Windows 'sluggish', Q4 Microsoft Saved by Xbox - Microsoft achieved satisfactory results in the Q4 or fourth quarter 2011, although their sales of Windows software decline.
Until June 30, Microsoft recorded received operating income up to $ 6, 17 billion, increase 4 percent from the same quarter last year. While sales of Microsoft exceeded USD17, 37 billion, which incidentally was up 8 percent from 2010.
Overall, throughout 2011 Microsoft claims to have earned $ 27, 16 billion, up 13 percent. While overall sales achievement record USD69, 94 billion, an increase of 12 percent from last year.
"We continue to market the products and services that are satisfactory throughout 2011, so managed to get growth in revenue and operating margin expansion that are significant," said Chief Financial Officer Peter Klein.
"The platform that we have and the investment in the cloud will bring long-term growth," he continued.
Despite reaching satisfactory results, Microsoft's Windows business continues to show a decline. Revenue from Windows and Windows Live divisions fell approximately 1 percent to $ 4, 7 billion, while the income from operations for the division fell 4 percent to $ 2, 9 billion.
Luckily, other Microsoft's business units continue to achieve positive results. Business Division which handles Office products recorded an increase of sales again to 7 percent (to $ 5, 8 billion) and operating at 12 percent ($ 3, 6 billion).
Meanwhile, Entertainment and Devices division revenue shot up 30 percent to $ 1, 5 billion thanks to sales of the Xbox gaming console which continues to outperform its competitors over the past 13 months. This division also successfully achieved operating profits up to $ 32 billion, increase from the fourth quarter of 2010, which only records profits USD172 million.
