 Microsoft expects to complete its share buyback by December 2006 |
The world's largest software maker, Microsoft, revealed an increase in quarterly profit thanks to sales of its Windows software for PCs. Net income was $3.14bn (�1.76bn) for the first financial quarter, to October , compared to $2.53bn a year ago.
In after-the-bell trading in New York its shares fell 2% to $24.27 as the figures did not meet analyst forecasts.
Microsoft said it was to speed up its share buyback programme, to finish its remaining $19bn purchase by late 2006.
Console launch
The firm lowered its revenue outlook, and analysts said slower sales of Microsoft Xbox consoles may be the reason.
The company's Xbox 360 video game machine is launched on 22 November.
Microsoft, who said quarterly revenue rose to $9.74bn from $9.19bn, expect PC sales to remain strong with 9% to 11% growth in the financial year to June 2006.
The results include a charge following a legal settlement with RealNetworks.
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