In the last three months, 22 analysts have published ratings on Microsoft MSFT, offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 7 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $489.55, with a high estimate of $600.00 and a low estimate of $450.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 9.01% increase from the previous average price target of $449.07.
Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Microsoft. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Turrin | Wells Fargo | Raises | Overweight | $480.00 | $460.00 |
| Keith Bachman | BMO Capital | Raises | Outperform | $465.00 | $455.00 |
| Keith Weiss | Morgan Stanley | Raises | Overweight | $520.00 | $465.00 |
| Daniel Ives | Wedbush | Maintains | Outperform | $500.00 | - |
| Karl Keirstead | UBS | Maintains | Buy | $480.00 | $480.00 |
| Brent Thill | Jefferies | Raises | Buy | $550.00 | $465.00 |
| Daniel Ives | Wedbush | Raises | Outperform | $500.00 | $475.00 |
| Joel Fishbein | Truist Securities | Maintains | Buy | $600.00 | - |
| Jason Ader | Keybanc | Announces | Overweight | $490.00 | - |
| Gil Luria | DA Davidson | Maintains | Buy | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| Brent Thill | Jefferies | Maintains | Buy | $465.00 | $465.00 |
| Gil Luria | DA Davidson | Maintains | Buy | $500.00 | - |
| Daniel Ives | Wedbush | Raises | Outperform | $475.00 | $450.00 |
| Rishi Jaluria | RBC Capital | Raises | Outperform | $450.00 | $415.00 |
| Keith Bachman | BMO Capital | Raises | Outperform | $455.00 | $420.00 |
| Michael Turrin | Wells Fargo | Raises | Overweight | $460.00 | $435.00 |
| Andrew Marok | Raymond James | Raises | Outperform | $450.00 | $400.00 |
| Sarah Hindlian | Macquarie | Raises | Outperform | $450.00 | $430.00 |
| Raimo Lenschow | Barclays | Raises | Overweight | $475.00 | $421.00 |
| Daniel Ives | Wedbush | Maintains | Outperform | $450.00 | - |
| Brent Bracelin | Piper Sandler | Maintains | Overweight | $455.00 | - |
| Joel Fishbein | Truist Securities | Maintains | Buy | $600.00 | - |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Microsoft. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Microsoft compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Microsoft's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.
To gain a panoramic view of Microsoft's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Microsoft analyst ratings.
About Microsoft
Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).
Unraveling the Financial Story of Microsoft
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Microsoft's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2023, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 17.58%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 35.26%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Microsoft's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 9.53% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Microsoft's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 4.77%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.37.
Analyst Ratings: Simplified
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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