Best AI Stock To Hold Long Term

Over the last few decades, no company has stood out as a bastion of growth and stability as much as the American tech corporation Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT).

While its profitability and wide range of business interests have always made it a favorite among investors, the ongoing disruption in generative AI has positioned MSFT even more prominently within this emerging space.

In fact, as artificial intelligence continues to redefine entire industries, Microsoft’s strategic alliance with OpenAI, and by extension, ChatGPT, underscores its vision for the future.

Likewise, this partnership doesn’t just enhance the company’s potential; it cements its reputation as the foremost stock selection for individuals seeking long-term investment prospects.

With that notion in consideration, let’s delve into why Microsoft is poised to be the most resilient and lucrative buy option for the foreseeable future.

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Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Microsoft’s Unyielding Grip

In an era where the digital transformation juggernaut has seen Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms rise to prominence, it’s probably no surprise to discover that Microsoft is spearheading the charge. 

After capturing an impressive 16.8% share of the public cloud services market in 2022, one of the central pillars of MSFT’s success has been its Office 365 product offering. More than just a suite of tools, it’s become the gold standard for commercial enterprises, trusted by organizations worldwide for its versatility and reliability. 

But Microsoft’s SaaS journey doesn’t stop there. The company has seamlessly integrated into several sectors, from cybersecurity to enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. And with projections indicating robust annual growth rates, Microsoft seems not only secure but set for further expansion, too.

The AI Advantage

Exemplifying Microsoft’s forward-thinking approach is its recent push into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Having recognized the transformative potential of AI, the company has established itself at the forefront of this nascent revolution. 

Hence, the AI software market, already burgeoning with possibilities, is set to encounter exponential growth. According to Ark Invest, this market could surge at an impressive 42% annually, reaching a staggering $14 trillion valuation by 2030. 

In addition, MSFT’s significant investment in OpenAI – which is rumored to be worth $10 billion – clearly indicates its commitment to harnessing the power of AI. 

Moreover, innovation remains at the heart of Microsoft’s AI endeavors, and the recent rollout of its Dynamics 365 Copilot is another feather in its machine learning cap. 

Designed to optimize ERP workflows, this product harnesses generative AI to streamline various business processes. Whether boosting sales team productivity by auto-drafting emails and summarizing meetings, enhancing service team efficiency, or refining supply chain management by predicting potential external disruptions, Dynamics 365 Copilot promises to be a game-changer.

Further solidifying its place in the AI landscape is the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This cloud computing product offers exclusive access to advanced language models from OpenAI, including the renowned GPT models that power ChatGPT.

Such technologies empower developers to craft state-of-the-art generative AI interfaces, and the demand for these services is palpable, with the Azure OpenAI Service’s customer base swelling to “more than 11,000 organizations.”

A Diversified Market Presence

As a global technological leader, Microsoft has seamlessly integrated its sophisticated solutions into a myriad of applications.

For instance, unified communications have undergone a renaissance with Microsoft’s offerings, where the company’s systems have become essential in this increasingly interconnected world, bridging gaps and fostering real-time collaboration across vast distances.

On the cybersecurity front, Microsoft continues to shine as an emblem of trust. As digital threats evolve and become more complex, the company has consistently risen to the challenge, offering fixes that counteract these threats and align with global standards. 

Another noteworthy point is the company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. With an ambitious goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030, Microsoft is focused on technological advancements and creating a positive environmental impact.

Is Now A Good Time To Buy?

Underpinning its efforts in the AI and cloud computing segments, Microsoft’s latest earnings sheet reported a healthy financial performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. 

For example, the company’s top line reached $56.2 billion, marking an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year. This growth was significantly driven by its Intelligent Cloud segment, which posted revenues of $24.0 billion, with Azure and other cloud services seeing a remarkable 26% uptick in sales.

Furthermore, the company’s focus on AI is evident in its Productivity and Business Processes wing, which witnessed an expansion of 10% to reach $18.3 billion. This segment includes products such as Office 365, which heavily integrates AI features for enhanced user experience.

Crucially, MSFT’s net income margin of 38.8% is exemplary compared to the Information Technology sector median of 2.01%. Admittedly, while the firm’s forward PE multiple is steep at 29.7x, it’s a premium worth paying for a business with such explosive and exciting prospects.

Wrap-up

For investors, the allure of the tech domain often lies in its potential for modernization and growth. While many companies are making strides, Microsoft’s commitment to AI sets it apart. Beyond its prowess in Software-as-a-Service and cloud computing, its deep dive into artificial intelligence’s swirling and uncharted waters truly captures the imagination.

Indeed, the mutually advantageous association with OpenAI is not solely a collaboration; it represents a daring declaration of Microsoft’s vision for the future. On top of that, the outfit’s focus on ventures like ChatGPT showcases a dedication to harnessing AI’s power and shaping its trajectory. 

Finally, in an industry where AI is poised to redefine every facet of business – from operations to consumer interactions – Microsoft’s AI-centric approach offers a glimpse into a future filled with possibilities.

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The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Financhill has a disclosure policy. This post may contain affiliate links or links from our sponsors.