Microsoft Corp reports first ever revenue drop in 30 year history!

Microsoft reported its first ever Y-O-Y quarterly drop in revenue, in its entire 30-year history! In its three decades of existence, Microsoft had never before seen a Y-O-Y quarterly drop. Probably this is a sign of how bad this recession is. Revenue for the company’s third fiscal quarter dropped 6 percent to $13.65 billion, from $14.45 billion a year ago.

Following is a snapshot of its revenues
Quarter ended 31st March 2009 - $13.65Bn
Quarter ended 31st March 2008 - $14.45Bn

9 Months ended 31st March 2009 - $45.34Bn
9 Months ended 31st March 2008 - $44.58Bn

While 9 months figure seem to be encouraging, a drop in last quarter revenues indicate that worst is not over yet.

Also, in the last quarter Microsoft posted net income of $2.98 billion down 32 percent from $4.39 billion recorded during the same period a year ago.

Following is a snapshot of its net income
Quarter ended 31st March 2009 - $2.98Bn
Quarter ended 31st March 2008 - $4.39Bn

9 Months ended 31st March 2009 - $11.52Bn
9 Months ended 31st March 2008 - $13.38Bn

Notice here that net income for the 9 months period is down by a whopping $1.8 billion

Online business
The company’s online business reported a 14 percent drop in revenue to $721 million, compared to $843 million a year ago.

Following is a snapshot of its revenues from online business
Quarter ended 31st March 2009 - $0.72Bn
Quarter ended 31st March 2008 - $0.84Bn

9 Months ended 31st March' 2009 - $2.36Bn
9 Months ended 31st March' 2008 - $2.38Bn

Notice here that for 9 months period revenue is down marginally

Also, in the last quarter online business posted a net loss of $575 million which is more than double of $226 million loss recorded during the same period a year ago.

Following is a snapshot of its net loss from online business
Quarter ended 31st March 2009 - ($0.57 Bn)
Quarter ended 31st March 2008 - ($0.23 Bn)

9 Months ended 31st March 2009 - ($1.52Bn)
9 Months ended 31st March 2008 - ($0.74Bn)

Notice here that net loss for the 9 months period is close to $1.0 billion. Also, net loss for quarter ended 31st March 2009 is almost equivalent to 9 months loss of 2008.

Perhaps its time for Microsoft to concede search engine battle to Google and give up its online advertising.