Microsoft (MSFT) PriceWatch Alert for October 30, 2009

Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009 8:40 AM EDT
By: Market Intelligence Center Staff

Microsoft (NasdaqNM: MSFT) closed yesterday at $28.22. So far the stock has hit a 52-week low of $14.87 and 52-week high of $29.35. Microsoft stock has been showing support around 27.60 and resistance in the 28.72 range. Technical indicators for the stock are Bullish and S&P gives MSFT a neutral 3 STAR (out of 5) hold rating. MSFT appears on the Investors Observer Hedged Dividend Income list. For a hedged play on this stock, look at a Dec '09 28 covered call (MSQ LC) for a net debit in the $27.12 area. That is also the break even stock price for this trade. This covered call has a 50 day duration, provides 3.90% downside protection and a 3.24% assigned return rate for a 23.69% annualized return rate (comparison purposes only). A lower cost hedged play for this stock would use a longer term call option in place of the covered call stock purchase. To use this strategy look at going long the MSFT Jan '11 15 Call (VMF AC) and selling the Dec '09 28 call (MSQ LC) for a $12.35 debit. The trade has a 50 day life and would provide 3.08% downside protection and a 5.26% assigned return rate for a 38.00% annualized return rate (for comparison purposes only). Microsoft has a current annual dividend yield of 1.82%. [FBB-Seven Summits Research]