I continue to see comments on HN hypercritical of Apple's cash position but I have yet to see any rational or deep thoughts about why it's NOT a good idea for a company or individual's for that matter to have such savings.
You never know what's going to come along in the future, and having a sizeable cash position allows them to act and perhaps hedge against any unforeseen situations. It is really just being financially responsible. Hypothetically what if Apple is planning something huge, something in the healthcare space or transportation... We as outsiders have no idea.
I don't think OPs post was hypercritical of apple's cash position. It simply reinforces the notion that big companies can't use the cash effectively.
To call it hypercritical of apple isn't exactly accurate. It's simply reality. Apple may even be acting more effectively than most by keeping the cash in reserve. You might imagine they're waiting to spend it intelligently and effectively rather than on a slow-moving corporate machine.
As a shareholder I'd approve of such a strategy 100%.
You never know what's going to come along in the future, and having a sizeable cash position allows them to act and perhaps hedge against any unforeseen situations. It is really just being financially responsible. Hypothetically what if Apple is planning something huge, something in the healthcare space or transportation... We as outsiders have no idea.