Editing Microsoft Corporation (section)

=== Financial Performance: A Year of Transformation   ===
Microsoft’s 2016 financial results underscored its successful pivot towards cloud computing and operational efficiency. The company reported $85.32 billion in revenue, with a gross margin of $54.85 billion, operating income of $20.18 billion, and net income of $16.79 billion. These figures reflected a strategic focus on high-growth areas, particularly the Azure cloud platform, which saw revenue surge by 102% year-over-year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar16/index.html |quote=Microsoft's 'cloud-first, mobile-first' strategy under CEO Satya Nadella marked a significant shift in the company's focus, emphasizing cloud computing and mobile technologies. }}</ref> This growth was a cornerstone of Nadella’s "cloud-first, mobile-first" strategy, enhancing profitability and strengthening Microsoft’s competitive standing. By prioritising cloud computing, Microsoft challenged industry leaders like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and expanded its market share in the cloud domain. Operational efficiency also improved as the company streamlined its processes and capitalised on enterprise solutions, including the Office Suite and Windows OS. Despite stiff competition from rivals such as Apple and Google, Microsoft’s ability to innovate and adapt ensured it remained a dominant player in productivity software and cloud services. The year 2016 was a testament to Microsoft’s resilience and strategic foresight, solidifying its position as a leader in the global technology landscape.