Microsoft Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 6/6
Microsoft has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 13.5%, while the Software industry saw earnings growing at 21.4% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 12.7% per year. Microsoft's return on equity is 30.2%, and it has net margins of 39.3%.
Key information
13.49%
Earnings growth rate
13.81%
EPS growth rate
| Software Industry Growth | 17.33% |
| Revenue growth rate | 12.72% |
| Return on equity | 30.22% |
| Net Margin | 39.34% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Microsoft: The Best AI Bet Post Earnings
Apr 30
MSFT: AI Infrastructure Self Sufficiency And Heavy Data Center Commitments Will Sustain Leadership
Microsoft's analyst fair value estimate has been adjusted slightly lower to $579.57, as analysts factor in updated price targets that reflect a mix of reduced P/E assumptions, along with expectations for revenue growth and profit margins tied to AI and cloud spending. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Microsoft reflects a mix of optimism and caution as analysts recalibrate price targets and ratings around AI, cloud spending, and capital intensity.
AI Infrastructure Constraints Will Pressure Cloud Margins Yet Support Stable Long Term Earnings
Catalysts About Microsoft Microsoft is a global technology company that provides cloud services, productivity software, AI platforms and related hardware and services to enterprise, government and consumer customers. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?
Microsoft Could Reach $600 Over the Next Five Years
Microsoft has a strong path to $600 over the next five years because it combines durable growth, elite profitability, and a leadership position in AI, cloud, and enterprise software. Its recurring revenue base makes earnings more predictable, while Azure, Microsoft 365, and its AI products give it multiple ways to compound value over time.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Buildout And Self Sufficiency Will Support Long Duration Leadership
Microsoft's analyst price target has been modestly trimmed as the fair value estimate shifts from $594.62 to $587.31, reflecting a round of target reductions and mixed views on AI related risks and opportunities, even as several firms maintain positive long term opinions on the company's role in software and infrastructure. Analyst Commentary Recent commentary around Microsoft shows a split view, with many research houses trimming price targets while still seeing long term potential, and a smaller group turning more cautious on AI related execution risks, valuation, and competitive threats.
Everyone's Terrified Microsoft Will Keep Spending. I'm Terrified They'll Stop.
Microsoft just burned $37.5 billion in 90 days. The stock has lost a third of its value.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Buildout And Self Sufficiency Will Support Long Duration Leadership
Analysts have made a small cut to the Microsoft analyst price target, trimming fair value by about $1 to $594.62 as they factor in a slightly higher discount rate, modest tweaks to long term revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, and a marginally lower future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Microsoft presents a mixed but detailed picture, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings as they recalibrate expectations around AI, capital spending, and long term growth assumptions.A Structured Counter‑Analysis of "The Leaking Dreadnought"
A Structured Counter‑Analysis of "The Leaking Dreadnought" Microsoft is not a leaking vessel drifting toward structural decline; it is a company in the middle of a capital‑intensive platform transition whose long‑term logic the article fundamentally misreads. The critique below addresses the article’s core claims and reframes them through the lens of Microsoft’s actual strategic architecture, economic model, and competitive position.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Self Sufficiency Will Support Long Duration Cloud Leadership
Narrative Update The analyst price target for Microsoft has been trimmed by a modest amount in dollar terms. Analysts are factoring in slightly lower revenue growth, a small step down in profit margin assumptions, a marginally higher discount rate, and a slightly richer future P/E multiple.Microsoft: Real‑Terms Economic Value Anchored in Durability, Not Growth Assumptions
Microsoft’s true economic value rests on its unmatched enterprise cash-flow durability, high-retention subscription model, and deep competitive moats in operating systems, productivity platforms, and cloud infrastructure. These produce stable, high-margin recurring cash flows capable of long-duration compounding under disciplined capital allocation.MSFT: AI Self Sufficiency And Global Data Center Expansion Will Sustain Cloud Leadership
Our analyst price target for Microsoft has been nudged lower by a few dollars to reflect a slightly reduced fair value estimate of about $596, as analysts balance ongoing enthusiasm around AI driven capital spending with a wave of recent target trims. These largely stem from valuation discipline and concerns that prior long term assumptions, including P/E and margin expectations, may have been set too high.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Partnerships And Data Center Expansion Will Sustain Cloud Leadership
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Microsoft by about $19 to $603, citing a blend of slightly higher discount rates, modestly stronger revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, and a lower future P/E multiple that reflects the recent wave of price target resets and still constructive, AI driven, long term views across recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research around Microsoft centers on how to value its AI opportunity, the required capital spending, and whether current expectations are too high or still leave room for upside.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Buildout And OpenAI Partnership Will Sustain Cloud Leadership
Microsoft's updated analyst price target edges slightly lower, with fair value now at about $622.19, as analysts balance modest tweaks to the discount rate and P/E assumptions against ongoing AI related demand signals highlighted in recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research around Microsoft clusters into two broad camps, with most commentary still constructive on AI driven growth and cloud execution, while a smaller group is more cautious on capital intensity and hyperscaler economics.Microsoft (MSFT): When AI Becomes the Operating Layer of Work
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is no longer just a software company—it’s becoming the operating layer for modern work. Windows, Office, Azure, and now AI-powered copilots form an interconnected ecosystem that spans individual users, enterprises, and governments.MSFT: AI Infrastructure Expansion And OpenAI Deal Will Support Durable Cloud Leadership
Our Microsoft price target edges down slightly to US$622.51 from US$624.45, as analysts balance ongoing enthusiasm around the company’s broad AI and cloud positioning with more cautious views on capital intensity and earnings expectations. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Microsoft reflects a mix of optimism around the company’s AI and cloud positioning and a more cautious read on capital intensity and earnings risk.MSFT: Expanded AI Partnerships And Infrastructure Will Drive Durable Cloud Leadership
Analysts have nudged their Microsoft price target slightly higher to approximately $650, reflecting confidence that the company's broadened AI partnerships, resilient Azure growth, and durable margin profile justify modestly stronger long term revenue and earnings assumptions despite rising capex and hyperscaler caution. Analyst Commentary Street research remains broadly constructive on Microsoft, with a cluster of recent notes highlighting the company as a primary beneficiary of accelerating AI adoption, robust cloud demand, and deepened model partnerships, even as a minority of voices urge greater caution around hyperscaler capital intensity and returns.The Leaking Dreadnought
On the surface, Microsoft appears to be an unsinkable vessel. Buoyed by a trillion-dollar market cap and the explosive valuation of the AI sector, the company seems to be steaming ahead.MSFT: Expanding AI Data Center Buildout Will Drive Durable Cloud And Platform Leadership
Our Microsoft analyst price target has been raised slightly to about $625 from roughly $625. This reflects analysts' view that durable double digit cloud and AI driven revenue growth, reinforced by expanded OpenAI and Anthropic partnerships and recent Q1 beats, more than offsets concerns about elevated capex and hyperscaler returns.Shareholders Will Probably Hold Off On Increasing Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ:MSFT) CEO Compensation For The Time Being
Nov 28
MSFT: Expanding AI Data Center Investments Will Drive Leadership In Next-Generation Cloud Services
Microsoft's analyst price target saw a modest decrease of approximately $2 to $624.83. Some analysts cite rising capital requirements and more cautious expectations for hyperscale cloud providers, despite continued confidence in the company's long-term AI and cloud positioning.MSFT: Future Cloud Demand Will Drive Expansion In AI Infrastructure And Partnerships
Analysts have increased their price target for Microsoft by $5.62 to $626.65. They cite continued momentum in cloud growth, strengthened profit margins, and improving revenue growth expectations driven by Azure’s performance and expanded partnerships in artificial intelligence.Analyst Commentary Highlights Microsoft AI Momentum and Upward Valuation Amid Growth and Competitive Risks
Microsoft’s analyst price target has been revised upward to $625 from $582, a $43 increase. Analysts point to ongoing AI strength, Azure momentum, and durable software growth as key drivers for the valuation boost.AI And Cloud Services Will Shape Enterprise Future
Microsoft’s analyst price target has been raised from approximately $614 to $621. This reflects increased confidence among analysts in Azure’s accelerating growth, the company's robust positioning in the AI ecosystem, and recent capacity and customer mix enhancements.After the AI Party: A Sobering Look at Microsoft's Future
The world has been captivated by the artificial intelligence boom, and no company has ridden the wave of investor enthusiasm quite like Microsoft. Buoyed by its strategic partnership with OpenAI and the integration of AI across its product ecosystem, the company's valuation has soared to unprecedented heights.
From Legacy to Cloud: A Valuation of Microsoft’s Evolving Business Model
United States: 50.87%1-Year Revenue Growth = 16.83%Microsoft Will Lead the Charge with a 12% Revenue Growth Ahead
Where do you think revenue will be in 5 years time? and why?📊 Where Could MSFT’s Revenue Be in 5 Years?As of FY2023, Microsoft's revenue was $232 billion, with an average 5-year CAGR (Compound AnnualWeekly Picks: 🛢️ WCP's Global Leverage, MSFT's AI Momentum, and CDPR's Upside Potential
Jun 03
Microsoft's Evolution Will Drive Revenue to New Heights Fueled by AI
Exceptionally well-positionedMicrosoft is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the enterprise software and cloud landscape in the age of artificial intelligence. With Azure (cloud infrastructure), MiRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Microsoft makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 318,273 | 125,216 | 34,059 | 34,394 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 305,453 | 119,262 | 33,263 | 33,677 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 293,812 | 104,912 | 33,010 | 33,090 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 281,724 | 101,832 | 32,877 | 32,488 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 270,010 | 96,635 | 32,664 | 31,715 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 261,802 | 92,750 | 32,834 | 31,170 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 254,190 | 90,512 | 32,794 | 30,395 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 245,122 | 88,136 | 32,065 | 29,510 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 236,584 | 86,181 | 31,404 | 28,193 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 227,583 | 82,541 | 30,678 | 27,524 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 218,310 | 77,096 | 30,471 | 27,226 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 211,915 | 72,361 | 30,334 | 27,195 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 207,591 | 69,020 | 29,986 | 27,305 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 204,094 | 67,449 | 29,668 | 26,627 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 203,075 | 69,789 | 28,415 | 25,541 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 198,270 | 72,738 | 27,725 | 24,512 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 192,557 | 72,456 | 27,051 | 23,350 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 184,903 | 71,185 | 26,385 | 22,248 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 176,251 | 67,883 | 25,708 | 21,389 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 168,088 | 61,271 | 25,224 | 20,716 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 159,969 | 56,015 | 24,732 | 20,243 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 153,284 | 51,310 | 24,507 | 19,926 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 147,114 | 47,496 | 24,475 | 19,630 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 143,015 | 44,281 | 24,709 | 19,269 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 138,699 | 46,266 | 24,023 | 18,568 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 134,249 | 44,323 | 23,583 | 17,997 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 129,814 | 41,094 | 23,249 | 17,464 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 125,843 | 39,240 | 23,098 | 16,876 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 122,211 | 34,926 | 22,742 | 16,296 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 118,459 | 33,541 | 22,541 | 15,695 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 114,906 | 18,819 | 22,492 | 15,129 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 110,360 | 16,571 | 22,223 | 14,726 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 105,880 | 15,767 | 20,704 | 13,562 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 102,273 | 13,829 | 20,235 | 13,202 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 99,181 | 26,398 | 19,522 | 12,760 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 96,571 | 25,489 | 19,942 | 13,037 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 91,580 | 20,542 | 19,594 | 12,669 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 88,899 | 18,812 | 19,066 | 12,294 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 86,869 | 17,563 | 19,106 | 12,132 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 91,154 | 20,539 | 19,198 | 11,988 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 86,886 | 10,481 | 19,194 | 11,936 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 88,084 | 11,710 | 19,448 | 11,940 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 90,758 | 12,555 | 19,862 | 11,943 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 93,580 | 12,193 | 20,324 | 12,046 |
Quality Earnings: MSFT has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: MSFT's current net profit margins (39.3%) are higher than last year (35.8%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: MSFT's earnings have grown by 13.5% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: MSFT's earnings growth over the past year (29.6%) exceeds its 5-year average (13.5% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: MSFT earnings growth over the past year (29.6%) exceeded the Software industry 14.4%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: MSFT's Return on Equity (30.2%) is considered high.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/01 08:56 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/04/30 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/06/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Microsoft Corporation is covered by 98 analysts. 51 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Kadambari Daptardar | Accountability Research Corporation |
| Harshit Gupta | Accountability Research Corporation |
| Adam Shepherd | Arete Research Services LLP |