Microsoft's Xbox division posts first profit

Fuelled by increased demand for business and consumer software, Microsoft today announced record sales figures of $10.82bn for the quarter ended 31 December 2004, a seven per cent increase on the same period in 2003.

Operating income for the quarter was reported at $4.75bn, representing an increase of $3.27bn over the same period in 2003.

The results of the second quarter of the prior year included $2.21bn in compensation expenses incurred in connection with the Employee Stock Option Transfer Program. Net income for the second quarter was $3.46bn.

"Our record revenue came from across-the-board strength in our business and consumer segments," said John Connors, chief financial officer at Microsoft.

The software giant reported that its Server and Tools division grew 18 per cent compared with the previous year's quarter.

Microsoft claimed that customer adoption of SQL Server was "particularly robust" with over 25 per cent year-over-year sales growth.

The firm's Home and Entertainment group delivered "record revenue" during the quarter, edging into the black for the first time. "Our Xbox business fired on all cylinders," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president of the group.

Looking ahead Microsoft issued a financial estimate for its full fiscal year ending 30 June 2005, predicting sales to be around $40bn with operating income expected to be approximately $16.6bn.