More Money Than God Has
According to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Microsoft has a cash problem. Actually, the company has "too much cash" — about $35 billion of the dirty stuff, give or take a few million.
Why is this a problem? Because Microsoft's investors understandably want some of that cash, and of late, Microsoft shares have been sagging.
But today, speaking to a group of investors, Ballmer did his best imitation of the thunk you hear when you try to do something that Microsoft's software doesn't want you to do — he said No:
"It is likely I will continue to have to discuss with you for many years why we have as much cash as we do," Ballmer said on a Web cast. "At the same time, I think it's fair to say we want to return cash to shareholders.
After his talk, Ballmer was heard laughing all the way to the bank.
Comments
I expect, if you watch carefully, that spare change will be making its way to prime investments in China, and perhaps Vietnam.
The results from those forays should really set tongues wagging.
Posted by: cartledge | May 31, 2006 10:31 PM
Aw! Such problems!
hey blograde, just checking in to see what you've been wrapping your brain around these days. We did once share Kvatch's pond. No need to be strangers!!! :)
Posted by: Elizabeth (Lily) Branford | June 1, 2006 12:06 AM
I think you're right on China, Cartledge. But I think Microsoft might just buy Vietnam. Damn, where was Gates 35 years ago.
Thanks for dropping by, Lily. Don't see you at Lose the Noose much these days, and The Blue Republic seems to have reinstated its login requirement. Yes, I remember our days of splashing in Kvatch's pond fondly. ;-)
Posted by: abi | June 1, 2006 08:47 AM