Daily Digit: Microsoft's $42.35 Bln Kickback

Published September 19, 2013
Microsoft to spend $42.35 billion in share buybacks and quarterly dividends. — Reuters Video

Analysts say the kickback reflects the growing influence of activist shareholder ValueAct, which has been pushing for a return of capital to investors. Also, with more than $77 billion in cash on Microsoft's balance sheet, it is a logical step to try and up the share price.

This is key given all the big changes at the company.

Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer, is retiring, but no one knows who is going to succeed him.

And the tech giant is trying to get more footing in the mobile phone business by buying Nokia.

Even more, Microsoft is also attempting to transform itself into a devices and services conglomerate.

There are a lot of question marks, but Microsoft may set the record straight during a meeting with analysts on Thursday.

Opinion

Editorial

Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...
Strange claim
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Strange claim

In all likelihood, Pakistan and US will continue to be ‘frenemies'.
Media strangulation
Updated 21 Dec, 2024

Media strangulation

Administration must decide whether it wishes to be remembered as an enabler or an executioner of press freedom.
Israeli rampage
21 Dec, 2024

Israeli rampage

ALONG with the genocide in Gaza, Israel has embarked on a regional rampage, attacking Arab and Muslim states with...