In a significant move, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has disclosed that both his Pershing Square hedge fund and the newly launched closed-end fund have taken positions in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT). The investment decision comes as Ackman sees compelling opportunities in what he believes to be one of the dominant tech franchises.
Ackman outlined his reasoning for this new bet on Twitter, stating, "In our 13F which we will file later today, we will disclose a new position in Microsoft, a company we have followed for many years now offered at a highly compelling valuation." This announcement follows Ackman’s recent investments in other tech giants such as Alphabet (Google), Amazon and Meta.
According to the sources cited, both Pershing Square Holdings LLC and its newly listed closed-end fund, Pershing Square USA, which debuted on the New York Stock Exchange last month, have acquired significant stakes in Microsoft. Ackman highlighted that his firm has "found occasional opportunities to acquire some of the most dominant long-term compounding franchises at attractive valuations."
The rationale behind this investment is grounded in Ackman's belief that Microsoft owns two key enterprise technology franchises: M365 and Azure. He specifically mentioned these as drivers for Microsoft’s valuation, noting their importance not just now but also during the AI era. "While $PSUS will not be filing a 13F tomorrow," he added, referring to his firm's other fund, "$MFST has recently made $MSFT a core holding."
In a detailed X post, Ackman elaborated further on why Microsoft stands out: “Microsoft operates two of the most valuable franchises in enterprise technology, M365 and Azure. These assets are central not just today but also for years to come as we enter into this AI era.”
Ackman pointed out that these investments do not fully reflect what he believes is a larger stake through Microsoft’s ownership interest in OpenAI, valued at approximately $200 billion or 7% of its market capitalization. This strategic investment by Microsoft highlights the importance of cloud computing and productivity tools in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Microsoft shares have experienced volatility this year due to concerns that it might lose ground against competitors like Google and Amazon's advancements in artificial intelligence technologies. Despite these worries, Ackman sees significant long-term potential for both M365 and Azure as they continue to grow their presence across various enterprise segments.
The filing of the 13F with detailed information about Pershing Square’s holdings is expected later today, providing investors and analysts a clearer picture of this substantial investment. This move by Ackman signals his confidence in Microsoft's future prospects amid ongoing technological advancements and competitive pressures within the tech industry.
In conclusion, Bill Ackman’s strategic decision to invest heavily into both existing funds at Pershing Square and his new closed-end fund underscores his belief that despite current market conditions, there are still significant long-term opportunities for growth. As more details emerge from their upcoming 13F filing, it will be crucial to monitor how these positions perform in the coming quarters.
The investment community is closely watching this move by Ackman as he seeks to capitalize on what he perceives as undervalued assets within Microsoft’s portfolio, particularly given his background and track record of successful investments.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Friday, May 15, 2026 based on reporting from 3 verified news sources. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.