Apps & Software

Microsoft Goes Cheapo on Earnings Releases (MSFT)

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) is expected to report earnings on Thursday after the close.  We had already questioned the company’s ability to reconcile its books because it seems that the earnings release dates are now coming later and later on the calendar each quarter.  Now, the company is doing away with its press release method via earnings releases like just about every other company.  The software giant has announced that, starting with its first-quarter fiscal year 2011 results on October 28, it will post its quarterly earnings on its investor relations Website.

The company will no longer distribute its quarterly financial results via newswire, although in the future it may choose to issue other financial-related news via newswire in addition to the Web site.

Maybe the company thinks that this is a more secure way of distributing earnings releases as it keeps any prying eyes from trying to access the press release.  Maybe the company just wants to save a couple hundred dollars.

Whatever Microsoft’s intent is here, this is just one more method of lower transparency and it may create an information dissemination bottleneck around earnings.  Hopefully, it won’t get too cheeky ahead and say that you can only access company news via Silverlight…

Sometimes companies feel that they can dictate terms to investors and to the media by changing methodologies.  This is one of those instances.

JON C. OGG

It’s Your Money, Your Future—Own It (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.

AI Portfolio

Discover Our Top AI Stocks

Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.

You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.