Starbucks Corp. announced Oct. 12 that it has launched a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program of its common stock, effective Oct. 1.

The program is part of the restaurant chain's plan to return $25 billion to shareholders via buybacks and dividends through fiscal 2020.

Starbucks used proceeds from its transaction with Nestlé SA to execute the accelerated share repurchase program, which is expected to be completed February-March 2019.