Microsoft Earnings Should Be Strong

Microsoft Corp. is expected to report fiscal first-quarter earnings just a bit better than analysts’ latest estimates as it seeks growth in the corporate software market while expanding its dominance in software for personal computers.

The world’s biggest provider of software for PCs is expected to earn 70 cents a share, based on the average estimate of 24 analysts polled by IBES International Inc. The individual estimates range from 62 to 73 cents.

Microsoft reported net income of $614 million, or 48 cents a share, on revenue of $2.3 billion in the year-earlier period, ended Sept. 30.