** Shares of Microsoft Corp down 4.1% amid a broader tech-driven sell-off on Thursday ahead of its quarterly results expected after the closing bell
** Tech co seen posting adj qtrly EPS of $2.82, a 15.0% y/y increase, on rev of $60.80 billion compared with $52.86 billion in the year-ago qtr, according to LSEG
** Co has beaten/met EPS and rev estimates in 7 of 8 most recent qtrs, per LSEG
** On Wed, Facebook parent Meta Platforms sparked a sell-off in big tech shares after it hinted that AI investments could take years to pay off
** On Jan 5, MSFT beat qtrly EPS, rev estimates and touted new AI features, but shares fell as investors digested with the cost
** Of 58 analysts covering MSFT, 55 rate stock "buy" or stronger, remaining 3 recommend "hold"
** Median PT of $465 marks 9.4% increase over last 3 mos
** YTD, stock up >4% compared with Dow's ~0.5% increase and S&P 500 Tech's ~5% advance over the same time period
(Reporting by Stephen Culp)
((stephen.culp@thomsonreuters.com; 646-223-6076;))
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