As earnings season picks up pace, major tech giants have started revealing how they’re coping with economic shifts, rising U.S. tariffs, and the fast-moving world of AI. In the last two days, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta released their Q1 2025 results giving a clear picture of where Big Tech stands today.

Microsoft and Meta outperformed, showing strong momentum in AI and cloud services. However, both Apple and Amazon posted strong numbers, but given concerns about China and tariffs, the investors were keeping a close eye.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)

Amazon recorded its slowest sales growth due to the pandemic. All-in sales were at $155.7 billion, an increase of 9% while profit exploded 64% to $17.1 billion. However, they gave a conservative outlook for the second quarter, expecting sales in the range of $159 billion to $164 billion operating income between $13 billion and $17.5 billion. Right into that caution, a huge dose is the 145% tariff on imports from China, pricing more than half of Amazon’s offerings.

Amazon reported its slowest sales growth since the pandemic.

  • Sales: $155.7 billion (up 9%)
  • Profit: $17.1 billion (up 64%)

The company gave a cautious forecast for Q2:

  • Expected Sales: $159 billion to $164 billion
  • Operating Income: $13 billion to $17.5 billion

Amazon is under pressure from new U.S. tariffs, especially a 145% levy on Chinese imports, which impacts over half of its product range.

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)

Microsoft delivered very strong results with revenues in excess of $70 billion, a 13% increase year-on-year. Net income stood at $25.8 billion. Azure’s Cloud revenues increased by 33%, ahead of expectations. Heightened integration of AI by Microsoft-in particular the company’s collaboration with OpenAI-promoted confidence among investors, and the stock rose 9% in after-hours trading.

Microsoft had a strong quarter, showing solid growth in cloud and AI services.

  • Revenue: Over $70 billion (up 13% YoY)
  • Net Income: $25.8 billion
  • Azure Cloud Growth: 33%

Microsoft continues to strengthen its AI leadership by integrating OpenAI tools into Office, Excel, and other products. The results lifted investor confidence, and its stock rose 9% after hours.

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)

Apple $95.4 billion in revenue was generated, a 5% increase compared to the previous year, with earnings per share being 1.65. Although the performance generally remained strong, Apple did incur a slowdown of 2.3% in sales from China amid stiffening competition and delays in launching AI features. Commencing June, Apple seeks to control tariff costs by manufacturing most iPhones intended for the U.S. in India and further predicted an extra cost to the tune of $900 million in the next quarter due to tariffs.

Apple posted slightly better-than-expected results overall, but struggled in China.

  • Revenue: $95.4 billion (up 5% YoY)
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): 1.65
  • China Sales: Down 2.3%

The dip in China was blamed on tougher competition and delays in AI features. To reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs, Apple plans to manufacture most U.S.-bound iPhones in India during the June quarter. The company also expects a $900 million rise in costs next quarter due to tariffs.

Meta Platforms On some definitions, the last quarter was one of Meta’s very strongest ever. Revenues were $42.3 billion, and earnings per share of $6.43 reflected a 37% increase year-on-year while blowing past the expected $5.25. Meta maintained its profit guidance even as tariff infrastructure costs weighed on the company, and raised its 2025 capex forecast to the range of $64 billion-$72 billion, continuing investment in AI. The stock rose more than 4% in after-hours trading.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META)

Meta impressed with better-than-expected results across the board.

  • Revenue: $42.3 billion
  • EPS: $6.43 (up 37% YoY; beat estimates of $5.25)

These Q1 results make one thing clear: AI is not just a trend it’s becoming the backbone of Big Tech’s growth strategies. And while tariffs and China-related risks are real, companies with strong AI infrastructure seem better positioned to weather the storm.