Microsoft Stock Rises as Volume Pricing Phase-Out Begins
Microsoft shares gained nearly 1.5% in Monday afternoon trading as the company prepares to eliminate volume pricing for online services effective November 1. The move, aimed at creating greater transparency across purchasing channels, has drawn investor approval despite potential price increases of up to 13% for former bulk buyers.
Analysts note the shift reflects Microsoft's growing emphasis on subscription-based models, evidenced by increased Copilot deployments and enhanced Defender security features. The pricing overhaul follows earlier reductions in bulk discounts for Azure and other products, flattening the company's revenue structure while potentially adding millions in unexpected costs for enterprise clients.