We recently compiled a list of the 11 Best Enterprise Software Stocks to Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) stands against the other enterprise software stocks.

Enterprise software comprises applications designed for large organizations, which enable them to manage functions like data analysis, sales, marketing, and customer service. These solutions prioritize scalability, high user capacity, and seamless integration with existing systems. Grand View Research reported that the global enterprise software market is valued at $263.79 billion as of 2024 and is expected to expand at a 12.1% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030. North America accounted for 41% market share of the global enterprise software industry in 2024.

Key trends such as Industry 4.0, digitization, and the rise of connected devices add to the demand for automated and integrated solutions. The shift towards hybrid work models has increased enterprise software adoption in sectors like healthcare and education. In healthcare, enterprise software enhances hospital management and electronic health records. Data safety and privacy are vital market drivers as organizations prioritize protecting sensitive information and comply with GDPR and HIPAA regulations.

Cloud-based enterprise software is expected to dominate the market share by over 55% in 2024 due to its accessibility and affordability, while on-premise solutions will gain traction as organizations seek enhanced customization and data security. Large enterprises accounted for over 62% of the market share, driven by the need to manage complex workflows efficiently. The IT & Telecom sector led with over 20% market share in 2024.

On December 11, Liz Young Thomas, SoFi’s head of investment strategy, and Angela Mwanza, Rockefeller Global Family Office private advisor, joined CNBC’s ‘Closing Bell’ to discuss their market outlooks and address the recent performance of tech stocks. Mwanza expressed a strong bullish outlook for the software sector as they approach the new year. She noted that while mega-cap tech stocks are highly valued, this does not indicate that they are overvalued. She suggested rebalancing portfolios to reduce concentration in these large-cap names while recognizing their growth potential. She highlighted that over the last 6 months, the MAG7 stocks have lagged behind the broader S&P 500, indicating a market broadening that could favor software investments.

Thomas supported this bullish sentiment by emphasizing the resilience of software stocks amid recent volatility in momentum stocks, particularly high-growth names. Despite some mega-cap stocks seeing dramatic year-to-date increases, some up to 900%, others have struggled. Looking into 2025, Thomas predicted uneven performance within the tech landscape and advised investors to focus on software companies. She expressed a stronger bullish sentiment towards this segment, suggesting that software stocks are well-positioned for continued growth as they head into the new year.

Methodology

We first sifted through ETFs, online rankings, and internet lists to compile a list of the top enterprise software stocks. We then selected the 11 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q3 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkey’s database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 279

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a tech company known for its transformative technologies. It has recently made strides in the AI domain. In November, the company unveiled a suite of enhanced AI models tailored to diverse industry needs, expanding its offerings through the Azure AI model catalog.

In FQ1 2025, the company reported a revenue of $65.6 billion, recording a 16% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven by a record-breaking quarterly revenue of $38.9 billion from its cloud services, representing a 22% year-over-year surge. Notably, the Azure segment achieved an impressive 33% revenue growth, fueled by a surge in demand for AI-powered solutions within its cloud offerings.

These developments underscore the efficacy of Microsoft’s strategy in leveraging AI to drive business success. The company has articulated its vision to establish three trusted platforms, strategically designed to maximize the value of AI for businesses, demonstrating its commitment to integrating AI into core business operations. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for AI solutions across various sectors, solidifying its leadership position within the technology industry.

RiverPark Large Growth Fund stated the following regarding Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:

“Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT): MSFT was a top detractor in the third quarter following a fiscal fourth quarter earnings report that featured inline operating metrics but mixed guidance. Positively, the company reported strong revenue (+15%) and earnings growth (+10%), powered by Azure (+30%), and operating margins of 43%. Guidance however calls for lower than expected fiscal first quarter Azure revenue as infrastructure constraints limit growth, and higher capital expenditures throughout the company’s fiscal 2025 to alleviate these constraints. The company expects growth to reaccelerate in the back half of fiscal 2025 as more AI capacity comes online.

Cloud-based services have become the company’s largest revenue and earnings producer. The company’s Azure platform alone has the potential to grow to more than $200 billion in annual revenue over the next decade. Overall, we believe that the company will continue to deliver double-digit revenue and EPS growth and generate an enormous amount of free cash flow to return to shareholders and use for acquisitions.”

Overall MSFT ranks 1st on our list of the best enterprise software stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MSFT but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.