Apple plans to spend $45 billion of its domestic cash holdings


Subject to declaration by the Board of Directors, the Company plans to initiate a quarterly dividend of $2.65 per share sometime in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2012, which begins on July 1, 2012.

Additionally, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a $10 billion share repurchase program commencing in the Company's fiscal 2013, which begins on September 30, 2012. The repurchase program is expected to be executed over three years, with the primary objective of neutralizing the impact of dilution from future employee equity grants and employee stock purchase programs.


Apple's cash holdings have been a topic of increasing discussion since it started socking it away in the late 90's. When Steve Jobs came back to Apple, the cash position was so dire that it essentially staved off bankruptcy for weeks. Juxtaposition to today where cash holdings nearly amount to $100 billion. It's quite a turn around. With the change in leadership at Apple, there appears to be a different approach to this "cash problem."

While a lot of cash is locked up overseas to defer hefty tax penalties, Apple appears willing to cash out a significant portion of its domestic stockpiles. It's a strong statement about Apple's confidence in its future. This should bode well for both investors and employees, as they will benefit from what surely will boost stock prices, plus the dividend checks.