Sony Ericsson focus on high-end phones boosts sales

The News & Observer reports that Sony Ericsson's fourth quarter profits nearly tripled to a record $174 million due to strong sales of its Walkman-branded mobile phone.

According to the article, Sony Ericsson "shipped 16.1 million handsets in the fourth quarter, up 28 percent from the previous year. Sales for 2005 were $8.8 billion on the shipment of 51.2 million handsets."

Chris Ambrosio at Strategy Analytics noted "Sony Ericsson's success has grown as it has focused on a targeted, profitable portfolio of products," such as the Walkman music phones. He said, "That's their product niche and they do it very well." As network operators try to push more media-centric services, Ambrosio added, "Sony Ericsson will be right there and meeting those needs."

Roger Entner at Ovum said, "They've come a great, long way. With the investment of Sony, and Sony infusing new engineering and design ideas, it really propelled the company greatly forward."