Taiwan-based smartphone vendor HTC expects consolidated revenues of NT$34.0-36.0 billion (US$1.12-1.19 billion), gross margin of 21.5-22.0% and net loss per share of NT$2.1-2.6 for its operation in the first quarter of 2014, according to the company at a February 10 investors conference.

　　First-quarter financial performance will be the worst quarterly level in 2014 and business operation will significantly rebound to profit in the second quarter due to the launch of many new smartphone models, company CFO Chang Chia-lin said.

　　HTC will adjust its marketing strategy of focusing on high-end smartphones to launch mid-range and entry-level models, Chang indicated. Specifically for the China market, HTC will focus on smartphones for sale at CNY1,500-3,000 (US$247-494) and launch models priced at CNY1,000 as well, Chang pointed out.

　　HTC on February 10 reported consolidated revenues of NT$9.671 billion for January 2014, decreasing by 22.21% on month and by 37.75% on year.

　　HTC recorded consolidated revenues of NT$42.9 billion, gross margin of 17.8%, net operating loss of NT$1.6 billion, net profit of 300 million and net earnings per share of NT$0.38 for the fourth quarter of 2013. For the whole year of 2013, HTC posted consolidated revenues of NT$203.40 billion, gross margin of 20.8%, net operating loss of NT$3.98 billion, net loss of NT$1.33 billion and net loss per share of NT$1.60.