Apple Raises Bar With Stock-Buyback Plans

Moves are aimed at fulfilling the company’s longstanding promise to shower its cash stockpile on shareholders

Apple Inc.’s aggressive plans to buy back stock and increase its dividend is designed to fulfill a longstanding promise to shower its cash stockpile on shareholders.

Tuesday, Apple said its board approved a 16% increase in its quarterly dividend, to 73 cents a share from 63 cents, and $100 billion in share buybacks.

The payout is among...