ESPOO, Finland --
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Third quarter 2014 highlights:
Nokia Networks
HERE
Commenting on the third quarter results on a year-on-year basis, Rajeev Suri, Nokia President and CEO, said:
Nokia's third quarter results demonstrate our strong position in a world where technology is undergoing significant change. We saw growth in all three of our businesses; non-IFRS earnings per share was up 50%; and we moved forward with our capital structure optimization program, returning cash to shareholders.
Performance at Nokia Networks was particularly satisfying, with both growth and improved profitability. Progress was widespread, with four of our six regions increasing sales; Mobile Broadband sales and profitability were up sharply; Global Services delivered its sixth consecutive quarter of double digit profitability; and I was pleased to see a rebound in Europe driven by our robust deal momentum. That said, I also want to be clear that Networks benefited from some unique developments in the quarter, with a business mix weighted towards Mobile Broadband and regional mix that included strong gains in North America.
HERE also delivered a double digit sales increase in the quarter. We are sharpening HERE's strategy in order to better balance growth and profitability while ensuring relentless focus on priority segments such as automotive. I am confident that this strategy, combined with a new focus on efficiency gains, positions HERE well for the future.
Nokia Technologies continued to invest in the innovation and business infrastructure necessary to enable future growth and renewal of our strong patent portfolio. This work, as well as our current licensing activities, will take time to come to fruition, but I believe that we are moving rapidly in the right direction.
Third quarter 2014 material special items:
Balance sheet highlights:
January-September 2014 highlights:
Nokia's continuing operations net sales in January-September 2014 were EUR 8.9 billion
NOKIA'S OUTLOOK
Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK)