Here’s A Reason Why Microsoft (MSFT) Stock Is Up Today

Microsoft (MSFT) stock is rising Tuesday afternoon as Raymond James maintained a 'strong buy' rating on shares after positive second-quarter PC data.
By Kaya Yurieff ,

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Microsoft (MSFT) - Get Report are increasing 1.3% to $53.27 on Tuesday afternoon as Raymond James reiterated a "strong buy" rating and $65 price target on the stock after upbeat second-quarter PC data, Barron's reports.

The data from Gartner and IDC showed positive demand in the U.S.

Moderating PC declines are good news for Microsoft, the firm said.

"2Q PC shipments slightly better than anticipated. Global 2Q PC shipments declined 5.2% according to Gartner and 4.5% according to IDC. While Gartner's figure was below its implied -2.3% March estimate, the decline was more modest than its implied -6.1% y/y June estimate. 2Q showed an improvement from 1Q's 11.1% drop," Raymond James wrote in a note cited by Barron's.

Additionally, North America turned back to growth in second-quarter shipments for the first time in five quarters with the U.S. up 1.4% and Canada advancing 2.6%, the firm noted.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Buy" rating with a score of B+ on Microsoft stock.

The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its reasonable valuation levels, good cash flow from operations, solid stock price performance, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. 

Recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: MSFT

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