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Microsoft (Q4 Results): cloud drives earnings beat

Strong cloud growth at Microsoft drove a solid quarter, with guidance pointing to continued momentum.
Microsoft - top and bottom line misses as demand wanes

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Fourth-quarter revenue rose 17% when ignoring currency moves, to $90.0bn ($87.6bn expected). Growth was broad-based, including 43% in Azure.

Operating profit was $40.6bn ($40.2bn expected), up 18%, driven by strong revenue growth.

Free cash flow fell 23% to $19.6bn, as cash capex more than doubled to $35.8bn. Net cash was $36.5bn at the end of the quarter, not including $88.5bn of lease liabilities. The company returned $10.2bn in cash to shareholders.

Revenue in the coming quarter is guided to rise 16-17% to $89.9-91.0bn ($89.7bn expected), with Azure expected to grow around 45%.

For the full year, the group expects double-digit revenue and operating income growth. Capex is set to grow, but margins are expected to be broadly flat, with positive free cash flow.

The shares rose 7.9% in after-hours trading.

Our view

HL view to follow.

Microsoft key facts

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This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.

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Written by
Matt-Britzman
Matt Britzman
Senior Equity Analyst

Matt is a Senior Equity Analyst on the share research team, providing up-to-date research and analysis on individual companies and wider sectors. He is a CFA Charterholder and also holds the Investment Management Certificate.

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Article history
Published: 30th July 2026