Microsoft Leads the Way in Wealth Management as Shareholders and Insiders Act
Date: July 5, 2023
Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ: MSFT) continues to strengthen its position as a market leader, attracting attention from investors and insiders alike. Amidst recent disclosures with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC witnessed a 1.9% increase in its stake in Microsoft during the first quarter of this year. Additionally, executive vice presidents Judson Althoff and Christopher C. Capossela disclosed significant stock sales, shedding light on the company’s current financial landscape. As Microsoft’s shares continue to rise, it solidifies its status as a high-value asset for both institutional investors and corporate officers.
Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC’s Stake in Microsoft:
Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC augmented its investment portfolio by acquiring an additional 355 shares of Microsoft Co., resulting in a 1.9% increase during the first quarter of this year (SEC filing). These additional shares brought their total holdings to 18,830, with Microsoft accounting for approximately 1.5% of their overall investment strategy. Impressively, these holdings amounted to roughly $5,429,000 at the time of disclosure.
Executive Vice Presidents Make Noteworthy Sales:
One key development within Microsoft Co.’s financial sphere is the recent transaction involving Executive Vice President Judson Althoff. On May 1st, Althoff sold an impressive 30,000 shares of Microsoft stock at an average price of $306.09 per share—a total value exceeding $9 million (SEC filing). Following this sale, Althoff still maintains a substantial holding of 117,456 shares valued at approximately $35 million.
Similarly, Chief Marketing Officer Christopher C. Capossela also engaged in stock sales during early May by disposing of 5,000 shares with an average price of $310.05 per share—an estimated total of $1,550,250 (SEC filing). Consequently, Capossela currently holds 110,206 shares in Microsoft Co., valued at $34,169,370.30.
Insider Trading and Company Ownership:
It is noteworthy that Microsoft has experienced significant insider trading activity over the last quarter, with company insiders having sold a total of 51,331 shares valued at $15,867,278 (SEC filing). Despite these sales, it is important to note that Microsoft insiders now hold a mere 0.03% ownership of the company’s stock.
Microsoft’s Market Performance and Financial Overview:
As of July 5th on NASDAQ:MSFT, Microsoft opened at a price of $337.99. The company boasts strong liquidity metrics with a quick ratio of 1.88 and a current ratio of 1.91—demonstrating its ability to meet short-term obligations effectively. Moreover, Microsoft maintains low financial leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of just 0.22.
Examining its moving averages over the past 50 and 200 days reveals a bullish market sentiment for Microsoft Co., with averages resting at $324.12 and $281.84 respectively. Furthermore, the stock exhibits an impressive range between its annual highs and lows—ranging from $213.43 to $351.47—affirming its resilience amidst market fluctuations.
Conclusion:
Microsoft Co.’s continued growth in both earnings reports and shareholder investments emphasizes the company’s robust performance throughout the first quarter of this year. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC reinforces their confidence by increasing their stake in Microsoft while notable executives like Judson Althoff and Christopher C.Capposela demonstrate an understanding of the favorable market conditions by selling shares at opportune moments.
As investors eagerly monitor Microsoft’s progress in wealth management strategies alongside ongoing developments within the technology sector as a whole, it remains evident that Microsoft’s market presence is fortified and undeniably prosperous.
[bs_slider_forecast ticker=”MSFT”]
Microsoft’s Growing Appeal: Hedge Funds and Institutional Investors Show Interest
Microsoft Continues to Attract Interest from Hedge Funds and Institutional Investors
July 5, 2023 – In recent months, several hedge funds and institutional investors have either increased or decreased their stakes in Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), according to regulatory filings. Monumental Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in the company during the first quarter, purchasing shares worth $28,000. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC also bought a new stake during the fourth quarter, investing approximately $26,000. Meanwhile, Retirement Financial Solutions LLC acquired shares worth around $40,000 during the same period.
Gleason Group Inc., another institutional investor, lifted its holdings in Microsoft by an impressive 111.7% during the first quarter. The firm now owns 199 shares of the tech giant’s stock valued at $57,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares within that timeframe. Additionally, PayPay Securities Corp recently purchased shares in Microsoft worth approximately $54,000.
The data reveals that a significant portion of Microsoft’s stock is held by institutional investors and hedge funds. According to Bloomberg.com, these entities own a staggering 72.20% of the company’s stock.
Alongside this influx of investments, several research firms have provided positive assessments of Microsoft’s future prospects. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective for Microsoft from $285.00 to $350.00 and rated the stock as “outperform” in their report on April 26th. Another research report came from Barclays which boosted their price target from $310.00 to $336.00 with an “overweight” rating on the stock on the same day.
Piper Sandler went even further by increasing their target price on Microsoft from $348.00 to $400.00 in their research released on May 31st. The positive sentiments towards Microsoft were echoed by Macquarie who upgraded their rating for the company from “neutral” to “outperform” and raised their target price from $260.00 to $325.00.
These favorable ratings coupled with the consensus data from Bloomberg.com, which indicates a “Moderate Buy” rating for Microsoft, have contributed to an average target price of $333.18.
In terms of insider activity, EVP Judson Althoff made a notable sale, disposing of 30,000 shares of Microsoft stock on May 1st at an average price of $306.09 per share. Consequently, the executive vice president now holds 117,456 shares valued at $35,952,107.04 as per the legal filing with the SEC.
Furthermore, CMO Christopher C. Capossela sold 5,000 shares on May 5th at an average price of $310.05 per share, amounting to a total value of $1,550,250.00. Following this transaction, the chief marketing officer now possesses 110,206 shares in Microsoft valued at $34,169,370.30.
Insider sales collectively totaled 51,331 shares during the last quarter with a total estimated worth of approximately $15,867,278.
Microsoft announced its earnings results on April 25th and surpassed analysts’ estimates by reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $2.45 for the quarter compared to an expected EPS estimate of $2.22.
This resulted in a pleasant surprise for investors as well as showcasing Microsoft’s ability to deliver above-market performance consistently.
Microsoft’s revenue for the quarter stood at an impressive $52.86 billion exceeding expectations that forecasted revenue of around $51.01 billion.
The company demonstrated growth with a revenue increase of 7.1% compared to the same period last year.
Analysts forecast that Microsoft will achieve earnings per share (EPS) totaling 9.64 by year-end based on their current data and projections.
Moreover, Microsoft recently announced its quarterly dividend, set to be paid on September 14th. Shareholders of record as of August 17th will receive a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date for this dividend is August 16th.
This quarterly announcement means shareholders can enjoy an annualized dividend payout of $2.72, resulting in a dividend yield of 0.80%.
Currently, Microsoft’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) stands at 29.47%, indicating the company’s commitment to rewarding shareholders while maintaining its growth trajectory.
As Microsoft continues to attract interest from institutional investors and hedge funds, bolstered by optimistic research ratings and impressive financial performance, its stock remains an appealing choice for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in the technology sector.