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Here’s How Much Cash U.S. Companies Are Hoarding

There’s been a 40% increase in the past five years, with Apple leading the way.
By
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
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By
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
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November 14, 2016, 11:00 AM ET
By
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 14, 2016, 11:00 AM ET
Here’s How Much Cash U.S. Companies Are Hoarding

Here’s How Much Cash U.S. Companies Are Hoarding

 

There’s been a 40% increase in the past five years, with Apple leading the way.

 

If cash is king, then big U.S. technology companies truly reign supreme. Moody’s, which tracks the cash and liquid investments of more than 1,000 U.S.-based nonfinancial companies, estimates that the total U.S. corporate cash stockpile will reach $1.77 trillion by year-end 2016—a 40% increase in five years. About one-third of that total is held by just five tech titans. The biggest cash hoarder by far is Apple (AAPL), which should finish 2016 with more than $250 billion in its coffers. Where is the cash stashed? Mostly overseas and out of reach, for now, of U.S. tax authorities.

Hover over the graphic below to see how much cash American companies have stockpiled.

Source: Moody’s Investors Service, 2016 projected data

About the Author
By Nicolas Rapp and Brian O'Keefe
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