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Microsoft sees 60% jump in profit | Microsoft sees 60% jump in profit |
(10 minutes later) | |
Microsoft has reported a 60% jump in profit, thanks largely to "exceptional demand" for Windows 7. | Microsoft has reported a 60% jump in profit, thanks largely to "exceptional demand" for Windows 7. |
Net profit came in at $6.66bn (£4.13bn) for the three months to 31 December 2009, up from the $4.18bn it made in the same period a year earlier. | Net profit came in at $6.66bn (£4.13bn) for the three months to 31 December 2009, up from the $4.18bn it made in the same period a year earlier. |
It also reported record revenues of $19.2bn, which comfortably beat analysts' forecasts. | It also reported record revenues of $19.2bn, which comfortably beat analysts' forecasts. |
"We are thrilled by the consumer reception to Windows 7," said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer. | "We are thrilled by the consumer reception to Windows 7," said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer. |
"This is a record quarter for Windows units." | "This is a record quarter for Windows units." |
Microsoft released Windows 7 in October last year. | Microsoft released Windows 7 in October last year. |
'Outstanding' | |
Microsoft was helped by a rebound in personal computer sales in the run-up to Christmas. | |
Microsoft's results are closely tied to computer sales because its two most profitable divisions make the Windows Operating System and Office business software. | |
"These are outstanding numbers," said Brendan Barnicle from Pacific Crest Securities. | |
"The upside was in the Windows business and service and tools, and Office business. The online business came in line and the only business shy of expectations was Xbox." | |
Shares in Microsoft rose 25 cents, or 0.9%, to $29.41 in after-hours trading. | |
Meanwhile, online retail giant Amazon also saw a leap in earnings. | |
It reported a $384m net profit in the last three months of 2009, up from $225m a year ago. Sales rose 42% to $9.5bn. |