Sony Ericsson reports a 28 percent year-on-year increase in mobile phones shipped in the fourth quarter of 2005 to reach 16.1 million, which corresponds to a 17 percent growth compared with Q3 2005. The total for 2005 amount to 51.2 million, compared with 42.3 million phones shipped in 2004. The sales for the quarter were EUR 2.31 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 15 percent. The full year sales amounted to EUR 7.27 billion, compared to EUR 6.53 billion in 2004. Profit before taxes was EUR 206 million and the quartely net profit was EUR 144 million, which represents a year-on-year increase of EUR 66 million and EUR 89 million respectively. The net profit for 2005 amounted to EUR 356 million, EUR 40 million more than in 2004.
The fourth quarter witnessed very strong sequential market growth which Sony Ericsson matched, resulting in a record quarter in terms of volumes, sales and net income for the company. The second half of 2005 was particularly strong due to the success of hit model phones in both the imaging and music product categories. A highlight of Sony Ericsson's year was the global success of Walkman branded music phones such as the W800, W600, W550 and the W900. Since the first Walkman phone was launched in volume in August, Sony Ericsson has shipped 3 million Walkman branded units.
