6-K
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

October 20, 2017

Commission File Number

000-12033

LM ERICSSON TELEPHONE COMPANY

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Torshamnsgatan 21, Kista

SE-164 83, Stockholm, Sweden

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F  ☒ Form 40-F  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ☐

Announcement of LM Ericsson Telephone Company, October 20, 2017 regarding “Ericsson reports third quarter results 2017”.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (publ)
By:  

/s/     NINA MACPHERSON        

  Nina Macpherson
  Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer
By:  

/s/    HELENA NORRMAN        

  Helena Norrman
  Senior Vice President
  Corporate Marketing & Communications Officer

Date: October 20, 2017


Table of Contents

LOGO

THIRD QUARTER 2017

Stockholm, October 20, 2017    

 

THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  

Read more

(page)

   Reported sales decreased by -6% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency declined by -3%.    3
   Networks sales declined by -4% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units, currency and the rescoped managed services contract in North America, increased slightly.    7
   Gross margin was 25.4% (28.3%). Adjusted1) gross margin was 30.0% (29.4%) driven by increased adjusted1) gross margin in Networks.    4
   Operating income was SEK -4.8 (0.3) b. Adjusted1) operating income declined to SEK 0.0 (1.6) b. Higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs had a negative impact on operating income of SEK -1.5 (0.5) b.    4
   As communicated in the second quarter report 2017, the company identified an increased risk of further market and customer project adjustments. In the quarter provisions and adjustments were made impacting operating income by SEK -2.3 b., with limited effect on cash flow.    3
   As a result of the ongoing cost reductions, restructuring charges of SEK -2.8 (-1.3) b. were taken in the quarter. This included a write-down of SEK -1.6 b. related to the decision to close and divest the ICT center in Canada.    4
   Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 0.0 (-2.3) b. Free cash flow2) was SEK -0.5 (-5.0) b. Net cash per Sept. 30, 2017, was SEK 24.1 (16.3) b.    11

 

1) Adjusted: the numbers are adjusted for restructuring charges and for certain other items affecting comparability in 2017.
2) Free cash flow: Cash flow from operating activities less net capital expenditures and other investments, see APMs at the end of the report.

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
    Q3
2016
    YoY
change
    Q2
2017
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2017
    9 months
2016
 

Net sales

     47.8       51.1       -6     49.9       -4     144.1       157.4  

Net sales adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     47.7       51.1       -7     49.9       -5     145.4       157.4  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         -3     —         1     -11     -8

Gross margin

     25.4     28.3     —         27.9     —         22.6     31.4

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges and adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     30.0     29.4     —         29.8     —         30.1     32.2

Operating income

     -4.8       0.3       —         -1.2       —         -18.4       6.6  

Operating income excluding restructuring charges and adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     0.0       1.6       -102     0.3       -114     1.3       9.5  

Operating margin

     -10.0     0.7     —         -2.5     —         -12.7     4.2

Operating margin excluding restructuring charges and adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     -0.1     3.1     —         0.6     —         0.9     6.0

Net income

     -4.3       -0.2       —         -1.0       —         -16.2       3.5  

EPS diluted, SEK

     -1.34       -0.07       —         -0.30       —         -4.93       1.01  

EPS (non-IFRS), SEK3)

     -0.55       0.34       -262     0.17       —         -2.80       2.04  

Cash flow from operating activities

     0.0       -2.3       -99     0.0       —         -1.6       -5.4  

Net cash, end of period

     24.1       16.3       48     24.0       0     24.1       16.3  

 

3) EPS diluted, excl. amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangible assets, and excluding restructuring charges.    

Non-IFRS financial measures are reconciled to the most directly reconcilable line items in the financial statements at the end of this report.

 

1      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CEO COMMENTS

We continue to execute on our focused business strategy. While more remains to be done we are starting to see some encouraging improvements in our performance despite a continued challenging market. Networks showed a slight sales growth year over year, adjusted for the rescoped managed services contract in North America and for currency. Networks adjusted1) operating margin was 11%. While losses continue in IT & Cloud, we see increased stability in product roadmaps and projects.

The general market conditions continue to be tough. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency declined by -3% YoY. Sales in North America, adjusted for comparable units, currency and the rescoped managed services contract were stable. We also saw growth returning in several countries as operators are increasing their investments in network capacity. Sales in Mainland China declined as the market is normalizing following a period of significant 4G deployments, representing more than 60% of global 4G volumes in the industry. We have managed to increase our LTE market shares in Mainland China to position Ericsson in 5G. However, this will have a dilutive effect on gross margin in Mainland China in Q4 2017, but the ambition is to continue to deliver double digit adjusted operating margin in Networks in Q4 2017.

Reported operating income was negative at SEK -4.8 (0.3) b. in the quarter while the operating income, adjusted for restructuring, additional provisions and adjustments as well as a gain from divestment of the power modules business, was SEK 0.0 (1.6) b. Operating income was negatively impacted by higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs of SEK -1.5 (0.5) b. As described in the second quarter report, we have reduced capitalization of development expenses and deferral of hardware costs due to technology and portfolio shifts.

As communicated in the Q2 2017 report we have identified an increased risk of further market and customer project adjustments, considering the current market environment and our focused strategy. In total, the negative impact on results was then estimated to be SEK 3-5 b. until mid-2018. In the quarter, costs of SEK 2.3 b. impacted the result, with limited effect on cash flow. With current visibility, we believe we will be in the higher end of the range of the risk estimate.

Restructuring charges in the quarter were SEK -2.8 b. including a write-down of SEK -1.6 b. related to one of our global ICT centers, as rapid technology development allows us to consolidate test activities to the two remaining centers. For full-year 2017 we expect restructuring charges to be approximately SEK 9-10 b.

In the quarter, we have accelerated cost and efficiency measures, which are key in our focused strategy. Activities to reduce the workforce have been initiated in many markets. In the quarter, there was a net reduction of 3,000 employees despite 1,100 new recruitments in R&D. We expect efficiency improvements to accelerate in the fourth quarter to reach an annual run-rate effect of at least SEK 10 b. by mid-2018.

Sales in Networks grew, adjusted for currency and the previously communicated rescoped managed services contract in North America. Higher hardware capacity sales and a more competitive product portfolio resulted in an adjusted1) operating margin of 11% (9 %). The Ericsson Radio System portfolio, accounting for 55% of total radio volumes year to date, is proving competitive, contributing both to improved earnings and a stronger market position.

The work to focus the managed services business and to review under-performing contracts continues. To date we have either exited, renegotiated or transformed 13 out of the 42 contracts, resulting in an annualized profit improvement of SEK 0.4 b.

In IT & Cloud, sales declined and losses increased in the quarter. The increase in QoQ losses is largely due to higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses of SEK -0.7 (0.4) b. Our turn-around plan builds on stability, profitability and growth in that order. The initial focus has been on stabilizing both product roadmaps and challenging contracts. We have made good progress in the quarter. However, securing deliveries on large transformation projects puts pressure on gross margin in the near term.

The IT & Cloud business is of strategic importance as our customers are preparing for 5G and will digitalize their operations and invest in a future network architecture based on software-defined logic.

We now expand our focus to improve profitability through increased efficiency in service delivery. In addition, we will scale the software part of the business mix and increase the level of pre-integration services, which will lead to a higher gross margin but lower services sales. Positive effects on gross margin are expected in 2018.

Despite continued decline in legacy product sales there is good traction in our new media portfolio with several important wins in the quarter. We have accelerated our efficiency measures and continue to pursue strategic opportunities for this business.

Managing our cash is a top priority. Free cash flow2) in the quarter was SEK -0.5 (-5.0) b., driven by reductions in working capital and lower CAPEX. Our net cash position remained solid at SEK 24.1b.

We remain fully committed to our focused business strategy. We continue to invest to secure technology leadership and year to date we have recruited more than 1,000 R&D employees in Networks. Customers give positive feedback on both our long-term strategy and on our current 5G-ready portfolio.

Börje Ekholm

President and CEO

 

1) Adjusted: the numbers are adjusted for restructuring charges and for certain other items affecting comparability in 2017.
2) Free cash flow: Cash flow from operating activities less net capital expenditures and other investments, see APMs at the end of the report.
 

 

2      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
    Q3
2016
    YoY
change
    Q2
2017
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2017
    9 months
2016
 

Net sales

     47.8       51.1       -6     49.9       -4     144.1       157.4  

Of which Networks

     35.5       37.0       -4     36.8       -4     107.2       117.2  

Of which IT & Cloud

     10.3       11.7       -12     10.9       -6     30.7       33.0  

Of which Other

     2.0       2.3       -13     2.2       -8     6.2       7.1  

Gross income

     12.1       14.5       -16     13.9       -13     32.5       49.3  

Gross margin (%)

     25.4     28.3     —         27.9     —         22.6     31.4

Research and development expenses

     -10.5       -7.9       34     -8.4       26     -28.0       -22.7  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6.8       -6.2       10     -7.1       -3     -23.7       -20.1  

Other operating income and expenses

     0.4       0.0       —         0.2       74     0.8       0.0  

Operating income

     -4.8       0.3       —         -1.2       —         -18.4       6.6  

Operating margin

     -10.0     0.7     —         -2.5     —         -12.7     4.2

for Networks

     1     8     —         7     —         2     11

for IT & Cloud

     -41     -15     —         -26     —         -52     -16

for Other

     -48     -32     —         -44     —         -77     -22

Financial net

     -0.3       -0.6       -47     0.1       —         -0.7       -1.6  

Taxes

     0.8       0.1       —         0.2       —         2.9       -1.5  

Net income

     -4.3       -0.2       —         -1.0       —         -16.2       3.5  

Restructuring charges

     -2.8       -1.3       123     -1.5       86     -6.1       -2.9  

Q3 2017 ADJUSTED FOR RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY

 

SEK b.

   Q3 2017
reported
    Restructuring
charges
     Provisions
and customer
project
adjustments
     Gain from
divestment
of Power
Modules
     Q3 2017
adjusted
    Q3 2016
adjusted
    Q2 2017
adjusted
    Q1 2017
adjusted
 

Net sales

     47.8       —          -0.1        —          47.7       51.1       49.9       47.8  

Cost of sales

     -35.7       0.8        1.5        —          -33.4       -36.1       -35.1       -33.2  

Gross income

     12.1       0.8        1.3        —          14.3       15.0       14.9       14.6  

Gross margin (%)

     25     —          —          —          30     29     30     31

Research and development expenses

     -10.5       1.9        —          —          -8.6       -7.3       -8.0       -6.7  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6.8       0.1        0.9        —          -5.8       -6.0       -6.8       -7.0  

Other operating income and expenses

     0.4       —          —          -0.3        0.1       0.0       0.2       0.1  

Operating income

     -4.8       2.8        2.3        -0.3        0.0       1.6       0.3       1.1  

for Networks

     0.4       1.5        2.2        -0.3        3.8       3.4       3.5       4.3  

for IT & Cloud

     -4.2       1.1        0.0        —          -3.1       -1.1       -2.4       -2.2  

for Other

     -1.0       0.2        0.0        —          -0.8       -0.7       -0.8       -1.0  

Operating margin

     -10     —          —          —          0     3     1     2

 

Restructuring charges, provisions and adjustments related to customer projects had a significant negative impact on the reported Q3 2017 result. Numbers excluding these items are referred to in the text as “adjusted”.

Net sales

Sales as reported decreased by -6 % YoY. Networks sales declined by -4% YoY, partly due to the earlier communicated rescoped managed services contract in North America effective as from Q4, 2016. Sales in IT & Cloud and Other declined YoY by -12% and -13% respectively, mainly due to the continued decline in legacy product sales. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased -3% YoY.

Sequential sales were down -4%, impacted by lower exchange rate between USD and SEK and by seasonality. Sales, adjusted for comparable units and currency, increased by 1%.

Total sales of Managed Services as defined in 2016, including Broadcast Services, were SEK 6.2 (7.2) b. The decline is mainly an effect of the earlier communicated rescoped managed services

contract in North America. The definition of Managed Services will be adjusted by Jan 1, 2018, at the latest, to mirror the new organization.

IPR licensing revenues

IPR licensing revenues declined to SEK 1.9 (2.0) b. YoY and from SEK 2.0 b. QoQ, due to a weaker USD to SEK.

Provisions and customer project adjustments

As announced in the Q2 report, 2017, the company identified a risk of further market and customer project adjustments, which would have a negative impact on results, of an estimated SEK 3-5 b., up to mid-2018. In the quarter, SEK 2.3 b. of provisions and adjustments were made, of which SEK 2.1 b. had no impact on cash outflow. The SEK 2.3 b. relates mainly to consequences of strategy implementation and changes in market environment in certain countries. The lion’s share relates to ongoing negotiations of customer contract executions and SEK 0.9 b. is for impairment of trade receivables.

 

 

3      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

Gross margin

Gross margin declined to 25.4% (28.3%) due to the additional provisions and adjustments made in the quarter. The adjusted gross margin increased to 30.0% (29.4%) with an improved gross margin in Networks, partly offset by a lower gross margin in IT & Cloud.

Gross margin decreased sequentially to 25.4% from 27.9% due to the additional provisions and adjustments. The adjusted gross margin increased slightly QoQ to 30.0% from 29.8%, with an improved gross margin in Networks partly offset by a decreased gross margin in IT & Cloud.

Higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs had a negative effect on Networks gross margin of SEK -0.4 (0.1) b. In Q2 there was no negative effect of deferral of hardware costs. For more details, see section Consequences of technology and portfolio shifts.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to SEK 17.4 (14.1) b. mainly due to SEK 1.3 b. of higher restructuring charges and SEK 0.9 b. of additional provisions and adjustments made in the quarter. Adjusted operating expenses increased to SEK 14.4 (13.4) b. due to increased R&D expenses at SEK 8.6 (7.3) b. The adjusted R&D expenses increased mainly due to higher amortized than capitalized development expenses with a negative effect of SEK -0.6 (0.8) b.

Adjusted selling and administrative expenses declined to SEK 5.8 (6.0) b.

Operating expenses increased sequentially to SEK 17.4 b. from SEK 15.4 b. due to additional provisions and adjustments of SEK 0.9 b. and increased restructuring charges of SEK -2.0 (0.6) b. Adjusted operating expenses decreased QoQ to SEK 14.4 b. from SEK 14.8 b., mainly due to seasonality. Higher amortized than capitalized development expenses had a negative QoQ effect of SEK -0.7 b. For more details, see section Consequences of technology and portfolio shifts.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses increased both YoY and QoQ. The main part of the SEK 0.4 b. of other operating income and expenses is related to a gain for the sale of the power modules business of SEK 0.3 b.

As of Q1 2017, the funding of foreign exchange forecast hedging is managed through foreign exchange loans (USD) instead of foreign exchange derivatives. Therefore the revaluation and realization effects are included in financial expenses instead of in other operating income and expenses.

Revaluation and realization effects of currency hedge contracts, impacted other operating income and expenses with SEK -0.2 b. in Q3 2016.

Consequences of technology and portfolio shifts

Due to technology and portfolio shifts the company is reducing the capitalization of product platforms, software release development expenses and hardware costs. As a consequence, higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs had a negative impact on operating income of SEK -1.5 (0.5) b. in the quarter. A negative impact on operating income of SEK -1.4 b. is expected in Q4 2017 for the same reason. Full-year impact is expected to be SEK -3 b. for 2018 and SEK -1 to -2 b. for 2019.

IMPACT FROM AMORTIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES AND FROM RECOGNITION AND DEFERRAL OF HARDWARE COSTS

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
     Q3
2016
     Q2
2017
 

Cost of Sales

     -0.9        -0.3        -0.4  

R&D expenses

     -0.6        0.8        0.1  

Total impact

     -1.5        0.5        -0.3  

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges were SEK -2.8 (-1.3) b. Restructuring charges in Q2 2017 were SEK -1.5 b. In the quarter the company decided to close and initiate a divestment process for one of its three global ICT centers, the one in Canada, following less need of capacity. This is expected to be completed by the second half of 2018, with an estimated R&D annual run-rate saving of SEK 0.3 b. This resulted in a write-down of property, plant and equipment and the total restructuring charges related to this decision were SEK -1.6 b. in the quarter, with no impact on cash flow.

Restructuring charges for Q4 2017 are estimated to be SEK 3-4 b. For full-year 2017, the total restructuring charges are estimated to be SEK 9-10 b., previously estimated to be in the higher end of the range of SEK 6-8 b.

Operating income

Operating income decreased to SEK -4.8 (0.3) b. negatively impacted by increased restructuring charges of SEK -2.8 (-1.3) b. and by additional provisions and adjustments of SEK -2.3 b. in the quarter. The negative impact was partly offset by a gain related to the divestment of the power modules business of SEK 0.3 b.

Adjusted operating income declined to SEK 0.0 (1.6) b. due to higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs of SEK -1.5 (0.5) b. as well as lower sales. This was partly offset by improved adjusted gross margin.

Operating income declined sequentially to SEK -4.8 b. from SEK -1.2 b. due to higher restructuring charges and additional provisions and adjustments made in the quarter. Adjusted operating income declined slightly QoQ due to higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs partly offset by seasonally lower SG&A expenses.

 

 

4      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

Financial net

Financial net was SEK -0.3 (-0.6) b. In the quarter there were positive revaluation and realization effects of foreign exchange forecast hedging of SEK 0.2 b. The QoQ decline was related to lower currency revaluation effects in Q3 compared with Q2. The SEK strengthened against the USD between June 30, 2017 (SEK/USD rate 8.46) and Sept. 30, 2017 (SEK/USD rate 8.15). The hedge balance is in USD.

Taxes

Taxes were positive in the quarter following the negative income. The tax rate applied is the best estimate for the full year.

Net income and EPS

Net income and EPS diluted decreased YoY and QoQ following the reduced operating income. EPS diluted was SEK -1.34 (-0.07) and EPS (non-IFRS) was SEK -0.55 (0.34).

Employees

The number of employees on Sept. 30, 2017 was 105,852 - a net reduction of more than 3,000 employees in Q3.

Focused strategy execution

The company has so far identified three indicators to measure the progress of strategy execution. KPIs for cost reduction will be added later.

 

Area

  

Activity

  

Status Q3 2017

Networks    Transition to new Ericsson Radio System    55% (Q2: 49%) (ERS radio unit deliveries out of total, year to date)
IT & Cloud    Growth in sales of new product portfolio    Net sales decline of -5% (Q2: 7%), rolling 12 months
Managed Services    Addressing low-performing contracts    Out of 42 contracts identified, 13 (Q2: 9) have been renegotiated to result in an annualized future profit improvement of SEK 0.4 b. (Q2: SEK 0.1 b.)

As part of the focused business strategy the company divested its power modules business in the quarter. In addition, Francisco Partners completed its acquisition of 16.7% ownership in Ericsson subsidiary iconectiv.

 

 

PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS GOING FORWARD

Market related    

 

  In line with previous estimate and that of external sources, the Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment market outlook is estimated to decline by -8% for full-year 2017.

Ericsson related

 

  Focusing the business and addressing low-performing operations in Managed Services, Industry & Society and Network Rollout is expected to reduce full-year sales by up to SEK 10 b. by 2019.

 

  Sequential sales increase between Q3 and Q4 is expected to be lower than normal seasonality (normal +24%) driven by decreased 4G investments levels in Mainland China, primarily impacting Networks.

 

  The plan is to implement cost savings with an annual run rate effect of at least SEK 10 b. by mid-2018.
  Expanded focus on profitability in IT & Cloud is expected to generate positive effects on gross margin in 2018.

 

  The company aims to increase R&D efficiency. However, to strengthen the technology leadership, R&D expenses will increase primarily in Networks.

 

  Impact of higher amortization than capitalization of development expenses and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs: Q3 2017 SEK -1.5 b. Estimate for: Q4 2017 SEK -1.4 b., full-year 2018 SEK -3 b., full-year 2019 SEK -1 to -2 b.

 

  Restructuring charges for Q4 2017 are estimated to be SEK 3-4 b.

 

  The earlier estimated risk of market and customer project adjustments of SEK 3-5 b. from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, are now expected to be in the higher end of the range. 30% is estimated to impact cash.

 

  To position Ericsson in 5G in Mainland China, the company has managed to increase its market shares. However, this will have a dilutive effect on gross margin in Mainland China in Q4 2017, but the ambition is to continue to deliver double digit adjusted operating margin in Networks in Q4 2017.
 

 

5      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

MARKET AREA SALES    

 

     Third quarter 2017      Change  

SEK b.

   Networks      IT &
Cloud
     Other      Total      YoY     QoQ  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     6.3        1.1        0.1        7.5        -3     -3

North East Asia

     4.1        1.5        0.0        5.6        -9     -5

North America

     9.6        2.0        0.3        11.9        -10     -5

Europe and Latin America

     9.6        3.7        0.8        14.1        -6     -7

Middle East and Africa

     4.3        1.9        0.1        6.2        -1     4

Other 1)

     1.7        0.1        0.7        2.5        -7     -5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     35.5        10.3        2.0        47.8        -6     -4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1) Market Area “Other” includes licensing revenues, power modules, mobile broadband modules, Ericsson-LG Enterprise and other businesses.    

 

South East Asia, Oceania and India

Reported sales declined slightly YoY due to currency movements and timing of mobile broadband infrastructure investments. This was partly offset by increased IT & Cloud sales primarily in India.

North East Asia

Sales declined YoY partly due to currency movements. Sales in Mainland China declined due to reduced LTE investments. IT & Cloud sales declined YoY as one customer requested deliveries in Q2, previously planned for Q3. Networks sales in Japan increased.

North America

North America sales declined YoY, due to the earlier communicated rescoped managed services contract and weaker currency. Mobile broadband infrastructure sales remained stable, driven by capacity expansions for increased data traffic in the networks. IT & Cloud sales declined slightly, where sales follow project milestones.

Europe and Latin America

Sales declined YoY, primarily driven by lower sales in Latin America despite growth in mobile broadband investments in Brazil. Sales in Europe were stable YoY. Currency movements had a negative impact on sales growth YoY.

Middle East and Africa

Sales were flat YoY, negatively impacted by currency movements and declining sales in Africa. Sales in the Middle East showed growth despite a continued challenging macroeconomic environment.

Other

IPR licensing revenues amounted to SEK 1.9 (2.0) b. impacted by a weaker USD to SEK.

LOGO

 

 

 

6      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

SEGMENT RESULTS    

NETWORKS    

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
    Q3
2016
    YoY
change
    Q2
2017
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2017
    9 months
2016
 

Net sales

     35.5       37.0       -4     36.8       -4     107.2       117.2  

Of which products

     19.8       19.2       3     20.8       -5     60.0       65.1  

Of which IPR licensing revenues

     1.5       1.6       -5     1.6       -2     4.7       6.4  

Of which services

     15.7       17.8       -12     16.1       -2     47.2       52.1  

Net sales adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     35.4       37.0       -4     36.8       -4     108.4       117.2  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         -1     —         3     -11     —    

Gross income

     9.1       9.9       -8     10.4       -12     27.4       35.4  

Gross income excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     10.9       10.2       7     11.0       0     33.2       36.4  

Gross margin

     26     27     —         28     —         26     30

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     31     28     —         30     —         31     31

Operating income

     0.4       2.8       -87     2.6       -86     2.4       13.4  

Operating income excl. restructuring charges and adj. certain for items affecting comparability in 2017

     3.8       3.4       12     3.5       8     11.7       14.9  

Operating margin

     1     8     —         7     —         2     11

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     11     9     —         10     —         11     13

EBITA margin

     1     8     —         7     —         3     12

Restructuring charges

     -1.5       -0.6       178     -0.9       67     -3.9       -1.5  

Q3 2017 ADJUSTED FOR RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY

 

SEK b.

   Q3 2017
reported
    Restructuring
charges
     Provisions and
customer project
adjustments
     Gain from
divestment of
Power Modules
     Q3 2017
adjusted
    Q3 2016
adjusted
    Q2 2017
adjusted
    Q1 2017
adjusted
 

Net Sales

     35.5       —          -0.1        —          35.4       37.0       36.8       36.2  

Cost of sales

     26.4       0.5        1.4        —          -24.4       -26.8       -25.9       -24.9  

Gross income

     9.1       0.5        1.3        —          10.9       10.2       11.0       11.3  

Gross margin

     26     —          —          —          31     28     30     31

Operating income

     0.4       1.5        2.2        -0.3        3.8       3.4       3.5       4.3  

Operating margin

     1     —          —          —          11     9     10     12

 

Restructuring charges, provisions and adjustments related to customer projects had a significant negative impact on the reported Q3 2017 result. Numbers excluding these items are referred to in the text as “adjusted”.

Net sales

Sales as reported declined by -4% YoY due to a decline in network services sales of -12%. The network product sales increased by 3% YoY. The decline in network services sales YoY was due to lower sales of managed services and network rollout. The lower managed services sales was mainly a result of the earlier communicated rescoped contract in North America. In addition, both network rollout sales and managed services sales decreased as a consequence of the ongoing work to focus the business and address low performing contracts. Network design and optimization showed good growth. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -1% YoY.

Reported sales decreased by -4% QoQ. Sales, adjusted for comparable units and currency, increased by 3%.

The new radio portfolio continued to generate business. The Ericsson Radio System (ERS) accounted for 55% of total radio unit deliveries year to date.

The plan is to have fully transitioned the radio unit deliveries to ERS by the end of 2018.

Gross margin

Gross margin declined to 26% (27%) YoY, due to the additional provisions and adjustments. The adjusted gross margin increased to 31% (28%) mainly due to higher hardware capacity sales. This was partly offset by a negative effect from higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs of SEK -0.4 (0.1) b. The gross margin increased across all businesses except for managed services.

As earlier communicated, 42 managed services contracts have been identified for exit, renegotiation or transformation, in order to focus the business and improve profitability. Year to date 13 of these contracts have been addressed, resulting in an annualized profit improvement of approximately SEK 0.4 b. going forward.

Gross margin decreased sequentially to 26% from 28% following the additional provisions and adjustments made in the quarter. Adjusted gross margin increased to 31% from 30%. This was mainly due to higher software sales, partly offset by higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs of SEK -0.4 (0.0) b.

 

 

7      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

Operating income and margin

Operating income and margin decreased YoY and QoQ, due to increased restructuring charges and the additional provisions and adjustments made in the quarter. The decrease was partly offset by a gain related to divestment of the power modules business of SEK 0.3 b. The adjusted operating income increased to SEK 3.8 (3.4) b., due to improved gross margin. This was partly offset by lower sales and higher amortization than capitalization and higher recognition than deferral of hardware costs together amounting to SEK -0.7 (0.0) b. which is a consequence of technology and portfolio shifts. R&D expenses, excluding the effect of lower capitalization of development expenses, increased slightly YoY. This is in line with the already communicated focused business strategy.

IMPACT FROM AMORTIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES AND FROM RECOGNITION AND DEFERRAL OF HARDWARE COSTS

 

SEK b.

   Q3 2017      Q3 2016      Q2 2017  

Cost of Sales

     -0.6        -0.1        -0.1  

R&D expenses

     -0.1        0.1        0.1  

Total impact

     -0.7        0.0        0.0  

Sequentially the adjusted operating income increased to SEK 3.8 b. from SEK 3.5 b. and the adjusted operating margin increased to 11% (10%). The improvement is due to increased gross margin and lower operating expenses. The increase was partly offset by lower sales.

 

 

8      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

IT & CLOUD

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
    Q3
2016
    YoY
change
    Q2
2017
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2017
    9 months
2016
 

Net sales

     10.3       11.7       -12     10.9       -6     30.7       33.0  

Of which products

     4.7       5.5       -15     5.1       -8     13.8       15.6  

Of which IPR licensing revenues

     0.2       0.2       -5     0.2       -2     0.6       0.8  

Of which services

     5.6       6.2       -10     5.8       -4     16.9       17.5  

Net sales adjusted for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     10.3       11.7       -12     10.9       -6     30.8       33.0  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         -9     —         -1     -9     —    

Gross income

     2.4       3.8       -38     2.8       -16     3.1       11.2  

Gross income excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     2.6       3.9       -33     3.1       -14     8.4       11.5  

Gross margin

     23     33     —         26     —         10     34

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     26     34     —         28     —         27     35

Operating income

     -4.2       -1.7       141     -2.9       46     -16.1       -5.3  

Operating income excl. restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     -3.1       -1.1       172     -2.4       28     -7.8       -4.0  

Operating margin

     -41     -15     —         -26     —         -52     -16

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     -30     -10     —         -22     —         -25     -12

EBITA margin

     -39     -12     —         -24     —         -48     -14

Restructuring charges

     -1.1       -0.6       75     -0.5       132     -1.8       -1.3  

Q3 2017 ADJUSTED FOR RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY

 

SEK b.

   Q3 2017
reported
    Restructuring
charges
     Provisions and
customer project
adjustments
     Q3 2017
adjusted
    Q3 2016
adjusted
    Q2 2017
adjusted
    Q1 2017
adjusted
 

Net Sales

     10.3       —          —          10.3       11.7       10.9       9.6  

Cost of sales

     -7.9       0.2        0.0        -7.6       -7.8       -7.8       -6.9  

Gross income

     2.4       0.2        0.0        2.6       3.9       3.1       2.7  

Gross margin

     23     —          —          26     34     28     28

Operating income

     -4.2       1.1        0.0        -3.1       -1.1       -2.4       -2.2  

Operating margin

     -41     —          —          -30     -10     -22     -23

 

Net sales

Sales as reported declined by -12% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -9% YoY, with reduced sales in North East Asia, also impacting sales of new portfolio. Due to the ongoing technology shift in the portfolio, sales of legacy portfolio products continued to decline. Services sales declined following lower activity in large transformation projects.

Sales decreased by -6% QoQ mainly due to currency effects.

Gross margin

Gross margin declined YoY, partly impacted by a sales mix with a higher share of services sales. In addition, the services margin continues to be negatively impacted by ongoing large transformation projects.

Gross margin decreased QoQ, mainly due to reduced services margins in large transformation projects. Focus is on fulfilling customer commitments, which puts pressure on near-term profitability.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased YoY impacted by reduced gross margin, lower sales and increased restructuring charges. In addition, due to technology changes, there was a negative impact YoY from higher amortized than capitalized development expenses. This impact was SEK -0.7 b. in Q3 2017, SEK 0.4 b in Q3 2016 and SEK -0.2 b. in Q2 2017. Reductions in operating expenses contributed positively to operating income.

IMPACT FROM AMORTIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
     Q3
2016
     Q2
2017
 

Cost of Sales

     -0.3        -0.2        -0.3  

R&D expenses

     -0.4        0.6        0.1  

Total impact

     -0.7        0.4        -0.2  

Operating income declined QoQ mainly due to increased restructuring charges, lower capitalized development expenses and a reduced gross margin.

 

 

9      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OTHER    

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
    Q3
2016
    YoY
change
    Q2
2017
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2017
    9 months
2016
 

Net sales

     2.0       2.3       -13     2.2       -8     6.2       7.1  

Of which IPR licensing revenues

     0.2       0.2       -5     0.2       -2     0.6       0.8  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         -11     —         -4     -15     —    

Gross income

     0.7       0.8       -13     0.7       -12     2.0       2.8  

Gross income excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     0.7       0.8       -13     0.8       -11     2.1       2.9  

Gross margin

     32     32     —         34     —         32     39

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     35     36     —         37     —         34     40

Operating income

     -1.0       -0.8       30     -1.0       2     -4.8       -1.5  

Operating income excl. restructuring charges and adj for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     -0.8       -0.7       17     -0.8       -8     -2.6       -1.4  

Operating margin

     -48     -32     —         -44     —         -77     -22

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges and adj. for certain items affecting comparability in 2017

     -38     -28     —         -38     —         -42     -19

EBITA margin

     -44     -24     —         -38     —         -58     -13

Restructuring charges

     -0.2       -0.1       107     -0.1       65     -0.4       -0.2  

Q3 2017 ADJUSTED FOR RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS AFFECTING COMPARABILITY

 

SEK b.

   Q3 2017
reported
    Restructuring
charges
     Provisions and
customer project
adjustments
     Q3 2017
adjusted
    Q3 2016
adjusted
    Q2 2017
adjusted
    Q1 2017
adjusted
 

Net Sales

     2.0       —          —          2.0       2.3       2.2       2.0  

Cost of sales

     -1.4       0.1        —          -1.3       -1.5       -1.4       -1.4  

Gross income

     0.7       0.1        —          0.7       0.8       0.8       0.6  

Gross margin

     32     —          —          35     36     37     31

Operating income

     -1.0       0.2        —          -0.8       -0.7       -0.8       -1.0  

Operating margin

     -48     —          —          -38     -28     -38     -51

The former Media segment is renamed to “Other” in the external reporting as per Q2 2017.    

 

Net sales

Sales as reported declined by -13% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -11% YoY, with a continued decline in legacy products sales in Media Solutions. In addition, sales in Broadcast Services declined due to contract scope changes and renegotiations. The momentum for the next-generation MediaFirst platform continued with an important customer agreement in Japan announced in the quarter. The iconectiv business (number portability solutions) continued to show growth YoY. The UDN (Unified Delivery Network) business reported its initial revenues and a contract with DTV, NTT DOCOMO’s content provider entity, was announced in the quarter.

Sales as reported decreased by -8% QoQ, mainly due to currency effects and seasonality.

Gross margin

Gross margin was stable YoY. Gross margin declined QoQ, due to a changed sales mix with a larger share of services.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased YoY mainly due to lower capitalization of development expenses of SEK -0.1 (0.1) b., which is a consequence of technology shift. In addition, increased restructuring charges had a negative effect on reported operating income. Continued efficiency improvements in Media Solutions and Broadcast Services contributed positively to operating income.

IMPACT FROM AMORTIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2017
     Q3
2016
     Q2
2017
 

Cost of Sales

     —          —          —    

R&D expenses

     -0.1        0.1        -0.1  

Total impact

     -0.1        0.1        -0.1  

Operating income was stable QoQ. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved slightly QoQ, driven by lower operating expenses, however partly offset by lower sales.

 

 

10      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CASH FLOW    

 

     Q3     Q3     Q2  

SEK b.

   2017     2016     2017  

Net income reconciled to cash

     -1.9       1.5       -0.8  

Changes in operating net assets

     1.9       -3.8       0.8  

Cash flow from operating activities

     0.0       -2.3       0.0  

Cash flow from investing activities

     3.3       -2.0       -2.0  

Cash flow from financing activities

     1.4       -1.5       -8.9  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     4.8       -4.5       -11.5  

Free cash flow: Cash flow from operating activities less net capital expenditures and other investments

     -0.5       -5.0       -1.3  

Cash conversion (%)

     1     -155     0

 

Operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 0.0 b. in the quarter. A negative net income reconciled to cash was fully offset by a positive effect from changes in operating net assets. Cash flow from other operating assets and liabilities was SEK 1.2 b. which was mainly due to increased advance payment from customers.

Cash outlays related to restructuring charges were SEK -1.5 (-0.5) b. in the quarter.

Investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities was positive at SEK 3.3 b. and that of interest-bearing securities was 3.8 b. The power modules business was divested, resulting in SEK 0.5 b. in cash inflow in the quarter. The cash flow effect from capitalized development expenses amounted to SEK -0.1 b. in the quarter, a significant reduction from SEK -0.9 b. a year earlier. Investments in property, plant and equipment are now established at a lower level and the cash flow effect in Q3 was SEK -0.7 b.

Financing activities

Cash flow from financing activities was positive at SEK 1.4 b. driven by increased borrowings of SEK 1.7 b. This relates to a payment the company received from Francisco Partners for a 16.7% ownership in Ericsson’s independent subsidiary iconectiv. Due to the structure of the investment, IFRS accounting standards stipulate the main part of the USD 200 million is to be treated as financing, i.e as borrowings and corresponding cash flow from financing activities.

Net cash was SEK 24.1 b. at the end of the quarter compared with SEK 24.0 b. last quarter.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow was SEK -0.5 (-5.0) b. Free cash flow year to date was SEK -5.0 (-14.1) b.

 

 

     Jan-Sep      Jan-Jun      Jan-Mar      Jan-Dec      Jan-Sep  

Working capital KPIs, number of days

   2017      2017      2017      2016      2016  

Sales outstanding (target: <90)

     112        114        117        95        122  

Inventory (target: <65)

     77        78        73        69        79  

Payable (target: >60)

     60        60        58        56        56  

 

11      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL POSITION

 

SEK b.

   Sep 30
2017
    Sep 30
2016
    Jun 30
2017
 

+ Cash and cash equivalents

     26.2       24.4       21.4  

+ Interest-bearing securities, current

     6.5       18.7       10.8  

+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     22.4       0.5       22.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross cash

     55.1       43.6       54.3  

– Borrowings, current

     3.0       9.0       3.2  

– Borrowings, non-current

     28.0       18.3       27.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash

     24.1       16.3       24.0  

Equity

     115.7       134.0       123.8  

Total assets

     267.2       275.7       274.9  

Capital turnover (times)

     1.1       1.1       1.0  

Return on capital employed (%)

     -13.6     4.4     -14.8

Equity ratio (%)

     43.3     48.6     45.0

Return on equity (%)

     -17.1     3.2     -18.1

 

Net cash increased by SEK 0.1 b. in the quarter. The net cash position was SEK 24.1 b.

Post-employment benefits were SEK 26.5 b., compared with SEK 23.6 b. on June 30, 2017, following lower discount rate in Sweden.

In addition, the company received a USD 200 million payment relating to Francisco Partners’ investments for a 16.7% ownership in Ericsson’s independent subsidiary iconectiv. Due to the structure of the investment, IFRS accounting standards stipulates the main part of the USD 200 million is to be treated as borrowings, non-current.

The average maturity of long-term borrowings as of Sept. 30, 2017, was 4.3 years, compared with 4.0 years 12 months earlier.

Debt maturity profile, Parent Company

 

LOGO

 

 

12      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

PARENT COMPANY

 

Income after financial items was SEK 2.6 (14.1) b. The decrease was mainly due to lower recognized dividends from subsidiaries.

At the end of the quarter, gross cash (cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and interest-bearing securities non-current) amounted to SEK 42.1 b. compared with SEK 42.9 b. at the end of 2016.

In accordance with the conditions of the long-term variable compensation program (LTV) for Ericsson employees, 3,689,878 shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the third quarter.

The holding of treasury stock on September 30, 2017, was 54,458,316 Class B shares.

 

 

13      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Changes to Ericsson’s Executive Team

On September 12, 2017, Ericsson announced a change to the Executive Team. The company has appointed Niklas Heuveldop to be Head of Market Area North America, effective September 12, 2017. In addition to his current role as Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Technology & Emerging Business, he has also been Acting Head of Market Area North America since May 2017.

Niklas Heuveldop will, on a permanent basis, lead the organization of approximately 11,500 employees in serving Ericsson’s customers in the United States and Canada with technology and services.

Heuveldop will, until further notice, be acting in his former role as Chief Strategy Officer, Head of Technology & Emerging Business. The search for a replacement for this role is ongoing.

Patent infringement lawsuit

The company Intellectual Ventures that has previously filed a number of patent infringement lawsuits in the United States accusing a number of Ericsson’s U.S. customers of patent infringement, has during the third quarter of 2017 filed additional lawsuits in the Eastern District of Texas asserting patent infringement by Ericsson and a number of Ericsson’s U.S. customers.

POST-CLOSING EVENTS

Ronnie Leten proposed as new Chairman of the Board of Ericsson. Kurt Jofs proposed as new member of the Board.

On October 9, 2017, Ericsson announced that its Nomination Committee will propose Ronnie Leten as new Chairman of the Board of Ericsson. Between 1985 and 2017, Leten held various positions within Atlas Copco, being the company’s President and CEO 2009-2017. He is currently a board member in SKF, the Chairman of the Board of Electrolux and proposed Chairman of the Board of Epiroc, the part of Atlas Copco planned to be spun off to its shareholders in 2018. Leten is a Belgian citizen, born in 1956, and holds a M.Sc in Applied Economics from the University of Hasselt, Belgium.

Ericsson’s current Chairman of the Board Leif Johansson has previously announced that he will not make himself available for reelection at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.

The Nomination Committee will also propose Kurt Jofs as new member of the Board. Jofs was responsible for Ericsson’s Networks business 2003-2008 and is currently the Chairman of the Board in Tieto.

Kristin Skogen Lund has notified the Nomination Committee that she will not be available for reelection.

The Nomination Committee’s additional proposals will be published later, in conjunction with the notice of the 2018 Annual General Meeting at the latest.

 

 

14      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

 

Ericsson’s operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties are described in our Annual Report 2016.

Risk factors and uncertainties in focus short term for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group include, but are not limited to:

 

  Potential negative effects on operators’ willingness to invest in network development due to uncertainty in the financial markets and a weak economic business environment, or reduced consumer telecom spending, or increased pressure on us to provide financing, or delayed auctions of spectrums;

 

  Uncertainty regarding the financial stability of suppliers, for example due to lack of financing;

 

  Effects on gross margins and/or working capital of the business mix in the Networks segment between capacity sales and new coverage build-outs;

 

  Effects on gross margins of the business mix in the Networks and IT & Cloud segments including new network build-outs and new managed services or digital transformation deals with initial transition costs;

 

  Effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our customers as well as between our largest competitors, e.g. with postponed investments and intensified price competition as a consequence;

 

  New and ongoing partnerships which may not be successful and expose us to future costs;

 

  Changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular USD;

 

  Political unrest and uncertainty in certain markets;

 

  Effects on production and sales from restrictions with respect to timely and adequate supply of materials, components and production capacity and other vital services on competitive terms;
  No guarantees that strategy execution, specific restructuring or cost-savings initiatives, profitability restoring efforts and/or organizational changes will be sufficient, successful or executed in time to deliver any improvements in earnings;

 

  Cybersecurity incidents, which may have a material negative impact.

Ericsson stringently monitors the compliance with all relevant trade regulations and trade embargoes applicable to dealings with customers operating in countries where there are trade restrictions or trade restrictions are discussed. Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group policies and directives for business ethics and conduct and has a dedicated anti-corruption program. However, in some of the countries where the company operates, corruption risks can be high and compliance failure could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and brand.

Stockholm, October 20, 2017

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO

Org. no. 556016-0680

Date for next report: January 31, 2018

 

 

15      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

AUDITORS’ REVIEW REPORT

 

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed interim financial information (interim report) of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ.) as of September 30, 2017, and the nine months period then ended. The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the interim financial report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements ISRE 2410, Review of Interim Report Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity.

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 International Standards on Auditing, ISA, and other generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

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 20, 2017

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Bo Hjalmarsson

Authorized Public Accountant

Auditor in Charge

Johan Engstam

Authorized Public Accountant

 

 

16      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

EDITOR’S NOTE

 

Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to conference calls on October 20, 2017; one starting at 09.00 (CET) and the other at 14.00 (CET).

Live audio webcasts of the conference calls as well as supporting slides will be available at: www.ericsson.com/press and www.ericsson.com/investors

Replay of the conference calls will be available approximately one hour after each call has ended and will remain available for seven days.

For further information, please contact:

Helena Norrman, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Phone: +46 10 719 34 72

E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com or

media.relations@ericsson.com

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Org. number: 556016-0680

Torshamnsgatan 21

SE-164 83 Stockholm

Phone: +46 10 719 00 00

www.ericsson.com

Investors

Peter Nyquist, Vice President,
Head of Investor Relations
Phone:    +46 10 714 64 49, +46 70 575 29 06
E-mail:    peter.nyquist@ericsson.com

Stefan Jelvin, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone:    +46 10 714 20 39, +46 70 986 02 27
E-mail:    stefan.jelvin@ericsson.com

Åsa Konnbjer, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone:    +46 10 713 39 28, +46 73 082 59 28
E-mail:    asa.konnbjer@ericsson.com

Rikard Tunedal, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone:    +46 10 714 54 00, +46 761 005 400
E-mail:    rikard.tunedal@ericsson.com
Media

Ola Rembe, Vice President,

Head of External Communications

Phone:    +46 10 719 97 27, +46 73 024 48 73
E-mail:    media.relations@ericsson.com
Corporate Communications
Phone:    +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail:    media.relations@ericsson.com
 

 

17      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

 

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) research and development expenditures; (x) the strength of our competitors; (xi) future cost savings and profitability; (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, such as those factors described under the risk factor section. Important factors that may cause such a difference for Ericsson include, but are not limited to: (i) material adverse 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 failure to successfully implement our business and operational initiatives

 

 

18      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Contents   

Financial statements

  

Consolidated income statement

     20  

Statement of comprehensive income

     20  

Consolidated balance sheet

     21  

Consolidated statement of cash flows

     22  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

     23  

Consolidated income statement – isolated quarters

     23  

Consolidated statement of cash flows – isolated quarters

     24  

Parent Company income statement

     25  

Parent Company statement of comprehensive income

     25  

Parent Company balance sheet

     26  

Additional information

  

Accounting policies

     27  

Net sales by segment by quarter

     28  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

     29  

Gross income and gross margin by segment by quarter

     29  

Operating income and operating margin by segment by quarter

     30  

EBITA and EBITA margin by segment by quarter

     30  

Net sales by market area by quarter

     31  

Top 5 countries in sales

     32  

Net sales by market area by segment

     32  

IPR licensing revenues by segment by quarter

     32  

Provisions

     33  

Information on investments

     33  

Other information

     34  

Number of employees

     34  

Items excluding restructuring charges

  

Restructuring charges by function

     35  

Restructuring charges by segment

     35  

Gross income and gross margin excluding restructuring by segment by quarter

     36  

Operating income and operating margin excluding restructuring by segment by quarter

     36  

Alternative performance measures

  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

     37  

Items excluding restructuring charges

     38  

EBITA and EBITA margin

     39  

Cash conversion

     39  

Gross cash and net cash, end of period

     39  

Capital employed

     40  

Capital turnover

     40  

Return on capital employed

     40  

Equity ratio

     41  

Return on equity

     41  

Earnings per share (non-IFRS)

     41  

Free cash flow

     42  

Items excluding restructuring, write-downs, sales of certain investments as well as provisions and adjustments related to certain customer projects

     43  
 

 

19      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT    

 

     Jul-Sep     Jan-Sep  

SEK million

   2017     2016     Change     2017     2016     Change  

Net sales

     47,796       51,076       -6     144,104       157,393       -8

Cost of sales

     -35,661       -36,616       -3     -111,598       -108,048       3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     12,135       14,460       -16     32,506       49,345       -34

Gross margin (%)

     25.4     28.3       22.6     31.4  

Research and development expenses

     -10,520       -7,855       34     -27,953       -22,745       23

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6,834       -6,238       10     -23,747       -20,067       18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -17,354       -14,093       23     -51,700       -42,812       21

Other operating income and expenses

     415       -3         795       40    

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     6       -23         29       6    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     -4,798       341       -1507     -18,370       6,579       -379

Financial income

     -135       -226         -239       -176    

Financial expenses

     -181       -371         -448       -1,414    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     -5,114       -256       1898     -19,057       4,989       -482

Taxes

     766       76         2,858       -1,497    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     -4,348       -180       2316     -16,199       3,492       -564
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to:

            

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -4,452       -233         -16,359       3,320    

Non-controlling interests

     104       53         160       172    

Other information

            

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,279       3,264         3,275       3,261    

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1)

     -1.35       -0.07         -4.99       1.02    

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     -1.34       -0.07         -4.93       1.01    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

1) Based on Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.    

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2017      2016  

Net income

     -4,348        -180        -16,199        3,492  

Other comprehensive income

           

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

           

Remeasurements of defined benefits pension plans incl. asset ceiling

     -2,618        -5,347        -1,646        -9,790  

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

     546        1,218        217        2,406  

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

           

Available-for-sale financial assets

           

Gains/losses arising during the period

     5        —          78        —    

Reclassification adjustments on gains/losses included in profit or loss

     —          —          5        —    

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

           

Fair value remeasurement

     -5        —          -3        -4  

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

     -1,728        1,520        -4,522        2,368  

Share of other comprehensive income on JV and associated companies

     -8        11        -7        -355  

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

     1        —          -17        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     -3,807        -2,598        -5,895        -5,375  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     -8,155        -2,778        -22,094        -1,883  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

           

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -8,218        -2,871        -22,197        -2,121  

Non-controlling interest

     63        93        103        238  

 

20      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET    

 

SEK million

   Sep 30
2017
     Jun 30
2017
     Dec 31
2016
 

ASSETS

        

Non-current assets

        

Intangible assets

        

Capitalized development expenses

     5,337        6,085        8,076  

Goodwill

     40,200        41,364        43,387  

Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets

     4,776        5,234        7,747  

Property, plant and equipment

     13,884        16,276        16,734  

Financial assets

        

Equity in JV and associated companies

     627        791        775  

Other investments in shares and participations

     1,192        1,115        1,179  

Customer finance, non-current

     1,993        2,288        2,128  

Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     22,405        22,122        7,586  

Other financial assets, non-current

     5,063        4,409        4,442  

Deferred tax assets

     19,275        17,463        15,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     114,752      117,147      107,576  

Current assets

        

Inventories

     32,758        34,194        30,307  

Trade receivables

     59,802        62,493        68,117  

Customer finance, current

     1,961        2,156        2,625  

Other current receivables

     25,231        26,741        24,431  

Interest-bearing securities, current

     6,526        10,754        13,325  

Cash and cash equivalents

     26,210        21,446        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     152,488      157,784      175,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     267,240        274,931        283,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

        

Equity

        

Stockholders’ equity

     115,072        123,045        139,817  

Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiaries

     615        710        675  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     115,687      123,755      140,492  

Non–current liabilities

        

Post-employment benefits

     26,534        23,624        23,723  

Provisions, non-current

     3,930        4,794        946  

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,736        1,838        2,147  

Borrowings, non-current

     28,039        27,100        18,653  

Other non-current liabilities

     2,563        2,602        2,621  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     62,802        59,958        48,090  

Current liabilities

        

Provisions, current

     5,646        5,618        5,411  

Borrowings, current

     3,004        3,230        8,033  

Trade payables

     23,560        25,025        25,318  

Other current liabilities

     56,541        57,345        56,003  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     88,751      91,218      94,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

     267,240        274,931        283,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which interest-bearing liabilities

     31,043        30,330        26,686  

Assets pledged as collateral

     5,215        5,076        2,584  

Contingent liabilities

     1,547        1,679        1,186  

 

21      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS    

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2017      2016      2016  

Operating activities

              

Net income

     -4,348        -180        -16,199        3,492        1,895  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

              

Taxes

     -1,574        -1,282        -7,897        -5,900        -6,200  

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     73        22        58        79        58  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     4,146        2,308        11,774        6,509        9,119  

Other

     -218        630        261        2,270        3,135  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

     -1,921        1,498        -12,003        6,450        8,007  

Changes in operating net assets

              

Inventories

     582        980        -4,149        -4,899        -613  

Customer finance, current and non-current

     456        223        762        -844        -950  

Trade receivables

     1,124        -624        3,971        2,220        5,933  

Trade payables

     -819        -2,371        -152        -531        2,775  

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     -601        130        4,368        334        3,106  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

     1,161        -2,153        5,645        -8,132        -4,248  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,903        -3,815        10,445        -11,852        6,003  

Cash flow from operating activities

     -18        -2,317        -1,558        -5,402        14,010  

Investing activities

              

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -739        -1,384        -2,772        -4,430        -6,129  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     12        111        118        205        482  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     371        16        383        -572        -622  

Product development

     -126        -885        -1,306        -3,192        -4,483  

Other investing activities

     42        -508        110        -663        -3,004  

Interest-bearing securities

     3,756        610        -8,806        6,978        5,473  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     3,316        -2,040        -12,273        -1,674        -8,283  

Cash flow before financing activities

     3,298        -4,357        -13,831        -7,076        5,727  

Financing activities

              

Dividends paid

     -145        -163        -3,423        -12,263        -12,263  

Other financing activities

     1,563        -1,295        6,829        1,560        521  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     1,418        -1,458        3,406        -10,703        -11,742  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     48        1,285        -331        1,956        2,757  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     4,764        -4,530        -10,756        -15,823        -3,258  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     21,446        28,931        36,966        40,224        40,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     26,210        24,401        26,210        24,401        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

22      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY    

 

     Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2016  

Opening balance

     140,492        147,366        147,366  

Total comprehensive income

     -22,094        -1,883        4,514  

Sale/repurchase of own shares

     -28        -51        -216  

Stock issue (net)

     15        131        131  

Stock purchase plan

     650        711        957  

Dividends paid

     -3,424        -12,263        -12,263  

Transactions with non-controlling interests

     76        1        3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     115,687        134,012        140,492  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT - ISOLATED QUARTERS    

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net sales

     47,796       49,939       46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  

Cost of sales

     -35,661       -36,006       -39,931       -48,195       -36,616       -36,613       -34,819  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     12,135       13,933       6,438       17,020       14,460       17,495       17,390  

Gross margin (%)

     25.4     27,9     13.9     26.1     28.3     32.3     33.3

Research and development expenses

     -10,520       -8,365       -9,068       -8,890       -7,855       -7,405       -7,485  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6,834       -7,052       -9,861       -8,799       -6,238       -7,109       -6,720  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -17,354       -15,417       -18,929       -17,689       -14,093       -14,514       -14,205  

Other operating income and expenses

     415       239       141       364       -3       -230       273  

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     6       12       11       25       -23       12       17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     -4,798       -1,233       -12,339       -280       341       2,763       3,475  

Financial income

     -135       -22       -82       61       -226       139       -89  

Financial expenses

     -181       83       -350       -744       -371       -666       -377  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     -5,114       -1,172       -12,771       -963       -256       2,236       3,009  

Taxes

     766       176       1,916       -634       76       -670       -903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     -4,348       -996       -10,855       -1,597       -180       1,566       2,106  

Net income attributable to:

              

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -4,452       -1,010       -10,897       -1,604       -233       1,587       1,966  

Non-controlling interests

     104       14       42       7       53       -21       140  

Other information

              

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,279       3,275       3,272       3,268       3,264       3,261       3,258  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1)

     -1.35       -0.31       -3.33       -0.49       -0.07       0.49       0.60  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     -1.34       -0.30       -3.29       -0.48       -0.07       0.48       0.60  

 

1) Based on Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.    

 

23      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - ISOLATED QUARTERS    

 

     2017      2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Operating activities

                    

Net income

     -4,348        -996        -10,855        -1,597        -180        1,566        2,106  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

                    

Taxes

     -1,574        -1,978        -4,345        -300        -1,282        -3,410        -1,208  

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     73        -8        -7        -21        22        73        -16  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     4,146        2,197        5,431        2,610        2,308        2,104        2,097  

Other

     -218        -48        527        865        630        988        652  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

     -1,921        -833        -9,249        1,557        1,498        1,321        3,631  

Changes in operating net assets

                    

Inventories

     582        -1,146        -3,585        4,286        980        -1,667        -4,212  

Customer finance, current and non-current

     456        1,140        -834        -106        223        -816        -251  

Trade receivables

     1,124        450        2,397        3,713        -624        -564        3,408  

Trade payables

     -819        41        626        3,306        -2,371        2,457        -617  

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     -601        324        4,645        2,772        130        218        -14  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

     1,161        25        4,459        3,884        -2,153        -1,662        -4,317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,903      834      7,708      17,855      -3,815      -2,034      -6,003  

Cash flow from operating activities

     -18        1        -1,541        19,412        -2,317        -713        -2,372  

Investing activities

                    

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -739        -1,018        -1,015        -1,699        -1,384        -1,572        -1,474  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     12        37        69        277        111        50        44  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     371        9        3        -50        16        -480        -108  

Product development

     -126        -315        -865        -1,291        -885        -1,099        -1,208  

Other investing activities

     42        -42        110        -2,341        -508        -890        735  

Interest-bearing securities

     3,756        -676        -11,886        -1,505        610        5,355        1,013  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     3,316        -2,005        -13,584        -6,609        -2,040        1,364        -998  

Cash flow before financing activities

     3,298        -2,004        -15,125        12,803        -4,357        651        -3,370  

Financing activities

                    

Dividends paid

     -145        -3,274        -4        —          -163        -12,067        -33  

Other financing activities

     1,563        -5,636        10,902        -1,039        -1,295        2,761        94  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     1,418        -8,910        10,898        -1,039        -1,458        -9,306        61  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     48        -594        215        801        1,285        1,652        -981  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     4,764        -11,508        -4,012        12,565        -4,530        -7,003        -4,290  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     21,446        32,954        36,966        24,401        28,931        35,934        40,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     26,210        21,446        32,954        36,966        24,401        28,931        35,934  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

24      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT    

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2017      2016      2016  

Net sales

     —          —          —          —          —    

Cost of sales

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross income

     —          —          —          —          —    

Operating expenses

     -216        -238        -860        -728        -1,185  

Other operating income and expenses

     557        670        1,747        1,860        2,698  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     341        432        887        1,132        1,513  

Financial net

     44        453        1,753        12,960        14,039  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     385        885        2,640        14,092        15,552  

Transfers to (-) / from untaxed reserves

     -48        —          -168        —          -1,100  

Taxes

     8        -115        20        -249        -206  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     345        770        2,492        13,843        14,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2017      2016      2016  

Net income

     345        770        2,492        13,843        14,246  

Available-for-sale financial assets

              

Gains/losses arising during the period

     5        —          78        —          -7  

Reclassification adjustments on gains/losses included in profit or loss

     —          —          5        —          —    

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

              

Fair value remeasurement

     —          —          —          -5        -5  

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

     -1        —          -18        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     4        —          65        -5        -12  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     349        770        2,557        13,838        14,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

25      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET    

 

SEK million

   Sep 30
2017
     Dec 31
2016
 

ASSETS

     

Fixed assets

     

Intangible assets

     381        547  

Tangible assets

     437        396  

Financial assets*

     125,211        111,981  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     126,029      112,924  

Current assets

     

Inventories

     1        3  

Receivables

     38,550        38,476  

Short-term investments

     6,189        12,991  

Cash and cash equivalents

     13,517        22,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     58,257      73,781  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     184,286        186,705  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, PROVISIONS AND LIABILITIES

     

Equity

     

Restricted equity

     48,164        48,148  

Non-restricted equity

     44,091        44,753  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     92,255      92,901  

Provisions

     556        885  

Non-current liabilities

     58,212        50,428  

Current liabilities

     33,263        42,491  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities

     184,286        186,705  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

* Of which interest-bearing securities, non-current

     22,405        7,586  

 

26      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE GROUP

 

This interim report is prepared in accordance with IAS 34. The term “IFRS” used in this document refers to the application of IAS and IFRS as well as interpretations of these standards as issued by IASB’s Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the annual report for the year ended December 31, 2016, and should be read in conjunction with that annual report.

There is no significant difference between IFRS effective as per September 30, 2017 and IFRS as endorsed by the EU.

None of the new or amended standards and interpretations that became effective January 1, 2017, have had a significant impact on the financial result or position of the Company.

IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 will be applied from January 1, 2018. The methods for transition and effects of applying these two standards will be disclosed in the Q4 2017 interim report.

Free cash flow has been added as an Alternative Performance Measure. Free cash flow represents the cash generated by operations less net capital expenditures and other investments. Free cash flow can be used to expand the business, pay dividends and reduce debt. Free cash flow is reconciled to IFRS measures on page 42.

 

 

27      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER*    

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     35,502       36,839       34,860       47,791       37,020       40,245       39,935  

Of which products

     19,828       20,786       19,410       27,519       19,249       23,037       22,795  

Of which services

     15,674       16,053       15,450       20,272       17,771       17,208       17,140  

IT & Cloud

     10,264       10,888       9,545       14,884       11,716       11,500       9,830  

Of which products

     4,652       5,065       4,103       6,682       5,479       5,298       4,773  

Of which services

     5,612       5,823       5,442       8,202       6,237       6,202       5,057  

Other

     2,030       2,212       1,964       2,540       2,340       2,363       2,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     47,796       49,939       46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -4     6     -27     29     -8     1     —    

Of which products

     -5     7     -29     43     -16     1     —    

Of which services

     -2     4     -24     14     3     0     —    

IT & Cloud

     -6     14     -36     27     2     17     —    

Of which products

     -8     23     -39     22     3     11     —    

Of which services

     -4     7     -34     32     1     23     —    

Other

     -8     13     -23     9     -1     -3     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -4     8     -29     28     -6     4     -29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year over year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -4     -8     -13     —         —         —         —    

Of which products

     3     -10     -15     —         —         —         —    

Of which services

     -12     -7     -10     —         —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -12     -5     -3     —         —         —         —    

Of which products

     -15     -4     -14     —         —         —         —    

Of which services

     -10     -6     8     —         —         —         —    

Other

     -13     -6     -20     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -6     -8     -11     -11     -14     -11     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     107,201       71,699       34,860       164,991       117,200       80,180       39,935  

Of which products

     60,024       40,196       19,410       92,600       65,081       45,832       22,795  

Of which services

     47,177       31,503       15,450       72,391       52,119       34,348       17,140  

IT & Cloud

     30,697       20,433       9,545       47,930       33,046       21,330       9,830  

Of which products

     13,820       9,168       4,103       22,232       15,550       10,071       4,773  

Of which services

     16,877       11,265       5,442       25,698       17,496       11,259       5,057  

Other

     6,206       4,176       1,964       9,687       7,147       4,807       2,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     144,104       96,308       46,369       222,608       157,393       106,317       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, year over year change, percent

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     -9     -11     -13     -11     —         —         —    

Of which products

     -8     -12     -15     -12     —         —         —    

Of which services

     -9     -8     -10     -8     —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -7     -4     -3     -7     —         —         —    

Of which products

     -11     -9     -14     -16     —         —         —    

Of which services

     -4     0     8     1     —         —         —    

Other

     -13     -13     -20     -7     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -8     -9     -11     -10     -9     -7     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Net sales by segment has been restated for each quarter of 2016 and for the full year 2015. Comparisons against isolated quarters in 2015 are not available by segment. As of Q2 2017, the former Media segment was renamed to “Other”.

 

28      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

SALES GROWTH ADJUSTED FOR COMPARABLE UNITS AND CURRENCY*

 

     2017     2016  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     3     7     -27     —         —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -1     16     -35     —         —         —         —    

Other

     -4     13     -23     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1     9     -29     23     -9     6     -28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarter, year over year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -1     -14     -18     —         —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -9     -10     -7     —         —         —         —    

Other

     -11     -11     -22     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -3     -13     -16     -15     -14     -7     -1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, year over year change, percent

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     -11     -16     -18     —         —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -9     -8     -7     —         —         —         —    

Other

     -15     -17     -22     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -15     -16     -10     -8     -4     -1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency has not been restated by segment for 2016.    

GROSS INCOME AND GROSS MARGIN BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER    

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     9,092       10,357       7,980       11,783       9,867       12,522       13,011  

IT & Cloud

     2,384       2,828       -2,100       4,676       3,833       4,061       3,281  

Other

     659       748       558       561       760       912       1,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     12,135       13,933       6,438       17,020       14,460       17,495       17,390  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     26     28     23     25     27     31     33

IT & Cloud

     23     26     -22     31     33     35     33

Other

     32     34     28     22     32     39     45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     25     28     14     26     28     32     33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     27,429       18,337       7,980       47,183       35,400       25,533       13,011  

IT & Cloud

     3,112       728       -2,100       15,851       11,175       7,342       3,281  

Other

     1,965       1,306       558       3,331       2,770       2,010       1,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     32,506       20,371       6,438       66,365       49,345       34,885       17,390  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, As percentage of net sales

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     26     26     23     29     30     32     33

IT & Cloud

     10     4     -22     33     34     34     33

Other

     32     31     28     34     39     42     45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     23     21     14     30     31     33     33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

29      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     370       2,603       -538       2,380       2,839       4,789       5,762  

IT & Cloud

     -4,186       -2,869       -8,997       -1,819       -1,740       -1,546       -1,977  

Other

     -982       -967       -2,804       -841       -758       -480       -310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -4,798       -1,233       -12,339       -280       341       2,763       3,475  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     1     7     -2     5     8     12     14

IT & Cloud

     -41     -26     -94     -12     -15     -13     -20

Other

     -48     -44     -143     -33     -32     -20     -13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -10     -2     -27     0     1     5     7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     2,435       2,065       -538       15,770       13,390       10,551       5,762  

IT & Cloud

     -16,052       -11,866       -8,997       -7,082       -5,263       -3,523       -1,977  

Other

     -4,753       -3,771       -2,804       -2,389       -1,548       -790       -310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -18,370       -13,572       -12,339       6,299       6,579       6,238       3,475  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date As percentage of net sales

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     2     3     -2     10     11     13     14

IT & Cloud

     -52     -58     -94     -15     -16     -17     -20

Other

     -77     -90     -143     -25     -22     -16     -13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -13     -14     -27     3     4     6     7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITA AND EBITA MARGIN BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER    

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     456       2,687       -353       2,586       3,042       4,994       5,970  

IT & Cloud

     -3,982       -2,640       -8,237       -1,571       -1,443       -1,306       -1,713  

Other

     -893       -835       -1,874       -655       -567       -290       -98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -4,419       -788       -10,464       360       1,032       3,398       4,159  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     1     7     -1     5     8     12     15

IT & Cloud

     -39     -24     -86     -11     -12     -11     -17

Other

     -44     -38     -95     -26     -24     -12     -4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -9     -2     -23     1     2     6     8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     2,790       2,334       -353       16,592       14,006       10,964       5,970  

IT & Cloud

     -14,859       -10,877       -8,237       -6,033       -4,462       -3,019       -1,713  

Other

     -3,602       -2,709       -1,874       -1,610       -955       -388       -98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -15,671       -11,252       -10,464       8,949       8,589       7,557       4,159  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date As a percentage of net sales

   Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

Networks

     3     3     -1     10     12     14     15

IT & Cloud

     -48     -53     -86     -13     -14     -14     -17

Other

     -58     -65     -95     -17     -13     -8     -4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -12     -23     4     5     7     8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

30      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES BY MARKET AREA BY QUARTER*

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     7,474       7,730       8,009       9,718       7,678       7,730       7,905  

North East Asia

     5,563       5,853       5,561       9,623       6,122       6,041       5,579  

North America

     11,880       12,457       11,811       14,851       13,178       13,358       13,147  

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     14,128       15,231       12,707       19,128       15,104       17,082       15,100  

Middle East and Africa

     6,240       6,018       5,414       9,129       6,298       7,239       5,699  

Other 1) 2)

     2,511       2,650       2,867       2,766       2,696       2,658       4,779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     47,796       49,939       46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     568       701       925       843       690       477       1,113  

2) Of which in EU

     8,459       8,840       8,239       11,154       8,507       9,635       9,229  
     2017     2016  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     -3     -3     -18     27     -1     -2     -7

North East Asia

     -5     5     -42     57     1     8     -37

North America

     -5     5     -20     13     -1     2     -21

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     -7     20     -34     27     -12     13     -31

Middle East and Africa

     4     11     -41     45     -13     27     -36

Other 1) 2)

     -5     -8     4     3     1     -44     -44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -4     8     -29     28     -6     4     -29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -19     -24     10     22     45     -57     15

2) Of which in EU

     -4     7     -26     31     -12     4     -27
     2017     2016  

Year-over-year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     -3     0     1     14     -9     -3     1

North East Asia

     -9     -3     0     8     -4     -13     -7

North America

     -10     -7     -10     -11     -8     -8     8

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     -6     -11     -16     -13     -20     -12     -15

Middle East and Africa

     -1     -17     -5     2     -25     -21     -15

Other 1) 2)

     -7     0     -40     -67     -6     -3     54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -6     -8     -11     -11     -14