Nadella’s record raise reflects Microsoft’s success with AI, but steep job cuts and uncertain returns raise questions about sustainability.

• Microsoft’s wealth creation increasingly favors shareholders at the expense of reducing its workforce
• AI investments generate record revenue even as job security declines across divisions
• Microsoft’s success now rests largely on the uncertain economics of artificial intelligence

Microsoft has confirmed that CEO Satya Nadella will receive total compensation worth $96.5 million for fiscal 2025, an increase of 22% from the previous year.

The package includes a $2.5 million base salary and $84 million in stock, with most of his salary tied to performance rather than seniority.