Microsoft's Institutional Confidence Strong Despite Stock Reductions and Insider Sales
July 14, 2025
Several institutional investors, including Old National Bancorp and Attessa Capital LLC, have reduced their holdings in Microsoft during the first quarter of 2025, with some selling over 4% of their positions.
Despite these reductions, major institutional investors like Vanguard and Norges Bank continue to hold significant stakes, with Vanguard owning over 684 million shares worth approximately $288.3 billion.
Microsoft's stock holdings by institutions account for over 71% of its total shares, reflecting strong institutional confidence.
Microsoft's stock opened at around $497.72 to $503.32 in July 2025, with a market capitalization near $3.7 trillion, a P/E ratio of approximately 38.5, and a beta of 1.04.
The stock experienced a 12-month low of about $344.79 and a high close to $506.78, indicating some volatility within the year.
Microsoft reported a robust first quarter in 2025, with earnings per share of $3.46 and revenue of $70.07 billion, surpassing analyst expectations and marking a 13.3% year-over-year increase.
The company's strong earnings were highlighted by a net margin of 35.79%, reflecting solid profitability.
Analysts remain bullish on Microsoft, with upgrades from firms like TD Securities and Cantor Fitzgerald raising their price targets to over $490 and $512, respectively, and an average target price now at $534.14.
The consensus rating among analysts is a 'Moderate Buy,' with some increasing their target to as high as $605, indicating strong confidence in Microsoft's growth prospects.
Microsoft announced a quarterly dividend of $0.83, payable on September 11, 2025, with a yield around 0.66%, providing income to shareholders.
Insider activity shows significant stock sales, including EVP Judson Althoff and EVP Amy Coleman selling thousands of shares in May 2025, totaling over $60 million in insider sales over recent months.
Microsoft continues to develop and support a broad portfolio of software, services, and devices, including productivity tools like Microsoft 365, Office, SharePoint, and security solutions, maintaining its leadership in the tech industry.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

Defense World • Jul 8, 2025
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Shares Sold by OLD National Bancorp IN
Defense World • Jul 11, 2025
Attessa Capital LLC Cuts Position in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Defense World • Jul 14, 2025
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Shares Sold by First United Bank & Trust