MSFT Microsoft NASDAQ +2.19% pre-market ahead of earnings: metrics to watch
MSFT stock is up 2.19% in pre-market trading at USD 480.58 as investors position ahead of Microsoft Corporation’s earnings report on 28 Jan 2026. The move comes on volume of 29,078,464 shares and follows a recent trading range of $473.16–$482.87. We examine the numbers investors will watch tonight, and how guidance and cloud growth could shape the NASDAQ reaction
Earnings snapshot for MSFT stock
Microsoft (MSFT) reports earnings today after the market close, scheduled for 28 Jan 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. Analysts focus on Azure revenue growth, Office 365 subscriptions, and operating margins. Consensus ratings show 43 Buys, 2 Holds, 1 Sell, indicating broad buy-side expectations. One key metric is trailing EPS 14.06 and PE 34.18, which frame expectations for profitability and valuation.
How price action links to the MSFT stock report
Pre-market gains to USD 480.58 reflect anticipation of a positive beat or upbeat guidance. Short-term momentum is mixed: the 50-day average is 480.24 and the 200-day average is 484.55. Higher-than-average volume today suggests the market is pricing fresh forward guidance into MSFT stock ahead of the results.
Financial and valuation snapshot for MSFT stock
Microsoft’s market cap stands at USD 3,572,230,960,492.00 with EPS 14.06 and PE 34.18. Key ratios show a price-to-sales of 12.17 and price-to-free-cash-flow of 45.84. Free cash flow per share is 10.50 and return on equity is 31.53%. These metrics highlight strong profitability but a premium valuation versus many tech peers.
Technicals and trading cues for MSFT stock
Momentum indicators are neutral-to-cautious: RSI 45.34 and MACD histogram 0.23. Bollinger middle band sits at 481.51, with an ATR of 7.92, implying typical intraday swings near USD 8.00. On the upside, break above 482.87 may invite momentum buying. On the downside, a fall below 473.16 could trigger short-term selling.
Meyka Grade & forecast for MSFT stock
Meyka AI rates MSFT with a score out of 100: 83 | Grade A | Suggestion: BUY. This grade factors in S&P 500 comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a yearly price of USD 527.69, an implied upside of 9.80% vs current price USD 480.58. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees.
Earnings risk and what to watch in the MSFT stock report
Watch Azure growth rate, operating margin guidance, and enterprise AI contract cadence. A revenue beat with stable margins should support a post-earnings pop. Weak cloud guidance or slowing commercial activity could push MSFT stock toward the near-term support at USD 420.00. Keep an eye on management commentary for capital allocation and margin levers.
Final Thoughts
MSFT stock is trading at USD 480.58 in pre-market on 28 Jan 2026, up 2.19%, as investors price tonight’s earnings. Our model forecasts USD 527.69 for the next year, an implied upside of 9.80% versus the current price. Analysts are bullish overall, with 43 Buys and a strong buy-side tilt. Key catalysts are Azure growth and margin commentary. Risk remains from any guidance cut or weaker enterprise demand. For active traders, watch the $482.87 intraday high and the $473.16 intraday low. For longer-term investors, Meyka AI’s A grade and a conservative price target of USD 520.00 (up 8.20%) offer a baseline. Bull case target USD 600.00 (up 24.86%); bear case USD 420.00 (down 12.61%). Meyka AI provides this as AI-powered market analysis; forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees
FAQs
When does Microsoft report earnings and how will it affect MSFT stock
Microsoft reports earnings on 28 Jan 2026 after the close at 4:00 PM ET. Expect the report to move MSFT stock on Azure growth, Office subscription trends, and margin guidance. Better-than-expected cloud growth typically supports the share price
What is Meyka AI’s outlook for MSFT stock after earnings
Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a yearly price of USD 527.69 for MSFT stock. That implies an upside of 9.80% from the current USD 480.58. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees
Which metrics should investors watch in the MSFT stock report
Focus on Azure revenue growth, operating margin, EPS, and guidance. Also watch subscription growth in Productivity and Business Processes and enterprise AI contract wins that impact forward revenue visibility
How do analysts rate MSFT stock ahead of the report
Analyst consensus leans positive with 43 Buy ratings, 2 Holds, and 1 Sell. The market consensus reflects optimism on cloud and AI revenue, but valuation remains premium versus peers
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.
