* Sales SEK 46.4 (49.2) b, down 4% for comparable units, down 12%
currency adjusted
* Operating income 1) before JVs SEK 5.5 (5.6) b
* Operating margin 1) before JVs 11.7% (11.5%)
* Share in earnings from JVs 1) SEK -1.5 (0.0) b
* Income after financial items 1) SEK 4.0 (6.2) b
* Restructuring charges of SEK 2.7 (1.9) b, excl JV
* Net income SEK 0.8 (2.9) b
* Earnings per share SEK 0.25 (0.89)
* Cash flow 2) SEK 6.9 (2.7) b
1) Excluding restructuring charges
2) Excluding cash outlays for restructuring of SEK 1.2 (0.3) b and
dividend from Sony Ericsson of SEK 1.4 b in Q3 2008
CEO COMMENTS
"Sales of network equipment declined due to lower demand in the
current tougher market environment. Despite lower volumes, Network
margins remain stable. The strong development in Professional
Services continued," says
Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).
"Our cost reduction activities are running ahead of plan with further
opportunities for efficiency improvements and savings.
As commented on in previous reports, the economic climate affects the
global mobile infrastructure market and the credit environment is
still tight in several emerging markets. However, other markets,
including the world's leading economies such as China, India, US and
Japan show good development.
The technology shift from voice telephony to mobile broadband is
ongoing. Mobile broadband users and traffic are increasing rapidly
and will eventually connect billions of people to internet. With the
shift follows the anticipated decline in GSM sales, accelerated by
the current recession, which is not yet offset by the growth in
mobile broadband.
Our services operation continues to show strong development. While
managed services are often in focus, systems integration and
consulting are increasingly important. Services margins are stable
despite being negatively affected by the start up costs in the third
quarter for the Sprint and Zain services contracts as well as the
reduced scope and transformation costs for the renewed managed
services agreement in Italy.
In late September, we were pleased to welcome the former Sprint
employees into Ericsson, and we look forward to soon also welcome
former Nortel employees. This, together with the major contract wins
with Verizon, AT&T and Metro PCS in mobile and fixed broadband, makes
Ericsson the leading provider of telecommunications technology and
services in North America.
While the current economic environment affects all parts of society
the longer-term fundamentals for our industry remain solid. Mobile
telephony is reaching a penetration beyond all expectations. We
expect mobile broadband to show a similar exciting development over
the years to come, not least as the vast majority of the world's
population will be able to reach internet only through mobile
technology. We are well positioned to lead our industry forward,"
concludes Carl-Henric Svanberg.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INCOME STATEMENT AND CASH FLOW
Third quarter Second quarter Nine months
SEK b. 2009 2008 Change 2009 Change 2009 2008 Change
Net sales 46.4 49.2 -6% 52.1 -11% 148.1 141.9 4%
Net sales for
comparable units 46.4 48.2 -4% 52.1 -11% 148.1 137.8 7%
Gross margin 36.2% 37.0% - 36.3% - 36.3% 37.5% -
EBITDA margin
excl JVs 15.8% 15.4% - 16.8% - 15.3% 14.3% -
Operating income
excl JVs 5.5 5.6 -3% 6.9 -21% 17.1 13.7 25%
Operating margin
excl JVs 11.7% 11.5% - 13.3% - 11.5% 9.6% -
Income after
financial items 4.0 6.2 -35% 4.8 -18% 12.2 15.3 -21%
Net income 0.8 2.9 -74% 0.8 0% 3.4 7.6 -55%
EPS diluted, SEK 0.25 0.89 -72% 0.26 -4% 1.05 2.31 -55%
Adjusted cash
flow 1) 6.9 2.7 - 9.9 - 15.1 14.2 -
Cash flow
from operations 5.7 3.8 - 9.1 - 12.0 17.0 -
All numbers, excl. EPS, Net income and Cash flow from operations
excl. restructuring charges.
1) Cash flow from operations excl. restructuring cash outlays. Nine
months cash outlays of SEK 3.2 (0.8) b and dividends from Sony
Ericsson of SEK 0.0 (3.6) b
Sales in the quarter decreased 4% year-over-year for comparable
units, i.e. excluding Ericsson Mobile Platforms, and decreased 12%
adjusted for currency exchange rate effects and hedging. The third
quarter last year was comparatively strong with no normal
seasonality.
Sequential sales decreased 11%, negatively impacted by currency
exchange rate effects, seasonality and a reduced scope of the renewed
managed services agreement in Italy. The lower year-over-year sales
in Networks and Multimedia were partly offset by stronger sales in
Professional Services.
The gross margin, was flat sequentially despite the lower sales, and
decreased only slightly year-over-year to 36.2% (37.0%). The
year-over-year change is largely attributable to the sales mix, with
a higher proportion of network rollout and professional services,
efficiency gains and some currency exchange rate effects.
Operating expenses amounted to SEK 11.6 (12.9) b. in the quarter,
excluding restructuring charges. The year-over-year reduction is
primarily a result of ongoing cost reduction activities, offsetting
negative impact from currency exchange rate effects.
Operating income excluding joint ventures and restructuring charges
amounted
to SEK 5.5 (5.6) b. in the quarter, resulting in a slightly improved
operating margin of 11.7% (11.5%). The margin was stable sequentially
when adjusted for a capital gain of SEK 0.8 b. in the second quarter
2009.
Ericsson's share in earnings from joint ventures amounted to
SEK -1.5 (0.0) b. in the quarter, excluding restructuring charges.
This is a significant reduction from the second quarter as a result
of the ongoing efficiency improvements. Restructuring charges in
joint ventures were insignificant in the quarter.
Financial net was SEK 0.0 (0.5) b. in the quarter, due to lower
interest net.
Net income amounted to SEK 0.8 (2.9) b. in the quarter.
Adjusted cash flow amounted to SEK 6.9 (2.7) b. in the quarter, down
sequentially from SEK 9.9 b., excluding cash outlays for
restructuring of SEK 1.2 b. Year-to-date cash conversion rate was 87%
(102%). Trade receivables was positively impacted by currency
exchange rate effects and lower sales. While days sales outstanding
(DSO) improved slightly sequentially to 118 (121) days, the credit
environment is however still tough for second and third tier
operators in emerging markets.
Inventory was reduced by SEK 2.2 b. in the quarter to SEK 26.8 b. and
turnover was stable at 77 (78) days.
BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Sep 30 June 30 Mar 31 Dec 31
SEK b. 2009 2009 2009 2008
Net cash 33.9 27.9 22.9 34.7
Interest-bearing liabilities
and post-employment benefits 45.9 47.6 41.2 40.4
Trade receivables 62.4 69.4 75.2 75.9
Days sales outstanding 118 121 124 106
Inventory 26.8 29.0 30.7 27.8
Of which market 15.9
unit inventory 17.7 18.9 16.5
Inventory days 77 78 83 68
Payable days 57 59 65 55
Customer financing, net 2.7 3.1 2.8 2.8
Return on capital employed 4% 5% 7% 11%
Equity ratio 52% 51% 52% 50%
The net cash position amounted to SEK 33.9 (27.9) b., up SEK 6.0 b.
in the quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
amounted to SEK 79.8 (75.5) b.
Customer financing remained low at of SEK 2.7 (3.1) b., reduced by a
lower USD rate.
During the quarter, approximately SEK 3.1 b. of provisions were
utilized, of which SEK 1.2 b. were related to restructuring.
Additions of SEK 2.2 b. were made, of which SEK 0.5 b. related to
restructuring. Reversals of SEK 0.1 b. were made.
Ericsson intends to repurchase its callable bond EUR LME 6.75%,
maturing on November 28, 2010. The intention is to make a full
redemption on November 28, 2009, of all outstanding notes with a
total nominal amount of EUR 471 million. The repurchase will reduce
gross debt and improve annual interest net.
COST REDUCTIONS
In January, 2009, cost reduction activities were initiated, targeting
annual savings of SEK 10 b. from the second half of 2010, split
equally between cost of sales and operating expenses. Related
restructuring charges were estimated to SEK 6-7 b.
Restructuring charges, excluding joint ventures, in the third quarter
were SEK 2.7 b. with a total of SEK 7.0 b. of charges year-to-date.
At the end of the quarter, cash outlays of SEK 3.3 b. remain to be
made.
The transition to IP technologies with fewer software platforms as
well as products with less hardware paves the way for synergies
within the product portfolio. The program is ahead of plan and
additional opportunities for efficiency improvements have evolved
during the program. This will lead to further cost savings and
related charges during the last three quarters of the program.
First Full
Restructuring charges, Third Second quarter year
SEK b. quarter 2009 quarter 2009 2009 2008
Cost of sales -0.8 -1.3 -0.4 -2.5
Research and
development
expenses -1.8 -1.7 -0.3 -2.7
Selling and
administrative
expenses -0.1 -0.6 - -1.5
Total -2.7 -3.6 -0.7 -6.7
SEGMENT RESULTS
Third quarter Second quarter Nine months
SEK b. 2009 2008 Change 2009 Change 2009 2008 Change
Networks sales 30.3 33.0 -8% 34.7 -13% 98.6 96.3 2%
Of which network 5.8 4.7 24% 5.9 -2% 16.4 14.0 18%
rollout
EBITDA margin 15% 15% - 15% - 15% 15% -
Operating margin 11% 11% - 11% - 11% 10% -
Professional
Services 12.8 11.8 9% 14.1 -9% 39.7 32.8 21%
sales
Of which managed 3.6 3.5 3% 4.6 -22% 12.3 10.0 24%
services
EBITDA margin 17% 19% - 17% 1) - 17% 1) 17% -
Operating margin 15% 16% - 16% 1) - 15% 1) 14% -
Multimedia sales 3.4 3.5 -4% 3.3 1% 9.9 8.8 13%
2)
EBITDA margin 2) 19% 16% - 17% - 15% 9% -
Operating margin 11% 9% - 9% - 7% 1% -
2)
Sales from
divested and 0.0 0.9 - 0.0 - 0.0 4.0 -
transferred
businesses
Total sales 46.4 49.2 -6% 52.1 -11% 148.1 141.9 4%
All numbers exclude restructuring charges
1) Second quarter 2009 excludes a capital gain of SEK 0.8 b. from
divestment of TEMS
2) 2008 and 2009 numbers for Multimedia exclude divested Ericsson
Mobile Platforms and PBX operations
NETWORKS
Network sales in the third quarter declined year-over-year by 8%.
Even though
the comparison is tough with last year's strong third quarter, the
market was weaker. The markets are fairly strong in the world's
leading economies, while demand is weaker in several emerging markets
affected by the present economic climate.
The rapid growth in demand for mobile broadband continues although
the growth does not yet offset this year's lower demand for GSM.
The ongoing efficiency and cost reduction activities are driven by
new, less labor intense, products and fewer platforms. This leads to
a consolidation of sites which is a key element in the ongoing cost
reduction activities. Effects from the program are already visible,
and despite lower sales and a high level of network rollout,
EBITDA-margin was flat at 15%.
During the quarter, several strategic wins were achieved in mobile
and IP and the footprint in North America was significantly improved.
AT&T's selection of Ericsson as one of its domain suppliers of
wireline access, the LTE contract from Metro PCS and the planned
acquisition of Nortel's CDMA/LTE businesses, all contributed to the
strengthened position. The Nortel businesses are expected to be
consolidated in the fourth quarter and will be reported within
segments Networks and Professional Services.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Professional Services sales increased 9% year-over-year. Growth in
local currencies amounted to 4%. Total service sales, including
network rollout, now account for 40% of Group sales. In the present
financial climate there is strong demand for services targeting the
operational efficiency of operators such as managed services and
consulting. However, managed services sales increased by just 3%
year-over-year due to the reduced scope of the renewed agreement in
Italy. Other professional services sales increased by 11%
year-over-year.
EBITDA-margin in the quarter declined to 17% (19%) negatively
impacted by start-up costs from new managed services contracts with
Sprint, Zain as well as costs associated to the renewed agreement in
Italy. This was partially offset by continued efficiency gains.
The Sprint contract is a proof point of Ericsson's service offering,
as the services relate to a network with no Ericsson equipment. The
added CDMA competence brought by the former Sprint employees opens up
possibilities for further growth of the service business.
The total number of subscribers in managed operations is now 350
million, of which 50% are in high-growth markets.
MULTIMEDIA
Multimedia sales increased slightly sequentially despite seasonality.
Multimedia brokering (IPX) and consumer and business applications
continued to show good growth.
EBITDA-margin in the quarter for comparable units improved to 19%
(16%).
Sales and margins may still vary between quarters.
SONY ERICSSON
Second
Third quarter quarter Nine months
EUR m. 2009 2008 Change 2009 Change 2009 2008 Change
Number of units
shipped (m.) 14.1 25.7 -45% 13.8 2% 42.5 72.5 -41%
Average selling
price
(EUR) 114 109 5% 122 -7% 119 115 3%
Net sales 1,619 2,808 -42% 1,684 -4% 5,038 8,330 -40%
Gross margin 16% 22% - 12% - 12% 25% -
Operating margin -12% -1% - -16% - -17% 2% -
Income before
taxes -199 -23 - -283 - -853 179 -
Income before
taxes, excl
restructuring
charges -198 12 - -283 - -838 225 -
Net income -164 -25 - -213 - -669 114 -
Units shipped in the quarter were 14.1 million, a sequential increase
of 2% and a decrease of 45% year-over-year. Sales in the quarter were
EUR 1,619 million, a sequential decrease of 4% and a decrease of 42%
year-over-year.
The sequential decline in average selling price was due to product
mix and continued challenging market conditions. Gross margin
improved sequentially but dropped year-over-year due to lower sales
and currency exchange rate effects.
The sequential improvement was seen in both percentage rate and in
volume driven by cost saving activities and successful sales of the
W995 Walkman phone.
Income before taxes for the quarter, excluding restructuring charges,
was a loss
of EUR -198 (12) million. The loss in the second quarter was EUR -283
million.
The reduced loss was due to better cost of sales efficiency as well
as reduced operating expenses. As of September 30, 2009, Sony
Ericsson retained a net cash position of EUR 841 million.
Since the beginning of the quarter, facilities of EUR 455 million
were signed to strengthen the balance sheet and improve liquidity.
EUR 155 million were drawn by the end of September and EUR 100
million were drawn in the beginning of October. In addition, a
two-year committed back-up facility of EUR 200 million is available
but has not been utilized. The parent companies have guaranteed EUR
350 million of these facilities on a 50/50 basis.
Bert Nordberg, former head of Ericsson Silicon Valley and Executive
Vice President in Ericsson has been appointed President of Sony
Ericsson as of October 15, 2009.
Ericsson's share in Sony Ericsson's income before tax was SEK -1.0
(-0.1) b. in the quarter.
ST-ERICSSON
2009 2008
Third Second Proforma
USD m. quarter quarter Feb-Mar third quarter
Net sales 728 666 391 1,003
Adjusted operating income 1) -77 -165 -78 -34
Operating income before taxes -121 -224 -98 -59
Net income -112 -213 -89 NA
1) Operating loss adjusted for amortization of acquisition related
intangibles and restructuring charges
Net sales in the quarter showed an increase of 9% sequentially with
solid performance in Asia.
Adjusted operating loss in the quarter was USD -77 (-34) m. The
adjusted operating loss in the second quarter was USD -165 million.
The reduced loss reflects a tight control of product costs and
operational expenses as well as positive seasonal effects. The USD
250 m. cost synergies program, defined by ST-NXP Wireless in the
third quarter 2008, is now substantially completed. The new
restructuring plan of USD 230 m. cost synergies, announced at the end
of April, had a limited benefit to the third quarter result.
Gilles Delfassy, with a long experience from the microelectronics
business has been appointed President and CEO of ST-Ericsson as of
November 2, 2009.
ST-Ericsson is reported in US-GAAP. Ericsson's share in ST-Ericsson's
income before tax, adjusted to IFRS, was SEK -0.5 b. in the quarter,
including restructuring charges of SEK 0.1 b. Ericsson Mobile
Platforms incurred a loss of SEK 0.5 b. in January 2009, which is
added to the result in segment ST-Ericsson year-to-date.
REGIONAL OVERVIEW
Third quarter Second quarter Nine months
Sales, SEK b. 2009 2008 Change 2009 Change 2009 2008 Change
Western Europe 10.1 11.6 -13% 11.4 -11% 32.7 35.4 -8%
Central and
Eastern Europe, 11.6 13.1 -11% 12.6 -8% 36.7 35.5 4%
Middle East and
Africa
Asia Pacific 15.3 14.1 9% 17.4 -12% 49.0 42.8 15%
Latin America 5.0 6.1 -18% 4.8 4% 14.2 15.2 -7%
North America 4.4 4.3 1% 5.9 -27% 15.5 13.0 19%
Total 46.4 49.2 -6% 52.1 -11% 148.1 141.9 4%
Western Europe sales declined -6% year-over-year for comparable
units. However, the region showed growth when adjusting for the
impact of the reduced scope for the renewed managed services
agreement in Italy. UK showed the strongest growth driven by managed
services while Spain is still weak. Mobile broadband is growing
strongly throughout the region. This creates demand for more
spectrum, including new licenses for 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrums and
refarming of existing spectrum. There is also a continued increase in
demand for managed services.
Sales in Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa decreased
by -11% year-over-year. This is the region presently most impacted
by the economic climate including credit constraints. Egypt, Nigeria,
Turkey and Saudi Arabia showed the strongest development. The Turkish
market remains particularly strong with a continued fast rollout of
3G networks. New licenses are issued in the region, latest in
Tunisia, where Ericsson was selected as one of the main suppliers of
a new 2G and 3G network. The interest for managed services is strong
in the region and Ericsson has signed several new contracts.
Asia Pacific sales increased 9% year-over-year. India was the largest
market for Ericsson in the quarter. China sales were up significantly
year-over-year due to major 3G rollouts. Japan and Vietnam also
showed strong growth while markets such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and
Indonesia were down significantly. Several operators are forced to
delay investments due to credit constraints despite traffic growth.
Government driven next-generation broadband and fiber backhaul
networks are being built in several countries across the region.
Latin American sales decreased by -18% year-over-year with lower
demand across the region. Demand for mobile broadband continues to
develop well. Meanwhile, due to delays of licensing of new spectrum
and services, in larger countries like Mexico, Brazil and Argentina,
operators hold back investments
in new technologies and applications.
North American sales increased by 1% year-over-year in a tough
year-over-year comparison. Data traffic shows strong growth and the
demand for mobile broadband is high. AT&T named Ericsson as a domain
supplier for their wireline access network. Ericsson was also
selected sole LTE supplier to Metro PCS.
The Sprint Network Advantage partnership commenced on September 21.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH RATES ARE BASED ON ERICSSON AND MARKET ESTIMATES
The global economic slowdown is affecting all parts of the society.
However, we believe that the fundamentals for longer-term positive
development for our industry remain solid. The need for
telecommunication continues to grow and plays a vital role for the
development of a sustainable and prosperous society. Ericsson is well
positioned to drive and benefit from this development.
There is continued growth in mobile subscriptions, although the
current growth rate is lower than in 2008. Mobile subscriptions grew
by some 133 million in the quarter to a total of 4.4 billion. In
India alone subscriptions are growing by some 14 million per month.
The global number of new WCDMA subscriptions is accelerating and grew
by 36 million in the quarter to a total of 411 million. In the second
quarter, fixed broadband connections grew to 422 million, adding 12
million subscribers.
The traffic in the mobile networks is accelerating, which creates
need for new and expanded mobile networks and corresponding
professional services. GSM/WCDMA/LTE is the dominating technology
track. The build-out of telecommunications in emerging markets
continues, and although they represent less than one third of global
GDP they represent significantly more of the market for mobile
network equipment.
Data traffic, as part of operator revenues, continues to increase.
For many large operators, mobile data revenues now constitute 25% of
total service revenues or more. In addition to capacity enhancements,
operators face the challenge of converting to all-IP broadband
networks. This will include increased deployments of broadband
access, routing and transmission equipment along with next-generation
service delivery and revenue management systems.
There is continued strong growth in telecom services, fueled by
operators' desire to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency
in network operation and maintenance. The move toward all-IP and
increased network complexity will create further demand for systems
integration and consulting.
PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
Net sales for the nine-month period amounted to SEK 0.3 (4.1) b. and
income after financial items was SEK 5.8 (17.6) b. Effective January
1, 2009, the right to all license revenues from third parties related
to patent licenses has been transferred to Ericsson AB, a wholly
owned subsidiary, and consequently net sales in 2009 will be
insignificant compared to 2008.
Major changes in the Parent Company's financial position for the
nine-month period include investments in the joint venture with
ST-Ericsson of SEK 8.4 b., decreased current and non-current
receivables from subsidiaries of SEK 13.6 b. and increased cash and
bank and short-term investments of SEK 8.2 b.
Notes and bond loans increased by net SEK 5.8 b. through new
borrowings and loan repayment during the second quarter. Current and
non-current liabilities to subsidiaries increased by SEK 2.9 b. and
other current liabilities decreased by SEK 6.6 b. As per September
30, 2009, cash and bank and short-term investments amounted to SEK
67.4 (59.2) b.
In accordance with the conditions of the Stock Purchase Plans and
Option Plans for Ericsson employees, 2,164,500 shares from treasury
stock were sold or distributed to employees during the third quarter.
The holding of treasury stock at September 30, 2009, was 82,215,837
Class B shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
ERICSSON TO ACQUIRE MAJORITY OF NORTEL'S NORTH AMERICAN WIRELESS
BUSINESS
On July 25, 2009, Ericsson announced that it has entered into an
asset purchase agreement to acquire the parts of the Carrier Networks
division of Nortel relating to CDMA and LTE technology in North
America. The purchase is structured as an asset sale at a cash
purchase price of USD 1.13 b. on a cash and debt free basis.
Completion of the transaction is still subject to approval in the
United States.
NEW PRESIDENT OF SONY ERICSSON APPOINTED
On August 17, 2009, Bert Nordberg, Executive Vice President of
Ericsson was appointed President of Sony Ericsson as of October 15,
2009. Nordberg left his position in Ericsson when he joined Sony
Ericsson.
NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ST-ERICSSON
On September 2, 2009, Gilles Delfassy, was appointed President and
CEO of ST-Ericsson as of November 2, 2009. Delfassy is a highly
regarded expert in the wireless industry.
Head of strategy appointed
On August 11, 2009, Douglas L. Gilstrap was appointed Senior Vice
President and Head of Group Function Strategy as of October 1, 2009.
Gilstrap brings more than 15 years of experience in the global
telecommunications and IT industry.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK ENVIRONMENT
Ericsson's operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties
are described under "Risk factors Assessment of risk environment" in
our Annual Report 2008.
Risk factors and uncertainties in focus during the forthcoming
six-month period for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group
include:
* potential negative effects of the continued uncertainty in the
financial markets and the weak economic business environment on
operators' willingness to invest in network development as well as
uncertainty regarding the financial stability of suppliers, for
example due to lack of borrowing facilities, or reduced consumer
telecom spending, or increased pressure on us to provide financing;
* effects on gross margins and/or working capital of the product
mix in the Networks segment between sales of software, upgrades and
extensions and the pro-portion of new network build-outs and
break-in contracts;
* a volatile sales pattern in the Multimedia segment or
variability in our overall sales seasonality could make
it more difficult to forecast future sales;
* results and capital needs of our two major joint ventures, Sony
Ericsson and ST-Ericsson, which both are negatively affected to a
larger extent than our three other segments by the current economic
slowdown;
* effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our
customers as well as between our largest competitors, e.g.
intensified price competition;
* changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular USD and EUR;
* continued political unrest or instability in certain markets.
Ericsson conducts business in certain countries which are subject to
trade restrictions or which are focused on by certain investors. We
stringently follow all relevant regulations and trade embargos
applicable to us in our dealings with customers operating in such
countries. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with
Group level policies and directives for business ethics and con-duct.
In no way should our business activities in these countries be
construed as supporting a particular political agenda or regime. We
have activities in such countries mainly due to that certain
customers with multi-country operations put demands on us to support
them in all of their markets.
Please refer further to Ericsson's Annual Report 2008, where we
describe our risks and uncertainties along with our strategies and
tactics to mitigate the risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes.
Stockholm, October 22, 2009
Carl-Henric Svanberg
President and CEO
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Date for next report: January 25, 2010
AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT
We have reviewed this report for the period January 1 to September
30, 2009, for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). The board of
directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and
presentation of this interim report in accordance with IAS 34 and the
Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to ex-press a conclusion
on this interim report based on our review.
We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review
Engagements SÖG 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information
Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity, issued by FAR
SRS. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons
responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying
analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially
less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Standards on
Auditing in Sweden, RS, and other generally accepted auditing
practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to
obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all
significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore,
the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same
level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us
to believe that the interim report is not prepared, in all material
respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts
Act regarding the Group and with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act
regarding the Parent Company.
Stockholm, October 22, 2009
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Peter Clemedtson
Authorized Public Accountant
EDITOR'S NOTE
To read the complete report with tables, please go to:
www.ericsson.com/investors/financial_reports/2009/9month09-en.pdf
Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to a press conference
at the Ericsson headquarters, Torshamnsgatan 23, Stockholm, at 09.00
(CET), October 22.
An analysts, investors and media conference call will begin at 14.00
(CET).
Live webcasts of the press conference and conference call as well as
supporting slides will be available at www.ericsson.com/press and
www.ericsson.com/investors.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Henry Sténson, Senior Vice President, Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 4044
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com or
press.relations@ericsson.com
INVESTORS
Gary Pinkham, Vice President,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 0000
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
Susanne Andersson,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 4631
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
Lars Jacobsson,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 9489
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
MEDIA
Åse Lindskog, Vice President,
Head of Public and Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 9725, +46 730 244 872
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
Ola Rembe,
Public and Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 9727, +46 730 244 873
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. number: 556016-0680
Torshamnsgatan 23
SE-164 83 Stockholm
Phone: +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com
DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO THE SWEDISH SECURITIES MARKETS ACT
Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the
Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication
at 07.30 CET, on October 22, 2009.
Safe Harbor Statement of Ericsson under the US Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995;
All statements made or incorporated by reference in this release,
other than statements or characterizations of historical facts, are
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about
our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by
us. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such
as "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "predicts",
"believes", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will", "should", "would",
"potential", "continue", and variations or negatives of these words,
and include, among others, statements regarding: (i) strategies,
outlook and growth prospects; (ii) positioning to deliver future
plans and to realize potential for future growth; (iii) liquidity and
capital resources and expenditure, and our credit ratings; (iv)
growth in demand for our products and services; (v) our joint venture
activities; (vi) economic outlook and industry trends; (vii)
developments of our markets; (viii) the impact of regulatory
initiatives; (ix) re-search and development expenditures; (x) the
strength of our competitors; (xi) future cost savings; (xii) plans to
launch new products and services; (xiii) assessments of risks; (xiv)
integration of acquired businesses; (xv) compliance with rules and
regulations and (xvi) infringements of intellectual property rights
of others.
In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections
or other characterizations of future events or circumstances,
including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and
are based upon the information available to us at this time. Such
information is subject to change, and we will not necessarily inform
you of such changes. These statements are not guarantees of future
performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions
that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could
differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Important
factors that may cause such a difference for Ericsson include, but
are not limited to: (i) material ad-verse changes in the markets in
which we operate or in global economic conditions; (ii) increased
product and price competition; (iii) reductions in capital
expenditure by network operators; (iv) the cost of technological
innovation and increased expenditure to improve quality of service;
(v) significant changes in market share for our principal products
and services; (vi) foreign exchange rate or interest rate
fluctuations; and (vii) the successful implementation of our business
and operational initiatives.
