Microsoft's (MSFT) Q3 Beats on Surprise Windows Gains; Margins Widen

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) shares are in positive territory late Thursday following its third-quarter operating metrics, released after the market closed.

Revenue for the Redmond, WA-based tech giant was $17.41 billion, up 6 percent from $16.43 billion in the same period last year. Net income dipped 2.4 percent to $5.11 billion, or 60 cents per share.

Overall, the Street was expecting earnings of 58 cents and revs of $17.2 billion.

Operating margin improved from 34.8 percent in the last quarter to 36.6 percent.

Divisional numbers:

• Server & Tools - revs up 14 percent to $4.57 billion;
  
• Business Division - revs up 9 percent to $5.81 billion;
  
• Windows and Windows Lives - revs up 4 percent to $4.62 billion;
  
• Online Services - revs up 6 percent to $707 million;
  
• Entertainment & Devices - revs down 16 percent to $1.62 billion.

Operating expense outlook lowered from $28.3 billion prior to $28.7 billion for the remainder of its fiscal 2012 reporting period. The Company sees FY13 operating expenses of $30.3 billion to $30.9 billion.

Microsoft shares are up about 3 percent after hours.

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