Analysis of Perigon Wealth Management LLC's Stake Increase in Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Key Facts and Data Points

• Perigon Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Microsoft by 6.8% in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 11,566 shares.
• Total holdings in Microsoft now stand at 180,500 shares, valued at $76,636,000.
• Microsoft represents 1.9% of Perigon Wealth Management LLC’s portfolio, making it the 6th largest position.

Competitive Dynamics and Institutional Activity

• Geode Capital Management LLC: Increased holdings by 2.0%, now owning 165,024,812 shares worth $70,790,682,000.
• UBS AM (a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC): Boosted stake by 4.1%, now holding 54,590,791 shares valued at $23,490,417,000.
• Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc.: Grew its stake by 1.4%, now owning 47,229,125 shares worth $20,322,513,000.
• International Assets Investment Management LLC: Increased holdings by an astonishing 48,526.1%, acquiring 38,422,466 additional shares to hold 38,501,645 shares worth $16,567,258,000.
• Franklin Resources Inc.: Boosted holdings by 1.1%, now owning 38,420,657 shares valued at $16,104,959,000.

Analyst Sentiment and Price Targets

• Analyst Consensus: Microsoft has a "Moderate Buy" rating with a consensus price target of $510.43.
• Recent Adjustments:
  • UBS Group decreased target from $525 to $510.
  • Loop Capital increased target from $500 to $550.
  • Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed "outperform" with a $500 target.
  • Stifel Nicolaus reduced target from $515 to $475.
  • DA Davidson upgraded rating from "neutral" to "buy" and increased target to $450.

Microsoft Stock Performance

• Opening Price: $387.82 on Thursday.
• Moving Averages:
  • 50-day: $410.13
  • 200-day: $420.08
• Financial Metrics:
  • Market Cap: $2.88 trillion
  • PE Ratio: 31.23
  • PEG Ratio: 2.21
  • Beta: 0.92
  • Quick Ratio: 1.34
  • Current Ratio: 1.35
  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 0.13

Dividend Information

• Microsoft announced a quarterly dividend of $0.83, to be paid on June 12, 2024.
• Dividend Yield: 0.86% (annualized).
• Dividend Payout Ratio: 26.73%.

Earnings and Market Position

• Microsoft reported $3.23 EPS for the latest quarter, exceeding analyst estimates of $3.15.
• Analysts forecast 13.08 EPS for the current year.
• The company has a strong market position in software, services, devices, and solutions globally.

Strategic Considerations

• Microsoft’s stock performance and dividend yield suggest it remains a attractive investment despite analyst target adjustments.
• Institutional investors’ increased holdings indicate confidence in Microsoft’s long-term growth potential.
• The competitive landscape in the tech sector may influence further strategic moves by Microsoft and its investors.