04.05.2025

Microsoft’s Impressive Q3: Cloud and AI as Growth Factors

Financial Performance Q3 FY2025

Revenue: $70.1 billion (+13% YoY)

Net Income: $25.8 billion (+18% YoY)

Earnings Per Share (EPS): $3.46 (+18%)

Return to Shareholders: $9.7 billion via dividends and stock buybacks.

Drivers of Growth

Microsoft Cloud & Azure

Cloud Revenue: $42.4 billion (+20% YoY), with Azure growing by 33% alone.

Intelligent Cloud Segment: Revenue of $26.8 billion (+21%), supported by hybrid solutions and AI-enabled services.

AI Innovations

Microsoft is aggressively investing in AI: partnerships with chip manufacturers like NVIDIA and the integration of AI tools (e.g., Copilot) into productivity software drive demand. Reports suggest that Microsoft could host Grok from xAI – another step to strengthen the ecosystem.

Market Reactions & Analyst Estimates

Stock Surge: Shares rose ~9% following the Q3 results, as the outcomes surpassed expectations and alleviated concerns over CAPEX cuts.

Valuation: As of May 2, 2025, at ~$435 with a 14% discount according to Morningstar – potentially attractive for long-term investors.

Strategic Positioning for Recession Resilience

CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes cloud-based solutions as key to navigating crises: through economies of scale and cost efficiency, Microsoft remains profitable even amidst macroeconomic challenges. Unchanged CAPEX plans until FY26 underline confidence in sustained demand for AI/Cloud services.

For tech investors, MSFT remains one of the most compelling values in the sector – combining stable revenue dynamics, leadership in innovation, and shareholder friendliness.