DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

The Japanese company said it expects operating profit in the year to March 31 to fall 3.2% to 1.17 trillion yen ($8.65 billion), lower than an analysts' average estimate of a 1.275 trillion yen profit, according to Refinitiv data. For this business year, the company forecast profit at its gaming and network unit to rise by 8% to 270 billion yen. Software sales ought to have grown in tandem with hardware," Yasuda said. Sony also predicted that image sensor operating profit will dip by 5.8% to 200 billion yen. The firm said overall operating profit for the three months that ended March 31 fell 7.3% to 128.5 billion yen, with full year profit nudging up to a record 1.21 trillion yen.

☆ Silver Lake adds to Software AG stake amid acquisition bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Silver Lake said in a regulatory disclosure that it had acquired a 5% stake in Software AG at or below its acquisition bid of 30 euros per share from existing shareholders. This adds to its agreement to buy a 25.1% stake in Software AG from a charitable foundation that is the principal shareholder in the company. The consummation of that agreement is not subject to Silver Lake's offer being accepted by a majority of Software AG's shareholders, Silver Lake said. Software AG has said it is "highly supportive" of Silver Lake's offer and intends to recommend it to the company's shareholders. Silver Lake also disclosed on Friday that it had secured debt financing for its offer for Software AG.

☆ UK blocks Microsoft $69 bln Activision deal over cloud gaming concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Paul Sandle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The country's antitrust regulator said on Wednesday that Microsoft's commitment to offer access to Activision's multi-billion dollar "Call of Duty" franchise to leading cloud gaming platforms would not effectively remedy its concerns. Microsoft announced its Activision bid in January 2022 to boost its firepower in a video gaming market led by Tencent (0700.HK) and Sony (6758.T). Europe will decide on the Activision deal by May 22. The CMA said the cloud gaming market was forecast to be worth 11 billion pounds ($13.7 billion) globally by 2026. The CMA said Microsoft had an estimated 60%-70% of global cloud gaming services as well as competitive advantages including owning Xbox, PC operating system Windows and cloud provider Azure.

☆ 10 Things in Tech: Charlie Bell speaks, Amazon RTO, and the lucrative side of teaching ChatGPT
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Amazon needs to watch out for Charlie Bell. A founder of Amazon Web Services and the firm's "best person in the room," Bell shook the industry last September when he joined Microsoft. Bell will be overseeing a new cybersecurity division at Microsoft — but insiders at both Amazon and Microsoft wonder if he'll go more directly up against his former employer. My colleague Ashley Stewart examines the growing threat of Microsoft now that Bell is free from his noncompete purgatory. Look into the future here for Bell — and Microsoft — without Amazon's restrictions.

☆ Opinion | No One Knows the Value of a College Degree Like Someone Without One
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Christopher Zara | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

The good news is, future job searches may not always be as bleak as mine have been. to Delta Air Lines are dropping college degree requirements for many roles, focusing instead on “skills-based hiring,” a philosophy that emphasizes people over pedigrees. Consider the ever-persistent education wage gap, which has been widening for decades and by some measures got even worse during the past few years. Can we be so surprised that the media presents an incomplete picture about higher education when so few journalists navigate the working world without a four-year degree? One 2022 survey conducted by Morning Consult found that even though 72 percent of employers said they didn’t believe a college degree was a great indicator of a person’s skills, more than half still hired candidates from degree programs anyway because they saw doing so as a “less risky choice.”

☆ The growth fund that dodged the worst of the 2022 bear market by leaning on fundamentals
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

The firm's $1.7 billion Large Cap Growth Fund , with some of the biggest technology names among its top holdings, lost 24.3% in 2022. 'Rigor and process' Kantor and Regenbaum have spent years managing the fund by taking a magnifying glass to the inner plumbing of some of the biggest growth stocks. Indeed, Morningstar says the fund's portfolio has a lower price-to-book-value than other large cap growth funds or Morningstar's benchmark index for the group, and faster book value growth. There were "crazy growth companies that went to the moon," Kantor said, "and then unfortunately at some point had to return to Earth." Investors are at an important moment given the Federal Reserve's campaign to rein in inflation by hiking interest rates, and the interest-rate sensitive nature of growth stocks.

☆ Artificial intelligence will make Big Tech even bigger. Something needs to be done about the power imbalance, researchers warn
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

She asked if the company was selling unregistered securities (which is typically illegal, by the way — here's what it means). Big Tech + AI = even bigger tech. So Big Tech companies are best-positioned to gain even more power as artificial intelligence technology — like ChatGPT — gets further developed. Something needs to be done about this power imbalance, researchers warn. My teammate Emilia David breaks down the AI power imbalance and highlights some proposed solutions in her latest story.

April 19 (Reuters) - IBM Corp (IBM.N) missed Wall Street expectations for first-quarter revenue on Wednesday, hurt by shrinking corporate spending on IT services and a strong dollar. IBM cut its full-year consulting revenue growth forecast to 6%-8% from earlier expectations of high single-digit percentage growth. IBM, which receives over 75% of its revenue from its software and consulting business units, said its consulting revenue rose 8.2% at constant currency to $4.96 billion in the quarter ended March 31. Accenture signaled to a wider slowdown last month, when it decided to slash about 19,000 jobs and trimmed revenue growth and profit forecasts. Total revenue in the first quarter rose 4.4% at constant currency to $14.25 billion, compared with analysts' estimate of $14.35 billion.

☆ Goldman Sachs says these are its top picks heading into quarterly earnings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-15 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Earnings season is off and running and Goldman Sachs has named a host of stocks to buy ahead of the companies' quarterly reports. CNBC Pro combed through Goldman Sachs research to find stocks to own as first-quarter earnings kick off. They include Tesla, Boeing, CBRE , T-Mobile and Logitech. CBRE Group Goldman is standing by its buy rating on the real estate investment firm, even as lending standards tighten following the recent bank crisis. T-Mobile The wireless provider is Goldman's favorite growth stock, and favorite pick overall, the firm said in a recent earnings preview note to clients.

☆ Piper Sandler downgrades this electric vehicle maker, says it will struggle with high costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Piper Sandler thinks electric vehicle maker Rivian needs to address funding headwinds to compete with Tesla. Piper also slashed its price target to $15 per share from $63 per share. Potter added that, for Rivian to improve its cash burn, the company must address high costs associated with controlling every aspect of vehicle production from start to finish — as rival Tesla does. The firm's downgrade largely stems from Piper Sandler evaluating Rivian at book value as opposed to a valuation based on discounted cash flow. "Given cash constraints and disobliging capital markets, we think most investors are currently unwilling to pay for RIVN's long-term prospects," Potter said.

☆ Tech ripped higher to start the year. Here's how the pros are trading the sector in the new quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

After the worst year for tech since 2008 , many investors questioned whether the market could move higher in the new year without the sector's cooperation. Names such as Apple , Microsoft and Amazon gained about 27%, 20% and 23% in the first quarter, respectively, as yields pushed lower. Amid this backdrop, Alphabet shares gained 17.6% in the first quarter as the company launched it's Bard chatbot rival. Not all investors view big tech so optimistically heading into the new quarter. Much of the surge in tech stocks stems from the oversold conditions created during 2022's carnage, positioning many of these stocks for a bounce, Meeks said.

☆ Microsoft offers to change cloud practices to ward off EU antitrust probe-source
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BRUSSELS, March 28 (Reuters) - Microsoft (MSFT.O) has offered to change its cloud computing practices to settle antitrust complaints filed by its smaller rivals, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday, a move that will stave off an EU investigation. French cloud computing services provider OVHcloud (OVH.PA), Italian cloud service provider Aruba and a Danish association of cloud service providers had complained to the European Commission about Microsoft's cloud practices and licensing deals. Microsoft said: "We are grateful for the productive conversations that led us there and appreciate the feedback that we have received since." Trade group CISPE, which counts cloud computing market leader Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) as one of its members, said it was not part of the settlement. Reuters reported last week that rivals wanted Microsoft to do more to resolve their complaints after an initial offer fell short.

☆ Kia just unveiled its Telluride-sized EV
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The big Kia Telluride SUV, with three roomy rows of seats, has been a major hit for the South Korean car brand. So, for those ready to switch to electric vehicles, KIa just unveiled its all-electric big SUV. The Kia EV9, like the Telluride, has lots of seats and they can also do some neat tricks. More powerful versions will also be available, including an all-wheel-drive version with two motors capable of a combined 282 kilowatts, or 378 horsepower. Kia’s two current electric models, the much smaller Kia Niro EV and EV6, start at about $41,000 and $50,000, respectively.

French cloud computing services provider and complainant OVHcloud (OVH.PA) is also waiting for a more concrete proposal from Microsoft, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Resolving the complaints with the companies could help Microsoft stave off a possible EU antitrust investigation that could lead to a fine as much as 10% of its global turnover. The complaints by OVHcloud, Italian cloud service provider Aruba and a Danish association of cloud service providers focused on Microsoft's cloud practices and licensing deals. "We are grateful for the productive conversations that led us there and appreciate the feedback that we have received since," a Microsoft spokesperson said. Cispe's members include cloud computing market leader Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).

☆ Microsoft's EU remedies target only cloud streaming rivals, sources says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRUSSELS, March 20 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) remedies to address European Union antitrust concerns over its $69 billion acquisition of Activision (ATVI.O) focus only on cloud gaming services, with no mention of rival Sony (6758.T), people familiar with the matter said on Monday. The U.S. software giant has been trying to allay the Commission's concerns that the deal may reduce competition for console and personal computers, PC operating systems and cloud game streaming services. However, the absence of a Sony solution suggests the Commission no longer has concerns about competition in the console market. The sources said Microsoft has offered 10-year licensing deals for cloud gaming services, citing Nvidia, Ukraine-based cloud gaming provider Boosteroid and Japan's Ubitus as examples. Microsoft's EU offer is narrower than that to the UK competition agency, which includes licensing deals to cloud gaming services and a 10-year deal with parity on content and quality for Activision's Call of Duty franchise to critic and PlayStation owner Sony.

☆ 20 years of digital transformation, as seen by an IT expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Goto | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Back then, the average person would hear the term "remote support" and probably think it meant getting help for their TV controller. Jaromi said he has seen teams increase their productivity between 20% to 50% by letting GoTo Resolve's efficiencies work for them. For SMBs, GoTo Resolve can often be their main IT presence. But Rescue and GoTo Resolve have constantly stayed a step ahead, building in the most secure layers possible. Looking to the futureOver his 18 years at GoTo, Jaromi has seen the company endure significant changes, from being an upstart innovator to an established industry leader.

☆ Microsoft offers EU remedies seeking OK on Activision deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRUSSELS, March 17 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) has offered remedies in an attempt to gain EU antitrust approval for its $69 billion acquisition of Activision (ATVI.O), a European Commission filing showed on Friday. The EU competition enforcer, which did not provide details in line with its policy, will now seek feedback from rivals and customers before making its decision by May 22. Microsoft President Brad Smith has said the U.S. software company was prepared to offer rivals licensing deals to ease competition concerns but not to selling Activision's lucrative "Call of Duty" franchise. The company has in recent weeks signed agreements with three companies to bring "Call of Duty" to their platforms. "We are now backing up that promise with binding commitments to the European Commission, which will ensure that this deal benefits gamers into the future."

☆ Artificial intelligence will replace work jerks. People skills will become more important.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She turned into a hologram to see what the future of work might look like. When dealing with a difficult manager, it's important to identify what they hold true or what speaks to their values. That coworker who's brilliant — but a horrible person — better watch out. Employees will find out within the next 30 days whether they need to return to the office, per a leaked email. A leaked email shows Amazon has been working behind the scenes on AI.

☆ Blackstone to acquire Cvent in deal valued at $4.6 bln
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

March 14 (Reuters) - Cvent Holding Corp (CVT.O) said on Tuesday buyout firm Blackstone Inc (BX.N) would purchase the U.S. software provider that facilitates in-person and virtual meetings in a deal valued at $4.6 billion. Cvent said its shareholders would receive $8.50 per share, adding that a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will be a significant minority investor. The offer price represents a premium of about 29% from Jan. 30, before media reports of a potential deal surfaced. Reuters had previously reported that Cvent was exploring a sale of the company. Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini GanguliOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ London fears for its future as companies defect to Wall Street
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

London CNN —London is used to punching well above its weight in global financial markets. And 70% of global secondary bond market trading happens in the city, according to the London Stock Exchange. Beyond the jobs they create and the tax they generate, financial markets also channel capital into companies to fund future growth. In other words, to safeguard its future, London needs to reinvigorate its stock markets. Those “unicorns” should be listing in London “at an earlier stage,” Haynes argues, “rather than growing through private equity and being sold off to Nasdaq.”Hoggett of the London Stock Exchange puts it this way: “London needs to be young, scrappy and hungry.”

"Credit Suisse remains committed to our investment banking & capital markets clients throughout the APAC (Asia Pacific) region," the company told Reuters in response to a query. Credit Suisse's restructuring plan includes creating a separate unit for its investment bank under the CS First Boston brand. Reuters was not immediately able to ascertain whether the few remaining staff at Credit Suisse's Japanese investment banking division would be shifted to the new unit. Credit Suisse also runs wealth management, equity research, securities trading and asset management businesses in Japan. Some of the major deals that Credit Suisse advised on in Japan included Hitachi Ltd's (6501.T) $9.6 billion acquisition of U.S. software company GlobalLogic Inc.

☆ Enterprise Tech Firms Push Further Into Generative AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Angus Loten | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Generative AI, the technology underlying the viral ChatGPT chatbot, runs on algorithmic language models trained on vast amounts of online data. “We think 2023 will be the year that generative AI will become prevalent and a key component of modern office work,” he said. On Tuesday, the company launched a $250 million investing fund targeting generative AI startups. Yet despite assurances from the enterprise market’s biggest players, most corporate tech chiefs are taking a wait-and-see approach to ChatGPT-like generative AI technology, analysts said. Steve Santana, chief information officer at educational-testing company ETS, said he is more open to working with large enterprise-technology firms on generative AI capabilities, rather than small niche providers.

☆ Vietnamese EV maker VinFast remains optimistic despite challenging entry to U.S. auto market
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Yu Ruidong | China News Service | Getty Imageswatch nowShe added that VinFast is entering the market "with clear approaches" such as offering premium quality and accessibility for the mass market without cutting corners in cybersecurity and functional safety. Software problems delayed deliveries of VinFast's first batch of cars to U.S. buyers from December 2022 until March 2023. VinFast cars are also currently ineligible for the $7,500 tax credit in the U.S. because they are not made in the U.S., but are made in Vietnam — which will impact their U.S. sales. While the company filed for an initial public offering in December, it has not yet launched its roadshow. "For us, it's not about raising monies but it's a lot about making the company more international and other corporate purposes and the market has been challenging as you know," said Le.

The news: Morgan Stanley said Alphabet, Amazon (AMZN) and Meta are among the stocks that are best positioned to capture long-term gains from maturing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI has the ability to "accelerate digital transformation, change consumer behavior and drive more durable multi-year digital growth," Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a research note this week. Moreover, this "AI Effect" could create a $780 billion online advertising opportunity, with "GOOGL and META as the largest beneficiaries," according to Morgan Stanley. The Club take: The Morgan Stanley note is further validation of just how real the generative AI opportunity is. So, it's encouraging to see Morgan Stanley paint a positive picture about Apple in the near-to-medium term.

☆ This week's best performers include Salesforce and these solar stocks
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Hakyung Kim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Solar energy names First Solar and SolarEdge Technologies both made the list of this week's biggest gainers. First Solar was this week's top performer, with shares popping 23.2% following strong guidance for 2023. More than half of analysts covering the stock rate it a buy, but also see it coming down slightly from current levels. Software company Salesforce was also one of this week's notable gainers, with the stock on Thursday having their best day since 2020 following a blowout earnings report. Several non-energy materials stocks were also strong performers this week, with Steel Dynamics and Mosaic gaining 12.5% and 9.4%, respectively.

Search resuls for: ". Software"

25 mentions found