Microsoft profits beat forecasts, no news on new CEO

Strong sales of its software and services for businesses and a solid holiday season for its new Xbox game console were among the factors Microsoft Corp posting a bigger-than-expected quarterly profit of US$6.38bil - AFP Photo.

SEATTLE: Microsoft Corp posted a bigger-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, boosted by strong sales of its software and services for businesses, a solid holiday season for its new Xbox game console and Surface tablets, and a slightly lower tax bill.

The company reported a fiscal second-quarter profit of US$6.56bil, or 78 cents per share, compared with US$6.38bil, or 76 cents per share, in the corresponding quarter a year before.