Microsoft Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

On December 11, 2020, leading organizations, including Microsoft, Mastercard, and Nasdaq, announced the formation of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI). The council aims to tackle industry and societal challenges through AI innovation by establishing public-private partnerships. Key goals include lowering AI adoption risks, enhancing digital skills, and ensuring data privacy. The NCAI will engage in community outreach, develop educational resources, and host events to communicate progress. Initial efforts will focus on upskilling current workforce members.

Deutsche Telekom and Microsoft have expanded their partnership to enhance cloud transformation for businesses. This collaboration aims to leverage Microsoft's cloud and AI capabilities alongside Telekom's Cloud Migration Framework, allowing customers to improve productivity and agility. Telekom plans to migrate many internal IT workloads to Azure by 2025, with employee training on the platform. The partnership will also provide direct access to Azure for customers via ExpressRoute, enhancing security and compliance. Initiatives include offering Microsoft 365 and migrating SAP environments to Azure for improved efficiency and cost savings.

Microsoft Corp. announced a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share on Dec. 2, 2020. This dividend is payable on March 11, 2021 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 18, 2021. The ex-dividend date is set for Feb. 17, 2021. This action reflects Microsoft's commitment to returning value to its shareholders and showcases the company's stable financial position amidst ongoing digital transformation efforts in the intelligent cloud and edge sectors.

At its annual meeting on December 2, 2020, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the company’s mission to empower customers and address global challenges through technology. CFO Amy Hood reported strong fiscal performance and ongoing investments in cloud infrastructure. Shareholders approved key proposals, including re-election of directors with over 98% support and compensation for executives with 94% approval. The meeting saw over 900 participants, tripling attendance from 2018. Microsoft’s commitment to digital transformation remains strong as it aims to benefit every person and organization.

On Nov. 17, 2020, Microsoft emphasized the significance of technology access for all Americans amidst the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic. The press release highlights three key reasons: 1. Digital skills are essential for future job opportunities, with an estimated 149 million new technology jobs expected in five years. 2. Technology enhances organizational performance, promoting efficiency and broader reach. 3. High-speed internet is a necessity, with over 157 million Americans lacking broadband, limiting access to essential services. The company advocates for equitable access via its TechSpark program.

On November 11, 2020, Microsoft appointed Christopher Young as executive vice president of business development. Young, formerly CEO of McAfee, will report to CEO Satya Nadella. With extensive experience in technology and cybersecurity, he aims to enhance Microsoft's global business development strategies, focusing on partnerships and growth initiatives. Nadella highlighted Young's leadership as crucial for driving digital investments that define future economic growth. Young holds degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Business School.

Microsoft and the Open Data Institute launched the Education Open Data Challenge to address the impact of broadband access on K-12 education outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to help educators understand the disruptions faced by vulnerable learners. Teams can participate to propose innovative solutions, with awards of £50,000 for the winner and £30,000 and £20,000 for the runners-up. Participants gain access to essential data resources, including Microsoft’s broadband usage data, to explore the digital divide in education. The challenge runs until December 10, 2020.

Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of its fiscal year 2021 first-quarter financial results on its Investor Relations website on October 27, 2020. The company plans to host a conference call at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time, with a live webcast accessible on its Investor Relations page. This announcement coincides with Microsoft's mission to empower individuals and organizations through digital transformation via its intelligent cloud and edge services.