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HTC profits slump 90% on strong competition
HTC's new phones have not been as popular at those from rivals Apple and Samsung
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HTC sees lower sales at year-end
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HTC reports 79% drop in profits
Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC has reported a slump in profits as it continues to suffer at the hands of rivals Apple and Samsung.
Unaudited net profit in the fourth quarter was T$1bn ($34m; £21m), down more than 90% on the T$11bn the firm made a year ago and below analysts' expectations. Revenue was T$60bn.
The firm suffered from launching no big products in the period, analysts said
This is the fourth quarter in a row that HTC profits have fallen sharply.
'Hard to beat'
This is in contrast to rivals Apple and Samsung, which have profited from the release of the iPhone 5 and Galaxy models.
Despite expectations for a flagship new model, codenamed M7, this year, analysts said HTC could struggle to catch its rivals.
"The first three months of this year will be better than the fourth quarter [of 2012], which was really bad, but HTC's earnings might not have bottomed [out] in 2012 if its flagship M7 sales disappoint this year," said Birdy Lu at Daiwa Capital Markets.
"The new phone could have a first-mover advantage for one or two months before Samsung launches its Galaxy S4 in April, but in the long run, it's difficult to beat Samsung's phones."
HTC profits slump 90% on strong competition
HTC's new phones have not been as popular at those from rivals Apple and Samsung
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
HTC sees lower sales at year-end
Galaxy phones lift Samsung profit
HTC reports 79% drop in profits
Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC has reported a slump in profits as it continues to suffer at the hands of rivals Apple and Samsung.
Unaudited net profit in the fourth quarter was T$1bn ($34m; £21m), down more than 90% on the T$11bn the firm made a year ago and below analysts' expectations. Revenue was T$60bn.
The firm suffered from launching no big products in the period, analysts said
This is the fourth quarter in a row that HTC profits have fallen sharply.
'Hard to beat'
This is in contrast to rivals Apple and Samsung, which have profited from the release of the iPhone 5 and Galaxy models.
Despite expectations for a flagship new model, codenamed M7, this year, analysts said HTC could struggle to catch its rivals.
"The first three months of this year will be better than the fourth quarter [of 2012], which was really bad, but HTC's earnings might not have bottomed [out] in 2012 if its flagship M7 sales disappoint this year," said Birdy Lu at Daiwa Capital Markets.
"The new phone could have a first-mover advantage for one or two months before Samsung launches its Galaxy S4 in April, but in the long run, it's difficult to beat Samsung's phones."
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