Latest news with #Azure
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Microsoft's Products Keep Users Coming Back
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is one of the Best Wide Moat Dividend Stocks to Invest in. A development team working together to create the next version of Windows. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has a diverse range of technology operations, including cloud computing, Microsoft Office 365, gaming, LinkedIn, search, advertising, and more. A key advantage for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is that many of these areas involve services rather than physical products, making them less vulnerable to tariffs. This has likely contributed to the company's strong showing in 2025. The stock has surged by over 17% since the start of the year. However, a major driver of its success is Azure, which is part of its cloud segment. Azure plays a central role in powering Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s artificial intelligence capabilities and overall tech strategy. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) retains its users by prioritizing customer needs, fostering innovation, and delivering strong, consistent user experiences across its wide range of products. The company uses approaches such as tailoring solutions to individual needs, applying design thinking in product creation, and regularly updating its offerings based on user feedback. By serving both individual consumers and large businesses, Microsoft strengthens its competitive edge through a broad and differentiated product lineup. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) offers a quarterly dividend of $0.83 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.68%, as of June 24. The company has raised its dividends for 20 consecutive years. While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure. None.
Edinburgh Reporter
an hour ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
How the Top 3 Construction Management Softwares Can Simplify Your Budgeting
Construction firms don't have time for fragmented workflows. Delays, budget overruns, and disconnected systems stall progress. The right project management software removes these issues with centralized control, real-time updates, and automated reporting. This article compares three leading solutions: Premier, Onsite, and ClickUp. Each one serves a different user base, from large-scale operations to small contractors and remote teams. We'll break down where each platform excels, how they improve oversight, and what kind of user benefits most from each system. If you're deciding on software that simplifies construction management while improving profits, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. Photo by Anamul Rezwan: 1. Premier: Top Choice for Streamlined Construction Management Premier sits among the highest-rated platforms for cloud-based construction oversight. It brings every piece of project data into one unified space, unlike outdated systems that scatter information across disconnected tools. What Sets Premier Apart Premier combines core operations in one digital workspace. Teams no longer need to manage separate apps for accounting, scheduling, and field tasks. Financial tracking, job progress, cost analysis, and site coordination are integrated, along with AI-powered enhancements. The software handles cross-company workflows and joint ventures with ease, managing internal transfers automatically. Tasks like invoice routing, RFIs, purchase orders, and submittals move faster, cutting office workload by up to 80%. Clear Oversight and Time Savings Real-time dashboards present up-to-date performance, potential risks, and financial summaries. Team members can pull reports or review live data from their phones or tablets. Version control guarantees that all stakeholders work from the most current files. These tools free up project managers, saving them up to 12 hours per week on average. Live Cost Tracking and Budget Insights Premier helps keep expenses in check by tracking labor, materials, and overhead as they happen. If spending nears preset limits, the system alerts users immediately, helping avoid budget issues before they escalate. Costs are analyzed by job, location, and phase for better financial accuracy. Future spending is estimated using real-time data and forecasts. With over 35 customizable reports, teams can pinpoint budget gaps, profit margins, and outstanding items in seconds. User-Centered Interface Premier's interface is clean and simple, which shortens the learning curve. A centralized inbox keeps users updated on requests and status changes. Mobile users can work offline without disruption, the app syncs automatically once reconnected. Built on Azure and encrypted with AES-256, the platform meets global data protection standards. 2. Onsite: Best for Small Contractors Small contractors looking for specialized construction management software will find Onsite works great for their needs. Built mainly for smaller teams, Onsite provides an easy-to-use set of tools that make project management simple without needing deep technical expertise. Daily Reporting Onsite makes daily site documentation easier with automated reporting tools that give busy contractors more time back in their day. Field teams can track progress using photos and videos and add them straight into their reports for better visual documentation. The system lets contractors update issues and snags whether they're online or offline. All changes sync up automatically when the connection comes back. The digital reporting creates professional-looking branded PDFs that keep everyone in the loop – much better than paper-based systems. These time-saving features let small teams spend more time on actual construction work instead of paperwork. Material Tracking Small contractors often struggle with material management. Onsite helps solve this with complete tracking features that include: Up-to-the-minute data analysis to stop over-ordering and material theft Purchase order tracking to keep tabs on procurement status Warehouse activity tracking for better material handling Material expense management to keep financial records accurate This visibility helps track costs better and cuts down on waste, which leads to better profits. Without doubt, this control helps small contractors compete better against bigger companies by keeping a tighter grip on their resources. Team Management Onsite makes workforce management smoother with team coordination features that just work. The software handles labor attendance and salary calculations automatically, which saves hours of administrative work. Managers can assign tasks smartly and watch progress to avoid delays and expensive overtime. Team leaders can also set up standard processes to get projects done faster. The platform makes shared teamwork natural by putting all stakeholder conversations in one available spot. This ends up building trust and accountability through better communication. 3. ClickUp: Best for Team Collaboration ClickUp provides robust solutions that help construction teams collaborate better. The platform comes with specialized features that streamline construction project coordination and team communication. Task Management Features ClickUp brings all construction operations together through customizable task management options. Teams can handle projects from pre-sales to concept to delivery on a single platform. Construction managers add specific columns using Custom Fields to track subcontractor details, construction sites, budgets, and other project information. The platform's visual organization tools include List view to organize resources and processes, Board view for Kanban-style workflows, Calendar view for timeline planning, and Timeline view to schedule project dates horizontally. Custom Workflows Construction teams can adapt task statuses to match their project phases like 'Design,' 'Permitting,' and 'Construction'. Task dependencies help work flow smoothly by setting tasks as blockers or waiting on other completions. The platform's automation features cut down time spent updating routinely, completed tasks automatically update their status, and deadline reminders go out before due dates. Teams can save status templates to build custom CRM systems that manage projects, clients, and contractors. Time Tracking ClickUp's built-in time tracking works on any device to benefit construction teams. Users track time right within tasks using the global timer, set estimates, and add notes. Time sheets show tracked hours by day, week, month, or custom ranges. Managers can pull reports that group time by dates with detailed tasks and entries to analyze resource allocation better. The system tracks billable hours and exports data for accurate invoicing. Document Creation Teams use ClickUp Docs to create documents, databases, and wikis for construction projects while editing together in real time. The platform lets users create nested pages, format content, add comments, and turn text into trackable tasks. Construction management templates, client relationship tools, and architectural design guides help teams set up workflows faster. The system also lets users embed Google Sheets, Docs, and other references directly into custom views. Conclusion Premier is the most capable overall, built for teams needing control across finance, operations, and fieldwork. Onsite fits smaller crews that want simple workflows, quick setup, and solid daily reporting. ClickUp leans toward teams prioritizing collaboration and task visibility, with flexible tracking and automation. Each tool serves its purpose well, but your business scale and structure should guide your choice. Look closely at how each system handles cost control, team coordination, and documentation. A solution that fits your current process, and scales with growth, will provide the greatest return. Choose based on impact, not features alone. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Overvalued Microsoft Stock (MSFT) is Still a Winner
Microsoft (MSFT) bulls have had plenty to cheer about. Just behind Meta Platforms (META), the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant has been the second-best performer within the Magnificent 7 group, up 17% year-to-date, and an additional 24% since its Fiscal Q3 earnings. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Beyond a calmer market tone following the tariff scare, Microsoft's defensive qualities—which have stood out for decades as a stock that rarely underperforms—in my view, help explain its faster rebound compared to most of its mega-cap peers. While the stock remains on the expensive side, this is the kind of name that, thanks to outlier-level efficiency at its scale, still deserves a Buy rating. Especially given that Microsoft tends to deliver better risk-adjusted returns during sustained optimism than in brief corrections. First and foremost, Microsoft is as strong as ever from a fundamentals perspective. Take Fiscal 2025's Q3, reported at the end of April, when the company managed to grow operating income faster than revenue, up 16% to $32 billion, versus $70 billion in revenue, which rose 13% year-over-year. In other words, Microsoft is becoming increasingly efficient, keeping costs and expenses under control. That's largely thanks to higher-margin segments—like Azure—growing faster than the rest of the business. Overall, Microsoft posted an impressive 46% operating margin, putting it among the most efficient companies globally. If we look at the Rule of 40—a classic benchmark for evaluating software companies by combining revenue growth and operating margin—Microsoft easily clears the bar: 13% growth plus a 46% margin equals 59%, well above the 40% threshold typically seen as excellent. That highlights not just operational strength, but an exceptional number for a mature Big Tech company. For comparison, smaller-scale and less mature companies like Palantir (PLTR) have posted even higher Rule of 40 results—its latest quarter came in at 83%, combining 21% growth with a 62% adjusted operating margin. But it's important to note that Microsoft's scale and complexity make a figure like 59% even more impressive and sustainable over time. Looking at more apples-to-apples comparisons, Oracle (ORCL) posted a Rule of 40 of 55% last quarter (with 11% revenue growth and 44% operating margin), while Adobe (ADBE) virtually tied Microsoft with 11% revenue growth and a 49% margin. Trading at 36.2x forward earnings, Microsoft is currently priced about 15% above its historical average, which, not coincidentally, is about how much I believe the stock may be overvalued at the moment, or at the very least, lacking a margin of safety. For instance, if we run a conservative reverse DCF over the next five years using consensus analyst inputs—assuming a 10.4% revenue CAGR and 11% long-term EPS CAGR, no changes in working capital, and a tax rate of 18% (in line with last year's)—Microsoft would be generating around $174 billion in free cash flow by year five. Discounting at 8%, applying a 3% perpetual growth rate, yields an implied equity value of approximately $3.1 trillion, roughly 15% below its current market capitalization. Although Microsoft's valuation appears stretched, it's fair to argue that this premium is justified by its consistent execution and the rarity of negative surprises. As a high-quality name, Microsoft has historically delivered better risk-adjusted returns when it's in an uptrend and trading at a premium, rather than during pullbacks, when the valuation resets. With MSFT now trading at $492—well above its 200-day moving average of $420—this seems to be one of those moments where relative strength matters more than traditional pricing, reinforcing the idea that the stock continues to lead in the ongoing quality rotation. There's a lot of optimism among analysts when it comes to MSFT. Out of the 35 covering the stock, 30 are bullish while the remaining five are neutral. Not a single analyst is currently bearish. The average price target is $519.76, indicating a modest upside of approximately 6% from the current share price over the next twelve months. While Microsoft's current valuation leaves little margin of safety—even under conservative assumptions—I continue to support the bullish case. Since the rally began in April, the stock has shown no meaningful signs of weakness, and the market appears to recognize that few companies of this scale can match Microsoft's level of operational efficiency. That said, despite its defensive profile and strong long-term EPS growth forecasts in the double digits, Microsoft is not entirely insulated from external pressures. For instance, any slowdown in Azure AI adoption could prompt downward revisions from analysts and place pressure on the company's historically elevated valuation multiples. Nevertheless, I believe Microsoft's broad-based strength across core enterprise segments provides durable support. As long as the current uptrend remains intact, I view this as a compelling opportunity to initiate or add to a long-term position. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Mint
5 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Nvidia vs Microsoft: Which AI heavyweight will hit $4 trillion first?
The race to become the first $4 trillion company is on. Artificial-intelligence heavyweights Microsoft and Nvidia continue to battle to be the world's most valuable company by market capitalization, after surpassing the $3 trillion milestone last year. Twice this month, Microsoft unseated Nvidia as the most valuable company, but Nvidia regained its title Wednesday. On Thursday, its shares clinched a four-day winning streak and record close of $155.02. That put Nvidia's market value at $3.782 trillion, ahead of Microsoft's $3.697 trillion. Now, it's just a matter of who gets to $4 trillion first. Wedbush analysts say we will find out soon enough. 'We believe both Nvidia and Microsoft will hit the $4 trillion market cap club this summer and then over the next 18 months the focus will be on the $5 trillion club," the analysts wrote in a research note Friday. They characterize Nvidia and Microsoft as the so-called poster children of the AI revolution, which they say 'represents the biggest tech transformation in over 40 years." After all, Nvidia's momentous ascent has been the stuff of dreams for AI fans. Interest in AI reached new heights when ChatGPT launched in late 2022, and Nvidia's powerful graphics processing units emerged as a solution to power the technology. Today, Nvidia is widely regarded as the chip maker of choice for hyperscalers, Microsoft included. Nvidia stands at the forefront, 'as they are the only game in town with their chips the new gold and oil." The company's dominance allows CEO Jensen Huang to have 'the best perch and vantage point to discuss overall enterprise AI demand," the analysts contended. Microsoft's AI story has been equally compelling for bulls. The company once known for the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite has rebranded itself into an AI enterprise—if the language in its latest earnings report is any indication. Azure, Microsoft's flagship cloud computing platform, offers a suite of tools that allow developers to build and deploy AI applications. Its footing in the cloud computing space, alongside other hyperscalers like Alphabet, is a key advantage: The need for cloud compute is only expected to grow as the adoption of AI, a power-intensive technology, ramps up. As more AI use cases are identified, the Wedbush team expects Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform to 'acquire AI-capable chips, build AI-capable service offerings, and sell those services into their respective installed bases." Nvidia stock rose 1.3% to $157.11 on Friday. Wedbush maintains an Outperform rating and $175 price target on the shares. Microsoft was flat at $497.67. The firm rates Microsoft at Outperform with a $600 target price. Wedbush Fund Advisers launched the Dan IVES Wedbush AI Revolution ETF earlier this month, which includes Microsoft, Nvidia, and the other Magnificent Seven tech stocks.
Miami Herald
6 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Veteran analyst offers eye-popping Nvidia, Microsoft stock prediction
In the last six months, AI stocks have been anything but boring. After a few years of massive gains, AI stocks kicked off the year getting slammed as a bubble. Talk of bloated valuations and too much hype had investors wondering if the party was over. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Then in April, President Donald Trump's surprise tariffs crashed the market, pulling down the S&P 500 by nearly 19%. AI bellwether stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT) tanked, and many felt the AI rally was dead and buried. Yet here we are with the S&P 500 at an all-time high, lifted by a roaring AI comeback driven by chip leaders and cloud giants. Now one of Wall Street's sharpest has AI back at the helm, pointing to two giants ready to win big. Image source:In the AI race, Nvidia and Microsoft play different but critical roles in advancing the industry. Nvidia's ubiquitous AI-ready GPUs are the go-to hardware for training and inference. Its latest Blackwell Ultra chips, for instance, promise 1.5 times the punch of earlier models, rolling out even cheaper versions for China to dodge export curbs and grow its reach. Speaking of reach, Nvidia's data-center accelerators handle a whopping 90% of AI workloads globally. Related: Veteran analyst drops bold new call on Nvidia stock On the software side, CUDA keeps millions of developers hooked on fine-tuning performance. On top of that, its patented tools like TensorRT and NeMo make deploying models simpler, and DGX Cloud brings on-demand AI clusters to the table. Take CoreWeave, one of Wall Street's biggest stories this year, which shows how anything Nvidia touches turns to gold. Backed by a 7% Nvidia stake, Coreweave stock has built monster AI supercomputers and is up 308% from its IPO earlier this year. Hence, with a powerful full-stack approach, Nvidia remains an inseparable partner in building next-gen AI. More Tech Stock News: Circle's stock price surges after stunning CEO commentRobotaxi rivalry heats up as new cities come onlineAnalyst reboots AMD stock price target on chip update Microsoft, by contrast, is all-in on software and services to layer AI across its ecosystem. Front and center is Microsoft's massive multi-billion-dollar OpenAI partnership, weaving ChatGPT into Azure, Teams, and Office 365. Microsoft's robust cloud service in Azure packs prebuilt and custom models and low-code tools. Similarly, Microsoft 365 Copilot amps up Word and Excel, while the Windows Copilot pushes AI deep into daily work. Together, Nvidia's cutting-edge chips and Microsoft's cloud and tools power the entire AI stack, pushing them ahead of their peers. Wedbush thinks Nvidia and Microsoft could touch $4 trillion in market cap this year and ride the AI wave to $5 trillion by next year. This bold call lands as Nvidia just reclaimed the top spot from Microsoft, hitting new highs. As of yesterday's close, Nvidia's market cap stood at $3.78 trillion, while Microsoft sported a $3.7 trillion market cap. Apple's the other tech giant in the $3 trillion club, and it was once the world's most valuable company. Veteran analyst Dan Ives, in his note, wrote, "The poster children for the AI Revolution are led by Nvidia and Microsoft, as both are foundational pieces of building on the biggest tech trend we have seen in our 25 years covering tech stocks on the Street." Related: Veteran Tesla bull drops surprising 3-word verdict on robotaxi ride AI use cases have exploded of late, from cybersecurity and software to chips and robotics. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes robotics will be the next multi-trillion-dollar catalyst after AI. Ives agrees that the ripple effect is huge, that every dollar spent on Nvidia sparks another $8 to $10 across the wider tech world. In crunching the numbers, Microsoft's market cap has slipped 10.8% over the past year, losing about $400 billion. Conversely, Nvidia soared nearly 25%, adding $950 billion from its AI GPU boom. Stretch that to three years, and the gap gets even wider. Microsoft's up a robust 21%, but Nvidia's exploded 472% as it pivoted from gaming chips to the AI driver's seat. Wedbush's $4 trillion call equates to a 5.2% bump from Nvidia's current market cap and an 8.4% jump for Microsoft. Pushing to $5 trillion in 18 months ups the game, with Nvidia potentially rising 31.5% and Microsoft at 35.5%. Related: Tesla fires longtime insider as Europe slump deepens The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
