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Trade Ideas

Global Trade Idea: Microsoft Corporation (MFST US; MSETNC; MSETNQ) - BUY

 

Peet Serfontein & Khumbulani Kunene

We enter a long position with a target price of $480.00 and a stop-loss of $392.00.

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational technology company that creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver solutions for productivity and business processes, intelligent cloud, and personal computing segments. The company's products include the Windows operating system, cross-device productivity and collaboration applications, server applications, business solution applications, desktop and server management tools, software development tools, and video games. Microsoft also designs and sells devices, including PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, and related accessories. MSFT's key products include Windows, Azure, Microsoft 365 and LinkedIn.

Technically, the volume-at-price profile for the stock presents an attractive buying opportunity (see the insert on the main chart as well). This pattern indicates that the current trading region of $417 remains close to one of the largest historical volume concentration zones observed in the past five years, ultimately supporting the bullish stance.

The price is also near the lower range of an upward sloping linear regression channel pattern, supporting the bullish bias (see the larger insert on the main chart). This pattern highlights that the broader long-term trend remains upward sloping.

Upside momentum according to the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram, and the recent upward trajectory of the on-balance volume (OBV) indicator, also supports our bullish view.

Investors can also gain exposure to Microsoft through FNB's JSE listed ETN's, MSETNC (with rand exposure) and MSETNQ (without rand exposure).

Share Information
Share Code MSFT
Industry Software & Services
Market Capital (USD) 3.1 trillion
One Year Total Return -8.36%
Return Year-to-Date -13.49%
Current Price (USD) 417.42
52 Week High (USD) 555.45
52 Week Low (USD) 356.28
Financial Year End June
While the price is below its 200-day simple moving average (SMA), the recent stabilisation in price near the lower range of the linear regression channel may still provide selective bullish support. As such, the trade idea is regarded as a counter-trend strategy.

Consensus Expectations (Bloomberg)
FY25 FY26E FY27E FY28E
Headline Earnings per Share (USD) 13.64 17.01 19.42 22.82
Growth (%) 24.73 14.14 17.52
Dividend Per Share (USD) 3.24 3.70 4.06 4.35
Growth (%) 14.07 9.77 7.30
Forward PE (times) 21.80 18.60 18.29
Forward Dividend Yield (%) 0.89 0.97 1.04
The company is set to deliver positive consistent earnings growth over the medium-term.

Buy/Sell Rationale:

Technical Analysis:

    • The lower panel shows occurrences of the MACD super signal indicator - a reading of one indicates when such a signal occurred. The relatively close frequency between the recent two bullish triggers further strengthens the signal quality, as it reflects accelerating positive momentum and improving trend confirmation within a condensed period.
    • Our recommended entry range is $411.00 to $423.00, or as close as possible to $417.42 - a drop below this range would indicate a substantial change in price dynamics, giving reason to negate the trade idea.
    • Our target price is $480, representing ~15% upside from current levels.
    • According to forward calculations of the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator, the share will be overbought at $600.00, making our profit target realistic.
    • Our proposed time to exit is mid-August 2026, but investors can adjust for a longer or shorter time horizon, depending on price behaviour.
    • A drop below $392.00, or 6.1% below current levels, would suggest weakening technicals, and a stop-loss is recommended at this level.
    • We expect moderate price fluctuations and suggest a medium at-risk allocation for this trade. Increase exposure for a break above $423.00.
    • We expect moderate price fluctuations and suggest a medium at-risk allocation for this trade. Increase exposure for a break above $423.00.

Fundamental view:

    • Microsoft Corporation operates primarily through three segments, namely Productivity and Business Process (~45% of revenue), Intelligent Cloud (~40% of revenue) and More Personal Computing (~15% of revenue).
    • The company sells its products through multiple channels to a wide range of customers as well as conducting sales online and through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), direct, distributors, and resellers, and through licensing solution partners and retailers.
    • Microsoft Corporation's product offerings are consumed worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States which accounts for ~50% of revenue.
    • The company has incorporated AI in its product offering, through the introduction of Copilot (with deeper integration into inboxes and calendars), as well as building agentic AI into Azure which enables developers to deploy AI agents at scale. Recently, the company unveiled its in-house AI Models (MAI) which includes MAI Transcribe, MAI Voice and MAI Image.
    • The company continues to invest in enhancing its product offering, following the acquisition of Osmos, Pi Labs and Fungible. These moves highlight Microsoft's focus on AI, cloud infrastructure, and gaming.
    • In 3Q26, the company delivered a strong performance which saw diluted earnings per share (EPS) jump 23.4% year-on-year (y/y) to $4.27 and revenue grow 18% to $82.9 billion. This growth was underpinned by continued strength in Microsoft Cloud and AI-related workloads on the back of solid demand.
    • Looking ahead, the company guided for double-digit revenue growth in 4Q26 and continued capex investments. Management expects to remain constrained in capacity at least through 2026, despite additional investments and efforts to bring GPU, CPU, and storage capacity online faster.
    • From a risk perspective, the company is exposed to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, regulatory scrutiny, and intensifying competition in AI and cloud services. Critical software flaws have doubled y/y, while regulators are closely watching its acquisitions and AI expansion.

Share Name and Position NEM - Stop loss
(Close the position)
VST - Stop loss
(Close the position)
CVX - Buy
(Continue to hold)
AXP - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 119.69 152.72 192.64 307.03
Current Price 105.09 134.71 197.25 309.31
Movement -12.2% -11.8% +2.4% +0.7%
Comment The stock hit our stop-loss level, prompting us to close the position. The stock hit our stop-loss level, prompting us to close the position. The price in a developing Elliott wave theory range remains of interest. Remains above its 200-day simple moving average (SMA). Fading downside momentum is supportive.

Our profit target is $220.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $191.00.
The stock is testing the lower range of an upward-sloping channel pattern, remaining of technical interest. Although still trading below its 200-day SMA as a counter-trend strategy, fading downside momentum is supportive.

Our profit target is $352.00, with a trailing stop at $299.00.
Time to exit 15 July 2026 8 July 2026

Share Name and Position ORLY - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 93.92
Current Price 91.92
Movement -2.1%
Comment A price in a developing falling wedge pattern remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day simple moving average and the trade is regarded as a counter-trend strategy. Fading upside momentum continues to be a concern to the trade strategy.

Our profit target is $109.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $89.50
Time to exit 2 July 2026

FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FirstRand Bank Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider and authorised user of the JSE limited (Reg no: 1996/011732/07). This Publication note is issued by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd for the information of clients only and should not be produced in whole or part without prior permission. Although FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, any opinions and/or analysis contained in this Publication are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice, including but not limited to financial, legal or tax advice, or a recommendation to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources/persons which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed for correctness, completeness or otherwise and we do not assume liability for loss arising from errors in the information or that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained herein irrespective of whether there has been any negligence by us, our affiliates or any other employees of us, and whether such losses be direct or consequential. As market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, any comments, opinions, and analysis is rendered as of the date of publishing and may change without notice. Such changes may have a material impact on the outcome of any investment. Securities involve a degree of risk and are volatile instruments. Past performance is not indicative of future performances. Securities or financial instruments mentioned in the Publication note may not be suitable for all investors and FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd has bares no responsibility whatsoever arising from or as a consequence hereof. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any share, instrument, sector, region, market, country, investment, or strategy. The recipient of this Publication must make their own investment decision and is advised to contact his relationship manager for a personal financial analysis prior to making any investment decisions. Copyright 2018 by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd.

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