Microsoft (MSFT) / Bill Gates

[iam802]

Nice chart setup.

I see very little future in MSFT. Too big, too slow... and still can' get their act together.

They like to laugh at competitors for their failure to capture market but forget to look at themselves.

Bearish outlook on them. Will see them hit $10. (<< it is a 'bet').... unless Ballmer come out with a better 'Developer' dance or war cry.

[kennynah]

short term play, perhaps 3 weeks...i will use $21 as resistance....

[b0rderc0llie]

Are you going to short MSFT?

[kennynah]

no....and most times i dont short stocks

[iam802]

Opening stores like Apple. A catch-up move. Sign of desperation.

What is the next big thing for MSFT?

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Microsoft to open own stores, take on Apple

http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/id ... K620090213

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp announced plans Thursday to open its own chain of branded stores as it looks to catch up with rival Apple Inc's successful move into retailing.

The world's largest software company, which also makes the Xbox video game console and the Zune digital music player, did not say how many stores it was looking to open, or when, or which of its products would be on sale.

That is to be decided by David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive, which Microsoft named as its new vice president of retail stores.

Turner, a former Wal-Mart Stores Inc manager, will report to Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner.

The long-rumored move to open stores comes as consumer spending is under severe pressure due to the recession, which has already pushed electronics chain Circuit City into bankruptcy. A similar attempt by computer maker Gateway to open its own stores some years ago was not successful.

Microsoft, bruised by the poor reception of its latest Vista operating system, is facing increased competition from Apple, which is eating into the personal computer market and dominates the personal digital music player market with its iPod line.

Apple's stylish stores, now numbering more than 200 worldwide, have been crucial in attracting customers in recent years.

[iam802]

MSFT results being dissected. Too long to post here.

Follow link to read more.


Notes:
- MSFT lacking leadership
- 5000 pax being laid off over 2 years people means nothing to such a large company (more like normal attrition rate) and is not likely to contribute to cost cuttings measures
- another company that should stay lean and focus; (forget about going against Google...they have already lose it.)

====

Microsoft Q2 2009 by the Numbers

http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/ ... mbers.html

[winston]

A BIG BUY SIGNAL FOR STOCKS

This week, software giant Microsoft reported its first quarterly sales drop since it went public in 1986. It was one of the greatest unbroken strings of profit growth in history.

So "Softy" shares were hammered on the news, right? Wrong... Shares actually gained 10%.

Microsoft is a lot like our "real world" tech-indicator, Intel. Microsoft dominates the computer software industry... which makes its share price an instant barometer of how the global economy is doing.

Microsoft's bullish reaction to bearish news is more proof the market wants to begin a big rally. How long will it last? We can't know... but we can point to examples like this and say you need to be a buyer.

– Brian Hunt, Daily Wealth

[iam802]

Why is Microsoft selling debt to raise funds?

They have loads of cash..... are they buying something?

Meanwhile.....YHOO which has always rumoured to go into some form of partnership with MSFT is up today...

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Microsoft Plans to Sell Debt in Inaugural Offering

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid= ... refer=home

May 11 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., taking advantage of its top credit ratings, plans to sell 5-, 10- and 30-year debt, the world’s largest software maker said in a regulatory filing.

The benchmark sale may occur as soon as today, according to a person familiar with the offering who declined to be identified because terms aren’t set. Benchmark size typically means at least $500 million.

Microsoft, whose shares have declined 35 percent in the past year, is borrowing to help fund a $40 billion stock repurchase program. The company, which for years resisted shareholder demands to add debt, is also investing in datacenters to compete against Google Inc. in Internet search.

“As a corporation you should be buying back your stock when it’s cheap,” said Guy Lebas, chief economist at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in Philadelphia. “It’s probably the cheapest time for them to do it.”

....

[kennynah]

perhaps just cheap money to be had now that interest rates are so low... and as stated at the very last sentence of above... they may just use it to invest in msft stock buy back

[millionairemind]

June 29, 2009, 10.33 am (Singapore time)

Microsoft to sell Razorfish

NEW YORK - Microsoft has hired Morgan Stanley to sell Razorfish, its digital agency, and French marketing company Publicis Groupe SA is thought to be a possible bidder, the Financial Times said on its website late on Sunday.

Microsoft acquired the agency, formerly called Avenue A Razorfish, as part of its US$6 billion takeover of aQuantive in 2007.

The report cited an analyst valuing Razorfish at US$600 million to US$700 million, based on sales of about US$400 million last year and profit margins for similar businesses of 12 to 13 per cent.

Publicis and Morgan Stanley were not immediately available for comment.

Microsoft declined comment.

Razorfish is one of the largest interactive advertising and marketing agencies, boasting a client list that includes McDonald's Corp, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Microsoft and VivaKi, the digital arm of Publicis, last week unveiled a broad cooperation deal to develop new content, improve marketing performance and better target digital advertising audiences. -- REUTERS