10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

MICROSOFT CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 14, 2002For Securities:MSFT

Summary

Microsoft Corporation's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, reveals a strong financial performance with a significant increase in net income driven by robust revenue growth. The company experienced a substantial surge in revenue, up 26% year-over-year, primarily attributed to strong multi-year licensing agreements before the transition to Licensing 6.0, increased sales of Windows XP operating systems, and robust Xbox sales. Despite increased operating expenses, particularly in cost of revenue and R&D, Microsoft's operating income saw a healthy increase. The company also reported a significant increase in cash generated from operations and maintained a strong liquidity position with substantial cash and short-term investments. However, investors should note the ongoing legal proceedings and potential contingencies, which, while management believes will not have a material adverse impact, carry inherent uncertainties.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income more than doubled to $2.726 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, from $1.283 billion in the prior year's comparable quarter.
  • 2Revenue increased by 26% to $7.746 billion for the quarter, driven by strong licensing, Windows XP sales, and Xbox performance.
  • 3Operating income rose significantly to $4.050 billion, demonstrating effective cost management despite increased expenses.
  • 4Cash and equivalents plus short-term investments stood at a substantial $40.475 billion as of September 30, 2002, indicating strong liquidity.
  • 5Cash flow from operations more than doubled to $6.172 billion for the quarter, reflecting improved profitability and working capital management.
  • 6The company repurchased $3.0 billion of its common stock in the quarter, a significant increase from $1.1 billion in the prior year, signaling confidence and a commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7Significant ongoing legal proceedings and contingencies are noted, including antitrust cases in the US and Europe, and patent infringement lawsuits, though management believes they will not materially impact financial position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily fueled by strong multi-year licensing agreements secured before the transition to the new Licensing 6.0 program, robust sales of Windows XP Home and Professional operating systems, increased sales of the Microsoft Xbox video game system, and new OEM licensing arrangements. The transition to new OEM licensing terms, where OEMs are billed upon acquiring Certificates of Authenticity rather than PC shipment, also contributed to revenue recognition.

Profitability saw a substantial improvement. Net income more than doubled to $2.726 billion, up from $1.283 billion in the same quarter last year. This increase was driven by strong revenue growth, which outpaced the rise in operating expenses.

Microsoft maintains a very strong liquidity position, with cash and short-term investments totaling $40.475 billion as of September 30, 2002. Cash flow from operations more than doubled to $6.172 billion for the quarter. The company is actively using its cash for significant share repurchases, totaling $3.0 billion in the quarter, and has sufficient resources for strategic investments, acquisitions, and ongoing operations.

Yes, Microsoft is involved in several significant legal proceedings, including ongoing antitrust litigation in the US and Europe, and numerous patent infringement lawsuits. While management states that these are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the company's financial position or results of operations, litigation inherently carries uncertainties and risks of unfavorable outcomes.