While Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT/NASD) fourth quarter revenue is expected to come in around US$13.25-billion on Thursday, RBC Capital Markets analyst Robert Breza thinks his US38¢ per share non-GAAP estimate may be low. In a note to clients, he said the actual result would probably come in closer to the Street's estimate of US39¢. However, his GAAP earnings estimate has been reduced to US31¢ per share from US39¢ as a result of the US$1.1-billion charge Microsoft incurred for replacing warranties and repairing problems with its Xbox video game console, Mr. Breza said. He also thinks Xbox shipments of only 11.6 million, versus expectations for 12 million, could lead to a revenue hit as high as US$200-million, "though earnings would likely be positively impacted."
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