LG Electronics Saturday announced un-audited first-quarter net profit of KRW 38.4 billion (USD 34.91 million) and operating profit of KRW 305.2 billion (USD 277.45 million), up significantly from the previous quarter. Consolidated revenues of 13.99 trillion (USD 12.72 billion) were virtually unchanged from the same period a year ago as soaring smartphone sales were offset by modest revenue declines in TVs.
LG's mobile division recorded its highest first-quarter revenues since introducing its first Android device in 2010. The Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company also saw profitability rise compared to the same period last year. The LG Home Entertainment Company reported first-quarter revenues of KRW 4.44 trillion (USD 4.03 billion), a 5 percent decline from a year ago. Operating margin was lower than the same period last year as unfavourable currency exchange and seasonality resulted in declining revenues from LCD TVs in North America, Europe, CIS and Latin America compared to the previous quarter.
A stronger focus on 4K Ultra HD and OLED TV marketing and increasing demand in Asia and North America for all TV products are expected to improve the outlook for the LG Home Entertainment Company in the second quarter. The LG Mobile Communications Company recorded a strong first quarter 2015, shipping 15.4 million smartphones, an increase of 26 percent compared with the same period last year. Sales of KRW 3.6 trillion (USD 3.27 billion) were up 5 percent from the first quarter last year, while operation profit margins improved both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year.
Sales in North America increased by an impressive 66 percent from the same period of 2014, while sales in Korea grew 57 percent from the previous quarter with the introduction of the G Flex2 premium smartphone featuring a unique Plastic-OLED display. The launch of the LG G4 in the second quarter is expected to strengthen the company's presence in the premium smartphone segment and further improve profitability.
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company posted a 9 percent increase in operating profit to KRW 229.3 billion (USD 208.45 million) compared to the same period the year before and a profit margin of 5.6 percent in the first quarter largely as a result of improved product mix and cost structure.
Revenues declined 2 percent year-over-year to KRW 4.06 trillion (USD 3.69 billion) due to greater competition in North America and unfavourable foreign currency exchange movement in developing markets. Going forward, LG expects sales for air conditioners and refrigerators to increase during the peak season with the introduction of market-leading products. The LG Vehicle Components Company, which was created in July 2013, announced its business performance for the first time this quarter.
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