Sat Dec 07 02:51:26 UTC 2024: ## Hedge Funds Increase Microsoft Holdings Amid Insider Selling and Strong Earnings

**NEW YORK, NY – [Date]** – Several hedge funds have increased their stakes in Microsoft (MSFT) during recent quarters, reflecting continued confidence in the tech giant despite recent insider selling. Factory Mutual Insurance Co., for example, boosted its holdings by 0.9% in Q3, owning 1,114,968 shares valued at $479.77 million, representing 5% of its portfolio. Other firms, including WFA Asset Management Corp, China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd., Quent Capital LLC, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd., and Custos Family Office LLC, also saw significant increases in their MSFT holdings during Q1. Institutional investors and hedge funds now hold 71.13% of MSFT stock.

However, this positive sentiment contrasts with recent insider selling. Bradford L. Smith, an insider, sold 40,000 shares for $16.1 million on September 9th, decreasing his holdings by 6.84%. Similarly, CMO Takeshi Numoto sold 2,500 shares for $1.03 million on September 10th, reducing his stake by 4.76%. In total, insiders sold $85.8 million worth of stock over the past 90 days.

Despite the insider sales, MSFT’s stock price rose $0.47 to $423.46 on Friday, following the announcement of strong Q3 earnings. The company exceeded analysts’ expectations, reporting EPS of $3.30 compared to the estimated $3.10, and revenue of $65.59 billion against an estimate of $64.57 billion. Microsoft also announced a new $60 billion stock repurchase plan and a dividend increase to $0.83 per share.

Analyst sentiment remains largely positive, with 27 analysts issuing buy ratings and only three assigning a hold rating, resulting in a Moderate Buy rating and a consensus price target of $503.03. However, some firms like DA Davidson have downgraded their rating, highlighting the mixed perspectives on the stock’s future performance. The stock’s 12-month low is $362.90 and its high is $468.35.

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