Microsoft stock (NASDAQ: MSFT) surged 24% in five days, rising from $393 at July’s end to $489 in early August. The rally, driven by the company’s AI investments, has attracted both retail and institutional investors. Jefferies analyst Brent Thill maintained a buy rating, urging clients to accumulate MSFT below $500.
Microsoft stock (NASDAQ: MSFT) has become the most happening asset in financial markets this August, rising a record 24% in the last five days. The software titan generated remarkable profits for investors as the sudden spike attracts both retail investors and institutional funds.
The semiconductor sector is facing corrections, but firms building AI infrastructure are experiencing a rally this month. MSFT was trading at $393 at the end of July but went straight to $489 in the first week of August, a rise of 96 points in less than five days.
While Microsoft stock struggled to climb above $400, it is now gearing up to breach the $500 wall. The Satya Nadella-led company is among the top contenders in the AI sphere, having invested billions in the sector, including in startups and data centers.
On Monday, August 3, 2026, stock market analyst Brent Thill at Jefferies maintained his buy rating on Microsoft stock in a note to clients. According to Thill, he urged institutional clients to begin accumulating MSFT while it is trading under the $500 level.
The analyst’s latest price prediction sets a new target of $575, representing a profit of nearly $88 per share from an entry at $487. That is an 18% return on investment, meaning a $1,000 investment could turn into $1,180 if the target is reached. The investment bank is confident that accumulating MSFT even at the $480 zone could still be profitable for traders.
