(Telecompaper) LG Electronics announced a net loss of KRW 205.7 billion (USD 189.4 million) for the fourth quarter, hurt by a write-off for the closure of its plasma TV operations. Operating profit was still up 28 percent year-on-year to KRW 275.1 billion, and revenues rose 4.9 percent to KRW 15.27 trillion, driven by strong growth in smartphone shipments. The mobile division recorded sales up 5 percent year-on-year to KRW 3.78 trillion, and smartphone shipments rose 18 percent to 15.6 million. Shipments to North America jumped 78 percent year-on-year, while LG's home market Korea was weaker due to reforms in handset subsidy regulations. LG's operating margin fell to 1.8 percent compared to 3.9 percent in Q3 due to the weak Korean market, lower ASPs due to intense competition and unfavourable currency movements. Compared to a year earlier, the mobile operating result improved to a profit of KRW 67.4 billion from a loss of KRW 43.4 billion. The company expects the smartphone market to continue to grow, but competition to gain market share in all regions will also intensify, with strong product line-ups from global players. LG said it will focus on improving profitability, led by a focus on premium models and concentrating on more selective markets.