Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-26 07:03Core Viewpoint - Microsoft is set to announce its Q2 FY2026 earnings on January 28, with expected revenue of $80.23 billion, reflecting a 15.2% growth, and an anticipated EPS of $3.88, representing a 20.1% year-over-year increase. The market's focus is shifting from whether Microsoft will exceed overall performance expectations to its execution in cloud business growth, AI monetization, and profit margins [1] Revenue Growth - Cloud Computing as Core Driver - Azure will be pivotal in determining the stock price reaction post-earnings. The market is less concerned about whether Microsoft will exceed consensus expectations and more focused on whether cloud business growth has stabilized or is beginning to accelerate again compared to the previous quarter [2] AI Monetization - Actual Signal or Narrative? - AI remains central to Microsoft's valuation, but the market now requires evidence of revenue generation. The focus is on whether AI has led to incremental sales and billable Azure demand, rather than merely supporting product positioning [4] Profit Margins - Cloud Efficiency and Rising Costs - As Microsoft increases investments in AI and data centers, profit margins remain a critical sensitivity point. The market will compare operating margins with the previous quarter to assess whether cloud computing efficiency offsets higher costs related to computing power, energy, and infrastructure [5] Productivity and More Personal Computing - Beyond cloud and AI, Microsoft's productivity and PC segments provide potential demand signals. Pricing power of Office and Microsoft 365 will be viewed as indicators of enterprise resilience, while Windows OEM demand may suggest stabilization in the PC cycle [6] True Catalyst - Guidance and Outlook - Guidance is likely to drive post-earnings reactions. The market will focus on the tone of guidance for Q1 and the full year, particularly regarding cloud demand and spending trends [7] Capital Expenditure and Investment Spending - As Microsoft continues to expand AI and data center investments, capital expenditure guidance will be closely scrutinized. The market remains sensitive to the narrative of "spending now for future profits," especially in a high-interest-rate environment [8]