Moody's Places Microsoft (MSFT) Ratings on Review for Downgrade

Fitch Places Microsoft (MSFT) Ratings on Review for Downgrade Amid LinkedIn (LNKD) Deal

June 15, 2016 11:36 AM EDT

Fitch Ratings has placed the long-term ratings for Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT), including the 'AA+' Issuer Default Rating (IDR), on Rating Watch Negative following the announcement Microsoft will buy LinkedIn Corp. (LinkedIn) for $26.2 billion. Fitch affirms the short-term ratings at 'F1+'. Fitch's actions affect $56.4 billion of total debt, including the indrawn $10 billion revolving credit facility (RCF). A full list of Fitch's rating actions follows at the end of this release.

The Rating Watch Negative reflects Fitch's expectation for structurally higher leverage, given Microsoft's intention to fund the LinkedIn acquisition primarily with new... More

Microsoft (MSFT) Ratings Affirmed by S&P Amid Move to Acquire Linkedin (LNKD)

June 13, 2016 4:39 PM EDT

S&P Global Ratings said it affirmed its 'AAA' long-term corporate credit rating and 'A-1+' short-term corporate credit rating on Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT). The outlook is stable.

At the same time, we affirmed our 'AAA' issue-level ratings on Microsoft's senior unsecured notes and our 'A-1+'... More

S&P Places LinkedIn (LNKD) on CreditWatch Positive Amid Microsoft (MSFT) Deal

June 13, 2016 4:15 PM EDT

S&P Global Ratings said today that it has placed its unsolicited ratings on LinkedIn Corp. (NYSE: LNKD) on CreditWatch with positive implications.

The CreditWatch placement followed LinkedIn's definitive agreement to be acquired by Microsoft Corp. for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction... More

UPDATE: Goldman Sachs Said to Gave Advised Another LinkedIn (LNKD) bidder (MSFT)

June 13, 2016 3:58 PM EDT

(Updated - June 13, 2016 4:53 PM EDT)

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) said to have advised another LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD) bidder, according to Bloomberg.

UPDATE - Goldman was apparently conflicted on the issue... More

Microsoft (MSFT) Debuts New Xbox Lineup, Hardware, Games at E3

June 13, 2016 2:04 PM EDT

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) posted the following to its Xbox Blog on Monday:

Today, at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing, Team Xbox unveiled a new family of Xbox One devices, a host of new Xbox Live features and the biggest lineup of games in Xbox history. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer underscored the Xbox teams commitment to building a future of gaming beyond console generations and inviting gamers to play without boundaries.

Xbox is working to bring Xbox Live to all devices and networks PC, console, virtual reality and mobile... More

Microsoft to buy LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in its largest deal

June 13, 2016 8:42 AM EDT

By Sarah McBride

(Reuters) - Microsoft Corp will buy LinkedIn Corp for $26.2 billion in its biggest-ever deal, a bold stroke by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in his efforts to make the venerable software company a major force in next-generation computing.

By connecting widely used software like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint with LinkedIn's network of 433 million professionals, the combination could enable Microsoft to add a suite of sales, marketing and recruiting services to its core business products and potentially challenge cloud software rivals such as Salesforce.com Inc..

"LinkedIn and Microsoft really share a mission" of helping... More

Microsoft (MSFT) volatility low into purchasing LinkedIn (LNKD) for $26.2B

June 13, 2016 8:43 AM EDT

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) June call option implied volatility is at 19, July is at 20; compared to its 52-week range of 18 to 39 into acquiring LinkedIn (LNKD) for $26.2B.

... More

Microsoft (MSFT) to Acquire LinkedIn (LNKD) in $26.2B Deal

June 13, 2016 8:33 AM EDT

(Updated - June 13, 2016 8:34 AM EDT)

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) on Monday announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIns net cash. LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Reid Hoffman, chairman of the board, co-founder and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn, and Weiner both fully support this... More