The only way to stop this, is to create income (eg. 1-2%) based tax regulations instead of profit based. No way to cheat.
One way for example could be akin to a cash (and equivalents) tax on holding large amounts.
It would incentize spending the cash in r&d , acquisitions , dividends etc. Low margin companies will not be too badly affected
That just forces companies to minimize their cash stockpiles through investment, inventory, dividends, etc. How does that make the tax system fairer?
Expenses -( VAT/GST etc)
R&D/salaries - income tax for employees
Divendent - income and other taxes
Acquisitions/investments - seller pays capital gain tax etc
Disincentizing savings to boost the economy is not only applicable for regular people it also applies for companies.
Low interest rates are really today applicable for us. Companies with billions of dollars are getting enough returns to keep cash rather than spend it.
You would shift the gaming of system from happening on the net income level to gaming of the system happening on the revenue level.