Microsoft's Strong Earnings Propel Stock Surge

Microsoft reported better-than-expected revenue of $56.5 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.99, beating analysts' estimates. The company's Intelligent Cloud segment, including Azure, generated $24.3 billion in revenue, surpassing Wall Street's expectations. Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to its growth, with investments in AI-powered applications and a recent $10 billion investment in OpenAI. The company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the largest in its history, positions Microsoft as the third-largest video game company globally.