Technology companies — led by Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOGL) — rule the corporate cash kingdom, says Standard & Poor’s, with much of that cash overseas. And, like much of corporate America, tech companies are adding debt even as their cash holdings climb. Apple’s cash rose 12% to $178 billion in 2014, says S&P in a research report, with 89% of that overseas. Apple’s debt more than doubled last year to $36 billion. Apple has
LOS ANGELES — With the video game console upgrade cycle in the sweet spot, Microsoft (MSFT) has decided to bring out the big guns — new games from its best-selling franchises including “Halo” and “Gears of War.” At a media event Monday on the eve of the annual E3 video game show, Microsoft showed game footage from a host of exclusives for its Xbox One console. They include “Halo 5: Guardians,” the latest in its popular science-fiction action series, and “Gears of War 4,” a gritty sci-fi combat series. Others are racing game “Forza Motorsport 6” and fantasy game “Fable Legends.” Exclusives are hugely important for console makers Microsoft, Nintendo (NTDOY) and Sony (SNE) because they can drive console sales and increase their installed base. “Investing in and shipping new and exclusive franchises is critical to our success,” said Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s Xbox business. Microsoft’s announcements set up a busy…
If social media stocks were to provide a status update on how they’re feeling, they might say “pained” or “stressed.” Facebook (FB) and Twitter (TWTR) traded lower Monday, marking notable chart action. Facebook gapped below its 50-day line on the stock market today, an area it has struggled to stay above since late April. Volume was slightly below average. The stock is working on a flat base with an 86.17 buy point. Facebook is currently trading