UPDATE: Jefferies Upgrades Microsoft on Multiple Positive Factors

In a report published Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Ross MacMillan upgraded the rating on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) from Hold to Buy, and raised the price target from $33.00 to $42.00.

In the report, Jefferies noted, “We upgrade the stock based on: 1) A new operating structure with greater transparency on the best assets; 2) Increased conviction around the transition to the cloud with Office 365/ Azure; 3) Optionality on Intel's improving competitiveness, which could drive upside to Windows; 4) Increasing value of IP related to Android; 5) The potential for portfolio focus/ better capital allocation under a new CEO.”

Microsoft Corporation closed on Monday at $34.45.