Microsoft Opens the Exit Door to 60,000 Staff Days Before Earnings
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK, just before the company reports its fiscal first-quarter results.
The buyout program, announced by Chief People Officer Amy Coleman, is available to eligible employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK.
It includes teams in AI experiences, Copilot, Xbox, and Windows + Devices, but excludes marketing, commercial business, and security teams.
This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs.
Workforce changes in 2026
This is the third major workforce move for Microsoft in 2026. The company previously offered buyouts to about 9,000 US employees earlier this year and cut 4,800 jobs in July.
Eligible employees have until early December to decide, with exits planned for the end of the year. The memo lists no payment amounts.
Investor focus on AI spending
Microsoft reports fiscal first-quarter 2027 results after Wednesday’s close. Analysts expect earnings per share of about $4.71 on revenue of roughly $90.63 billion.
The company has forecast $175 billion in capital expenditure for calendar 2026, a massive investment in AI infrastructure.
Wall Street has punished Microsoft for beating forecasts before. In January, the stock fell 10% to $433.50 the day after topping estimates, erasing $357 billion in market value.
Next steps for Azure and guidance
Wednesday’s report will test Azure against Microsoft’s guidance of 44% to 45% growth. The call may also reveal whether a buyout charge will land in the December quarter.
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