Microsoft gives voluntary buyout offer to about 60,000 employees

Microsoft announced a voluntary exit offer for about 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its global workforce. The program, open until December, excludes certain teams and offers financial support and career resources. Microsoft reports earnings on Wednesday, with expected 2026 capital expenditures of $175 billion. The move follows previous layoffs and a voluntary retirement program, aiming to preserve margins amid AI infrastructure investments.

Microsoft offered buyouts to 60,000 employees in India, the US, UK, and Canada. The voluntary exit program targets employees at level 70 and below, providing financial compensation and career resources. This follows earlier layoffs and a voluntary retirement program. The company stated the move is to adapt to changing business needs, with participation varying by team.

Microsoft launched a voluntary exit program for eligible employees in Canada, India, the UK, and the US. The offer, available to staff at level 70 and below, varies by team and business needs. The Verge reported up to 60,000 employees may be eligible, with some teams excluded. This follows Microsoft's recent layoffs of 4,800 jobs, primarily in Xbox and sales.

Johnson & Johnson shares rose after Phase 1 results showed its experimental prostate cancer drug JNJ-6143 achieved a 75% response rate in advanced patients. Microsoft announced voluntary buyouts for 60,000 employees, seen as operational optimization rather than a slowdown. Meta Platforms plans a $95B equity raise, SpaceX a $40B debt raise, and Anthropic filed for an IPO. AI-related stocks rebounded, while defensive sectors saw profit-taking.

Microsoft offers a voluntary exit program to 60,000 employees (25% of workforce) in Canada, India, UK, and US, with varying participation across divisions. The program provides financial support and career resources, similar to severance packages, with a decision deadline in early December, according to the company.

Microsoft offered 60,000 employees (27% of workforce) voluntary buyouts, including some vice presidents. The company aims to reduce headcount, following earlier layoffs. The move comes before its next earnings report, with investors watching AI spending returns.