Microsoft’s ‘voluntary exit’ offer explained: Why is the company offering staff buyouts and which staff are eligible?

Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees, about 27% of its workforce, to fund AI spending. The company's stock rose 1.54% to $532.60. AI-related teams are protected, while others like Xbox and Windows are eligible. Capex surged 79.62% to $115.95 billion, while free cash flow fell 6.46%. Analysts expect Q1 EPS of $4.72 and revenue of $90.75 billion.

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Microsoft announced a new Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) potentially affecting 60,000 employees, or 27% of its global workforce, as part of its AI-driven restructuring. The offer is voluntary and time-limited, targeting eligible employees in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and India. This follows an earlier voluntary retirement program in April 2026 that cost $900 million.

Microsoft (MSFT.O) is offering voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees (27% of its workforce) in the US, Canada, India, and UK, with departures scheduled for December 31. The move aims to manage costs amid a $175 bn AI infrastructure investment plan for 2026, which is pressuring cash flow. Microsoft reported positive free cash flow of $19.64 bn in Q2 2026, down 23% year-over-year.

Microsoft announced a voluntary buyout program for 60,000 employees, over a quarter of its global workforce, to manage expenses and support AI investments. The offer, available in Canada, India, the UK, and the US, targets staff at level 70 and below. Microsoft plans $175bn in capital expenditures for 2026, focusing on AI. The company previously offered buyouts to 9,000 US employees and cut 4,800 jobs in July.

Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees, about 25% of its workforce, in the US, Canada, India, and the UK. The move, driven by AI investments, aims to reduce costs while avoiding forced layoffs. Employees have until early December to decide. Microsoft has previously cut 15,000 jobs last year and 4,800 in July, and offered early retirement to 8,750 older employees.