Earlier this year, when Microsoft
We're still waiting.
Even so, you have to believe that as renewed market optimism makes cheap acquisitions less likely and low interest rates render cash and short-term investments unattractive, more companies will pull a Microsoft and dispense quarterly or annual dividends.
Here are some prime candidates:
Apple
Sun Microsystems
Oracle
Want more? How about Cisco
Too much idle cash can send the wrong message -- especially when it can be better invested in the company's business or used to buy back stock. If not, send it over to the folks who will do something with it. You know, like investors who will reinvest those payouts, even if that means buying more shares.
Are cash-rich companies that refuse to pay dividends a blessing or a curse? Is the time ripe to initiate new payout policies? Is an ex-dividend like an ex-girlfriend? All this and more -- in the Investing for Income discussion board. Only on Fool.com.