Microsoft loves Yahoo, Microsoft hates Yahoo

By Yi-Wyn Yen

Microsoft needs to get its story straight.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told attendees at a tech research conference in Orlando on Thursday that a deal with Yahoo (YHOO) “makes sense for their shareholders and ours.”

But within an hour of the news, Microsoft (MSFT) spokesman Frank Shaw issued an statement to retract Ballmer’s comments. “Our position hasn’t changed. Microsoft has no interest in acquiring Yahoo!; there are no discussions between the companies,” Microsoft said.

Yahoo spokeswoman Kim Rubey said the company had no comment on Ballmer’s statement. Yahoo’s investors, meanwhile, are loving the idea that Microsoft is even considering returning to the negotiating table. After trading in the $11 range, Yahoo’s shares jumped 10% to $12.93 on Thursday.

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Filed under Microsoft-Yahoo, Yahoo, microsoft

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“Who knew that 2 kids from collage could out think and surpass one of the biggest tech companies in the world.”

Are you on something? Google has never and will never “surpass” Microsoft. Microsoft has been one of the largest, most profitable publicly traded companies in the world for well over a decade. Their market cap it twice that of Google’s, they just reported MONSTER earnings, their profits over revenues destroy nearly every company on the planet, they are sitting on over $20 billion in cash, and they don’t have any debt. Their online services account for 5% of the business. Google is a great company with tons of smart people, but has no place alongside the Microsofts, ExxonMobils, GEs, and Berkshires of the world.

Who knew that a guy who didn’t even graduate from college could outsmart THE WORLD and create the most profitable company in history.

Posted By Joseph R, Houston, Texas : October 24, 2008 11:52 am

I think that microsofts dance with Yahoo, is just a last ditch attempt to try to catch up with the google giant.

Who knew that 2 kids from collage could out think and surpass one of the biggest tech companies in the world.

I love it.

Posted By Troy,Sydney,Nova Scotia : October 17, 2008 8:43 pm

Ballmer’s an idiot Yahoo is trading at around $11- $13 close to 3 times less than what was offered earlier this. Microsoft seems to have shook this off. He should keep his mouth shut and let yahoo come back to them begging for a buy at $15 a share.

Posted By macdisser,bronx,new york : October 17, 2008 7:42 pm

What a soap opera. They both know they cannot compete with Google unless they merge. Get on with it already.
http://www.rexxsales.com

Posted By Jacob Orangeville, PA : October 17, 2008 9:47 am

Ballmer enjoyed tormenting Yahoo’s shareholders.

Posted By Anonymous : October 16, 2008 11:30 pm

“Microsoft has no interest in acquiring Yahoo!”. ? Are they now in denial? Ballmer’s a moron.

Posted By jesp, Tucson, AZ : October 16, 2008 6:57 pm

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