Microsoft reported better-than-expected growth in its cloud business and said spending on AI infrastructure hit a record. The closely watched Azure cloud-computing unit posted a 39% rise in sales during Microsoft’s fiscal fourth quarter, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Analysts projected 34% revenue growth. The shares rose about 7% in extended trading after closing at $513.24 in New York. The company’s stock was up about 22% this year through the Wednesday close.

Meta also reported results that sent shares higher after the close. Meta topped projections for second-quarter sales and gave a stronger-than-expected forecast for the current period, a sign that the social media company’s advertising business is still growing quickly enough to support aggressive spending on artificial intelligence. Shares jumped as much as 10% in late trading. Third-quarter sales will be $47.5 billion to $50.5 billion, Meta said in a statement Wednesday, with the midpoint of that range exceeding the average analyst estimate of $46.2 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The social media giant, which owns Instagram and Facebook, reported second-quarter revenue of $47.5 billion. Meta stock was up 18.7% so far this year before Wednesday’s report.

For instant reaction and analysis to earnings for both big tech companies, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with:
Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities
Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Technology Analyst Anurag Rana
Greg Halter, Director of Research at Carnegie Investment Counsel

Microsoft reported better-than-expected growth in its cloud business and said spending on AI infrastructure hit a record. The closely watched Azure cloud-computing unit posted a 39% rise in sales during Microsoft&rsquo;s fiscal fourth quarter, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Analysts projected 34% revenue growth. The shares rose about 7% in extended trading after closing at $513.24 in New York. The company&rsquo;s stock was up about 22% this year through the Wednesday close. Meta also reported results that sent shares higher after the close. Meta topped projections for second-quarter sales and gave a stronger-than-expected forecast for the current period, a sign that the social media company&rsquo;s advertising business is still growing quickly enough to support aggressive spending on artificial intelligence. Shares jumped as much as 10% in late trading. Third-quarter sales will be $47.5 billion to $50.5 billion, Meta said in a statement Wednesday, with the midpoint of that range exceeding the average analyst estimate of $46.2 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The social media giant, which owns Instagram and Facebook, reported second-quarter revenue of $47.5 billion. Meta stock was up 18.7% so far this year before Wednesday&rsquo;s report. For instant reaction and analysis to earnings for both big tech companies, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with:
<ul>
<li>Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities</li>
<li>Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Technology Analyst Anurag Rana</li>
<li>Greg Halter, Director of Research at Carnegie Investment Counsel</li>
</ul>

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring you reporting from the magazine that helps global leaders stay ahead, plus insight on the people, companies and trends shaping today's complex economy.  Watch us LIVE on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring you reporting from the magazine that helps global leaders stay ahead, plus insight on the people, companies and trends shaping today's complex economy.&nbsp; Watch us LIVE on YouTube: <a href="http://bit.ly/3vTiACF">http://bit.ly/3vTiACF</a>.

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring together the latest news from the world of business and finance and the interesting stories of global technology, politics, economics and more by harnessing the power of Bloomberg Businessweek reporters and editors.

Bloomberg Businessweek

Instant Reaction: Microsoft & Meta Soar After Strong Earnings

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