Microsoft Cloud Generates $49B in Quarterly Revenue, Boosts Performance Obligations 50%

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Microsoft Cloud revenue reached $49 billion last quarter, marking a 26% year-over-year increase, while Azure revenue surged 40% YoY. The company reported $400 billion in remaining performance obligations, up 50% year-over-year, signaling robust enterprise commitments and accelerating demand for its AI cloud services.

1. Third Point Management Nearly Triples Microsoft Stake in Q3 2025

According to the latest SEC filings, billionaire Daniel Loeb’s Third Point Management added 700,000 shares of Microsoft during the third quarter of 2025, boosting its total holding by almost 200% compared to the previous quarter. This substantial increase underscores Third Point’s conviction in Microsoft’s leadership in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Observers note that this move also serves as a proxy play on OpenAI, given Microsoft’s approximate 27% ownership of the AI developer and widespread market speculation about a potential OpenAI IPO in 2026. If OpenAI does list publicly, analysts anticipate a double-digit percentage surge in Microsoft’s share value as investors seek indirect exposure to the AI pioneer.

2. Robust AI-Driven Growth Forecasts Reinforce Microsoft’s Appeal

Wall Street consensus projects Microsoft will achieve revenue growth of approximately 16% in fiscal year 2026 and around 15% in fiscal year 2027, driven primarily by continued adoption of its Copilot-enhanced Office suite and accelerating demand for Azure cloud services. During the most recent quarter, Microsoft Cloud revenue surpassed $50 billion on a trailing-12-month basis, with Azure growing at a mid-30% year-over-year clip. Gross margins above 68% and recurring licensing revenue exceeding two-thirds of total sales further underline the stability of Microsoft’s core business. With nearly $150 billion in annual operating cash flow, the company remains well positioned to fund additional data-center build-outs, support AI research partnerships and sustain its quarterly dividend, making the stock an attractive holding for long-term investors.

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