Opinion on  Microsoft Corp (MSFT)     Sector: Technology  >  Industry: Software & Programming
MSFT

BUY: Microsoft (nyse: MSFT)
Shares of Microsoft have been depressed
due primarily to the takeover attempt of
Yahoo!. However, now that the deal is off,
investors will begin to focus more on the
company's strong operating momentum. The
company has been making great strides in
boosting profitability of its ancillary businesses,
which will continue to help growth. I
think the tech sector represents one of the
best sectors to lead the market during the
next up-leg. Investors will continue to focus
on megacap stocks given the volatile market
environment, a move that plays to the advantage
of Microsoft. I see limited downside at
current prices, with a move into the mid $30s
likely over the next 6 to 12 months.
Investors should also note that Microsoft
offers a direct-purchase plan
whereby any investor may buy the
first share and every share
directly from the company.
KEY STATS:
Recent Price: $29.70
52 Week High: $37.50
52 Week Low: $26.87
Market Cap ($BIL): $276.6
2007 Revenues ($BIL): $51.1
2007 Net Income ($BIL): $14.1
2007 EPS: $1.42
2007 Gross Margin: 79.1
2008 Est. EPS: $1.87
2008 Est. P/E: 16.0
Dividend Yield (%): 1.5
Short Interest/float (%): 1.5
Forbes Gurus---25 Stocks, ETFs and Funds for the Second Half 2008
4
(nyse: MSFT)

ividend Information
Dividend Yield:	1.60 %
Dividend Yield 5yr Avg:	3.50 %
Dividend Rate:	$ 0.44 %
Dividend Payout Ratio:	24.00 %
Dividend Payout Ratio 5yr Avg:	78.00 %
Dividend Growth Rate 3yr Avg:	-47.93 %
Dividend Growth Rate 5yr Avg:	34.15 %
Dividend AllStar™ Ranking:
Consecutive Div. Increases:	2 years
Dividend Payment Type:	Cash
Dividend Declaration Date:	Jun-11-2008
Dividend Ex Date:	Aug-19-2008
Dividend Record Date:	Aug-21-2008
Dividend Pay Date:	Sep-11-2008
Dividend Amount:	0.1100
Dividend Payments:	Last 12 months payments: 4