Sony Ericsson reports an increase in shipments,

Sony Ericsson reports a strong increase in shipments and record profits for the first quarter of 2004 19-4-2004 Units shipped in the quarter reached 8.8 million, a 63% increase compared to the same period last year. Sales for the quarter were Euro 1,338 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 66%.

Income before taxes was Euro 97 million and net income was Euro 82 million, which represent year-on-year improvements of Euro 210 million and Euro 186 million respectively. While the year on year growth in shipments and sales reflects solid performance improvements across business units and regions, income before taxes was exceptionally strong due to favourable market conditions.

In addition, the restructuring measures that were taken in 2003 are now fully contributing to the bottom line. In an overall strong mobile phone market, shipments from Sony Ericsson reached an all time high as its product offering in the mid- and entry level segments continued to gain momentum. Market share is estimated to have increased during the quarter thanks to strong demand and increased operational efficiencies. Sony Ericsson has increased its estimate for the global market for 2004 from approximately 520 million units to over 550 million units.

"A third consecutive quarter of profits and good growth in sales demonstrates that our strategy is paying off. Our focus on GSM, UMTS and Japanese standards has proven successful, and our direction to emphasize imaging, multimedia, entertainment and industrial design is well reflected in our latest product offerings.

We will continue to strengthen our innovative and attractive brand, ensuring our products appeal to customers across all market segments and regions", said Katsumi Ihara, President of Sony Ericsson.

During the first quarter Sony Ericsson announced new partnerships as well as exciting products such as the S700, the company's first mega pixel GSM camera phone, and the Z500, its first Push-to-Talk capable product for the American EDGE-networks.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB offers mobile communications products for people who appreciate the possibilities of powerful technology. Established in 2001 by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Sony Corporation, the joint venture continues to build on the success of its two innovative parent companies.

Sony Ericsson creates value for its operator customers by bringing new ways of using multimedia communications while mobile. The company's global headquarters are based in London, and it has approximately 4,000 employees across the globe working on research, development, design, sales, marketing, distribution and support. Pls see my local comment below. Sony Ericsson's performance in NZ reflects the incredibly positive global result, and more so, as our market share in NZ is ahead of the global average.

As in other markets, we attribute much of this success to a strong Q1 portfolio. After the T610, which was awarded best mobile device of by the GSM Congress in Cannes, we have continued to deliver market favourites such as the Z600 and P900.

The NZ market has responded to well featured products which are easy to use and incorporate superb cosmetic design, and we have no doubt we will continue to deliver this with a number of new releases this year, and in future. Our local result is also a reflection of a skew toward higher tier devices which have a strong focus on imaging, entertainment and connectivity.

We attribute this to Vodafone's success in extended services, such as gaming, PXT and mobile Internet, which are extremely well supported on Sony Ericsson phones.

ENDS

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