investments and acquisitions, share dilution management, legal risks, and challenges to our business model. We regularly assess our investment management approach in view of our current and potential future needs. 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements