Nokia reveals fourth-quarter and full year results

Nokia Corp. published its fourth-quarter and full-year results, reporting strong sales and slightly decreased net profit. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the company sold 265 million mobile phones, which is 28 percent more in comparison with the same period last year. The 22 percent growth of sales in North America strengthened Nokia's position in both the CDMA and GSM markets. At the same time the net profit dropped with 1 percent, compared to the same period last year. The company explains it with the decrease of average selling prices, which is a result of the increased sales in emerging markets where low-end models are popular.

The company's full year results for 2005 are more positive – both sales and net profit marked a growth. Sales increased with 16 percent and net profit with 13 percent in comparison with the year 2004.

Nokia's estimated market share remained almost the same - 34% for fourth quarter 2005, up from 33% sequentially and flat year on year. Nokia gained market share both sequentially and year on year in the US, Asia-Pacific, and China, whereas in Europe it remained unchanged.

In 2005 Nokia introduced 41 new mobile phones models, including 18 CDMA devices. Most of the launched devices (32) were in the mid range or high end and only 9 at the entry level.

Source: Nokia