For the current quarter, which ends in June, Microsoft predicted earnings per share of about 23 cents, including 5 cents in stock-based compensation expenses, on revenue in the range of $8.9 billion to $9 billion. Those figures are roughly in line with what analysts had been expecting from the software maker. The earnings report shows that Microsoft's legal issues are taking a toll on the bottom line, though the company has more than $50 billion in the bank. Last month the EU handed down a 497 million euro fine ($613 million at the time; $590 million at current exchange rates) against Microsoft, and the company has set aside a $605 million accrual for the fine that counted as a charge for the quarter. In addition, Microsoft has paid out nearly $2 billion in accordance with a settlement earlier this month with Sun. Microsoft also on Thursday offered guidance for the coming fiscal year, which ends in June 2005. The company said to expect revenue in the range of $37.8 billion and $38.2 billion.