Bull case
MSFT would need investors to value it at roughly 43x earnings — about 20x more generous than today's 23x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where MSFT stock could go
MSFT would need investors to value it at roughly 43x earnings — about 20x more generous than today's 23x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 32x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 2x multiple contraction could push MSFT down roughly 10% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops software, cloud services, and hardware products. It generates revenue primarily through cloud services like Azure (~40% of revenue), productivity software including Office 365 and Dynamics, and personal computing through Windows licensing and Surface devices. Its key competitive advantage is the deeply entrenched enterprise ecosystem—Windows and Office dominance creates a powerful network effect that drives adoption of its cloud and productivity suites.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $3.65/$3.37 | +8.3% | $76.4B/$73.9B | +3.4% |
| Q4 2025 | $4.13/$3.67 | +12.5% | $77.7B/$75.5B | +2.9% |
| Q1 2026 | $4.14/$3.90 | +6.2% | $81.3B/$80.3B | +1.2% |
| Q2 2026 | $4.27/$4.06 | +5.2% | $82.9B/$81.4B | +1.8% |
MSFT beat EPS estimates in 4 of 4 tracked quarters. A perfect track record raises the bar for the upcoming report.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
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Latest annual revenue by reported region
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Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $520 — implies +37.0% from today's price.
| Metric | MSFT | S&P 500 | Technology | 5Y Avg MSFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 22.6x | 18.8x+20% | 22.3x | — |
| Trailing PE | 27.8x | 24.4x+14% | 29.0x | 34.0x-18% |
| PEG Ratio | 1.48x | 1.66x-11% | 1.51x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 17.8x | 15.2x+17% | 16.6x | 24.2x-26% |
| Price/FCF | 39.4x | 20.7x+90% | 19.2x+105% | 41.2x |
| Price/Sales | 10.0x | 3.1x+224% | 2.4x+310% | 12.2x-18% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.91% | 1.11% | 0.76% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolMSFT generates $72.9B in free cash flow at a 22.9% margin — 24.9% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 1.5% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~1.1 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt).
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
MSFT's Q2 2026 showed a decline in free cash flow alongside surging CapEx of $37.5B, raising investor concerns about financial efficiency.
Market skeptics highlight the 'AI Bubble' as a potential risk, questioning the sustainability of MSFT's AI-driven growth.
A significant increase in CapEx to $37.5B may pressure margins and returns if not matched by proportional revenue growth.
Some analysts project a modest decline in stock price, with AI models forecasting a target of $376.11 (-0.8% from current levels).
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
Microsoft's capability to capitalize on generative AI through strategic assets like Azure and OpenAI exposure drives growth.
Continued expansion and adoption of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform is a key driver of revenue and market leadership.
Strong demand for Microsoft 365 and its productivity tools allows the company to maintain and increase pricing.
The integration and monetization of AI-powered Copilot across Microsoft's product suite present a significant growth opportunity.
Microsoft's disciplined approach to acquisitions strengthens its position in productivity software, gaming, cloud, and AI.
Dominance in productivity software like Word, Excel, and Teams ensures recurring revenue and a wide moat.
Xbox and gaming services contribute to diversified revenue streams and engagement across platforms.
Microsoft benefits from long-term trends in digital transformation, cloud adoption, and AI integration.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSF MSFT Microsoft Corporation | $2.82T | 22.6x | +8.8% | 39.3% | Buy | +45.5% |
AAP AAPL Apple Inc. | $4.38T | 34.0x | +6.8% | 27.2% | Buy | +9.6% |
GOO GOOGL Alphabet Inc. | $4.45T | 25.9x | +14.6% | 37.9% | Buy | +11.9% |
AMZ AMZN Amazon.com, Inc. | $2.63T | 27.8x | +11.4% | 12.2% | Buy | +25.9% |
MET META Meta Platforms, Inc. | $1.46T | 17.5x | +16.0% | 32.8% | Buy | +43.1% |
ORC ORCL Oracle Corporation | $530.1B | 22.9x | +15.9% | 25.4% | Buy | +37.5% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
MSFT returns 1.5% total yield, led by a 0.85% dividend, raised 21 consecutive years. Buybacks add another 0.7%.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $2.73 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $3.40 | +10.4% | 0.5% | 1.1% |
| 2024 | $3.08 | +10.4% | 0.5% | 1.2% |
| 2023 | $2.79 | +9.8% | 0.9% | 1.7% |
| 2022 | $2.54 | +10.4% | 1.7% | 2.6% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 82 analysts covering the stock, 66 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 16 rate it Hold, and 0 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $552, implying +45.5% from the current price of $379. The bear case scenario is $343 and the bull case is $718.
The Wall Street consensus price target for MSFT is $552 based on 82 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $680 (+79.2% from today), and the low-end target is $415 (+9.4%). The base case model target is $545.
MSFT trades at 22.6x times forward earnings. The stock's valuation is broadly in line with the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals cheap versus peers. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for MSFT in 2026 are: (1) Free Cash Flow Decline — MSFT's Q2 2026 showed a decline in free cash flow alongside surging CapEx of $37. (2) AI Bubble Risks — Market skeptics highlight the 'AI Bubble' as a potential risk, questioning the sustainability of MSFT's AI-driven growth. (3) Capital Expenditure Surge — A significant increase in CapEx to $37. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates MSFT will report consensus revenue of $346.3B (+8.8% year-over-year) and EPS of $17.31 (+2.9% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $381.9B in revenue.
Microsoft Corporation is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-07-29. Consensus expects EPS of $4.21 and revenue of $87.6B. Over recent quarters, MSFT has beaten EPS estimates 100% of the time.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) generated $72.9B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 22.9%. MSFT returns capital to shareholders through dividends (0.9% yield) and share repurchases ($18.4B TTM).