Per CNBC the reported underfunded liability grew from 35 bil in 2002 to 95 bil in 2004. About 1100 corporations arcoss all industries.
Supposedly corporate America is sitting on record levels of cash, dividend yields are below any historic lows and pension plans underfunded. Gee, I wonder what should they do with their cash. Bid up their stocks with stock buyback programs, and whats left distribute as executive bonuses for great stock price performace ? :)
I think the bear market swill correct this perverted crooked economy and psychology. There will be some point you won't suck people into buying stocks, unless they will pay good dividend.