Why Apple Won't Buy Microsoft, Vietnam, or 80 Space Shuttles

In the following video, Jeremy Phillips says Apple's cash hoard is over-discussed, even by Fool.com writers. Austin Smith agrees, saying that "everybody has come out of the woodwork" now that Apple has fallen from grace and its shares have shed 30% of their value.

Under Steve Jobs, Apple's success was built by not listening to the masses, and Austin doesn't think Apple should have to spend money just for the sake of doing so. He cites Microsoft as an example of a company that gave in and started spending its cash. He then contrasts Apple with Google, which also has a massive cash hoard but isn't facing pressure to spend it. The difference? Google shares are still hitting all-time highs.

Austin ultimately concludes that Apple should hold onto its cash instead of making any ridiculous purchases. He points out that Apple has been amazing at allocating capital for the past five years, which is why it remains the world's second biggest company by market cap.

For more, check out the video.

Let's get down to brass tacks: After the crash, investors like us need to know whether Apple is a buy or a sell. If you want to learn what's really driving Apple today The Motley Fool's premium Apple research service has the answers. You're invited to join the members that had the courage to take control of their wealth, simply click here now to get started.

The article Why Apple Won't Buy Microsoft, Vietnam, or 80 Space Shuttles originally appeared on Fool.com.

Austin Smith and Jeremy Phillips own shares of Apple and Google. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google and owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.