Microsoft briefly crossed the $3 trillion market valuation milestone on Wednesday, retaining its place as the world’s second most valuable company. The stock rose as much as 1.7% to $405.63, taking its market capitalization just over $3 trillion during market hours. However, it closed up just 0.9%, ending at a record but with a valuation of $2.99 trillion.
It briefly surpassed Apple Inc. — which last year became the first company to hit $3 trillion — but subsequently dropped back below the iPhone maker in value. Apple closed with a market valuation of $3.01 trillion.
Microsoft and Apple shares have been vying for the top spot as the most capitalized stock on Wall Street since the start of the year, with the iPhone maker briefly losing its crown to the software giant earlier in January.
Backed by its investment in ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Microsoft is widely seen as a frontrunner 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 it’s 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.
Buoyed by AI optimism, Microsoft shares gained nearly 57% in 2023 and are up 7% this year. Apple’s stock rose by 48% last year and is up about 1% year-to-date.
Source: Business Today
