Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a global leader in software for PC’s and enterprise computing. The company had struggled for a number of years to find growth outside of its traditional markets, missing out on large opportunities in the social and mobile markets. Last year, shares were hit hard due to weak end markets related to PC’s as well as foreign exchange headwinds. Based on our research, we felt new management was reinvigorating innovation and the company was well positioned to offer compelling cloud-based computing services. In 2015, we began to see the signs of progress in this transformation, with shares propelled by an 80% increase in cloud computing revenue during the September quarter. We continue to hold our shares as the cloud transformation is in its early innings and we think the company has the potential to generate $4 of free cash flow per share within the next 2-3 years.
From Meridian Contrarian Fund Semi-Annual Shareholder Letter 2016.
