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Microsoft (MSFT) rose to an all-time high on June 26, following multiple analyst price target upgrades. Shares initially hit an all-time high of $494.56 on Wednesday, June 25, closing down slightly at $492.27. Shares then picked back up the rally on Thursday, hitting a new high of $496.96.
This has largely been the result of Microsoft’s potential in fruitfully monetizing its artificial intelligence (AI) offerings. The company stands on the brink of an adoption wave of Copilot and Azure monetization, which could propel the stock even higher than its historic highs.
While tech titans are not having an easy time on Wall Street due to fears of tariffs, Microsoft is soaring on the prospect of its lofty AI ambitions. So, should you buy Microsoft here?
About Microsoft Stock
Major tech supergiant Microsoft (MSFT) is globally known for its Windows operating system, Office software, and Azure cloud services. Beyond its core competencies, Microsoft has also taken significant strides in AI, cybersecurity, and other enterprise solutions. The company has a market cap of $3.66 trillion.
In particular, Microsoft has made significant investments in AI. Through products like Azure AI services, the company has established a significant presence in the fields of machine learning, data analysis, and automation. Microsoft has also started incorporating AI-based smart features in its 365 suite of products. Overall, the company is dedicated to making AI more accessible for everyone.
Based on the company’s AI prowess, Microsoft’s stock has been scaling to new highs recently. Over the past 52 weeks, Microsoft’s shares have gained 9.5%. More impressively, they are up nearly 27% in the last three months.
By its standards, Microsoft does not have a lofty valuation. Its price sits at 37.88 times trailing earnings, which, although overvalued compared to the industry average, does not seem to be overly stretched.
Microsoft’s Q3 Results Were Better Than Expected
On April 30, Microsoft reported its third quarter results for fiscal 2025 (the quarter that ended on March 31). The company’s quarterly revenue grew 13% from the prior year’s period to $70.1 billion. This was better than the $68.44 billion figure that analysts were expecting. At the center of this growth was Microsoft’s cloud segment. CEO Satya Nadella said that cloud and AI are “essential inputs” to expand “output, reduce costs, and accelerate growth” for businesses.
The company’s intelligent cloud segment’s revenue was $26.8 billion, representing a 21% year-over-year increase and surpassing the analyst estimate of $26.17 billion. This surge was driven by 33% revenue growth for Azure and other cloud services. Microsoft’s productivity and business processes segment reported revenue of $29.9 billion, up 10% year-over-year.
The top-line growth was also reflected in Microsoft’s bottom-line financials. The company’s adjusted net income climbed by 18% annually to $25.8 billion or $3.46 per share, which was higher than the Wall Street analyst estimate of $3.22 per share. Microsoft manages to post robust growth, even though big tech companies bore the brunt of the uncertainties surrounding tariffs. This is because the company continually adjusts its investments and implements efficiency improvements to meet the demand it faces from customers.
For the fourth quarter, Microsoft expects its productivity and business processes revenue to be in the range of $32.05 billion to $32.35 billion, implying 12% to 13% year-over-year growth. Its intelligent cloud revenue is anticipated to be in the range of $28.75 billion to $29.05 billion, reflecting 21% to 22% year-over-year growth.
This optimism is echoed by Wall Street analysts. They expect Microsoft’s EPS to climb by 13.6% year-over-year to $3.35 for Q4 FY2025. For FY2025, EPS is projected to surge 13.2% to $13.36, followed by a 12.1% growth to $14.97 in FY2026.
Analysts Are Exceptionally Bullish on Microsoft
Wall Street analysts anticipate significant growth prospects for this tech giant, particularly in monetizing its AI capabilities. As already stated, the company’s stock has reached new heights due to analysts’ bullishness.
Wedbush analysts, led by Dan Ives, raised the price target on the stock from $515 to $600, while maintaining an “Outperform” rating. The firm sees significant potential in the momentum surrounding Microsoft Copilot at present, as well as in Azure monetization. Ives believes this period could be Microsoft’s “shining moment.” The next fiscal year could be a “true inflection year” for it as AI functionality expands.
Citing the same reason and seeing the same hefty prospects in Microsoft’s AI operations, analysts at Wells Fargo also raised the price target from $565 to $585, while keeping an “Overweight” rating.
Microsoft is earning high praise on Wall Street, with analysts giving it a consensus “Strong Buy” rating overall. Of the 46 analysts rating the stock, a majority of 37 analysts have rated it a “Strong Buy,” five suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and four analysts are playing it safe with a “Hold” rating. The consensus price target of $518.98 represents 4.4% upside from current levels. However, the Street-high price target of $626 indicates 26% upside.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft might have a record-breaking year in fiscal 2026 if AI monetization gains momentum. This has the potential to propel the stock beyond the $600 mark. In line with its brand, the company continually introduces new products and services. Recently, it launched its Mu small language model, an AI tool designed to run on Neural Processing Units (NPUs) on Copilot+ PCs. With the strides in AI continuing, Microsoft may be a solid investment now.
On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
