We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce.com and Aspen Technology
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – September 18, 2018 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) , Amazon (AMZN - Free Report) , Salesforce.com (CRM - Free Report) and Aspen Technology (AZPN - Free Report) .
Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) Adds Deep-Learning A.I. Tools with Lobe Buyout
Microsoft recently acquired Lobe, a startup based in San Francisco, CA. However, the terms of the deal have been kept under wraps. Notably, this buyout adds to Microsoft’s growing number of AI-based acquisitions.
Lobe leverages AI to offer a visual drag-and-drop interface which allows users to develop deep learning (DL) tools. The interface is enabled to predict outcomes based on data inputs from microphones, cameras, among other mechanisms. Lobe will continue to function as a standalone entity under Microsoft’s umbrella.
Microsoft sees a lot of potential in Lobe’s simple drag-and-drop platform, which is currently in beta. In the words of Kevin Scott, company’s executive vice president and chief technology officer, “Lobe’s simple visual interface empowers anyone to develop and apply deep learning and AI models quickly, without writing code.”
Focus on Making AI Easy & Available For Use: Key Catalyst
In a bid to integrate AI into its services, Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned to add innovative DL and machine learning (ML) tools. With the Lobe buyout, the company intends to explore ways to upscale the utilization of AI and make its use easier for people.
Microsoft already boasts of a comprehensive compilation of AI tools in its Cognitive Services offering employed on Azure cloud platform. It comprises intelligent APIs to ensure developers can easily utilize advanced technologies in their applications.
Further, Microsoft will utilize DL and ML capabilities of Lobe to power its Azure AI platform. We may note that Lobe’s drag-and-drop platform complements Azure Machine Learning Studio’s similar tools.
We believe Microsoft is on the right track, given its increasing inclination toward AI. The company’s focus on strengthening presence in the AI market is evident from its acquisitions of Bonsai, Semantic Machines, Maluuba, SwiftKet, to mention a few. These AI-based startups widen the scale of prospects for the tech giant.
The buyout is expected to strengthen Microsoft’s commitment to cloud-computing future as it aims to compete against the likes of Amazon and other peers.
What the Investors Need To Know?
Shares of Microsoft have returned 34.2% year to date, substantially outperforming the industry’s rally of 29.4%. This outperformance can primarily be attributed to its rapidly expanding efforts in AI and Internet of Things (“IoT”) based developments. Undisturbed focus on Azure remains a key catalyst.
Per a report by MarketsandMarkets, the AI market is expected to hit $190.61 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of approximately 36.6% from $16.06 billion valued in 2017. Lobe’s addition to Microsoft’s AI portfolio is in sync with the company’s intention to capitalize on the immense potential of AI.
To Conclude
Microsoft is putting its best foot forward to gain a competitive edge in the AI market at different levels, from strengthening automated systems to virtual assistants by adding small players with promising ML & DL capabilities.
The projected long-term earnings growth rate for Salesforce and AspenTech are 25% and 16.5%, respectively.
Best Electric Car Stock? You'll Never Guess It.
Zacks Research has released a report that may shock many investors. One stock stands out as the best way to invest in the surge to electric cars. And it's not the one you may think!
Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium battery power is set to shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, revenues that were already at $31 billion in 2016 are expected to blast to over $67 billion by the end of 2022.
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce.com and Aspen Technology
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – September 18, 2018 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) , Amazon (AMZN - Free Report) , Salesforce.com (CRM - Free Report) and Aspen Technology (AZPN - Free Report) .
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) Adds Deep-Learning A.I. Tools with Lobe Buyout
Microsoft recently acquired Lobe, a startup based in San Francisco, CA. However, the terms of the deal have been kept under wraps. Notably, this buyout adds to Microsoft’s growing number of AI-based acquisitions.
Lobe leverages AI to offer a visual drag-and-drop interface which allows users to develop deep learning (DL) tools. The interface is enabled to predict outcomes based on data inputs from microphones, cameras, among other mechanisms. Lobe will continue to function as a standalone entity under Microsoft’s umbrella.
Microsoft sees a lot of potential in Lobe’s simple drag-and-drop platform, which is currently in beta. In the words of Kevin Scott, company’s executive vice president and chief technology officer, “Lobe’s simple visual interface empowers anyone to develop and apply deep learning and AI models quickly, without writing code.”
Focus on Making AI Easy & Available For Use: Key Catalyst
In a bid to integrate AI into its services, Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned to add innovative DL and machine learning (ML) tools. With the Lobe buyout, the company intends to explore ways to upscale the utilization of AI and make its use easier for people.
Microsoft already boasts of a comprehensive compilation of AI tools in its Cognitive Services offering employed on Azure cloud platform. It comprises intelligent APIs to ensure developers can easily utilize advanced technologies in their applications.
Further, Microsoft will utilize DL and ML capabilities of Lobe to power its Azure AI platform. We may note that Lobe’s drag-and-drop platform complements Azure Machine Learning Studio’s similar tools.
We believe Microsoft is on the right track, given its increasing inclination toward AI. The company’s focus on strengthening presence in the AI market is evident from its acquisitions of Bonsai, Semantic Machines, Maluuba, SwiftKet, to mention a few. These AI-based startups widen the scale of prospects for the tech giant.
The buyout is expected to strengthen Microsoft’s commitment to cloud-computing future as it aims to compete against the likes of Amazon and other peers.
What the Investors Need To Know?
Shares of Microsoft have returned 34.2% year to date, substantially outperforming the industry’s rally of 29.4%. This outperformance can primarily be attributed to its rapidly expanding efforts in AI and Internet of Things (“IoT”) based developments. Undisturbed focus on Azure remains a key catalyst.
Per a report by MarketsandMarkets, the AI market is expected to hit $190.61 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of approximately 36.6% from $16.06 billion valued in 2017. Lobe’s addition to Microsoft’s AI portfolio is in sync with the company’s intention to capitalize on the immense potential of AI.
To Conclude
Microsoft is putting its best foot forward to gain a competitive edge in the AI market at different levels, from strengthening automated systems to virtual assistants by adding small players with promising ML & DL capabilities.
Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks
Microsoft sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks in the same industry are Salesforce.com and Aspen Technology, both flaunting a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The projected long-term earnings growth rate for Salesforce and AspenTech are 25% and 16.5%, respectively.
Best Electric Car Stock? You'll Never Guess It.
Zacks Research has released a report that may shock many investors. One stock stands out as the best way to invest in the surge to electric cars. And it's not the one you may think!
Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium battery power is set to shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, revenues that were already at $31 billion in 2016 are expected to blast to over $67 billion by the end of 2022.
See Zacks Best EV Stock Free >>
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
https://www.zacks.com/
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.