Microsoft sees largest loss, disappointing forecast

Microsoft's revenue could be $21 billion for April-June, $1.5 bn below analyst expectations

Microsoft Corp shares fell the most in almost six months after the software maker posted its largest-ever quarterly loss and offered a disappointing sales forecast.

Microsoft's projected ranges for its six units implied a total revenue of around $21 billion for the current quarter, about $1.5 billion below what analysts expected, Gregg Moskowitz, an analyst at Cowen & Co, said in a note.

Sales will be lower than estimated in the commercial licensing unit, which is hurt more than the rest of the company because of a strong dollar. The forecast also fell short of predictions for phone hardware; Microsoft's decision this month to slash the number of models it sells will produce a significant revenue fall. And CEO Satya Nadella said the revenue bump from Windows 10, which goes on sale next week, would come mostly two quarters from now.