Microsoft will release its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report after market close Tuesday.
Here’s what analysts are expecting:
- Earnings: $1.92 per share, adjusted, as expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv.
- Revenue: $44.24 billion as expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv.
That would imply 16% revenue growth for the software and hardware maker. The company has called for improvements in its LinkedIn and web search businesses thanks to more robust advertising and job markets, following the onset of the coronavirus, which hurt results last year.Microsoft also suggested that its Azure cloud will sustain its fast growth. Analysts are expecting 45.3% revenue growth from Azure, according to a CNBC consensus, while the StreetAccount consensus is 42%. Microsoft does not report Azure revenue in dollars.
During the quarter, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire speech-recognition company Nuance communications for $19 billion, including debt. It also introduced window 11 a new version of its desktop operating system, although sales of licenses to device makers Will be deferred.
The company’s board voted to make CEO satya Nadella its chair and Microsoft’s top individual shareholder, Co-Founder Bill Gates, announced that he’s splitting up with his wife, Melinda French, who also once worked at Microsoft.
With respect to guidance, analysts polled by Refinitiv are expecting Microsoft to call for $42.54 billion in fiscal first-quarter revenue.
Executives will discuss the results with analysts and issue guidance on a conference call starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Microsoft shares are up about 28% since the start of 2021, while the S&P 500 index has risen almost 17% over the same period.
– CNBC