NEW YORK - Microsoft posted its first ever loss, shedding $492 million in the fourth quarter due to a massive $6.2 billion write-down to reflect the slump in value of its online operations.Microsoft still recorded an annual profit of $16.98 billion and said the results reflected “solid revenue growth and rigorous cost discipline.”The computing giant had announced earlier this month it would take the $6.2 billion write-down, which is required by accounting rules and does not affect the company’s cash position.Taking out one-time charges, Microsoft showed a profit of 73 cents
a share, well ahead of Wall Street expectations of 62 cents.Revenue also beat expectations, rising four percent to $18 billion in the quarter to June 30. For the full year, revenues were up five percent at $73.7 billion.“We delivered record fourth quarter and annual revenue, and we’re fast approaching the most exciting launch season in Microsoft history,” said chief executive Steve Ballmer. The company is preparing to release Windows 8, the next version of its market leading operating system and a new tablet computer, while making an aggressive move into smartphones.