Mobile phone maker Motorola last night reported its fifth consecutive quarterly loss, but again said it expected to be back in profit in the second half of this year.
The company posted a first quarter loss of $174m before exceptional charges, compared with a $211m loss in the same period last year. The figures were better, however, than analysts had expected, due to lower than expected losses in the semiconductor and mobile infrastructure divisions.
Net sales fell to just over $6 billion - the lowest level in seven years - from $7.7 billion a year earlier. Motorola has been suffering from a slowdown in demand for mobile phones and associated equipment.
After a charge of $388m relating to plant closures and investment write-downs, net losses in the first quarter were $449m.
