This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20931999

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
HTC profits slump 90% on strong competition HTC profits slump 90% on strong competition
(about 2 hours later)
Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC has reported a slump in profits as it continues to suffer at the hands of rivals Apple and Samsung.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; £215m), down more than 90% on the T$11bn the firm made a year ago and below analysts' expectations. Revenue was T$60bn. 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. 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.This is the fourth quarter in a row that HTC profits have fallen sharply.
'Hard to beat''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.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.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 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.""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."