The latest data from a Reuters poll of Wall Street analysts who track either Microsoft Corp or Yahoo Inc, shows 28 of 30 analysts expect Microsoft to prevail in its unsolicited bid to acquire Yahoo, which is currently valued at $41.7 billion.

Fourteen analysts expect Microsoft to stand by its initial offer price of $31 per share in an equal mix of cash and stock. Four analysts expect Microsoft to keep offer at $31 per share but make all-cash offer, effectively raising the deal’s value.

Twelve analysts expect Microsoft to raise price to between $31.50 and $35 per share.

The two nay-sayers who do not think Microsoft will prevail include one who holds out hope AOL will strike a deal with Yahoo and another who thinks Microsoft may be blocked down the road by government regulators on grounds the deal is anti-competitive.

Twenty-three brokerages responded. Seven brokers have analysts who follow both companies and their votes were counted separately. In total, 33 financial analysts currently follow Yahoo and 40 analysts track Microsoft.

Read the full Reuters story from Sunday by Daisuke Wakabayashi and Eric Auchard. These latest figures include two analysts who responded to the poll after the story ran.

(Photo: Reuters/Kimberly White)