Apple and Microsoft – Silver linings.

Reply to this post           The iPad Plus could help Microsoft more than it hinders it. Apple’s launch of the iPad Plus might just create the user excitement that Microsoft seems unable to create for itself. Apple looks set to launch the iPad plus towards the end of this year or early in 2016E. This will...

Fitbit – Market timing.

Reply to this post           Perfect timing gives Fitbit its best chance of making it. Wearables maker Fitbit has timed the market perfectly, in announcing that it will raise $100m in an IPO. From its IPO documents it is also pretty clear that Fitbit is pinning its long-term future on building an ecosystem around its devices...

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Sony FY 15A – Expectations management.

Reply to this post           Hirai gives himself some breathing space for FY16E. Sony reported FY 15A results that were in line with revised expectations but guided weakly as it is clear that there are still uncertainties with regards to the timing and extent of the recovery. FY 15A Revenues and EBIT were JPY8,215bn / JPY68.5bn...

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Google – Law of small numbers.

Reply to this post           Google must take control of software distribution. The headlines are touting 80% growth in share for Android 5.0 (Lollipop) but that is only because it is coming from a tiny base. The reality is that Android 5.0 (Lollipop) is still used on less than 10% of Google Android devices that are...

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Facebook and Nokia – Value in patience.

Reply to this post           Facebook deal underlines that it is too early to sell Here. It looks very likely that Facebook has already or is about to sign up to use Here as the source of location data for its services. Here is a global mapping company owned by Nokia that is one of only...

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Samsung Q1 15A – Pointless gimmicks pay

Reply to this post           The pointless curved screen should generate some EBIT. Samsung reported its full Q1 15A results that revealed a better performance in the handset business than many had anticipated. Q1 15A revenues / EBIT were KRW47.2tn / KRW5.98tn in line with the guided range of KRW47tn / KRW5.9tn. Samsung shipped 99m mobile...

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Microsoft Build – The great trade off

Reply to this post           One thing at Build 2015 really stood out. Microsoft launched its Build 2015 developer conference with a plethora of announcements but at its heart only one thing really stood out. Microsoft has launched Software Development Kits (SDK) that allow developers to bring the code they have written for Android or iOS...

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Twitter Q1 15A – 90 minute slip

Reply to this post           The core business of Twitter is looking mature. Twitter suffered a double blow as its investor relations website accidently disclosed weak Q1 15A results 90 minutes before the close of US trading. The shares were halted while Twitter formally released its results after which the shares fell by 18%. Q1 15A...

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Apple Q2 15A– The mighty cycle

Reply to this post           iPhone replacement drives big Q2 15A results. Apple reported excellent Q2 15A results as the iPhone replacement cycle has remained strong. Apple increased its cash return program by more than 50% to $200bn. Q2 15A Revenues / EPS of $58.0bn / $2.33 comfortably beating consensus at $55.7bn / $2.13 despite the...

Amazon Q1 15A– Silver lining

Reply to this post           Amazon Web Services outshines a dull earnings report Amazon Web Services (AWS) was the bright spot in a set of results that came pretty much in line with expectations. Revenues / EPS were $22.74bn / LOSS $0.12 compared to forecasts of $22.4bn / LOSS $0.11. Guidance was weak with revenues /...

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