Microsoft to cut thousands of Employees: Focus on Restructuring and AI Innovation
As of May 2025, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is undergoing significant changes. This transformation shows its dedication to adapting its technology to meet the market’s evolving demands. At the heart of this initiative is a strategic restructuring of the organization. This change aims to streamline operations and encourage innovation. The company has announced plans to cut its workforce by about 3 percent, which is around 6,000 employees. This reduction is not just a cost-cutting measure. It aims to remove unnecessary management layers. This change will enhance operational efficiency. It will also allow the company to respond more quickly to new opportunities and challenges in the tech industry.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella leaves after attending a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 30, 2024. Willy Kurniawan | Reuters
“We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft Spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. Microsoft has implemented a two-year ban for employees who are laid off due to performance issues.
Regarding AI and Cloud, the sector continues to be a significant growth driver, rising nearly 9 percent. Analysts have raised price targets, citing advantageous position in generative AI. Not to overlook, Microsoft has renegotiated its partnership with OpenAI to support an IPO by the ChatGPT developer.
Financial Analysis and Outlook
As of May 13, 2025, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is trading at an impressive price of $448.39 per share. The company boasts a substantial market capitalization of approximately $2.79 trillion, which underscores its significant presence and influence within the technology sector. Additionally, Microsoft’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 28.88. This number indicates that the company is profitable and likely to experience continued growth in the future. This positive outlook is strengthened by Microsoft’s strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI). These investments are expected to improve its operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
In the third quarter of 2025, Microsoft reported earnings per share (EPS) of $3.46. This figure notably exceeded analysts’ expectations of $3.22. Additionally, the company posted a remarkable revenue figure of $70.07 billion, reflecting robust demand for its products and services. Analysts predict a positive outlook for Microsoft’s earnings per share (EPS). They expect a growth rate of 10.7 percent until the end of 2025. Following that, they foresee an even stronger growth rate of 12.4 percent in fiscal year 2026. Price targets for Microsoft remain optimistic as well, with average 12-month forecasts suggesting a target price of $507.77. This combination of strong financial performance and positive growth projections positions Microsoft as a compelling investment opportunity in the current market landscape.
Explore More on Sigmanomics
Read more
