(Telecompaper) Apple's board of directors has authorised an increase of more than 50 percent to the company's program to return capital to shareholders. Under the expanded program, Apple plans to use a cumulative total of USD 200 billion of cash by the end of March 2017. As part of the revised program, the board has increased its share repurchase authorization to USD 140 billion from the USD 90 billion level announced in 2015. In addition, Apple expects to continue to net-share-settle vesting restricted stock units. The board has also approved an increase of 11 percent to the company's quarterly dividend, and has declared a dividend of USD 0.52 per share, payable on 14 May, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 11 May. To assist in funding the program, Apple said it plans to continue to access the domestic and international debt markets.