Nokia, the world's biggest mobile phone maker, says it could exceed its own profit targets in the third quarter as mobile phones continued to sell well.
Nokia had previously expected earnings per share of 15 to 17 cent for the three months to September 30, but said in its mid-quarter update that earnings were now likely to come in at the top end of that range, or even slightly above.
'During the quarter, mobile phone volume growth for Nokia and the industry overall has been strong,' the company said.
But dollar weakness meant that mobile phone sales, once translated into euros, were expected to be flat or slightly lower when compared with the third quarter of 2002.
Nokia said its networks division was expected to weaken in line with previous expectations, posting an annual sales drop of 15% to 20% in the third quarter, though it would be close to break even.
