"What is Microsoft going to do with this [$40 billion]? They can't spend it fast enough internally, and the top shareholders, who control the company, refuse to issue dividends (this saves Bill Gates et al billions in taxes). Prediction: Once Microsoft is out from under what's left of the antitrust case, it'll go on a strategic investment and acquisition spree the likes of which you cannot even imagine." Makes sense. It's a fabulous time to buy things. Yikes.