According to NetMBA, cash cows provide the cash required to turn question marks into market leaders, to cover the administrative costs of the company, to fund research and development, to service the corporate debt, and to pay dividends to shareholders. Companies are advised to invest in cash cows to maintain the current level of productivity, or to "milk" the gains passively. - See more at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5693-bcg-matrix.html#sthash.ZgaLzOxv.dpuf