Net income at Microsoft in the second quarter rose 3 per cent to $6.6 billion compared to the same period last year, the company said on Thursday, citing successful Xbox and cloud software sales.
Microsoft’s sales climbed 14 per cent to $24.5 billion.
Though PC programmes continue to languish along with PC shipments, the introduction of the new Xbox One game machine in the holiday quarter and increased sales of Web-based software such as Azure and Office 365 led to the rise in profit and revenue.
“The investments we are making in devices and services that deliver high-value experiences to our customers, and the work we are doing with our partners, are driving strong results and positioning us well for long-term growth,” Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said.
Microsoft shares rose 5.5 per cent in late trading following the announcement.
The company is still looking for a successor for Ballmer, who announced in August he would leave Microsoft within 12 months.