October 26, 2007 — Microsoft’s first-quarter earnings rose 23 percent, exceeding analysts’ estimates, and the company raised its forecasts for this year on sales of the new versions of Windows and the “Halo 3″ video game.

The stock surged 10 percent in late trading after the software giant said net income increased to $4.29 billion, or 45 cents a share. Sales advanced 27 percent to $13.8 billion, beating projections by more than $1 billion. It’s stock jumped $3.26 to $35.25 in extended trading.

Microsoft raked in $300 million in one week from “Halo 3,” double some analysts’ estimates. Computer makers also installed pricier versions of the new Windows Vista program, expanding the company’s profit.

Profit will be $1.78 to $1.81 a share this year, on sales of $58.8 billion to $59.7 billion, Microsoft said. That would exceed the average estimates of $1.73 in per share earnings and $57.4 billion in revenue.

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