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Should Companies Retain "Strategic" Cash?

Harvard Business Review

Politicians have claimed that retaining cash balances is hurting the global economy—even characterizing the practice as unpatriotic —and many investors have argued that excess cash rightfully should be returned to shareholders through dividend payments or share repurchases. Arguments for Strategic Cash. It can: Save Taxes.

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Even for Companies, the U.S. Is Split Between Haves and Have-Nots

Harvard Business Review

Companies in the top one-fifth of profitability earn, in aggregate, about 70 times more economic profit (accounting profit less cost of capital) than those in the middle three-fifths combined, according to McKinsey’s database of 3,000 large, publicly listed, nonfinancial U.S. companies have enjoyed supernormal rates of return.

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The Comprehensive Business Case for Sustainability

Harvard Business Review

Significant cost reductions can result from improving operational efficiency through better management of natural resources like water and energy, as well as minimizing waste. One study estimated that companies experience an average internal rate of return of 27% to 80% on their low carbon investments.