Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT): Current price $27.88
Danish tax authorities are seeking $995 million in back taxes from Microsoft, according to the Daily Telegraph. The unpaid taxes are linked to the firm’s acquisition of the Danish company Navision through its Irish subsidiary.
United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX): Current price $89.03
Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies, said that it has broken up an alleged fraudulent-testing scheme by the Carmel Forge in Israel, another United Technologies business, affecting tens of thousands of engine parts employed on business jets and turboprop aircraft flown by airlines worldwide, says the Wall Street Journal. Pratt & Whitney reported that its inquiry uncovered an elaborate, years-long attempt to manipulate metallurgical test results, in order to make certain that engine forgings seemed to meet extra-stringent standards when they actually fell short.
Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ): Current price $47.05
In comments made at the dbAccess Media & Telecom Conference, a company spokesman said Verizon is not thinking about the Vodafone deal, or its credit rating, but that it has always been interested in owning all of Verizon Wireless. Also, he said that the company has reduced prices in prepaid to meet those of competitors. Beyond that, he commented that diversity in phone operating systems will lower prices, and subsidies. Wireline margins are seen to be expanding in 2014.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM): Current price $88.68
Exxon Mobil would benefit from a lower oil price. While this would cut into profits, it would reduce the price of acquisition targets, as the firm might soon need a big deal. Exxon’s cash flow is still enviable, but its lead has slipped, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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