Resilient stocks driving growth: Microsoft, Experian and Antofagasta

Microsoft's continued dominance in the technology sector

Key facts:

• Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio: 38.9
• Dividend yield: 0.66%
• Five-year total return: 145%
• Five-year total return (annualised): 19.74%

Microsoft continues to impress investors, currently trading at $503.51 and showcasing remarkable resilience amid challenging market conditions. The company's diversified business model spans cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise solutions, creating multiple resilient revenue streams essential for sustained long-term growth.

A primary growth driver remains Microsoft's Azure cloud computing division, crucial as global businesses increasingly migrate operations to cloud-based infrastructure. Strategic investments in AI technology, particularly highlighted by its partnership with OpenAI, underscore Microsoft's proactive approach in maintaining its leadership in the AI revolution, significantly reshaping industries.

Experian's data analytics growth trajectory

Key facts:

• P/E ratio: 41.63
• Dividend yield: 1.22%
• Five-year total return: 50.3%
• Five-year total return (annualised): 8.48%

Experian will release its first quarter (Q1) trading update on 15 July 2025, providing critical insights into its performance within the competitive data analytics and credit services sectors. The company recently reported an impressive 8% increase in revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), driven by robust organic growth of 7% and EBIT margins expanding by 70 basis points (bp) at constant currency.

Despite missing earnings per share (EPS) expectations by 9.4%, Experian remains attractive due to its strong cash flow generation and strategic technology investments. The company's ongoing investment in technological infrastructure—especially data processing and advanced analytics through AI—continues to solidify its leading market position and supports future expansion.

Antofagasta's copper production outlook

Key facts:

• P/E ratio: 26.1
• Dividend yield: 1.27%
• Five-year total return: 125%
• Five-year total return (annualised): 17.6%

Antofagasta will announce its first-half results on 14 August 2025, closely watched by investors for performance indicators within the crucial copper mining sector. The Chilean mining company forecasts copper production for the full year between 660,000 and 700,000 tonnes, supported by targeted net cash costs ranging from $2.25 to $2.45 per pound.

Significantly, Antofagasta's recent $2 billion investment in essential water infrastructure assets at the Los Pelambres mine highlights its strategic approach to sustaining growth and optimising operational efficiency. Such infrastructural commitments are crucial for maintaining consistent production levels and effectively reducing operational costs in Chile's challenging mining environment.