Higher Than Expected Gross Margin Hurting Nokia, Says JP Morgan

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JP Morgan on Thursday issued a company update on Nokia Corporation (ADR) NOK after the company announced weak Q1 2015 earnings primarily caused by a low gross margin.

Analyst Rod Hall wrote, "A weak Nokia result driven by weak gross margin in networks is a function of lower high margin software in the mix, coupled with higher sales of lower gross margin network implementation.

"Nokia continues to expect Technologies division sales to grow YoY excluding the potential amounts related to the expected resolution of the ongoing Samsung arbitration. Technologies opex for FY15 is still expected to be in line with opex run-rate in 4Q14."

JP Morgan believes that the cause in the lower than expected gross margin can be attributed to several factors:

  • A 5 percent lower software sales mix.
  • Higher sales mix of network implementation business with lower gross margin in this business.
  • Higher costs related to the short-term impact of strategic entry deals.
  • Challenging market conditions.
  • Network operating expenses were up 12 percent.

Shares of Nokia recently traded at $6.68, down 10.7 percent.

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Posted In: Analyst ColorAnalyst RatingsJP MorganRod Hall
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