Amazon, unlike tech brethren Apple and Microsoft which have ongoing stock buyback programs, increased share count over the past year. In general increased share count has the effect of lowering EPS.

Unlike tech brethren Apple and Microsoft, which have reduced share count recently through buyback programs, Google shares outstanding actually increased, reflecting the recent stock split, in which the company returned capital to investors in the form of a stock dividend.

Microsoft, like many tech companies, has been reducing the number of shares outstanding. Over the last year (and YTD) share count has been reduced by about 1% and over the last five years by over 7%. This has the effect of boosting EPS.

Apple, Inc. has been decreasing share count by buying back its stock. Shares outstanding have declined by 4% YTD and 5% and over the last year. As of April 2014, the board of directors authorized the company to spend $90 billion to reduce share count.

The company expects things to improve slightly going forward, as the result of ongoing operational changes and restructuring that CEO Meg Whitman has previously announced.

True to her word CEO Meg Whitman is spending money on research and development in a bid to turn the ship around.

Earnings remain subdued and below expectations. Promised reforms from CEO Meg Whitman have not turned things around yet.

Year-over-year revenue increase was up slightly, reversing several quarters of declining growth. Has CEO Meg Whitman finally turned things around? It might be too early to tell. Investors should remain cautious until a clear trend develops.