Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Pay Jumps To Record $96.5 Million Amid AI Growth - Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Core Insights - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's annual pay increased by 22% to a record $96.5 million for fiscal 2025, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence [1][2] - The pay package is significantly linked to Microsoft's share performance, which has risen over 23% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's nearly 15% gain [2] - Microsoft's shares have more than doubled in value over the past three years, primarily due to the growth of the Microsoft Azure business, which supports increasing demand for cloud infrastructure related to AI [3] Financial Performance - Microsoft reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings in July, with sales climbing 18%, marking the fastest growth in over three years [4] - The company is set to announce its next earnings on October 29, with expectations of continued expansion in AI infrastructure [4] Strategic Focus - Judson Althoff, the newly appointed Microsoft commercial business chief, indicated that Nadella could return to a "founder mode," emphasizing the future of AI, including architectures and platforms [5] - Bank of America Securities analyst Brad Sills noted that Microsoft will prioritize scalable growth and energy self-reliance in its AI strategy [4] Internal Challenges - Despite strong financial performance, Microsoft has faced internal unrest, including the dismissal of activist employees protesting against the company's partnership with the Israeli military [5] - Criticism has also arisen regarding the ethical implications of mass layoffs while increasing applications for employment-based visas [6]