Microsoft beats estimates thanks to the cloud. Revenues up to $ 51.7 billion but the stock suffers

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Microsoft beat analysts’ estimates for the second quarter, driven by strong demand for its cloud computing services from companies marrying hybrid business models due to the pandemic.

Revenue rose to $ 51.73 billion in the three months ended December 31, from $ 43.08 billion a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected revenue of $ 50.88 billion, according to data from Refinitiv.

Net income rose to $ 18.77 billion ($ 2.48 per share) from $ 15.46 billion a year ago. “We continue to innovate and invest in different segments and markets with an operating model that strengthens our strategy and culture,” said CEO Satya Nadella.

Earlier this month, Microsoft bought Call of Duty producer Activision Blizzard for $ 68.7 billion in his biggest deal ever, a bet on the construction of the so-called virtual world of the “metaverse”.