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Google and Microsoft earnings disappoint Google and Microsoft earnings disappoint
(about 2 hours later)
Two of the world's biggest technology companies, Google and Microsoft, have badly missed earnings expectations for the second quarter.Two of the world's biggest technology companies, Google and Microsoft, have badly missed earnings expectations for the second quarter.
Google reported profits of $9.7bn (£6.4bn), up 16% from a year ago but less than analysts were expecting.Google reported profits of $9.7bn (£6.4bn), up 16% from a year ago but less than analysts were expecting.
Microsoft made $4.5bn in the second quarter, but announced that it would take a $900m charge relating to poor sales of its Surface tablet.Microsoft made $4.5bn in the second quarter, but announced that it would take a $900m charge relating to poor sales of its Surface tablet.
Shares in both companies fell by more than 4% in after-hours trading.Shares in both companies fell by more than 4% in after-hours trading.
Declining PC sales - which recently saw their longest slide in five years - have hurt Microsoft's efforts to boost its business with the sale of its Windows 8 operating software.Declining PC sales - which recently saw their longest slide in five years - have hurt Microsoft's efforts to boost its business with the sale of its Windows 8 operating software.
"The slowdown in PC demand ahead of the Windows 8 launch resulted in a decline in operating income," said Peter Klein, chief financial officer at Microsoft, in a statement accompanying the earnings.
Last week, the company also announced that it would cut the price of its Surface tablet amid sluggish sales.Last week, the company also announced that it would cut the price of its Surface tablet amid sluggish sales.
More mobileMore mobile
While Google's profits were up by more than 16% since last year, the company missed analyst expectations.While Google's profits were up by more than 16% since last year, the company missed analyst expectations.
The main driver of Google's profits - advertising revenue - was up 15%.The main driver of Google's profits - advertising revenue - was up 15%.
More of Google's advertising revenues is coming from mobile adverts, which are cheaper.More of Google's advertising revenues is coming from mobile adverts, which are cheaper.
While the company has been adapting, the change has hurt Google's bottom line.While the company has been adapting, the change has hurt Google's bottom line.
Chief executive Larry Page said that adapting to mobile was a challenge the company was embracing.Chief executive Larry Page said that adapting to mobile was a challenge the company was embracing.
"The shift from one screen to multiple screens and mobility creates tremendous opportunity for Google," he said."The shift from one screen to multiple screens and mobility creates tremendous opportunity for Google," he said.
On a conference call to discuss earnings, Mr Page mentioned the company's revamped AdWords programme, which has been well-received.On a conference call to discuss earnings, Mr Page mentioned the company's revamped AdWords programme, which has been well-received.