Feb 1, 1975: How a $3,000 Deal Sparked Microsoft’s Global Ascent

In this edition of This Week in Wall Street History, host Todd M. Schoenberger explores a pivotal moment in tech history: February 1, 1975, when Bill Gates and Paul Allen sold their BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800 to MITS for $3,000 plus royalties—a modest start that launched Microsoft’s lifelong trajectory. Today, Microsoft is a dominant force: with a market capitalization soaring to approximately $3.7 trillion, it ranks among the largest public companies globally. Over the past year, Microsoft stock has returned +24%, outperforming the S&P 500’s roughly +15% gain. Looking broader, over the last five years Microsoft has delivered a staggering ~158% return, significantly outpacing the ~90% return of the S&P 500. In 2025, Microsoft's stock continues to shine—up about 19% year-to-date, easily ahead of the broader market. From a humble coding deal to an AI and cloud juggernaut, Microsoft’s journey shows how small moments can lead to monumental success—and how outperformers can lift markets forward. Want more episodes that merge historic milestones with modern market lessons? Subscribe to CrossCheck Media on YouTube for This Week in Wall Street History, Money Mavericks, and WealthWise—where legacies meet insights. Elevate your brand with compelling financial storytelling. Advertise with Buy Hold Sell and CrossCheck Media, reaching engaged audiences across the Biz Talk Today TV network. Email [email protected] to explore options. 📢 Like 👍 | Comment 💬 | Subscribe 🔔 for more in-depth market analysis! 🔗 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crosscheckmanagement.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Contact on Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📱 Follow us for real-time updates: 🔹 LinkedIn: / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(1) CrossCheck Media Inc.: Overview | LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(@crosscheckmedia) • Instagram photos and videos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 Facebook: / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(1) Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📢 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CrossCheck Media or Biz Talk Today TV. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. A buyer-beware approach is always prudent. #WallStreetHistory, #MicrosoftOrigins, #MSFTPerformance, #StockMarketOutperformance, #BuyHoldSell, #TechLegend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices