U.S. Companies Stashing More Money

Stockpiles hit $1.45 trillion

Corporate America has dramatically increased its cash piles over the past few years, stashing more and more Benjamins every year since 2007.  In 2012, U.S. non-financial companies filled their coffers with an additional $130 billion, taking their total cash to a record $1.45 trillion as the economy has stagnated and the labor market has moved sideways.  At the same time, a prohibitive corporate tax scheme coupled with emerging market growth have pushed U.S. firms to keep 58% of their cash, or $840 billion, overseas.

Much has been said about Apple's ever-expanding cash pile, which grew to $137 billion by the end of last year and currently makes up 9.5% of the total U.S. pie, but the iPhone maker is not alone.  U.S. firms, particularly in the technology, healthcare/pharma, and automotive sector have continued stashing cash on the back of tight cost controls, modest economic growth domestically, and a solid performance abroad, according to Moody's.