Because they could make a shitload more money if the stock were rising 10-20% a year! To your average capitalist, being "set for life" isn't enough. You've got to be set for the hereafter too.
Doug
^^^^^^
CB: Does your average capitalist work hard enough to make the "revolutionary" ( well, fundamental ) changes in the companies that it would take to make the turnaround you suggest ? To get set for the hereafter, one goes into finance and private equity, not the tough problems of manufacturing and marketing , no ? Buy companies, trip them and live forever.
Recall the famous quote from the GM topdog in the thirties. GM makes money, not cars.