[arcanus]

I can't help but think of Peter Thiel's very appropriate comments (admittedly targeting GOOG, but still applies) here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q26XIKtwXQ

As I read it: if AAPL had any idea at all what to do with this cash, they would deploy it. They are completely out of innovative ideas, and are just turning the product crank. Instead, they should return $$ to investors in the form of a dividend.

[jjtheblunt]

You didn't justify the "should return" sentence: why should they?

[ksec]

How about starting their Innovative ideas does not require $250B?

But I have always wanted Apple to 1. Go into Property market. Not sure if that is possible for their choice of Location, but may be they should pick 50+ flagship store and actually own it.

2. Build a worldwide Neutral LTE / Wifi Network.

Both Huge in capital investment but offer a long term return.

[valuearb]

They have, which is why they only have $160B in net cash. They will do more when allowed to repatriate it at a reasonable tax rate.

[sammydavis]

Yeah, how can you do anything just that little amount? /s

The could give their shareholders billions and still have plenty left over to do anything.

[valuearb]

They've paid shareholders close to $100B and will pay more. But their hands are tied on most of the money until congress passes a tax holiday.

[sjg007]

But if they do that they are admitting they aren't innovative.. Catch-22.

[mosselman]

Maybe there is no need for them to buy anything right now?