10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

MICROSOFT CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 12, 2003For Securities:MSFT

Summary

Microsoft Corporation reported strong financial performance for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2003. Revenue increased by 8% for the quarter and 14% for the nine-month period, driven by robust growth in Client, Server Platforms, and Information Worker segments. Net income also saw a healthy increase, reflecting improved operational efficiency and revenue growth. The company's balance sheet remains exceptionally strong, with a significant increase in cash and short-term investments to $46.18 billion. This liquidity provides substantial flexibility for ongoing investments in research and development, strategic acquisitions, and shareholder returns, including increased share repurchases and the initiation of a cash dividend. Despite ongoing legal challenges and market competition, Microsoft's core business segments continue to demonstrate resilience and growth, positioning the company favorably.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2003, increased by 14% to $24.12 billion compared to the prior year period, driven by multi-year licensing agreements and OEM licensing of Windows operating systems.
  • 2Net income for the nine months increased to $8.07 billion, up from $6.30 billion in the same period last year, indicating strong profitability.
  • 3Cash and short-term investments grew significantly to $46.18 billion as of March 31, 2003, demonstrating robust cash generation and financial flexibility.
  • 4Operating income for the nine months increased by 22% to $11.02 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency across key segments.
  • 5The company repurchased 190.1 million shares of common stock for $4.7 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2003, a substantial increase from the prior year, signaling confidence and a commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 6A quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share was declared and paid, marking the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
  • 7Significant increases were observed in the Client, Server Platforms, and Information Worker segments, indicating strength in core enterprise and productivity software offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended March 31, 2003, Microsoft reported revenue of $7.835 billion, an increase of 8% compared to the same period in the prior year. For the nine months ended March 31, 2003, revenue reached $24.122 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year.

Microsoft's cash and short-term investments significantly increased to $46.178 billion as of March 31, 2003, up from $38.652 billion at June 30, 2002. This growth is a testament to strong operating cash flow generation.

Microsoft significantly increased its share repurchase activity, buying back 190.1 million shares for $4.7 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. Additionally, the company initiated its first cash dividend, paying $0.08 per share in March 2003.

Microsoft is involved in various ongoing legal proceedings, including antitrust cases at both the state and federal levels, as well as international regulatory investigations. While the company believes these matters will not have a material adverse impact, there remains a possibility of such impact depending on the outcomes. A contingent liability of $870 million has been recorded related to certain class action lawsuits.