Microsoft earnings: Strength in Office expected to lead to a meet or beat Microsoft Inc.

Amazon Inc. AMZN + 0.99% Alphabet Inc. GOOG + 2.32% GOOGL, + 2.33% and Intel Corp. INTC + 1.18% should report simultaneously.

Earnings: Analysts expect Microsoft MSFT + 1.70%, earnings per share of 70 cents compared to 62 cents per share reported in the previous period.

The consensus estimate consists of estimates of analysts, academics and others, corresponding to earnings per share of 72 cents.

Microsoft outperformed earnings expectations in the past three quarters, but did not meet expectations for its third quarter earnings report.

Revenue: FactSet analysts expect Microsoft to report a turnover of 23.6 billion compared to 22.1 billion in the same period last year.

The consensus estimate of 23.3 billion.

Of the 36 ratings on FactSet, the average score is overweight with a target price of $ 70.13.

Stock reaction: Microsoft shares gained 6% in the last three months, compared to SPX S & P 500 gain + 0.08% to 4%. During the past month, Microsoft shares rose 4%, surpassing the 1% increase for the S & P 500.

What else to look for: The productivity segment and Microsoft business processes must bring the results of the company to meet at least, if not exceed, earnings expectations. This segment includes Microsoft Office 365, analysts of MKM Partners say that it is entrenched with its commercial offer.

LinkedIn, which Microsoft acquired a closed $ 26 billion transaction in December, is expected to contribute $ 950 million in this segment in the quarter, according to MKM Partners.

This is the first full quarter that LinkedIn has been part of Microsoft, but the company said earlier that it expected the acquisition to be diluted to 1% of its earnings per share segment in 2017 and 2018.

Stifel analysts also expect server transactional revenues better than expected for the quarter, thanks to the release of Microsoft Windows and SQL Server products. They see the smart cloud segment to grow by 8% thanks to the Azure cloud computing platform, Microsoft.

The peripheral part, which includes the Microsoft Surface laptop computer may have tougher comparisons on the consumer side, but analysts see the output of the commercial device segment. There are also rumors that Microsoft may introduce new products at a hardware event in May.

While all of these elements should be positive for action, MKM Partners said that "two jokers" could affect post-earnings action: fiscal year 2018 to 606 guidelines, a new fiscal standard developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board makes recovery difficult compared to previous quarters and guidance for gross margins, which could be weighed by the legacy of the company's business.

Microsoft has consistently returned capital to its shareholders, and analysts expect this to continue, which could help increase the stock.

This Microsoft app vastly improves Android

Microsoft has its own failed attempt to sell smartphones, but it's not entirely out of the game smartphone.

In fact, a free application called "Arrow" from Microsoft, available for Android smartphones, is just one example of how Microsoft continues to operate in the mobile space. Maybe you have not heard of it. Do not worry, you will be an expert at Minute Arrow.

Arrow is an Android launcher or a completely custom skin that changes the way you interact with the main screen and its main functions. Arrow was first developed and launched several years ago by Microsoft Garage, a small part of the company that builds and launches new experimental products. You recently received a major update that you would like more than the default settings of your Android smartphone.

Microsoft Admits High Cost Of Windows 10 Upgrades

I have long argued that when making Windows 10 free Microsoft MSFT -1.43% actually hit users with a high price when it comes to control and privacy, but now it seems that the company started to see the light ...

In a new official blog, Microsoft has admitted that Windows 10 has to improve in these areas and that the big changes are under way:



"Before the creators of the update, Windows 10 took most of the decisions on their behalf about the changes would be installed and did not provide the way to adapt the program to their specific needs," said John Cable, Microsoft director Management of Windows Maintenance and Delivery (WSD) programs. "What we have heard again explicitly is that you want to have more control over Windows 10 install updates. We also hear that unexpected reboots are harmful if they occur at the wrong time."

Confession cable is commendable. Windows 10 has had several high level bugs when reboots occur at the wrong time with their enthusiastic attitude of reboots and I have also been contacted by many users affected by this, including a scientist who lost thousands of data value after Windows 10 is restarted with an update while still being processed.

Cable solution? With the update of the creators of Windows 10 (Next month) users will get many more options:

"For example, you can specify exactly when you want an update to occur (including the ability to reschedule an update if your original choice ends up being less convenient than expected), or" press repeat button. You must interrupt the upgrade process completely for three days when you need uninterrupted time on your device. In addition, we are extending the time of "hours of activity" so that Windows does not install update when you want the device is ready to use.

This is a good start, although Microsoft still has work to do here for upgrades themselves lack clear language so it is difficult to know what is installed for the first time. In addition, cable does not facilitate the upgrade of creators have more powerful controls hidden in Settings> Update and security> Advanced options. Here (at least in the current beta) consumers can delay installation of updates for up to 35 days - something previously limited to Pro editions.

But Microsoft confessions do not end here. In the same blog, Michael Fortin, CVP of the Windows kernel Quality and Devices Group, also stressed that "new features focused on privacy [are] coming in updating creators." This new feature will facilitate the selection of the Privacy settings and the collection of diagnostic data that are best for you. "

Again, this is commendable, but that kind of control should be from the beginning. And what motivated these eddies? Cynics point to the stagnation of the adoption of Windows 10 since Microsoft began charging for updates, but at least those who forgive will be delighted to see the platform slowly in the right direction.

Will Microsoft make their own Nintendo Switch handheld?

Change Nintendo finally released this week and shows another portable gaming console of the Japanese giants.

However, even though Sony has had a portable gaming chip with PSP and PS Vita, Microsoft has strangely never entered the handheld race.

With Xbox boss Phil Spencer carving a bit of time to do some Q & A fans on Twitter, Spencer was asked. "I'm curious why the Xbox has never jumped in the notebook market to bring more competition to Sony and Nintendo."

"I'm curious why the Xbox has never jumped in the notebook market to bring more competition to Sony and Nintendo." Xbox users asked.

In response, Spencer explained why we never see any kind of portable Xbox platform and this is supposedly because Microsoft believes that "phones carry almost the entire market for mobile games."

With Nintendo once again pushing another handheld device into the market next week, it should be noted that Spencer certainly did not think the game is a fruitless efforts laptop and they are praised Nintendo, saying another fan:

"I like what Nintendo with its HW [hardware], provided the pressure on the agreements. It is good for the industry.

However, as it turns out, Microsoft has taken into account, finally, make a hand again.



A few months earlier, Robbie Bach, a former Xbox director, has shared some interesting ideas about Microsoft's main thinking process for mobile games.

In an interview with IGN, Bach said that Microsoft had made big plans for a portable device "on several occasions."

The idea was even taking into account the strange nickname 'Xboy'.

Supposedly, the planning unit reaches the early stages, with Bach IGN saying there were "definitely drawings" of an Xbox portable.

However, Microsoft has chosen not to push on the blueprints, but the reason had nothing to do with the "mobile phone market," as Phil Spencer suggested.

According to the former Xbox director, the reason the company has never entered the laptop market is because Microsoft "could not concentrate" when it is finished plans.

Donald Trump 'Trigger Event' Could Send Microsoft Soaring

President of Tax Reform Donald Trump could allow US companies to have access to billions of dollars hidden abroad. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) could be the biggest winner in the reorganization.

The last quarter, the technology giant said it was sitting at $ 123 million in cash. Of this amount, 95% are abroad.

Shareholders expected the company to exploit those holdings, which generated a wave of dividends and repurchase of shares. The problem with this plan, however, has always been the tax bill would result in repatriation of cash from the IRS. Instead, he chose to keep money management overseas, returns lean winner in money market funds.

This may not be the case for a long time.

During the electoral race, Trump has proposed a tax-free bridge to foreign participation. He called the tax reduction companies pay on the repatriated money from 35% to 10%. This policy, he said, would create a wave of investment and job creation in the United States.

"The Donald J. Trump tax plan will grow the economy and create jobs of about $ 2 million, while the Hillary Clinton tax and reduce the economy will lose 300,000 jobs." Trump's campaign team wrote in a statement Press that describes its policy.

"In combination with the global economic reform program, the Trump economic plan will create at least 25 million jobs over the next 10 years."

Such a triggering event would be an important catalyst for Microsoft's population.

Currently, Microsoft is sitting at $ 117 billion in cash overseas. Investors, however, slap a big discount on that figure to explain the success of taxes. Based on current tax rates, holdings in the company from abroad are only worth $ 76 billion.

A holiday completely change those numbers. According to the proposed rates, Microsoft could save more than $ 29 million dollars. This would provide timely and immediate catalyst of up to six percent depending on the current market capitalization of the bond.

Part of this increase is probably anticipated already by investors Trump price a bridge without tax for a while, so a total of six percent pop is unlikely. But as an ad appears more likely, traders will apply an increasingly reduced discount to Microsoft's cash holdings.

Rental investors would also benefit. If the administration had to repatriate all its foreign money at the same time, it could pay a special dividend of 20%. This would probably be the largest distribution company in the history of the United States.

Leaders are more likely to pay the money for droppers. We would like to see a combination of dividend increases, repurchases and debt repayments. A great acquisition or two would also be on the table.

Microsoft is not the only winner in such a scenario, either.

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has $ 216 billion in cash overseas. Under the proposed tax rate, the iPhone maker could save more than $ 50 billion in tax expenditures. CEO Tim Cook hinted at any reform, likely acquisitions during a recent conference call, but did not provide details until a clear bill was introduced.

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) is another giant of heavy box technology. The company that gushes out cash flows and has over 28 billion dollars hidden abroad. If wages of the managers simultaneously all their investments abroad, this would imply a special dividend of 33%.

Meanwhile, investors are ahead of a tax moratorium are facing certain risks.

No one can guarantee that President Trump will keep his electoral promise. If a holiday is given the green light, any reform may not be exactly the same as what was said during the electoral race. Both scenarios could trigger the stock price.

Meanwhile, any change in Microsoft's core activity could hit stocks up or down. If there are holidays it was announced that investor dividends would remain in possession of the stock market.

I'm not too worried, though.

Conservative leaders, however, seem to adhere to their arms over tax reform. Last week, however, Trump's president promised a "phenomenal" tax notice in the coming weeks. This could bring the agenda to a bridge without taxes in 2017 or 2018.

If Trump is true to his promise, analysts start to sondonner

Microsoft explains its plan to win the 'battle for the future

Microsoft explains its plan to win the 'battle for the future' against Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant

This will be the year of Amazon Eco and its personal assistant Alexa, if the Consumer Electronics Show last week is any indication. However, Microsoft, another Washington-based titan technology, has its own master plan to conquer the market for upcoming helpers and voice applications.

Much of this strategy is the Personal Assistant Cortana of Windows 10. In December Microsoft announced a new set of tools for developers to start building Cortana in their own applications and materials, with a Harman Kardon announced Cortana's powerful propulsion speaker to take over The dominant Amazon Eco.

And at CES 2017, Microsoft announced a new set of services for automakers, with Nissan as the first all-in customers - meaning that its upcoming Nissan may have Cortana on the dashboard.

But as Microsoft CEO Ryan Gavin told me at CES 2017, the entire Microsoft ecosystem has a role to play in the "battle for the future" Cortana - Microsoft Office, Microsoft Azure cloud at $ 26.2 billion , To, yes, the dashboard of the car.

 The vision behind Cortana is simple, Gavin said: "Everyone deserves to have their own personal assistant."

And that means that Microsoft will take on Amazon, Google and other competitors in the emerging voice market and this "battle for the future," focusing on helping people to be productive, which is already the company's main goal.

Search Engines, LinkedIn, Outlook and Beyond

 While Amazon is so focused on using Alexa to conduct trading, and Google is focused on the search - its "strengths" - Gavin actually sees Cortana stand out among the crowd as a productivity tool.

Not that Cortana will be just so Gavin called "prosumer" he said. As Amazon Eco, Cortana will be able to control the selection of smart home equipment. And will continue to make predictions of the NFL and Oscar.

To this end, Microsoft considers commands as necessary the notion of voice, with the company to invest in China like Xiaoice beloved chatbots, the famous xenophobic Tay, or the most politically correct Zo. These robots, Microsoft learns more to help Cortana to maintain a human conversation, to serve better assistant.

 However, this type of so-called "natural language" is not "the defining part" of such systems, says Gavin. If Cortana is to be your assistant, it is not a novelty, you should know not only your life or smart home gadgets, but in your work. What, not by chance, is the sweet spot for Microsoft.

"She really knows my place of work," Gavin said.

With Microsoft Exchange and Outlook, Cortana has a view on email messages and calendars that users work with. With the cloud service in Microsoft Office 365, little by little you get the power to search for files and display relevant documents.

And, sooner rather than later, they will begin feeding Cortana LinkedIn more general information about the people they meet. In addition, Microsoft provides developers with the tools not only to hang their applications to Cortana, but also to use Microsoft Azure cognitive services to give similar levels of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft Will Fix Windows 10's Most Annoying Feature, Sort Of

I like Windows 10. For me, it has made a Windows operating system that I really like to use. But there are a couple of things about how it works that bothers me at once, and power users. In essence, Windows updates are a pain and force users to restart sometimes they are inconvenient or you can automatically restart a computer without warning.

Users like Sergey Tkachenko of WinAero in the Windows Insider preview program have noticed that it has been added to the Windows Update system that allows them to see all the updates all the time up to 35 days to the new option. The parameter resides in the "advanced" on the Windows Update configuration page and is a typical on / off configuration, there is no actual granularity control.

Some versions of Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise and Education) already have a strong control "defer updates." This is similar, and to hold new features to back up enough time for serious problems to come to light. This is great for business, but not for use for home users should upgrade from $ 99 to Windows 10 Pro to take advantage of this option - probably not worth it, unless you also want RDP and opportunity To get to the areas too.

I find the way Windows 10 takes care of the hugely frustrating updates, and although this change is welcome, I do not think it goes far enough. I am very satisfied that Windows has security updates for Defender only, but if there is an update automatically triggers a reboot, I think it should be queried.

Now there is a way to prevent Windows 10 from being restarted after an upgrade. You need to play with some settings, but open the Task Scheduler and "Library" open, then find and find MicrosoftWindowsUpdateOrchestrator "reboot". From there, you can right-click and disable this function. This is obviously a risk, and many of us prefer Microsoft makes it easy to change the way our computer in the update window.

As Microsoft strives to make its many more operating systems easy to use, it also tends to eliminate some controls. I'm in favor of ensuring that non-technical users get updates correctly, but at least give people a little control of how their PC's work, after all, is my non-Microsoft computer.

Windows 10 also gets a new gameplay that will optimize performance and filter blue light, as these are in vogue now. Forbes contributor Antony Leather has details about these features.