Microsoft’s decision to return $75 billion to shareholders marks a shift in strategy, making it more likely the world's largest software maker will pull out of money-losing projects and focus more closely its core business, analysts said on Wednesday. By returning so much of its cash holdings, Microsoft will be forced to become more focused in how it funds existing ventures and any new businesses it might seek out, analysts said. "It's a sign of more discipline to come," said Brendan Barnicle, analyst at Pacific Crest Securities. "Microsoft is done, for the most part, with experimenting with businesses outside of the software industry."
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