ZACKSยท2025-06-03 19:00Core Insights - Strong cash flows indicate financial stability, enabling companies to reduce debt, pursue growth, and distribute dividends to shareholders [1][6] - Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) are highlighted as prime examples of cash-generating companies, making them attractive for long-term investors [1][10] Apple (AAPL) - Apple shares have rebounded following tariff de-escalation, with a notable increase from 2025 lows [2] - The latest quarterly results showed record Services revenue and record EPS of $1.65, an 8% increase year-over-year, with total sales growing 5% [2][4] - Apple has generated $98.4 billion in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months, and has raised its quarterly dividend for the 13th consecutive year, yielding 0.5% annually with a 4.6% five-year annualized growth rate [4] Microsoft (MSFT) - Microsoft shares have increased by 10% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.6% gain [5] - The latest earnings report revealed EPS of $3.46 and sales of $70.0 billion, with sales growing 13% year-over-year and EPS climbing 18% [5][9] - Microsoft Cloud revenue surged 20% year-over-year to $42.4 billion, with Intelligent Cloud revenue (including Azure) reaching $26.8 billion, up 21% [8][9] - Microsoft generated $69.4 billion in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months and has a 10% five-year annualized dividend growth rate [9]