In the last three months sales have increased of 5

More and more competitors, a market of less and less dynamic in a general context of economic slowdown... This cocktail to the bitter taste is Nokia in trouble. During the third quarter, the mobile giant issued a net profit in sharp decline ( 30) under the effect of a decline in sales ( 5).

Certainly, the Finnish group remains dominant in an overwhelming manner the market of mobile phones. But this supremacy is slightly weathered. Its market share fell to 38, 40 in the previous quarter and 39 a year ago. In the last three months, sales have increased "" of 5.5 in volume in a market whose growth is limited to 8.

Rise of the iPhone

As he had said as early as last month, Nokia has decided "not to respond to the aggression on the prices of some competitors" to protect its margins. "Some have been more aggressive to clean their stocks or win the critical size," said the CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. Then, the Finns suffered "of global competition, including the entry-level segment". Finally, the giant has suffered "temporary impact" means lack of new models of range. If Nokia does not clearly mentioned, is also left behind on the market of multimedia phones ("smartphones"). In this highly profitable segment, its market share fell to 35, compared to 48 in the previous quarter. Nokia has suffered from the rise of the Apple iPhone, but also new models of Samsung, HTC or blackberries. Two weeks ago, Nokia reacted by unveiling its first touch screen phone. But it is not available until next year in Europe and the United States. This competition comes mobile sales clearly settle in Western Europe and the United States, where customers have been slow to change device or opt for the cheaper. At the time, it is in emerging countries that Nokia is doing the best. But by selling to mobile to small price, the profitability of the group is deteriorating.

The question now is whether this trend will continue. Nokia has endeavoured to send some reassuring signs saying able to defend its share of market in the fourth quarter and confirming his prediction of a global sales growth of 10 throughout the year, all constructors combined.

"Even if it would be naive to ignore macroeconomic conditions in some countries, Nokia is well positioned by the time running, given our size, our brand, the improvement of our product range and our low-cost structure", continued the CEO.

The fears linked to the slowdown in the sector were in any case melt half the market capitalization of Nokia since the beginning of the year. Recently, several analysts and studies firms lowered their forecasts of market, sales of mobile is closely related to the growth of world GDP. UBS expects more than an increase in sales volume of 3 next year and 4 Citigroup. Yesterday, the Finns tried to convince that it was better armed than other manufacturers to overcome the crisis.

A message that has seems to be-

t he not satisfied investors. The Nokia action closed down 4.16.