Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips Depsite Stifel Price Hike
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Stifel analysts maintained a Buy rating on Microsoft shares, and raised the price target from its previous $500 per share to $550 per share. That represents a substantial jump over current levels, and suggests Microsoft could blow through its 52-week high, which was down around $518.29. Several reasons gave Stifel confidence in this assertion, starting with enterprise spending that was starting to pick up, as well as improved execution in non- AI issues along with growing demand for generative AI systems.
However, not all the news was good. Stifel analysts noted that Microsoft's '…previous supply and demand imbalance concerns…' were likely to keep going, extending into the second half of the 2026 fiscal year. Capital expenditure was also likely to increase with that.
Preparing for Gamescom
After the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) normally hit in June, the next major event for gamers was Gamescom. Called the European equivalent of E3 by some, it was the update that gave us a look at what was likely to hit with the holiday shopping season. Considering that is now about three months or so out, depending on when you start, it is worth a look. And Microsoft is getting ready for the big event with some new developments.
Several games will have playable demonstrations on hand, including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Grounded 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Borderlands 4, among others. Opening Night Live will feature the world premiere of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Plus, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X will both be on hand with over 120 different gaming stations on hand.
Is Microsoft a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 31 Buys and three Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 20.38% rally in its share price over the past year, the average MSFT price target of $554.97 per share implies 8.48% upside potential.
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