Executive Summary
Microsoft reported a robust QQ4 2024 with revenue of $64.73 billion, up 15.2% year-over-year and 4.6% quarter-over-quarter. Gross profit reached $45.04 billion, delivering a gross margin of 69.6%, while operating income was $27.93 billion for an operating margin of 43.1%. Net income totaled $22.04 billion and diluted earnings per share were $2.95-$2.96, underscoring durable profitability even as the company continues investing in AI and cloud capabilities.
From a cash-generation perspective, operating cash flow was $37.20 billion and free cash flow was $23.32 billion, supporting a constructive capital allocation framework that included stock repurchases and dividends. The balance sheet remained extraordinarily strong, with total assets of $512.16 billion and a net cash position of approximately $48.8 billion, reflecting substantial liquidity and financial flexibility. The company also maintained disciplined leverage, with a debt-to-capitalization around 0.267 and an interest-coverage ratio near 39.8x, highlighting resilience in a high-dollar-purchase technology cycle.
Looking ahead, Microsoft appears positioned to sustain growth through its three-pillar mix: Intelligent Cloud (Azure, GitHub, and Nuance), Productivity and Business Processes, and More Personal Computing. AI-enabled products and platform services are anticipated to expand addressable markets and drive higher-margin software revenues, while continued cash generation will support dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. Key risks to monitor include competitive intensity in hyperscale cloud, ROI on AI deployments, currency fluctuations, and broader macro uncertainty.
Key Performance Indicators
Key Insights
Revenue: USD 64.73B (YoY +15.2%; QoQ +4.64%)
Gross Profit: USD 45.04B; Gross Margin 69.59% (YoY +14.34%; QoQ +3.90%)
Operating Income: USD 27.93B; Operating Margin 43.14% (YoY +15.14%; QoQ +1.25%)
Net Income: USD 22.04B; Net Margin 34.04% (YoY +9.74%; QoQ +0.44%)
EPS (GAAP/Basic): USD 2.96; Diluted EPS: USD 2.95; EPS YoY +9.63%; QoQ +0.34%
Operating Cash Flow: USD 37.20B; Capital Expenditures: USD 13.87B; Free Cash Flow: USD 23.32B; FCF per share: USD 3.14; Operating Cash Flow per Share: USD 5.0...
Financial Highlights
Revenue: USD 64.73B (YoY +15.2%; QoQ +4.64%)
Gross Profit: USD 45.04B; Gross Margin 69.59% (YoY +14.34%; QoQ +3.90%)
Operating Income: USD 27.93B; Operating Margin 43.14% (YoY +15.14%; QoQ +1.25%)
Net Income: USD 22.04B; Net Margin 34.04% (YoY +9.74%; QoQ +0.44%)
EPS (GAAP/Basic): USD 2.96; Diluted EPS: USD 2.95; EPS YoY +9.63%; QoQ +0.34%
Operating Cash Flow: USD 37.20B; Capital Expenditures: USD 13.87B; Free Cash Flow: USD 23.32B; FCF per share: USD 3.14; Operating Cash Flow per Share: USD 5.00
Balance Sheet snapshot: Total Assets USD 512.16B; Total Current Assets USD 159.73B; Cash & Equivalents USD 18.32B; Short-Term Investments USD 57.22B; Total Liabilities USD 243.69B; Total Equity USD 268.48B; Net Debt: USD -48.81B (net cash)
Liquidity & Capital Allocation: Cash from operations funded stock repurchases (USD -4.21B) and dividends paid (USD -5.57B); net cash change in the period USD -1.32B; Cash and investments position remains robust ~USD 75.53B combined; Dividend Payout Ratio ~25.3%.
Income Statement
| Metric |
Value |
YoY Change |
QoQ Change |
| Revenue |
64.73B |
15.20% |
4.64% |
| Gross Profit |
45.04B |
14.34% |
3.90% |
| Operating Income |
27.93B |
15.14% |
1.25% |
| Net Income |
22.04B |
9.74% |
0.44% |
| EPS |
2.96 |
9.63% |
0.34% |
Key Financial Ratios
operatingProfitMargin
43.1%
operatingCashFlowPerShare
$5
freeCashFlowPerShare
$3.14
dividendPayoutRatio
25.3%
Management Commentary
No transcripts were provided in the dataset. Analysis relies on the official quarterly results release and filings. Management commentary themes (where available from public disclosures) emphasize sustained cloud momentum, AI platform investments, and the durability of enterprise software demand as key drivers of the revenue mix and margin profile.
Forward Guidance
Given the QQ4 2024 results, the near-term trajectory will likely be influenced by the pace of Azure and AI-related services adoption, coupled with ongoing demand for Office 365, LinkedIn, and GitHub offerings. Management commentary historically signals a disciplined approach to AI investments with an aim to preserve or expand operating margins over the medium term, while maintaining robust cash flow generation. Expected factors to monitor: Azure growth contribution to Intelligent Cloud, gross and operating margins as AI-related costs scale, renewal rates for enterprise software and cloud subscriptions, currency headwinds/tailwinds, and any incremental acquisitions or partnerships that expand AI-enabled capabilities. While near-term margins could face some pressure from elevated AI-related investment and platform expansion, Microsoftβs leverage of its broad product suite and enterprise relationships supports a durable, high-quality growth outlook with credible free cash flow expansion potential over the next 2β3 years.