splitat50:
This can be a hot button, so I'll put my $0.02 in and leave it at that.
I will always take the money, say "Thank You" (it's a Southern thang as we say Thank You a lot) and ask for another one in due course should the situtation arise -- like another pile of cash just sitting there. That money is the property of the owners, a.k.a. as shareholders.
I like dividends and I believe there are many investors (retail and institutional) that use dividends as a buying strategy for long term growth. Giving money back to investors just makes for good strong shareholder relationships. I only wish governments would do the same with my taxes, but that's another story for the OT board.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it......Show Me the Money!
John