Microsoft Corp Shares Rebound After-Hours on Buyout 'Soft Landing' vs. Meta Layoff Rumors

Microsoft Corp shares climbed to $418.65 after-hours (+0.70%) after a 4% intraday plunge to $415.75, as its historic voluntary buyout for ~7% of U.S. staff (~8,750 eligible senior directors and below with age + service ≥70) is touted a gentle restructuring versus peers' abrupt cuts. Announced April 23 with details May 7, the program pairs with comp reforms like decoupling stock from bonuses amid $110-120B FY2026 AI capex pressures. Latest reports spotlight Meta's rumored 10% layoffs (combined ~23,000 jobs), framing Microsoft's move as cost discipline ahead of April 29 earnings.