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Microsoft sees 60% jump in profit Microsoft sees 60% jump in profit
(about 1 hour 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."
The online business came in line and the only business shy of expectations was Xbox Brendan Barnicle, Pacific Crest Securities Strong festive trading at Amazon
Microsoft released Windows 7 in October last year.Microsoft released Windows 7 in October last year.
'Outstanding''Outstanding'
Microsoft was helped by a rebound in personal computer sales in the run-up to Christmas.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.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."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.""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.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.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.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.