Microsoft Corp - MSFT STOCK NEWS

Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT) has announced its acquisition of Nuance Communications (Nasdaq: NUAN) for $56.00 per share, totaling $19.7 billion, a 23% premium over Nuance's previous closing price. This all-cash transaction aims to enhance Microsoft's cloud-based healthcare solutions, leveraging Nuance's AI and clinical intelligence technologies, which are utilized by over 55% of U.S. physicians. Expected to close within the year, the acquisition is anticipated to be accretive to Microsoft’s earnings in fiscal 2023 and minimally dilutive in fiscal 2022.

Microsoft Corp. announced that it has helped over 30 million people in 249 countries gain digital skills, exceeding its goal of 25 million. The company aims to assist 250,000 companies in making skills-based hires in 2021, with new initiatives such as the LinkedIn Skills Path for equitable hiring, new LinkedIn profile features for job seekers, and enhanced access to its Skills Graph. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Career Connector, targeting 50,000 job seekers to enhance tech employment opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities.

Microsoft Corp. released its first-annual Work Trend Index, highlighting key hybrid work trends affecting organizations. The report, based on insights from over 31,000 respondents and extensive data analysis, emphasizes the importance of adapting to flexible work models. Key findings include a demand for continued remote options (73%), an increase in remote job postings, and a potential employee turnover risk as 40% of the global workforce considers leaving their jobs. The report also outlines strategies for leaders to foster collaboration and innovation in this new work era.

On March 16, 2021, Microsoft Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share, boosting shareholder returns. The dividend is set to be paid on June 10, 2021, to stakeholders recorded by May 20, 2021. The ex-dividend date is May 19, 2021. This announcement underscores Microsoft's commitment to delivering value to its investors while reinforcing its position as a leader in digital transformation.

Microsoft Corp. announced the expiration of its Exchange Offers for existing notes, totaling $7.01 billion in Pool 1 and $1.93 billion in Pool 2. The offers aimed to exchange these for new notes with interest rates of 2.921% and 3.041%, maturing in 2052 and 2062, respectively. As of March 15, 2021, conditions for the offers were met, and Microsoft plans to accept various Pool 1 and Pool 2 notes based on established priority levels. The settlement date is anticipated to be March 17, 2021.

Microsoft Corp. has announced the pricing terms for its Exchange Offers involving Pool 1 and Pool 2 Notes. Pool 1 offers a total exchange consideration of up to $6.25 billion for a new series of 2.921% notes due March 17, 2052, while Pool 2 offers up to $2 billion for new 3.041% notes due March 17, 2062. Holders must tender their existing notes before 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2021, to qualify for early cash premiums. Conditions apply for participation, with further details outlined in the prospectus filed with the SEC.

On March 2, 2021, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced early results of its Exchange Offers involving Pool 1 and Pool 2 Notes. The Pool 1 Offer includes fourteen series of notes, with a total principal of $6.99 billion tendered. The Pool 2 Offer comprises four series of notes with $1.93 billion tendered. Exchange pricing is expected on March 2, 2021, with offers set to expire on March 15, 2021. A related Registration Statement was filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021. Settlement for the Exchange Offers is anticipated on March 17, 2021, subject to conditions.

Technology leaders Adobe, Arm, BBC, Intel, Microsoft, and Truepic have formed the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) to combat misinformation and online content fraud. The coalition will establish an open standard for certifying the origin and evolution of digital media, including images and videos. This initiative aims to enhance trust across the internet by creating technical specifications for media provenance. The group builds on prior efforts, like the Content Authenticity Initiative and Project Origin, focusing on robust solutions to verify digital content integrity.

On February 16, 2021, Microsoft announced two exchange offers for its existing notes. The Pool 1 Offer involves 14 series of notes, allowing holders to exchange them for new notes due March 17, 2052, up to $6.25 billion. The Pool 2 Offer includes 4 series of notes, with exchanges for new notes due March 17, 2062, capped at $1.25 billion. The offers expire on March 15, 2021, with a settlement date expected shortly after. Holders must submit exchanges by specific dates to receive cash premiums and must refer to the prospectus filed with the SEC for detailed terms.