Even after its huge dividend payout, Gates & Co. still have plenty in the till to fund expansion, especially through acquisitions. Microsoft's announcement on July 20 that it will distribute a large chunk of its cash hoard to shareholders makes it look like the software giant has finally accepted that it's a mature company. After all, it will spend an astonishing $75 billion over the next four years on dividends and stock buybacks -- instead of investing that money in new growth opportunities. Investors will be able to count on Microsoft (MSFT ) as a steady profit earner and source of dividend income -- much like a regulated monopoly.
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