It would appear that things could be looking up for Nokia, and the Lumia range of Windows Phone smartphones, as the company has released some details on how many Lumia devices they sold in quarter 4 of 2012.
Nokia managed to sell a total of 4.4 million Nokia Lumia Windows Phone devices in the last quarter of 2012, and they sold a total of 15.9 million smartphones, which includes the 4.4 million Lumia handsets, 2.2 million Symbian devices and 9.3 million Asha devices.
We are pleased that Q4 2012 was a solid quarter where we exceeded expectations and delivered underlying profitability in Devices & Services and record underlying profitability in Nokia Siemens Networks. We focused on our priorities and as a result we sold a total of 14 million Asha smartphones and Lumia smartphones while managing our costs efficiently, and Nokia Siemens Networks delivered yet another very good quarter.”
Performance Breakdown
The breakdown of Nokia’s sales figures reveals some interesting insights into the company’s performance across different segments. The Lumia series, which runs on the Windows Phone operating system, has shown significant promise by selling 4.4 million units. This is a notable achievement considering the competitive landscape dominated by iOS and Android devices. The Symbian devices, which were once Nokia’s flagship, still managed to sell 2.2 million units, indicating a lingering but diminishing user base. Meanwhile, the Asha series, which targets the budget-conscious segment, sold an impressive 9.3 million units. This diverse portfolio has allowed Nokia to cater to various market segments, from high-end smartphones to affordable feature phones.
Strategic Implications
The positive sales figures for Q4 2012 have several strategic implications for Nokia. Firstly, the success of the Lumia series suggests that Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft to use the Windows Phone operating system is beginning to pay off. This partnership was a bold move aimed at differentiating Nokia from other smartphone manufacturers who predominantly use Android. The Lumia’s performance could encourage Nokia to continue investing in the Windows Phone ecosystem, potentially leading to more innovative features and better integration with other Microsoft services.
Secondly, the strong sales of Asha devices highlight the importance of emerging markets for Nokia. These markets often have different needs and price sensitivities compared to developed markets. By offering affordable yet feature-rich phones, Nokia can capture a significant share of these growing markets. The Asha series’ success could lead to further development of budget-friendly devices, ensuring that Nokia remains competitive in this segment.
It looks like the fourth quarter for Nokia, who have made a loss in their previous quarters in 2012, will either be a break-even one, or they could end up making a small profit of around 2 percent. This potential profitability is a significant turnaround for the company, which has been struggling to regain its footing in the highly competitive smartphone market. The positive results could boost investor confidence and provide the necessary capital for further research and development.
Moreover, the performance of Nokia Siemens Networks, which delivered record underlying profitability, adds another layer of financial stability to the company. This division focuses on providing telecommunications infrastructure and services, and its success indicates a well-rounded business model that doesn’t rely solely on smartphone sales.
In conclusion, Nokia’s Q4 2012 performance is a promising sign for the company’s future. The strong sales of Lumia and Asha devices, coupled with the profitability of Nokia Siemens Networks, suggest that Nokia is on the right track. If the company continues to innovate and strategically invest in its diverse product portfolio, it could regain its position as a leading player in the global mobile market.
Source TechCrunch
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