Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surges as Layoffs Continue - Wall Street Rewrites ’Efficiency’ as ’Growth’
Microsoft's stock just got another artificial boost—this time powered by pink slips rather than product innovation.
NASDAQ:MSFT ticks upward as the tech giant announces another round of layoffs, proving once again that Wall Street prefers cost-cutting over actual growth. Because nothing says 'healthy company' like trimming your workforce while your CEO talks about AI changing the world.
It’s the oldest trick in the corporate playbook: fire employees, watch operating margins expand, and let shareholders cheer. Meanwhile, the rest of us wonder when 'optimization' became a euphemism for 'fewer people doing more work.'
Classic finance move—cut your way to prosperity while the real economy pays the price. Maybe next they’ll spin off the HR department as a 'lean, agile restructuring consultancy.'
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Microsoft has already been through its headcount roster with a chainsaw, taking out 15,000 employees since May. This layoff is a lot more targeted, though, seeing only 42 employees out the door. Perhaps more notably was the reason, or lack thereof, behind the loss of these 42 workers.
Microsoft reps noted, “Organizational and workforce changes are a necessary and regular part of managing our business. We will continue to prioritize and invest in strategic growth areas for our future and in support of our customers and partners.” It was unclear how the firing of these 42 workers contributed to strategic growth areas, or represented resources in non-strategic, non-growth areas. But one thing was clear: it was just another set of layoffs, albeit a smaller set, in a company that has been laying off people at a dizzying pace.
Indie Selects Demo Fest Begins
On a lighter note from Microsoft, it is planning the launch of the Indie Selects Demo Fest, part of the ID@Xbox program that helps bring independent gaming to Microsoft’s operations. Microsoft has spent a combined total of $5 billion in indie gaming development support, so you know how seriously it takes this field.
And with the arrival of the Indie Selects Demo Fest, we get access to a range of free demo games from now until September 30. Clear your calendars, and check out a range of options starting with the latest installment of the party game classic series, The Jackbox Party Pack 11. From there, check out surgical deathloop game Dead Reset, the oddly on-the-nose Military Logistics Simulator, and golf course builder Under Par: Golf Architect.
Is Microsoft a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 33 Buys and one Hold assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 17.82% rally in its share price over the past year, the average MSFT price target of $626.88 per share implies 25.43% upside potential.
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