Microsoft earnings hit the mark

Microsoft recently reported that quarterly earnings that edged past analysts' estimates, but revenue came in slightly below what some analysts had been expecting. On the plus side, the company's profit forecast for next year is higher than some analysts were projecting.

The software maker reported earnings of 47 cents per share, on revenue of $14.45 billion, for the three months ended March 31. That compares to analysts' estimates of 44 cents per share, on revenue of $14.5 billion, according to Thomson Reuters. The results include a tax benefit and a charge for a European Union fine that essentially offset one another.