Microsoft beats revenue expectations despite Nokia restructuring
Cloud revenues, along with strong Xbox and Surface sales lift software giant


Microsoft managed to beat analyst expectations by reporting better than forecasted revenues and profits.
However, net profits still fell to $4.5 billion from $5.2 billion from the same period a year ago, a fall of 13 per cent. Revenue increased to $23.2 billion, which is higher than analysts anticipated.
The software giant's Q1 financial results included a bill for integration and restricting expenses of $1.14 billion as the firm digested its acquisition of Nokia's phone business. The firm recently ditched the Nokia name.
The restructuring did not dent earnings for Microsoft from its Devices and Consumer unit. Buoyant sales of its Xbox games console and Surface computers helped increase revenue by 47 per cent to $10.96 billion. Nearly a billion dollars of sales were recorded for Surface, an increase of 127 per cent for the range.
The firm also shifted 2.4 million Xbox units in the last quarter, up 102 per cent on the previous year. Microsoft did not break down sales between Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Revenues from its commercial side also grew 10 per cent to $12.28 billion. Server products and services revenue increased 13 per cent, with double-digit growth for SQL Server, System Center and Windows Server.
The cloud also helped Microsoft. Office Commercial products and services revenue grew five per cent as customers transition to its cloud-based productivity suite Office 365. Commercial cloud revenue increased 128 per cent driven by Office 365, Azure and Dynamics CRM.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Microsoft Windows operating system appeared to have not so rosy growth. The firm said licensing from consumer Windows drove unspecified "positive unit growth" and did not divulge numbers, while non-Pro OEM licensing declined 1 per cent
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said in a statement that the firm was "positioned for future growth".
"Our teams are delivering on our core focus of reinventing productivity and creating platforms that empower every individual and organisation," he said.
Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?
In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
By Kate O'Flaherty Published
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25
News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Microsoft angers admins as April Patch Tuesday delivers password feature without migration guidance
News Security fixes include a zero day exploited by a ransomware group and seven critical flaws
By Connor Jones Published
-
Managing a late migration
Opinion When it comes to moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10, it's better late than never
By Jon Honeyball Published
-
How to set up a Windows 7 emulator for Windows 10
Tutorials A complete guide for setting up a Windows 7 emulator for Windows 10 so you don’t lose access to your apps
By Nik Rawlinson Last updated
-
The autopsy of Windows 7
In-depth Report of a postmortem examination
By Chris Merriman Published
-
The IT Pro Podcast: Farewell Windows 7
IT Pro Podcast We reflect on the legacy of one of Microsoft's most enduringly popular operating systems
By IT Pro Published
-
Windows 7 ends: what do you do next?
In-depth From SMBs to big business and individuals, after 10 years it's time to move on from Windows 7
By Jon Honeyball Published
-
Windows 7 end of life: What to do if you haven't upgraded yet
In-depth Microsoft has now officially moved Windows 7 to end of life, meaning it's no longer a viable business platform
By Dale Walker Last updated
-
Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1 vs Windows 7 - Microsoft OS head-to-head
Vs We pit Microsoft's most popular operating systems against each other to see which is the greatest of all time
By Mike Passingham Last updated