HTC pinning all its hopes on the M8 version of the HTC One as losses continue

Graphic: The Verge

HTC had better hope the new HTC One (M8) sells well: it has just reported its second quarterly loss in three quarters after essentially doing no better than breaking even since the third quarter of 2012.

The company had warned investors that it would begin the year with a loss, but The Verge reports that the figures were worse than expected.

Even its downbeat estimates weren’t pessimistic enough. The company fell short of the expected NT$35 billion in sales, posting NT$33.12 billion, and disappointed analysts who had been predicting a narrower loss … 

HTC said in a statement that it expects to return to profit in the second quarter thanks to new mid-range phones like the Desire 816 as well as the flagship One (M8).

The company expects to see positive trajectory of its revenue in April from March and forecasts quarter-on-quarter revenue growth in the second quarter

Our review of the HTC One (M8), which went on sale last month, found that it was a superb piece of hardware – “it is the best looking, best built (AFAICT after 3 days) phone out there, bar none” – let down by a confusing overlay. Our recommendation is to wait for the Google Play Edition. Other reviews concurred, criticizing the camera and the software.

HTC had a tough time of it last year, with a number of senior departures, including its COO; a halving of market share since 2011; former UK execs setting up a rival company; and arrests of its lead designers amid conspiracy claims.