In the first quarter of 2025, the world’s five biggest tech companies — Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta (formerly Facebook) — reported strong revenue and profit growth, despite macroeconomic headwinds such as rising operational costs and global economic uncertainty. Their success was largely driven by strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, digital advertising, and subscription-based platforms.
Some of these tech giants also rewarded shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, signaling strong financial health and long-term confidence.
Microsoft reported $70.1 billion in revenue, a 15% increase compared to last year. Its net income rose to $25.8 billion, representing a 19% jump.
"A big part of this growth came from Microsoft Azure, its cloud service, which saw a 35 per cent jump. The company also benefited from its AI tools like Copilot and its work with OpenAI."
Microsoft also returned $9.7 billion to its shareholders through dividends and stock repurchase programs.
Alphabet, Google’s parent firm, posted $90.2 billion in revenue — up 12% year-over-year — while its profit surged 46% to $34.5 billion.
"Google Cloud grew 28 per cent, bringing in $12.3 billion, while YouTube ads brought in $8.9 billion, which is 10 per cent more than last year."
"Google also raised its dividend by 5 per cent and rolled out its new AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, which is expected to help power many of its products."
Apple earned $95.4 billion in revenue, a 5% rise from the same period last year, while its net income also climbed 5% to $24.8 billion.
"The biggest contributor was Apple’s Services business, which includes iCloud and the App Store. That part alone brought in $26.6 billion, a 12 per cent increase."
"Apple also announced a massive $100 billion stock buyback plan."
Despite steady iPhone sales, Apple's growth is now heavily supported by recurring revenue from its digital ecosystem.
Amazon generated the highest revenue among the five, with $155.7 billion, a 9% year-on-year increase. Its profit soared 64% to $17.1 billion.
"Most of the gains came from its cloud platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), which brought in $29.3 billion. Advertising was another strong area, making $13.9 billion."
"However, due to spending more on new infrastructure, Amazon’s free cash flow dropped to $25.9 billion."
Even as Amazon boosts its AI and cloud capabilities, its infrastructure spending slightly impacted liquidity.
Meta Platforms recorded $42.3 billion in revenue, a 16% increase, and profit rose 35% to $16.6 billion.
"Advertising continues to be Meta’s main source of income, and rising ad prices helped boost results. The company’s AI assistant, now used by around 1 billion people monthly, is another major focus."
"However, Meta may face challenges in Europe due to new rules affecting its ad-free paid subscriptions."
With billions of users and a growing AI footprint, Meta continues to lead in digital engagement, though regulatory scrutiny remains a concern.
|
Company |
Revenue (USD) |
Profit (USD) |
Key Growth Areas |
|
Microsoft |
$70.1B |
$25.8B |
Azure, AI (Copilot, OpenAI) |
|
Alphabet |
$90.2B |
$34.5B |
Google Cloud, YouTube, AI (Gemini) |
|
Apple |
$95.4B |
$24.8B |
Services (iCloud, App Store) |
|
Amazon |
$155.7B |
$17.1B |
AWS, Advertising |
|
Meta |
$42.3B |
$16.6B |
Ads, AI Assistant |
The first quarter of 2025 showcased the resilience and innovation of Big Tech. Despite global economic uncertainties, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta demonstrated their ability to adapt, grow, and deliver substantial returns — both in terms of financial performance and shareholder value. A common thread across all five companies is their aggressive push into artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital ecosystems, which continue to reshape their core businesses.
With AI models like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Microsoft Copilot, and Meta’s expanding AI assistant, these firms are setting the tone for the next phase of tech evolution. Their robust Q1 results signal that as long as they continue to innovate and diversify, Big Tech’s dominance is far from over.