Windows in High Demand, Spurs Microsoft Stock

Thursday Microsoft (MSFT) reported large gains on most of its primary product lines.  

The boost in sales is thanks to Windows 7 and an improving PC market.  Net income rose to $4.5 billion (up 48%) in its fiscal fourth-quarter.  The software giant's per-share earnings were 5 cents higher than forecast, at 51 cents compared to the 46 cents per share predicted.

See a recent chart posting questioning Microsoft's ability to bust through the MA.

Microsoft still holds the lead against rival Apple (AAPL) in the closely watched race between the two.  The Microsoft Office and Windows creator grew in every one of its primary divisions.  This includes their entertainment division, its major players including the Xbox and Zune, which rose 27% over the last year.  Microsoft's search engine Bing rose 13%.

The giant has laid off 5,300 employees over the past year, which may have helped their earnings rise.