UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006

 

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Transition Period From              to             

 

Commission File Number: 0-14278

 


 

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Washington 91-1144442

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(425) 882-8080

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class


  Outstanding at JanuaryOctober 23, 2006

Common Stock, $0.00000625 par value per share

  10,333,368,9679,830,460,093 shares

 



MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006

 

INDEX

 

        Page

Part I.

 Financial Information   
  Item 1.  Financial Statements   
     a) 

Income Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31,September 30, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

  1
     b) 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005September 30, 2006 and June 30, 20052006

  2
     c) 

Cash Flows Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31,September 30, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

  3
     d) 

Stockholders’ Equity Statements for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31,September 30, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

  4
     e) 

Notes to Financial Statements

  5
     f) 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  1713
  Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
  1814
  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  4026
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  4128

Part II.

 Other Information   
  Item 1.  Legal Proceedings  4229
Item1A.Risk Factors29
  Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  4235
  Item 6.  Exhibits  4335

Signature

  4436


Part I. Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

INCOME STATEMENTS

(In millions, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


  Six Months Ended
December 31,


  Three Months Ended
September 30,


  2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

  2006

  2005

Revenue

  $11,837  $10,818  $21,578  $20,007  $10,811  $9,741

Operating expenses:

                  

Cost of revenue

   2,239   1,875   3,492   3,280   1,696   1,253

Research and development

   1,591   1,421   3,106   2,951   1,786   1,515

Sales and marketing

   2,689   2,122   4,634   3,786   2,191   1,945

General and administrative

   661   651   1,643   1,747   664   982
  

  

  

  

  

  

Total operating expenses

   7,180   6,069   12,875   11,764   6,337   5,695
  

  

  

  

  

  

Operating income

   4,657   4,749   8,703   8,243   4,474   4,046

Investment income and other

   480   420   986   699   567   506
  

  

  

  

  

  

Income before income taxes

   5,137   5,169   9,689   8,942   5,041   4,552

Provision for income taxes

   1,484   1,706   2,895   2,951   1,563   1,411
  

  

  

  

  

  

Net income

  $3,653  $3,463  $6,794  $5,991  $3,478  $3,141
  

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

  $0.35  $0.32  $0.64  $0.55  $0.35  $0.29
  

  

  

  

  

  

Diluted

  $0.34  $0.32  $0.63  $0.55  $0.35  $0.29
  

  

  

  

  

  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                  

Basic

   10,560   10,877   10,628   10,875   9,929   10,696
  

  

  

  

  

  

Diluted

   10,638   10,956   10,708   10,936   10,010   10,772
  

  

  

  

  

  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.09  $0.08  $0.17  $3.24  $0.10  $0.08
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

See accompanying notes.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

 

  December 31,
2005


 June 30,
2005(1)


   September 30,
2006


 June 30,
2006(1)


 
  (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)   

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and equivalents

  $4,083  $4,851   $9,076  $6,714 

Short-term investments

   30,618   32,900 

Short-term investments (including securities pledged as collateral of $3,580 and $3,065)

   22,756   27,447 
  


 


  


 


Total cash and short-term investments

   34,701   37,751 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $208 and $171

   7,758   7,180 

Total cash, equivalents, and short-term investments

   31,832   34,161 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $143 and $142

   6,879   9,316 

Inventories, net

   1,003   491    2,521   1,478 

Deferred income taxes

   1,487   1,701    2,068   1,940 

Other

   1,745   1,614    2,058   2,115 
  


 


  


 


Total current assets

   46,694   48,737    45,358   49,010 

Property and equipment, net

   2,452   2,346    3,193   3,044 

Equity and other investments

   9,095   11,004    8,762   9,232 

Goodwill

   3,553   3,309    4,153   3,866 

Intangible assets, net

   466   499    720   539 

Deferred income taxes

   3,713   3,621    1,881   2,611 

Other long-term assets

   1,284   1,299    1,287   1,295 
  


 


  


 


Total assets

  $67,257  $70,815   $65,354  $69,597 
  


 


  


 


Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

  $2,477  $2,086   $2,406  $2,909 

Accrued compensation

   1,249   1,662    1,401   1,938 

Income taxes

   2,787   2,020    1,994   1,557 

Short-term unearned revenue

   7,118   7,502    8,310   9,138 

Securities lending payable

   3,645   3,117 

Other

   3,116   3,607    4,216   3,783 
  


 


  


 


Total current liabilities

   16,747   16,877    21,972   22,442 

Long-term unearned revenue

   1,720   1,665    1,787   1,764 

Other long-term liabilities

   4,582   4,158    5,494   5,287 

Commitments and contingencies

      

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock and paid-in capital—shares authorized 24,000; outstanding 10,384 and 10,710

   60,140   60,413 

Retained deficit, including accumulated other comprehensive income of $1,210 and $1,426

   (15,932)  (12,298)

Common stock and paid-in capital—shares authorized 24,000; outstanding 9,820 and 10,062

   57,657   59,005 

Retained deficit, including accumulated other comprehensive income of $1,364 and $1,229

   (21,556)  (18,901)
  


 


  


 


Total stockholders’ equity

   44,208   48,115    36,101   40,104 
  


 


  


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $67,257  $70,815   $65,354  $69,597 
  


 


  


 



(1)Derived from audited financial statements

 

See accompanying notes.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS

(In millions)(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

December 31,


 

Six Months Ended

December 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

   2006

 2005

 

Operations

      

Net income

  $3,653  $3,463  $6,794  $5,991   $3,478  $3,141 

Depreciation, amortization, and other noncash items

   231   108   465   291    249   234 

Stock-based compensation

   514   551   978   1,296 

Net recognized (gains)/losses on investments

   (75)  74   (205)  239 

Stock option income tax benefits

   —     99   —     227 

Stock-based compensation expense

   456   464 

Net recognized gains on investments

   (206)  (130)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

   (13)  —     (44)  —      (40)  (31)

Deferred income taxes

   170   68   42   361    166   (128)

Unearned revenue

   3,670   3,354   6,702   5,953    3,217   3,032 

Recognition of unearned revenue

   (3,622)  (3,166)  (7,041)  (6,228)   (4,050)  (3,419)

Accounts receivable

   (2,012)  (1,398)  (604)  (537)   2,501   1,408 

Other current assets

   (354)  373   (694)  171    (1,080)  (340)

Other long-term assets

   (10)  7   (8)  25    (135)  2 

Other current liabilities

   (89)  (175)  (298)  (520)   (842)  (209)

Other long-term liabilities

   168   261   473   357    347   305 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net cash from operations

   2,231   3,619   6,560   7,626    4,061   4,329 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Financing

      

Common stock issued

   466   795   1,467   1,282    385   1,001 

Common stock repurchased

   (7,435)  (969)  (10,551)  (1,324)   (7,683)  (3,116)

Common stock cash dividends

   (846)  (33,498)  (1,703)  (34,368)   (897)  (857)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

   13   —     44   —      40   31 

Other

   (20)  0 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net cash used for financing

   (7,802)  (33,672)  (10,743)  (34,410)   (8,175)  (2,941)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Investing

      

Additions to property and equipment

   (318)  (176)  (531)  (349)   (411)  (213)

Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired

   (63)  (1)  (250)  (1)   (336)  (187)

Purchases of investments

   (16,151)  (16,063)  (35,561)  (45,713)   (12,855)  (19,410)

Maturities of investments

   743   19,536   1,692   26,737    834   949 

Sales of investments

   22,481   20,799   38,081   35,307    18,701   15,600 

Net proceeds from securities lending

   528   0 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net cash from investing

   6,692   24,095   3,431   15,981 

Net cash from (used for) investing

   6,461   (3,261)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Net change in cash and equivalents

   1,121   (5,958)  (752)  (10,803)   2,347   (1,873)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and equivalents

   (12)  54   (16)  57    15   (4)

Cash and equivalents, beginning of period

   2,974   9,462   4,851   14,304    6,714   4,851 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Cash and equivalents, end of period

  $4,083  $3,558  $4,083  $3,558   $9,076  $2,974 
  


 


 


 


  


 


 

See accompanying notes.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY STATEMENTS

(In millions)(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

December 31,


  

Six Months Ended

December 31,


 
   2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

 

Common stock and paid-in capital

                 

Balance, beginning of period

  $60,862  $57,147  $60,413  $56,396 

Common stock issued

   462   781   1,289   1,195 

Common stock repurchased

   (1,629)  (127)  (2,360)  (287)

Stock-based compensation expense

   514   551   978   1,296 

Stock option income tax benefits/(deficiencies)

   (69)  47   (181)  (204)

Other, net

   —     4   1   7 
   


 


 


 


Balance, end of period

   60,140   58,403   60,140   58,403 
   


 


 


 


Retained earnings (deficit)

                 

Balance, beginning of period

   (12,535)  18,799   (12,298)  18,429 
   


 


 


 


Net income

   3,653   3,463   6,794   5,991 

Other comprehensive income:

                 

Net gains/(losses) on derivative instruments

   94   (101)  136   (70)

Net unrealized investments gains/(losses)

   (156)  606   (333)  650 

Translation adjustments and other

   (13)  90   (19)  104 
   


 


 


 


Comprehensive income

   3,578   4,058   6,578   6,675 

Common stock cash dividends

   (928)  (33,498)  (1,780)  (35,238)

Common stock repurchased

   (6,047)  (530)  (8,432)  (1,037)
   


 


 


 


Balance, end of period

   (15,932)  (11,171)  (15,932)  (11,171)
   


 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

  $44,208  $47,232  $44,208  $47,232 
   


 


 


 


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2006

  2005

 

Common stock and paid-in capital

         

Balance, beginning of period

  $59,005  $60,413 

Common stock issued

   398   827 

Common stock repurchased

   (1,874)  (731)

Stock-based compensation expense

   456   464 

Stock option income tax deficiencies

   (334)  (112)

Other, net

   6   1 
   


 


Balance, end of period

   57,657   60,862 
   


 


Retained deficit

         

Balance, beginning of period

   (18,901)  (12,298)
   


 


Net income

   3,478   3,141 

Other comprehensive income:

         

Net gains/(losses) on derivative instruments

   (27)  42 

Net unrealized investments gains/(losses)

   153   (177)

Translation adjustments and other

   9   (6)
   


 


Comprehensive income

   3,613   3,000 

Common stock cash dividends

   (975)  (852)

Common stock repurchased

   (5,293)  (2,385)
   


 


Balance, end of period

   (21,556)  (12,535)
   


 


Total stockholders’ equity

  $36,101  $48,327 
   


 


 

 

See accompanying notes.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

 

Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Examples include estimates of loss contingencies, product life cycles, and stock-based compensation forfeiture rates; and assumptions such as the elements comprising a software arrangement, including the distinction between upgrades/enhancements and new products; when technological feasibility is achieved for our products; the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns; and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions.

 

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Microsoft Corporation 20052006 Form 10-K.

 

CertainAs discussed in Note 8, effective July 1, 2006, we reorganized our business into five operating segments, organized under one of three operating divisions. Accordingly, we have restated prior year amounts have been reclassifiedperiod segment information to conform to the current period presentation, including reclassifications in the statements of cash flows for the previously disclosed reclassification of auction rate securities as short-term investments instead of cash and equivalents in accordance with guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the reclassification of non-current tax contingencies from non-current deferred taxes to other non-current liabilities.presentation. There was no impact on net income as a result of these reclassifications.the consolidated financial statements.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The financial statements include the accounts of Microsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not exercise control and are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which we are not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.

 

Note 2 – Inventories, net

 

Components of inventories arewere as follows:

 

(In millions)


  

December 31,

2005


  

June 30,

2005


  September 30,
2006


  June 30,
2006


Finished goods

  $507  $422  $2,116  $1,013

Raw materials and work in process

   496   69   405   465
  

  

  

  

Inventories, net

  $1,003  $491  $2,521  $1,478
  

  

  

  

 

Note 3 – Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, stock awards, and shared performance stock awards.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Components of basic and diluted earnings per share arewere as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


  Six Months Ended
December 31,


  Three Months Ended
September 30,


(In millions, except earnings per share)


  2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

  2006

  2005

Net income available for common shareholders (A)

  $3,653  $3,463  $6,794  $5,991  $3,478  $3,141
  

  

  

  

  

  

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock (B)

   10,560   10,877   10,628   10,875   9,929   10,696

Dilutive effect of employee stock options and awards

   78   79   80   61   81   76
  

  

  

  

  

  

Common stock and common stock equivalents (C)

   10,638   10,956   10,708   10,936   10,010   10,772
  

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic (A/B)

  $0.35  $0.32  $0.64  $0.55  $0.35  $0.29
  

  

  

  

  

  

Diluted (A/C)

  $0.34  $0.32  $0.63  $0.55  $0.35  $0.29
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

The following shares attributable to outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, the following shared performance stock awards have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on our performance against metrics established for the performance period:period.

 

  

Three Months Ended

December 31,


  

Six Months Ended

December 31,


      Three Months Ended    
September 30,


(In millions)


  2005

  2004

  2005

  2004

  2006

  2005

Shares excluded from calculation of diluted EPS

  674  762  672  863  677  789

Shared performance stock awards excluded from calculation of diluted EPS

  26  24  26  23  9  26

 

Note 4 – Unearned Revenue

 

Components of unearned revenue arewere as follows:

 

(In millions)


  

December 31,

2005


  

June 30,

2005


  September 30,
2006


  June 30,
2006


Volume licensing programs

  $5,750  $6,000  $6,876  $7,661

Undelivered elements

   2,125   2,119   2,120   2,066

Other

   963   1,048   1,101   1,175
  

  

  

  

Unearned revenue

  $8,838  $9,167  $10,097  $10,902
  

  

  

  

 

Unearned revenue by segment iswas as follows:

 

(In millions)


  

December 31,

2005


  

June 30,

2005


  September 30,
2006


  June 30,
2006


Client

  $2,664  $2,687  $2,804  $2,851

Server and Tools

   2,946   3,048   2,648   2,910

Information Worker

   2,635   2,814

Other segments

   593   618

Microsoft Business Division

   4,301   4,783

Other

   344   358
  

  

  

  

Unearned revenue

  $8,838  $9,167  $10,097  $10,902
  

  

  

  

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 5 – Stockholders’ Equity

 

On October 26, 2005,July 20, 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a modification to the July 20, 2004authorized two new share repurchase plan. The original repurchase plan calledprograms: a $20 billion tender offer, which was completed on August 17, 2006; and authorization for up to $30an additional $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program with an expiration of MicrosoftJune 30, 2011. Under the tender offer, we repurchased approximately 155 million shares of common stock, or 1.5% of our common shares outstanding, for approximately $3.8 billion at a price per share of $24.75. On August 18, 2006, we announced that the authorization for the $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program had been increased by approximately $16.2 billion. As a result, we are authorized to be repurchased over the succeeding four years. Under the revised plan, we expectrepurchase additional shares in an amount up to complete the $30$36.2 billion approved repurchase amount no later than December 2006.through June 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, approximately $11.3$35.3 billion remained of the $30$36.2 billion approved repurchase amount. All repurchases will bewere made using cash resources. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. In any period, cash used in financing activities related to common stock repurchased may differ from the comparable change in stockholders’ equity, reflecting timing differences between the recognition of share repurchase transactions and their settlement for cash.

 

Common stock repurchases in fiscal year 2006 were made pursuant to the repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors on July 20, 2004 to buy back up to $30 billion of Microsoft common stock. On July 20, 2006, we announced the completion of that repurchase program. The repurchases were made using our cash resources.

We repurchased the following shares of common stock under the above-described repurchase plan:plans:

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


  

Six Months Ended

December 31,


  Three Months Ended
September 30,


(In millions)


      2005    

      2004    

  2005

  2004

      2006    

      2005    

Shares of common stock repurchased

   283.1   23.6   397.2   46.4   285.1   114.1

Value of common stock repurchased

  $7,666  $655  $10,695  $1,280  $6,952  $3,029

 

On September 22,13, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable on December 14, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2006. The ex-dividend date is November 14, 2006. This dividend of approximately $983 million was included in other current liabilities on our balance sheet.

On September 23, 2005, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share. The dividend of approximately $846 million was paid on December 8, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2005. On December 14, 2005, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable March 9, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2006. The ex-dividend date is Februarywas November 15, 2006. This dividend of approximately $935 million was included in other current liabilities on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2005.

On July 20, 2004, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share and a one-time special dividend of $3.00 per share. On September 15, 2004, the Board declared a second regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share and on December 8, 2004, the Board declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share.

Note 6 – Stock-Based Compensation

Effective July 1, 2005, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment,using the modified prospective application transition method. Because the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Stock-Based Compensation, and SFAS No. 123(R) were materially consistent under our equity plans, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) did not have a significant impact on our financial position or our results of operations. Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs were reported as operating cash flows. SFAS No. 123(R) requires excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid.

Our net income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 includes $514 million and $978 million, respectively, of compensation costs and $180 million and $342 million, respectively, of income tax benefits related to our stock-based compensation arrangements. Our net income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2004 includes $551 million and $1.30 billion, respectively, of compensation costs and $193 million and $454 million, respectively, of income tax benefits related to our stock-based compensation arrangements.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Stock Awards and Shared Performance Stock Awards. Stock awards (“SAs”) are grants that entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests.

Shared Performance Stock Awards (“SPSAs”) are a form of SAs in which the number of shares ultimately received depends on our performance against specified performance targets. The performance period is July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2006 (January 1, 2004 through June 30, 2006 for certain executive officers). At the end of the performance period, the number of shares of stock and SAs issued will be determined by adjusting upward or downward from the target in a range between 33% and 150% (0% to 150% for certain executive officers). The final performance percentage on which the payout will be based, considering performance metrics established for the performance period, will be determined by our Board of Directors or a Committee of the Board at its sole discretion. Shares of stock will be issued following the end of the performance period and as the SAs vest ratably over the following two years. Because these awards cover a three-year period, SPSAs generally will only be awarded in fiscal year 2006 to newly hired and promoted employees eligible to receive SPSAs.

We measure the fair value of SAs and SPSAs based upon the market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends, using an expected quarterly dividend rate of $0.08 ($0.09 beginning December 2005) and risk-free interest rates ranging from 3.6% to 4.5%. SAs and SPSAs are amortized over their applicable vesting period (generally five years) using the straight-line method.

The following activity has occurred under our existing plans:

   

Shares

(in millions)


  Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value


Stock awards:

       

Nonvested balance at July 1, 2005

  71.3  $23.92

Granted

  35.2   24.49

Vested

  (12.8)  23.78

Forfeited

  (1.1)  23.91
   

 

Nonvested balance at September 30, 2005

  92.6  $24.16

Granted

  3.7   25.57

Vested

  (1.0)  25.21

Forfeited

�� (1.4)  24.06
   

 

Nonvested balance at December 31, 2005

  93.9  $24.18
   

 

Shared performance stock awards:

       

Nonvested balance at July 1, 2005

  35.3  $23.54

Granted

  1.6   25.83

Vested

  —     —  

Forfeited

  (0.1)  23.54
   

 

Nonvested balance at September 30, 2005

  36.8  $23.61

Granted

  0.5   25.45

Vested

  —     —  

Forfeited

  (1.1)  23.56
   

 

Nonvested balance at December 31, 2005

  36.2  $23.70
   

 

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

As of December 31, 2005, there was $1.8 billion and $448 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to SAs and SPSAs, respectively. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.9 years and 2.7 years, respectively.

During the three and six months ended December 31, 2004, the following activity occurred under our plans:

(In millions, except fair values)


  

Three months
ended
December 31,

2004


  

Six months
ended

December 31,

2004


Stock awards granted

   3.2   38.4

Weighted average grant-date fair value

  $25.98  $23.97

Shared performance stock awards granted

   2.6   4.2

Weighted average grant-date fair value

  $24.96  $23.85

Stock Options. Nonqualified stock options have been granted to our directors under our non-employee director stock plan. Nonqualified and incentive stock options have been granted to our officers and employees under our employee stock plans. Options granted between 1995 and 2001 generally vest over four and one-half years and expire seven years from the date of grant, while certain options vest either over four and one-half years or over seven and one-half years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted after 2001 vest over four and one-half years and expire ten years from the date of grant. No stock options were granted during the three months ended December 31, 2005 or the three or six months ended December 31, 2004. Approximately 1.3 million stock options were granted in conjunction with business acquisitions during the six months ended December 31, 2005.

A summary of option activity under the plans for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 is as follows:

   

Shares

(in millions)


  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)


  

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in millions)


Balance, July 1, 2005

  864  $27.41       

Granted

  1   23.20       

Exercised

  (34)  21.08       

Canceled

  (12)  31.30       

Forfeited

  (3)  23.56       
   

 

       

Balance, September 30, 2005

  816  $27.62  4.8  $1,319

Granted

  —     —         

Exercised

  (17)  21.94       

Canceled

  (8)  31.12       

Forfeited

  (3)  23.05       
   

 

       

Balance, December 31, 2005

  788  $27.72  4.6  $1,386

Exercisable, December 31, 2005

  659  $28.66  4.2  $934

As of December 31, 2005, 243 million options transferred to JPMorgan remained outstanding and are excluded from the amount noted as options outstanding in the table above. Included in the options outstanding balance are approximately five million options that were granted in conjunction with business acquisitions.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

While these options are included in the options outstanding balance, they are excluded from the weighted average exercise prices presented. These options have an exercise price range of $0 to $170.87 and a weighted average exercise price of $11.51.

As of December 31, 2005, there was $729 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

During the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the following activity occurred under our plans:

   Three Months Ended
December 31,


  Six Months Ended
December 31,


(In millions)


      2005    

      2004    

      2005    

      2004    

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

  $98  $304  $277  $541

Total fair value of stock awards vested

   26   6   330   21

Cash received from stock option exercises for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 was $377 million and $1.26 billion, respectively. The income tax benefits from stock option exercises totaled $34 million and $108 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005.

At December 31, 2005, an aggregate of 805 million shares were authorized for future grant under our stock plans, which cover stock options, SAs, and SPSAs. Awards that expire or are cancelled without delivery of shares generally become available for issuance under the plans. The options transferred to JPMorgan have been removed from our plans; any options transferred to JPMorgan that expire without being exercised will not become available for grant under any of our plans.

We issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. Under our revised share repurchase plan approved by our Board of Directors on October 26, 2005, we anticipate that shares repurchased will reduce the dilutive impact of our share-based arrangements. We currently expect the planned repurchase amount of $30 billion to be completed no later than December 2006; however, as this repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice, the timing and amount of repurchases is not known. Based upon the foregoing, it is not practical to present an estimate of the number of shares expected to be repurchased during fiscal year 2006.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We have an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. Under this plan, shares of our common stock currently may be purchased by employees at three-month intervals at 90% of the fair market value on the last day of each three-month period. Employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding 15% of their gross compensation during an offering period. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2005, we issued 3.8 million and 9.1 million shares, respectively, under our employee stock purchase plan at an average price of $23.44 per share and $23.22 per share, respectively. At December 31, 2005, 150.6 million shares were reserved for future issuance under this plan.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 76 – Investment Income and Other

 

Components of investment income and other arewere as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


 Six Months Ended
December 31,


       Three Months Ended    
September 30,


(In millions)


      2005    

     2004    

     2005    

     2004    

   2006

 2005

Dividends and interest

  $382  $378  $758  $789   $369  $376

Net recognized gains on investments

   212   348   238   401    363   26

Net losses on derivatives

   (185)  (309)  (99)  (504)

Income from equity investees and other

   71   3   89   13 

Net (losses) gains on derivatives

   (156)  86

Other, net

   (9)  18
  


 


 


 


  


 

Investment income and other

  $480  $420  $986  $699   $567  $506
  


 


 


 


  


 

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 87 – Contingencies

 

Government competition law matters. OnIn March 25, 2004, the European Commission announcedissued a decision in its competition law investigation of Microsoft.us. The Commission concluded that we infringed European competition law by refusing to provide our competitors with licenses to certain protocol technology in the Windows server operating

systems and by including streaming media playback functionality in Windows desktop operating systems. The Commission ordered us to make the relevant licenses to our technology available to our competitors and to develop and make available a version of the Windows desktop operating system that does not include specified software relating to media playback. The decision also imposed a fine of €497 million which resulted in a charge in the third quarter of fiscal year 2004 of €497 million ($605 million). We filed an appeal ofappealed the decision to the Court of First Instance, on June 6, 2004. On December 22,the basis that we did not infringe European competition law. In July 2006 the European Commission announced its determination that we had not complied with the technical documentation requirements of the 2004 Decision, and levied a fine of €281 million ($351 million). We have appealed this fine to the Court ordered that we must comply with the decision pending review on appeal and we are taking steps to ensure we are in compliance. The hearing date for the appeal is expected to be determined in February 2006. We continue to contest the conclusion that European competition law was infringed and will defend our position vigorously. In December 2005, the Commission issued a Statement of Objections that preliminarily concluded we were not in full compliance with the 2004 decree. The Statement of Objections could result in further monetary fines of up to €2 million per day from December 15, 2005 and other obligations. We are disputing that finding.First Instance.

 

OnIn December 7, 2005, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) announced a ruling in its investigation of Microsoft,us, holding that we abused a market dominant position and engaged in unfair trade practices under the Korean Fair Trade LawAct by incorporating instant messaging and media player functionality into the Windows clientPC operating system, and streaming media technologies into the Windows server operating system. The KFTC also announced the impositionimposed a fine of remedies. With respect to media playerapproximately $34 million. The KFTC’s ruling and instant messenger technologies, the Commission announced Microsoft may only distribute two new versionscorrective order issued in February 2006 held that our integration of the Windows client operating system in Korea. The first version must have both the Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger in Windows PC operating systems and integration of Windows Media Services in Windows server operating systems constituted an abuse of monopoly power and unlawful tying in violation of the Korean Fair Trade Act. Under the order, which became effective in August 2006, we are required to develop and distribute in Korea versions of Windows XP and its successors that do not include Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger functionality. In addition, we also may distribute a second modified version of Windows that contains the removed functionality, removed. Theprovided the second version may contain our media playerincludes promotional links in the user interface that will enable consumers to link to and instant messenger functionality, but must also contain promotional opportunities for competing media players, so that competing software can be equally installed into the Windows client operating system, and other related modifications. For existing customers, we must produce and distributedownload a compact disk containing competing media players and instant messengers, and develop a Media Player Center and Messenger Center accessible through the Internet, which provide access toselect group of competing media players and instant messengers. A supervisory board will be appointedWe have appealed the KFTC’s decision to determine the specificsSeoul High Court. In May 2006, the KFTC denied our motion for reconsideration of its ruling, but also dropped the element of its ruling that prohibited us from including Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger, or any feature with similar functionality, in any product other than the Windows client operating system for which we have a 50% or greater market share. On August 23, 2006, we announced the release to manufacture of the remedymandated versions of Windows XP Home Edition and to oversee compliance. The Commission will also impose a fine of approximately $32 million. Most of the provisions of the ruling must be implemented within 180 days of the final written decision. A formal written ruling and corrective order implementing the remedies is expected in early calendar

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

year 2006. We will appeal the final decision. Although we have not yet determined how the Commission’s ruling will affect its business in Korea, the announced remedies do not prevent us from distributing Windows in Korea.XP Professional Edition.

 

In other ongoing investigations, various foreign governments and several state Attorneys Generalattorneys general have requested information from us concerning competition, privacy, and security issues.

 

Antitrust, unfair competition, and overcharge class actions. A large number of antitrust and unfair competition class action lawsuits have been filed against us in various state and federal courts on behalf of variously defined classes of direct and indirect purchasers of our personal computers (“PCs”)PC operating system and certain software applications products. The federal cases have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for Maryland. These cases allege that we competed unfairly and unlawfully monopolized alleged markets for operating systems and certain software applications, and they seek to recover alleged overcharges for these products. To date, courts have dismissed all claims for damages in cases brought against us by indirect purchasers under federal law and in 1518 states. Ten of those state court decisions have been affirmed on appeal. There was no appeal in five states. In addition, courts in two states refused to certify classes, essentially bringing the litigation to a close. Claims under federal law brought on behalf of foreign purchasers have been dismissed by the U.S. District Court in Maryland as have all claims brought on behalf of consumers seeking injunctive relief under federal law. The ruling on injunctive relief and the ruling dismissing the federal claims of indirect purchasers are currently on appealwere appealed to the United States U.S.

Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, as istogether with a ruling denying certification of certain proposed classes of

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

U.S. direct purchasers. In April 2006, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court decision dismissing the indirect purchaser claims. Courts in twelve18 states have ruled that indirect purchaser cases may proceed as class actions, while courts in two states have denied class certification.actions. In 2003, we reached an agreement with counsel for the California plaintiffs to settle all claims in 27 consolidated cases in that state. Under the settlement, class members will be able to obtain vouchers that entitle

the class members to be reimbursed up to the face value of their vouchers for purchases of a wide variety of platform-neutral computer hardware and software. The total value of vouchers issued will depend on the number of class members who make a claim and are issued vouchers. Two-thirds of the value of vouchers unissued or unredeemed by class members will be made available to certain schools in California in the form of vouchers that also may be redeemed for cash against purchases of a wide variety of platform-neutral computer hardware, software, and related services. We also have reached similar agreements to settle all claims in a number of other states. The settlements in these states are structured similarly to the California settlement, except that, among other differences, one-half of the value of vouchers unissued to class members will be made available to certain schools in the relevant states. The maximum value of vouchers to be issued in these settlements, including the California settlement, is approximately $1.9$2.5 billion. The actual costs of these settlements will be less than that maximum amount, depending on the number of class members and schools who are issued and redeem vouchers. The settlements in Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia have received final court approval. Settlements in Arkansas and Wisconsin have received preliminary court approval. In Iowa, a jury trial on the plaintiffs’ claims is scheduled to begin in November 2006. We estimate the total cost to resolve all of these cases will range between $1.3$1.5 billion and $1.5$1.8 billion, with the actual cost dependent upon many unknown factors such as the quantity and mix of products for which claims will be made, the number of eligible class members who ultimately use the vouchers, the nature of hardware and software that is acquired using the vouchers, and the cost of administering the claims process. In accordance with SFAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”)FIN No. 14,Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss,at December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, we have recorded a liability related to these claims of approximately $1.1$1.2 billion, netwhich reflects our estimated exposure of $1.5 billion less payments made to date of approximately $300 million, primarily for administrative expenses and legal fees.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Other antitrust litigation and claims. On August 27, 2004, the City and County of San Francisco, the City of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara Counties filed a putative class action against us in San Francisco Superior Court. The action was brought on behalf of all governmental entities, agencies, and political subdivisions of the State of California that indirectly purchased our operating system or word processing and spreadsheet software during the period from February 18, 1995 to the date of trial in the action. The plaintiffs seek treble damages under California’s Cartwright Act and disgorgement of unlawful profits under its Unfair Competition Act resulting from our alleged combinations to restrain trade, deny competition, and monopolize the world markets for PC operating systems and word processing and spreadsheet applications (and productivity suites including these applications). We removed the case to the U.S. District Court for Maryland. Our motion to dismiss the complaint was granted in its entirety on April 18, 2005 with leave to file an amended complaint alleging claims under the Cartwright Act based on conduct within the four-year statute of limitation the court ruled applies to the plaintiffs’ claims. Microsoft and the plaintiffs have entered into a tentative settlement of this case. The settlement has been approved by all named plaintiffs and the parties are finalizing language for the settlement agreement. If approved by the court, this settlement will resolve all claims asserted in the lawsuit.

OnIn November 12, 2004, Novell, Inc. filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for Utah, now consolidated with other cases in Maryland, asserting antitrust and unfair competition claims against us related to Novell’s ownership of WordPerfect and other productivity applications during the period between June 1994 and March 1996. OnIn June 10, 2005, the trial court granted our motion to dismiss four of six claims of the complaint. The remaining two claims were not dismissedAn appeal of that ruling is now pending and litigation has proceeded on those claims. We are seeking leave to appeal the decision not to dismiss those claims.case is effectively stayed during the appeal.

 

Patent and intellectual property claims. We are a defendant in more than 35 patent infringement cases that we are defending vigorously. In the case ofEolas Technologies, Inc. and University of California v. Microsoft, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois onin February 2, 1999, the plaintiffs alleged infringement by the browser functionality of Windows. On August 11, 2003, the jury awarded the plaintiffs approximately $520 million in damages for infringement from the date the plaintiffs’ patent was issued through September 2001. The plaintiffs are seeking an equitable accounting for damages from September 2001 to the present. OnIn January 14, 2004, the trial court entered final judgment of $565 million, including post-trial interest of $45 million, and entered an injunction against distribution of any new infringing products, but stayed execution of the judgment and the injunction pending our appeal. We appealed and onin March 2, 2005 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the decision and vacated the judgment, ruling thatbased on certain evidentiary rulings of the trial court had erred in excluding certain previous art evidence and ruling as a matter of law on other evidence.court. The appellate court also reversed the trial court’s decision that the inventors had not engaged in inequitable conduct by failing to reveal material previous art while obtaining the patent.conduct. We believe the total cost to resolve this case will not be material to our financial position or results of operations. The actual costs will be dependent upon many unknown factors such as the events of a retrial of the plaintiff’s claims. InResearch Corporation Technologies, Inc. v. Microsoft, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona on December 21, 2001, the plaintiff has asserted three patents related to half-toning, which it believes are infringed by certain printing functionality allegedly present in different versions of Windows. Plaintiff seeks unspecified “reasonable royalties” on Microsoft’s Windows products. Microsoft’s defense based on the plaintiff’s inequitable conduct was tried in August 2005. In November 2005, the court announced its finding that the inventors engaged in inequitable conduct and that the patents are therefore unenforceable against Microsoft. We are awaiting the court’s written decision, and anticipate the plaintiff will appeal. InMicrosoft v. Lucent, filed in the U.S. District Court in San Diego onin April 8, 2003, we are seeking a declaratory judgment that we do not infringe any valid patent among a number of patents Lucent has been asserting against computer manufacturers that sell computers with Microsoft our

software pre-installed. No trial date has been set. InArendi USA, Inc. and Arendi Holding Limited v. Microsoft,The first in a series of back-to-back trials on the various patent groupings is currently set

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

to begin in January 2007. In March 2006, Lucent filed a new lawsuit against us in U.S. District Court forin San Diego, claiming the District of Rhode Island on July 31, 2002, the plaintiffs alleged infringement ofXbox 360 violates one patent by certain Smart Tags features in Microsoft Office XP and Office 2003. Following trial in September 2004 the jury returned a verdict for us, finding that we did not infringe the patents. The plaintiffs have appealed. Similarly, inSpacone v. Microsoft, the plaintiff asserts that Smart Tags features in Microsoft Word and Excel violate patent rights of the bankrupt At Home Corporation. A summary judgment hearing took place in January 2006 and trial is set for May.patents that earlier had been dismissed from the older lawsuit. InAmado v. Microsoft, filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on March 7, 2003, the plaintiff has accused the link table functionality available in Microsoft Access when used with Microsoft Excel. After a jury trial, response to Lucent’s new complaint, we were found to infringe one claim of theasserted patent and damages were awarded in the amount of $8.9 million. The judge later found for us on our defense of laches, which reduced the damages award to $5.9 million. The court also imposed an injunction against further distribution of the accused feature as part of Microsoft Access, but stayed the injunction pending appellate review. We have appealed. InBTG v. Microsoft, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 2, 2004, the plaintiff has accused our Windows and Office productsinfringement counterclaims accusing Lucent of infringing several patents. The10 Microsoft patents are directed to “update” technology, active desktop concepts, and offline browsing.by its sales of various products. No trial date has been set.set in the new lawsuit. InZ4 Technologies, Inc. v. Microsoft,, the plaintiff allegesalleged that Microsoft Windows and Office product activation functionality violates its patent rights. Trial is scheduled forIn April 2006, the jury rendered a $115 million verdict against us. In August 2006, the trial court increased damages by $25 million pursuant to the jury’s finding of willful infringement and awarded Z4 $2 million in federal district courtattorneys’ fees. We intend to appeal the verdict. InVeritas Operating Corporation v. Microsoft, filed in Texas. A software company has discussed with usthe U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in May 2006, a subsidiary of Symantec filed an action asserting claims of trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, and patent infringement. These claims primarily relateinfringement relating to certain functionality in our server operating system products but also impact our desktop operating systems.storage technologies. Adverse outcomes in some or all of the matters described in this paragraph may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that would adversely affectingaffect distribution of our operating system or application products. The risks associated with an adverse decision may result in material settlements.

 

Other. We are also subject to a variety of other claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. WhileAlthough management currently believes that resolving claims against us, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, or our results of operations, or our cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.

As of September 30, 2006, we had accrued aggregate liabilities totaling $1.0 billion in other current liabilities and $0.8 billion in other long-term liabilities for all of the contingent matters described in this note. While we intend to vigorously defend these matters, there exists the possibility of adverse outcomes which we estimate could be up to $1.0 billion in aggregate beyond recorded amounts. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on ourthe Company’s financial position and on the results of operations for the period in which the effect becomes reasonably estimable.

As of December 31, 2005, we had accrued aggregate liabilities totaling $0.6 billion in other current liabilities and $1.0 billion in other long-term liabilities for all of the contingent matters described in this note.

 

Note 98 – Segment Information

 

SFAS No. 131,Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, requires segmentation based on our internal organization and reporting of revenue and operating income based upon internal accounting methods. Our financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including internal profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not consistent with U.S. GAAP. In September 2005,Effective July 1, 2006, we announced a plan to reorganize the companyreorganized our business into five operating segments, organized under one of three newly formedoperating divisions – Microsoft Platform ProductsPlatforms and Services Division, Microsoft Business Division, and Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division.

The operationalfive operating segments are described below. The first three of these comprise the Platforms and internal reporting impactsServices Division.

Client includes the former Client segment. Client generates nearly all of its revenue from the licensing of the planned reorganization are currently being evaluated.Windows line of operating systems, including Windows XP Professional and Home, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition, and other standard Windows operating systems.

Server and Tools includes the former Server and Tools segment, excluding Exchange Server, Exchange client access licenses and a portion of Core client access licenses which now reside in the Microsoft Business

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Division. Server and Tools generates revenues from the following products: Windows Server operating system, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center products, Forefront security family of products and Biz Talk Server among others. In addition, Server and Tools provides the following services: Microsoft Consulting Services; Premier; and professional support services.

Online Services Business (“OSB”) includes the former MSN segment and Windows Live. OSB derives its revenue principally through the delivery of advertising and paid search. OSB also generates services revenue through providing the following online offerings: MSN Internet Access; MSN Premium Web Services (consisting of MSN Internet Software Subscriptions, MSN Hotmail Plus, MSN Bill Pay, and MSN Radio Plus); and MSN Mobile Services.

Microsoft Business Division (“MBD”) includes the former Information Worker and Microsoft Business Solutions segments, and the Exchange Server business and certain client access licenses formerly included in the Server and Tools segment. MBD derives its revenues principally through the Microsoft Office System which includes: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project; Microsoft Visio; Microsoft Access; SharePoint Portal Server client access licenses; OneNote; Office Communication Server; Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting; and services revenues generated by Microsoft LiveMeeting. Product revenues are also derived through the licensing of the Dynamics suite of software including: Microsoft Dynamics AX; Microsoft Dynamics CRM; Microsoft Dynamics GP; Microsoft Dynamics NAV; Microsoft Dynamics SL; and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System.

Entertainment and Devices Division (“EDD”) includes the former Home and Entertainment and Mobile and Embedded Devices segments. EDD generates product revenues through both hardware and software sales and licensing. The Xbox 360 console generates the majority of hardware revenue with the remainder driven by consumer peripherals and accessories. Software revenues are generated by Xbox games; games for Windows; Mac Office; MSTV Platforms; Windows Mobile software platform and Windows Embedded device operating system. Online services revenues are generated by certain product support and Xbox Live.

Segment revenue and operating income/(loss) iswas as follows (1):

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


 Six Months Ended
December 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 

(In millions)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

   2006

 2005

 

Revenue

      

Client

  $3,425  $3,134  $6,457  $5,985   $3,300  $3,122 

Server and Tools

   2,667   2,326   4,959   4,357    2,503   2,124 

Information Worker

   3,132   2,905   5,935   5,535 

Microsoft Business Solutions

   238   203   415   359 

MSN

   632   635   1,234   1,218 

Mobile and Embedded Devices

   93   67   163   116 

Home and Entertainment

   1,567   1,381   2,058   1,960 

Reconciling amounts

   83   167   357   477 

MBD

   3,434   3,252 

OSB

   539   565 

EDD

   1,019   596 

Unallocated and other

   16   82 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Consolidated

  $11,837  $10,818  $21,578  $20,007   $10,811  $9,741 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Operating income/(loss)

      

Client

  $2,637  $2,501  $5,090  $4,851   $2,657  $2,551 

Server and Tools

   909   816   1,667   1,488    862   666 

Information Worker

   2,275   2,190   4,374   4,219 

Microsoft Business Solutions

   11   (11)  3   (21)

MSN

   110   146   198   248 

Mobile and Embedded Devices

   15   (11)  14   (25)

Home and Entertainment

   (294)  97   (467)  (46)

MBD

   2,259   2,247 

OSB

   (134)  75 

EDD

   (150)  (182)

Reconciling amounts

   (1,006)  (979)  (2,176)  (2,471)   (1,020)  (1,311)
  


 


 


 


  


 


Consolidated

  $4,657  $4,749  $8,703  $8,243   $4,474  $4,046 
  


 


 


 


  


 


MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)


(1)Segment information reflects our realignment of the MapPointExchange Server organization and certain client access licenses from the Mobileformer Server and Embedded DevicesTools segment intoto the MSN segment. TheMicrosoft Business Division. Information for the three and six months ended December 31, 2004 informationSeptember 30, 2005 has been restated for this reorganization, the reorganization from seven to five operating segments, and certain other internal reorganizations, and changes to certain internal accounting methods to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Operating costs included in one segment may benefit other segments, and therefore these segments are not designed to measure operating income or loss directly related to the products included in each segment. Intersegment cost commissions are estimated by management and used to compensate or charge each segment for such shared costs and to incent shared efforts.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Reconciling amounts include adjustments to conform significant internal accounting policies with U.S. GAAP and corporate levelcorporate-level activity not specifically attributed to a segment. Certain revenue and expenses, including legal settlements and legal contingencies, are excluded from segments or included in corporate-level activity, including certain legal settlements and legal contingent liabilities.activity. Significant reconciling items to arrive at operating income arewere as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended
December 31,


 

Six Months Ended

December 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 

(In millions)


      2005    

     2004    

 2005

 2004

         2006      

       2005      

 

Summary of reconciling amounts:

      

Corporate-level activity

  $(879) $(766) $(2,147) $(2,089)  $(1,011) $(1,271)

Stock-based compensation expense

   (148)  (218)  (291)  (659)   (49)  (123)

Revenue reconciling amounts

   83   167   357   477    16   82 

Other

   (62)  (162)  (95)  (200)   24   1 
  


 


 


 


  


 


Total

  $(1,006) $(979) $(2,176) $(2,471)  $(1,020) $(1,311)
  


 


 


 


  


 


 

Note 109 – Goodwill

 

The amount ofDuring the three months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded goodwill resulting from acquisitions during the six months ended December 31, 2005 was $257 million and related to the following:

Server & Tools acquired Frontbridge Technologies,following acquisitions: Softricity, Inc. ($176 million) and completed other acquisitions ($8 million);

MSN acquired Teleo, Inc. ($22 million) and completed other acquisitions ($15 million);

Information Worker acquired Media Streams, Inc. ($24179 million); Whale Communications Ltd. ($66 million); Winternals Software LP ($31 million); and

Client acquired Alacris, Inc. others ($1219 million).

All of the goodwill was assigned to our Server and Tools operating segment. All of the entities were consolidated with Microsoft since their respective acquisition dates. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are preliminary and subject to revision as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Any change in the fair value of the net assets of the acquired companies will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of these acquisitions, individually orand in the aggregate, were not material to Microsoft.material.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Microsoft Corporation

Redmond, Washington

 

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Microsoft Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006 and 2004.2005. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Microsoft Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2005,2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated August 23, 2005,22, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 20052006 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP                                    

Seattle, Washington

October 24, 2006

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP        


Seattle, Washington

January 23, 2006

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believes,“believe,” “project,” “expects,“expect,“anticipates,“anticipate,“estimates,“estimate,“intends,“intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” (refer to Part II, Item 1A). We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The following MD&A is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Microsoft Corporation. This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.statements (“Notes”).

 

We develop, manufacture, license, and support a wide range of software products for many computing devices. Our software products include operating systems for servers, personal computers (“PCs”)PCs, and intelligent devices; server applications for distributed computing environments; information worker productivity applications; business solutions applications; and software development tools. We provide consulting and product support services, and we train and certify system integrators and developers. We sell the Xbox video game console and games, PC games, and PC peripherals. Online communication and information services are delivered through our MSN portals and channels around the world.

 

Our revenue historically has fluctuated quarterly and has generally been the highest in the second quarter of our fiscal year generally due to corporate calendar year-end spending trends in our major markets and holiday season spending by consumers. Our HomeEntertainment and Entertainment segmentDevices Division is particularly subject to seasonality as its products are aimed at the consumer market and are in highest demand during the holiday shopping season. ApproximatelyTypically, Entertainment and Devices has generated over 40% to 50% of Home and Entertainment revenue is generatedits yearly segment revenues in our second fiscal quarter and wequarter. We believe the seasonality of revenue is likely to continue in the future.

 

We intend to sustain the long-term growth of our businesses through technological innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to customers and partners. Recognizing that one of our primary challenges is to help accelerate worldwide PC adoption and software upgrades, we continue to advance the functionality, security, and value of Windows operating systems, including versions for new devices such as Tablet PCs, Media Center PCs, Portable Media Centers, and mobile devices such as Smartphones. We are also increasing our focus on emerging markets and reducing the amount of unlicensed software in those markets. In addition, we develop innovative software applications and solutions to enhance the productivity of information workers, improve communication and collaboration in work groups, aid business intelligence, and streamline processes for small and mid-sized businesses. To sustain the growth of our Server and Tools business amid competition from other vendors of both proprietary and open source software, our goal is to deliver products that provide the best platform for network computing — the most advanced, easiest to deploy and manage, and most secure, with the lowest total cost of ownership.

Worldwide macroeconomic factors have a strong correlation to business and consumer demand for our software, services, games, and Internet service offerings. We continue to expect that general macroeconomic conditions will remain stable in the remainder of fiscal year 2006.

Summary

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


  

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

    2006

  2005

  

Revenue

  $11,837  $10,818  9% $21,578  $20,007  8%  $10,811  $9,741  11%

Operating income

  $4,657  $4,749  (2)% $8,703  $8,243  6%  $4,474  $4,046  11%

 

Our revenue increase for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006 was driven primarily by sales of Xbox 360, which was launched in November 2005, and increased licensing of SQL Server, Windows Server, operating systems, SQL Server, and other server applications,Visual Studio. Also contributing to the increase in revenue was growth in licensing of Windows Client operating systems through original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”),as a result of overall growth in the launch of Xbox 360,PC market and increased licensing of Office and other Information Worker products, as a result of continued strong PC and server shipment growth and improved information technology (“IT”) spending.Office. Based on our

preliminary estimates, total worldwide PC shipments from all sources grew 14%8% to 15% from the second quarter of the previous year and 15% to 16%10% from the first six monthsquarter of the previousfiscal year 2006, driven by strong consumer demand in both emerging and mature markets. We had previously estimated that overall server hardware shipments would grow 11% to 13% in fiscal year 2006 as compared with fiscal year 2005. We estimate overallOverall server hardware shipments growth in the secondfirst quarter and the first half of fiscal year 2006 was consistent with our full year estimate.estimate of 10% to 12%.

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, operating income decreasedincreased primarily due toreflecting the revenue increase and a 27%$362 million decrease in costs for legal settlements and legal contingencies. The increase in salesEntertainment and marketing expenses mainlyDevices revenue was partially offset by an increase in cost of revenue primarily related to SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, andthe shift in product mix from the first generation Xbox 360 launches, and a 13% increaseto Xbox 360. Additionally, continued investments in headcount mainly to support both field sales effortsour Online Services Business increased our cost of revenue in that segment. Finally, headcount-related costs and research and development forexpenses increased as we continue to invest in our new and upcoming products. In addition, operating income forofferings such as our Windows Live platform, Windows Vista, the three months ended December 31, 2005 decreased $410 million due to2007 Microsoft Office system, Unified Communications, and Zune, our upcoming digital music and entertainment device. Headcount-related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, increased 21%, resulting from both an increase in the cost of revenue primarily assalaries and benefits for existing headcount and a result of the Xbox 360 product launch. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, the operating income increase was primarily driven by increased Server and Tools and Client revenue, which have higher gross margins. Operating income also increased due to lower legal costs, partially offset by increased sales and marketing expenses related to product launches of SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and Xbox 360, and by a $299 million17% increase in Home and Entertainment as a result ofheadcount over the Xbox 360 console launch.past 12 months.

 

For the remainder of the fiscal year, 2006, we expect revenue to grow at a fasterhigher rate than fiscal year 2005,2006, mainly due toreflecting significant product launches in fiscal year 2006. 2007. In October 2006, we announced our Express Upgrade to Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee programs which provide consumers who purchase current products during the holiday season with free or discounted rights to Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System when those products become available. As a result, a material amount of revenue is expected to be deferred from the second quarter to the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. The amount to be deferred will depend on the level and timing of sales, and the product and channel mix. Because the programs are expected to conclude in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, we do not expect the programs to adversely affect our fiscal year 2007 revenue.

We estimate worldwide PC shipments will continue to grow 12%8% to 14%10% and overall server hardware shipments will alsocontinue to grow 11%10% to 13%12% in fiscal year 2006. We do not expect a significant impact from year-over-year foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal year 2006.2007.

 

We expect our operating income growth rate in fiscal year 2006 to exceed2007 will lag behind our revenue growth rate. Operating income is expectedWe expect our level of spending to reflect lower operating expenses due to lower costs for legal settlements thanincrease in four key areas in fiscal year 2005. This is expected2007: increased product costs associated with Xbox consoles; marketing and field sales spending including product launch costs; quickening the pace of development in growth areas such as business intelligence, security, management and unified communications (including through acquisitions); and increased costs to be partially offset byexecute on our online services strategy. While these investments will translate into increased operating expenses, we believe they will help lay the increase in the launch-related activities surrounding our recentgroundwork for future growth and upcoming products and investments in MSN.profitability.

 

SEGMENT PRODUCT REVENUE/OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

Our seven segments currently are Client; Server and Tools; Information Worker; Microsoft Business Solutions; MSN; Mobile and Embedded Devices; and Home and Entertainment.

In order to drive greater agility in the execution of our software and services strategy, on September 20, 2005 we announced a plan to reorganize the company into three newly formed divisions – Microsoft Platform Products and Services Division, Microsoft Business Division, and Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. The new Microsoft Platform Products and Services Division is comprised of Client, Server and Tools, and MSN. The Information Worker business and Microsoft Business Solutions combined to form the Microsoft

Business Division. The new Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division brought together Home and Entertainment and Mobile and Embedded Devices. The operational and internal reporting impacts of the planned reorganization are currently being evaluated. Until this evaluation of the divisions is complete, we continue to organize, manage, and report the business through the seven segments.

 

Revenue and operating income/(loss) amounts in this section are presented on a basis consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)GAAP and include certain reconciling items attributable to each of the segments. Segment information appearing in Note 98 – Segment Information of the Notes to Financial Statements is presented on a basis consistent with the Company’s current internal management reporting, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131,Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Certain corporate level expenses havecorporate-level activity has been excluded from our segment operating results and are analyzedis presented separately. Prior amounts have been restated for certain internal reorganizations and to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Client

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


  Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

        2006    

      2005    

  

Revenue

  $3,459  $3,193  8% $6,646  $6,173  8%  $3,303  $3,161  4%

Operating income

  $2,638  $2,528  4% $5,210  $4,929  6%  $2,637  $2,570  3%

Client includes revenue fromconsists of premium edition operating systems, including Windows XP Professional, and Home, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition, and other standard Windows operating systems.systems, including Windows XP Home. Premium edition operating systemsofferings are Windows operating systems sold at a premium above Windows XP Home. Premium offerings include Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center Edition, and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Client revenue growth is correlatedcorrelates with the growth of purchases of PCs from OEMs that pre-install versions of Windows operating systems because the OEM channel accounts for over 80% of total Client revenue.

 

Client revenue increased duringfor the secondfirst quarter of fiscal year 20062007, reflecting $118 million or 4% growth in OEM revenue driven by 15%11% growth in OEM license units and $273 million or 10% growth in OEM revenue from increased PC unit shipments partially offset by an $8and $24 million or 2% decrease5% growth in revenue from commercial and retail licensing of Windows operating systems. This decreaseThe increase in commercial and retail licensing reflects our customers’ continued preference for acquiringrevenue included the next versionimpact of their operating system through thea $45 million revenue deferral related to OEM channel when they replace their PC hardware, rather than purchasing a multi-year licensing agreement. The difference between unit growth rates and revenue growth rates from quarter to quarter is driven by the channel mix of productslicense units sold by large, multinational OEMs versus those sold by local and regional system builders, the mix of premium versions of operating systems licensed during the quarter and changes inthat will be eligible for Express Upgrade to Windows Vista. During the geographical mix. Thequarter, the mix of OEM Windows operating systems licensed with premium edition operating systems licensed as a percentage of total OEM Windows operating systems licensed (“OEM Premium Mix”) increased twonine percentage points to 49% of total OEM Windows operating systems for the second quarter and increased one percentage point to 49% for the first half of fiscal year 2006. This premium mix result includes the effects of an increase in the mix of Windows XP Media Center Edition licenses offset by a decrease in the mix of Windows XP Professional licenses. Client revenue increased in the six months ended December 31, 2005 reflecting Windows OEM license unit growth of 16%, which drove a $592 million or 12% increase in OEM revenue compared to the corresponding period in59% over the prior year which was partially offsetdriven by a $119 million or 11% declinethe continued demand for Windows Media Center Edition. The differences between unit growth rates and revenue growth rates from year to year are affected by changes in commercialthe OEM Premium Mix, changes in the geographical mix, and retail licensing revenue.the channel mix of products sold by large, multi-national OEMs versus those sold by local and regional system builders.

 

Client operating income increased duringfor the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to anfirst quarter of fiscal year 2007 reflecting the increase in OEM revenue partially offset by a $105 million increase in the second quarter and a $149 million increase in the first six months in sales and marketing expenses excluding headcount-related costs mainly driven by increased investments in partner marketing and the ongoing costs of “Start Something,” a global

advertising campaign. The increase in operating income in the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2006 was also partially offset by a $56 million and $60 million increase in operational headcount-related costs. Thean increase in headcount-related costs was mainly driven byand research and development efforts – both increases were primarily associated with Windows Vista. Headcount-related costs increased 19%, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing employees,headcount and a 14% increase in headcount primarily associated with Windows Vista, the next-generation operating system, and further investments in our sales and marketing organization.headcount.

 

We anticipate that total PC shipments will continueFor the remainder of fiscal year 2007, we expect revenue to grow at approximately 12% to 14%reflecting improvement in fiscal year 2006, and will continue to be the primary factor influencing growth in Client revenue. In addition, we estimate that increasing shipments of laptops as a percentage of total PC systems will continue to positively influence Client revenue growth due to the shorter replacement cycles for laptops compared to desktop PCs. The time between operating system releases may impact our ability to close on some multi-year licensing agreements. We expect emerging markets to continue to outpace mature market growth rates. Piracy continues to be a challenge in both emerging and mature markets. We intend to focus on growing OEM licenses faster than the overall market by driving for gains against piracy through initiatives such as Windows Genuine Advantage and through joint programs with channel partners. Client commercial and retail licensing revenues are expectedportion of the business due to continueour upcoming launch of Windows Vista. We expect revenue generated from OEMs to lag behind overall Client revenue growth; however,grow slower than the PC hardware market due to increased concentration among larger OEMs, consumer hardware shipments growing faster than business shipments, and relatively faster growth in emerging markets. While we expect Express Upgrade to see continued improvements in these channels later inWindows Vista will reduce our second quarter revenue, we do not expect our fiscal year 2006.2007 revenue to be adversely affected. We planexpect PC shipments to continue our effortsgrow 8% to increase premium product mix and expect to see only modest improvements in10% for fiscal year 2006, although we anticipate shipments of2007. We believe that PC unit growth rates will be higher in the premium-priced Windows XP Media Center Edition will continue to grow as a percentage of total operating systems shipped.consumer segment than in the business segment and higher in emerging markets than in mature markets.

 

Server and Tools

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


  

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

        2006    

      2005    

  

Revenue

  $2,907  $2,542  14% $5,438  $4,783  14%  $2,499  $2,127  17%

Operating income

  $1,099  $947  16% $2,006  $1,655  21%  $827  $608  36%

 

Server and Tools consists of server software licenses and client access licenses (“CALs”CAL”) for Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange Server and other server products. It also includes developer tools, training, certification, Microsoft Press, Premier and Professional product support services, and Microsoft Consulting Services. Server and Tools concentrates on licensing products, applications, tools, content and services that make information technology professionals and developers more productive and efficient. The segment uses multiple channels for licensing including pre-installed OEM versions, licenses through partners, and licenses directly to end customers. The licenses are sold both as one-time licenses and as multi-year volume licenses depending upon the needs of different customers. Server and Tools uses product innovation and partnerships with information technology professionals to drive the adoption and sales growth of its products.licenses.

 

Server and Tools revenue increased during$324 million or 19% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 mainly driven bySeptember 30, 2006, reflecting growth in Windows Server revenue and the product launch of SQL Server 2005. Server and Server applicationapplications revenue, including CAL revenue, and developer tools, training and certification revenue. This increase was primarily driven by theincreased revenue associated with SQL

Server, Windows Server, and Visual Studio. SQL Server 2005 product launch and grew $300 million or 14% duringVisual Studio 2005 were launched in the second quarter and $528 million or 13% during the first half of fiscal year 2006.2006 and produced revenue growth in these product lines. The results reflect broad adoption of Windows Server System products, including Windows Server, Exchange Server, Management Servers, and especially SQL Server, which we estimate to have growngrew over 20%. Consulting30% for the quarter. Overall revenue growth was also driven by consulting, premier and Premier and Professionalprofessional product support services revenue increased $65growth of $48 million or 17% in the second quarter and $127 million or 18% in the first half of fiscal year 2006.12%.

 

Server and Tools operating income increased during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, primarily due toreflecting the increased revenue, partially offset by increases in operationalincreased headcount-related costs and sales and marketing costs. Operational headcount-relatedcost of revenue. Headcount-related costs increased $110 million and $112 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2006, respectively, resulting from both an increase in salaries and benefits for

existing headcount and a 12% increase in headcount. Sales and marketing costs, excluding headcount-related costs, increased $84 million in the second quarter and $162 million in the first half of fiscal year 2006 due in part to the launch of SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005.

We continue to expect overall server hardware shipments to grow approximately 11% to 13% in fiscal year 2006. However, we face strong competition from Linux-based, Unix, and other server operating systems as well as competition in server applications. We also expect Server and Tools operating expenses to increase during fiscal year 2006 due to expected investment in headcount and new marketing initiatives and product releases.

Information Worker

   Three months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

  

Revenue

  $2,979  $2,825  5% $5,677  $5,420  5%

Operating income

  $2,101  $2,065  2% $4,047  $3,986  2%

Information Worker consists of the Microsoft Office system of programs, servers, services, and solutions designed to increase personal, team, and organization productivity. Information Worker includes Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, SharePoint Portal Server CALs, and other information worker products including Microsoft LiveMeeting and OneNote. Our Office system offerings generate over 85% of Information Worker revenue. Revenue growth depends on the ability to add value to the core Office product set and expand our product offerings in other information worker areas such as document lifecycle management, collaboration, and business intelligence.

Information Worker revenue increased during the three months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to growth in volume licensing, retail packaged products, and preinstalled versions of Office in Japan. Revenue for volume licensing, retail packaged product, and preinstalled versions of Office in Japan increased 6% or $152 million. OEM revenue was approximately flat in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Information Worker revenue increased during the six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to a 6% or $253 million increase in volume licensing, retail packaged products, and preinstalled versions of Office in Japan. OEM revenue was approximately flat in the first six months of fiscal year 2006.

Information Worker operating income increased during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to the revenue growth, partially offset by an $84 million increase in sales and marketing costs, excluding headcount-related costs, in the second quarter and a $150 million increase in the first half of fiscal year 2006 mainly associated with increased field sales and marketing costs. Operating income growth was also partially offset by a $40 million increase in operational headcount-related costs in the second quarter and a $55 million increase in the first half of fiscal year 2006. The increase in headcount-related costs was driven by, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount and a 17%13% increase in headcount related to supporting field sales efforts, acquisitions, and research and development investments in future products.

We expect sustained momentum in our multi-year licensing offerings andheadcount. Cost of revenue increased sales of Office 2003 as enterprises complete their product evaluations. We expect to see revenue from retail packaged products late in$43 million or 9%, reflecting the fiscal year flatten as we approach the launch of Office 12. We continue to develop plans to drive revenue growth in new areas such as the Office Live web-basedconsulting services offering; however, we do not anticipate a significant impact on overall revenue from this work until future fiscal years.

Microsoft Business Solutions

   

Three months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


  

Six months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

  

Revenue

  $242  $207  17% $423  $363  17%

Operating income/(loss)

  $10  $(17) *  $(2) $(48) 96%

*Not meaningful

Microsoft Business Solutions provides business management software solutions targeted to businesses of varying sizes. The main products consist of enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) solutions, customer relationship management (“CRM”) software, retail solutions, Microsoft Partner Program (“MSPP”),provided and related services. Microsoft Business Solutions also includes the Small and Mid-market Solutions & Partners (“SMS&P”) organization, which focuses on sales to customers and partnersan increase in the small and mid-market customer segments. Revenue is derived from software and services sales, with software sales representing a significant amount of total revenue. Software revenues include both new software licenses and enhancement plans, which provide customers with future software upgrades over the period of the plan. Our solutions are delivered through a worldwide network of channel partners that provide services and local support.

Microsoft Business Solutions revenue increased during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 due to 14% growth in license revenue and 24% growth in enhancement revenue. License revenue growth was supported by the release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0. For the first six months of fiscal 2006, the revenue increase was primarily due to 16% growth in license revenue and 20% growth in enhancement revenue from our ERP and CRM solutions and MSPP subscriptions, while services revenue increased approximately 3%.

Microsoft Business Solutions reported positive operating income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, mainly due to the revenue increase. Operating loss for the first half of fiscal year 2006 decreased mainly due to higher product revenue and a decline in acquisition amortization expense, partially offset by continued investments in sales and marketing.headcount-related expenses.

 

We expect continued revenuemomentum from fiscal year 2006 product launches and the expansion of our products in security, management and overall Windows Server growth through the Microsoft Business Solutions portfolio of business solutions and related product releases such as the releases of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Microsoft Dynamics SL during the quarter. Continued investments in the next generation of solutions, broader geographical coverage, and plans for facilitating our partners to provide customized vertical solutions are expected to result in continued performance improvement over the prior year in fiscal year 2006.2007. We continue to estimate that overall server hardware unit shipments will grow 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2007.

 

MSNOnline Services Business

 

  

Three months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


  

Six months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


  

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

        2006    

     2005    

  

Revenue

  $593  $606  (2)% $1,157  $1,165  (1)%  $539  $564  (4)%

Operating income

  $58  $130  (55)% $140  $209  (33)%

Operating income/(loss)

  $(136) $68  * 


*Not meaningful

 

MSNOnline Services Business (“OSB”) includes personal communications services, such as e-mail and instant messaging, and online information offerings, such as MSN Search, MapPoint, and the MSN portals and channels around the world. MSNOSB also provides a variety of online paid services in addition to MSN Internet Access and MSN Premium Web Services. Revenue is derived primarily from advertisers on MSN,MSN.com, from consumers and partners through subscriptions and transactions generated from online paid services, and from subscribers to MSN Narrowband

narrowband Internet Access. We launched MSN adCenteraccess subscribers. AdCenter – our internally developed advertising platform – now serves all paid search traffic on our online properties in the U.S. and in certain international markets inmarkets. We continue to rollout adCenter around the first half of fiscal year 2006,world and are currently testing this new platform in the United States. We believe MSN adCenterit will enable us to increase both display and search advertising revenuesrevenue by reducing our reliance on third parties for delivering ads. Effective July 1, 2005, functions related to MapPoint previously reportedIn September 2006, we announced the release of Live Search and of Live.com in Mobile47 markets worldwide, and Embedded Devices were moved to MSN. Mobilefinal availability of Live Local Search in the U.K. and Embedded Devices and MSN operating resultsthe U.S.

OSB revenue decreased for the prior periods have been restated for this reorganization. In November 2005, Microsoft announced Windows Live, which is a set of personal Internet services and software designed to bring together personal relationships, information, and interests, with enhanced safety and security across PCs, devices, and the Web. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006.

MSN revenue decreased during the second quarter and first half of fiscal yearthree months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due toreflecting a decline of $67$43 million or 33%30% decline in Internet Accessaccess revenue, for the second quarter and $129 million or 32% for the first half of fiscal year 2006. Internet Access revenue decreased as subscribers decreasedcontinue to 2.4 million at December 31, 2005 from 3.5 million at December 31, 2004 due to the continued migrationmigrate to broadband or other competitively priced Internet service providers. Revenue from subscriptions and transactions services other than Internet AccessThis decrease was partially offset by increased $14advertising revenue, which grew $17 million or 22% in the second quarter and $215% to $374 million, or 18% in the first half of fiscal year 2006. As of December 31, 2005, MSN had approximately 230 million active Hotmail accounts and approximately 205 million active Messenger accounts, as compared to 191 million and 156 million at December 31, 2004. In addition, at December 31, 2005 MSN had 9.8 million total subscribers compared to 9.3 million at the end of the second quarter of prior year. Advertising revenue increased $40 million or 12% in the second quarter and $100 million or 16% in the first half of fiscal year 2006 due primarily to growth in display advertising on ourfor portals, channels, email, and messaging services. DisplayThe increase in display revenue showed over 20% growth in both the three and six months ended December 31, 2005. Search revenue was impacted by an estimated 20% and 17% reduction in Revenue per Search (RPS) during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005. This reduction in RPS resulted from the ramp-up of MSN adCenter and lower than expected performance from partner driven search advertising prices, which was partially offset by low to mid-double digit growtha decline in search volume inrevenue due to the second quarterongoing transition to adCenter. At September 30, 2006, OSB had 1.9 million Internet access subscribers and the first half of fiscal year 2006.10.4 million total subscribers compared with 2.7 million Internet access subscribers and 9.4 million total subscribers at September 30, 2005. In addition, we estimate that OSB has over 263 million active Hotmail accounts and over 255 million active Messenger accounts.

 

MSNOSB operating income decreased duringfor the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due toSeptember 30, 2006, reflecting the decline in revenue, increased headcount-related costs primarily as a result of continued investments in Windows Live, adCenter, and other properties, and increased cost of revenue as a result of the build out of our data center infrastructure. Headcount-related costs increased 43%, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount and a $42 million40% increase in operational headcount-related costs inheadcount.

For the second quarter and a $56 million increase in the first halfremainder of fiscal year 2006. The increase in operational headcount-related costs was primarily due to a 21% increase in headcount mainly related to global sales force expansion and development efforts for MSN adCenter, MSN Search and Windows Live.

MSN expects2007, we expect increased growth in our display advertising revenue as the portals, channels, and communications services continue to expand globally and the overall Internet advertising industrymarket continues to expand. However, we expect our overall advertising growthOur search revenue is expected to continue to be tempered by the launch and ramp-upgrow in fiscal year 2007 as a result of MSNcontinued ramp up of adCenter and the related pressure on our search advertising prices. We expectwhile revenue from narrowband Internet Access is expected to continue to decline throughoutdecline.

Microsoft Business Division

   Three months
ended
September 30,


  

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2006

  2005

  

Revenue

  $3,425  $3,283  4%

Operating income

  $2,253  $2,244  —  %

Microsoft Business Division (“MBD”) consists of programs, servers, services, and solutions designed to increase personal, team, and organization productivity. MBD includes the Microsoft Office System, Microsoft Dynamics, and the Microsoft Partner Program. MBD also includes the Small and Mid-market Solutions & Partners (“SMS&P”) organization, which focuses on helping Microsoft, its customers, and industry partners in the small and mid-market customer segments. Our Office System products represent over 90% of Microsoft Business Division revenues and include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Exchange Server and CALs, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Office Communications Server, Sharepoint Portal Server and CALs, Microsoft LiveMeeting, and One Note. Revenue growth depends on the ability to add value to the core Office product set and expand our product offerings in other information worker and business solution areas such as document lifecycle management, collaboration, business intelligence, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning.

MBD revenue increased during the three months ended September 30, 2006, reflecting a $145 million or 5% revenue increase in non-OEM revenue, which includes volume licensing, retailed packaged products, and preinstalled versions of Office in Japan, while OEM revenue remained flat. The increase in non-OEM revenue reflects a 19% increase in Microsoft Dynamics customer billings.

MBD operating income remained flat during the three months ended September 30, 2006, reflecting the revenue growth which was offset by an increase in headcount-related costs and an increase in research and development expenses primarily related to the 2007 Microsoft Office System. Headcount related costs increased 18%, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount and an 11% increase in headcount.

We expect continued revenue growth during fiscal year 2006.2007 in both our non-OEM and OEM offerings due to the upcoming launch of the 2007 Microsoft Office System. While we expect the Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee program will reduce our second quarter revenue, we do not expect our fiscal year 2007 revenue to be adversely affected. We continue to develop plans to drive revenue growth in new areas such as unified communications and through our existing portfolio of Microsoft Dynamics products.

Entertainment and Devices Division

   Three months
ended
September 30,


  Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2006

  2005

  

Revenue

  $1,030  $606  70%

Operating loss

  $(96) $(173) 45%

Entertainment and Devices Division (“EDD”) products include the Microsoft Xbox video game console system, PC games, CPxG (consumer software and hardware products), TV platform products for the interactive

television industry, and Mobile and Embedded devices (principally Windows Mobile software platform and Windows Embedded device operating system). The profitability decline experiencedsuccess of video game consoles is determined by console innovation, the portfolio of video game content for the console, online offerings, and the market share of the console. We believe that the functionality of the Xbox 360 console, games portfolio, and online offerings are well-positioned relative to forthcoming competitive consoles. We also believe launching in advance of competing consoles will provide a strategic advantage for the secondlong-term success of Xbox 360.

EDD revenue increased during the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily driven by Xbox 360 which was launched in November 2005. Xbox and PC game revenue increased $319 million or 107% due to higher console volumes and higher Xbox video game revenue driven by the launch and by more software title releases. We sold approximately 900,000 Xbox 360 consoles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 will likely continue for2007. Revenue from consumer hardware and software and TV platforms increased $21 million or 11% due to the remainder of fiscal year 2006 as investments are made in the developmentrelease of new applicationsconsumer hardware products and services, MSN Search and MSN adCenter, and expanding the field sales force. In addition, MSN may from time to time continue to make investments in improving the user experience and in some cases reducing the numberdeployments of advertisements delivered either via our search tools or via our Internet portals, thereby helping to sustain and grow our user base.

Mobile and Embedded Devices

   

Three months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


  

Six months

ended

December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

  

Revenue

  $101  $72  40% $175  $121  45%

Operating income/(loss)

  $20  $(12) *  $17  $(41) * 

*Not meaningful

Mobile and Embedded Devices includes Windows Mobile software, Windows Embedded operating systems, and Windows Automotive. These products extend the advantages of the Windows platform to mobile devices such as PDAs, phones, and a wide range of embedded devices. The business is also responsible for managing sales and customer relationships for Microsoft overall with device manufacturers and communication sector customers. The communication sector includes network service providers (such as wireless, wireline and cable operators) and media and entertainment companies. The market for products in these segments is intensely competitive. Competitive alternatives vary based on product lines and include product offerings from commercial and non-commercial mobile operating system providers, and proprietary software developed by OEMs and mobile operators. Short product life cycles in product lines such as Windows Mobile software may impact our continuing revenue streams. Effective July 1, 2005, functions related to MapPoint previously reported in Mobile and Embedded Devices have been moved to MSN. Mobile and Embedded Devices and MSN operating results for the prior periods have been restated for this reorganization.

MSTV products. Mobile and Embedded Devices revenue growth during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 was primarilyincreased $42 million or 42% due to unit volume increases in all major product lines, especially Windows Mobile software sales and Windows Embedded operating systems. Increased revenue for Windows Mobile software was primarily driven by increased market demand for connected mobile devices such as phone-enabled PDAs and Smartphones, partially offset by slower growth indecreased volume shipments for stand-alonestandalone PDAs. For the three months ended December 31, 2005, revenue forThe increase in Windows Embedded revenue was due to our operating systems increased $16 million or 64%system being included in new product designs for both new and revenue for Windows Mobile software increased $11 million or 24%. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, revenue for Windows Embedded operating systems increased $28 million or 61% compared to the first half of the prior year. Revenue for Windows Mobile software increased $22 million or 31% in the same period.existing customers.

 

Mobile and Embedded Devices reported increasedEDD operating income forloss in first quarter of fiscal year 2007 decreased primarily reflecting the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to an increase in revenue, and a reduction in sales and marketing expense. This improvement was partially offset by a $15 million and a $24$268 million increase in operational headcount-relatedcost of revenue primarily related to Xbox 360, increased sales and marketing expenses related to recent and upcoming product launches including Xbox 360 and PC games, and increased development costs in the second quarterassociated with new and in the first half of fiscal year 2006, respectively, due toupcoming products, including Zune. Headcount-related costs increased 18%, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing employeesheadcount and a 20%an 18% increase in headcount.

 

In fiscal year 2007, we expect revenue to increase due to the increased availability of Xbox 360 during the entire fiscal year, including the second holiday season after its launch. We expect revenue for Mobile and Embedded Devices to continue to growintroduce Zune in fiscal year 20062007. The availability of a commercial IPTV product is expected to drive growth in MSTV revenue across several geographies. Revenue from existing mobility and embedded devices is expected to increase due to unit volume increases of Windows Mobile software driven by an overall increase in customerincreased market demand for connectivity,phone-enabled devices and an increase in the number of new devices being offered by OEMs incorporating Windows Embedded operating systems and new devices incorporating Windows Mobile software.

Home and Entertainment

   Three months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

  

Revenue

  $1,556  $1,373  13% $2,062  $1,982  4%

Operating income/(loss)

  $(293) $55  *  $(449) $(104) (332)%

*Not meaningful

Home and Entertainment includes the Microsoft Xbox video game console system, PC games, the Home Products Division, and TV platform products for the interactive television industry. The success of video game consoles is determined by console functionality, the portfolio of video game content for the console, online services, and the market share of the console. Our Xbox business is transitioning to a new console, the Xbox 360, which launched in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. We believe that the functionality of our new console, portfolio of games, and online services are well-positioned relative to new competitive consoles. We also believe launching in advance of competitive consoles will provide a strategic advantage for the long-term success of Xbox 360. At the same time, with the launch of Xbox 360, revenue decreased from the previous generation of Xbox products and is expected to continue to decline.

Home and Entertainment revenue increased during the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 primarily due to an increase in Xbox revenue of $125 million or 12%. Xbox revenue increased mainly due to the launch of Xbox 360. 1.5 million Xbox 360 console units shipped, which more than offset the approximate $300 million impact of the Halo 2 launch that occurred in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005. Revenue from Xbox was approximately flat in the first six months of fiscal year 2006. Home and Entertainment revenue increased for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 driven by consumer hardware and software, PC games, and TV platform. Revenue from consumer hardware and software, PC games, and TV platform increased $58 million or 20% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and $87 million or 17% in the first half of fiscal year 2006 due to growth in consumer hardware demand in the holiday season and strength of new PC games software sales, especially “Age of Empires III.”

Home and Entertainment operating loss in the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2006 increased primarily due to an increase in product costs, product design, development, and sales and marketing expenses related to the Xbox 360 launch and due to the impact of Halo 2 sales in fiscal year 2005. Currently, Xbox consoles have negative gross margins.

In fiscal year 2006, we expect Xbox console unit volumes and revenue to increase from fiscal year 2005 due to the launch of Xbox 360. In fiscal year 2006, we expect PC games revenue to increase from fiscal year 2005 driven by the availability of more new game titles. We expect operating expenses and operating loss to continue to increase as a result of Xbox 360 launch-related activities and Xbox 360 console costs.systems.

 

Corporate-Level ExpensesResults

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


  Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


  

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


 

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

  2004

   2005

  2004

    2006

 2005

 

Corporate-level expenses

  $976  $947  3% $2,266  $2,343  (3)%

Corporate-level results

  $(1,011) $(1,271) 20%

 

Certain corporate-level expensesresults are not allocated to our segments. Those results include expenses primarily includerelated to corporate operations related to broad-based sales and marketing, product support services, human resources, legal, finance, IT,information technology, corporate development and procurement activities, research and development and other costs, and accrued legal settlements and contingencies.

Corporate-level expenses decreased in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 increased2007, primarily due toreflecting a $56$362 million decrease in costs for legal settlements and legal contingencies partially offset by a $130 million increase in sales and marketing expenses, andheadcount-related costs. We incurred $87 million in legal charges during the three months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to $449 million in legal charges during the three months ended September 30, 2005, which included a $59$361 million increase in operational headcount-relatedcharge related to our settlement with RealNetworks, Inc. Headcount-related costs resulting fromincreased 29%, reflecting both a 12% increase in headcount and an increase in salaries and benefits for existing employees, partially offset byheadcount and a decrease in other administrative costs. Corporate-level expenses in the first half of fiscal year 2006 decreased mainly due to lower legal costs, partially offset by a $103 million24% increase in operational headcount-related costs and a $77 million increase in sales-related expenses. Legal costs in the first half of fiscal year 2006 were lower primarily due to the RealNetworks settlement expense of $361 million being lower than the settlement expense related to the Novell settlement in the first half of fiscal year 2005 of $536 million.headcount.

Operating Expenses

 

Cost of Revenue

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


 Percentage
Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


 

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

 

Cost of revenue

  $2,239  $1,875  19% $3,492  $3,280  6%  $1,696  $1,253  35%

As a percent of revenue

   19%  17% 2ppt  16%  16% 0ppt   16%  13% 3ppt

 

Cost of revenue includes manufacturing and distribution costs for products sold and programs licensed, operating costs related to product support service centers and product distribution centers, costs incurred to support and maintain Internet-based products and services, and costs associated with the delivery of consulting services. The costCost of revenue increased mainly due todriven by an increase of $410 million and $299 million in Home and Entertainment in the second quarter and the first half of fiscal year 2006 as a result ofEDD resulting from an increase in the number of total Xbox consoles sold driven by theand higher Xbox 360 console launch. Thisunit costs, an increase was partially offset byin OSB as a reductionresult of the build out of our data center infrastructure, and an increase in product supportServer and Tools as a result of the increase in consulting services costs.provided.

 

Research and Development

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


 

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

 

Research and development

  $1,591  $1,421  12% $3,106  $2,951  5%  $1,786  $1,515  18%

As a percent of revenue

   13%  13% ppt  14%  15% (1)ppt   17%  16% 1ppt

 

Research and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other headcount-related costs associated with product development. Research and development expenses also include third-party development and programming costs, localization costs incurred to translate software for international markets, and the amortization of purchased software code and services content. Research and development costs increased during the second quarterthree months ended September 30, 2006, primarily as a result of increased headcount-related costs and first half of fiscal year 2006 mainly due to andevelopment costs associated with new and upcoming offerings such as our Windows Live platform, Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Unified Communications, and Zune. Headcount-related costs increased 15%, reflecting both a 19% increase in headcount-related costs of $125 million for the second quarterheadcount and $82 million for the first half of fiscal year 2006. The increase in headcount-related costs was driven by an increase in salaries and benefits for existing headcount and a 12% increase in headcount. Additionally, research and development costs also grew due to an increase in product development costs associated with new and upcoming products such as Xbox 360, Windows Vista and server products.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


 

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

 

Sales and marketing

  $2,689  $2,122  27% $4,634  $3,786  22%  $2,191  $1,945  13%

As a percent of revenue

   23%  20% 3ppt  21%  19% 2ppt   20%  20% —  ppt

Sales and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other headcount-related costs associated with sales and marketing personnel and advertising, promotions, trade shows, seminars, and other programs. Sales and marketing expenses increased during the three and six months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, primarily dueas a result of increased headcount-related costs and other marketing costs related to our significantrecent and upcoming product launches in the period. Sales and marketing expense also grew due to an increase in partner and reseller marketing, the “Start Something” campaign for Windows, and the “New Era” campaign for Office.launches. Headcount-related expensescosts increased $182 million in the second quarter and $270 million in the first half of fiscal year 2006 mainly due to27%, reflecting both an increase in salaries and benefits for existing employeesheadcount and a 19%17% increase in headcount.

General and Administrative

 

  Three months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


  Six months
ended
December 31,


 

Percentage

Change


   Three months ended
September 30,


 

Percentage
Change


 

(In millions, except percentages)


  2005

 2004

   2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

 

General and administrative

  $661  $651  2%  $1,643  $1,747  (6)%  $664  $982  (32)%

As a percent of revenue

   6%  6% —ppt   8%  9% (1)ppt   6%  10% (4)ppt

 

General and administrative costs include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense and other headcount-related costs associated with finance, legal, facilities, certain human resources, other administrative headcount, and legal and other administrative fees. General and administrative costs increaseddecreased during the second quarter of fiscal yearthree months ended September 30, 2006, mainly due to a $67 millionprimarily reflecting decreased costs for legal settlements and legal contingencies partially offset by an increase in headcount-related costs, partially offset by lowercosts. We incurred $87 million in legal costs. General and administrative costs decreasedcharges during the sixthree months ended December 31,September 30, 2006, as compared to $449 million in legal charges during the three months ended September 30, 2005, mainly duewhich included a $361 million charge related to lower legalour settlement with RealNetworks, Inc. Headcount-related costs partially offset by a $104 millionincreased 23%, reflecting both an increase in other headcount-related costs. Legal costssalaries and benefits for existing headcount and a 16% increase in the first half of fiscal year 2006 were lower primarily due to the RealNetworks settlement expense of $361 million being lower than the legal settlement expense related to the Novell settlement in the first half of fiscal year 2005 of $536 million.headcount.

 

INVESTMENT INCOME, INCOME TAXES, AND OTHER

 

Investment Income and Other

 

The components of investment income and other arewere as follows:

 

  Three Months
Ended
December 31,


 Change

  Six Months
Ended
December 31,


 Change

   Three Months Ended
September 30,


  

Change


 

(In millions)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

  

Dividends and interest

  $382  $378  $4  $758  $789  $(31)  $369  $376  $(7)

Net recognized gains on investments

   212   348   (136)  238   401   (163)   363   26   337 

Net losses on derivatives

   (185)  (309)  124   (99)  (504)  405 

Income from equity investees and other

   71   3   68   89   13   76 

Net gains/(losses) on derivatives

   (156)  86   (242)

Other, net

   (9)  18   (27)
  


 


 


 


 


 


  


 

  


Investment income and other

  $480  $420  $60  $986  $699  $287   $567  $506  $61 
  


 


 


 


 


 


  


 

  


 

For the three months ended December 31, 2005 dividends and interest income was essentially unchanged. A decline in the average balance of dividend and interest-bearing investments as a result of the payment of the $32.64 billion special dividend on December 2, 2004 and stock buyback activity was offset by an increase in the interest rates received on our fixed income investments. For the six months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, dividends and interest income declined, modestly primarily due to a decline in the average balance of dividend and interest-bearing investments as a result of the payment of the $32.64 billion special dividendreflecting lower dividends on December 2, 2004 and stock buyback activity, partly offset by an increase in the interest rates received on our fixed incomeequity investments.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, net recognized gains on investments declined primarily due to losseswere comprised of net gains on sales of fixed incomeequity investments, in the current period. Fornet gains on sales of fixed-income investments, and other-than-temporary impairments on both equity and fixed-income investments. Net recognized gains for the three months ended

December 31, 2005, net recognized September 30, 2006, increased primarily as a result of gains on the sale of equity and fixed-income investments also include other-than-temporary impairments of $37 million compared with $16 million into raise funds for the comparable period instock repurchases that occurred during the prior year. Forquarter, including the six months ended December 31, 2005, net recognized gainstender offer which was completed on investments also include other-than-temporary impairments of $49 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared with $39 million in the comparable period in the prior year. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary.August 17, 2006.

 

We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates, equity prices, and foreign currency markets and to facilitate portfolio diversification. Net lossesgains/(losses) on derivatives arewere as follows:

 

  Three Months
Ended
December 31,


 

Change


  Six Months
Ended
December 31,


 

Change


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 

Change


 

(In millions)


  2005

 2004

 2005

 2004

       2006    

     2005    

 

Net gains/(losses) on equity derivatives

  $(9) $(251) $242  $97  $(266) $363   $(37) $106  $(143)

Net gains/(losses) on commodity derivatives

   (54)  0   (54)  50   0   50    (26)  104   (130)

Net losses on interest rate derivatives

   (28)  0   (28)  (49)  (75)  26    (12)  (21)  9 

Net losses on foreign exchange contracts

   (94)  (58)  (36)  (197)  (163)  (34)   (81)  (103)  22 
  


 


 


 


 


 


  


 


 


Net losses on derivatives

  $(185) $(309) $124  $(99) $(504) $405 

Net gains/(losses) on derivatives

  $(156) $86  $(242)
  


 


 


 


 


 


  


 


 


During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we experienced net losses on derivatives as compared to net gains in the comparable period in the prior year primarily reflecting net losses on equity derivatives and commodity derivatives in the current period as compared to net gains in the prior period. Net losses in time value on foreign exchange contracts used to hedge anticipated foreign currency revenues declined in the current period as compared to the prior period.

 

During both the threeGains and six months ended December 31, 2005, we experienced a decrease in losses related to equityarising from derivatives primarilynot designated as a result of derivatives used to economically hedge against declines in equity prices. These gains and lossesaccounting hedges are economically offset by unrealized losses and gains, respectively, in the underlying equity securities which are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Commodity derivatives are held for the purpose of portfolio diversification. Gains and losses generated by our commodity derivatives are primarily a function of amounts invested combined with changes in the related underlying commodity indexes. Net losses related to foreign currency contracts relate primarily to changes in time value of options used to hedge anticipated foreign currency revenues. Additionally, net gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts include the changes in the fair value of derivatives used as economic hedges. These gains and losses are partially offset economically by unrealized losses and gains, respectively, in the underlying assets which are included in other comprehensive income.

 

DuringWe lend certain fixed-income and equity securities to increase investment returns. The loaned securities continue to be carried as investments on our balance sheet. Collateral and/or security interest is determined based upon the three months ended December 31, 2005, Microsoftunderlying security and NBC Universal, Inc. (“NBC”) entered into amended and restated agreements to restructure their joint venture relationships for MSNBC Cable L.L.C. (“CJV”) and MSNBC Interactive News, L.L.C. (“IJV”). As a result, Microsoft divested 32% of CJV for $331 million and NBC acquired the right, exercisable in the following two years, to buy the remaining 18% interest. In addition, Microsoft and NBC modified their agreements to grant to IJV a content license to the U.S. only and to remove the exclusivity obligation on both NBC and Microsoft for local and non-U.S. news content. As partcreditworthiness of the MSNBC restructuring agreements, Microsoft paidborrower. Cash collateral is recorded as an asset with a feecorresponding liability. We anticipate that the magnitude of $200 million to effectively terminate IJV’s prior content license agreement and Microsoft prepaidsecurities lent under this program will remain relatively consistent during the remaining $14 million license fee to NBC. Microsoft’s sale of its 32% investment in CJV resulted in a recognized gain of $248 million. Microsoft also recognized a loss as a result of the effective termination of IJV’s license agreement of $200 million. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2005 income from equity investees and other includes a net gain of $48 million related to the restructuring of CJV and IJV.fiscal year.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rate for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2006 was 29% and 30%, respectively. We expect to have an effective tax rate of 31% for the third quarterthree months ended September 30, 2006, and the remainder of fiscal year 2006. Our effective tax rate for second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2005 was 33%. The decline in the tax rate was driven by an increase in earnings taxed at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions and by $108 million of benefits from state audit settlements.

2005.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Cash and equivalents and short-term investments totaled $34.70$31.83 billion as of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, compared to $37.75$34.16 billion as of June 30, 2005.2006. Equity and other investments were $9.09$8.76 billion as of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, compared to $11.00$9.23 billion as of June 30, 2005.2006. The investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed-income securities, diversified among industries and individual issuers. Our investments are generally liquid and investment grade. The portfolio is invested predominantly in U.S.-dollar-denominated securities, but also includes foreign currency positionsforeign-denominated securities in order to diversify financial risk. The portfolio is primarily invested in short-term securities to facilitate rapid deployment for immediate cash needs. As a result of the special dividend paid in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005 and shares repurchased, our retained deficit, including accumulated other comprehensive income, was $15.93$21.56 billion at December 31, 2005.September 30, 2006. Our retained deficit is not expected to impact our future ability to operate or pay dividends given our continuing profitability and strong cash and financial position.

 

Unearned Revenue

 

Unearned revenue from volume licensing programs represents customer billings, paid either upfront or annually at the beginning of each billing coverage period, that are accounted for as subscriptions with revenue recognized ratably over the billing coverage period. For certain other licensing arrangements revenue attributable to undelivered elements, including free post-delivery telephone support and the right to receive unspecified upgrades/enhancements of Microsoft Internet Explorer on a when-and-if-available basis, is based on the sales price of those elements when sold separately and is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the life cycle of the related product. Other unearned revenue includes Services,services, TV Platform,platform, Microsoft Business Solutions, and advertising, and subscription services insubscriptions for which we have been paid upfront and earn the revenue when we provide the service or software or otherwise meet the revenue recognition criteria.

 

Unearned revenue as of December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, decreased $329$805 million from June 30, 2005,2006, reflecting recognition of unearned revenue from multi-year licensing that outpaced additionsdeferrals by $250$785 million, a $6 million increase in revenue deferred for undelivered elements, and an $85 million decrease primarily in unearned revenue for Services, TV Platform, and Microsoft Business Solutions. Unearned revenue as of December 31, 2005 increased $32 million from September 30, 2005, reflecting recognition of unearned revenue from multi-year licensing that outpaced additions by $13 million, a $28$54 million increase in revenue deferred for undelivered elements, and a $17$74 million increasedecrease primarily in unearned revenue for Services, TV Platform,services and Microsoft Business Solutions.subscription services.

The following table outlines the expected recognition of $8.8$10.1 billion of unearned revenue as of December 31, 2005:September 30, 2006:

 

(In millions)


  

Recognition of

Unearned

Revenue


  Recognition of
Unearned
Revenue


Three months ended:

      

March 31, 2006

  $2,882

June 30, 2006

   2,185

September 30, 2006

   1,289

December 31, 2006

   762  $3,380

March 31, 2007

   2,550

June 30, 2007

   1,670

September 30, 2007

   710

Thereafter

   1,720   1,787
  

  

Unearned revenue

  $8,838  $10,097
  

  

 

See Note 4 – Unearned Revenue of the Notes to Financial Statements (Item(Part I, Item 1)

Cash Flows

 

Cash flow from operations for the sixthree months ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, decreased $1.07 billion$268 million from the first six monthsquarter of fiscal year 20052006 to $6.56$4.06 billion, due to increased spending on inventoriespayments to fund a $1.04 billion increase in inventory and product costs related to Xbox 360 along with increased cash usage for other changescurrent liabilities. These impacts were partially offset by a $1.09 billion increase in working capital.cash inflow from collection of accounts receivable. Cash used for financing was $10.74$8.18 billion in the first halfquarter of fiscal year 2006, a decrease2007, an increase of $23.67$5.23 billion from the corresponding period in fiscal year 2005.2006. The decrease is primarily due toincrease reflects the $32.67 billion decrease in dividends paid due to the special dividendimpact of our tender offer completed on August 17, 2006, which was included in the second$7.68 billion of common stock repurchases in the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared with $3.12 billion in the prior year. Cash provided by investing was $6.46 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, partially offset by a $9.232007, an increase of $9.72 billion increase in common stock repurchases. We repurchased approximately 397 million shares for $10.55 billion during the six months ended December 31, 2005 as compared to 46 million shares repurchased for $1.28 billion during the six months ended December 31, 2004. Cash from investing was $3.43 billion in the first halfquarter of fiscal year 2006, a decrease of $12.55 billion from the first half of fiscal year 2005,primarily due to a $12.12$9.54 billion decreaseincrease in net cash from combined investment purchases, sales, and maturities in preparation for the special dividend paidanticipation of our tender offer and $528 million of net cash proceeds from our securities lending program in the second quarter of the prior year.which we lend certain fixed-income and equity securities to increase investment returns.

 

We have no material long-term debt.borrowings. Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, was $44.21$36.1 billion. We will continue to invest in sales, marketing, product support infrastructure, and existing and advanced areas of technology. Additions to property and equipment will continue, including new facilities and computer systems for research and development, sales and marketing, support, and administrative staff. We have operating leases for most U.S. and international sales and support offices. We have issued residual value guarantees in connection with various operating leases. These guarantees provide that if we do not purchase the leased property from the lessor at the end of the lease term, then we are liable to the lessor for an amount equal to the shortage (if any) between the proceeds from the sale of the property and an agreed value. As of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, the maximum amount of the residual value guarantees was approximately $271 million. We believe that proceeds from the sale of properties under operating leases would exceed the payment obligation and therefore no liability currently exists. We have not engaged in any related party transactions or arrangements with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity or the availability of requirements for capital resources.

 

On December 14, 2005,September 13, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.09$0.10 per share. The dividend is payable March 9,on December 14, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17,November 16, 2006. The ex-dividend date is February 15,November 14, 2006. This dividend of approximately $983 million was included in other current liabilities on our balance sheet at September 30, 2006. On September 22,23, 2005, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share. The dividend of approximately $846 million was paid on December 8, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2005. The ex-dividend date was November 15, 2005.

 

On October 26, 2005,July 20, 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a modification to the July 20, 2004authorized two new share repurchase plan. The original repurchase plan calledprograms: a $20 billion tender offer, which was completed on August 17, 2006; and authorization for up to $30an

additional $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program with an expiration of MicrosoftJune 30, 2011. Under the tender offer, we repurchased approximately 155 million shares of common stock, or 1.5% of our common shares outstanding, for approximately $3.8 billion at a price per share of $24.75. On August 18, 2006, we announced that the authorization for the $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program had been increased by approximately $16.2 billion. As a result, we are authorized to be repurchased over the succeeding four years. Under the revised plan, we expectrepurchase additional shares in an amount up to complete the $30$36.2 billion approved repurchase amount no later than December 2006.through June 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2005,September 30, 2006, approximately $11.30$35.3 billion remained of the $30$36.2 billion approved repurchase amount. The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based upon market conditions, securities laws limitations, and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.

 

We believe existing cash and equivalents and short-term investments, together with funds generated from operations, should be sufficient to meet operating requirements, regular quarterly dividends, and planned share repurchases. Our philosophy regarding the maintenance of a balance sheet with a large component of cash and short-term investments, as well as equity and other investments, reflects our views on potential future capital requirements relating to research and development, creation and expansion of sales distribution channels, investments and acquisitions, share dilution management, legal risks, and challenges to our business model. We regularly assess our investment management approach in view of our current and potential future needs.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangementsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We provide indemnifications of varying scope and amount to certain customers against claims of intellectual property infringement made by third parties arising from the use of our products. We evaluate

estimated losses for such indemnifications under SFAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, as interpreted by FASB Interpretation No. 45,Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others – an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and recission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.. We consider factors such as the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. To date, we have not encountered material costs as a result of such obligations and have not accrued any material liabilities related to such indemnifications in our financial statements.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108,Considering the Effects of Prior to July 1, 2005, we accountedYear Misstatements when Quantifying Current Year Misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires analysis of misstatements using both an income statement (rollover) approach and a balance sheet (iron curtain) approach in assessing materiality and provides for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFASa one-time cumulative effect transition adjustment. SAB No. 123,Accounting108 is effective for Stock-Based Compensation,as amended by SFASour fiscal year 2007 annual financial statements. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SAB No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.Under108 will have on our financial statements; the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, stock-based compensation cost for all stock-based awards was measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and was recognized as expense over the service period for awards that wereimpact is not expected to vest.be material.

 

EffectiveIn September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements,which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. This statement is effective for us beginning July 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment,using2008. We are currently assessing the modified prospective application transition method. Because the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 123(R) were materially consistent under our equity plans,potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) did not have a significant impact on our financial position or our results of operations. Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs were reported as operating cash flows. SFAS No. 123(R) requires excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid. As of December 31, 2005, there was $1.8 billion and $448 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to SAs and SPSAs, respectively. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.9 years and 2.7 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2005, there was $729 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS115-1/124-1,The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, which addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. This FSP also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The guidance in this FSP amends FASB Statements No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and No. 124,Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations, and APB Opinion No. 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. This FSP is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not believe the adoption of this FSP157 will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In November 2005,June 2006, the FASB issued FSP FAS123(R)-3,FIN No. 48,Transition Election to Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which clarifies the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.This FSP requiresaccounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity to follow either the transition guidanceenterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes.The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the additional-paid-in-capital pool as prescribedfinancial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in SFASa tax return. FIN No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment, or48 requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a greater than 50% probability threshold. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN No. 48 is effective for us beginning July 1, 2007. We are currently assessing the alternative transition method as described in the FSP. An entity that adopts SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective application may make a one-time election to adopt the transition method described in this FSP. An entity may take up to one year from the later of its initial adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) or the effective date of this FSP to evaluate its available transition alternatives and make its one-time election. This FSP became effective in November 2005. We continue to evaluate thepotential impact that the adoption of this FSP couldFIN No. 48 will have on our financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-2, “Accounting for Sabbatical Leave and Other Similar Benefits Pursuant to FASB Statement No. 43”. EITF Issue No. 06-2 requires companies to accrue the costs of compensated absences under a sabbatical or similar benefit arrangement over the requisite service period. EITF Issue No. 06-2 is effective for us beginning July 1, 2007. The cumulative effect of the application of this consensus on prior period results should be recognized through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Elective retrospective application is also permitted. We are currently evaluating the financial impact of this guidance and the method of adoption that will be used.

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s

application of accounting policies. Critical accounting policies for us include revenue recognition, impairment of investment securities, impairment of goodwill, accounting for research and development costs, accounting for legal contingencies, accounting for income taxes, and accounting for stock-based compensation.

 

We account for the licensing of software in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2,Software Revenue Recognition. The application of SOP 97-2 requires judgment, including whether a software arrangement includes multiple elements, and if so, whether vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for those elements. Customers receive certain elements of our products over a period of time. These elements include free post-delivery telephone support and the right to receive unspecified upgrades/enhancements of Microsoft Internet Explorer on a when-and-if-available basis, the fair value of which is recognized over the product’s estimated life cycle. Changes to the elements in a software arrangement, the ability to identify VSOE for those elements, the fair value of the respective elements, and changes to a product’s estimated life cycle could materially impact the amount of earned and unearned revenue. Judgment is also required to assess whether future releases of certain software represent new products or upgrades and enhancements to existing products.

 

SFAS No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and SEC SAB 59,Accounting for Noncurrent Marketable Equity Securities, provide guidance on determining when an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. Investments are reviewed quarterly for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment. This determination requires significant judgment. In making this judgment, we employ a systematic methodology quarterly that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of our investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent and ability to hold the investment. We also consider specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of and business outlook for the investee, including industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and rating agency actions. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established. If market, industry, and/or investee conditions deteriorate, we may incur future impairments.

 

SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (July 1 for us) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. This requires significant

judgments including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment for each reporting unit. We allocate goodwill to reporting units based on the reporting unit expected to benefit from the combination. We evaluate our reporting units on an annual basis and if necessary, reassign goodwill using a relative fair value allocation approach.

 

We account for research and development costs in accordance with several accounting pronouncements, including SFAS No. 2,Accounting for Research and Development Costs, and SFAS No. 86,Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed. SFAS No. 86 specifies that costs incurred internally in researching and developing a computer software product should be charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs should be capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is established. We have determined that technological feasibility for our software products is reached shortly before the products are released to manufacturing. Costs incurred after technological feasibility is established arehave not been material, and accordingly, we expensehave expensed all research and development costs when incurred.

The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us are subject to significant uncertainty. SFAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies,, requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. In determining whether a loss should be accrued we evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial position or our results of operations.

 

SFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes, establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for the effect of income taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position, our results of operations, or our cash flows. Accruals for tax contingencies are provided for in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 5.

 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.

RISK FACTORS

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and trading price of our common stock. Please refer also to our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2005 for additional information concerning these and other uncertainties that could negatively impact the Company.

Challenges to our business model may reduce our revenues and operating margins.Our business model has been based upon customers agreeing to pay a fee to license software developed and distributed by us. Under this commercial software model, software developers bear the costs of converting original ideas into software products through investments in research and development, offsetting these costs with the revenue received from the distribution of their products. We believe the commercial software model has had substantial benefits for users of software, allowing them to rely on our expertise and the expertise of other software developers that have powerful incentives to develop innovative software that is useful, reliable, and compatible with other software and hardware. In recent years, a non-commercial software model has evolved that presents a growing challenge to the commercial software model. Under the non-commercial software model, open source software produced by loosely associated groups of unpaid programmers and made available for license to end users without charge is distributed by firms at nominal cost that earn revenue on complementary services and products, without having to bear the full costs of research and development for the open source software. The most notable example of open source software is the Linux operating system. While we believe our products provide customers with significant advantages in security and productivity, and generally have a lower total cost of ownership than open source software, the popularization of the non-commercial software model continues to pose a significant challenge to our business model, including recent efforts by proponents of open source software to convince governments worldwide to mandate the use of open source software in their purchase and deployment of software products. To the extent open source software gains increasing market acceptance, sales of our products may decline, we may have to reduce the prices we charge for our products, and revenue and operating margins may consequently decline.

Another development is the software-as-a-service business model, by which companies provide applications, data, and related services over the Internet. Providers use primarily advertising or subscription-based revenue models. Recent advances in computing and communications technologies have made this model viable and enabled the rapid growth of some of our competitors. We are devoting significant resources toward developing our own software-as-a-service strategies. It is uncertain whether these strategies will prove successful.

We face intense competition. We continue to experience intense competition across all markets for our products and services. Our competitors range in size from Fortune 100 companies to small, single-product businesses that are highly specialized and open source community-based projects. While we believe the breadth of our businesses and product portfolio offers benefits to our customers that are a competitive advantage, our competitors that are focused on a narrower product line may be more effective in devoting technical, marketing, and financial resources to compete with us. In addition, barriers to entry in our businesses generally are low. The Internet as a distribution channel and the non-commercial software model described above have reduced barriers to entry even further. Non-commercial software vendors are devoting considerable efforts to developing software that mimics the features and functionality of our products. In response to competitive factors, we are developing versions of our products with basic functionality that are sold at lower prices than the standard versions. These competitive pressures may result in decreased sales volumes, price reductions, and/or increased operating costs, such as for marketing and sales incentives, resulting in lower revenue, gross margins and operating income.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights against piracy, infringement of our patents by third parties, or declining legal protection for intellectual property. We defend our intellectual property rights and combat unlicensed copying and use of software and intellectual property rights through a variety of techniques. Preventing unauthorized use or infringement of our rights is difficult. Piracy of our products represents a loss of revenue to us. While this adversely affects U.S. revenue, the impact on revenue from outside the United States is more significant, particularly in countries where laws are less protective of intellectual property rights. Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights. Moreover, future legal changes could make this even more challenging. Throughout the world, we actively educate consumers about the benefits of licensing genuine products and obtaining indemnification benefits for intellectual property risks, and we educate lawmakers about the advantages of a business climate where intellectual property rights are protected. However, continued educational and enforcement efforts may not affect revenue positively, and revenue could be adversely affected by reductions in the legal protection for intellectual property rights for software developers or by compliance with additional legal obligations impacting the intellectual property rights of software developers.

Third parties may claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. From time to time we receive notices from others claiming we infringe their intellectual property rights. The number of these claims may grow. Responding to these claims may require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements on less favorable terms, require us to stop selling or to redesign affected products, or to pay damages or to satisfy indemnification commitments with our customers including contractual provisions under various license arrangements. If we are required to enter into such agreements or take such actions, our operating margins may decline as a result. We have made and expect to continue making significant expenditures to acquire the use of technology and intellectual property rights, including via cross-licenses of broad patent portfolios, as part of our strategy to manage this risk.

We may not be able to protect our source code from copying if there is an unauthorized disclosure of source code. Source code, the detailed program commands for our operating systems and other software programs, is the most significant asset we own. While we license certain portions of our source code for various software programs and operating systems to a number of licensees, we take significant measures to protect the secrecy of large portions of our source code. If an unauthorized disclosure of a significant portion of our source code occurs, we could potentially lose future trade secret protection for that source code. The loss of future trade secret protection could make it easier for third parties to compete with our products by copying functionality, which could adversely affect our revenue and operating margins. Unauthorized disclosure of source code could also increase certain risks described in the next paragraph.

Security vulnerabilities in our products could lead to reduced revenues or to liability claims. Maintaining the security of computers and computer networks is an issue of critical importance for us and our customers. There are malicious hackers who develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that attack our products. While this is an industry-wide phenomenon that affects computers across all platforms, it affects our products in particular because hackers tend to focus their efforts on the most popular operating systems and programs and we expect them to continue to do so. We devote significant resources to addressing these critical issues. We are focusing our efforts on engineering even more secure products, enhancing security and reliability options and settings when we deliver products, and providing guidance to help our customers make the best use of our products and services to protect against computer viruses and other attacks on their computing environment. In addition, we are working to improve the deployment of software updates to address security vulnerabilities discovered after our products are released. We are also investing in mitigation technologies that help to secure customers from attacks even when such software updates are not deployed. We are also advising customers on how to help protect themselves from security threats through the use of our online automated security tools, our published security guidance, and the deployment of security software such as firewalls, anti-virus, and other security software. The cost of these steps could adversely affect our operating margins. Despite these efforts, actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products could lead some customers to seek to return products, to reduce or delay future purchases, or to use competing products. Customers may also increase their expenditures on protecting their existing computer systems from attack, which could delay adoption of new technologies. Any of these actions by customers could adversely affect our revenue. We devote significant resources to improving the security design and engineering of our software. Nevertheless, actual or perceived vulnerabilities may lead to claims against us. While our license agreements typically contain provisions that eliminate or limit our exposure to such liability claims, there is no assurance these provisions will be held effective under applicable laws and judicial decisions.

We are subject to government litigation and regulatory activity that affects how we design and market our products. As a leading global software maker we receive scrutiny from government agencies under U.S. and foreign competition laws. Some jurisdictions also provide private rights of action for competitors or consumers based on alleged anti-competitive conduct. Lawsuits brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, 18 states, and the District of Columbia in two separate actions were resolved through a Consent Decree that took effect in November 2001 and a Final Judgment entered in November 2002. These proceedings imposed regulatory constraints on our Windows operating system businesses, including limits on certain contracting practices, required disclosure of certain software program interfaces, limits on Microsoft’s ability to ensure the visibility of certain Windows features in new PCs, and required licensing of certain communications protocols. While we believe we currently are in full compliance with the Decree and Judgment, if we fail to comply with them in the future additional restrictions could be imposed on us that would adversely affect our business.

In March 2004, the European Commission determined that we must create new versions of Windows that do not include certain multimedia technologies, many of which are required for certain Web sites, software applications and other aspects of Windows to function properly, and we must provide our competitors with specifications for how to implement certain communications protocols supported in Windows. Microsoft has appealed both determinations to European courts. As a result of the Commission decision, we have incurred and will continue to incur duplicative development costs (absent a court decision to reverse or limit this aspect of the ruling). The availability of these alternative versions of Windows in the market also may cause confusion that harms our reputation, including among consumers and with third-party software and Web site developers who rely on the functionality removed from these alternative versions. The Commission ruling obligates Microsoft to make available specifications for certain Windows communications protocol technologies on licensing terms that are closely regulated by the Commission. The availability of these licenses may enable competitors to develop software products that better mimic the functionality of Microsoft’s own products which could result in a reduction in sales of our products. Unless reversed or limited on appeal, the ruling of the European Commission may be cited as a precedent in other proceedings that seek to limit our ability to continue to improve Windows by adding new functionality in response to consumer demand. The ruling also illustrates a risk that competition authorities in Europe or elsewhere may authorize competitors to distribute implementations of Microsoft

communications protocols in source code form without proper contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property. In December 2005 the Commission issued a Statement of Objections that preliminarily concluded we were not in full compliance with the 2004 decree. The Statement of Objections could result in further monetary fines of up to €2 million per day from December 15, 2005 and other obligations. We are disputing that finding.

The Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) has been investigating whether our inclusion of streaming media technology or instant messenger technology in Windows, or the inclusion of Windows Media Services as an optional component of Windows Server, violates the Korean Fair Trade Law. In December 2005 the KFTC ruled that we had violated the law and issued a remedial order requiring us to offer two versions of Windows PC operating systems, one with Windows Media Player and Instant Messenger removed and another with those functionalities but also including opportunities for OEMs to install competing media player and instant messenger programs. If upheld over Microsoft’s appeal, these remedies could adversely affect the utility and competitive position of Windows PC operating systems in the Korean market.

We believe our integrated approach to delivery of product innovation benefits consumers and business. Current or future government regulatory efforts may hinder our ability to provide these benefits reducing the attractiveness of our products and the revenues that come from them. Moreover, there always remains the risk of new legal action, either by governments or private claimants including with respect to products that haven’t been scrutinized in the past.

Our online services are subject to government regulation of the Internet domestically and internationally in areas such as user privacy, data protection, and online content. The application of these laws and regulations to our business is often unclear and sometimes may conflict. Compliance with these regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in business practices that result in reduced revenue. Noncompliance could result in penalties being imposed on us or orders that we cease conducting the noncompliant activity.

Our business depends largely on our ability to attract and retain talented employees. Our business is based on successfully attracting and retaining talented employees. The market for highly skilled workers in our industry is extremely competitive. We are limited in our ability to recruit internationally by restrictive domestic immigration laws. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected.

Delays in product development schedules may adversely affect our revenues. The development of software products is a complex and time-consuming process. New products and enhancements to existing products can require long development and testing periods. Significant delays in new product releases or significant problems in creating new products, particularly any delays in the Windows Vista operating system, could adversely affect our revenue.

We make significant investments in new products and services that may not be profitable. We have made and will continue to make significant investments in research, development, and marketing for new products, services, and technologies, including Windows Vista, Office 12, MSN Search, Windows Server and Xbox 360. Investments in new technology are inherently speculative. Commercial success depends on many factors including innovativeness, developer support, and effective distribution and marketing. Significant revenue from new product and service investments may not be achieved for a number of years, if at all. Moreover, new products and services may not be profitable, and even if they are profitable, operating margins for new products and businesses may not be as high as the margins we have experienced historically.

Declines in demand for software could occur. If overall market demand for PCs, servers, and other computing devices declines significantly, or consumer or corporate spending for such products declines, our revenue will be adversely affected. In addition, our revenue would be unfavorably impacted if customers reduce their purchases of new software products or upgrades to existing products because new product offerings are not

perceived as providing significant new functionality or other value to prospective purchasers. We are making significant investments in Windows Vista and Office 12. If these products are not perceived as offering significant new functionality or value to prospective purchasers, our revenue and operating margins could be adversely affected.

We have claims and lawsuits against us that may result in adverse outcomes. We are subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits. Adverse outcomes in some or all of the claims pending against us may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. While management currently believes that resolving all of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations, the litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. There exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position and the results of operations for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

We may have additional tax liabilities. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different than that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. Based on the results of an audit or litigation, a material effect on our income tax provision, net income or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made could result.

We may be at risk of having insufficient supplies of certain Xbox 360 components or console inventory. Some components of the Xbox 360 are obtained from a single supplier and others may be subject to an industry-wide supply shortage. If a component delivery from a sole-source supplier is delayed or becomes unavailable or industry shortages occur, we may be unable to obtain replacement supplies on a timely basis, resulting in reduced console and game sales. Components are ordered based on forecasted console demand so we may experience component shortages for the Xbox 360. Similarly, if our demand forecasts for the existing Xbox console are inaccurate and exceed actual demand, we may have excess console inventory that may require us to record charges to cost of revenue for the excess inventory. Xbox 360 consoles will be assembled in Asia; disruptions in the supply chain may result in console shortages that would affect our revenues and operating margins.

If our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings. Under generally accepted accounting principles, we review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, reduced future cash flow estimates, and slower growth rates in our industry. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined, resulting in an impact on our results of operations.

Changes in accounting may affect our reported earnings and operating income. Generally accepted accounting principles and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations for many aspects of our business, such as revenue recognition for software, accounting for financial instruments, and treatment of goodwill or amortizable intangible assets, are highly complex and involve subjective judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in our products or business could significantly change our reported earnings and operating income and could add significant volatility to those measures, without a comparable underlying change in cash flow from operations. See Note 1—Basis of

Presentation and Consolidation of the Notes to Financial Statements (Item 1) and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Application of Critical Accounting Policies (Item 2) of this report.

We operate a global business that exposes us to additional risks. We operate in over 100 countries and a significant part of our revenue comes from international sales. Pressure to make our pricing structure uniform might require that we reduce the sales price of our software in the United States and other countries. Operations outside of the United States may be affected by changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements for software; social, political, labor or economic conditions in a specific country or region; and difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations. While we hedge a portion of our international currency exposure, significant fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our future net revenues.

General economic and geo-political risks may affect our revenue and profitability. Softness in corporate information technology spending or other changes in general economic conditions that affect demand for computer hardware or software could adversely affect our revenue. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity, and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries or generally and could require changes in our operations and security arrangements, thus increasing our operating costs. These conditions may lend additional uncertainty to the timing and budget for technology investment decisions by our customers.

Catastrophic events may disrupt our business. We are a highly automated business and a disruption or failure of our systems in the event of a major earthquake, cyber-attack, terrorist attack, or other catastrophic event could cause delays in completing sales and providing services. Our corporate headquarters, a significant portion of our research and development activities, and certain other critical business operations are located in the Seattle, Washington area, and we have other business operations in the Silicon Valley area of California, both of which are near major earthquake faults. A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or information technology systems could severely affect our ability to conduct normal business operations and, as a result, our future operating results could be adversely affected.

Acquisitions and joint ventures may have an adverse effect on our business. We expect to continue making acquisitions or entering into joint ventures as part of our long-term business strategy. These transactions involve significant challenges and risks including that the transaction does not advance our business strategy, that we don’t realize a satisfactory return on the investment we make, or that we may experience difficulty in the integration of new employees, business systems, and technology, or diversion of management’s attention from our other businesses. These factors could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

We have limited insurance. We maintain third party insurance coverage against various liability risks and risks of property loss. Because of the unavailability or high cost of conventional insurance arrangements, we have entered into captive insurance arrangements for the purpose of protecting against possible catastrophic and other risks not covered by traditional insurance markets. As of December 31, 2005, the face value of captive insurance arrangements was $2.0 billion. Actual value at any particular time will vary due to deductibles, exclusions, other restrictions, and claims. While we believe these arrangements are an effective way to insure against liability and property damage risks, the potential liabilities associated with the risks discussed in this report or other events could exceed the coverage provided by such arrangements.

Other risks that may affect our business. Other factors that may affect our performance may include:

sales channel disruption, such as the bankruptcy of a major distributor;

our ability to implement operating cost structures that align with revenue growth; and

the continued availability of third-party distribution channels for MSN service and other online services.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to foreign currency, interest rate, fixed income,fixed-income, equity, and commodity price risks. A portion of these risks is hedged, but fluctuations could impact our results of operations and financial position. We hedge a portion of anticipated revenue and accounts receivable exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily with option contracts. We monitor our foreign currency exposures daily to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged include the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, and Canadian dollar. Fixed incomeFixed-income securities and interest rate derivatives are subject

primarily to interest rate risk. The portfolio is diversified and structured to minimize credit risk. Securities held in our equity and other investments portfolio and equity derivatives are subject to price risk, and are generally not hedged. However, we use options to hedge our price risk on certain equity securities that are held primarily for strategic purposes. Commodity derivatives held for the purpose of portfolio diversification are subject to commodity price risk.

 

We use a value-at-risk (“VaR”) model to estimate and quantify our market risks. VaR is the expected loss, for a given confidence level, in fair value of our portfolio due to adverse market movements over a defined time horizon. The VaR model is not intended to represent actual losses in fair value, but is used as a risk estimation and management tool. The model used for currencies, equities, and commodities is geometric Brownian motion, which allows incorporation of optionality with regard to these risk exposures. For interest rate risk, exposures such as key rate durations and spread durations are used in calculations that reflect the principle that fixed incomefixed-income security prices revert to maturity value over time.

 

VaR is calculated by computing the exposures of each holding’s market value to a range of over 1,000 equity, fixed income,fixed-income, foreign exchange, and commodity risk factors. The exposures are then used to compute the parameters of a distribution of potential changes in the total market value of all holdings, taking into account the weighted historical volatilities of the different rates and prices and the weighted historical correlations among the different rates and prices. The VaR is then calculated as the total loss that will not be exceeded at the 97.5 percentile confidence level or, alternatively stated, the losses could exceed the VaR in 25 out of 1,000 cases. Several risk factors are not captured in the model, including liquidity risk, operational risk, credit risk, and legal risk.

 

Certain securities in our equity portfolio are held for strategic purposes. We hedge the value of a portion of these securities through the use of derivative contracts such as put-call collars. In these arrangements, we hedge a security’s equity price risk below the purchased put strike and forgo most or all of the benefits of the security’s appreciation above the sold call strike, in exchange for the premium received for the sold call.strike. We also hold equity securities for general investment return purposes. We have incurred material impairment charges related to these securities in previous periods.

At the beginning of the second fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2006, we changed the methodology we use to calculate VaR. We previously used a Monte Carlo simulation-based methodology to calculate VaR. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, we adopted a factor-based parametric methodology. The factor-based parametric methodology can be performed more frequently (resulting in more timely data), divides the aggregated VaR into its component risk factor groups, and is incrementally more accurate than the previously used simulation-based methodology in evaluating diversification effects of commodity risk factors and interactions between equity and currency factors. While we believe the efficiencies gained by changing to the parametric methodology are significant, we do not believe this methodology produces results that are significantly different from the simulation-based methodology.

 

The VaR amounts disclosed below are used as a risk management tool and reflect an estimate of potential reductions in fair value of our portfolio. Losses in fair value over the specified holding period can exceed the reported VaR by significant amounts and can also accumulate over a longer time horizon than the specified holding period used in the VaR analysis. VaR amounts are not necessarily reflective of potential accounting losses, including determinations of other-than-temporary losses in fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

VaR numbers are shown separately for interest rate, currency rate, equity price, and commodity price risks. These VaR numbers include the underlying portfolio positions and related hedges. We use historical data to estimate VaR. Given the reliance on historical data, VaR is most effective in estimating risk exposures in markets in which there are no fundamental changes or shifts in market conditions. An inherent limitation in VaR is that the distribution of past changes in market risk factors may not produce accurate predictions of future market risk.

At the beginning of the current fiscal quarter, we changed the methodology we use to calculate VaR. We previously used a Monte Carlo simulation-based methodology to calculate VaR. In the current fiscal quarter, we adopted a factor-based parametric methodology. The factor-based parametric methodology can be performed more frequently (resulting in more timely data), divides the aggregated VaR into its component risk factor groups, and is incrementally more accurate than the previously used simulation-based methodology in evaluating diversification effects of commodity risk factors and interactions between equity and currency factors. While we

believe the efficiencies gained by changing to the parametric methodology are significant, we do not believe this methodology produces results that are significantly different from the simulation-based methodology, as demonstrated by the VaR tables below.

The following table sets forth the one-day VaR for substantially all of our positions under the previously used Monte Carlo simulation-based methodology:

(In millions)


  June 30,
2005


  December 31,
2005


  Three months ended December 31, 2005

Risk Categories


        Average  

    High  

    Low  

Interest rates

  $88  $73  $77  $115  $51

Currency rates

   52   19   15   23   8

Equity prices

   164   104   129   150   104

Commodity prices

   14   15   16   18   15

Total one-day VaR for the combined risk categories is $129 million at December 31, 2005 and $195 million at June 30, 2005. The total VaR is 39% less at December 31, 2005 and 39% less at June, 30 2005 than the sum of the separate risk categories for each of those years in the above table, due to the diversification benefit of the combination of risks.

The following table sets forth the one-day VaR for substantially all of our positions as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2005 using the newly adopted factor-based parametric methodology.September 30, 2006, and as of June 30, 2006:

 

(In millions)


  December 31,
2005


  Three months ended December 31, 2005

  June 30,
2006


  September 30,
2006


    Three months ended September 30, 2006  

Risk Categories


    Average  

    High  

    Low  

  Average

  High

  Low

Interest rates

  $76  $85  $114  $72  $66  $38  $47  $67  $32

Currency rates

   22   16   22   11   91   70   85   101   69

Equity prices

   99   120   138   99   88   53   61   89   49

Commodity prices

   15   16   18   15   12   6   6   12   4

 

Total one-day VaR for the combined risk categories is $126was $107 million at December 31, 2005.September 30, 2006 and $158 million at June 30, 2006. The total VaR is 41%36% less at December 31, 2005September 30, 2006, and 38% less at June 30, 2006, than the sum of the separate risk categories in the above table due to the diversification benefit of the combination of risks.overall portfolio.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2005September 30, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On December 7, 2005,After discussions with the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) issued a ruling, we announced on October 13, 2006 that we intend to make versions of Windows Vista available in its investigationKorea contemporaneously with the worldwide launch. These versions will have modifications designed to address specific requirements of Microsoft, holding that Microsoft abused a market dominant position and engaged in unfair trade practices under the Korean Fair Trade Law by incorporating instant messaging and media player functionality into the Windows client operating system, and streaming media technologies into the Windows server operating system. Remedies announced bydecision of the KFTC include ordering Microsoft to develop and distribute two new versions of the Windows client operating system in Korea. The first version must have both the Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger functionality removed. The second version may contain Microsoft’s media player and instant messenger functionality, but must also contain promotional opportunities for competing media players. With respect to existing customers, Microsoft must provide access to competing media players and instant messengers. A supervisory board will be appointed to determine the specifics of the remedy and to oversee compliance. The Commission also imposed a fine of approximately $32 million. Most of the provisions must be implemented within 180 days of the final written decision, which Microsoft will appeal. Although Microsoft has not yet determined how the Commissions’ ruling will impact its business in Korea, the announced remedies do not prevent Microsoft from distributing Windows in Korea.

On December 21, 2005 the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections in its competition law investigation of Microsoft. The Commission stated its preliminary conclusion that Microsoft was in violation of the Commission’s 2004 decision by failing to produce and license technical information that was sufficiently useable or that covered all the technologies to which the decision was directed. The Statement of Objections could result in further monetary fines of up to €2 million per day from December 15, 2005 and other obligations. Microsoft will oppose the Statement of Objections and anticipates submitting a response in February 2006.

 

See Note 87 – Contingencies of the Notes to Financial Statements (Item(Part I, Item 1) for information regarding these and other legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and trading price of our common stock. Please refer also to our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2006 for additional information concerning these and other uncertainties that could negatively impact the Company.

Challenges to our business model may reduce our revenues and operating margins. Our business model has been based upon customers paying a fee to license software that we developed and distributed. Under this license-based software model, software developers bear the costs of converting original ideas into software products through investments in research and development, offsetting these costs with the revenue received from the distribution of their products. We believe the license-based software model has had substantial benefits for users of software, allowing them to rely on our expertise and the expertise of other software developers that have powerful incentives to develop innovative software that is useful, reliable, and compatible with other software and hardware. In recent years, certain “open source” software business models have evolved into a growing challenge to our license-based software model. Open source commonly refers to software whose source code is subject to a license allowing it to be modified, combined with other software and redistributed, subject to restrictions set forth in the license. A number of commercial firms compete with us using an open source business model by modifying and then distributing open source software to end users at nominal cost and earning revenue on complementary services and products. These firms do not have to bear the full costs of research and development for the software. A prominent example of open source software is the Linux operating system. Although we believe our products provide customers with significant advantages in security and productivity, and generally have a lower total cost of ownership than open source software, the popularization of the open source software model continues to pose a significant challenge to our business model, including continuing efforts by proponents of open source software to convince governments worldwide to mandate the use of open source software in their purchase and deployment of software products. To the extent open source software gains increasing market acceptance, sales of our products may decline, we may have to reduce the prices we charge for our products, and revenue and operating margins may consequently decline.

Another development is the software-as-a-service business model, by which companies provide applications, data, and related services over the Internet. Providers use primarily advertising or subscription-based revenue models. Recent advances in computing and communications technologies have made this model viable and enabled the rapid growth of some of our competitors. We are devoting significant resources toward developing our own software-as-a-service strategies. It is uncertain whether these strategies will prove successful.

We face intense competition. We continue to experience intense competition across all markets for our products and services. Our competitors range in size from Fortune 100 companies to small, specialized single-product businesses and open source community-based projects. Although we believe the breadth of our businesses and product portfolio offers benefits to our customers that are a competitive advantage, our competitors that are focused on a narrower product line may be more effective in devoting technical, marketing,

and financial resources to compete with us. In addition, barriers to entry in our businesses generally are low. The Internet as a distribution channel and the non-commercial software model described above have reduced barriers to entry even further. Open source software vendors are devoting considerable efforts to developing software that mimics the features and functionality of our products. In response to competitive factors, we are developing versions of our products with basic functionality that are sold at lower prices than the standard versions. These competitive pressures may result in decreased sales volumes, price reductions, and/or increased operating costs, such as for marketing and sales incentives, resulting in lower revenue, gross margins and operating income.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights against piracy, infringement of our patents by third parties, or declining legal protection for intellectual property. We defend our intellectual property rights and combat unlicensed copying and use of software and intellectual property rights through a variety of techniques. Preventing unauthorized use or infringement of our rights is difficult. Piracy of our products represents a loss of revenue to us. While this adversely affects U.S. revenue, the impact on revenue from outside the United States is more significant, particularly in countries where laws are less protective of intellectual property rights. Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights. Future legal changes could make this even more challenging. Throughout the world, we actively educate consumers about the benefits of licensing genuine products and obtaining indemnification benefits for intellectual property risks, and we educate lawmakers about the advantages of a business climate where intellectual property rights are protected. However, continued educational and enforcement efforts may fail to enhance revenue. Reductions in the legal protection for software intellectual property rights or compliance with additional intellectual property obligations impacting the rights of software developers could both adversely affect revenue.

Third parties may claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. From time to time we receive notices from others claiming we infringe their intellectual property rights. The number of these claims may grow. Responding to these claims may require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements on less favorable terms, require us to stop selling or to redesign affected products, or to pay damages or to satisfy indemnification commitments with our customers including contractual provisions under various license arrangements. If we are required to enter into such agreements or take such actions, our operating margins may decline as a result. We have made and expect to continue making significant expenditures to settle claims related to the use of technology and intellectual property rights as part of our strategy to manage this risk.

We may not be able to protect our source code from copying if there is an unauthorized disclosure of source code. Source code, the detailed program commands for our operating systems and other software programs, is critical to our business. Although we license certain portions of our source code for various software programs and operating systems to a number of licensees, we take significant measures to protect the secrecy of large portions of our source code. If an unauthorized disclosure of a significant portion of our source code occurs, we could potentially lose future trade secret protection for that source code. The loss of future trade secret protection could make it easier for third parties to compete with our products by copying functionality, which could adversely affect our revenue and operating margins. Unauthorized disclosure of source code could also increase the risks described in the next paragraph.

Security vulnerabilities in our products could lead to reduced revenues or to liability claims. Maintaining the security of computers and computer networks is a critical issue for us and our customers. Hackers develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that attack our products. Although this is an industry-wide problem that affects computers across all platforms, it affects our products in particular because hackers tend to focus their efforts on the most popular operating systems and programs and we expect them to continue to do so. We devote significant resources to address these critical issues. We focus on engineering even more secure products, enhancing security and reliability options and settings when we deliver products, and providing guidance to help our customers make the best use of our products and services to protect against computer viruses and other attacks on their computing environment. In addition, we are working to improve the deployment of software updates to address security vulnerabilities discovered after our products are

released. We are also investing in mitigation technologies that help to secure customers from attacks even when such software updates are not deployed. We advise customers on how to help protect themselves from security threats through the use of our online automated security tools, our published security guidance, and the deployment of security software such as firewalls, anti-virus, and other security software. The cost of these steps could reduce our operating margins. Despite these efforts, actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products could lead some customers to seek to return products, to reduce or delay future purchases, or to use competing products. Customers may also increase their expenditures on protecting their existing computer systems from attack, which could delay adoption of new technologies. Any of these actions by customers could adversely affect our revenue. In addition, actual or perceived vulnerabilities may lead to claims against us. Although our license agreements typically contain provisions that eliminate or limit our exposure to such liability, there is no assurance these provisions will be held effective under applicable laws and judicial decisions.

We are subject to government litigation and regulatory activity that affects how we design and market our products. As a leading global software maker, we receive scrutiny from government agencies under U.S. and foreign competition laws. Some jurisdictions also provide private rights of action for competitors or consumers based on alleged anti-competitive conduct. For example, we have been involved in the following actions.

Lawsuits brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, 18 states, and the District of Columbia in two separate actions were resolved through a Consent Decree that took effect in November 2001 and a Final Judgment entered in November 2002. These proceedings imposed regulatory constraints on our Windows operating system businesses, including limits on certain contracting practices, required disclosure of certain software program interfaces, limits on Microsoft’s ability to ensure the visibility of certain Windows features in new PCs, and required licensing of certain communications protocols. Although we believe we currently are in full compliance with the Decree and Judgment, if we fail to comply with them in the future additional restrictions could be imposed on us that would adversely affect our business.

In March 2004, the European Commission determined that we must create new versions of Windows that do not include certain multimedia technologies, many of which are required for certain Web sites, software applications and other aspects of Windows to function properly, and we must provide our competitors with specifications for how to implement certain communications protocols supported in Windows. Microsoft has appealed both determinations to European courts. As a result of the Commission decision, we have incurred and will (absent a reversal of this ruling) continue to incur duplicative development costs. The Commission ruling obligates Microsoft to make available specifications for certain Windows communications protocol technologies on licensing terms that are closely regulated by the Commission. The availability of these licenses may enable competitors to develop software products that better mimic the functionality of Microsoft’s own products which could result in a reduction in sales of our products. Pending resolution of Microsoft’s appeal, there will remain uncertainty about the legal principles that govern product design issues for future releases of Microsoft products in Europe.

In February 2006, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (“KFTC”) completed an investigation of whether including streaming media technology or instant messenger technology in Windows, or including Windows Media Services as an optional component of Windows Server, violates the Korean Fair Trade Act. The KFTC ruled that we had violated the law and issued a remedial order requiring us to offer two versions of Windows PC operating systems, one with Windows Media Player and instant messenger removed and another with those functionalities but also including opportunities for OEMs to install competing media player and instant messaging programs. If upheld on appeal, these remedies could adversely affect the utility and competitive position of Windows PC operating systems in the Korean market.

We believe our integrated approach to delivery of product innovation benefits consumers and business. Current or future government regulatory efforts and court decisions may hinder or delay our ability to provide these benefits thereby reducing the attractiveness of our products and the revenues that come from them. Moreover, there always remains the risk of new legal action, either by these or other governments or private

claimants including with respect to products or features that haven’t been scrutinized or been the subject of objections in the past. The outcome of such legal actions could adversely affect us in a variety of ways, including:

We may have to design or develop alternative versions of products for specific geographical markets to remove or limit visibility of certain functionality, resulting in reduced customer benefits, additional costs and delays in the release of product lines or specific product versions, or withdraw products from a market to avoid fines or penalties.

Mandated alternative versions of our software may cause confusion that harms our reputation, including among consumers and with third-party software and Web site developers who rely on the functionality removed from these alternative versions.

Competition authorities may authorize competitors to distribute implementations of Microsoft communications protocols in source code form without proper contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property.

We may have to disclose otherwise confidential and trade secret information concerning the operation of our software that may facilitate the development of competing software.

If not reversed or limited on appeal, the rulings described above may be cited as a precedent in other proceedings that seek to limit our ability to continue to improve Windows by adding new functionality in response to consumer demand.

Our online offerings are subject to government regulation of the Internet domestically and internationally in areas such as user privacy, data protection, and online content. The application of these laws and regulations to our business is often unclear and sometimes may conflict. Compliance with these regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in business practices that result in reduced revenue. Noncompliance could result in penalties being imposed on us or orders that we cease conducting the noncompliant activity.

Our business depends largely on our ability to attract and retain talented employees. Our business is based on successfully attracting and retaining talented employees. The market for highly skilled workers in our industry is extremely competitive. We are limited in our ability to recruit internationally by restrictive domestic immigration laws. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected.

Delays in product development schedules may adversely affect our revenues. The development of software products is a complex and time-consuming process. New products and enhancements to existing products can require long development and testing periods. Significant delays in new product releases or significant problems in creating new products could adversely affect our revenue.

We make significant investments in new products and services that may not be profitable. We have made and will continue to make significant investments in research, development, and marketing for new products, services, and technologies, including Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Xbox 360, MSN Search, Windows Server, Zune, and Windows Live. Investments in new technology are inherently speculative. Commercial success depends on many factors including innovativeness, developer support, and effective distribution and marketing. Significant revenue from new product and service investments may not be achieved for a number of years, if at all. Moreover, new products and services may not be profitable, and even if they are profitable, operating margins for new products and businesses may not be as high as the margins we have experienced historically.

Declines in demand for software could occur. If overall market demand for PCs, servers, and other computing devices declines significantly, or consumer or corporate spending for such products declines, our revenue will be adversely affected. In addition, our revenue would be unfavorably impacted if customers reduce their purchases of new software products or upgrades to existing products because new product offerings are not

perceived as providing significant new functionality or other value to prospective purchasers. We are making significant investments in Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. If these products are not perceived as offering significant new functionality or value to prospective purchasers, our revenue and operating margins could be adversely affected.

We have claims and lawsuits against us that may result in adverse outcomes. We are subject to a variety of claims and lawsuits. Adverse outcomes in some or all of the claims pending against us may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. Although management currently believes that resolving all of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations, the litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. There exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position and the results of operations for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

We may have additional tax liabilities. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our income tax provision, net income or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.

We may be at risk of having insufficient supplies of certain Xbox 360 components or console inventory. Some components of the Xbox 360 are obtained from a single supplier and others may be subject to an industry-wide supply shortage. If a component delivery from a sole-source supplier is delayed or becomes unavailable or industry shortages occur, we may be unable to obtain replacement supplies on a timely basis, resulting in reduced console and game sales. Components are ordered based on forecasted console demand, so we may experience component shortages for the Xbox 360 or, alternatively, excess console inventory that may require us to record charges to cost of revenue. Xbox 360 consoles are assembled in Asia; disruptions in the supply chain may result in console shortages that would affect our revenues and operating margins.

If our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings. Under generally accepted accounting principles, we review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, reduced future cash flow estimates, and slower growth rates in our industry. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined, negatively impacting our results of operations.

Changes in accounting may affect our reported earnings and operating income. Generally accepted accounting principles and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations for many aspects of our business, such as revenue recognition for software, accounting for investments, and treatment of goodwill or amortizable intangible assets, are highly complex and involve subjective judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in our products or business could significantly change our reported earnings and operating income and could add significant volatility to those measures, without a comparable underlying change in cash flow from operations. See Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Consolidation of the Notes to Financial Statements (Part I, Item 1) and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Application of Critical Accounting Policies (Part I, Item 2) of this report.

We operate a global business that exposes us to additional risks. We operate in over 100 countries and a significant part of our revenue comes from international sales. Pressure to make our pricing structure uniform might require that we reduce the sales price of our software in the United States and other countries. Operations outside the United States may be affected by changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements for software; social, political, labor or economic conditions in a specific country or region; and difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations. Although we hedge a portion of our international currency exposure, significant fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our net revenues.

General economic and geo-political risks may affect our revenue and profitability. Inflation, softness in corporate information technology spending, or other changes in general economic conditions that affect demand for computer hardware or software could adversely affect our revenue or our investment portfolio. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity, and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries or generally and could require changes in our operations and security arrangements, thus increasing our operating costs. These conditions may lend additional uncertainty to the timing and budget for technology investment decisions by our customers.

Catastrophic events may disrupt our business. We are a highly automated business and a disruption or failure of our systems in the event of a major earthquake, cyber-attack, terrorist attack, or other catastrophic event could cause delays in completing sales and providing services. Our corporate headquarters, a significant portion of our research and development activities, and certain other critical business operations are located in the Seattle, Washington area, and we have other business operations in the Silicon Valley area of California, both of which are near major earthquake faults. A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or information technology systems could severely affect our ability to conduct normal business operations and, as a result, our future operating results could be adversely affected.

Acquisitions and joint ventures may have an adverse effect on our business. We expect to continue making acquisitions or entering into joint ventures as part of our long-term business strategy. These transactions involve significant challenges and risks including that the transaction does not advance our business strategy, that we don’t realize a satisfactory return on the investment we make, or that we experience difficulty in the integration of new employees, business systems, and technology, or diversion of management’s attention from our other businesses. These factors could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

We have limited insurance. We maintain third party insurance coverage against various liability risks and risks of property loss. Because of the unavailability or high cost of conventional insurance arrangements, we have entered into captive insurance arrangements for the purpose of protecting against possible catastrophic and other risks not covered by traditional insurance markets. As of September 30, 2006, the face value of captive insurance arrangements was $2.0 billion. Actual value at any particular time will vary due to deductibles, exclusions, other restrictions, and claims. Although we believe these arrangements are an effective way to insure against liability and property damage risks, the potential liabilities associated with the risks discussed in this report or other events could exceed the coverage provided by such arrangements.

Improper disclosure of personal data could result in liability and harm our reputation. We store and process significant amounts of personally identifiable information as we offer a large array of products and services to our customers. It is possible that our security controls over personal data, our training of employees and vendors on data security, and other practices we follow may not prevent the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information. Such disclosure could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue. Our software products also enable our customers to store and process personal data. Perceptions that our products do not adequately protect the privacy of personal information could inhibit sales of our products.

Other risks that may affect our business. Other factors that may affect our performance may include:

Sales channel disruption, such as the bankruptcy of a major distributor

Our ability to implement operating cost structures that align with revenue growth

The continued availability of third-party distribution channels for MSN service and other online offerings

Disruption to our operations as a result of weather-related events

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Items 2(a) and (b) are inapplicable.

 

(c) STOCK REPURCHASES

 

Period


 (a) Total number
of shares
purchased


 (b) Average
price paid per
share


 (c) Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs


 (d) Maximum number of shares
(or approximate dollar value
of shares) that may yet be
purchased under the plans or
programs (in millions)


October 1, 2005 - October 31, 2005

 13,638,151 $24.83 13,638,151 $18,631

November 1, 2005 - November 30, 2005

 142,186,762  27.28 142,186,762  14,752

December 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005

 127,287,333  27.09 127,287,333  11,303
  
    
   
  283,112,246    283,112,246   
  
    
   

Period


  (a) Total number
of shares
purchased


  (b) Average
price paid per
share


  (c) Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs


 (d) Maximum number of shares
(or approximate dollar value of
shares) that may yet be
purchased under the plans or
programs (in millions)


July 1, 2006 – July 31, 2006

  97,561,761  $23.05  97,561,761 $40,000

August 1, 2006 – August 31, 2006

  154,517,593   24.83  154,517,593  36,163

September 1, 2006 – September 30, 2006

  33,047,000   26.54  33,047,000  35,285
   
      
   
   285,126,354      285,126,354   
   
      
   

 

On July 20, 2004,2006, we announced the completion of the $30 billion Microsoft common stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors approved a plan to buy back up to $30 billion in Microsoft common stock over the next four years. The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations, and other factors. The repurchases will be made using our cash resources.July 20, 2004. On October 26, 2005,July 20, 2006, we also announced that our Board approved a modification to the July 20, 2004of Directors authorized two new share repurchase plan. The original repurchase plan calledprograms: a $20 billion tender offer which was completed on August 17, 2006; and authorization for up to $30an additional $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program with an expiration of MicrosoftJune 30, 2011. Under the tender offer, we repurchased approximately 155 million shares of common stock, or 1.5% of our common shares outstanding, for approximately $3.8 billion at a price per share of $24.75. The average price paid per share of $24.83 in the month of August includes advisory, mailing, and regulatory fees. On August 18, 2006, we announced that the authorization for the $20 billion ongoing share repurchase program had been increased by approximately $16.2 billion. As a result, we are authorized to repurchase additional shares in an amount up to $36.2 billion through June 30, 2011. The repurchase program may be repurchased over the succeeding

four years. Under the revised plan, we expect to complete the $30 billion approved repurchase amount no later than December 2006.suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. During the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2006,year 2007, we repurchased 283285 million shares for $7.67$7.0 billion under the revised plan.plans described in this paragraph. The transactions occurred in open market purchases and pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

15  Letter re unaudited interim financial information
31.1  Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2  Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Items 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: October 26, 2006

   

Microsoft Corporation

Date: January 26, 2006

   By: /s/    CFHRISRANK P. LH. BIDDELLROD        
        

Chris P. LiddellFrank H. Brod

Senior Vice President; Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer
and Duly Authorized Officer)

/s/    J. SCOTT DI VALERIO        

J. Scott Di Valerio

Corporate Vice President, Finance and Administration;

Chief Accounting Officer

(Chief AccountingPrincipal Authorized Officer)

 

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