Microsoft has reported the first quarterly loss the company has had since it went public, despite having a record quarter in terms of revenue. The loss is due to a $6.19bn charge for writing down the value of aQuantive, an advertising company that Microsoft purchased in 2007.
Microsoft’s quarterly revenue came in at $18.06 billion but, following the charge, the company posted its first loss since 1986, to the tune of $192 million.
Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer said:
We delivered record fourth quarter and annual revenue, and we’re fast approaching the most exciting launch season in Microsoft history. Over the coming year, we’ll release the next versions of Windows, Office, Windows Server, Windows Phone, and many other products and services that will drive our business forward and provide unprecedented opportunity to our customers and partners.”
In spite of the loss Microsoft is still looking solid and, with the Windows 8 release around the corner, the company should be satisfied with their performance this year.
Source: The Guardian
