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Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Holdings Trimmed by Piscataqua Savings Bank

Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Holdings Trimmed by Piscataqua Savings Bank

  • 18.03.2025 09:52
  • etfdailynews.com
  • Keywords: High Risk

Piscataqua Savings Bank reduced its Microsoft holdings by 1.8%, selling 417 shares in Q4, yet Microsoft remains a major investment, valued at $9.5 million and accounting for 8.2% of the bank's portfolio. Other funds have increased their stakes, reflecting ongoing confidence in the tech giant.

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Microsoft Co.

Microsoft Co.

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Analyst rating: Strong buy

Piscataqua Savings Bank reduced their holdings in Microsoft by 1.8%, selling 417 shares and now owning 22,630 shares worth $9,539,000.

Context

Analysis of Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Holdings and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Piscataqua Savings Bank's holdings in Microsoft:

    • Trimmed position by 1.8% in Q4.
    • Sold 417 shares, ending with 22,630 shares.
    • Total value of holdings: $9,539,000.
    • Represents 8.2% of the bank's portfolio, making it the 2nd largest holding.

  • Other institutional changes:

    • Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc: Increased stake by 35.7%, now owns 95 shares ($39,000).
    • IFS Advisors LLC: Increased stake by 53.8%, now owns 100 shares ($42,000).
    • Avondale Wealth Management: Increased stake by 144.4%, now owns 110 shares ($46,000).
    • MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc: New position worth $62,000 in Q3.
    • Kieckhefer Group LLC: New position worth $141,000 in Q4.

  • Institutional ownership:

    • Total institutional ownership: 71.13% of Microsoft's stock.

Trading and Market Performance

  • Microsoft stock trading:

    • Opened at $388.70 on Tuesday.
    • 52-week price range: $376.91 (low) to $468.35 (high).
    • 50-day moving average: $411.64.
    • 200-day moving average: $420.49.

  • Financial metrics:

    • Quick ratio: 1.34.
    • Current ratio: 1.35.
    • Debt-to-equity ratio: 0.13.
    • Market cap: $2.89 trillion.
    • PE ratio: 31.30.
    • PEG ratio: 2.21.
    • Beta: 0.92.

Dividend Announcement

  • Quarterly dividend:
    • Amount: $0.83 per share (upcoming payment on June 12, 2024).
    • Annualized yield: 0.85%.
    • Payout ratio: 26.73%.

Analyst Ratings and Price Targets

  • Analyst sentiment:

    • Cantor Fitzgerald: Reiterated "overweight" with a target of $509.00.
    • Wedbush: Reiterated "outperform" with a target of $550.00.
    • Guggenheim: Reaffirmed "neutral".
    • Mizuho: Downgraded target from $510.00 to $500.00, maintained "outperform".
    • [Broker]: Downgraded from "buy" to "hold".

  • Average rating: "Moderate Buy" with a consensus price target of $510.43.

Company Profile and Strategic Considerations

  • Microsoft's business focus:
    • Develops software, services, devices, and solutions globally.
    • Key segments: Productivity tools (e.g., Office Suite, Microsoft Teams), cloud services (Azure), and AI-driven products like Microsoft Viva and Copilot.

Market Implications and Competitive Dynamics

  • Investor sentiment: Mixed signals from institutional investors indicate cautious optimism. While some are trimming positions, others are increasing stakes or entering new positions.
  • Market leadership: Microsoft's strong market cap ($2.89T) and consistent dividend growth suggest investor confidence in its long-term stability.
  • Competitive landscape: The company's focus on AI and cloud computing positions it as a key player in the tech industry, with potential for sustained growth in these high-growth areas.
  • Regulatory environment: No immediate regulatory concerns noted, but ongoing scrutiny of large tech companies remains a risk.

Long-Term Effects

  • Strategic investments: Microsoft's focus on AI and cloud solutions is likely to drive long-term revenue growth and maintain its competitive edge.
  • Dividend strategy: The increased dividend indicates a commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining strong cash reserves for future investments.

Conclusion

Microsoft continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic growth, supported by strong institutional ownership and positive analyst sentiment. While market volatility may impact short-term performance, the company's focus on innovation and shareholder returns positions it well for long-term success in the tech industry.