Premium: What to expect from BizNews Share Portfolio’s Big Three, all reporting this week

Between them, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, owned for seven, six and four years respectively, account for more than half the BizNews Share portfolio (above). The Big Three all report their latest quarterly results this week – Microsoft on Tuesday; the other two on Thursday..Microsoft, which has delivered a 330% return for us since purchased in August 2017, was bought after the group moved its key software business to an automated customer strategy. This switch from moving boxes to online delivery billed monthly has boosted cash flows. Another big mover is its cloud computing product Azure. We'll be watching for progress on both areas..___STEADY_PAYWALL___.Amazon, the portfolio's ten bagger with a 1255% return since acquired when the portfolio began in December 2014, reports on Thursday night SA time. Slowing online sales may put earnings under pressure, but should be offset by continued 35% year-on-year growth from cloud service AWS. Also watching: Amazon gearing up for Xmas season with plans to hire 150 000 "seasonal" staff compared with 100 000 last year..Apple, which has produced 357% for the portfolio since purchased in June 2015, also releases quarterly results Thursday night. Exponential growth (around 30%) is anticipated primarily through the increased use of Apple services (App Store, Apple TV, iTunes etc) and the 5G boost to device sales. A major discussion point: how Apple's decision to ask users whether they want to be tracked is working out..Our monthly portfolio update is at noon tomorrow. It's only for Premium subscribers. Click here to register..More for you today (click on linked headline to access) – .* Tablet computers and eight other pieces of tech that date you. From wired headphones to wooden rowing machines, gear can leave you looking seriously behind the times. Here are nine items due for extinction – and great upgrades to try instead..* I spent 44 years studying retirement. Then I retired. "I was more prepared that just about anybody. And some things are exactly what I expected. But other things, not so much.".* Endemic Covid-19 has arrived in Portugal. This is what it looks like. Portugal, with one of the world's highest coronavirus vaccination rates, recently lifted many restrictions in a cautious return to normality..NB FOR YOUR WALL STREET JOURNAL ACCESS….As a Premium subscriber you are entitled to full membership of wsj.com (normal price $29 a month). Be sure to action your access through the Premium link on the BizNews website. Because of The Wall Street Journal's credential requirements, be sure to create a password which has at least 8 characters and includes at least one letter and one number – NB it MAY NOT contain any special characters (ie #, !, @ etc). To maintain access to WSJ.com, you MUST enter our partner's website via BizNews Premium at least once a month. A final PS, if you had previously signed up for WSJ you'll need to clear the cookies from your device. Our help desk can assist – support@biznews.com.If you'd like to help sustain our independent voice, why not share the love by making a gift that keeps giving? Click here to access the BizNews Premium subscription signup form, and be sure tick the relevant box. At R100 a month and inclusive of full membership of The Wall Street Journal, it's a mind-expanding gift at an incredibly modest price.

Premium: What to expect from BizNews Share Portfolio’s Big Three, all reporting this week

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