Microsoft’s AI Showcase Triggers Share Dip on Cost Worries

• Microsoft excels in Q4 with AI-boosted Azure.
• Shares dip 1% on worries about rising AI costs.
• Investor scrutiny persists despite business growth.

Microsoft surpassed market expectations for profit and revenue, driven by the integration of new artificial intelligence (AI) features into its Azure cloud service. Despite the positive financial results, Microsoft’s shares experienced a 1% decline in after-hours trading, as investors reacted to news about the escalating costs associated with developing these AI features.

The company forecasted an increase in operating expenses, ranging from $15.8 billion to $15.9 billion for the current quarter, compared to $15.4 billion in the previous one. Additionally, Microsoft expects a substantial rise in capital expenditures on a sequential basis.

The collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI has led to the infusion of chatbots into core products like Office software and the Bing search engine. This move attracted business customers seeking to explore the next breakthrough in the tech industry, contributing to a 57% rise in Microsoft’s shares in 2023. However, the increased focus on AI has also elevated costs for the company.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the shift from discussing AI to applying it at scale, emphasizing the integration of AI across every layer of the company’s technology stack. Brett Iversen, Microsoft’s VP for investor relations, noted that 6 percentage points of the growth rate of Azure in the second quarter were attributable to AI, double the figure from the first quarter.

Despite concerns about rising costs, Microsoft reported significant growth in its Intelligent Cloud unit, with Azure sales expanding by 30%, marking its best growth rate in four quarters. Total revenue for the quarter reached $62 billion, an 18% increase compared to analyst estimates of $61.12 billion. Adjusted profit per share was $2.93, beating the estimated $2.78.

The company’s foray into AI includes the introduction of Copilot, an AI assistant priced at $30 per month, which contributed to the growth in commercial sales of Office software. Microsoft’s stock surge in 2023 has propelled it to become the world’s most valuable listed company, surpassing Apple in recent trading sessions.

However, investors remain cautious, and concerns over the increasing costs associated with AI development have triggered a dip in Microsoft’s share value. The company’s commitment to substantial investments in data centers for generative AI further intensifies scrutiny from investors awaiting continued growth in Azure and Office businesses.

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