Microsoft Secures Major AI Deal with Barclays, Stock Nears Record High

Microsoft’s AI ambitions are gaining tangible momentum as Barclays commits to 100,000 licenses for its Copilot AI assistant. The deal underscores accelerating enterprise adoption, following similar large-scale agreements with Accenture, Toyota, and Volkswagen. At $30 per user monthly pricing—before bulk discounts—such contracts could generate tens of millions in recurring revenue.

The announcement fueled a 16% May rally for Microsoft shares, erasing its status as the worst-performing Magnificent Seven stock this year. Azure’s 33% growth last quarter exceeded expectations, with TD Cowen projecting AI-driven Azure revenue to surge from $4 billion to $24 billion by fiscal 2026. "High margins. Software rockets," tweeted one market observer as shares approached all-time highs.