Ackman Sells Alphabet Stake, Increases Microsoft Position
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Portfolio Shift: Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management sold nearly $1.9 billion in Alphabet shares in Q1, reallocating funds into Microsoft, reflecting his investment philosophy of patient ownership and decisive profit-taking in high-quality assets.
- Alphabet Investment Review: Pershing Square initiated its Alphabet position in early 2023 at $90-$100 per share, and as the company's advertising and cloud services thrived, the stock price tripled during the AI-driven market rally, showcasing significant growth potential.
- Microsoft Investment Opportunity: In early 2026, Microsoft shares dropped over 18% due to concerns over slowing Azure growth and rising capital expenditures, prompting Ackman to buy approximately 5.6 million shares, viewing the market's reaction as overly pessimistic and recognizing the long-term benefits of Microsoft's AI initiatives.
- Future Outlook: Although Microsoft shares are down about 23% from their all-time high, analysts project a 12-month price target of $560, indicating a potential upside of around 34%, suggesting that Ackman's investment strategy remains a sound approach for long-term growth.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MSFT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MSFT
Wall Street analysts forecast MSFT stock price to rise
34 Analyst Rating
32 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 419.090
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
Current: 419.090
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
About MSFT
Microsoft Corporation is a technology company. The Company develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions. The Company’s segments include Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing. The Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in its portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services. This segment primarily comprises: Office Commercial, Office Consumer, LinkedIn, and Dynamics business solutions. The Intelligent Cloud segment consists of server products and cloud services, including Azure and other cloud services, SQL Server, Windows Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs), and Nuance and GitHub; and Enterprise Services, including enterprise support services, industry solutions and Nuance professional services. The More Personal Computing segment primarily comprises Windows, Devices, Gaming, and search and news advertising.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Microsoft's Cloud and AI Business Drive Growth Potential
- Strong Financial Performance: Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal Q3 2026, with net income rising by 23%, demonstrating resilience and long-term investment value amid market fluctuations.
- Cloud Business Driving Revenue: The Microsoft Cloud platform serves as a primary revenue source, with businesses relying on its scalable IT infrastructure, creating stable recurring revenue and making it difficult for clients to switch to other providers, thereby enhancing Microsoft's market position.
- New Opportunities in AI: Microsoft's AI business surpassed a $37 billion annual revenue run rate in fiscal Q3 2026, reflecting a 123% year-over-year growth, which is expected to drive revenue growth back to over 20% in future quarters.
- Strategic Product Advantage: Microsoft's Agent 365 software aids companies in creating secure AI agents, with clients like Air India and Broward County School District saving millions, further solidifying Microsoft's value and market share in the eyes of customers.
See More
Gates Foundation Sells All Microsoft Stock Amid Market Concerns
- Foundation Stock Sale: The Gates Foundation sold all its Microsoft shares in Q1, raising market concerns; however, with a shutdown planned by 2045, the foundation must liquidate its assets gradually to fulfill its donation commitments.
- Microsoft Valuation Decline: Microsoft’s stock has dropped over 20% from recent highs, with a current market cap of $3.1 trillion, indicating a valuation low during a heavy capital investment cycle in AI, which may affect investor confidence.
- Cash Flow Assessment: Evaluating Microsoft’s stock using cash from operations reveals its lowest valuation since 2019, suggesting a significant retraction that reflects market caution regarding future growth prospects.
- AI Investment Outlook: Despite short-term challenges, Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform shows strong performance in AI, indicating long-term growth potential; the foundation's stock sale may be more noise than signal, given Gates' lack of involvement with the company.
See More
Microsoft and Oracle Experience Strong Demand for Cloud Services
- Microsoft Cloud Revenue Growth: Microsoft Cloud reported $54 billion in revenue for Q3 FY2023, a 29% year-over-year increase, with Azure revenue surging 40% despite supply constraints, demonstrating the company's strong competitive position in the cloud market.
- Strong AI Product Performance: Microsoft's AI products achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $37 billion, up 123% year-over-year, indicating sustained enterprise demand for AI services despite concerns over spending on AI infrastructure.
- Oracle Cloud Services Surge: Oracle's cloud infrastructure services revenue grew 84% to $4.9 billion in the recent quarter, with multicloud database service demand skyrocketing by 531%, reflecting enterprises' long-term commitment to AI investments.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Oracle's management raised fiscal 2027 revenue guidance to $90 billion, signaling demand exceeding expectations, while analysts have increased long-term earnings growth forecasts to 23%, providing strong market return potential for investors.
See More
Microsoft and Oracle's Cloud Growth Potential Amid Market Pullback
- Microsoft Cloud Growth: Microsoft's cloud revenue reached $54 billion in the latest fiscal quarter, reflecting a 29% year-over-year increase, indicating that despite supply constraints, Azure's 40% growth remains unaffected by competition, showcasing the company's strong position in the cloud market.
- Copilot User Surge: Microsoft 365 Copilot paid seats have exceeded 20 million, representing a 250% year-over-year increase, which indicates a rapidly growing demand for AI assistants among enterprises, further solidifying Microsoft's market share in the AI sector.
- Oracle Debt Risks and Opportunities: Oracle's long-term debt has surged 71% over the past two years to $159 billion; however, management does not expect to issue new debt beyond 2026, potentially setting the stage for a stock rebound, especially as cloud services continue to show robust growth.
- Cloud Services Contract Growth: Oracle's remaining performance obligations grew 325% year-over-year to $553 billion, demonstrating a long-term commitment from enterprises to AI, providing high visibility into future demand and supporting the company's $90 billion revenue forecast for fiscal 2027.
See More
Analysis of Microsoft's Stock Price Decline
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q3 of fiscal year 2026, Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase and a 23% rise in net income, indicating robust performance in a mature market, despite the stock's decline, the fundamentals remain strong.
- AI Business Thriving: Microsoft's AI segment surpassed an annual run rate of $37 billion, growing 123% year-over-year, highlighting the company's leadership in AI and its potential to drive significant future growth.
- Cloud Platform Growth: Azure achieved a 40% revenue growth in Q3, further solidifying Microsoft's competitive edge in the cloud computing market, demonstrating strong business momentum despite the overall poor stock performance.
- Significant Valuation Correction: Currently trading at 18 times operating cash flow, Microsoft's stock is at its lowest since 2019, and a return to an average of 24 times could yield over 30% returns, indicating the attractiveness of the current stock price.
See More
Microsoft Stock Down 13.3%: Is It a Buy?
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q3 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase and a 23% rise in net income, indicating robust growth potential despite the stock's poor performance, highlighting a solid fundamental outlook.
- AI Business Surge: Microsoft's AI segment surpassed an annual run rate of $37 billion, growing 123% year-over-year, demonstrating significant returns on its investments in AI, which could substantially enhance overall performance in the coming years.
- Cloud Platform Growth: Azure experienced a remarkable 40% revenue growth in Q3, reflecting rising demand in the cloud computing market and providing strong support for Microsoft's long-term growth strategy, thereby enhancing its competitive position.
- Attractive Valuation for Investors: With a current valuation of 18 times operating cash flow, the stock is at its lowest since 2019, and a return to an average of 24 times could yield over 30% returns, making it an opportune time for investors to consider buying in anticipation of a future rally.
See More
Microsoft's Cloud and AI Business Drive Growth Potential
- Strong Financial Performance: Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase in its fiscal Q3 2026, with net income rising by 23%, demonstrating resilience and long-term investment value amid market fluctuations.
- Cloud Business Driving Revenue: The Microsoft Cloud platform serves as a primary revenue source, with businesses relying on its scalable IT infrastructure, creating stable recurring revenue and making it difficult for clients to switch to other providers, thereby enhancing Microsoft's market position.
- New Opportunities in AI: Microsoft's AI business surpassed a $37 billion annual revenue run rate in fiscal Q3 2026, reflecting a 123% year-over-year growth, which is expected to drive revenue growth back to over 20% in future quarters.
- Strategic Product Advantage: Microsoft's Agent 365 software aids companies in creating secure AI agents, with clients like Air India and Broward County School District saving millions, further solidifying Microsoft's value and market share in the eyes of customers.
See More
Gates Foundation Sells All Microsoft Stock Amid Market Concerns
- Foundation Stock Sale: The Gates Foundation sold all its Microsoft shares in Q1, raising market concerns; however, with a shutdown planned by 2045, the foundation must liquidate its assets gradually to fulfill its donation commitments.
- Microsoft Valuation Decline: Microsoft’s stock has dropped over 20% from recent highs, with a current market cap of $3.1 trillion, indicating a valuation low during a heavy capital investment cycle in AI, which may affect investor confidence.
- Cash Flow Assessment: Evaluating Microsoft’s stock using cash from operations reveals its lowest valuation since 2019, suggesting a significant retraction that reflects market caution regarding future growth prospects.
- AI Investment Outlook: Despite short-term challenges, Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform shows strong performance in AI, indicating long-term growth potential; the foundation's stock sale may be more noise than signal, given Gates' lack of involvement with the company.
See More
Microsoft and Oracle Experience Strong Demand for Cloud Services
- Microsoft Cloud Revenue Growth: Microsoft Cloud reported $54 billion in revenue for Q3 FY2023, a 29% year-over-year increase, with Azure revenue surging 40% despite supply constraints, demonstrating the company's strong competitive position in the cloud market.
- Strong AI Product Performance: Microsoft's AI products achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $37 billion, up 123% year-over-year, indicating sustained enterprise demand for AI services despite concerns over spending on AI infrastructure.
- Oracle Cloud Services Surge: Oracle's cloud infrastructure services revenue grew 84% to $4.9 billion in the recent quarter, with multicloud database service demand skyrocketing by 531%, reflecting enterprises' long-term commitment to AI investments.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Oracle's management raised fiscal 2027 revenue guidance to $90 billion, signaling demand exceeding expectations, while analysts have increased long-term earnings growth forecasts to 23%, providing strong market return potential for investors.
See More
Microsoft and Oracle's Cloud Growth Potential Amid Market Pullback
- Microsoft Cloud Growth: Microsoft's cloud revenue reached $54 billion in the latest fiscal quarter, reflecting a 29% year-over-year increase, indicating that despite supply constraints, Azure's 40% growth remains unaffected by competition, showcasing the company's strong position in the cloud market.
- Copilot User Surge: Microsoft 365 Copilot paid seats have exceeded 20 million, representing a 250% year-over-year increase, which indicates a rapidly growing demand for AI assistants among enterprises, further solidifying Microsoft's market share in the AI sector.
- Oracle Debt Risks and Opportunities: Oracle's long-term debt has surged 71% over the past two years to $159 billion; however, management does not expect to issue new debt beyond 2026, potentially setting the stage for a stock rebound, especially as cloud services continue to show robust growth.
- Cloud Services Contract Growth: Oracle's remaining performance obligations grew 325% year-over-year to $553 billion, demonstrating a long-term commitment from enterprises to AI, providing high visibility into future demand and supporting the company's $90 billion revenue forecast for fiscal 2027.
See More
Analysis of Microsoft's Stock Price Decline
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q3 of fiscal year 2026, Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase and a 23% rise in net income, indicating robust performance in a mature market, despite the stock's decline, the fundamentals remain strong.
- AI Business Thriving: Microsoft's AI segment surpassed an annual run rate of $37 billion, growing 123% year-over-year, highlighting the company's leadership in AI and its potential to drive significant future growth.
- Cloud Platform Growth: Azure achieved a 40% revenue growth in Q3, further solidifying Microsoft's competitive edge in the cloud computing market, demonstrating strong business momentum despite the overall poor stock performance.
- Significant Valuation Correction: Currently trading at 18 times operating cash flow, Microsoft's stock is at its lowest since 2019, and a return to an average of 24 times could yield over 30% returns, indicating the attractiveness of the current stock price.
See More
Microsoft Stock Down 13.3%: Is It a Buy?
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q3 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase and a 23% rise in net income, indicating robust growth potential despite the stock's poor performance, highlighting a solid fundamental outlook.
- AI Business Surge: Microsoft's AI segment surpassed an annual run rate of $37 billion, growing 123% year-over-year, demonstrating significant returns on its investments in AI, which could substantially enhance overall performance in the coming years.
- Cloud Platform Growth: Azure experienced a remarkable 40% revenue growth in Q3, reflecting rising demand in the cloud computing market and providing strong support for Microsoft's long-term growth strategy, thereby enhancing its competitive position.
- Attractive Valuation for Investors: With a current valuation of 18 times operating cash flow, the stock is at its lowest since 2019, and a return to an average of 24 times could yield over 30% returns, making it an opportune time for investors to consider buying in anticipation of a future rally.
See More
