Microsoft Selects 3M's EBO Fiber Technology for Azure AI Data Centers; 3M Posts $6.5B Q2 Revenue

According to Microsoft, the company selected 3M's Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) fiber technology for use across its Azure AI data center operations this week. The technology uses an expanded optical pathway that allows signals to travel across a small gap, reducing maintenance needs and improving installation reliability for high-speed fiber connections in hyperscale computing facilities.

3M stock reached its best day in eight months on Tuesday following better-than-expected fiscal Q2 results. The company reported $6.5 billion in revenue and earnings of $2.40, surpassing analyst consensus estimates of $6.4 billion and $1.98. 3M also raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $8.80–$8.95 from $8.50–$8.70.