Summary
Microsoft Corporation's (MSFT) third quarter of fiscal year 2013 filing (ending December 31, 2012) indicates a modest revenue increase of 3% year-over-year, reaching $21.5 billion. However, operating income saw a slight decline of 3% to $7.8 billion, and diluted EPS decreased by 3% to $0.76, reflecting increased operating expenses, particularly in sales and marketing related to the recent launches of Windows 8 and Surface. Despite the quarterly dip, the six-month period shows a 2% revenue decrease to $37.5 billion and a more significant 14% drop in operating income, largely due to the revenue deferral of new product offerings (Office, Windows, video games) and a decline in the Entertainment and Devices segment. The company continues to invest heavily in its strategic shift towards devices and cloud services, highlighted by the Windows 8 and Surface launches, which are impacting short-term profitability but are seen as crucial for future growth. Financially, Microsoft maintains a strong liquidity position with over $68 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The company also continued its capital return strategy through share repurchases and dividend payments. While the Windows division showed year-over-year growth driven by new product adoption and revenue recognition from deferred sales, other segments experienced mixed results. The strong performance of Server and Tools and a narrowing operating loss in Online Services were offset by declines in Microsoft Business Division (impacted by revenue deferrals) and Entertainment and Devices (due to lower Xbox sales). Investors should monitor the adoption rates of Windows 8 and Surface, as well as the ongoing investments in cloud services, as key drivers for future performance.
Financial Highlights
54 data points| Revenue | $21.46B |
| Cost of Revenue | $5.69B |
| Gross Profit | $15.76B |
| R&D Expenses | $2.53B |
| Operating Expenses | $7.99B |
| Operating Income | $7.77B |
| Interest Expense | $105.00M |
| Net Income | $6.38B |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.76 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.76 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 8.39B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 8.44B |
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue for the quarter increased by 3% to $21.5 billion, driven by Windows 8 and Surface launches, and strong Server and Tools performance.
- 2Operating income for the quarter decreased by 3% to $7.8 billion, while diluted EPS fell 3% to $0.76, attributed to higher operating expenses, particularly in sales and marketing for new product launches.
- 3The six-month period showed a 2% decrease in revenue to $37.5 billion and a 14% decline in operating income, impacted by revenue deferrals for Office, Windows, and video games.
- 4Microsoft holds a substantial cash and short-term investment balance of $68.3 billion as of December 31, 2012, providing significant financial flexibility.
- 5Significant investments are being made in cloud services and new devices like Surface, impacting current profitability but positioned for future growth.
- 6The Windows Division saw revenue growth driven by Windows 8 and Surface, while the Entertainment and Devices segment experienced a revenue decline due to lower Xbox 360 sales.
- 7Shareholders continue to benefit from capital returns, with $1.6 billion in share repurchases during the quarter and ongoing dividend payments.