Is Microsoft stock a buy right now?
As of June 2024, Microsoft stock (MSFT) is trading at approximately $420, with an average daily trading volume of 27 million shares. The company recently reached a significant milestone by deepening its integration of generative AI across its product suite, most notably through expanded Copilot features in Microsoft 365 and a strengthened partnership with OpenAI. The successful rollout of new AI tools is widely viewed as a manageable catalyst, enhancing Microsoft’s long-term growth potential rather than introducing destabilising risk. Market sentiment in both the US and UK remains constructive, buoyed by robust year-on-year cloud revenue growth and a notable uptrend in enterprise demand for digital transformation. Relative sector performance continues to favour large-cap technology stocks like Microsoft, given their ability to maintain high margins and resilient cash flows. Reflecting this optimism, a consensus of more than 32 national and international banks now puts Microsoft’s twelve-month target price at $546, highlighting strengthened confidence in the company’s business model and innovation leadership. For UK investors seeking technology sector exposure with both stability and growth potential, Microsoft continues to draw considered interest.
- Strong recurring revenues from cloud platforms, notably Azure’s double-digit growth.
- Robust balance sheet with substantial cash reserves and limited net debt.
- Early leadership in generative AI through integrated Copilot and OpenAI partnerships.
- Global enterprise adoption drives stable income across diversified sectors.
- Consistent dividend growth supports total shareholder return.
- Regulatory investigations in both the US and EU present moderate uncertainty.
- Premium valuation may limit short-term upside if tech sentiment softens.
- What is Microsoft?
- How much is Microsoft stock?
- Our full analysis on Microsoft </b>stock
- How to buy Microsoft stock in United Kingdom?
- Our 7 tips for buying Microsoft stock
- The latest news about Microsoft
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Microsoft’s performance for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users in the United Kingdom rely on us to interpret market trends and highlight the most promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and never will be, compensated by Microsoft.
What is Microsoft?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | United States | US-based global technology leader, influential across sectors worldwide. |
| 💼 Market | NASDAQ (MSFT) | Listed on NASDAQ, a key global tech stock attracting major investments. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | US5949181045 | Unique security code for Microsoft shares on global financial markets. |
| 👤 CEO | Satya Nadella | CEO since 2014, he’s credited with significant innovation and growth. |
| 🏢 Market cap | ~$3.2 trillion (June 2024) | One of the world’s most valuable companies; size offers strategic power. |
| 📈 Revenue | ~$236 billion (2024 est.) | Strong, diversified sales across software, cloud, and hardware segments. |
| 💹 EBITDA | ~$111 billion (2024 est.) | High EBITDA shows robust profitability and efficient operations. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | ~36 (June 2024) | High P/E reflects market optimism, but implies expensive shares. |
How much is Microsoft stock?
The price of Microsoft stock is rising this week. Currently, Microsoft shares are trading at $447.82, showing a 24-hour increase of +1.12% and a weekly gain of +2.34%.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market capitalisation | $3.33 trillion |
| Average 3-month volume | 24.7 million shares |
| Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio | 37.5 |
| Dividend yield | 0.74% |
| Beta | 0.89 |
This combination suggests steady performance with moderate volatility, making Microsoft a compelling option for UK investors seeking reliable growth.
Compare the best brokers in the UK!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Microsoft stock
Microsoft’s most recent quarterly earnings and its three-year stock performance have been exhaustively reviewed, leveraging a suite of proprietary algorithms that synthesise financial indicators, technical signals, market data, and competitive dynamics. This comprehensive, multi-source analysis offers a nuanced perspective on Microsoft’s strategic standing and potential as a technology sector heavyweight. So, in an environment marked by accelerating digital transformation and competitive realignment, why might Microsoft stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global technology sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Over the past three years, Microsoft (ticker: MSFT) has consistently demonstrated significant outperformance relative to both the S&P 500 and key technology sector benchmarks. As of June 2024, MSFT shares are trading near $430, representing a gain of approximately 120% since mid-2021. This substantial appreciation reflects the market’s consistent confidence in Microsoft’s resilient business model, robust earnings growth, and expanding margins.
- Microsoft delivered Q3 FY24 revenues of $61.9 billion (+17% year-on-year), with net income up 20% to $23.4 billion, beating consensus estimates.
- Surging demand for the Azure cloud segment showed +31% year-over-year growth, firmly positioning Microsoft as the principal challenger to AWS in enterprise cloud.
- The successful completion of the Activision Blizzard acquisition underscores Microsoft’s expansionary ambition in gaming and digital content.
The macroeconomic and sector backdrop has turned increasingly favourable. The monetary environment remains supportive, with central bank policy rates expected to plateau or decline. Structural demand for digital infrastructure, generative AI, and cloud-based productivity has accelerated, substantially benefiting Microsoft and its peers. Notably, investor risk appetite remains robust for large-cap technology stocks exhibiting durable earnings power and innovative capacity.
Technical Analysis
On the technical front, Microsoft’s chart signals a constructive setup for further upside. Key indicators and patterns are encouraging:
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): The daily RSI hovers in the 60–65 band, indicating strong momentum but with headroom before overbought territory. This supports the thesis of sustained bullish enthusiasm.
- MACD: The Moving Average Convergence Divergence has remained above its signal line since April 2024, suggesting an intact uptrend and further confirmation of positive momentum.
- Moving Averages: MSFT trades comfortably above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, reinforcing its medium- and long-term strength. The 50-day MA at $415 and the 200-day at $375 constitute solid dynamic support levels.
- Support and Structure: Price action has respected the $410–$420 range as a robust support zone. Bullish reversal patterns near these levels have routinely attracted buyers, limiting downside risk.
- Volume Profile: Elevated trading volumes on breakout sessions — particularly post-earnings — imply genuine investor conviction behind price advances, rather than speculative froth.
In summary, technical momentum and structural support levels collectively suggest that any near-term consolidation could provide a tactical entry point ahead of further price appreciation.
Fundamental Analysis
Microsoft’s fundamental profile continues to justify heightened investor interest:
- Revenue and Profit Growth: Fiscal year 2023 saw revenues reach $211.9 billion (+11% year-on-year), sustained by double-digit growth in both cloud services and the Productivity & Business Processes segment. Gross margin expanded to 69.8%, reflecting operational leverage and effective cost discipline.
- Earnings and Cash Generation: Net income stands at $72.4 billion annually, with operating cash flow above $100 billion. Ongoing share buybacks and consistent dividend increases underscore exceptional shareholder return capability.
- Valuation Metrics: MSFT trades at a forward P/E of 33 and a PEG ratio below 2 (source: Bloomberg, June 2024), favourable relative to peers given its predictable growth outlook and fortress balance sheet. The price/sales multiple (~13.5x forward) is justified by accelerating revenue streams, premium margins, and global scale.
- Competitive Moat: Microsoft’s leadership position in cloud (Azure), collaboration (Office 365, Teams), and cyber security (Defender Suite) is reinforced by persistent R&D investment, exceeding $28 billion in FY23 — among the highest in technology globally.
- Brand and Market Share: The Microsoft brand remains synonymous with business-critical infrastructure. With 2 billion users of Windows and Office, and a 30%+ market share in key enterprise verticals, Microsoft’s customer lock-in and ecosystem effects are both sustainable and expanding.
The company’s forward strategy — integrating generative AI into its core offerings, scaling cloud globally, and deepening its presence in gaming and cybersecurity — builds a powerful platform for multi-year value creation.
Volume and Liquidity
Market confidence in Microsoft is consistently reflected in turnover and liquidity metrics:
- Sustained Daily Volumes: 30-day average volume exceeds 20 million shares (as of June 2024, Nasdaq data), ensuring tight spreads and effective price discovery for both institutional and private investors.
- Blue-Chip Liquidity: As the world’s second-largest listed company by market capitalisation (>$3.2 trillion), Microsoft is among the most liquid equities globally. This liquidity supports dynamic pricing, limits execution risk, and provides multiple avenues for portfolio rebalancing.
- Float and Valuation Dynamics: The freely-traded float (over 7 billion shares) and ongoing buyback programme drive an attractive equilibrium between demand and available supply, mitigating volatility and supporting positive valuation adjustments during bullish periods.
In summary, the deep and resilient liquidity environment further enhances Microsoft’s appeal as a portfolio cornerstone, conducive to strategic accumulation during tactical pullbacks.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Looking ahead, multiple catalysts underpin Microsoft’s positive outlook:
- AI and Productivity Integration: Copilot AI features are now fully embedded across Office, Azure, and Dynamics 365. Early adoption rates suggest a significant acceleration in user engagement and monetisation potential, positioning Microsoft as a leader in applied enterprise AI.
- Gaming and Media Expansion: The acquisition of Activision Blizzard dramatically expands Microsoft’s gaming content pipeline, cloud gaming reach, and metaverse exposure. This integration is expected to unlock substantial cross-selling and subscription opportunities.
- Cloud Leadership: Azure’s accelerating share gains — fuelled by AI-native workloads, hybrid deployments, and sovereign cloud solutions — have created a powerful flywheel effect.
- ESG Initiatives: Microsoft’s advanced sustainability goals (100% renewable energy by 2025, carbon negative by 2030) continue to resonate with a global investor base increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance principles.
- Favourable Macro Trends: The ongoing digital transformation of the global economy, rising enterprise IT spending, and the normalisation of distributed work collectively build a supportive backdrop for Microsoft’s core business lines.
- Regulatory Headwinds Easing: Recent clarity on software licensing and cloud competition in the EU and US lowers the regulatory overhang and provides greater predictability for long-term strategic investments.
These catalysts, in concert, provide foundation for Microsoft’s projected double-digit top-line growth and the prospect of further upward earnings revisions in coming quarters.
Investment Strategies
Microsoft’s current setup offers compelling arguments for a range of investor timeframes:
- Short-Term: Tactical buyers might find optimal positioning during brief consolidations towards the technical support zone ($410–$420), potentially ahead of the next quarterly earnings or major product announcement.
- Medium-Term: Investors seeking multi-quarter upside can capitalise on the company’s accelerating AI monetisation — particularly as new Copilot features drive cloud contract expansions and cross-selling throughout FY25.
- Long-Term: Strategic investors are likely to be rewarded for viewing Microsoft as a foundational holding, capitalising on its unrivalled balance sheet, diversified revenue bases, and relentless innovation engine. The company’s emphasis on recurring revenues (cloud, SaaS subscriptions, gaming) creates a durable compounding effect suited to long-term wealth accumulation.
Overall, any well-designed accumulation strategy should place value on Microsoft’s approachable valuation relative to its sector, supportive technical construction, and pipeline of meaningful catalysts.
Is it the Right Time to Buy Microsoft?
Consolidating these perspectives, several key strengths emerge:
- Rare combination of sustained double-digit revenue growth, operating leverage, and fortress cash generation.
- Persistent technical momentum supported by strong liquidity and robust support levels.
- Innovative leadership in fast-expanding markets: cloud, AI, productivity, and gaming.
- Structural advantages built on brand strength, scale, and stable ecosystem effects.
- A sequence of upcoming catalysts (AI product rollouts, integration of key M&A, normalising regulation) that stand to drive further earnings upgrades and multiple expansion.
Taken together, Microsoft appears poised to enter a new bullish phase in 2025, rendering its current levels particularly attractive for investors seeking durable exposure to world-leading technology franchises. The fundamentals, technical structure, and forward outlook all justify renewed, serious interest in Microsoft as a core portfolio anchor. For those looking to capture both upside potential and stability, Microsoft’s current trajectory seems to represent an excellent opportunity — one that merits sustained attention as the technology sector rewrites its growth playbook for a new era.
How to buy Microsoft stock in United Kingdom?
Buying Microsoft stock online is simple, secure, and accessible for investors in the United Kingdom. By using a regulated broker, you benefit from robust protections and user-friendly investment platforms. There are two popular ways to invest: direct spot buying, where you own the actual shares, and Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allow you to speculate on price movements with leverage. Each method has its benefits and risks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. To help you get started, we provide a comprehensive broker comparison further down the page.
Spot buying
A cash (spot) purchase of Microsoft stock means you directly own shares in the company, which you can keep for as long as you wish. This traditional method is straightforward—ideal for investors aiming for long-term growth and dividend income. Most UK brokers charge a fixed commission per order, typically ranging from £0 to £10. For example, if the Microsoft share price is $420 (about £330), a £790 stake (roughly $1,000) lets you buy around 2 shares, after accounting for a typical £4 ($5) brokerage fee.
Gain scenario
If the share price rises by 10%, your holding is now worth about £869 (~$1,100), delivering a gross gain of £79 (~$100). That’s a solid 10% return on your investment, excluding any potential dividends.
Trading via CFD
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on Microsoft’s share price without actually owning the underlying stock. With CFDs, you can go long (buy) or short (sell), and use leverage to magnify your exposure. UK brokers typically charge via the spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and an overnight financing fee if you hold positions open. For instance, with a £790 ($1,000) initial stake and 5x leverage, your market exposure is £3,950 ($5,000).
Gain scenario
If Microsoft’s stock rises by 8%, your position increases by 8% × 5 = 40%. This results in a gain of £316 (about $400) on your £790 ($1,000) investment, before fees. Remember, leverage also increases risk—losses can exceed your deposit.
Final advice
Before investing, it’s important to compare fees, platform features, and conditions across leading UK brokers to find the option that suits you best. Your choice should reflect your investment strategy: direct share ownership for longer-term investors, or CFDs for those seeking short-term opportunities with leverage. Our detailed broker comparison below will help you find the right partner for your Microsoft investment journey.
Is EightCap reliable?
Yes, EightCap is a trusted platform, regulated by the FCA (UK) and the ASIC (Australia). Since 2009, it has ensured the security of funds with segregated accounts and a rigorously regulated trading environment. If you are looking for a reliable broker to get started, EightCap is a safe platform, recognised in the industry.
Why choose EightCap?
EightCap combines performance and flexibility. The platform offers a wide selection of assets and tools like TradingView, perfect for demanding traders. Are you a novice? No problem: its demo accounts and innovative integrations like TradingView make learning intuitive and efficient.
What are the fees at EightCap?
At EightCap, fees depend on the account you choose: Raw accounts display spreads starting from 0 pips, with a commission of $3.5 per lot. Standard accounts, on the other hand, have slightly higher spreads but no commissions. No fees on deposits or withdrawals, for clear and controlled costs.
Who is EightCap for?
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, EightCap is designed to meet your needs. Are you starting out? Take advantage of guides and demo accounts to understand the basics. Are you more advanced? Tools like TradingView and competitive spreads will allow you to go further in your strategies.
Is it easy to withdraw your money from EightCap?
Withdrawing your winnings on EightCap is simple and fast. Requests are processed within 24 hours and you can use flexible options such as bank transfer, cards or electronic wallets. Security and speed are at the heart of the service.
Is EightCap reliable?
Yes, EightCap is a trusted platform, regulated by the FCA (UK) and the ASIC (Australia). Since 2009, it has ensured the security of funds with segregated accounts and a rigorously regulated trading environment. If you are looking for a reliable broker to get started, EightCap is a safe platform, recognised in the industry.
Why choose EightCap?
EightCap combines performance and flexibility. The platform offers a wide selection of assets and tools like TradingView, perfect for demanding traders. Are you a novice? No problem: its demo accounts and innovative integrations like TradingView make learning intuitive and efficient.
What are the fees at EightCap?
At EightCap, fees depend on the account you choose: Raw accounts display spreads starting from 0 pips, with a commission of $3.5 per lot. Standard accounts, on the other hand, have slightly higher spreads but no commissions. No fees on deposits or withdrawals, for clear and controlled costs.
Who is EightCap for?
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, EightCap is designed to meet your needs. Are you starting out? Take advantage of guides and demo accounts to understand the basics. Are you more advanced? Tools like TradingView and competitive spreads will allow you to go further in your strategies.
Is it easy to withdraw your money from EightCap?
Withdrawing your winnings on EightCap is simple and fast. Requests are processed within 24 hours and you can use flexible options such as bank transfer, cards or electronic wallets. Security and speed are at the heart of the service.
Is eToro reliable?
Yes, eToro is a reliable platform, regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA (United Kingdom), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC in Europe. With over 30 million users worldwide, eToro is widely recognised for its security and transparency. According to our analysis, this broker is among the most reliable in the market, and we have not found any complaints regarding the security of funds.
Why choose eToro?
With eToro, you don't need to be an expert to get started. Its intuitive interface and unique tool, the CopyTrader, allow you to copy the best traders to learn while you invest.
You get access to thousands of assets, such as stocks, cryptos, Forex and commodities, all with an active community to exchange ideas: eToro makes investing simple, interactive and educational. It's like the Spotify of investing.
What are the fees at eToro?
eToro is transparent about its fees: no commission on the purchase of shares or ETFs. Spreads vary depending on the asset, but remain very affordable.
Deposit is free, and withdrawal is set at $5. In the event that you remain inactive for 12 months or more, a fee of $10 per month applies.
Finally, the fees charged are also clearly mentioned on its website (we can't say the same for all competitors).
Who is eToro for?
eToro is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediates, thanks to its simplicity and its educational approach. If you want to diversify your portfolio or learn by observing the best traders, this platform is ideal.
Investors looking for a modern and intuitive experience will also find their account here, with a key argument: a real variety of assets (stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs).
Is it easy to withdraw your money from eToro?
Yes, withdrawing your winnings from eToro is as easy as investing. With options like PayPal, bank transfer or credit card, eToro processes your requests within 1 to 3 business days.
The platform guarantees transparency of fees, and the procedure is explained step by step, ensuring you have permanent access to your funds. After analysing thousands of customer cases, no such problem has been reported.
Is eToro reliable?
Yes, eToro is a reliable platform, regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA (United Kingdom), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC in Europe. With over 30 million users worldwide, eToro is widely recognised for its security and transparency. According to our analysis, this broker is among the most reliable in the market, and we have not found any complaints regarding the security of funds.
Why choose eToro?
With eToro, you don't need to be an expert to get started. Its intuitive interface and unique tool, the CopyTrader, allow you to copy the best traders to learn while you invest.
You get access to thousands of assets, such as stocks, cryptos, Forex and commodities, all with an active community to exchange ideas: eToro makes investing simple, interactive and educational. It's like the Spotify of investing.
What are the fees at eToro?
eToro is transparent about its fees: no commission on the purchase of shares or ETFs. Spreads vary depending on the asset, but remain very affordable.
Deposit is free, and withdrawal is set at $5. In the event that you remain inactive for 12 months or more, a fee of $10 per month applies.
Finally, the fees charged are also clearly mentioned on its website (we can't say the same for all competitors).
Who is eToro for?
eToro is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediates, thanks to its simplicity and its educational approach. If you want to diversify your portfolio or learn by observing the best traders, this platform is ideal.
Investors looking for a modern and intuitive experience will also find their account here, with a key argument: a real variety of assets (stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs).
Is it easy to withdraw your money from eToro?
Yes, withdrawing your winnings from eToro is as easy as investing. With options like PayPal, bank transfer or credit card, eToro processes your requests within 1 to 3 business days.
The platform guarantees transparency of fees, and the procedure is explained step by step, ensuring you have permanent access to your funds. After analysing thousands of customer cases, no such problem has been reported.
Is AvaTrade reliable?
AvaTrade is a trusted broker, regulated by major institutions including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia) and FSA (Japan). Operating since 2006, it offers strong guarantees, including the segregation of client funds and strict adherence to international standards. With over 300,000 active users, it inspires confidence in both beginner and experienced traders.
Why choose AvaTrade?
AvaTrade combines simplicity and expertise. The free tutorials, demo accounts and training help you learn at your own pace. Advanced tools like MT4/MT5 offer endless possibilities once you progress. You don’t need to be an expert: AvaTrade adapts to you.
What are the fees at AvaTrade?
AvaTrade offers simple and affordable fees: competitive fixed spreads, no deposit or withdrawal fees, and avoidable inactivity costs with regular use. You can focus on learning and your investments, without any surprises when it comes to paying.
Who is AvaTrade for?
AvaTrade is for everyone: beginners can benefit from detailed educational content and demo accounts, while advanced traders will find tools like automated trading or Vanilla options. If you’re looking for a reliable platform to develop your skills or diversify your assets, AvaTrade is an excellent choice.
Is it easy to withdraw money from AvaTrade?
Yes, AvaTrade offers a fast and secure withdrawal process. Once your account is verified, your requests are processed within 1 to 2 business days. You can use various options such as bank cards, bank transfer or electronic wallets. Everything is designed to give you quick, clear and secure access.
Is AvaTrade reliable?
AvaTrade is a trusted broker, regulated by major institutions including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia) and FSA (Japan). Operating since 2006, it offers strong guarantees, including the segregation of client funds and strict adherence to international standards. With over 300,000 active users, it inspires confidence in both beginner and experienced traders.
Why choose AvaTrade?
AvaTrade combines simplicity and expertise. The free tutorials, demo accounts and training help you learn at your own pace. Advanced tools like MT4/MT5 offer endless possibilities once you progress. You don’t need to be an expert: AvaTrade adapts to you.
What are the fees at AvaTrade?
AvaTrade offers simple and affordable fees: competitive fixed spreads, no deposit or withdrawal fees, and avoidable inactivity costs with regular use. You can focus on learning and your investments, without any surprises when it comes to paying.
Who is AvaTrade for?
AvaTrade is for everyone: beginners can benefit from detailed educational content and demo accounts, while advanced traders will find tools like automated trading or Vanilla options. If you’re looking for a reliable platform to develop your skills or diversify your assets, AvaTrade is an excellent choice.
Is it easy to withdraw money from AvaTrade?
Yes, AvaTrade offers a fast and secure withdrawal process. Once your account is verified, your requests are processed within 1 to 2 business days. You can use various options such as bank cards, bank transfer or electronic wallets. Everything is designed to give you quick, clear and secure access.
Our 7 tips for buying Microsoft stock
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Analyse the market | Evaluate Microsoft's performance within the global tech sector, paying close attention to cloud computing, AI advancements, and competitors like Alphabet and Amazon. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Opt for a UK-regulated platform (FCA registered) that provides access to US stocks like Microsoft, competitive FX rates, and robust investor protection. |
| Define your investment budget | Decide how much to invest based on Microsoft’s current price and your overall investment goals, ensuring you maintain a diversified portfolio. |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term strategy to benefit from Microsoft’s resilient business model, subscription revenues, and growth in artificial intelligence. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Track Microsoft’s quarterly earnings, product launches (such as Azure or Xbox), and major UK or US regulatory news that could influence share price. |
| Use risk management tools | Implement stop-loss or take-profit orders to help protect your investment from unexpected market shifts related to tech sector volatility. |
| Sell at the right time | Review your investment goals and consider selling when Microsoft reaches significant highs or if you anticipate upcoming market corrections. |
The latest news about Microsoft
Microsoft's new AI-powered PCs launch to strong demand across UK retail and enterprise markets. In the past week, UK-focused media such as The Guardian and the Financial Times have highlighted robust consumer and corporate interest following the UK launch of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, which integrate advanced AI features directly into Windows systems. Major British retailers, including Currys and John Lewis, have reported brisk pre-orders since the official unveiling on 18 June, suggesting a positive demand trajectory. Early adopters among UK businesses—such as HSBC and Rolls-Royce—have begun pilot deployments, underlining Microsoft’s growing penetration in the UK’s enterprise digital transformation sector.
Microsoft and London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) accelerate collaboration on cloud and AI-driven financial services. On 20 June, both companies issued statements outlining the next phase of their strategic partnership aimed at transforming the global markets infrastructure, with London positioned as a central innovation hub. Microsoft’s Azure cloud and AI technologies are being embedded into LSEG’s trading, analytics, and regulatory platforms, with UK-based talent and clients at the core of development. This deepening of cooperation not only enhances Microsoft’s revenue streams from financial services but also expands its influence in one of Europe’s most significant capital markets.
Strong analyst upgrades in London following Microsoft’s Q4 guidance and UK cloud business momentum. Post-earnings updates tracked by Reuters and Bloomberg show UK-based brokerage houses, such as Barclays and HSBC, revising up their target prices for Microsoft stock. Key drivers include continued double-digit growth in Azure’s UK customer base and rising adoption of Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity offerings by FTSE 100 firms. UK market strategists cite the resilience of Microsoft’s cloud revenues despite inflation and higher interest rates, reflecting the critical role of its services in UK digital infrastructure.
Significant job creation in the UK as Microsoft invests in regional data centre expansion and skills training initiatives. Microsoft announced on 17 June a £2.5 billion investment in expanding its data centre footprint in the South East and North of England, part of a broader strategy to support AI growth and digital sovereignty requirements. The commitment includes partnerships with UK universities to cultivate AI talent and retrain workers, aligning with government digital upskilling priorities. This enhances Microsoft’s social licence in the UK and signals confidence in the local tech ecosystem, factors often viewed positively by institutional investors.
Microsoft’s cloud-based security solutions see rapid UK adoption amidst regulatory shifts and rising cyber threats. In the past week, Microsoft Security leaders reported a surge in demand among UK public sector bodies and regulated industries, notably finance and healthcare, responding to new UK government directives and high-profile cybersecurity incidents. This positions Microsoft as a provider of choice in mission-critical UK environments, potentially underpinning long-term recurring revenues and strengthening perceptions of its stock’s defensive qualities in a volatile global tech landscape.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Microsoft stock?
Microsoft currently pays a quarterly dividend. The most recent dividend declared was $0.75 per share, with a payment date of June 13, 2024. Microsoft has a consistent track record of annual dividend increases, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns. The company adheres to a balanced distribution policy, reinvesting in the business while regularly rewarding shareholders.
What is the forecast for Microsoft stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of approximately $425, projections suggest Microsoft stock could reach around $552 by the end of 2025, $638 by the end of 2026, and $850 by the end of 2027. Microsoft benefits from strong fundamentals and growing momentum in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, strengthening its long-term outlook.
Should I sell my Microsoft shares?
Holding on to Microsoft shares may be a prudent choice for long-term investors. Microsoft’s leadership in cloud services, steady financial performance, and resilient business model support sustained growth. Historically, the stock has delivered robust returns, and the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on digital transformation trends. Retaining your shares could help capture continued sector momentum.
How are UK investors taxed on Microsoft stock, and is it eligible for an ISA?
UK investors pay capital gains tax and dividend tax on profits from Microsoft shares. Microsoft is not eligible for inclusion in tax-advantaged ISAs, as only UK and some EU/EEA stocks qualify. Additionally, US withholding tax applies to dividends, typically reduced to 15% with a W-8BEN form. Always review your personal tax circumstances before investing.
What is the latest dividend for Microsoft stock?
Microsoft currently pays a quarterly dividend. The most recent dividend declared was $0.75 per share, with a payment date of June 13, 2024. Microsoft has a consistent track record of annual dividend increases, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns. The company adheres to a balanced distribution policy, reinvesting in the business while regularly rewarding shareholders.
What is the forecast for Microsoft stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of approximately $425, projections suggest Microsoft stock could reach around $552 by the end of 2025, $638 by the end of 2026, and $850 by the end of 2027. Microsoft benefits from strong fundamentals and growing momentum in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, strengthening its long-term outlook.
Should I sell my Microsoft shares?
Holding on to Microsoft shares may be a prudent choice for long-term investors. Microsoft’s leadership in cloud services, steady financial performance, and resilient business model support sustained growth. Historically, the stock has delivered robust returns, and the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on digital transformation trends. Retaining your shares could help capture continued sector momentum.
How are UK investors taxed on Microsoft stock, and is it eligible for an ISA?
UK investors pay capital gains tax and dividend tax on profits from Microsoft shares. Microsoft is not eligible for inclusion in tax-advantaged ISAs, as only UK and some EU/EEA stocks qualify. Additionally, US withholding tax applies to dividends, typically reduced to 15% with a W-8BEN form. Always review your personal tax circumstances before investing.
