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Microsoft Cloud Revenue Accelerates as Capex Growth Slows

Microsoft's cloud revenue growth accelerated in the fiscal third quarter, while capital expenditure came in below Wall Street expectations, suggesting the company's heavy AI investments are beginning to yield returns.

April 29, 2026
2 min read
Source: Reuters
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Key Numbers

capex
31.9B
capex expectation
34.90B
capex prior quarter
37.5B
capex growth pct
49%

Microsoft (MSFT) reported accelerating cloud revenue growth in its fiscal third quarter, while capital expenditure rose less than expected, signaling that its massive investments in artificial intelligence are starting to pay off, according to Reuters.

Key Financial Results

MetricValuevs. Expectations
RevenueNot yet disclosed
Net IncomeNot yet disclosed
EPSNot yet disclosed

Note: Reuters' report focused on cloud revenue growth and capex; revenue and profit figures were not provided.

Highlights from the Report

  • Capital expenditure reached $31.9 billion in Q3, up 49% year-over-year.
  • The figure was below Wall Street expectations of $34.90 billion (per Visible Alpha).
  • In Q2, capex totaled $37.5 billion.
  • The slower spending pace suggests Microsoft is managing costs while continuing to invest in AI infrastructure.

Guidance

Microsoft has not yet issued formal guidance for Q4, but analysts are watching for updates on fiscal 2027 capex plans during the analyst call.

Stock Impact

No immediate stock reaction was reported, but slower capex growth combined with accelerating cloud revenue is typically viewed positively by investors.

What This Means for Investors

The moderation in capital spending alongside stronger cloud revenue indicates Microsoft may be entering a phase where AI investments begin generating returns. The key focus remains on the company's ability to convert spending into revenue and margin expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Capital expenditure was $31.9 billion, up 49% year-over-year and below the analyst estimate of $34.90 billion.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.