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Microsoft (Q3 Results): top and bottom-line beats

Good results for Microsoft, with cloud growth a bright spot as demand continues to outstrip supply.
Microsoft - top and bottom line misses as demand wanes

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Microsoft reported third-quarter revenue of $82.9bn ($81.4bn expected), up 15% when ignoring currency moves. Growth was broad-based, including 39% in Azure.

Operating profit was $38.4bn ($36.8bn expected), up 16%, driven by strong revenue growth and margin expansion.

Free cash flow fell 22% to $15.8bn off the back of higher investment. Net cash including lease liabilities ended the quarter $21.3bn. Over the quarter, the company returned $10.2bn in cash to shareholders.

Revenue in the coming quarter is guided to land between $86.7-87.8bn, with Azure expected to grow at 39-40% when ignoring currency moves.

The shares were broadly flat in after-hours 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: 30th April 2026