[leedo__]

While this may be true, they seem to be largely funded by debt. Taking on debt and not using it for capital seems exceedingly risky in the face of a recession.

And I gather this popular because of the tax implications of a dividend vs increase in stock price. I'm in favor of people paying taxes, so I'd prefer a dividend.

[qeternity]

This is an entirely different problem and not really true, except for the companies that do so to avoid repatriating foreign capital and incurring US tax rates.