ref:Microsoft Instant Insight---> Nicely done!
Ian
This is what they say over at Bloomberg.
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Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software maker, earned $1.92 billion, or 35 cents a share, in the fiscal third quarter ended March 31. That's up from profit of $1.34 billion, or 25 cents a share, a year earlier.
It was expected to earn 32 cents a share, according to First Call Corp.
Revenue climbed 15 percent to $4.33 billion from $3.77 billion a year earlier. Revenue was expected to be $4.3 billion. Behind the Numbers
The software powerhouse weathered the storm of slower growth in personal-computer revenue better than most technology companies because it's insulated from falling PC prices. Cheaper PCs actually help Microsoft because they spur demand, while Microsoft holds prices steady for the software loaded onto the machines.
Microsoft's flagship Windows NT and Windows 98 operating systems reported strong growth.
The NT system for corporate networks fueled sales of server- based application software that lets companies do business online. Exchange Server for electronic messaging and SQL Server for managing databases did particularly well.
Microsoft deferred $400 million of revenue related to the introduction of Office 2000, the latest version of its popular package of business software. The revenue was deferred from the March quarter to the June quarter.
The landmark antitrust trial involving Microsoft, now in recess, is expected to have no effect on third-quarter earnings. The U.S. Justice Department and 19 states accused Microsoft of using illegal tactics to extend its near-monopoly in computer operating systems to other markets such as Internet software, crushing rivals. What the Experts Say ''Price wars are good for Microsoft,'' said Mike Stanek, an analyst at Lehman Brothers, who has a ''buy'' rating on Microsoft. ''They get their bounty for each box, regardless of what's being charged.'' Previous Market Reaction
Microsoft jumped 4.5 percent to 81 5/16 on Jan. 20, the day after it reported a 75 percent surge in fiscal second-quarter earnings. Market Performance
Shares are down 15 percent from a record high close of 94 15/16 on April 5, closing at 81 on Monday. Today, it rose 2 1/8 to 83 1/8 in late trading. |
