Cardano Risk Management B.V. increases its investment in Microsoft Corporation $MSFT
Cardano Risk Management B.V. has recently increased its ownership stake in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) by 3.1% during the second quarter as reported in its latest filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm now holds 2,278,296 shares of the software giant’s stock, representing the second-largest holding in its portfolio. Microsoft makes up 14.5% of Cardano Risk Management B.V.’s total holdings, valued at $1,133,247,000 according to the latest SEC filing.
Various other hedge funds have also recently adjusted their positions in Microsoft. Brady Martz Wealth Solutions LLC raised its stake in Microsoft by 1.4% in the first quarter, owning 6,650 shares of the software giant’s stock. Real Talk Capital LLC saw a 1.6% increase in its holdings during the first quarter, now owning 2,290 shares. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG elevated its position by 3.8% in the second quarter to 922,524 shares. Modern Wealth Management LLC also increased its stake by 39.3% in the first quarter, now holding 144,852 shares. Well Done LLC saw an 8.9% boost in its Microsoft holdings in the second quarter, bringing its total to 9,911 shares. Institutional investors now collectively own 71.13% of the company’s stock.
Microsoft’s current trading prices show a decrease of 0.5%, with an opening price of $514.33. The tech giant’s 12-month low is $344.79, and its 12-month high is $555.45. Microsoft’s market capitalization is $3.82 trillion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.58, a PEG ratio of 2.36, and a beta of 1.03. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is 0.12, with a current ratio and quick ratio both at 1.35. Microsoft’s fifty-day moving average price is $514.32, while the 200-day moving average price is $490.44.
In the last quarterly earnings report, Microsoft beat expectations with earnings per share of $4.13, higher than the consensus estimate of $3.65 by $0.48. The company’s revenue for the quarter was $77.67 billion, surpassing analysts’ predictions of $75.49 billion. Microsoft demonstrated a return on equity of 33.47% and a net margin of 35.71%. The quarterly revenue increased by 18.4% compared to the same period the previous year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Microsoft will post 13.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
As part of its financial strategy, Microsoft announced a quarterly dividend set to be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 20th will receive a $0.91 dividend, showing a $3.64 annualized dividend and a 0.7% dividend yield. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 20th. This quarterly dividend represents an increase from Microsoft’s previous dividend of $0.83, with a current dividend payout ratio (DPR) of 25.89%. This dividend increase reflects the company’s commitment to returning value to its shareholders.
Analysts have been closely monitoring Microsoft’s performance, with many providing recommendations and target price adjustments. Westpark Capital maintained a “hold” rating on Microsoft’s shares, while Royal Bank of Canada set a $640.00 price objective for the company. Melius Research raised its price target to $625.00, and Scotiabank and Wells Fargo & Company also updated their price targets for Microsoft to $650.00 and $700.00, respectively. Analysts and market experts collectively hold a positive view on Microsoft, with a majority recommending a buy or strong buy rating.
In other developments, insider Bradford L. Smith sold 38,500 shares of Microsoft’s stock in a recent transaction, indicating continued activity within the company’s internal stakeholders. The sale was executed at an average price of $518.64 per share, contributing to ongoing movements within Microsoft’s ownership structure. This transaction underscores ongoing interest and activity in Microsoft’s stock among financial institutions and insiders, reflecting confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential.
