Nokia Oyj (NOK): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Nokia Oyj (NOK): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

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Ever wondered about the story behind Nokia Oyj (NOK), the Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics corporation? With a history stretching back to 1865, Nokia has evolved from a pulp mill to a global leader in networking, and in 2024, Nokia saw a strong finish with 9% net sales growth year-on-year in Q4. But how exactly does Nokia operate, and where does its revenue come from? Keep reading to discover the fascinating details of Nokia's journey, its ownership structure, its mission, and its strategies for making money in today's competitive market.

Nokia Oyj (NOK) History

Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was officially founded in 1865.

Original location

The company's origins trace back to Southern Finland.

Founding team members

The primary founder was Fredrik Idestam.

Initial capital/funding

The initial funding came from Idestam's own resources and later through partnerships to expand operations.

Evolution Milestones

Year Key Event Significance
1865 Fredrik Idestam establishes a groundwood pulp mill near Tampere, Finland. Marks the beginning of the company as a forestry operation.
1868 Idestam builds a second mill near the river Nokianvirta, providing better power resources. Led to the company being renamed Nokia Ab in 1871, becoming the foundation for its future name.
1912 Arvid Wickström establishes Finnish Cable Works. This company would later become a key part of the modern company, focusing on telecommunications infrastructure.
1922 The company acquires Finnish Rubber Works. Expanded the company's portfolio into rubber products, diversifying beyond forestry and cable operations.
1967 The merger of Nokia Ab, Finnish Cable Works, and Finnish Rubber Works. Formed the modern company, integrating diverse industries into a single entity and setting the stage for its entry into telecommunications.
1982 The company releases its first car phone. Marked a significant step into the mobile telecommunications market.
1987 The company introduces the Mobira Cityman 900, one of the first handheld mobile phones. Established the company as a leader in the emerging mobile phone industry.
1992 The company focuses solely on telecommunications. Strategic decision to concentrate on its most promising sector, mobile phones, leading to its global success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
1998 Becomes the world leader in mobile phones. Achieved the peak of its dominance in the mobile phone market, driven by popular and innovative devices.
2011 Partnership with Microsoft to use Windows Phone as its primary smartphone platform. A strategic shift aimed at competing with Apple's iOS and Google's Android, but ultimately did not regain market leadership.
2014 Sells its mobile phone business to Microsoft. Marked a significant exit from the mobile phone market, refocusing on network infrastructure.
2016 Acquires Alcatel-Lucent. Significantly expanded the company's network equipment business, enhancing its position in the telecommunications infrastructure market.
2020 The company is selected by NASA to build a 4G cellular network on the moon. Showcased its technological capabilities beyond terrestrial applications, entering the space technology sector.

Transformative Moments

  • Focus on Telecommunications (1992): The decision to pivot exclusively to telecommunications in 1992 was transformative. This strategic focus allowed the company to concentrate its resources and expertise on the burgeoning mobile phone market.
  • Partnership with Microsoft (2011): Partnering with Microsoft in 2011 to adopt Windows Phone was a bold attempt to regain market share in the smartphone arena. Although it didn't achieve the desired results, it was a significant strategic move that reflected the company's willingness to adapt to changing market dynamics.
  • Acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent (2016): The acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent in 2016 was a game-changer, substantially boosting its network equipment business. This move solidified its position as a key player in the telecommunications infrastructure market.

For more in-depth information about the investors, check this out: Exploring Nokia Oyj (NOK) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Nokia Oyj (NOK) Ownership Structure

Nokia Oyj operates as a public limited company with a diverse ownership structure comprising individual and institutional investors from around the globe. The company's shares are publicly traded on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Nokia's Current Status

Nokia is a publicly traded company. Its shares are listed on major stock exchanges, allowing anyone to purchase them. As a public company, Nokia is subject to regulatory oversight and is required to disclose financial information to the public.

Nokia's Ownership Breakdown

Nokia's ownership is distributed among a variety of shareholders, including institutional investors, individual shareholders, and employee shareholders. Here is a general overview:

Shareholder Type Ownership, % Notes
Institutional Investors ~60% - 70% Includes investment funds, pension funds, and other financial institutions.
Individual Investors ~20% - 30% Represents shares held by private individuals.
Employee/Insider Ownership ~1% - 5% Shares held by Nokia employees and executives.

Nokia's Leadership

As of April 2025, Nokia is guided by a team of experienced leaders. While specific names and roles may evolve, here's a general overview of the leadership structure:

  • President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Leads the company's overall strategy and operations.
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Manages the company's financial operations, including reporting, investments, and capital structure.
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Oversees Nokia's technology strategy and innovation.
  • Board of Directors: Provides governance and strategic oversight, representing shareholder interests.

You might also be interested in: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Nokia Oyj (NOK).

Nokia Oyj (NOK) Mission and Values

shapes technology that transforms how we live and work, delivering secure and sustainable solutions. They aim to be a trusted partner for critical networks, committed to innovation and quality.

Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Nokia's mission statement is to create technology that helps the world act together. This reflects their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in developing solutions that address global challenges.

Vision statement

Nokia's vision is to be the trusted partner for critical networks. This involves:

  • Pioneering technology and building future networks.
  • Focusing on innovation to drive performance and create new opportunities.
  • Committing to sustainability in their operations and solutions.
  • Operating with integrity and transparency.

Company slogan/tagline

Nokia's current primary tagline is 'Technology that helps the world act together.' This highlights their focus on connectivity and collaboration, emphasizing their role in enabling global communication and problem-solving. Additional slogans and taglines used by Nokia include:

  • 'Connecting People' - An older, well-recognized tagline that emphasizes human connection.
  • 'Future Networks' - Focuses on their work in developing next-generation network technology.

To delve deeper into Nokia's investor profile, you might find this resource helpful: Exploring Nokia Oyj (NOK) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Nokia Oyj (NOK) How It Works

Nokia operates as a global leader in telecommunications, focusing on providing network infrastructure, technology, and software services. The company primarily generates revenue through the sale of network equipment, software licenses, and related services to telecom operators and enterprises.

Nokia's Product/Service Portfolio

Product/Service Target Market Key Features
Mobile Networks Mobile network operators 5G, 4G, and 3G infrastructure, radio access networks (RAN), and related services.
Network Infrastructure Fixed network operators, webscale companies, and enterprises IP routing, optical transport, fixed access networks, and submarine networks.
Cloud and Network Services (CNS) Telecom operators and enterprises Software solutions, cloud infrastructure, and cognitive services for network management and automation.
Nokia Technologies Various technology companies Patent licensing, particularly in mobile communication technologies, and development of new technologies.
Nokia Enterprise Solutions Enterprises across various sectors Private wireless networks, industrial automation, and IoT solutions.

Nokia's Operational Framework

Nokia's operational framework is structured around several key activities that drive value creation:

  • Research and Development: Nokia invests heavily in R&D to develop cutting-edge technologies and maintain a competitive edge. In 2024, Nokia allocated over €4 billion to R&D, focusing on 5G, 6G, and other advanced technologies.
  • Sales and Marketing: The company employs a global sales force to market and sell its products and services to telecom operators and enterprises.
  • Supply Chain Management: Nokia manages a complex global supply chain to manufacture and deliver its products efficiently.
  • Customer Service and Support: Nokia provides comprehensive customer service and support to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.

Nokia's Strategic Advantages

Nokia's strategic advantages include:

  • Technological Leadership: Nokia is a leader in 5G technology and holds a significant number of patents in mobile communications.
  • Global Presence: The company has a presence in over 130 countries, allowing it to serve a diverse customer base.
  • Strong Customer Relationships: Nokia has long-standing relationships with many of the world's largest telecom operators.
  • Comprehensive Portfolio: Nokia offers a wide range of products and services, making it a one-stop-shop for telecom operators and enterprises.
  • Focus on Innovation: Nokia's commitment to R&D enables it to stay ahead of the curve and develop innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

More insights about Nokia's mission can be found here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Nokia Oyj (NOK).

Nokia Oyj (NOK) How It Makes Money

Nokia primarily generates revenue by selling network infrastructure and related services, software, and technology to telecom operators, enterprises, and consumers worldwide.

Nokia's Revenue Breakdown

Nokia's financial performance is divided into four business groups. These are Network Infrastructure (NI), Mobile Networks (MN), Cloud and Network Services (CNS), and Nokia Technologies (NT). Here’s a breakdown based on the 2024 fiscal year data:

Revenue Stream % of Total Growth Trend
Network Infrastructure (NI) 38% Decreasing
Mobile Networks (MN) 33% Decreasing
Cloud and Network Services (CNS) 22% Increasing
Nokia Technologies (NT) 7% Stable

Nokia's Business Economics

Nokia operates in the telecommunications equipment industry, characterized by intense competition and rapid technological advancements. The company's business economics are influenced by several factors:

  • Pricing Strategies: Nokia employs a mix of competitive pricing and value-based pricing, depending on the product and market conditions. They also focus on offering comprehensive solutions that bundle hardware, software, and services, providing added value to customers.
  • Economic Fundamentals: The demand for Nokia's products and services is closely tied to the overall health of the global economy, particularly investments in telecommunications infrastructure. Economic downturns can lead to reduced capital expenditure by telecom operators, impacting Nokia's revenue.
  • Research and Development: A significant portion of Nokia's expenses is allocated to R&D to maintain a competitive edge. This includes developing next-generation technologies like 5G, 6G and related software solutions.

Nokia's Financial Performance

Nokia's financial performance can be assessed through key metrics and strategic decisions:

  • In 2024, Nokia reported net sales of approximately €22.2 billion, a decrease of 11% year-over-year. This decline was primarily attributed to reduced spending by telecom operators in key markets.
  • The company's gross margin stood at 40.7%, reflecting its ability to manage production costs and maintain pricing power in certain segments.
  • Nokia's operating profit was €1.2 billion, influenced by sales performance, cost management, and investments in strategic growth areas.
  • Nokia is committed to returning value to its shareholders. The Board of Directors has proposed a dividend of €0.13 per share for the fiscal year 2024.
  • For insights into Nokia's corporate values, see: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Nokia Oyj (NOK).

Nokia Oyj (NOK) Market Position & Future Outlook

Nokia is strategically positioned in the telecommunications, infrastructure, and technology markets, with a focus on network infrastructure, software, and related services. As of April 2025, the company's future outlook involves capitalizing on 5G and emerging technologies to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge.

Competitive Landscape

Company Market Share, % Key Advantage
Nokia ~15% End-to-end network solutions and strong R&D in 5G and future technologies.
Ericsson ~20% Strong presence in 5G infrastructure and established relationships with major telecom operators.
Huawei ~28% Extensive product portfolio and cost-effective solutions, particularly in emerging markets.

Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunities Risks
Expansion of 5G infrastructure and private networks. Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions impacting market access.
Growth in network software and cloud-based services. Intense competition leading to pricing pressures.
Strategic partnerships to broaden technology offerings and market reach. Technological obsolescence and the need for continuous innovation.

Industry Position

Nokia holds a significant position in the telecommunications industry, focusing on network infrastructure and related services. Key aspects of its industry standing include:

  • Technology Leadership: Known for its contributions to 5G and other advanced network technologies.
  • Global Presence: Operates in various regions, serving telecom operators and enterprises worldwide.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborates with other companies to enhance its offerings and expand its market reach.

For more in-depth insights into Nokia's investor profile, consider reading: Exploring Nokia Oyj (NOK) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

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