Microsoft crosses $3-trillion market cap milestone
Tech giant joins Apple in $3-trillion club
24 January 2024 - 20:54
byChibuike Oguh
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New York — Microsoft’s stock market value crossed the $3-trillion milestone for the first time on Wednesday, retaining its place as the world’s second-most valuable company, just behind iPhone maker Apple.
Microsoft and Apple shares have been vying for the top spot as the most capitalised stock on Wall Street since the start of the year, with the iPhone maker briefly losing its crown to the X-box owner earlier in January.
Shares of Microsoft hit a record high of $404.72, up 1.5%, and allowing the tech giant to briefly breach the $3-trillion market capitalisation. Apple’s shares were trading at $195.47, up 0.14%, giving it a market value of $3.02-trillion, according to LSEG data.
Backed by its investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, Microsoft is widely seen as a front-runner in the race for market dominance in the rollout of generative artificial intelligence (AI) among other tech heavyweights, including Google owner Alphabet, Amazon.com, Oracle, and Facebook owner Meta Platforms.
Using OpenAI’s technology, Microsoft has rolled out newer versions of its flagship productivity software products as well as its Bing search engine, which is expected to better compete with Google's dominant search offering.
Apple, on the other hand, is facing slowing demand for its iPhones, particularly in China, where the company is offering customers rare discounts to boost sales amid stiff competition from homegrown rivals such as Huawei Technologies.
“I think its AI optimism for Microsoft,” said Stifel analyst Brad Reback, adding that Apple doesn't seem to have the same “clear AI story” coupled with concerns about iPhone sales growth rates and penetration.
The 54 analysts covering Microsoft’s stock have a median price target of $425, up from $415 a month ago, and their average recommendation is “buy”, according to LSEG data.
Wall Street’s run-up to record highs will be put to the test in the coming weeks as megacap US technology-related companies begin reporting results.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Microsoft crosses $3-trillion market cap milestone
Tech giant joins Apple in $3-trillion club
New York — Microsoft’s stock market value crossed the $3-trillion milestone for the first time on Wednesday, retaining its place as the world’s second-most valuable company, just behind iPhone maker Apple.
Microsoft and Apple shares have been vying for the top spot as the most capitalised stock on Wall Street since the start of the year, with the iPhone maker briefly losing its crown to the X-box owner earlier in January.
Shares of Microsoft hit a record high of $404.72, up 1.5%, and allowing the tech giant to briefly breach the $3-trillion market capitalisation. Apple’s shares were trading at $195.47, up 0.14%, giving it a market value of $3.02-trillion, according to LSEG data.
Backed by its investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, Microsoft is widely seen as a front-runner in the race for market dominance in the rollout of generative artificial intelligence (AI) among other tech heavyweights, including Google owner Alphabet, Amazon.com, Oracle, and Facebook owner Meta Platforms.
Using OpenAI’s technology, Microsoft has rolled out newer versions of its flagship productivity software products as well as its Bing search engine, which is expected to better compete with Google's dominant search offering.
Apple, on the other hand, is facing slowing demand for its iPhones, particularly in China, where the company is offering customers rare discounts to boost sales amid stiff competition from homegrown rivals such as Huawei Technologies.
“I think its AI optimism for Microsoft,” said Stifel analyst Brad Reback, adding that Apple doesn't seem to have the same “clear AI story” coupled with concerns about iPhone sales growth rates and penetration.
The 54 analysts covering Microsoft’s stock have a median price target of $425, up from $415 a month ago, and their average recommendation is “buy”, according to LSEG data.
Wall Street’s run-up to record highs will be put to the test in the coming weeks as megacap US technology-related companies begin reporting results.
Reuters
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