Microsoft can still go higher

Article Excerpt

Microsoft’s shift to cloud computing continues to pay off, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic forced workers and schools to operate remotely. That shift added to demand for its Azure cloud service, which was launched in 2014 and has soared over 500% since then. Demand for Azure will continue to expand as businesses become more comfortable with the platform and enjoy the lower administration and maintenance costs. Microsoft is also shifting more of its consumer products, such as Xbox video games, to cloud-based subscription services. These factors should push the stock higher, even as the pandemic eases. MICROSOFT CORP. $323 is a buy for long-term gains. The company (Nasdaq symbol MSFT; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 7.5 billion; Market cap: $2.4 trillion; Price-to-sales ratio: 14.0; Dividend yield: 0.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.microsoft.com) began operating in 1975 and is now the world’s largest computer software company. Its Windows operating system powers about 85% of the world’s personal computers. Microsoft’s other main product—its Office…