Microsoft profits soar days after announcing thousands of layoffs
The week, the Windows developer said it would offer buyouts to 60,000 workers as it looks to curb costs.
By BBC News
Microsoft has reported quarterly profits of more than $36.6bn (£27.5bn), days after announcing a voluntary buyout scheme affecting about 60,000 employees.
The technology giant said profits for the three months to the end of September had risen sharply. The result came as Microsoft continues to invest billions of dollars in artificial intelligence.
On Monday, the company announced that eligible workers in selected teams could apply for voluntary redundancy packages. The offer covers employees in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.
Around 60,000 workers are understood to be eligible, representing more than a quarter of Microsoft’s global workforce. The scheme is available to staff at level 70 and below, although some parts of the business are excluded.
Microsoft has been trying to control costs while expanding its AI infrastructure and related products. The company has also carried out job cuts elsewhere this year.
In July, it announced plans to eliminate about 4,800 roles as part of a restructuring of its Xbox gaming business. Microsoft had earlier offered voluntary buyouts to some US employees.
The latest financial figures highlight the contrast between the company’s strong earnings and the workforce reductions being pursued as it redirects spending towards AI.