Most of Nadella’s earnings came from stock awards worth $84.2 million, linked to Microsoft’s strong market performance. He also received a $9.5 million cash bonus, a $2.5 million base salary, and around $196,000 in other benefits.
Microsoft’s share price has climbed 23% so far in 2025 and more than doubled over the past three years. The company posted strong results in FY25, with revenue growing 15% to $281.7 billion and net income rising 16% to $101.8 billion.
In July, Microsoft reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat expectations, with an 18% rise in sales, the fastest in over three years. The company is leading in AI profits, boosted by its exclusive access to OpenAI tech. This partnership has drawn many businesses to its Azure cloud and sped up the launch of AI tools such as the M365 Copilot for enterprises.
Nadella, who became CEO in 2014, has seen his pay steadily rise over the past decade. In 2015, he earned about $18 million. That figure grew to $55 million in 2022 and now stands at a record high.
In fiscal 2024, he took home $48.5 million, although he voluntarily reduced his cash bonus to $5.2 million, likely from $10.7 million, following concerns over cybersecurity breaches.
Microsoft is expected to release its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 next week.