The world's biggest software company Microsoft last night reported higher quarterly revenue, driven by strength in the personal computer sector.
Revenue for its third quarter to the end of March was $9.2 billion, up 17% on the same period a year earlier. But net profits were lower as the company took legal charges of $2.5 billion linked to settlement of a dispute with Sun Microsystems and the fine imposed by the EU Commission in its competition case.
Net profits were $1.3 billion, compared with $2.1 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Chief financial officer John Connors said overall IT spending continued to improve, adding that Microsoft expected to see 'healthy demand' for the rest of its financial year.
It said it expected revenue of around $9 billion in its fourth quarter to the end of June and revenue of between $37.8 billion and $38.2 billion for its following financial year.
