Dow Hits Record High, S&P 500 Posts Eighth Week of Gains
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Stocks closed higher on Friday amid strong earnings and cautious signs of progress toward ending the U.S. conflict with Iran. The Dow advanced to a record high, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 posted their eighth week of gains ahead of the long holiday weekend.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Estee Lauderand Puigannounced that the parties haveregarding a potential business combinationImaxis exploring a sale, according toWorkdayreportedand reiterated its FY27 revenue guidanceZoom Communicationsprovided areport for Q1Deckers Outdoorreportedand provided its outlook for FY272. WALL STREET CALLS:JPMorganSweetgreenon ramping brand transformationViking Holdingsto Buy at Truist on strong demand trendsJefferiesGeneracon data center contract potentialSummit Therapeuticsto Neutral at H.C. WainwrightInspire Medicalto Underperform at BofA on coding overhang3. AROUND THE WEB:Nintendoaims to make about 20M Switch 2 consoles in the year through March, Bloomberg reportsMicrosoftagreed to pay $250M to settle investor litigation over its massive takeover Activision Blizzard, Bloomberg saysSony'sBungie plans to lay off a significant number of workers as it concludes active development on "Destiny 2," Bloomberg saysStarbucksshut down an AI program for automating inventory counts, nine months after deploying it, after it frequently miscounted and mislabeled items, Reuters saysSamsungis set to distribute about $26.6B to its 78,000 chip employees, or a $340,000 bonus to each, in early 2027 as part of a last-minute labor union deal, Bloomberg reports4. MOVERS:Pelotongained afterEnviriin the S&P 600Rocket Labsincreased after completing its ninthGileadwas higher after the FDA approved the company'sFutu Holdingsand UP Fintechfell in New York afterhas launched a broad crackdown on unauthorized cross-border investingImmunityBiodeclined after reportingand presenting preliminary results from a new health economic analysis on that ANKTIVA plus Bacillus Calmette-Guerin5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:BJ's Wholesaleand backed its guidance for FY26 after what CEO Bob Eddy called "a strong first quarter"Take-Two, with EPS missing consensusBooz Allenand provided guidance for FY27Ross Stores, with EPS and revenue beating consensusGlobal Ship Lease, with EPS lower year-over-yearINDEXES:The Dow rose 294.04, or 0.58%, to 50,579.70, the Nasdaq gained 50.87, or 0.19%, to 26,343.97, and the S&P 500 advanced 27.75, or 0.37%, to 7,473.47.
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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
Iren Expands Gigawatt Pipeline with Mirantis Acquisition
- Major Deal Secured: Iren has signed a five-year agreement worth $9.7 billion with Microsoft to provide 200 megawatts of capacity, which not only strengthens its position in the AI data center market but also sets the stage for higher-margin deals in the future.
- Acquisition Boosts Growth: The acquisition of software company Mirantis by Iren aims to enhance customer attraction and secure higher margins in the long run, further solidifying its competitive edge in the AI infrastructure sector.
- Revenue Forecast Raised: Iren anticipates achieving $3.7 billion in annual recurring revenue by year-end, indicating strong momentum in the market, especially as its 5-gigawatt pipeline becomes operational.
- Market Expansion Strategy: Iren's recent entry into the European market and plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region demonstrate the implementation of its globalization strategy, aiming to leverage the growing demand for AI data centers to drive future business growth.
See More
Three Underrated Tech Stocks Outperform Nasdaq
- Iren Contract Signing: Iren secured a five-year deal worth $9.7 billion with Microsoft for 200 megawatts of capacity, highlighting strong demand in the AI data center market and expected to significantly boost revenue and market position.
- MaxLinear Growth Momentum: MaxLinear reported a 43% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, with its infrastructure segment growing 35%, and CEO forecasts profitability by 2026, indicating its crucial role and growth potential in AI infrastructure.
- Innodata Customer Diversification: Innodata announced a new contract with a major tech company expected to generate $51 million in revenue this year, contributing to a 54% year-over-year increase in Q1 revenue, showcasing success in diversifying its customer base.
- Market Expansion Strategy: Iren recently entered European markets and plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region, while MaxLinear and Innodata are also enhancing their market shares, indicating their significance and growth potential in the global AI ecosystem.
See More
Microsoft and OpenAI Distance Themselves Amid AI Market Changes
- Evolving Partnership: Microsoft is distancing itself from OpenAI, updating their partnership agreement multiple times, which indicates a strategic shift towards diversification to reduce reliance on ChatGPT and enhance market competitiveness.
- Diverse Customer Needs: Microsoft's cloud servers support various AI models, with CEO Nadella noting that over 10,000 customers have utilized multiple models, including 5,000 using open-source options, showcasing the company's flexibility and adaptability in meeting customer demands.
- Competitive Market Advantage: By offering a selection of AI models, Microsoft mitigates the risk of choosing a single winner in a highly competitive AI landscape, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction and increase market share.
- Investment Opportunity: Despite a 13% drop in Microsoft's stock this year, advancements in AI technology and the introduction of the Copilot assistant add value to its products, and with a reasonable P/E ratio, it presents a strong opportunity for long-term investors, positioning the company for better growth ahead.
See More
Nvidia's Massive Dividend Increase Sparks Interest
- Significant Dividend Increase: Nvidia recently announced a dividend increase from $0.01 to $0.25 per share, representing a 2,400% rise, which marks a substantial shift in its dividend policy and may attract more income-focused investors.
- Strong Earnings Coverage: With a diluted earnings per share of $2.39 reported in its latest quarterly results, Nvidia can easily cover a year's worth of dividend payments, showcasing its robust financial health and potential for continued growth.
- Yield Comparison: Although Nvidia's dividend yield stands at approximately 0.47%, which is still below the S&P 500 average of 1.1% and Microsoft's 0.87%, it surpasses Apple's 0.35%, indicating its competitive position among tech stocks.
- Preferred by Growth Investors: Despite the dividend increase, Nvidia remains primarily a growth stock, and investors should focus on the potential for capital appreciation rather than the relatively modest dividend income.
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
Iren Expands Gigawatt Pipeline with Mirantis Acquisition
- Major Deal Secured: Iren has signed a five-year agreement worth $9.7 billion with Microsoft to provide 200 megawatts of capacity, which not only strengthens its position in the AI data center market but also sets the stage for higher-margin deals in the future.
- Acquisition Boosts Growth: The acquisition of software company Mirantis by Iren aims to enhance customer attraction and secure higher margins in the long run, further solidifying its competitive edge in the AI infrastructure sector.
- Revenue Forecast Raised: Iren anticipates achieving $3.7 billion in annual recurring revenue by year-end, indicating strong momentum in the market, especially as its 5-gigawatt pipeline becomes operational.
- Market Expansion Strategy: Iren's recent entry into the European market and plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region demonstrate the implementation of its globalization strategy, aiming to leverage the growing demand for AI data centers to drive future business growth.
See More
Three Underrated Tech Stocks Outperform Nasdaq
- Iren Contract Signing: Iren secured a five-year deal worth $9.7 billion with Microsoft for 200 megawatts of capacity, highlighting strong demand in the AI data center market and expected to significantly boost revenue and market position.
- MaxLinear Growth Momentum: MaxLinear reported a 43% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, with its infrastructure segment growing 35%, and CEO forecasts profitability by 2026, indicating its crucial role and growth potential in AI infrastructure.
- Innodata Customer Diversification: Innodata announced a new contract with a major tech company expected to generate $51 million in revenue this year, contributing to a 54% year-over-year increase in Q1 revenue, showcasing success in diversifying its customer base.
- Market Expansion Strategy: Iren recently entered European markets and plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region, while MaxLinear and Innodata are also enhancing their market shares, indicating their significance and growth potential in the global AI ecosystem.
See More
Microsoft and OpenAI Distance Themselves Amid AI Market Changes
- Evolving Partnership: Microsoft is distancing itself from OpenAI, updating their partnership agreement multiple times, which indicates a strategic shift towards diversification to reduce reliance on ChatGPT and enhance market competitiveness.
- Diverse Customer Needs: Microsoft's cloud servers support various AI models, with CEO Nadella noting that over 10,000 customers have utilized multiple models, including 5,000 using open-source options, showcasing the company's flexibility and adaptability in meeting customer demands.
- Competitive Market Advantage: By offering a selection of AI models, Microsoft mitigates the risk of choosing a single winner in a highly competitive AI landscape, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction and increase market share.
- Investment Opportunity: Despite a 13% drop in Microsoft's stock this year, advancements in AI technology and the introduction of the Copilot assistant add value to its products, and with a reasonable P/E ratio, it presents a strong opportunity for long-term investors, positioning the company for better growth ahead.
See More
Nvidia's Massive Dividend Increase Sparks Interest
- Significant Dividend Increase: Nvidia recently announced a dividend increase from $0.01 to $0.25 per share, representing a 2,400% rise, which marks a substantial shift in its dividend policy and may attract more income-focused investors.
- Strong Earnings Coverage: With a diluted earnings per share of $2.39 reported in its latest quarterly results, Nvidia can easily cover a year's worth of dividend payments, showcasing its robust financial health and potential for continued growth.
- Yield Comparison: Although Nvidia's dividend yield stands at approximately 0.47%, which is still below the S&P 500 average of 1.1% and Microsoft's 0.87%, it surpasses Apple's 0.35%, indicating its competitive position among tech stocks.
- Preferred by Growth Investors: Despite the dividend increase, Nvidia remains primarily a growth stock, and investors should focus on the potential for capital appreciation rather than the relatively modest dividend income.
See More
