In a promising development for the domestic IT sector, leading Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies Ltd, and Tech Mahindra are in the spotlight following Microsoft’s robust Q4 performance. Microsoft’s revenue slightly surpassed US analyst estimates, with its operating margin aligning closely with Wall Street expectations. The tech giant hinted at increased infrastructure investments in FY25, aiming to meet the rising demand for its AI and cloud products.
Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft projected a Q1FY25 revenue growth of 13.5-15.3% year-over-year (YoY), driven by an impressive 19.2-20.5% YoY growth in its Intelligent Cloud segment. This growth is further bolstered by a remarkable 28-29% constant currency (CC) YoY increase in Azure.
Nuvama Institutional Equities observed that Microsoft’s Azure business has been accelerating for five consecutive quarters, a significant turnaround after experiencing a six-quarter deceleration. “AI contributed 8% to Azure growth, and the overall pickup in cloud services is encouraging, signaling positive prospects for Indian IT services companies. We anticipate a surge in cloud spending in FY25, following a modest FY24, leading to higher overall growth,” Nuvama stated.
For the quarter, Microsoft reported revenue of $64.7 billion, marking a 16% YoY increase in CC terms. The Intelligent Cloud segment emerged as the fastest-growing area, with its revenue surging 20% YoY in CC to $28.5 billion, meeting the company’s guidance. Notably, Azure’s revenue grew by 30% CC YoY, including 800 basis points from AI services.
Microsoft’s management highlighted that the Azure consumption business is outpacing the overall Azure growth. The number of Azure AI customers has risen by 60% YoY, with the company now boasting over 60,000 Azure AI customers. The demand for Azure continues to exceed the available capacity, underscoring the platform’s robust market position.
“Productivity and business process revenue reached $20.3 billion, up 12% CC YoY. Office consumer revenue grew by 4% CC YoY, driven by sustained momentum in Microsoft 365 subscriptions, while Office commercial licensing saw a 7% CC YoY decline due to the ongoing shift to cloud offerings,” Microsoft reported.
The positive outlook for Microsoft’s cloud and AI segments bodes well for Indian IT giants, suggesting a fertile ground for growth as global demand for these technologies continues to rise. The increased investment in infrastructure and the steady rise in Azure’s customer base highlight a thriving market landscape, promising significant opportunities for Indian IT service providers in the coming fiscal year.
