Microsoft earnings preview: Employee buyouts, AI spending and a new financial scorecard

report quarterly earnings under a new financial structure Wednesday. (GeekWire File Photo / Kevin Lisota) Microsoft’s earnings report Wednesday will come two days after the company offered buyouts to about 60,000 people , roughly a quarter of its employees. The call gives executives their first chance to say what the offer will cost, and to explain how it fits with the company’s long-term view of its workforce.