What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce and explain Microsoft's new financial reporting structure, which will be effective from fiscal year 2014. This change is a direct result of the company's strategic shift towards a 'devices and services' model and a revised internal decision-making process.

When will investors start seeing financial results under the new segment structure?

Investors will begin to see financial results reported under the new segment structure starting with the quarter ending September 30, 2013. Prior periods will also be adjusted to reflect this new structure, allowing for a consistent view of historical performance.

How many reportable segments will Microsoft have under the new structure?

Under the new reporting structure, Microsoft will report its financial performance based on five distinct reportable segments.

Is this change expected to impact Microsoft's overall financial performance?

This filing primarily concerns the *presentation* of financial performance, not a change in the underlying business operations or overall financial results themselves. The company is restructuring how it reports segments to better reflect its business strategy and internal management processes. The actual financial performance will be reported within these new segments.

MSFT 8-K: Regulation FD

Summary

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) filed an 8-K on September 26, 2013, to disclose a significant change in its financial reporting structure, effective for fiscal year 2014. This realignment follows the company's previously announced transformation into a devices and services company. The primary driver for this change is the evolution of how the company's chief operating decision maker (CEO) allocates resources and assesses performance, necessitating a shift in how segment results will be presented. Investors should note that beginning with the quarter ending September 30, 2013, Microsoft's financial statements will reflect five new reportable segments, with prior periods restated to ensure comparability. This 8-K, along with Exhibit 99.1, provides details on this new structure and a summary of its impact on historical segment results. This disclosure is intended to ensure the financial community is provided with consistent and understandable data aligning with the company's strategic shift.

Key Highlights

1Microsoft is implementing a new financial reporting structure starting in fiscal year 2014.
2The change is driven by the company's strategic transformation into a 'devices and services' company.
3The Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) resource allocation and performance assessment process has evolved, necessitating the reporting change.
4Financial performance will henceforth be reported across five new reportable segments.
5Prior periods will be restated to align with the new segment structure, ensuring historical comparability.
6The company is providing this information to the financial community via Regulation FD disclosure.
7Exhibit 99.1 contains the detailed presentation of the new reporting segments.

MICROSOFT CORP 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Sep 26, 2013)

Summary

Key Highlights

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