Microsoft (MSFT) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?

Microsoft (MSFT) is at a 52-week high, but can investors hope for more gains in the future? We take a look at the company's fundamentals for clues. Read More...

Have you been paying attention to shares of Microsoft (MSFT)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 6.3% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $135.93 in the previous session. Microsoft has gained 33.6% since the start of the year compared to the 18.7% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 32% return for the Zacks Computer – Software industry.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="What’s Driving the Outperformance?” data-reactid=”23″>What’s Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn’t missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 24, 2019, Microsoft reported EPS of $1.14 versus consensus estimate of $1 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 2.46%.

For the current fiscal year, Microsoft is expected to post earnings of $4.59 per share on $124.85 billion in revenues. This represents a 18.3% change in EPS on a 13.13% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $5.1 per share on $138.05 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 11.24% and 10.57%, respectively.

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Microsoft may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

Microsoft has a Value Score of D. The stock’s Growth and Momentum Scores are B and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 29.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 25.8X versus its peer group’s average of 28.1X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 2.38. This isn’t enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Zacks Rank” data-reactid=”31″>Zacks Rank

We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Microsoft currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.

Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Microsoft fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Microsoft shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="How Does Microsoft Stack Up to the Competition?” data-reactid=”34″>How Does Microsoft Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of Microsoft have been rising, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also solid potential picks, including Nuance Communications (NUAN), Open Text (OTEX), and HubSpot (HUBS), all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices.

However, it is worth noting that the Zacks Industry Rank for this group is in the bottom half of the ranking, so it isn’t all good news for Microsoft. Still, the fundamentals for Microsoft are promising, and it still has potential despite being at a 52-week high.