Microsoft Reports Strong 2Q Earnings

January 24th, 2008 at 2:00 PM - News by John Martellaro

Those who expected Microsoft to fall prey to the tech slowdown didnit get what they expected when Microsoft reported a 79 percent jump in profits and a 30 percent rise in sales, according to BusinessWeek on Friday.

The results reported on Thursday exceeded analyst expectations and showed strength in all areas. Profits were up 79 percent to US$4.71B and total revenue was up 30 percent to US$16.37B. These numbers were about ten percent above analysts expectations.

Moreover, the previous quarter was a tough act to follow when Microsoft reported revenue $1.3B above expectations, driving the stock to a five year high.

Aaron Ricadela wrote for BW that while analysts donit think Microsoft is immune to a further worsening of the economy, the stock could be a safe haven for now. "Everyoneis so concerned about the macro condition, and software is typically a lagging indicator," said Brent Thill, director of software research at Citigroup, "This is the biggest single issue for the stock right now," said Mr. Thill who believes MSFT will hit US$41 within a year.

Analysts have provided various reasons for Microsoftis current strength. The coming SP1 for Vista could accelerate its adoption in the enterprise. Microsoft is also ready to launch new versions of its Windows Server, SQL Server, and development tools in February. In addition, Microsoft has US$21B in cash, no long term debt, and, like Appleis accounting for the iPhone, $12.2B in yet unearned revenue from long term licensing deals.

Like any company in the high tech sector, Microsoft could reveal some vulnerabilities and become a victim of discretionary funding cuts. "For now, Microsoftis most important products continue to clean up, and the company can afford to pour money into chasing Google and other rivals in the online software business. Thatis making its stock look like a sound bet in uncertain times," Mr. Ricadela concluded.