Microsoft earned $2.9 billion in net income during its fiscal first quarter, the three months ended 30 September 2004, up 11 percent from $2.6 billion in the same period a year earlier. Revenue reached $9.2 billion, compared with $8.2 billion twelve months prior.
Diluted earnings per share came in at 27 cents, up from 24 cents the year before, finishing near the top of analyst estimates. CFO John Connors called it a strong start to what he expects will be a very good year for both commercial and consumer divisions.
The home and entertainment segment grew nine percent on stronger Xbox console sales. Microsoft also disclosed 1.5 million pre-orders for Halo 2, scheduled to go on sale 9 November, ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Earlier in October, Bill Gates introduced Windows XP Media Center 2005, a combined software and hardware package designed to turn home computers into entertainment hubs for music, film, and live television, as the company pushed to gain ground in the digital home market.
Microsoft shares fell 56 cents, or two percent, to $28.00 in after-hours trading after closing at $28.56.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.