Blimey! Microsoft's Shares Soar Higher Than a Nimbus 2000!

Accio Profits!

Right gather 'round everyone. Harry Potter here reporting live from… well not Hogwarts sadly. But I've got some news that's almost as exciting as discovering a new Defence Against the Dark Arts spell! Microsoft yes the tech wizards behind those infernal computers have announced their quarterly results and Merlin's beard they're impressive! Their shares have risen about 9% soaring like a Firebolt on a good day all thanks to their Azure cloud business. Seems like even muggles are getting in on the magic of the cloud these days.

Better Than a Bezoar!

Now I'm no Hermione when it comes to numbers but even I can see that these figures are rather good. They managed earnings per share of $3.46 which is better than the $3.22 that was expected. Revenue also pulled ahead reaching $70.07 billion against the $68.42 billion anticipated. It's like finding a bag of galleons under your mattress—unexpected but very welcome! As Dumbledore said 'Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.' And it seems Microsoft has found that light switch in the form of Azure growth.

Azure's Growth: A Case of 'Wingardium Leviosa'!

The real story here and even Hagrid would understand this one is Azure's growth. Microsoft expects a whopping 34% to 35% growth in Azure all thanks to the surge in AI. Who knew artificial intelligence could be such a powerful potion? They are investing heavily in AI infrastructure spending $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on data centers which they claim will boost AI workloads which is great! It’s like adding a turbo boost to your broomstick! According to Microsoft's finance chief 'Things were a little better and we still have some work to do in our scale motions and we're encouraged by our progress,' which is promising but sounds a bit like Professor Snape trying to give a compliment.

LinkedIn's Blues: A 'Muffliato' on the Hiring Market

Not all is golden snitches and butterbeer though. LinkedIn which is part of Microsoft's Productivity and Business Processes segment has been hit by the 'weakness in the hiring market'. It's as if someone cast a Muffliato charm on the recruiters; they can't seem to hear anyone calling for jobs! Even with that hiccup the segment managed a 10% rise proving that even with a few bludgers flying around you can still win the Quidditch match.

Windows and Devices: A Resurrection Stone for Sales

Over in the 'More Personal Computing' corner containing Windows search advertising and devices things are looking up as well. Sales of devices and Windows operating licenses increased seemingly defying the hexes of economic uncertainty. It's like someone used the Resurrection Stone to bring back the dead or at least breathe new life into the PC market. Commercial clients are adopting the Windows 11 at around 75% which is impressive growth like getting an 'Outstanding' on your O.W.L.s.

OpenAI and Microsoft's Tango: A Few Stumbles But Still Dancing

And let's not forget the AI partner that keeps everyone on their toes OpenAI. Microsoft has adjusted its relationship ensuring it has the first refusal on OpenAI's computing needs. It’s a bit like Ron trying to figure out how to ride a broom. 'Why spiders? Why couldn't it be follow the butterflies?' Ron Weasley. There have been some losses on equity method investments including OpenAI but overall the dance continues and Microsoft seems determined to lead.