Microsoft Corp - MSFT STOCK NEWS

On March 31, 2022, First Women's Bank announced Microsoft and United Airlines as new Mission Partners. These companies join others like Aon and Fidelity Investments, supporting the bank's mission to close the gender lending gap. FWB integrates national SBA lending with mission-aligned deposits to enhance financing for small women-owned businesses. Microsoft plans to offer training through its global skills initiative to the FWB Collective, reflecting its commitment to empowering women in business.

Microsoft's second annual Work Trend Index report reveals a significant shift in employee expectations for hybrid work, highlighting the need for organizations to adapt. Key findings include that 53% of employees prioritize health over work, 52% of Gen Z and millennials are considering job changes, and 54% of managers feel disconnected from leadership. New product features for Microsoft Teams and other platforms aim to enhance collaboration and address these evolving needs. With over 270 million users relying on Teams, Microsoft emphasizes intentional leadership for long-term success in a hybrid work landscape.

Microsoft Corp. has announced the general availability of Azure Health Data Services and updates to Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, enhancing digital transformation in healthcare. With the recent acquisition of Nuance Communications, these advancements aim to tackle significant industry challenges and promote data interoperability through AI and cloud technologies. Key features include secure PHI exchange, healthcare APIs, and tools for data management. The company emphasizes improvements in patient engagement, clinician collaboration, and operational insights using advanced analytics.

Microsoft Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.62 per share, payable on June 9, 2022. The record date for shareholders is May 19, 2022, with an ex-dividend date of May 18, 2022. This dividend highlights Microsoft's commitment to returning value to its shareholders amidst its mission to empower digital transformation.

On March 4, 2022, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) announced the completion of its acquisition of Nuance Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAN), a leader in conversational AI. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Microsoft's cloud-based solutions across various industries, particularly in healthcare and financial services. By integrating Nuance's advanced AI capabilities, Microsoft will improve customer experiences, productivity, and financial performance. Mark Benjamin will continue as Nuance's CEO, reporting to Scott Guthrie, EVP of Microsoft's Cloud + AI Group.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT) announced a collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System to facilitate its transition to the cloud. This strategic migration to Microsoft Azure is expected to deliver significant cost savings, enabling Mount Sinai to modernize its infrastructure and enhance healthcare innovation. The partnership includes the execution of clinical applications migration, ongoing hybrid cloud managed services, and support for advanced data-driven capabilities. This initiative aligns with Mount Sinai's commitment to improving patient care through technology.

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has secured a partnership with AirAsia to lease a minimum of 100 VX4 electric aircraft through Avolon, extending its presence in Southeast Asia. This agreement follows significant pre-orders, totaling 1,350 aircraft worth $5.4 billion, from major airlines, including American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. The VX4 promises zero operational emissions, speeds of up to 200 mph, and a range exceeding 100 miles, aiming to revolutionize urban air mobility. This marks AirAsia's first placement since Vertical's NYSE listing in December 2021.

Microsoft and over 20 organizations launched the Carbon Call initiative on Feb. 10, 2022, to enhance carbon emissions accounting and support global net-zero goals. This effort aims to address significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reporting, estimated to be between 8.5 and 13.3 billion tons annually. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration among scientific, corporate, and philanthropic sectors to develop reliable carbon accounting systems that can track and report emissions more transparently and consistently.

Flapmax is partnering with Microsoft to launch the FAST accelerator aimed at strengthening Africa's digital ecosystem. Entrepreneurs can apply until February 22, 2022, with the first cohort starting in March 2022. The program supports startups developing cloud technology and AI-enabled products. Participants will receive access to up to $250,000 in Microsoft Azure credits and collaborative opportunities with Microsoft engineers. The initiative focuses on B2B startups across various sectors, including healthtech and agritech.