The average brokerage recommendation (ABR) for Microsoft (MSFT) is equivalent to a Buy. The overly optimistic recommendations of Wall Street analysts make the effectiveness of this highly sought-after metric questionable. So, is it worth buying the stock?...

Financial logic suggests Microsoft bonds should have higher yields than those of the U.S. government: Treasurys are easier to trade, are issued at a lower yield than Microsoft and have tax benefits for Americans. On top of that, the government has the power to tax Microsoft, and if somehow the U.S. did default, the subsequent financial catastrophe would surely crush American companies, including Microsoft. If Microsoft failed, it would be bad, but it wouldn’t bankrupt America...