Microsoft Pri0

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April 24, 2008 1:19 PM

Microsoft Q3 revenue in line; earnings top analyst estimates; 2009 forecast for double-digit growth

Posted by Benjamin J. Romano

Wall Street analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 44 cents. Microsoft just announced earnings of 47 cents a share. The company's third quarter revenue of $14.45 billion was right in the middle of the range it forecast in January.

Looking ahead, the company issued its first forecast for fiscal 2009. For the year ending June 30, 2009, Microsoft expects:

-- Revenue between $66.9 billion and $68 billion, which would be up 11 to 13 percent compared with forecast 2008 revenue of about $60.2 billion.

-- Operating income between $26.7 billion to $27.4 billion, up 17 to 20 percent compared with the forecast of about $22.8 billion for the current year.

-- Diluted earnings per share between $2.13 to $2.19, up 13 to 16 percent above this year's forecast $1.89 a share.

Microsoft shares, which gained 35 cents, a bit more than 1 percent to $31.80 in regular trading today, were down to $30.28 in early after-hours trading.

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