Sony Ericsson have announced that its profit has more than tripled in the fourth quarter following record sales of its music and camera handsets.
Units shipped in the quarter reached 26.0 million, a 61% increase compared to the same period last year, generating significant year-on-year market share gains. Sales for the quarter were Euro 3,782 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 64%. Income before taxes for the quarter was Euro 502 million representing a year-on-year increase of 144%. Net income for the quarter was Euro 447 million.
Sony Ericsson increased market share during the quarter due to the continued success of products such as the K800/K790 Cyber-shot™ phone and Walkman® phone line-up. Average Selling Price (ASP) was slightly higher than expected due to more favourable than expected market conditions and continuing strong demand for Sony Ericsson’s hit model handsets.
"The fourth quarter saw Sony Ericsson finish a strong year with record volumes, sales and net income due to the soaring popularity of our imaging and music phones. Earlier investments in R&D and marketing have enabled us to expand the portfolio and strengthen the brand to increase consumer and operator appeal. Our target is to become one of the top three players in the industry, and the momentum we established in 2006 makes this an achievable ambition,” said Miles Flint, President of Sony Ericsson.
Sony Ericsson estimates the 2006 global handset market as being around 980 million units, higher than previous forecasts of over 950 million units for the year. On this basis the company believes it has outperformed the market during the quarter, gaining around 1% of market share sequentially, to achieve a global market share of approximately 9% during Q4. In Q4 2006 Sony Ericsson grew market share slightly over 2% against the same period for the previous year.
Sony Ericsson increased market share during the quarter due to the continued success of products such as the K800/K790 Cyber-shot™ phone and Walkman® phone line-up. Average Selling Price (ASP) was slightly higher than expected due to more favourable than expected market conditions and continuing strong demand for Sony Ericsson’s hit model handsets.
"The fourth quarter saw Sony Ericsson finish a strong year with record volumes, sales and net income due to the soaring popularity of our imaging and music phones. Earlier investments in R&D and marketing have enabled us to expand the portfolio and strengthen the brand to increase consumer and operator appeal. Our target is to become one of the top three players in the industry, and the momentum we established in 2006 makes this an achievable ambition,” said Miles Flint, President of Sony Ericsson.
Sony Ericsson estimates the 2006 global handset market as being around 980 million units, higher than previous forecasts of over 950 million units for the year. On this basis the company believes it has outperformed the market during the quarter, gaining around 1% of market share sequentially, to achieve a global market share of approximately 9% during Q4. In Q4 2006 Sony Ericsson grew market share slightly over 2% against the same period for the previous year.