Microsoft Unearned Revenue Tops Estimates on Upgrades

Microsoft Corp. reported fourth-quarter unearned revenue, a yardstick of future sales, that topped analysts’ estimates, a sign that the largest software maker will benefit from corporate demand for its programs.

Unearned revenue was $20.1 billion in the three months that ended June 30, Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said today in a statement. Analysts on average expected $19.4 billion, according to Heather Bellini, an analyst at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Bellini’s own estimate was for $18.9 billion. Profit -- excluding a writedown that gave Microsoft its first loss as a publicly traded company -- also topped estimates after Microsoft reined in expenses.