Strong outlook for smartphone sales and China business in 2012
HONG KONG, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited ("TCL Communication" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries referred to as the "Group"; HKSE stock code: 02618) today announced the unaudited shipment figures for its handsets and other products in January 2012.
In January 2012, the Group's handsets and other products sales totaled 2,003,904 units, representing a 36% decline compared to the same period of last year, which included sales of smartphones, accounting for 140,559 units. Meanwhile, sales in overseas markets decreased by 37% year-on-year to 1,882,026 units and sales in the PRC decreased by 4% year-on-year to 121,878 units. The decline in units shipped was mainly attributable to seasonal impacts as the Chinese New Year in 2012 began on 23 January, less than a month after Christmas holiday, and it was the second earliest week-long holiday which has been celebrated in the past 30 years. As a result, the Group's factory operated for only 13 working days in January. Furthermore, all the suppliers and forwarders had suspended their operations since 19 January, 3 days before the Chinese New Year, which significantly affected the Group's production and shipment schedule.
Nevertheless, the Group will regain its growth momentum from February onwards, building on the solid results it achieved over the previous years, as well as its reputable brand, strong R&D capabilities, diversified product portfolio and extensive market presence. The Group expects its business in China and the sales volume of smartphones to be the major growth drivers in 2012. The Group will continue to enhance its market penetration in China by launching products specifically tailored for local consumers, expanding its distribution network and strengthening its partnerships with three major telecommunication operators in China. On top of the Group's TCL W989 being selected by China Unicom for its new 4.0 series products, TCL E906 smartphone has been successfully bade in China Mobile's 2012 first G3 smart terminal centralized procurement in January 2012.
In addition, the Group will continue to implement its "Step-up" product strategy and to distinguish itself through its product development capabilities. The Group aims to expand the product portfolio of the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH brand in order to enrich the lives of its customers. For instance, the official launch of the 4.3 inches display and 1.4 GHz processor model, ONE TOUCH 995 ULTRA, came into the spotlight at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 with its modern design and innovative features. With the Group's continued geographical expansion into new and high-potential markets and its brand building efforts worldwide, the Group is confident that it will achieve long-term growth of its business.
Sales Volume of Handsets and Other Products (Unaudited Data)
| Units | January 2012 |
January 2011 |
YoY Change (%) |
| Total | 2,003,904 | 3,133,446 | -36% |
| Including Smartphones |
140,559 | 7,196 | +1,853% |
Sales volume data is also available at the Company's website: http://tclcom.tcl.com.
About TCL Communication
TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited (stock code: 02618), together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of mobile and internet products worldwide under two key brands - ALCATEL ONE TOUCH and TCL. The Group's portfolio of products is currently sold in the PRC and over 120 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. TCL Communication operates its highly efficient manufacturing plants and R&D centres in various provinces of the PRC with headquarters in Shenzhen, China. For more information, please visit its website at http://tclcom.tcl.com.
For further enquiries, please contact Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd.:
| Email: tclcomm@hillandknowlton.com.hk | |
| Crystal Yip | Erica Liu |
| Tel: (852) 2894 6211 / 9720 6445 | Tel: (852) 2894 6252 / 5136 8460 |
