I believe the company has been pretty clear that shares bought back will be held in the treasury to provide stability and perhaps enable (financing for) other endeavors. It`s ``money in the bank``, which will appreciate with growth of the comapny. Retiring those shares would do nothing for them, IMO. And keep in mind that the day may come where a high float is advantageous to provide liquidity, etc. Look to other companies that are fortunate enough to buy back shares - do they retire them, or hold them/use them? I think the latter....
But I KNOW nuttin`!
SGE