Microsoft beat analyst estimates in its second quarter, leading its stock to rise 4.4% in after-hours trading Thursday. Fiscal second-quarter profit rose 3 percent, due mostly to the popularity of Microsoft Office software for businesses.
The company posted second-quarter earnings of 78 cents per share, and revenue was $24.52 billion. Analysts had expected a profit of 68 cents a share on $23.68 billion in revenue.
Although it was another weak quarter for Windows, Microsoft said it sold over 7 million Xbox consoles and doubled sales of the Surface tablet, CNBC reports.
Despite the good news, Microsoft still does not have a leader after the five-month search for a replacement for the retiring Steve Ballmer, which has many investors concerned.
[CNBC]