Financing the WP Strategic Plan
40% → 3%
Market share decline (2007-2011)
-88%
From peak of USD 39.72 (2007)
€4.3B
Windows Phone transformation
Nokia faces a critical strategic decision in 2011: how to fund a EUR 4.3 billion investment in its Windows Phone transformation. The company's market position has deteriorated dramatically from 40% market share in 2007 to just 3-5% by 2011, driven by the smartphone revolution led by Apple's iPhone and Google's Android.
This comprehensive financial analysis evaluates three financing alternatives—debt issuance, equity issuance, and dividend elimination—examining their impact on earnings per share, cash position, credit rating, and strategic flexibility.
Our analysis demonstrates that equity issuance is the optimal choice, providing full funding while maintaining investment-grade credit status and preserving strategic flexibility for the Windows Phone transformation.