Microsoft Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Micro Focus and Microsoft have expanded their strategic collaboration aimed at reducing infrastructure costs for government clients by modernizing mainframe applications on Microsoft Azure. With 92% of IT leaders viewing their COBOL applications as critical, this partnership enables agencies to avoid costly replacements and instead optimize existing systems. One government client achieved nearly 90% cost savings and completed modernization 10 months early. This collaboration underscores the importance of technology in enhancing service delivery for state and local governments.

On May 6, 2021, Microsoft commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to conduct a study on digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research revealed that digital preparedness was essential for organizations to adapt and thrive amid disruptions. Key findings included a rise in employee engagement as a technology imperative, with 36% of respondents highlighting its importance. The study also indicated that 75% of companies believe digital transformation should address societal challenges. Industries accelerated investments in technology, notably cloud computing and AI, as remote work became vital for business continuity.

Microsoft Corp. announced that its fiscal year 2021 third-quarter financial results are now available on its Investor Relations website. A conference call is scheduled for April 27, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the results. Investors can access the live webcast through the Investor Relations page. Microsoft continues to drive digital transformation in the intelligent cloud and edge sectors, reinforcing its commitment to empower individuals and organizations globally.

Microsoft Corp. will release its fiscal year 2021 Q3 financial results on April 27, 2021, after market close. Investors can access the results on the Microsoft Investor Relations website. A live webcast of the earnings conference call is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Microsoft aims to lead in digital transformation through innovative solutions in cloud and edge computing.

Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT) has announced its acquisition of Nuance Communications (Nasdaq: NUAN) for $56.00 per share, totaling $19.7 billion, a 23% premium over Nuance's previous closing price. This all-cash transaction aims to enhance Microsoft's cloud-based healthcare solutions, leveraging Nuance's AI and clinical intelligence technologies, which are utilized by over 55% of U.S. physicians. Expected to close within the year, the acquisition is anticipated to be accretive to Microsoft’s earnings in fiscal 2023 and minimally dilutive in fiscal 2022.

Microsoft Corp. announced that it has helped over 30 million people in 249 countries gain digital skills, exceeding its goal of 25 million. The company aims to assist 250,000 companies in making skills-based hires in 2021, with new initiatives such as the LinkedIn Skills Path for equitable hiring, new LinkedIn profile features for job seekers, and enhanced access to its Skills Graph. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Career Connector, targeting 50,000 job seekers to enhance tech employment opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities.

Microsoft Corp. released its first-annual Work Trend Index, highlighting key hybrid work trends affecting organizations. The report, based on insights from over 31,000 respondents and extensive data analysis, emphasizes the importance of adapting to flexible work models. Key findings include a demand for continued remote options (73%), an increase in remote job postings, and a potential employee turnover risk as 40% of the global workforce considers leaving their jobs. The report also outlines strategies for leaders to foster collaboration and innovation in this new work era.

On March 16, 2021, Microsoft Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share, boosting shareholder returns. The dividend is set to be paid on June 10, 2021, to stakeholders recorded by May 20, 2021. The ex-dividend date is May 19, 2021. This announcement underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering value to its investors while reinforcing its position as a leader in digital transformation.

Microsoft Corp. announced the expiration of its Exchange Offers for existing notes, totaling $7.01 billion in Pool 1 and $1.93 billion in Pool 2. The offers aimed to exchange these for new notes with interest rates of 2.921% and 3.041%, maturing in 2052 and 2062, respectively. As of March 15, 2021, conditions for the offers were met, and Microsoft plans to accept various Pool 1 and Pool 2 notes based on established priority levels. The settlement date is anticipated to be March 17, 2021.