Back in Redmond, Microsoft's profit machine keeps humming

Article Abstract:

Microsoft reported a 58% earnings increase for the 1st qtr 1999, easily surpassing analysts' projections. The leading international software vendor's $1.68 billion, or 62 cents a diluted share, more than doubles its 1st qtr 1998 earnings of $663 million, or 25 cents a share. Microsoft credited demand for its Windows 98 OS, especially in Europe and Japan, and its Windows NT corporate OS for most of the gains. Revenue also leaped from $3.13 billion in the 1st qtr 1998 to $3.95 billion in the 1st qtr 1999 for a 26% gain. CFO Greg Maffei noted the surprising performance amid widespread international economic troubles, adding that Microsoft anticipates beating predictions for the 2nd qtr 1999. Earnings included a $160 million gain on the sale of Softimage as well as $296 million write-off in the1st qtr 1998 related to the acquisition of WebTV Networks. Microsoft would have reported $1.52 million, or 56 cents a share, without the two one-time items. By comparison, a First Call survey had predicted per-share earnings of 49 cents.

Microsoft Corp., Company sales/revenue, Company sales and earnings, MSFT, Company earnings/profit

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$100 million fund will finance Java-based ventures

Article Abstract:

Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers establishes the KPCB Java Fund for investing in firms that are building products based on Java. Although many high-profile technology firms are backing the fund, the majority of the $100 million in capital comes from limited partnerships between Kleiner Perkins and its usual sources, including institutions and endowments. Kleiner Perkins officials state that those who benefit from the fund do not have to work exclusively in Java and are free to work with competing technologies, including Microsoft's ActiveX. Kleiner Perkins also says that the fund is not an attempt to unseat Microsoft and notes that both Microsoft proponents and opponents are backing the fund. Other analysts note that Java's ability to run on any platform could threaten Microsoft's dominance. Kleiner Perkins plans to invest in 20 to 30 companies by 1999 or 2000, and it will seek the companies most likely to succeed, rather than entrepreneurs. Currently, Kleiner Perkins sees intranets as offering the best opportunity.

Other Financial Vehicles, Investors, not elsewhere classified, Investors NEC, Communications Software Pkgs (Micro), Product development, Venture capital companies, Venture capital, Investors, Java (Programming language), Java, Industry event, Special events, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

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Adobe's new products don't banish analysts' skepticism just yet

Article Abstract:

In spite of suffering from the Japanese market conditions and Microsoft's new product called Photo Draw 2000, Adobe Systems plans to remain undaunted with strong revenue. Analysts say they will remain cautious about the software firm's outlook. Fourth quarter earnings were up 7.5% over last year's Q4. There is mixed review of the new version of Pagemaker due out in Spring '99 from analysts. The company states it is very focused and committed to meeting goals it has set for itself.

Comment:

After a restructuring, earnings were up 7.5% in Q4

United States, Software Publishers, Sales, profits & dividends, Graphics Software Pkgs (Micro), Abstract, Adobe Systems Inc., ADBE, Graphics software

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