Microsoft posts record Q2 results

Microsoft's earnings totaled 90 cents per share for the second quarter, officials reported today. Net income for the quarter was $575 million, an increase of 54 percent over last year. Revenue for the second quarter came to $2.2 billion.

The earnings-per-share total of 90 cents is composed of 87 cents in earnings plus a one-time net gain of 3 cents per share. The earnings-from-operations figure of 87 cents per share represents a 45 percent increase over the same quarter a year ago, officials said.

Group vice president Paul Maritz commented that strong sales of Windows 95 and Windows NT along with strong OEM sales helped drive revenues for the quarter.

Separately, IBM officials also reported strong quarterly earnings. Big Blue surprised analysts with a strong fourth-quarter earnings report. The company said it earned $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter, up from $1.2 billion a year ago.