A year later, Microsoft picture looks very different | Reuters

Strange days indeed – from the second page of the article:

One uncomfortable fact for Microsoft: unless it posts blowout numbers, it will have lower quarterly profit than Apple for the first time in recent memory. The last time Apple produced more profit in a year than Microsoft was 1990.

Last week, Apple announced a record $6 billion quarterly profit on strong-selling iPhones and iPads over the holiday shopping season. Analysts expect Microsoft to post profit of $5.93 billion for the same quarter. Two years ago, Microsoft's profit was almost double Apple's.

It could be a painful moment for Microsoft, which effectively saved Apple from extinction with a $150 million investment in 1997.

A year later, Microsoft picture looks very different | Reuters