Microsoft's revenue up - strong 2006 outlook

Microsoft's posted sales were lower than Wall Street expectations but the company states it has a strong product product pipeline and notes that the outlook for fiscal 2006 is very strong.

Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, reported a net profit of $2.56 billion, or 23 cents a share, for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.32 billion, or 12 cents a share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose to $9.6 billion from $9.18 billion.

Microsoft expects a strong revenue growth in fiscal 2006. More info about Microsoft's financial results at Reuters