After Google, Microsoft. The US high-tech sector is sounding alarm signals. The US computer giant has shocked the market with its results by announcing a profit fell 22% in the third quarter to $4,47 billion, against 5,74 billion in the same period of 2011. Earnings per share reached 53 cents per share. Also revenues dropped 8% to $16 billioni, against 17,37 billion last year.
These figures have disregarded analysts' estimates, which expect earnings per share of 56 cents and revenues of at least $16,5 billion. Microsoft shares yesterday on Wall Street lost more than 3% in the after hours market.
Microsoft specified that the results include the negative effect of the PC sector e of a deferred income of 1,36 billion in revenues, which form part of the anticipated sales of new products, the market launch of which has not yet been completed.
The fall in profits was announced shortly before the release of the new one Surface tablet, with which Microsoft tries to enter the market where Apple and Samsung dominate for now. But from October 26 things could change. The CEO Steve Ballmer communicated that “the launch of Windows 8 [expected for that date] is the beginning of a new era for Microsoft”.
