HTC has lowered its forecast for the year ahead from 10% growth to a loss in the single percentage figures. This is obviously not good news, but it may not pan out that way. Yes, Windows Mobile sales are dropping, but Android looms large and HTC could still be the big winner from that platform. I for one fully expect Android to do BIG things this year, and possibly bigger things than any other platform. Thanks to Trevor for the link.
“TAIPEI, July 31 (Reuters) – HTC (2498.TW), the world’s No. 4 smartphone brand, drastically lowered its 2009 revenue forecast on Friday, standing in stark contrast to other Taiwanese tech companies that have given given upbeat forecasts in recent days.
Revenue this year could fall by a low to mid-single digit percent, compared to its previous forecast for growth of about 10 percent, the company said, blaming a delay in the launch of new products and a faster-than-expected fall in unit shipments.
“Our momentum in the second half of this year may not be as strong as we initially thought it would be,” HTC’s Chief Executive Peter Chou said during a call with analysts.
“The number of mid-tier smartphones we’re pushing out this year will gradually increase, which will push down revenue. Momentum on both the Windows Mobile and Android platforms are also turning out to be weaker than expected.”
Windows Mobile and Android are Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Google’s (GOOG.O) operating systems used in smartphones, respectively.”
