Global weakening
Software giant
Microsoft said that its third-quarter net income fell 32 per cent on weakness in
the global personal computer and server markets.
Some of the loses were
because Redmond recorded $710 million in charges as a result of its
restructuring. Chief Financial Officer Christopher Liddell said Microsoft
expected market conditions to remain weak "through at least the next quarter"
with the business market taking he biggest hit.
The figures were in line with
analyst expectations so there was nothing to see here move on
please. Although a third of a fall is a lot of dosh, given the economic
situation Microsoft's profits are still huge. For the quarter ended March 31,
the company reported net income of $3 billion down from $4.39 billion a year
earlier.
Sales at Microsoft's client division, which makes the Windows
operating system, fell 16 per cent while earnings decreased 19 per cent. Revenue at the company's server and tools division rose 7.1 per cent, while
sales at the business division slid 4.8 per cent. Online services decreased
14 per cent. At the entertainment and devices division, sales fell 1.6 per cent.