COMPANIES SITTING ON BEAUCOUP DE BUCKS! Over the last 20 quarters, U.S. corporations have hit a new record for cash reserves 18 times. That trend appears to have continued through the second quarter and S&P 500 firms now have almost $1.1 trillion in cash reserves. Companies have chosen to keep their cash on the sidelines until they feel more confident about future economic growth. Cash reserves have not been used as much for capital expenditures, hiring, and expansion, but firms have been increasing dividend payouts and share buybacks with their excess cash, both of which are a positive for shareholders. Currently, the technology sector has the highest cash balance of any sector, which bodes well for future share buyback and dividend increases for technology firms.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 21:14:41 +0000