They also appeared to give investors confidence that ​Microsoft, which is facing a strong challenge from long-time rival Google in its cloud business, can hang on to its No. Shares of Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft were up more than 8% in extended trading after its forecast. Nadella outlined a ⁠vision in which Microsoft and its customers would be free to pick and choose AI technologies based on their cost and performance needs. SOLID FORECAST, PERFORMANCEMicrosoft forecast a fiscal 2027 first-quarter sales range ​with ​a midpoint of $90.4 billion, above estimates of $89.66 billion, according to LSEG data. The company also forecast Azure growth of ​45% on a constant currency basis, well above analyst estimates of 40.92%, according ‌to data from Visible Alpha.