14 DAY TRIAL // On January 19th, Microsoft announced its financial results for the second quarter of the financial year 2012, ended on December 31st, 2011, and posted $20.89 billion in revenues for the period. Microsoft’s operating income stood at $7.99 billion, while its net income was of $6.62 billion. The diluted earnings per share for the timeframe went to $0.78 per share.
Operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of the previous financial year were of $8.17 billion, $6.63 billion and $0.77 per share, respectively.
“We delivered solid financial results, even as we prepare for a launch year that will accelerate many of our key products and services,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft.
“Coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show, we’re seeing very positive reviews for our new phones and PCs, and a strong response to our new Metro style design that will unify consumer experiences across our phones, PCs, tablets, and television in 2012.”
Microsoft’s Business Division posted $6.28 billion in revenues for the three-month period, marking an increase of three percent when compared to the previous quarter of last year.
The increase is of seven percent, if prior year recognition of $224 million of deferred revenue related to the Office 2010 technology guarantee program is excluded.
“Nearly 200 million licenses of Office 2010 have been sold in the 18 months since launch. Revenue from Exchange and SharePoint grew by 10% or more over the prior year period, and revenue from Lync and Dynamics CRM grew by more than 30%,” Microsoft announced.
The Redmond-based company also announced $4.77 billion in revenue for the Server & Tools business in the second quarter of the financial year 2012.
The figure reflects an 11 percent increase when compared to the same period the year before. Windows Server and SQL Server premium editions have registered double-digit revenue growth year-on-year, while the System Center revenue was up 20 percent.
Windows and Windows Live divisions posted revenues of $4.74 billion for the three-month period, which marks a decline of six percent from the same quarter the year before. Over 525 million Windows 7 licenses have been sold since launch.
Other key points in Microsoft’s announcement include the $784 million in revenues for the Online Services Division, 15.1% US market share for Bing, and revenues of $4.24 billion for the Entertainment & Devices Division (an increase of 15 percent from the prior period).
Microsoft sold over 66 million Xbox 360 consoles to date, and over 18 million Kinect sensors. It also enjoys an Xbox LIVE user base of 40 million members worldwide.
“In addition to the continued strength of our commercial business, this holiday season was the strongest in Microsoft history, thanks to good sales execution and compelling products like Xbox 360 and Kinect,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft.
“We are seeing a lot of excitement for new devices, from Windows 7 Ultrabooks to new Windows Phones, as well as growing anticipation for Windows 8.”