Microsoft matches expectations in Windows 8’s initial quarter

In a closely watched earnings report, Microsoft reported revenues and profits that met Wall Street’s expectations.

Microsoft reported second-quarter earnings on Thursday of 76 cents a share, with $21.46 billion in revenue. Analysts’ consensus estimates were for 75 cents a share on $21.6 billion in revenue.

“Our big, bold ambition to reimagine Windows as well as launch Surface and Windows Phone 8 has sparked growing enthusiasm with our customers and unprecedented opportunity and creativity with our partners and developers,� CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement. “With new Windows devices, including Surface Pro, and the new Office on the horizon, we’ll continue to drive excitement for the Windows ecosystem and deliver our software through devices and services people love and businesses need.�

SLIDESHOW: The Microsoft Surface

This past quarter represented one of the most pivotal series of product launches in Microsoft’s history. The company unveiled its new Windows 8 operating system, its Surface Tablet, and the Windows Phone 8.

The company did not provide any specific numbers for sales of the Surface, which has been the subject of many rumors that it was not selling well.

But the company’s Windows Division posted revenue of $5.88 billion, a 24% increase from the same period in the previous year. Microsoft also said it has sold more than 60 million Windows 8 licenses so far.

In another closely watched metric, the company said its Online Services Division revenues were $869 million, up 11% from the same period one year ago.

Microsoft stock fell 51 cents, or 1.85%, to $27.12 in after-hours trading.

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