What do you do when you have $50bn. in loose change in your pockets? This is the dilemma Apple Computer will be facing by the end of its fiscal year. And that may be conservative given Apple\u2019s cash hoard has already risen by $ 10bn. since the end of September.<\/p>\n
With its only debt related to lease obligations, Apple has been as big a cash machine as their exists in the US financial marketplace.<\/p>\n
Financial theory posits a company that continues to watch its excess cash rise, to the point it is greater than its shareholder\u2019s equity, with no debt other than a reasonable lease structure, would be frowned upon by investors. It is expected such an entity should either return that cash to shareholders in the form of dividends or share buybacks, re-invest back into the business, or to make acquisitions above its weighted average cost of capital.<\/p>\n
Apple, however, is an exception to financial theory. They have been so adept at using other firms\u2019 capital, there is really no need, at this time to spend more within, than they are already doing. From their supply chain to their marketing and R&D, Apple is unparalleled.<\/p>\n
As Steve Jobs and the board of directors at Apple have so far shown no inclination to pay a dividend or buy back stock, the only remaining outlet for that continuing cash rise is a large acquisition.
\nAnd there, the universe is extremely limited, baring a large number of small acquisitions, which Apple can do anyway.<\/p>\n
Under a reasonable scenario, Apple management would most likely only approve a large business combination meeting all of the following criteria:<\/p>\n
1-Size of Deal- Not greater than $100bn.
\n2-Target must, like Apple, be conservatively managed, with a strong credit
\n3-Target must also be strong producer of normalized and prospective free cash flow
\n4-Target must be in a business Apple understands which can propel their respective competitive positions going forward
\n5-Target must have return on invested capital at least 3% above its cost of capital<\/p>\n
When all these factors are set in motion, only one company stands out: Qualcomm <\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"Post](\"http:\/\/www.credittrends.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/tweet-this\/icons\/en\/twitter\/tt-twitter.png\")