Microsoft Q4 revenue exceeds $90 billion, Azure revenue reaches $100 billion for the first time

Odaily Planet Daily report: Microsoft (MSFT.O) announced strong growth in its cloud business and an increase in the number of paying AI users, while investors continue to closely monitor whether the company’s spending on data centers will yield returns. Microsoft’s fourth-quarter earnings per share came in at $4.81, above $3.65 a year ago and the Wall Street consensus of $4.24; quarterly revenue reached $90 billion, exceeding the expected $87.6 billion and up 18% year-over-year. Azure remains one of the most closely watched metrics by investors, viewed as a barometer for overall AI demand. Microsoft CEO Nadella said, “Azure revenue has surpassed $100 billion for the first time, and over 30 million paid seats of Microsoft 365 Copilot reflect customers’ confidence in our ability to support their AI transformation.” Microsoft Azure’s cloud business generated $39.3 billion in revenue during the fourth quarter, growing 43%—above the expected 40% growth. Microsoft’s stock rose as much as 4% in after-hours trading. Year to date, Microsoft’s stock has declined approximately 18%. (Jinshi)