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Sony Ericsson reports Q4 2009 results with y-o-y decrease of 40% in units shipped

Q4 Highlights:

• Improved quarterly financial results reflected success of refreshed portfolio
• Transformation programme bearing fruit and to continue
• Announced first Android-based phone, the XPERIA(TM) X10

Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson comments; "The refreshed portfolio, coupled with the business transformation programme has started to positively impact our financial results. Continued cost saving activities and resource realignment are necessary in order to build a leaner, more efficient organisation capable of meeting the demands of the changing competitive landscape. We will continue to focus on returning the company to profitability by establishing Sony Ericsson as the communication entertainment brand based on an exciting portfolio of mid- and high-end products, such as our recently announced Android-based phone, the XPERIA(TM) X10. 2010 will still be challenging as the full benefit of cost improvements will not impact results until the second half of the year, however we are confident that our business is on the right track."

Units shipped in the quarter were 14.6 million, a sequential increase of 3% and a year-on-year decrease of 40%. Sales for the quarter were Euro 1,750 million, a sequential increase of 8% and a year-on-year decrease of 40%. The sequential increase was driven by market seasonality and successful sales of Satio(TM) and Aino(TM) phones. The year-on-year decrease in both units and sales was mainly due to a downturn in the global handset market and a faster than anticipated shift to touch screen phones in the mid-priced sector of the market. Average Selling Price (ASP) for the quarter rose sequentially by 5% to Euro 120 due to a more favourable product mix.

Gross margin percentage improved sequentially and year-on-year mainly driven by the successful sales of new, higher-margin phones as well as the positive impact of cost reduction activities.

Income before taxes for the quarter, excluding restructuring charges, was a loss of Euro 40 million compared to a loss of Euro 198 million in the previous quarter. The reduced loss was due to the improved gross margin and the benefits of reduced operating expenses. Excluding restructuring charges, Sony Ericsson made a loss for the full year 2009 of Euro 878 million compared with an income of Euro 92 million in 2008. The year-on-year deterioration was mainly attributable to the lower sales.

As of December 31, 2009, Sony Ericsson had a net cash position of Euro 620 million.

During 2009, Sony Ericsson secured external funding of Euro 455 million to strengthen the balance sheet and improve liquidity, out of which Euro 350 million has been guaranteed by the parent companies on a 50/50 basis. Euro 255 million was drawn by the end of 2009, but the remaining Euro 200 million, a two-year committed back-up facility, has not been utilised.

The programme started in mid-2008 to reduce annual operating expenses by Euro 880 million is continuing; with the full benefit expected during the second half of 2010. Since the start of the programme Sony Ericsson has reduced its global workforce by approximately 2,500 people to 9,100 by the end of 2009. The total restructuring charges taken to date are Euro 339 million, and charges for the full programme are estimated to be well within the previously announced Euro 500 million.

Sony Ericsson estimates that the global handset market in units for the fourth quarter 2009 was flat year-on-year and that its market share was about 5% in the fourth quarter. Sony Ericsson believes that the global handset market for the full year 2009 decreased in volume by around 8% year-on-year to around 1.1 billion units and that its market share in units for the full year 2009 was about 5%.

Sony Ericsson forecasts a slight growth in units in the global handset market in 2010.

The consolidated financial summary for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson) for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009 is as follows:

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