Based on preliminary numbers, Motorola said its Q4 2006 sales figures are now estimated to be in the range of $11.6 to $11.8 billion, versus the guidance given on October 17, 2006, of $11.8 to $12.1 billion. Fourth-quarter GAAP earnings per share are now estimated to be in the range of $0.13 to $0.16, which is below the company’s internal forecast at the start of the fourth quarter.
Motorola said the shortfall in both sales and earnings occurred in its Mobile Devices segment. The company cited an unfavorable geographical and product-tier mix of sales as compared to the company’s internal forecast. In the fourth quarter, Mobile Devices unit sales were approximately 66 million units, up 23 percent from the third quarter of 2006 and up 48 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005.
Motorola also said Q4 results for both the Networks & Enterprise and Connected Home segments are expected to meet or exceed the internal expectations of the company at the start of the fourth quarter.
Full results are expected on January 19.
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