Core Viewpoint - HMD Global, after parting ways with Nokia, has faced significant challenges, leading to market exits and a potential reduction in operations in China and the U.S. [1][3][12] Group 1: Market Performance and Strategy - HMD has withdrawn from the U.S. market due to a challenging geopolitical and economic environment, and its flagship store on JD.com has ceased operations [1][3] - The company has discontinued several smartphone models launched in the past two years, indicating a possible reduction in its Chinese business [3][12] - HMD's initial success was attributed to leveraging Nokia's brand nostalgia, but the split from Nokia has severely impacted its market position [3][5] Group 2: Product Development and Challenges - HMD initially achieved over 10 million units in global sales by 2017, but subsequent strategic missteps in 2018 led to a decline in performance [6][8] - The company faced difficulties in the competitive mid-range market, particularly with the Nokia X6, which was unable to sustain profitability due to its pricing strategy [8][10] - The COVID-19 pandemic forced HMD to pivot towards feature phones, successfully capitalizing on a market shift but causing friction with Nokia, which aimed for a focus on smartphones [10][12] Group 3: Future Outlook - As of 2023, there are indications that HMD's licensing agreement with Nokia may not be renewed, with plans for HMD to launch its own brand products in 2024 [12][13] - The expiration of the Nokia brand license in March 2026 poses significant challenges for HMD, particularly in maintaining market presence in competitive regions like China and the U.S. [12][13] - The target demographic for feature phones primarily consists of older consumers who prefer established brands, making the loss of the Nokia brand a critical issue for HMD's future viability [12][13]