Sony Ericsson Strong Wireless Profits

Europe : Sony and Ericsson announced the financial summary for the second quarter, ended June 30, 2003 of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, the 50:50 joint venture of Sony and Ericsson. The company reported improved operating results and a strong increase in sales and shipments for its two core business areas; GSM and Japanese standards.

Units shipped in the quarter reached 6.7 million, which is 34% higher year-on-year and 23% higher compared to the first quarter 2003. Net sales for the quarter were Euro 1.125 million, representing year-on-year and sequential increases of 18% and 40%, respectively.

In the areas of strategic focus and in the wake of successful product launches, the GSM business posted 84% year-on-year growth in shipments and Japanese standards shipments increased 45% year-on-year. This business growth is attributable to a strengthened product offering coupled with strongly improved supply and logistics performance.

Income before taxes excluding restructuring charges was Euro -45 million and Net Income (excluding restructuring charges) was Euro -33 million, which represents year-on-year improvements of Euro 53 million and Euro 50 million, respectively. Income before taxes including restructuring was Euro -102 million and net income was Euro -88 million.

Sony Ericsson has earlier announced (June 24, 2003) the decision to increase its focus on GSM/EDGE/UMTS and Japanese standards. Further to the phase-out of Sony Ericsson's American CDMA business and GSM R&D activities in Munich, total restructuring costs are estimated to approximately Euro 70 million of which Euro 58 million has been recognized in the second quarter. The restructuring activities are well underway and are projected to generate yearly run-rate savings of approximately Euro 120 million when completed, with some benefit in the second half of 2003.

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