PREVIEW:  Microsoft shares dip ahead of earnings; AI spending in focus

** Microsoft MSFT.O shares falling 0.7% on Weds ahead of qtrly results, due after the bell, with investors likely to focus on AI spending and cost control efforts

** Analysts expect qtrly rev of $90.69 bln vs $77.67 bln a yr ago and adj EPS of $4.73 vs $4.13 yr-ago, per LSEG

** The co on Mon offered voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees as it looks to contain costs amid heavy investment in AI

** Analyst recommendations on the stock include 57 "strong buy" or "buy" ratings and two "hold" ratings, based on LSEG data

** The 12-mo median PT on the stock is $557.50; MSFT was last at $527.49

** MSFT stock has advanced ~9.2% YTD, about the same as the Dow's .DJI gain that period