Anyone that has used a computer with Windows and Excel or gamed on an Xbox One has experienced a Microsoft interface. It is one of the oldest technology companies in the world. Today, the company's product range is quite spectacular, offering a diversified set of Windows and Microsoft Office software, along with recent developments in cloud services and the acquisition of LinkedIn. Below we can see the revenue breakup of the primary components of Microsoft's business:
Cloud services account for 25% of Microsoft's revenue. As software-as-a-service models continues to thrive under the remote working economy, cloud services is an industry that is expected to grow between 17-20% CAGR over the next couple of years. Furthermore, the other parts of the firm's business are also generating healthy recurring revenues, especially the office products and windows sales, which are both services that have few or no other major competitors. At the moment, the company has the largest market capitalization (~$1.3 Trillion) on the US stock market.
Looking at the management of the company, Satya Nadella, has been rated the 6th best CEO in the United States by Glassdoor, and under his recent leadership the company has more than doubled its return on equity, along with dividend gains for investors. Furthermore, Microsoft has proved to be a safe and non-discriminatory place for all employees, clients and stakeholders.
Income Statement
Looking at the company's income statement, it is clear that there is a sustainable growth in revenues, and profits over the last 3 years. The sudden drop in net income in 2018, was caused due to the TSJA registration of the company, which was a tax cost, amounting to around $ 13 billion. I believe this should be counted as a special provision, and not something that should hinder the intrinsic value of this company. Furthermore, it is good to see that the company has been growing its humongous R&D spending, which places it in the top 5 R&D intensive companies in the world.
Balance Sheet
Looking at the company's balance sheet, it is quite incredible to see the cash holding of this company, with cash equivalents accounting to $ 133 billion. Of the short-term investments mentioned, $ 127 billion are in fixed investments, such US treasuries and bonds. Looking at Microsoft's annual report, they have provided information on how they have spread their debt from repayments in 2020 all the way to debts to be repaid in 2056. Hence, I do not believe the firm would have any problems with these debts, as even the interest repayments can be conducted solely through the interest earned from investments, as seen through the table below.
To top this of, Microsoft's liquid balance sheet has a AAA credit rating by S&P and Moody's which makes it one of only two companies in the US to have this credit rating, which is at par with the US treasury!
Stock Options
As value investors, we must be weary of the stock options provided to senior executives, especially in the technology industry. A level of high employee compensation, with little to none growth is a sign of lack of integrity in the management, as described by Benjamin Graham from the 'Intelligent Investor.' However, in the case of Microsoft, at the moment the stock compensation given to executives is far exceeded by the buyback of the company and its profits. As we can see the normal EPS and diluted EPS, are not very different, even if the diluted EPS considers all available stock options.
Conclusion
To conclude, I believe that Microsoft can see fantastic growth potential in its business activities, being in sectors that are either completely dominated by the firm, or in fast growing technology markets. Furthermore, the companies strong balance sheet and investment allow the investor to have trust on the company's short-run standing.