Is Microsoft a good investment for 2024?
Don't Hesitate to Buy MSFT Stock
Microsoft is primed to deliver stronger growth going forward
Microsoft's revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2024 (which ended on Dec. 31) increased 15% year over year to $118.5 billion. Meanwhile, its adjusted earnings over that time jumped 30% to $5.92 per share.
Microsoft hasn't indicated any plans for a stock split, but given its robust growth, this may be the year it joins its tech peers in splitting its high-priced shares.
Microsoft has a conensus rating of Strong Buy which is based on 31 buy ratings, 1 hold ratings and 1 sell ratings. The average price target for Microsoft is $469.34. This is based on 33 Wall Streets Analysts 12-month price targets, issued in the past 3 months.
Microsoft Stock Price Forecast 2024-2025
The forecasted Microsoft price at the end of 2024 is $562 - and the year to year change +49%. The rise from today to year-end: +39%. In the middle of 2024, we expect to see $517.
According to Various Analysts, Microsoft Stock the Price Per Share at $420 by the End of 2024, $480 in 2025, $530 in 2026, $530 — $580 in 2027, $580 — $630 in 2028, $680 in 2029, $730 in 2030, $3,000 or Even $5,000 in 2035, $10,000 in 2040, $50,000 or Even $100,000 in 2050, $50k to $100k+ in 2060, According to ...
Microsoft Stock Forecast
The 40 analysts with 12-month price forecasts for Microsoft stock have an average target of 419.75, with a low estimate of 305 and a high estimate of 600. The average target predicts an increase of 1.22% from the current stock price of 414.69.
Given the multiple ways Microsoft can profit from the AI revolution and other catalysts that could fuel its growth, I'd argue it's not too late to buy Microsoft. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors.
For now at least, analysts are anticipating S&P 500 earnings growth will continue to accelerate in the first half of 2024. Analysts project S&P 500 earnings will grow 3.9% year-over-year in the first quarter and another 9% in the second quarter.
Microsoft stock has received a consensus rating of buy. The average rating score is Aaa and is based on 96 buy ratings, 1 hold ratings, and 2 sell ratings.
Is Microsoft projected to grow?
Microsoft is forecast to grow earnings and revenue by 12.4% and 12.4% per annum respectively. EPS is expected to grow by 12.6% per annum. Return on equity is forecast to be 28.5% in 3 years.
Microsoft stock has an IBD Composite Rating of 94 out of 99, according to IBD Stock Checkup. Further, it is on the IBD Tech Leaders stock list.
But Microsoft's many growth opportunities and strong finances mean it should generate steadily rising earnings, making it a good fit in most growth stock portfolios.
Microsoft currently has an average broker rating (ABR) of 1.14 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell). To that point, 33 out of the 37 brokers covering Microsoft's stock and providing data to Zacks have strong buy ratings with three having buy ratings and only one at a hold.
The company dominates the AI market, monetizes its products, and has strong growth in cloud-computing and video games. Even with the big rally in the share price over the past year, Microsoft is expected to continue running higher in 2024. For these reasons, MSFT stock is a buy.
Investors can expect more gains over the next three years
If Microsoft's revenue indeed jumps to $319 billion at the end of fiscal 2026 and it maintains its current price-to-sales ratio of 13.5 at that time, its market cap could jump to just over $4.3 trillion. That points toward a 43% jump within the next three years.
Overall, Microsoft stock looks like a hold at its current valuation. Sure, shares could pull back after such a big run-up, but the long-term thesis for holding the stock looks very strong.
Now, in 2023's second half, that resistance has greatly diminished. Besides, Microsoft will undoubtedly continue to make waves with its leading-edge, AI-friendly product lines. Therefore, MSFT stock is likely on a path to $400 or more, and it earns a confident “B” rating.
Though price targets range from $232-$450, given the macroeconomic conditions prevailing and the business-specific risks (competition, slowing segments), it may be too optimistic to expect a $500 stock price for MSFT, except over the long term. If you look at relative valuations, the answer wouldn't be any different.
Nobody knows whether Microsoft will go for a stock split at this point, and stock prices may change by a lot before then. You can make a fractional-share trade today at firmly established share prices. Microsoft could very well announce a stock split someday soon.
Is Apple a buy hold or sell?
Apple stock has received a consensus rating of buy. The average rating score is Aaa and is based on 69 buy ratings, 28 hold ratings, and 2 sell ratings.
Tesla's analyst rating consensus is a Hold. This is based on the ratings of 35 Wall Streets Analysts.
Amazon currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.11, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 46 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.11 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
MSFT boasts an average earnings surprise of 7.8%. Additionally, Microsoft's earnings are expected to grow 13.6% for the current fiscal year. Since stock prices respond to earnings estimate revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with an increased earnings outlook.
Apple Inc. has long been the most valuable U.S. company, but Microsoft Corp. seems poised to overtake it. A look back at the companies' financial performance and a look ahead at expected revenue and profits make the case that Apple is no longer a growth stock and that Microsoft is the better long-term investment.
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