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Microsoft (Q2 Results): solid quarter

This was a respectable quarter for Microsoft with decent guidance, but investors were hoping for a little more from Azure.
Microsoft - cloud beat expectations but costs to rise

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Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Microsoft reported second-quarter revenue of $81.3bn ($80.3bn expected), up 15% when ignoring currency moves. Growth was broad-based, including 38% in Azure.

Operating profit was $38.3bn, up 21%, driven by strong revenue growth and margin expansion.

Free cash flow fell 9% to $5.9bn, with net cash including lease liabilities at $31.9bn. Over the quarter, the company returned $12.7bn in cash to shareholders.

Revenue in the coming quarter is guided to land between $80.7–81.8bn, with Azure expected to grow at 37-38% when ignoring currency moves.

The shares were down 6.4% in pre-market trading.

Our view

HL view to follow.

Microsoft key facts

All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.

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.

This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.

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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: 29th January 2026