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.
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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.
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