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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dear Microsoft Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for July 30
Microsoft (MSFT) is pulling ahead of the competition. Its stock is up 47% from its 52-week low, securing its spot among the best-performing stocks this year. Much of this rise comes from Microsoft's open embrace of artificial intelligence, with a 33% increase in Azure and other cloud services revenue last quarter, along with a planned $80 billion investment in 2025 to grow its AI and data center footprint. With Microsoft's next earnings report slated for July 30, can Microsoft's relentless AI and cloud innovation continue to propel its stock higher, or is the rally due for a reality check? Let's dig deeper. More News from Barchart Opendoor Stock Is Surging Higher in a Frenzied Retail Rally. How Should You Play OPEN Shares Here? This Penny Stock Wants to Become the MicroStrategy of Dogecoin Robinhood Stock Stumbles as S&P 500 Inclusion Is Once Again Off the Table for HOOD Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Scrutinizing Microsoft's Latest Financials Microsoft (MSFT) has built its business on a mix of software, cloud services, and AI tools, bringing in steady revenue from products like Azure, Office 365, and a wide range of solutions that keep businesses coming back. This solid business mix has helped push Microsoft's stock up 14.2% over the past 52 weeks and 20% so far this year. This steady rise has also led to Microsoft trading at a premium, with a market cap around $3.79 trillion. Its forward price-earnings ratio is 34.2x, much higher than the tech sector average of 24.39x, which shows that investors expect even more growth ahead. The latest quarter shows how Microsoft's business keeps delivering. Revenue reached $70.1 billion, up 13% from last year, thanks to strong results in its main business areas. Operating income climbed 16% to $32 billion, net income was $25.8 billion, up 18%, and diluted earnings per share grew to $3.46. The Power Behind Microsoft's Momentum Microsoft's momentum is being driven by smart moves in AI and cybersecurity. One standout is the integration of Cohesity Gaia with Microsoft 365 Copilot. It's the first of its kind, allowing employees to access and analyze backup data using generative AI right inside the Copilot workspace. This setup helps teams pull valuable insights from large amounts of data without leaving the Microsoft environment. The system uses role-based access controls to protect sensitive information, adding another layer of security while boosting productivity and the usefulness of Microsoft's existing tools. In cybersecurity, Microsoft is working with Accenture (ACN) on generative AI-powered solutions aimed at helping companies defend against more complex threats. With reports showing that 90% of organizations aren't ready for AI-driven attacks, this partnership brings tools for modernizing security operations, managing data and AI risks, handling cyber migration, and improving identity controls. It reinforces Microsoft's position in enterprise IT and adds to its long-term revenue strength. Analyst Sentiment and What's Next Microsoft has set some high expectations for its next earnings, aiming for fiscal Q4 revenue between $73.15 billion and $74.25 billion. That's well above the Zacks Consensus of $72.03 billion and points to solid 11% growth. All eyes are on Azure, where Microsoft hopes to see growth in the 34% to 35% range. The average earnings estimate is $3.35 per share, which would be a 13.56% increase from a year ago. Analysts are voicing strong support. Dan Ives at Wedbush has raised his price target from $515 to $600 and kept an 'Outperform' rating. He calls this period a 'shining moment' for Microsoft and thinks fiscal 2026 could be a key year as the company adds more AI features to its products. Wells Fargo analysts share this optimism, raising their target from $565 to $585 and sticking with their 'Overweight' rating. They believe Microsoft is in a great spot to start making more revenue from its work in AI and cloud as more business clients sign on. The 46 analysts surveyed now rate Microsoft a consensus 'Strong Buy' and the average price target sits at $548.53. That suggests possible 8% upside from the current price. Conclusion With earnings day set for July 30, Microsoft stockholders have every reason to pay close attention. The company's steady growth, aggressive push in AI, and strong analyst confidence set the stage for a potentially market-moving report. Between upbeat revenue projections, expanding cloud momentum, and a history of delivering, expectations are high, and for good reason. Whether you're already holding long or thinking about jumping in, this earnings report could be a key moment in Microsoft's next big leg up. On the date of publication, Ebube Jones did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on 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
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Top Cloud Malware Attacks Businesses Should Know About
Cloud computing is changing how we do business with higher flexibility, scalability, and cost savings than traditional infrastructure. However, this is providing new opportunities for criminals who are eternally looking to exploit weaknesses in cloud environments. Cloud malware is no longer a theoretical threat that persists in the cloud; it is using traditional security controls and lives in the same approved by your teams every day. The techniques that malware is using to deliver exploits through cloud environments are changing quickly and are becoming increasingly untraceable. Knowing how to protect your data from malware is not just good information; it is essential information that can be the difference between securing your operation and a catastrophic breach of sensitive data. One of the most prevalent attackis to upload dangerous files to reputable and known cloud storage services; including Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive; none of which receive the same level of security scrutiny as email. Cloud storage services do not require the traditional context of personal trust; they are inherently trusted by the users of the service. The danger is when those infected files are shared internally, amongst users, or externally with clients and partners. One document shared Ida file that has malware and is shared through your trusted cloud RFID cloud storage service can rapidly spread through the entirety of your organization, especially if your users are downloading and executing files without any validation. Most typical Halbumn security toolset region bind Found are usually overly stretched and unable to detect threats commingling in these environments because these platforms are perceived as trusted environments. Too many security solutions do not put the same effort into scanning files in the cloud that they put into scanning files that are email attachments or downloads from dubious sites. What you need to do is implement a comprehensive scanning solution that is designed specifically for cloud storage platforms that can detect suspicious content during the upload process and avoid spreading malicious files around your organization. Phishing campaigns aimed straight at cloud service credentials have evolved to be extremely sophisticated. Attackers create incredibly convincing fake log-in webpages, that mimic popular services like Office 365, Google Workspace, or Salesforce, leading employees to enter their username and password into the attacker controlled webpages. Once the attacker gets the stolen credentials, they can access your cloud accounts with no security alerts that would typically trigger for traditional security. The attacker can then use the information for many pernicious purposes – install malware, steal sensitive documentation, access communications between users, or even act as an authenticated user to launch attacks on other systems. These attacks provide great appeal to cybercriminals because the activity looks to external observers as if it is legitimate activity by a legitimate user. Standard security monitoring is unlikely to flag fallback activity suspicious because it is likely coming from an authenticated user with permission to access the data. So, yes, in addition to cyberattack exploitation of business communications and sensitive information of a business, when an attacker can get to the credentials and gain access to cloud-based systems they are likely in and permitted because they are (alternatively) logged into your cloud accounts! Multi-factor authentication is your best defense against credential based attacks. Even if they get your password, they will still need access to the second authentication process for log-in to their victim's system! Fileless malware is one of the more aggregated and sophisticated threats to cloud environments. As opposed to conventional executable files, these attacks run fully in system memory utilizing legitimate system tools and processes to execute malicious actions. In cloud environments, fileless attacks often exploit PowerShell scripts, Windows Management Instrumentation, or other administrative tools that are built-in to the system to run malicious code. Consequently, these scripts can remain undetected for long periods without leaving the conventional file signatures that antivirus usually looks for. Traditional antivirus solutions struggle significantly with fileless threats because there are no malicious files to scan. Furthermore, because the attacks run using legitimate system processes and tools, active detection will be extremely challenging with signature security-based forms of protection. Defense against fileless threats will require functionality for behavioral monitoring combined with threat intelligence that allows for risk patterns and behavioral anomalies, rather than just using file-based detection. Functionalities like behavioral monitoring can analyze system behavior to see when legitimate tools are being used maliciously. Software-as-a-Service integrations have created another attack vector that many organizations do not consider. Attackers create an application that looks legitimate and asks for OAuth permissions or other forms of integration access to popular platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace. Once a user accepts the integration, the attacker can gain access using the application's permissions without direct credential theft. The attacker could read emails, access files, read communications, or simply abuse the integration to get malicious software into the organization's environment. These attacks are particularly effective because malicious applications are often presented professionally, requesting reasonable permissions that look acceptable. For example, a user may not realize that by allowing an integration, they are granting access to an attacker, which then enables the attacker to operate in their cloud environment using real application credentials. Regularly reviewing authorized SaaS integrations should be included in the organization's standard security measures. Additionally, organizations should audit what applications have permission to access their systems, those permissions, and if the integrations are still needed and trusted. Cloud malware has progressed from being a niche concern to being a serious threat that affects small and large businesses. From fileless attacks that hide in plain sight to compromised SaaS integrations that are abusing legitimate permissions, cybercriminals are finding cunning means of infiltrating cloud environments. The solution to protection is remaining alert, educating your team on emerging threats, and implementing advanced security tools that are specifically built for cloud platforms. Understanding the threats and putting measures in place to limit exposure will help businesses proactively protect their resources and maintain their operational continuity. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Would Europe actually retaliate against Trump's tariffs?
European Union officials have spent this week working to finalize a plan to retaliate against President Donald Trump 's tariffs, laying the groundwork to hit more than $100 billion worth of American imports with levies if negotiations on a new trade deal fail. But a question looms over that effort. "If it comes to it, will they?" asked Frances Burwell, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, a research organization. Officials from the 27-nation bloc have spent months preparing their plans to hit back, only to hold off in favor of more talks. In April, EU policymakers approved a plan to impose tariffs on 21 billion euros (nearly $25 billion) of American goods. But they abruptly suspended them in a show of goodwill when Trump pivoted at the last minute and paused some painful across-the-board tariffs. The goal was to negotiate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Lifetime Office 365 Download Undo No deal was forthcoming. Instead, Trump said on social media last week that he planned to impose 30% tariffs on the bloc starting Aug. 1. After that announcement, EU officials chose to again delay that first batch of retaliatory tariffs -- which had been suspended only through July 14 -- to allow room for more talks. But they have also redoubled their vow to respond forcefully if necessary. Live Events Now, EU trade officials are finishing up a second list of tariffs that would target an even longer list of American goods, one that amounts to 72 billion euros ($84 billion) of products that include Boeing airplanes and Kentucky bourbon. The list was sent to member states Monday, said diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an internal process. National representatives have not yet voted on the list. That push to prepare a retaliation plan is rooted in an uncomfortable reality. The EU would prefer to come up with a negotiated solution and avoid a painful and protracted trade war, but the talks could still fail. Strength, many politicians and ministers pointed out, seems to be the only negotiating language that Trump understands. It is necessary to "flash some muscles," Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, said Monday. "If you want peace, you have to prepare for war, and I think that's where we are." But Europe is still trying to make a deal. Maros Sefcovic, the EU trade commissioner, talked to Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, on Monday. He was expected to speak with Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, on Tuesday. Trade experts who specialize in detailed negotiations were headed to Washington, Olof Gill, a European Commission spokesperson, said in a news conference. But Sefcovic has said that European ministers have become more adamant about striking back if a negotiated solution could not be reached. He had already spent months trying to reach a broad-brush agreement. Sefcovic and other negotiators thought that they were closing in on one up until last week -- only to have the situation blow up after Trump issued his threat last week to impose 30% tariffs. "We have to protect the jobs, you have to protect the businesses," Sefcovic said at a news conference in Brussels on Monday. Yet actually following through with the plan to hit back would be no easy choice. Placing tariffs on American soybeans, handbags, machinery and other goods would make those products more expensive for consumers and businesses in France, Germany, Italy and other EU member states. Given that, discussions over what products Brussels should target have been intense. The tariffs that were prepared and nearly put into effect in April could be rolled out very quickly, because they were finalized and no longer up for debate. But they were always envisaged as only a first step: 21 billion euros' worth of goods is not a lot in the context of a 1.6 trillion euro trans-Atlantic trading relationship. "We will continue to prepare further countermeasures so we are fully prepared," Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said Sunday. EU member states would still need to vote to approve the second set of proposed tariffs that would apply to 72 billion euros worth of goods. The list initially covered 95 billion euros of products, but it was whittled down after feedback and lobbying. After that, officials could consider using a new tool, the so-called anticoercion instrument, to target big technology firms or other American service companies by imposing trade or investment restrictions on them. Such a move could hit American businesses in the pocketbook, but because it would be so painful and risk escalating the trade war, it is sometimes referred to as the "nuclear option" in Brussels. "We are not there yet," von der Leyen said Sunday, when asked about using the tool. "This is very important. This is now the time for negotiations." Europe is still trying to speak gently while reminding the world that it carries several big sticks. It would prefer not to use them. Officials are hoping that a negotiated deal can be reached in the coming weeks and that the threatened 30% tariffs never come into effect. Tariffs hurt consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, they argue. By that logic, they say, delaying retaliation is a sign of rationality, not of timidity. "I don't think this is weakness," Lokke Rasmussen said. "It's a clear signal that we don't want to escalate things." Trying to shore up goodwill and hoping for the best has not been a winning strategy to date. But "the pain threshold is quite high" for Europe to decide to retaliate, said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. Rahman added that things would have to go very badly -- an across-the-board tariff rate of perhaps 15%, along with charges on sectors -- for Europe to hit back. Officials will want to avoid angering the Trump administration, especially at a time when the bloc depends heavily on the United States to help with the war in Ukraine. "The Americans will really need to go mad if the Europeans are going to retaliate," he said. But if Trump follows through with his latest threat, that would firmly push the bloc over the edge, predicted Ignacio García Bercero, a former EU trade official who is now at Bruegel, an economic think tank. "A 30% tariff would be no choice but to retaliate," he said.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India batter Devdutt Padikkal attracts top bid at auction ahead of KSCA T20
Bengaluru: India middle-order batter Devdutt Padikkal attracted the highest bid of Rs 13.20 lakh in the players auction held here on Tuesday ahead of this year's Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 . Devdutt was bought by Hubli Tigers ahead of the tournament which is set to take place between August 11 and 27 behind closed doors. Abhinav Manohar, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and former India batter Manish Pandey received the second-highest bids, going to the Hubli Tigers and Mysuru Warriors respectively for Rs 12.20 lakh each. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Lifetime Office 365 Download Undo Among the bowlers, Shivamogga Lions went big for Karnataka pacer Vidwath Kaverappa at Rs 10.80 lakh, while Bengaluru Blasters shelled out Rs 8.30 lakh for pacer Vidyadhar Patil . The Shivamogga Lions bought India A batter Aneeshwar Gautam for Rs 8.20 lakh, while Mangaluru Dragons highlighted their auction day with the purchase of veteran Shreyas Gopal for Rs 8.60 lakh. Live Events Each team will make two more additions to their squads with players from their respective catchment areas.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bank of Maharashtra Q1 profit rises 23% YoY to Rs 1,593 crore
Bank of Maharashtra on Tuesday reported a 23% year-on-year rise in net profit at Rs 1,593 crore for the first quarter of the fiscal, helped by lower provisions and steady business expansion. Its asset quality remained stable. Its net profit was Rs 1,293 crore in the year ago period. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Lifetime Office 365 Download Undo The bank's net interest margin (NIM) for the quarter stood at 3.95% as compared with 4.01% in the preceding quarter and 3.97% in the year ago period. "The NIM contracted due to the reduction in lending rates. We are trying to protect the NIM by managing the liability side of our business," managing director Nidhu Saxena said after announcing the quarterly numbers. The Pune-headquartered lender's operating profit rose 12% year-on-year at Rs 2,570 crore. Total income in the quarter under review stood at Rs 7,879 crore against Rs 6,769 crore in the year-ago period. Net interest income rose 17.6% at Rs 3,292 crore. Live Events It has made lower provisions and contingencies at Rs 86742 crore during the quarter as compared with Rs 95047 crore. Provisions to cover bad loans however stood higher at Rs 71903 crore against Rs 58639 crore. The bank's gross non-performing assets ratio remained steady at 1.74% at the end of June, little changed from three months ago. The ratio however improved from 1.85% a year-ago, despite the bank recording higher slippages of Rs 727 crore against Rs 592 crore over the same period, largely due to stress in agricultural loan. "Recovery and upgradation helped to reduce the NPA ratio," Saxena said. BoM's advances grew 15.34% year-on-year to Rs 2.41 lakh crore, even as the banking sector's average credit growth remained in single digit in the first three months of the fiscal. The bank is projecting a 17% expansion in advances for FY26. The bank is planning to raise Rs 10,000 crore in infrastructure bonds this fiscal. The state-owned lender also has board approval to raise Rs 5000 crore in equity and Rs 2,500 crore in debt. "We are engaging foreign and local investors. But the capital raising plan has not been firmed up yet," Saxena said.
