Why Microsoft Gained Amid the Market's Carnage

Shares of Microsoft rose today, after the company reported earnings last night. In particular, there were several signs that the company is making progress in its transition toward becoming primarily a devices-and-services company, as CEO Steve Ballmer had envisioned. Xbox One sales are at 3.9 million units sold, neck-and-neck with Sony's Playstation 4, and revenue from Microsoft's Surface tablet more than doubled sequentially, to $893 million.

However, the Surface has been a major trouble spot for Microsoft in the past, and still has a negative gross margin, even today. In this segment of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses Microsoft and its future with Evan Niu, CFA, our tech and telecom bureau chief. Evan takes a closer look at sales of the Surface, as well as the Windows Phone, and discusses how important each is to Microsoft's core business going forward. He also looks ahead to the company's future new CEO, and consumer anticipation for Windows 9.

Is Bill Gates shaking in his shoes?
There are few things that Bill Gates fears. Cloud computing is one of them. It's a radical shift in technology that has early investors getting filthy rich, and we want you to join them. That's why we are highlighting three companies that could make investors like you rich. You've likely only heard of one of them, so be sure to click here to watch this shocking video presentation!

The article Why Microsoft Gained Amid the Market's Carnage originally appeared on Fool.com.

Erin Kennedy has no position in any stocks mentioned. Evan Niu, CFA has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2014 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.