Microsoft Stock Surges Amid AI Infrastructure Spending Plans

Microsoft's stock price has been trending upward, closing at $517.53 on October 2, 2026, up 0.92 percent on the Nasdaq exchange. The company's market capitalization now stands at a staggering $3.8 trillion.

The recent quarterly dividend increase of 8 percent to $0.98 per share has shifted focus towards shareholder returns alongside its AI infrastructure spending plans. Microsoft announced this increased payout in a September 15 release, setting the ex-dividend date for November 19 and payment date for December 10.

Microsoft's fiscal Q4 revenue reached $90.01 billion, up 17.7 percent from the same quarter last year. The company's reported earnings per share came to $4.74, beating a consensus estimate of $4.24.

The upcoming fiscal Q1 2027 results will be closely watched as Microsoft is expected to report its capital expenditure plans, with a target of $50 billion for the first quarter and $175 billion for the full year. Analysts have set an average price target of $571.18, representing a 10.37 percent increase from the current price.