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 18, 2018

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 18, 2018 regarding “Ericsson reports third quarter results 2018”.


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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/    XAVIER DEDULLEN        

  Xavier Dedullen
  Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

By:

 

/s/    CARL MELLANDER        

  Carl Mellander
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 18, 2018


Table of Contents

LOGO

Third quarter report 2018

Stockholm, October 18, 2018

 

Third quarter highlights
   Sales as reported increased YoY by 9% and sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 1%.
   Segment Networks showed a sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency of 5% YoY with strong sales growth in North America as well as in Europe and Latin America.
   Gross margin was 36.5% (26.9%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges improved to 36.9% (28.5%), driven mainly by cost reductions, the continued ramp-up of Ericsson Radio System (ERS) and good progress in reviewing Managed Services contracts.
   Operating margin was 6.0% (-7.4%). Operating margin excluding restructuring charges was 7.0% (-1.7%).
   Networks operating margin excluding restructuring charges was 16.1% (11.9%) driven by cost reductions and ERS ramp-up, partly offset by increased investments in R&D.
   Digital Services operating margin excluding restructuring charges was -15.9% (-29.9%) supported by a gross margin excluding restructuring charges of 36.9% (32.0%). Sequentially, gross margin declined from 42.6% mainly due to increased provisions related to transformation projects.
   Managed Services operating margin excluding restructuring charges improved to 6.8% (-9.5%) as a result of cost reductions and customer contract reviews.
   Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 2.0 (0.0) b. and free cash flow excluding M&A was SEK 0.7 (-0.8) b. Net cash increased YoY to SEK 32.0 (24.1) b.

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     53.8       49.4       9     49.8       8     147.0       147.5  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         1     —         7     —         —    

Gross margin

     36.5     26.9     —         34.8     —         35.2     24.0

Operating income (loss)

     3.2       -3.7       —         0.2       —         3.1       -15.5  

Operating margin

     6.0     -7.4     —         0.3     —         2.1     -10.5

Net income (loss)

     2.7       -3.5       —         -1.8       —         0.2       -13.9  

EPS diluted, SEK

     0.83       -1.09       —         -0.58       —         0.01       -4.31  

EPS (non-IFRS), SEK 1)

     1.03       -0.29       —         -0.09       —         1.04       -2.15  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2.0       0.0       —         1.4       41     5.1       -1.6  

Free cash flow excluding M&A 2)

     0.7       -0.8       —         -0.2       —         1.3       -5.4  

Net cash, end of period

     32.0       24.1       33     33.1       -3     32.0       24.1  

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges

     36.9     28.5     —         36.7     —         36.5     26.2

Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges

     3.8       -0.8       —         2.0       85     6.7       -9.4  

Operating margin excluding restructuring charges

     7.0     -1.7     —         4.1     —         4.6     -6.4

 

1)

EPS diluted, excl. amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangible assets, and excluding restructuring charges. Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

2)

Free cash flow excluding M&A: See Alternative Performance Measures (APM) at the end of the report.

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 2018

  


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CEO comments

 

“We continue to execute on our focused strategy, tracking well towards our 2020 targets. We see improvements across our businesses resulting in a gross margin1) of 36.9% (28.5%) and an operating margin1) of 7.0% (-1.7%). Organic2) sales growth was 1% for the Group, despite headwind from exited non-strategic contracts.

We continue to invest in our competitive 5G-ready portfolio to enable our customers to efficiently migrate to 5G. Operators around the world plan for launching 5G services, led by North America. The strong customer interest in 5G generates a gradual increase in costs for field trials. We expect the costs to remain on high levels, at least for the coming 12-18 months, and they are included in our 2020 profitability target of at least 10%.

Networks gross margin1) improved to 41.5% (34.8%) with an organic2) sales growth of 5%. The strong sales were mainly driven by a continued high activity level primarily in North America. Due to the strong sequential sales increase in the third quarter we expect lower effects from seasonality than normal in the fourth quarter in Networks.

Digital Services gross margin1) improved to 36.9% (32.0%) YoY, but declined QoQ. We see clear results of our cost-out activities and good progress in large parts of the business. At the same time, provisions related to large digital transformation projects increased in the quarter, explaining the sequential drop in gross margin. We are not satisfied with the development in these digital transformation projects and are thus increasing our efforts to turn them around.

In Managed Services, gross margin1) improved to 12.9% (-4.0%) supported by efficiency gains and customer contract reviews. We have finalized 40 of the targeted 42 contracts, with an annualized profit improvement of SEK 0.9 b. We are increasing our investments in R&D to reshape the offering based on automation and artificial intelligence. We see strong customer interest in the coming solutions, but sales are so far limited as we are in early stages.

 

1)

Excluding restructuring charges

2)

Organic sales growth: Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency

In segment Emerging Business and Other, sales grew by 22% driven by growth in the iconectiv business. We continue to invest in strategic future growth areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) and saw increasing momentum with one important customer win with our connectivity platform solutions in the quarter. As parts of the portfolio in Emerging Business are in an early phase, sales are so far limited. We will remain disciplined in our investments in Emerging Business by tracking each venture against delivery milestones.

Even though the cost reduction program, announced in July 2017, has been completed, we continue our efforts to drive efficiency and cost reductions to further increase competitiveness. Our estimate for restructuring charges of SEK 5-7 b. for the full year remains. Free cash flow excluding M&A improved to SEK 0.7 (-0.8) b. and our cash position remains strong. Our work to further strengthen the balance sheet continues.

As previously disclosed, we have been voluntarily cooperating since 2013 with an investigation by the SEC and, since 2015, with an investigation by the DOJ into Ericsson’s compliance with the U.S. FCPA. While we cannot comment in detail we can provide the following update on the process. We have identified facts that are relevant to the investigations and these facts have been shared with the authorities. We continue to cooperate with the SEC and the DOJ and are engaged in discussions with them to find a resolution. While the length of these discussions cannot be determined, based on the facts that we have shared with the authorities, we believe that the resolution of these matters will likely result in monetary and other measures, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated currently but may be material. We continue our efforts to improve on our compliance program. See further details in “Other information”.

There is strong momentum in the global 5G market with lead markets moving forward. The global radio access market is recovering from several years of negative growth and our investments in R&D have positioned us well to benefit from this development. More work remains, however, to get all parts of the business to a satisfactory performance level. We remain confident in reaching our long-term target of at least 12% operating margin beyond 2020.”

Börje Ekholm

President and CEO

 

 

Planning assumptions going forward

Market related

 

  The Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment market is estimated to decline by -2% for full-year 2018 with 2% CAGR for 2017-2022. (Source: Dell’Oro)

Currency exposure

 

  Rule of thumb: A weakening by 10% of USD to SEK would have a negative impact of approximately -5% on net sales and approximately -1 percentage point on operating margin (based on 2017 full-year currency exposure).

Ericsson related 2018; Sales

 

  Sales growth in 2017 between Q3 and Q4 was 17%.

 

  Due to strong sequential sales increase in the third quarter, lower effects from seasonality than normal are expected in the fourth quarter in Networks.

Ericsson related 2018; Operating expenses

 

  Gradually increased cost for field trials.

 

  Operating expenses typically increase between Q3 and Q4 due to seasonality.
  To further strengthen technology leadership, R&D expenses will increase primarily in Networks in Q4.

 

  The divestment of Media Solutions is expected to be closed around year-end 2018 with estimated additional expenses of SEK -0.2 b. in Q4.

Ericsson related 2018; Other

 

  Restructuring charges for full-year 2018 are estimated to be SEK 5-7 b.

 

  Actual and estimated net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses and from recognition and deferral of hardware costs:

 

SEK b.

  Q3
2018
Actual
    Q4
2018
Estimate
    Q4
2017
Actual
    FY
2017
Actual
    FY
2018
Estimate
    FY
2019
Estimate
 

Cost of sales

    -0.2       -0.1       -0.8       -2.6       -0.7    

R&D expenses

    -0.5       -0.5       -0.6       -0.3       -1.7    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total impact

    -0.7       -0.6       -1.4       -2.9       -2.4       -1 to -2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

 

 

2      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

CEO comments


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     53.8       49.4       9     49.8       8     147.0       147.5  

Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency

     —         —         1     —         7     —         —    

Gross income

     19.6       13.3       48     17.3       13     51.8       35.4  

Gross margin (%)

     36.5     26.9     —         34.8     —         35.2     24.0

Research and development (R&D) expenses

     -9.4       -10.5       -11     -9.8       -4     -28.2       -27.9  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6.6       -5.7       15     -7.1       -6     -19.8       -20.8  

Impairment losses on trade receivables

     -0.4       -1.1       -63     -0.4       11     -0.8       -3.0  

Other operating income and expenses

     0.0       0.4       -93     0.0       —         0.1       0.8  

Operating income (loss)

     3.2       -3.7       —         0.2       —         3.1       -15.5  

Operating margin (%)

     6.0     -7.4     —         0.3     —         2.1     -10.5

Financial net

     -0.6       -0.3       99     -0.8       -21     -2.0       -0.7  

Taxes

     0.1       0.5       -72     -1.2       —         -0.9       2.2  

Net income (loss)

     2.7       -3.5       —         -1.8       —         0.2       -13.9  

Restructuring charges

     -0.6       -2.8       -80     -1.9       -71     -3.6       -6.1  

Gross income excluding restructuring charges

     19.8       14.1       41     18.3       9     53.7       38.6  

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges

     36.9     28.5     —         36.7     —         36.5     26.2

R&D expenses excluding restructuring charges

     -9.2       -8.6       6     -9.3       -1     -27.2       -25.5  

SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

     -6.5       -5.6       15     -6.6       -2     -19.2       -20.4  

Operating income (loss) excl. restructuring charges

     3.8       -0.8       —         2.0       85     6.7       -9.4  

Operating margin excluding restructuring charges

     7.0     -1.7     —         4.1     —         4.6     -6.4

 

Net sales

Sales as reported increased by 9% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 1% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency in Networks increased by 5% YoY, driven by strong sales growth in North America as well as sales growth in Europe and Latin America. Digital Services sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -6% YoY mainly due to continued decline in legacy product sales. Managed Services sales adjusted for comparable units and currency declined by -8% YoY, mainly as a result of customer contract reviews. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency in Emerging Business and Other increased by 11% YoY, mainly driven by growth in iconectiv.

Sequentially, sales increased by 8%. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 7% QoQ, driven by increased Networks sales in market areas South East Asia, Oceania and India, North East Asia as well as in Europe and Latin America. Segment Emerging Business and Other sales increased by 15% QoQ driven by growth in iconectiv.

IPR licensing revenues

IPR licensing revenues increased to SEK 2.1 (2.0) b. YoY and from SEK 1.8 b. sequentially. The QoQ increase was supported by revenues from a customer agreement signed in the quarter.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 36.5% (26.9%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 36.9% (28.5%) with significant improvements in all segments. Key drivers of the improvement were cost reductions, ramp-up of Ericsson Radio System (ERS) product platform and good progress in customer contract reviews in Managed Services. Completion in 2017 of the amortization of software release development expenses had a positive effect of SEK 0.7 b. YoY. Provisions and customer project adjustments had a negative impact on gross income of approximately SEK -1.3 b. in Q3 2017.

Sequentially, gross margin increased to 36.5% from 34.8% mainly due to lower restructuring charges. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges improved sequentially to 36.9% from 36.7%. Higher gross margin in Networks was partly offset by lower gross margin in Digital Services due to increased provisions related to transformation projects. Increased IPR licensing revenues had a positive impact on gross margin QoQ.

Operating expenses

R&D expenses were SEK -9.4 (-10.5) b. R&D expenses excluding restructuring charges increased to SEK -9.2 (-8.6) b., due to increased 4G and 5G investments in Networks. Sequentially, R&D expenses excluding restructuring charges were stable.

 

LOGO

Selling and administrative (SG&A) expenses were SEK -6.6 (-5.7) b. SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges increased to SEK -6.5 (-5.6) b. YoY. Cost reductions of SEK 0.7 b. YoY were offset by costs related to revaluation of customer financing of SEK -0.9 b. and increased costs for customer field trials. Sequentially, SG&A excluding restructuring charges decreased slightly due to seasonality, partly offset by increased costs related to revaluation of customer financing mainly related to the Middle East, including Iran.

 

 

 

3      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial highlights


Table of Contents

Impairment losses on trade receivables decreased YoY, to SEK -0.4 (-1.1) b. and were flat QoQ. From 2018, impairment testing is made continuously using a methodology where country and customer risks are assessed.

Since the United States has withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA), it is generally more difficult to do business in Iran. Ericsson is exploring, including with EU and US authorities, whether and how the disruptive impact on the Company’s ability to maintain and support existing networks of its customers can be minimized. Ericsson’s net working capital exposure to customers in Iran was SEK 0.8 b. per Sep 30, 2018.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses were SEK 0.0 (0.4) b. In 2017, the sale of the Power Module business generated a gain of SEK 0.3 b. Other operating income and expenses were flat QoQ.

Consequences of technology and portfolio shifts

Due to technology and portfolio shifts, the Company is reducing the capitalization of development expenses for product platforms and software releases as well as the deferral of 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 YoY. The amounts related to capitalized software releases were fully amortized in 2017.

Net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses and from recognition and deferral of hardware costs

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
     Q3
2017
     Q2
2018
 

Cost of sales

     -0.2        -0.9        -0.2  

R&D expenses

     -0.5        -0.6        -0.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impact

     -0.7        -1.5        -0.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges were SEK -0.6 (-2.8) b. Restructuring charges in Q2 2018 were SEK -1.9 b.

Operating income and margin

Operating income increased to SEK 3.2 (-3.7) b. YoY. Operating income excluding restructuring charges increased to SEK 3.8 (-0.8) b., driven by increased gross margin, higher sales and lower impairment losses on trade receivables. This was partly offset by increased operating expenses. Operating margin excluding restructuring charges improved to 7.0% (-1.7%).

Operating income improved sequentially to SEK 3.2 b. from 0.2 b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK 3.8 b. from SEK 2.0 b., driven by higher sales.

Financial net

Financial net was SEK -0.6 (-0.3) b. mainly due to negative currency revaluation effects. The revaluation and realization effects of foreign exchange forecast hedging were SEK 0.0 (0.2) b. Financial net improved sequentially to SEK -0.6 b. from SEK -0.8 b due to positive revaluation and realization effects of foreign exchange forecast hedging. In Q2 2018 these effects were SEK -0.3 b.

Taxes

Taxes amounted to SEK 0.1 (0.5) b.

Net income (loss) and EPS

Net income and EPS diluted increased both YoY and QoQ, following improved operating income and positive taxes.

Employees

The number of employees on Sep 30, 2018, was 94,499 – a net reduction of 761 employees in the quarter and of 11,353 employees compared with Sep 30, 2017. The decrease is a result of activities under the cost reduction program.

Focused strategy execution

The following four measures are indicators of the progress of strategy execution.

 

Area    Activity    Status Q3 2018
Networks    Transition to new Ericsson Radio System    86% (2017: 61%) YTD accumulated (ERS radio unit deliveries out of total radio unit deliveries)
Digital Services    - Growth in sales of new product portfolio - Addressing critical customer contracts    - Net sales 12 months rolling: -7%
- Out of 45 contracts identified, in total 19 have been addressed (3 in Q318 isolated)
Managed Services    Addressing low-performing customer contracts    Out of a total of 42 contracts identified, 40 (7 in Q318 isolated) have been addressed to result in an annualized profit improvement of SEK 0.9 b. (Q2 2018: SEK 0.8 b.)
 

 

 

4      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial highlights


Table of Contents

Market area sales

 

     Third quarter 2018      Change  

SEK b.

   Networks      Digital
Services
     Managed
Services
     Emerging
Business
and Other
     Total      YoY     QoQ  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     5.8        1.3        0.9        0.0        8.0        2     14

North East Asia

     4.6        0.8        0.3        0.0        5.8        2     21

North America

     11.8        2.1        1.0        0.0        14.9        21     4

Europe and Latin America

     8.7        2.9        3.2        0.1        14.8        10     5

Middle East and Africa

     3.1        1.5        1.0        0.0        5.7        -9     2

Other 1)

     1.9        0.4        0.0        2.3        4.6        19     17
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     35.9        9.0        6.5        2.4        53.8        9     8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1) 

Market Area “Other” includes primarily licensing revenues and the major part of segment Emerging Business and Other

 

South East Asia, Oceania and India

Sales increased slightly YoY, primarily in Digital Services, driven by growth in Australia and India. Networks sales increased slightly YoY, mainly in South East Asia. Managed Services sales declined YoY due to termination of a contract in India in 2017.

North East Asia

Sales increased slightly YoY. Network sales in Mainland China increased with continued deployment of NB IoT, whilst Digital Services sales declined YoY, due to a telecom core contract being further delayed. Large 5G field trials are ongoing in Mainland China.

North America

Sales increased YoY, primarily driven by investments in 5G readiness across all major customers. Digital Services sales increased slightly YoY. Managed Services sales grew YoY, driven by strong variable sales in large customer contracts.

Europe and Latin America

Sales increased YoY driven by continued growth in parts of Europe and Latin America. Managed Services sales declined YoY as a consequence of addressed non-strategic contracts.

Middle East and Africa

Sales declined YoY. Networks sales declined due to challenging economic situations in certain markets. Digital Services sales declined due to timing of project milestones, partly offset by a slight increase in Managed Services sales.

Other

Sales increased YoY, mainly driven by growth in iconectiv (part of segment Emerging Business and Other). IPR licensing revenues amounted to SEK 2.1 (2.0) b.

 

 

 

5      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Market area sales


Table of Contents

Segment results

Networks

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     35.9       31.9       13     32.4       11     96.9       95.2  

Of which products

     25.3       21.7       17     22.3       14     67.1       64.9  

Of which IPR licensing revenues

     1.8       1.6       7     1.5       18     4.8       5.0  

Of which services

     10.6       10.1       5     10.1       5     29.8       30.3  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

     —         —         5     —         9     —         —    

Gross income

     14.8       10.7       39     12.6       18     38.5       31.6  

Gross margin

     41.3     33.4     —         38.8     —         39.7     33.2

Operating income

     5.7       2.4       138     3.5       60     12.6       8.5  

Operating margin

     15.7     7.5     —         10.9     —         13.0     8.9

Restructuring charges

     -0.1       -1.4       -91     -0.7       -83     -1.4       -3.6  

Gross income excl. restructuring charges

     14.9       11.1       34     13.0       14     39.5       33.7  

Gross margin excl. restructuring charges

     41.5     34.8     —         40.2     —         40.7     35.4

Operating income excl. restructuring charges

     5.8       3.8       53     4.3       35     13.9       12.1  

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges

     16.1     11.9     —         13.3     —         14.4     12.7

 

Net sales

Sales as reported increased by 13% YoY and sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 5%. The increase is mainly due to strong growth in North America as well as sales growth in Europe and Latin America, driven by investments in 5G readiness and LTE networks.

Sales as reported increased by 11% QoQ and sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 9%.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased YoY to 41.3% (33.4%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 41.5% (34.8%) due to improved margins of hardware and services, driven by cost reductions, a successful shift of the radio platform and a favorable market mix. The change in net impact from higher capitalization than deferral of hardware cost was SEK 0.5 b. YoY.

Gross margin increased QoQ from 38.8%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased QoQ from 40.2%. The increase was driven by a higher share of both software sales, including IPR licensing revenues, and LTE capacity sales.

Operating margin

Operating margin improved YoY to 15.7% (7.5%) including restructuring charges of SEK -0.1 (-1.4) b. Operating margin excluding restructuring charges was 16.1% (11.9%). The improvement was driven by higher gross margin and sales, partly offset by increased operating expenses. In the quarter, operating income was negatively impacted by revaluation of customer financing and impairment losses of trade receivables of SEK -1.2 b.

Operating margin increased QoQ to 15.7% from 10.9%. Operating margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 16.1% from 13.3%. Improvements were seen across all offerings and were driven by higher sales and gross margin, partly offset by increased operating expenses.

Net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses and from recognition and deferral of hardware costs

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
     Q3
2017
     Q2
2018
 

Cost of Sales

     -0.1        -0.6        -0.2  

R&D expenses

     0.0        -0.1        0.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impact

     -0.1        -0.7        0.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Strategy execution

As presented at the 2017 Capital Markets Day, the target for Networks is to improve the operating margin to 15%-17% by 2020. Three important ongoing activities for profitability improvements are to:

- invest in R&D to safeguard a leading portfolio

- fully transition the radio unit deliveries to Ericsson Radio System (ERS) for increased competitiveness

- continue to make savings in service delivery and common costs.

The ERS, which was introduced to the market in 2015, has proven to be competitive as well as creating a strong market position. The ERS accounted for 86% 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.

 

 

 

6      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Segment results | Networks


Table of Contents

Digital Services

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     9.0       8.9       1     8.8       2     25.1       26.9  

Of which products

     4.6       4.9       -6     4.5       3     13.0       14.6  

Of which IPR licensing revenues

     0.4       0.4       7     0.3       18     1.0       1.1  

Of which services

     4.4       4.1       8     4.4       1     12.1       12.4  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

                 -6           0            

Gross income

     3.2       2.6       22     3.5       -7     9.6       3.6  

Gross margin

     35.7     29.3     —         39.1     —         38.1     13.3

Operating income (loss)

     -1.8       -3.8       -53     -2.4       —         -6.8       -15.0  

Operating margin

     -19.9     -42.2     —         -26.9     —         -27.0     -55.7

Restructuring charges

     -0.4       -1.1       -68     -0.9       -59     -1.8       -1.8  

Gross income excl. restructuring charges

     3.3       2.9       16     3.8       -12     10.2       4.3  

Gross margin excl. restructuring charges

     36.9     32.0     —         42.6     —         40.7     15.8

Operating income (loss) excl. restructuring charges

     -1.4       -2.7       —         -1.5       —         -4.9       -13.2  

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges

     -15.9     -29.9     —         -16.9     —         -19.7     -49.0

 

Net sales

Sales as reported increased by 1% YoY with stable sales in the new portfolio and a continued decline in legacy product sales. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -6% YoY. The interest for Ericsson’s 5G-ready and cloud-native products remains strong and several contracts were signed in the quarter.

Sales were stable QoQ.

Gross margin

Gross margin improved YoY to 35.7% (29.3%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased YoY to 36.9% (32.0%) supported by cost reductions in services. Reduced amortization of software release development expenses had a positive impact of SEK 0.3 b. YoY.

Gross margin declined QoQ from 39.1%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges declined QoQ from 42.6%, due to increased provisions related to large transformation projects.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income (loss) improved YoY to SEK -1.8 (-3.8) b. Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK -1.4 (-2.7) b., supported by reductions in cost of sales and operating expenses. Restructuring charges declined YoY to SEK -0.4 (-1.1) b.

Operating income (loss) improved QoQ to SEK -1.8 b. from -2.4 b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK -1.4 b. from -1.5 b., driven by reduced operating expenses partly offset by reduced gross margin. Total restructuring charges declined QoQ to SEK -0.4 from -0.9 b.

Net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
     Q3
2017
     Q2
2018
 

Cost of Sales

     0.0        -0.3        0.0  

R&D expenses

     -0.4        -0.4        -0.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impact

     -0.4        -0.7        -0.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Strategy execution

As presented at the Capital Markets Day 2017, the target is to turn around Digital Services into low single-digit operating margin by 2020. Cost reduction activities continue across the areas of service delivery, SG&A and R&D. While new ways of working are improving R&D efficiency, investments continue in the portfolio of 5G-ready and cloud-native products in order to defend current market position and prepare Digital Services for future profitable growth.

In the quarter, Ericsson acquired CENX, a US-based service assurance company.

A key activity for the turnaround is to complete, renegotiate or exit 45 identified critical customer contracts and the plan is to address approximately 50% of those contracts in 2018. A total of 19 contracts had been addressed at the end of Q3 2018.

The sales shift towards the new portfolio continues. Rolling 12 months, sales of the new portfolio decreased by -7% compared with -14% in the previous quarter. However, the ongoing digitalization drives opportunities for operators to reduce costs and be more agile by; automating operations, digitally serving and engaging with customers and building programmable core networks. Consequently, operators increasingly invest in the areas where Digital Services provide solutions.

 

 

 

7      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Segment results | Digital Services


Table of Contents

Managed Services

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     6.5       6.6       -2     6.5       -1     18.9       19.6  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

     —         —         -8     —         -1     —         —    

Gross income (loss)

     0.8       -0.4       —         0.8       0     2.1       -0.9  

Gross margin

     12.5     -5.4     —         12.4     —         11.1     -4.5

Operating income (loss)

     0.4       -0.7       —         0.3       37     0.8       -2.8  

Operating margin

     6.3     -11.0     —         4.6     —         4.3     -14.4

Restructuring charges

     0.0       -0.1       —         -0.1       —         -0.2       -0.3  

Gross income (loss) excl. restructuring charges

     0.8       -0.3       —         0.9       -9     2.3       -0.6  

Gross margin excl. restructuring charges

     12.9     -4.0     —         14.0     —         12.1     -3.0

Operating income (loss) excl. restructuring charges

     0.4       -0.6       —         0.4       5     1.0       -2.5  

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges

     6.8     -9.5     —         6.5     —         5.4     -12.8

 

Net sales

Sales as reported decreased by -2% YoY. Sales in Managed Services IT and Network Design and Optimization showed growth. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -8% YoY, as a result of contract exits.

Sales as reported decreased slightly QoQ. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -1% QoQ.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased YoY to 12.5% (-5.4%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 12.9% (-4.0%) supported by customer contract reviews as well as results of efficiency measures.

Gross margin increased slightly QoQ to 12.5% from 12.4%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges decreased QoQ to 12.9% from 14.0%.

Operating income

Operating income increased YoY to SEK 0.4 (-0.7) b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK 0.4 (-0.6) b. due to higher gross margin.

Sequentially, operating income excluding restructuring charges was flat at SEK 0.4 b.

Strategy execution

To reshape the solutions, investments are increasing in artificial intelligence, automation and analytics in order to further enhance user experience, improve efficiency and better manage the increasingly complex networks of tomorrow. Customer interest in the coming solutions is strong, but sales are so far limited as the solutions are in early stages.

As presented at the 2017 Capital Markets Day, the ambition for Managed Services is to improve the operating margin to 4%-6% in 2020. In order to focus the business and improve profitability, 42 managed services contracts (out of >300) have been identified for exit, renegotiation or transformation. At the end of the quarter, 40 of the 42 contracts had been addressed, resulting in an annualized profit improvement of approximately SEK 0.9 b. The divestment of Ericsson Local Services AB (LSS) was concluded on August 31, 2018.

 

 

 

8      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Segment results | Managed Services


Table of Contents

Emerging Business and Other (includes Emerging Business, MediaKind, Red Bee Media and iconectiv)

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
    Q3
2017
    YoY
change
    Q2
2018
    QoQ
change
    9 months
2018
    9 months
2017
 

Net sales

     2.4       2.0       22     2.1       18     6.1       5.8  

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

     —         —         11     —         15     —         —    

Gross income

     0.8       0.4       113     0.5       56     1.6       1.1  

Gross margin

     32.3     18.4     —         24.4     —         26.6     19.5

Operating income (loss)

     -1.0       -1.5       —         -1.3       —         -3.5       -6.2  

Operating margin

     -42.9     -76.7     —         -63.5     —         -57.4     -106.3

Restructuring charges

     0.0       -0.2       -84     -0.1       —         -0.2       -0.4  

Gross income excl. restructuring charges

     0.8       0.4       87     0.6       39     1.7       1.3  

Gross margin excl. restructuring charges

     32.3     21.1     —         27.4     —         28.5     22.0

Operating income (loss) excl. restructuring charges

     -1.0       -1.3       —         -1.2       —         -3.3       -5.8  

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges

     -41.5     -66.2     —         -57.4     —         -53.8     -99.7

 

Net sales

Sales as reported increased by 22% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 11%, driven by growth in the iconectiv business through the multi-year number portability contract in the United States, which is now fully up and running. Sales in the media business (MediaKind and Red Bee Media) were stable at SEK 1.4 (1.4) b.

Sales increased by 18% QoQ, primarily driven by growth in iconectiv. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 15% QoQ.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased YoY to 32.3% (18.4%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 32.3% (21.1%), supported by an increased share of iconectiv sales and by margin improvements in the media business.

Gross margin increased QoQ from 24.4%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased QoQ from 27.4%, supported by an increased share of iconectiv sales and by margin improvements in the media business.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income improved YoY to SEK -1.0 (-1.5) b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK -1.0 (-1.3) b., driven by improved results in iconectiv and media business. Operating income excluding restructuring charges and corporate allocations for the media business was SEK -0.4 (-0.6) b.

Operating income improved QoQ to SEK -1.0 from -1.3 b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK -1.0 from -1.2 b., driven by stronger sales in iconectiv. Costs related to the planned transaction for MediaKind impacted the result negatively by SEK -0.1 b. in the quarter.

Net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
     Q3
2017
     Q2
2018
 

Cost of Sales

     -0.1        0.0        0.0  

R&D expenses

     0.0        -0.1        -0.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total impact

     -0.1        -0.1        -0.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Strategy execution

As outlined at the Capital Markets Day in 2017, the target for segment Emerging Business and Other, including iconectiv, is a break-even result by 2020.

Selective investments will continue in Emerging Business in order to build a position and grow sales in new areas. Parts of the portfolio are still in an early phase, with focus on generating sales and scale the business. As sales do not yet cover the required investments this results in a negative bottom line. Ericsson will remain disciplined in its investments in Emerging Business by tracking each venture against delivery milestones.

For MediaKind, Ericsson is partnering with One Equity Partners (OEP), retaining a 49% ownership stake. This allows Ericsson to capture the upside of the business while at the same time taking an active part in the expected consolidation of the industry. Activities are ongoing to complete the transaction around year-end 2018.

For Red Bee Media, the target is to achieve a sustainable profitable business by continuing to develop and manage the business as an independent and focused media services entity within Ericsson. Operations and services propositions will be further developed, in line with the Red Bee Media tactical and transformational strategic execution plans.

 

 

 

9      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Segment results | Emerging Business and Other


Table of Contents

Cash flow

 

SEK b.

   Q3
2018
     Q3
2017
     Q2
2018
 

Net income reconciled to cash

     2.9        -0.8        -0.3  

Changes in operating net assets

     -0.9        0.8        1.7  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2.0        0.0        1.4  

Cash flow from investing activities

     -1.7        3.3        1.6  

Cash flow from financing activities

     0.3        1.4        -3.7  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     -1.6        0.0        1.0  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -1.0        4.8        0.4  

Free cash flow excluding M&A

     0.7        -0.8        -0.2  

Free cash flow

     0.3        -0.5        -0.6  

 

Operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 2.0 (0.0) b., driven by SEK 2.9 b. of net income reconciled to cash. Change in operating net assets was SEK -0.9 b., with increased trade receivables and contract assets as well as increased inventory. Sale of trade receivables continued to trend downwards and was reduced YoY. Cash outlays related to restructuring charges were SEK -1.2 (-1.5) b. in the quarter.

Investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -1.7 (3.3) b. Investments in M&A were SEK -0.4 (0.4) b., mainly related to acquisition of CENX in Digital Services. Cash flow from investments in property, plant and equipment was SEK -1.1 (-0.7) b. and capitalized development expenses were SEK -0.2 (-0.1) b.

Financing activities

Cash flow from financing activities was positive at SEK 0.3 (1.4) b. due to an increase in borrowings and effects of foreign exchange rates on financial items.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow improved to SEK 0.3 (-0.5) b. due to increased cash flow from operating activities partly offset by increased investments in M&A.

Free cash flow excluding M&A increased QoQ to SEK 0.7 b. and free cash flow increased QoQ to SEK 0.3 b. from SEK -0.6 b., mainly due to increased cash flow from operating activities.

Free cash flow YTD was SEK 0.0 (-5.0) b.

 

 

 

10      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Cash flow


Table of Contents

Financial position

 

SEK b.

   Sep 30
2018
    Sep 30
2017
    Jun 30
2018
 

+ Cash and cash equivalents

     36.1       26.2       37.0  

+ Interest-bearing securities, current

     6.6       6.5       8.3  

+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     23.0       22.4       21.5  

Gross cash

     65.7       55.1       66.9  

– Borrowings, current

     2.5       3.0       2.6  

– Borrowings, non-current

     31.2       28.0       31.1  

Net cash

     32.0       24.1       33.1  

Equity

     96.0       112.7       93.6  

Total assets

     264.8       267.2       265.3  

Capital turnover (times)

     1.3       1.1       1.2  

Return on capital employed (%)

     2.6     -11.8     0.1

Equity ratio (%)

     36.2     42.2     35.3

Return on equity (%)

     0.0     -15.2     -5.7

 

Gross cash decreased by SEK -1.2 b. and net cash decreased by SEK -1.1 b. in the quarter, due to negative effects of exchange rate changes on cash of SEK -1.6 b. Gross cash was SEK 65.7 b. and net cash was SEK 32.0 b.

Liability for post-employments benefits decreased in the quarter, to SEK 25.5 b. from SEK 27.3 b., due to increased interest rates in Swe-den.

The Swedish defined benefit obligation (DBO) has been calculated using a discount rate based on the yields of Swedish government bonds. If the discount rate had been based on Swedish covered mortgage bonds, the liability for post-employment benefits would have been approximately SEK 8.5 b. lower as of Sep 30, 2018.

The average maturity of long-term borrowings as of Sep 30, 2018, was 3.6 years, a decrease from 4.3 years 12 months earlier.

LOGO

 

 

 

11      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Financial position


Table of Contents

Parent Company

 

Income after financial items was SEK 3.3 (2.6) b. The increase was mainly due to higher recognized dividends from subsidiaries and due to a gain on sale of shares in Ericsson India Private Ltd of SEK 1.0 b.

At the end of the quarter, gross cash (cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and interest-bearing securities non-current) amounted to SEK 55.2 (53.6) b.

 

In accordance with the conditions of the long-term variable compensation program (LTV) for Ericsson employees, 2,977,975 shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the third quarter. The holding of treasury stock at September 30, 2018, was 40,403,957 Class B shares.

 

 

 

12      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Parent Company


Table of Contents

Other information

 

Ericsson announced changes to Executive Team

On July 18, 2018, Ericsson announced that the Company has appointed Jan Karlsson Senior Vice President, Head of Business Area Digital Services, and member of Ericsson’s Executive Team, effective August 1, 2018. Jan Karlsson has been acting in this position since February 1, 2018.

Ericsson expects to close the divestment of its majority stake in MediaKind around year-end

On September 18, 2018, Ericsson announced that the Company expects to close the divestment of its majority stake in MediaKind around year-end as compared to previously communicated Q3 2018. As communicated in the Q2 2018 earnings release, the divestment of MediaKind is estimated to create additional expenses of SEK -0.3 b.

SEC and DOJ inquiries

As previously disclosed, Ericsson has been voluntarily cooperating since 2013 with an investigation by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, since 2015, with an investigation by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) into Ericsson’s compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). While Ericsson cannot comment in detail the Company can provide the following update on the process. The Company has identified facts that are relevant to the investigations. These facts have been shared with the authorities by the Company.

The Company continues to cooperate with the SEC and the DOJ and is engaged in discussions with them to find a resolution. While the length of these discussions cannot be determined, based on the facts that the Company has shared with the authorities, it believes that the resolution of these matters will likely result in monetary and other measures, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated currently but may be material. Potential future cash outflows are currently not capable of being reliably estimated. Accordingly, no provisions have been recorded for such potential exposure.

Ericsson continuously seeks to strengthen its ethics and compliance program with risk-relevant policies, processes and tools for preventing, detecting and remediating non-compliance. These efforts have been further reinforced in recent years. In addition, in 2016 the Board hired an independent compliance advisory firm to assist the Company and the Board on compliance related matters. Their recommendations are currently being implemented. Recent improvement efforts focused on the following areas: people and culture (including tone from the top, senior leadership vetting, disciplinary processes, and training), third party engagements (including resources, policies, controls and processes), compliance and investigation capabilities (including resources, policies, governance, processes and tools), and internal control capabilities (including resources, governance, processes and tools).

The Company is committed to having a robust and fit-for-purpose compliance program and is continuously looking to improve on ways to better manage its compliance risks throughout the Company with due effort and attention.

    

 

 

 

13      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Other information


Table of Contents

Risk factors

 

Ericsson’s operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties are described in our Annual Report 2017. 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 Ericsson to provide financing, or delayed auctions of spectrum

 

  Intense competition from existing competitors as well as new entrants, including IT companies entering the telecommunications market, which could have a material adverse effect on the results

 

  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 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, as well as escalating trade disputes and sanctions

 

  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

 

  Rapidly changing technologies and the ways these are brought to the market, which could be disruptive to the business

 

  Ericsson is subject to risks associated with the development and implementation of new solutions or technologies under existing customer contracts. The Company may not be successful or incur delays in developing or implementing such solutions or technologies, which could result in damage claims and loss of customers which may have an adverse impact on liquidity and results of operations.

Ericsson 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 strives to operate globally in accordance with Group policies and directives for business ethics and conduct and has a dedicated ethics and compliance 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.

Ericsson is voluntarily cooperating with investigations by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Department of Justice regarding its compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Company continues to cooperate with the SEC and DOJ and is engaged in discussions with them to find a resolution. While the length of these discussions cannot be determined, based on the facts that the Company has shared with the authorities, Ericsson believes that the resolution of these matters will likely result in monetary and other measures, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated currently but may be material. Potential future cash outflows are currently not capable of being reliably estimated. Accordingly, no provisions have been recorded for such potential exposure.

Stockholm, October 18, 2018

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO

Org. no. 556016-0680

Date for next report: January 25, 2019

 

 

 

14      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Risk factors


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, 2018, 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 18, 2018

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Bo Hjalmarsson

Authorized Public Accountant

Auditor in Charge

Johan Engstam

Authorized Public Accountant

 

 

 

15      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Auditors’ Review Report


Table of Contents

Editor’s note

Press briefing and live webcast

Ericsson will hold a press and analyst briefing, starting at 09:00 CEST on October 18, 2018, at Ericsson Studio, Grönlandsgatan 8, Kista, Sweden. The press briefing is open to journalists and analysts. The briefing will also be available through a live video webcast at: www.ericsson.com/press and www.ericsson.com/investors

Conference call

A conference call for financial analysts, investors and journalists will start at 14:00 CEST.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available at: www.ericsson.com/investors and www.ericsson.com/press Replay of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the call has ended and will remain available for seven days.

For further information, please contact:

Carl Mellander Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Phone: +46 10 713 89 70

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

media.relations@ericsson.com

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 99, +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
 

 

 

16      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Editor’s note


Table of Contents

Forward-looking statements

 

This report includes forward-looking statements, including statements reflecting management’s current views relating to the growth of the market, future market conditions, future events, financial condition, and expected operational and financial performance, including, in particular the following:

 

  Our goals, strategies, planning assumptions and operational or financial performance expectations

 

  Industry trends, future characteristics and development of the markets in which we operate

 

  Our future liquidity, capital resources, capital expenditures, cost savings and profitability

 

  The expected demand for our existing and new products and services as well as plans to launch new products and services including research and development expenditures

 

  The ability to deliver on future plans and to realize potential for future growth

 

  The expected operational or financial performance of strategic cooperation activities and joint ventures

 

  The time until acquired entities and businesses will be integrated and accretive to income

 

  Technology and industry trends including the regulatory and standardization environment in which we operate, competition and our customer structure.

The words “believe,” “expect,” “foresee,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “intend,” “likely,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “plan,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “predict,” “aim,” “ambition,” “seek,” “potential,” “target,” “might,” “continue,” or, in each case, their negative or variations, and similar words or expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Any statement that refers to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.

We caution investors that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements.

Important factors that could affect whether and to what extent any of our forward-looking statements materialize include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the section “Risk Factors”, and in “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report 2017.

These forward-looking statements also represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim a duty to provide updates to these forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this report, to reflect events or changes in circumstances or changes in expectations or the occurrence of anticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or stock exchange regulation.

 

 

 

17      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Forward-looking statements


Table of Contents

Financial statements and

other information

 

Contents
Financial statements

19

 

Consolidated income statement

19

 

Statement of comprehensive income (loss)

20

 

Consolidated balance sheet

21

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

22

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

22

 

Consolidated income statement – isolated quarters

23

  Consolidated statement of cash flows – isolated quarters

24

 

Parent Company income statement

24

  Parent Company statement of comprehensive income (loss)

25

 

Parent Company balance sheet

Additional information

26

  Accounting policies

28

  Segment reporting

29

  Net sales by segment by quarter

30

  Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

30

  Gross income (loss) and gross margin by segment by quarter

31

  Operating income (loss) and operating margin by segment by quarter

32

  EBITA and EBITA margin by segment by quarter

33

  Net sales by market area by quarter

34

  Top 5 countries in sales

34

  Net sales by market area by segment

35

  IPR licensing revenues by segment by quarter

35

  Provisions

36

  Information on investments

37

  Other information

37

  Number of employees
Items excluding restructuring charges

38

  Restructuring charges by function

38

  Restructuring charges by segment

39

  Gross income (loss) and gross margin excluding restructuring charges by segment

40

  Operating income (loss) and operating margin excluding restructuring charges by segment
Alternative performance measures

41

  Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

42

  Items excluding restructuring charges

43

  EBITA and EBITA margin

43

  Cash conversion

43

  Gross cash and net cash, end of period

44

  Capital employed

44

  Capital turnover

45

  Return on capital employed

45

  Equity ratio

45

  Return on equity

46

  Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)

46

  Free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A
 

 

 

18      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements and other information


Table of Contents

Financial statements

Consolidated income statement

 

     Jul-Sep     Jan-Sep  

SEK million

   2018     2017     Change     2018     2017     Change  

Net sales

     53,810       49,413       9     147,029       147,497       0

Cost of sales

     -34,180       -36,132       -5     -95,208       -112,086       -15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     19,630       13,281       48     51,821       35,411       46

Gross margin (%)

     36.5     26.9       35.2     24.0  

Research and development expenses

     -9,388       -10,519       -11     -28,244       -27,949       1

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6,625       -5,741       15     -19,834       -20,782       -5

Impairment losses on trade receivables 1)

     -409       -1,094       -63     -806       -2,969       -73
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -16,422       -17,354       -5     -48,884       -51,700       -5

Other operating income and expenses

     31       415         126       795    

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     2       6         31       29    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     3,241       -3,652       -189     3,094       -15,465       -120

Financial income

     -225       -139         -22       -248    

Financial expenses

     -414       -182         -1,968       -449    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     2,602       -3,973       -165     1,104       -16,162       -107

Taxes

     146       516       -72     -883       2,222       -140
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     2,748       -3,457       -179     221       -13,940       -102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to:

            

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     2,745       -3,561         23       -14,100    

Non-controlling interests

     3       104         198       160    

Other information

            

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,293       3,279         3,290       3,275    

Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK) 2)

     0.84       -1.09         0.01       -4.31    

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK) 3)

     0.83       -1.09         0.01       -4.31    

 

1)

Impairment of trade receivables has been calculated according to IFRS 9 in 2018 and according to IAS 39 in 2017. Previously, these losses have been reported as selling and administrative expenses.

2)

Based on net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

3)

Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

Statement of comprehensive income (loss)

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep  

SEK million

   2018      2017      2018      2017  

Net income (loss)

     2,748        -3,457        221        -13,940  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

           

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

           

Remeasurements of defined benefits pension plans incl. asset ceiling

     1,223        -2,618        497        -1,646  

Revaluation of borrowings due to change in credit risk

     -292        —          -226        —    

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

     -217        546        -270        217  

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  

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

     -1,237        -1,728        1,804        -4,523  

Share of other comprehensive income on JV and associated companies

     -5        -8        15        -7  

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

     —          1        —          -17  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     -528        -3,807        1,820        -5,896  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     2,220        -7,264        2,041        -19,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

           

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     2,223        -7,327        1,807        -19,939  

Non-controlling interest

     -3        63        234        103  

 

 

19      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Consolidated balance sheet

 

     Sep 30      Jun 30      Dec 31  

SEK million

   2018      2018      2017  

ASSETS

        

Non-current assets

        

Intangible assets

        

Capitalized development expenses

     4,918        5,458        4,593  

Goodwill

     30,514        30,145        27,815  

Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets

     3,493        3,883        4,148  

Property, plant and equipment

     12,810        12,894        12,857  

Financial assets

        

Equity in JV and associated companies

     625        658        624  

Other investments in shares and participations

     1,572        1,587        1,279  

Customer finance, non-current

     780        1,367        2,178  

Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     23,014        21,501        25,105  

Other financial assets, non-current

     6,254        6,805        5,897  

Deferred tax assets

     24,648        23,573        21,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     108,628        107,871        106,459  

Current assets

        

Inventories

     30,635        30,050        25,547  

Contract assets

     14,794        12,460        13,120  

Trade receivables

     41,456        41,580        48,105  

Customer finance, current

     1,240        1,664        1,753  

Other current receivables

     25,446        26,344        22,301  

Interest-bearing securities, current

     6,591        8,304        6,713  

Cash and cash equivalents

     36,058        37,049        35,884  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     156,220        157,451        153,423  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     264,848        265,322        259,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

        

Equity

        

Stockholders’ equity

     95,087        92,689        96,935  

Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiaries

     866        871        636  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     95,953        93,560        97,571  

Non-current liabilities

        

Post-employment benefits

     25,475        27,306        25,009  

Provisions, non-current

     3,420        2,819        3,596  

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,274        1,332        901  

Borrowings, non-current

     31,187        31,131        30,500  

Other non-current liabilities

     4,456        4,549        2,776  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     65,812        67,137        62,782  

Current liabilities

        

Provisions, current

     5,275        6,715        6,283  

Borrowings, current

     2,463        2,642        2,545  

Contract liabilities

     30,108        30,959        29,076  

Trade payables

     28,914        28,563        26,320  

Other current liabilities

     36,323        35,746        35,305  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     103,083        104,625        99,529  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

     264,848        265,322        259,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which interest-bearing liabilities

     33,650        33,773        33,045  

Assets pledged as collateral

     5,768        5,702        5,215  

Contingent liabilities 1)

     1,490        1,363        1,561  

 

1) 

Contingent liabilities does not include any amounts related to investigation by the SEC and the DOJ about Ericsson’s compliance with the U.S Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). For information about the investigation by the SEC and the DOJ, please refer to “Other information” on page 13 of this report.

 

 

20      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2018      2017      2018      2017      2017  

Operating activities

              

Net income (loss)

     2,748        -3,457        221        -13,940        -32,433  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

              

Taxes

     -2,101        -1,323        -5,487        -7,261        -9,064  

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     28        73        13        58        56  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     1,893        4,146        5,849        11,774        27,892  

Other

     348        -218        1,056        261        440  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

     2,916        -779        1,652        -9,108        -13,109  

Changes in operating net assets

              

Inventories

     -1,773        1,061        -6,496        -3,637        4,719  

Customer finance, current and non-current

     1,001        456        1,948        762        798  

Trade receivables and contract assets

     -3,503        623        5,474        3,625        1,379  

Trade payables

     953        -1,061        1,607        -679        1,886  

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     -265        -608        -634        4,343        4,755  

Contract liabilities

     -220        -1,910        304        2,324        5,024  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

     2,931        2,200        1,200        812        4,149  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     -876        761        3,403        7,550        22,710  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,040        -18        5,055        -1,558        9,601  

Investing activities

              

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -1,088        -739        -2,895        -2,772        -3,877  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     102        12        277        118        1,016  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     -425        371        -1,305        383        276  

Product development

     -151        -126        -730        -1,306        -1,444  

Other investing activities

     -190        42        -427        110        -463  

Interest-bearing securities

     30        3,756        3,152        -8,806        -11,578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     -1,722        3,316        -1,928        -12,273        -16,070  

Cash flow before financing activities

     318        3,298        3,127        -13,831        -6,469  

Financing activities

              

Dividends paid

     -2        -145        -3,291        -3,423        -3,424  

Other financing activities

     254        1,563        -223        6,829        8,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     252        1,418        -3,514        3,406        5,478  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     -1,562        48        561        -331        -91  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -992        4,764        174        -10,756        -1,082  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     37,050        21,446        35,884        36,966        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     36,058        26,210        36,058        26,210        35,884  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

21      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement

of changes in equity

 

     Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2018      2017      2017  

Opening balance 1)

     97,571        135,257        135,257  

Opening balance adjustment due to IFRS 9

     -983        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted opening balance

     96,588        135,257        135,257  

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     2,041        -19,836        -35,232  

Sale/repurchase of own shares

     76        -28        -5  

Stock issue (net)

     —          15        15  

Long-term variable compensation plans

     540        650        885  

Dividends paid

     -3,291        -3,424        -3,424  

Transactions with non-controlling interests

     -1        76        75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     95,953        112,710        97,571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1) 

The opening balance adjustment for IFRS 15 on initial application date (January 1, 2016) was SEK -4,353 million. Opening balances of 2017 and 2018 have been restated for IFRS 15.

Consolidated income statement

- isolated quarters

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

Cost of sales

     -34,180       -32,475       -28,553       -45,365       -36,132       -35,652       -40,302  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     19,630       17,333       14,858       12,516       13,281       14,629       7,501  

Gross margin (%)

     36.5     34.8     34.2     21.6     26.9     29.1     15.7

Research and development expenses

     -9,388       -9,783       -9,073       -9,938       -10,519       -8,364       -9,066  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -6,625       -7,053       -6,156       -8,245       -5,741       -6,818       -8,223  

Impairment losses on trade receivables 1)

     -409       -369       -28       -680       -1,094       -235       -1,640  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -16,422       -17,205       -15,257       -18,863       -17,354       -15,417       -18,929  

Other operating income and expenses

     31       11       84       -12,926 2)       415       239       141  

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     2       26       3       -5       6       12       11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     3,241       165       -312       -19,278       -3,652       -537       -11,276  

Financial income

     -225       275       -72       -124       -139       -27       -82  

Financial expenses

     -414       -1,085       -469       -394       -182       83       -350  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     2,602       -645       -853       -19,796       -3,973       -481       -11,708  

Taxes

     146       -1,157       128       1,303       516       24       1,682  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     2,748       -1,802       -725       -18,493       -3,457       -457       -10,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to:

              

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     2,745       -1,885       -837       -18,476       -3,561       -471       -10,068  

Non-controlling interests

     3       83       112       -17       104       14       42  

Other information

              

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,293       3,290       3,286       3,283       3,279       3,275       3,272  

Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK) 3)

     0.84       -0.58       -0.25       -5.63       -1.09       -0.14       -3.08  

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK) 4)

     0.83       -0.58       -0.25       -5.63       -1.09       -0.14       -3.08  

 

1) 

Impairment of trade receivables has been calculated according to IFRS 9 in 2018 and according to IAS 39 in 2017. Previously, these losses have been reported as selling and administrative expenses.

2) 

Includes write-down of goodwill of SEK -13.0 billion.

3) 

Based on net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

4)

Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

 

 

22      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement

of cash flows - isolated quarters

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Operating activities

                    

Net income (loss)

     2,748        -1,802        -725        -18,493        -3,457        -457        -10,026  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

                    

Taxes

     -2,101        -1,071        -2,315        -1,803        -1,323        -1,826        -4,112  

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     28        -19        4        -2        73        -8        -7  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     1,893        2,065        1,891        16,118        4,146        2,197        5,431  

Other

     348        568        140        179        -218        -48        527  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

     2,916        -259        -1,005        -4,001        -779        -142        -8,187  

Changes in operating net assets

                    

Inventories

     -1,773        -1,910        -2,813        8,356        1,061        -1,492        -3,206  

Customer finance, current and non-current

     1,001        547        400        36        456        1,140        -834  

Trade receivables and contract assets

     -3,503        1,661        7,316        -2,246        623        184        2,818  

Trade payables

     953        1,252        -598        2,565        -1,061        19        363  

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     -265        478        -847        412        -608        315        4,636  

Contract liabilities

     -220        -233        757        2,700        -1,910        -573        4,807  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

     2,931        -94        -1,637        3,337        2,200        550        -1,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     -876        1,701        2,578        15,160        761        143        6,646  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,040        1,442        1,573        11,159        -18        1        -1,541  

Investing activities

                    

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -1,088        -951        -856        -1,105        -739        -1,018        -1,015  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     102        52        123        898        12        37        69  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     -425        -431        -449        -107        371        9        3  

Product development

     -151        -325        -254        -138        -126        -315        -865  

Other investing activities

     -190        -398        161        -573        42        -42        110  

Interest-bearing securities

     30        3,656        -534        -2,772        3,756        -676        -11,886  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     -1,722        1,603        -1,809        -3,797        3,316        -2,005        -13,584  

Cash flow before financing activities

     318        3,045        -236        7,362        3,298        -2,004        -15,125  

Financing activities

                    

Dividends paid

     -2        -3,289        —          -1        -145        -3,274        -4  

Other financing activities

     254        -383        -94        2,073        1,563        -5,636        10,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     252        -3,672        -94        2,072        1,418        -8,910        10,898  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     -1,562        980        1,143        240        48        -594        215  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -992        353        813        9,674        4,764        -11,508        -4,012  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     37,050        36,697        35,884        26,210        21,446        32,954        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     36,058        37,050        36,697        35,884        26,210        21,446        32,954  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

23      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Parent Company income statement

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2018      2017      2018      2017      2017  

Net sales

     —          —          —          —          —    

Cost of sales

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross income

     —          —          —          —          —    

Operating expenses

     -879        -216        -1,385        -860        -1,294  

Other operating income and expenses

     399        557        1,153        1,747        1,616  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     -480        341        -232        887        322  

Financial net

     2,015        44        3,487        1,753        -2,297  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     1,535        385        3,255        2,640        -1,975  

Transfers to (-) / from untaxed reserves

     —          —          —          —          -120  

Taxes

     -101        -40        -256        -148        -53  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     1,434        345        2,999        2,492        -2,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Parent company statement

of comprehensive income (loss)

 

     Jul-Sep      Jan-Sep      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2018      2017      2018      2017      2017  

Net income (loss)

     1,434        345        2,999        2,492        -2,148  

Revaluation of borrowings due to change in credit risk

     292        —          342           —    

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

     -64        —          -75           —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

              

Gains/losses arising during the period

     —          5        —          78        68  

Reclassification adjustments on gains/losses included in profit or loss

     —          —          —          5        5  

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

              

Fair value remeasurement

     —          —          —          —          102  

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

     —          -1        —          -18        -14  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     228        4        267        65        161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     1,662        349        3,266        2,557        -1,987  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

24      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


Table of Contents

Parent company balance sheet

 

SEK million

   Sep 30
2018
     Dec 31
2017
 

ASSETS

     

Fixed assets

     

Intangible assets

     170        329  

Tangible assets

     306        346  

Financial assets1) 2)

     115,254        119,896  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     115,730        120,571  

Current assets

     

Inventories

     —          1  

Receivables 2)

     44,328        41,173  

Short-term investments

     6,292        6,446  

Cash and cash equivalents

     25,896        18,715  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     76,516        66,335  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     192,246        186,906  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, PROVISIONS AND LIABILITIES

     

Equity

     

Restricted equity

     48,164        48,164  

Non-restricted equity 2)

     39,181        39,578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     87,345        87,742  

Provisions

     1,079        602  

Non-current liabilities 2)

     62,776        60,623  

Current liabilities

     41,046        37,939  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities

     192,246        186,906  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

1)  Of which interest-bearing securities, non-current

     23,014        25,105  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2) 

The following 2018 opening balances have been adjusted due to IFRS 9: financial assets increased by SEK 8 million, receivables decreased by SEK –4 million, non-restricted equity decreased by SEK –28 million, and non-current liabilities increased by SEK 31 million.

 

 

25      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Financial statements


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 31,2017 and should be read in conjunction with that annual report, with exception for the accounting policies described below.

New standards as from January 1, 2018

Two new IFRS standards are effective as from January 1, 2018, IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” and IFRS 15 “Revenue from Customer Contracts”.

Presentation in the financial statements

For IFRS 15 the Company has adopted the full retrospective method for transition, which mean that prior year comparatives have been restated and equity has been adjusted at the initial application date (January 1, 2016). The Company has applied IFRS 9 retrospectively on the required effective date, January 1, 2018. The 2018 opening balances have been adjusted, but the previous periods have not been restated.

Based on the new requirements under IFRS 15, contract assets and contract liabilities have been added as new lines in the consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flow. Previously, contract assets were reported as trade receivables and contract liabilities were reported as deferred revenue and as advances from customers within other current liabilities. Due to IFRS 9, impairment losses on trade receivables are reported on a separate line in the consolidated income statement. Previously, these losses have been reported as Selling and administrative expenses. In the statement of comprehensive income, a new line has been added for revaluation of borrowings due to changes in credit risk. A new line has been added to the consolidated statement of equity showing the adjustment to the opening balance.

The prior periods financial statements and key ratios presented in this quarterly report have been restated to reflect adoption of these new standards.

Accounting policy – IFRS 9 “Financial instruments”

Financial assets

The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI), and at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The classification depends on the characteristics of the asset and the business model in which it is held.

Financial assets at amortized cost

Financial assets are classified as amortized cost if the contractual terms give rise to payments that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and the financial asset is held in a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows. These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, minus impairment allowances.

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

Assets are classified as FVOCI if the contractual terms give rise to payments that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and the financial asset is held in a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI), except for effective interest, impairment gains and losses and foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the income statement. Upon derecognition, the cumulative gain or loss in OCI is reclassified to the income statement.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

All financial assets that are not classified as either amortized cost or FVOCI are classified as FVTPL. A financial asset is classified as held for trading if it is acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term. Derivatives are classified as held for trading, unless they are designated as hedging instruments for the purpose of hedge accounting. Assets held for trading are classified as current assets. Debt instruments classified as FVTPL, but not held for trading, are classified on the balance sheet based on their maturity date (i.e. those with a maturity longer than one year are classified as non-current). Investments in shares and participations are classified as FVTPL and classified as non-current financial assets.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair values of the “Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” category (excluding derivatives and customer financing) are presented in the income statement within Financial income in the period in which they arise. Gains and losses on derivatives are presented in the income statement either as Cost of sales, Other operating income, Financial income or Financial expense, depending on the intent with the transaction. Gains and losses on customer financing are presented in the income statement as Selling expenses.

Impairment in relation to financial assets

At each balance sheet date, financial assets classified as either amortized cost or FVOCI and contract assets are assessed for impairment based on Expected Credit Losses (ECL). Allowances for trade receivables and contract assets are always equal to lifetime ECL. The loss is recognized in the income statement. When there is no reasonable expectation of collection, the asset is written off.

Borrowings

Borrowings by the Parent Company are designated FVTPL because they are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis. Changes in fair value are recognized in the income statement, except for changes in fair value due to change in credit risk which are recognized in Other comprehensive income.

 

 

 

26      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

Summary of changes to classification of financial assets and financial liabilities

 

Type of asset

  

IAS 39 classification

  

IFRS 9 classification

  

Reason for IFRS 9 classification

Cash equivalents, interest-bearing securities, and derivatives (held for trading)    FVTPL    FVTPL    Held for trading portfolios are classified as FVTPL (no change).
Cash equivalents (not held for trading)    Loans and receivables    Amortized cost    These assets are held to collect contractual cash flows.
Interest-bearing securities (not held for trading)    Available-for-sale    FVTPL    These assets are not held for trading but are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis.
Trade receivables    Loans and receivables    FVOCI    Trade receivables are managed in a business model whose objective is achieved through both collection of contractual cash flows and selling of assets.
Customer financing    Loans and receivables    FVTPL    Customer finance assets are managed in a business model with the objective to realize cash flows through the sale of assets.
Investments in shares and participations (equity instruments)    Available-for-sale    FVTPL    This is an accounting policy choice under IFRS 9.
Borrowings by parent company    Amortized cost    Designated FVTPL    These borrowings are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis.

 

Fair value hedging and fair value hedge accounting

Fair value hedge accounting is no longer applied as of January 1, 2018.

Financial guarantees

Financial guarantee contracts are initially recognized at fair value (i.e., usually the fee received). Subsequently, these contracts are measured at the higher of:

– The expected credit losses.

– The recognized contractual fee less cumulative amortization when amortized over the guarantee period, using the straight-line-method.

Accounting policy – IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

IFRS 15, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” establishes a new principle-based model of recognizing revenue from customer contracts. It introduces a five-step model that requires revenue to be recognized when control over goods and services are transferred to the customer.

The following paragraphs describes the types of contracts, when performance obligations are satisfied, and the timing of revenue recognition. They also describe the normal payment terms associated with such contracts and the resulting impact on the balance sheet over the duration of the contracts. The vast majority of Ericsson’s business is for the sale of standard products and services.

Standard products and services

Products and services are classified as standard solutions if they do not require significant installation and integration services to be delivered. Installation and integration services are generally completed within a short period of time, from the delivery of the related products. These products and services are viewed as separate distinct performance obligations. This type of customer contract is usually signed as a frame agreement and the customer issues individual purchase orders to commit to purchases of products and services over the duration of the agreement.

Revenue for standard products shall be recognized when control over the equipment is transferred to the customer at a point in time. This assessment shall be viewed from a customer’s perspective considering indicators such as transfer of titles and risks, customer acceptance, physical possession, and billing rights. For hardware sales, transfer of control is usually deemed to occur when the equipment arrives at the customer site and for software sales, when the licenses are made available to the customer. Contractual terms may vary, therefore judgment will be applied when assessing the indicators of transfer of control. Revenue for installation and integration services is recognized upon completion of the service.

Transaction prices under these contracts are mostly billed upon delivery of the hardware or software, and completion of installation services, although a proportion may be billed upon formal acceptance of the related installation services. This will result in a contract asset for the proportion of the transaction price that is not yet billed.

Revenue for recurring services such as customer support and managed services is recognized as the services are delivered, generally pro-rata over time. Transaction prices under these contracts are billed over time, often on a quarterly basis. Contract liabilities or receivables may arise depending on whether the quarterly billing is in advance or in arrears.

Contract for standard products and services applies to business in all segments.

Customized solution

Some products and services are sold together as part of a customized solution to the customer. This type of contract requires significant installation and integration services to be delivered within the solution, normally over a period of more than 1 year. These products and services are viewed together as a combined performance obligation. This type of contract is usually sold as a firm contract in which the scope of the solution and obligations of both parties are clearly defined for the duration of the contract.

 

 

 

27      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

Revenue for the combined performance obligation shall be recognized over time if progress of completion can be reliably measured and enforceable right to payment exists over the duration of the contract. The progress of completion is estimated by reference to the output delivered such as achievement of contract milestones and customer acceptance. This method is considered appropriate as it reflects the nature of the customized solution and how integration service is delivered in these projects. Formal acceptance term is considered a key indicator of transfer of control for a customized solution and shall therefore be obtained prior to recognizing revenue. If the criteria above are not met, then all revenue shall be recognized upon the completion of the customized solution, when final acceptance is provided by the customer.

Transaction price under these contracts are represented by progress payments or billing milestones as defined in the contracts. In most cases, revenue recognized is limited to the progress payments or unconditional billing milestones over the duration of the contract, therefore no contract asset or contract liability arises on these contracts. In some contracts, revenue may be recognized in advance of billing milestones if enforceable payment rights exist at all times over the contract duration. This will result in a contract asset balance until billing milestones are reached.

Contract for customized solution applies to the Business Support Systems (BSS) business within the segment Digital Services and the Media Solutions business within the segment Emerging Business and Other.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

This type of contract relates to the patent and licensing business. The Company has assessed that the nature of its IPR contracts is such that they provide customers a license with the right to access Ericsson intellectual properties over time, therefore revenue shall be recognized over the duration of the contract. Royalty revenue based on sales or usage is recognized when the sales and usage occurs.

The transaction price on these contracts is usually structured as a royalty fee based on sales or usage over the period, measured on a quarterly basis. This results in a receivable balance if the billing is performed the following quarter after measurement. Some contracts include lump sum amounts, payable either up front at commencement or on an annual basis. This results in a contract liability balance if payment is in advance of revenue, as revenue is recognized over time.

As described in Note C3 “Segment Information” of the Annual Report 2017, revenue from IPR licensing contracts are allocated to the segments Networks and Digital Services.

 

 

Impact of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 on balance sheet items

 

                   Restated             Adjusted  
     As reported at      IFRS 15      balance at      IFRS 9      balance at  
     31.12 2017      restatement      31.12.2017      adjustment      1.1.2018  

ASSETS

              

Non-current assets

              

Deferred tax assets

     21,228        735        21,963        288        22,251  

Current assets

              

Inventories

     24,960        587        25,547        —          25,547  

Contract assets

     —          13,120        13,120        —          13,120  

Trade receivables

     63,210        -15,105        48,105        -1,240        46,865  

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

              

Equity

              

Stockholder’s equity

     99,540        -2,605        96,935        -983        95,952  

Non-current liabilities

              

Borrowings, non-current

     30,500        —          30,500        31        30,531  

Current liabilities

              

Provisions

     6,350        -67        6,283        —          6,283  

Contract liabilities

     —          29,076        29,076        —          29,076  

Other current liabilities

     62,370        -27,065        35,305        —          35,305  

 

Segment reporting

Changes applied in Q1 2018

As of Q1 2018, sales related to 3PP routing business are reported in Networks (earlier Digital Services). Comparative periods have been restated to reflect this change. In Q1 2018, these sales were SEK 151 (160) million.

Changes applied in Q2 2018

As of Q2 2018, sales related to Application Development and Maintenance (ADM) and certain sales related to Business Support Solution (BSS) was moved between segments Managed Services and Digital Services, with increased sales in Managed Services and a corresponding sales decrease in Digital Services (net effect of SEK 1.9 b in 2017). The corresponding impact on 2017 gross income was SEK 0.2 b (positive for Managed Services, negative for Digital Services). Historical data has been restated to reflect the organizational change.

 

 

 

28      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents
Net sales by segment by quarter               
     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     35,934       32,393       28,602       37,077       31,871       31,699       31,638  

Of which Products

     25,336       22,319       19,473       25,404       21,734       21,281       21,858  

Of which Services

     10,598       10,074       9,129       11,673       10,137       10,418       9,780  

Digital Services

     8,987       8,833       7,262       11,820       8,930       9,901       8,101  

Of which Products

     4,582       4,467       3,947       6,452       4,859       5,370       4,327  

Of which Services

     4,405       4,366       3,315       5,368       4,071       4,531       3,774  

Managed Services

     6,465       6,528       5,896       6,898       6,618       6,673       6,283  

Emerging Business and Other

     2,424       2,054       1,651       2,086       1,994       2,008       1,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2018     2017  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     11     13     -23     16     1     0     —    

Of which Products

     14     15     -23     17     2     -3     —    

Of which Services

     5     10     -22     15     -3     7     —    

Digital Services

     2     22     -39     32     -10     22     —    

Of which Products

     3     13     -39     33     -10     24     —    

Of which Services

     1     32     -38     32     -10     20     —    

Managed Services

     -1     11     -15     4     -1     6     —    

Emerging Business and Other

     18     24     -21     5     -1     13     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     8     15     -25     17     -2     5     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2018     2017  

Year over year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     13     2     -10     —         —         —         —    

Of which Products

     17     5     -11     —         —         —         —    

Of which Services

     5     -3     -7     —         —         —         —    

Digital Services

     1     -11     -10     —         —         —         —    

Of which Products

     -6     -17     -9     —         —         —         —    

Of which Services

     8     -4     -12     —         —         —         —    

Managed Services

     -2     -2     -6     —         —         —         —    

Emerging Business and Other

     22     2     -7     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     9     –1     –9     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     96,929       60,995       28,602       132,285       95,208       63,337       31,638  

Of which Products

     67,128       41,792       19,473       90,277       64,873       43,139       21,858  

Of which Services

     29,801       19,203       9,129       42,008       30,335       20,198       9,780  

Digital Services

     25,082       16,095       7,262       38,752       26,932       18,002       8,101  

Of which Products

     12,996       8,414       3,947       21,008       14,556       9,697       4,327  

Of which Services

     12,086       7,681       3,315       17,744       12,376       8,305       3,774  

Managed Services

     18,889       12,424       5,896       26,472       19,574       12,956       6,283  

Emerging Business and Other

     6,129       3,705       1,651       7,869       5,783       3,789       1,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2018     2017  

Year over year change, percent

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

Networks

     2     -4     -10     -6     —         —         —    

Of which Products

     3     -3     -11     -4     —         —         —    

Of which Services

     -2     -5     -7     -8     —         —         —    

Digital Services

     -7     -11     -10     -9     —         —         —    

Of which Products

     -11     -13     -9     -10     —         —         —    

Of which Services

     -2     -8     -12     -8     —         —         —    

Managed Services

     -3     -4     -6     -8     —         —         —    

Emerging Business and Other

     6     -2     -7     -9     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     0     -5     -9     -7     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

29      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Additional information


Table of Contents
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency*

 

           
     2018     2017  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     9     7     -22     —         —         —         —    

Digital Services

     0     16     -38     —         —         —         —    

Managed Services

     -1     6     -11     —         —         —         —    

Emerging Business and Other

     15     18     -20     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     7     9     -24     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2018     2017  

Isolated quarter, year over year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     5     2     -2     —         —         —         —    

Digital Services

     -6     -12     -3     —         —         —         —    

Managed Services

     -8     -3     -4     —         —         —         —    

Emerging Business and Other

     11     1     -2     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1     -1     -2     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year to date, year over year change,

   2018     2017  

percent

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

Networks

     2     0     -2     —         —         —         —    

Digital Services

     -7     -8     -3     —         —         —         —    

Managed Services

     -5     -3     -4     —         —         —         —    

Emerging Business and Other

     3     -1     -2     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -1     -2     -2     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency has not been restated for 2017.

 

    

 

Gross income (loss) and gross margin by segment by quarter

 

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     14,835       12,565       11,127       11,849       10,654       10,894       10,031  

Digital Services

     3,208       3,458       2,892       1,114       2,620       3,289       -2,324  

Managed Services

     805       809       491       -691       -360       19       -542  

Emerging Business and Other

     782       501       348       245       367       427       336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     19,630       17,333       14,858       12,517       13,281       14,629       7,501  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     41.3     38.8     38.9     32.0     33.4     34.4     31.7

Digital Services

     35.7     39.1     39.8     9.4     29.3     33.2     -28.7

Managed Services

     12.5     12.4     8.3     -10.0     -5.4     0.3     -8.6

Emerging Business and Other

     32.3     24.4     21.1     11.7     18.4     21.3     18.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     36.5     34.8     34.2     21.6     26.9     29.1     15.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

SEK million

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

Networks

     38,527       23,692       11,127       43,428       31,579       20,925       10,031  

Digital Services

     9,558       6,350       2,892       4,699       3,585       965       -2,324  

Managed Services

     2,105       1,300       491       -1,574       -883       -523       -542  

Emerging Business and Other

     1,631       849       348       1,375       1,130       763       336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     51,821       32,191       14,858       47,928       35,411       22,130       7,501  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     39.7     38.8     38.9     32.8     33.2     33.0     31.7

Digital Services

     38.1     39.5     39.8     12.1     13.3     5.4     -28.7

Managed Services

     11.1     10.5     8.3     -5.9     -4.5     -4.0     -8.6

Emerging Business and Other

     26.6     22.9     21.1     17.5     19.5     20.1     18.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     35.2     34.5     34.2     23.3     24.0     22.6     15.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

30      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Additional information


Table of Contents
Operating income (loss) and operating margin by segment by quarter

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     5,656       3,544       3,371       1,945       2,375       3,424       2,711  

Digital Services

     -1,784       -2,374       -2,607       -12,271       -3,770       -2,237       -9,004  

Managed Services

     409       299       100       -1,275       -727       -258       -1,829  

Emerging Business and Other

     -1,040       -1,304       -1,176       -7,677       -1,530       -1,466       -3,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,241       165       -312       -19,278       -3,652       -537       -11,276  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     15.7     10.9     11.8     5.2     7.5     10.8     8.6

Digital Services

     -19.9     -26.9     -35.9     -103.8     -42.2     -22.6     -111.1

Managed Services

     6.3     4.6     1.7     -18.5     -11.0     -3.9     -29.1

Emerging Business and Other

     -42.9     -63.5     -71.2     -368.0     -76.7     -73.0     -177.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6.0     0.3     -0.7     -33.3     -7.4     -1.1     -23.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

SEK million

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

Networks

     12,571       6,915       3,371       10,455       8,510       6,135       2,711  

Digital Services

     -6,765       -4,981       -2,607       -27,282       -15,011       -11,241       -9,004  

Managed Services

     808       399       100       -4,089       -2,814       -2,087       -1,829  

Emerging Business and Other

     -3,520       -2,480       -1,176       -13,827       -6,150       -4,620       -3,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,094       -147       -312       -34,743       -15,465       -11,813       -11,276  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     13.0     11.3     11.8     7.9     8.9     9.7     8.6

Digital Services

     -27.0     -30.9     -35.9     -70.4     -55.7     -62.4     -111.1

Managed Services

     4.3     3.2     1.7     -15.4     -14.4     -16.1     -29.1

Emerging Business and Other

     -57.4     -66.9     -71.2     -175.7     -106.3     -121.9     -177.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2.1     -0.2     -0.7     -16.9     -10.5     -12.0     -23.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

31      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Additional information


Table of Contents
EBITA and EBITA margin by segment by quarter

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     5,722       3,618       3,461       2,032       2,460       3,509       2,892  

Digital Services

     -1,608       -2,204       -2,443       -4,890       -3,577       -2,034       -8,246  

Managed Services

     411       303       105       -1,268       -726       -259       -1,825  

Emerging Business and Other

     -940       -1,202       -1,088       -1,199       -1,430       -1,308       -2,222  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,585       515       35       -5,325       -3,273       -92       -9,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Isolated quarters    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     15.9     11.2     12.1     5.5     7.7     11.1     9.1

Digital Services

     -17.9     -25.0     -33.6     -41.4     -40.1     -20.5     -101.8

Managed Services

     6.4     4.6     1.8     -18.4     -11.0     -3.9     -29.0

Emerging Business and Other

     -38.8     -58.5     -65.9     -57.5     -71.7     -65.1     -124.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6.7     1.0     0.1     -9.2     -6.6     -0.2     -19.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

SEK million

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

Networks

     12,801       7,079       3,461       10,893       8,861       6,401       2,892  

Digital Services

     -6,255       -4,647       -2,443       -18,747       -13,857       -10,280       -8,246  

Managed Services

     819       408       105       -4,078       -2,810       -2,084       -1,825  

Emerging Business and Other

     -3,230       -2,290       -1,088       -6,159       -4,960       -3,530       -2,222  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     4,135       550       35       -18,091       -12,766       -9,493       -9,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date    2018     2017  

As a percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     13.2     11.6     12.1     8.2     9.3     10.1     9.1

Digital Services

     -24.9     -28.9     -33.6     -48.4     -51.5     -57.1     -101.8

Managed Services

     4.3     3.3     1.8     -15.4     -14.4     -16.1     -29.0

Emerging Business and Other

     -52.7     -61.8     -65.9     -78.3     -85.8     -93.2     -124.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2.8     0.6     0.1     -8.8     -8.7     -9.7     -19.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

32      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

                             Additional information


Table of Contents

Net sales by market area by quarter

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     7,985       6,981       6,379       7,844       7,858       7,234       8,410  

North East Asia

     5,773       4,764       3,385       6,465       5,653       5,901       5,564  

North America

     14,933       14,337       11,317       14,685       12,319       12,970       12,027  

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     14,816       14,174       13,061       16,939       13,430       14,231       12,201  

Middle East and Africa

     5,722       5,626       5,765       7,581       6,297       5,731       5,356  

Other 1) 2)

     4,581       3,926       3,504       4,367       3,856       4,214       4,245  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     429       596       915       872       660       785       1,017  

2) Of which in EU

     8,481       8,619       8,522       10,822       8,635       8,687       8,328  
     2018     2017  

Sequential change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     14     9     -19     0     9     -14     —    

North East Asia

     21     41     -48     14     -4     6     —    

North America

     4     27     -23     19     -5     8     —    

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     5     9     -23     26     -6     17     —    

Middle East and Africa

     2     -2     -24     20     10     7     —    

Other 1) 2)

     17     12     -20     13     -8     -1     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     8     15     -25     17     -2     5     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -28     -35     5     32     -16     -23     —    

2) Of which in EU

     -2     1     -21     25     -1     4     —    
     2018     2017  

Year-over-year change, percent

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     2     -3     -24     —         —         —         —    

North East Asia

     2     -19     -39     —         —         —         —    

North America

     21     11     -6     —         —         —         —    

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     10     0     7     —         —         —         —    

Middle East and Africa

     -9     -2     8     —         —         —         —    

Other 1) 2)

     19     -7     -17     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     9     -1     -9     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -35     -24     -10     —         —         —         —    

2) Of which in EU

     -2     -1     2     —         —         —         —    
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     21,345       13,360       6,379       31,346       23,502       15,644       8,410  

North East Asia

     13,922       8,149       3,385       23,583       17,118       11,465       5,564  

North America

     40,587       25,654       11,317       52,001       37,316       24,997       12,027  

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     42,051       27,235       13,061       56,801       39,862       26,432       12,201  

Middle East and Africa

     17,113       11,391       5,765       24,965       17,384       11,087       5,356  

Other 1) 2)

     12,011       7,430       3,504       16,682       12,315       8,459       4,245  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     1,940       1,511       915       3,334       2,462       1,802       1,017  

2) Of which in EU

     25,622       17,141       8,522       36,472       25,650       17,015       8,328  
Year to date, year-over-year change,    2018     2017  

percent

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

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     -9     -15     -24     0     —         —         —    

North East Asia

     -19     -29     -39     -13     —         —         —    

North America

     9     3     -6     1     —         —         —    

Europe and Latin America 1) 2)

     5     3     7     -9     —         —         —    

Middle East and Africa

     -2     3     8     -9     —         —         —    

Other 1) 2)

     -2     -12     -17     -18     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     0     -5     -9     -7     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -21     -16     -10     -1     —         —         —    

2) Of which in EU

     0     1     2     -6     —         —         —    

 

 

33      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

Top 5 countries in sales

 

Country    Q3     Jan-Sep  

Percentage of Net sales

   2018     2017     2018     2017  

United States

     30     26     29     27

China

     8     7     6     8

India

     5     6     5     5

Australia

     4     4     4     4

Brazil

     4     3     3     3

Net sales by market area by segment

 

     Q3 2018     Jan-Sep 2018  

SEK million

   Networks     Digital
Services
    Managed
Services
    Emerging
Business
and Other
    Total     Networks     Digital
Services
    Managed
Services
    Emerging
Business
and Other
    Total  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     5,834       1,270       878       3       7,985       15,240       3,574       2,518       13       21,345  

North East Asia

     4,581       834       328       30       5,773       10,420       2,358       1,082       62       13,922  

North America

     11,761       2,106       1,043       23       14,933       32,467       5,588       2,460       72       40,587  

Europe and Latin America

     8,724       2,852       3,167       73       14,816       23,927       8,059       9,845       220       42,051  

Middle East and Africa

     3,133       1,540       1,049       —         5,722       9,662       4,455       2,984       12       17,113  

Other

     1,901       385       —         2,295       4,581       5,213       1,048       —         5,750       12,011  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     35,934       8,987       6,465       2,424       53,810       96,929       25,082       18,889       6,129       147,029  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of total

     67     17     12     4     100     66     17     13     4     100

 

     Q3 2018  
                       Emerging        
Sequential change,          Digital     Managed     Business        

percent

   Networks     Services     Services     and Other     Total  

South East Asia, Oceania and

          

India

     17     18     -4     50     14

North East Asia

     27     5     -11     275     21

North America

     4     -1     27     10     4

Europe and Latin America

     13     -2     -8     -8     5

Middle East and Africa

     3     -3     6     -100     2

Other

     14     18     -100     19     17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     11     2     -1     18     8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Q3 2018     Jan-Sep 2018  
                       Emerging                             Emerging        
Year over year change,          Digital     Managed     Business                 Digital     Managed     Business        

percent

   Networks     Services     Services     and Other     Total     Networks     Services     Services     and Other     Total  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     1     24     -15     —         2     -13     3     -2     333     -9

North East Asia

     19     -39     -27     275     2     -13     -39     -17     464     -19

North America

     24     4     32     -12     21     13     -6     -3     -6     9

Europe and Latin America

     20     7     -6     -40     10     12     -1     -3     16     5

Middle East and Africa

     -15     -4     7     -100     -9     -3     0     0     -50     -2

Other

     6     52     —         26     19     -10     3     —         5     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     13     1     -2     22     9     2     -7     -3     6     0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

34      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

IPR licensing revenues by segment by quarter

 

Isolated quarters,    2018      2017  

SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Networks

     1,755        1,486        1,522        1,731        1,640        1,670        1,724  

Digital Services

     385        326        334        380        360        366        379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,140        1,812        1,856        2,111        2,000        2,036        2,103  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     4,763        3,008        1,522        6,765        5,034        3,394        1,724  

Digital Services

     1,045        660        334        1,485        1,105        745        379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,808        3,668        1,856        8,250        6,139        4,139        2,103  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provisions

 

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Opening balance

     9,534        9,030        9,879        9,514        10,357        10,514        6,320  

Additions

     1,491        1,974        1,315        2,769        1,942        1,403        6,365  

Utilization/Cash out

     -1,774        -1,486        -2,216        -2,186        -2,626        -1,324        -2,085  

Of which restructuring

     -1,236        -832        -1,424        -1,204        -1,461        -1,075        -1,586  

Reversal of excess amounts

     -127        -191        -117        -199        -32        -65        -66  

Reclassification, translation difference and other

     -429        207        169        -19        -127        -171        -20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     8,695        9,534        9,030        9,879        9,514        10,357        10,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which restructuring

     2,960        4,029        3,524        4,043        3,458        4,003        4,059  
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Opening balance

     9,879        9,879        9,879        6,320        6,320        6,320        6,320  

Additions

     4,780        3,289        1,315        12,479        9,710        7,768        6,365  

Utilization/Cash out

     -5,476        -3,702        -2,216        -8,221        -6,035        -3,409        -2,085  

Of which restructuring

     -3,492        -2,256        -1,424        -5,326        -4,122        -2,661        -1,586  

Reversal of excess amounts

     -435        -308        -117        -362        -163        -131        -66  

Reclassification, translation difference and other

     -53        376        169        -337        -318        -191        -20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     8,695        9,534        9,030        9,879        9,514        10,357        10,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which restructuring

     2,960        4,029        3,524        4,043        3,458        4,003        4,059  

 

 

35      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

Information on investments

Investments in assets subject to depreciation, amortization, impairment and write-downs

 

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Additions

                    

Property, plant and equipment

     1,088        951        856        1,105        739        1,018        1,015  

Capitalized development expenses

     151        325        254        138        126        315        865  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     —          1        —          315        1        19        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,239        1,277        1,100        1,558        866        1,352        1,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

                    

Property, plant and equipment

     870        1,080        928        1,284        2,894        1,061        1,075  

Capitalized development expenses

     678        635        616        881        874        690        2,481  

Goodwill, IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     345        350        347        13,953        378        446        1,875  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,893        2,065        1,891        16,118        4,146        2,197        5,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Additions

                    

Property, plant and equipment

     2,895        1,807        856        3,877        2,772        2,033        1,015  

Capitalized development expenses

     730        579        254        1,444        1,306        1,180        865  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1        1        —          336        21        20        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,626        2,387        1,110        5,657        4,099        3,233        1,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

                    

Property, plant and equipment

     2,878        2,008        928        6,314        5,030        2,136        1,075  

Capitalized development expenses

     1,929        1,251        616        4,926        4,045        3,171        2,481  

Goodwill, IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1,042        697        347        16,652        2,699        2,321        1,875  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,849        3,956        1,891        27,892        11,774        7,628        5,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

36      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents
Other information           
     Jul-Sep     Jan-Sep     Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2018     2017     2018     2017     2017  

Number of shares and earnings per share

          

Number of shares, end of period (million)

     3,334       3,334       3,334       3,334       3,334  

Of which class A-shares (million)

     262       262       262       262       262  

Of which class B-shares (million)

     3,072       3,072       3,072       3,072       3,072  

Number of treasury shares, end of period (million)

     40       54       40       54       50  

Number of shares outstanding, basic, end of period (million)

     3,294       3,280       3,294       3,280       3,284  

Numbers of shares outstanding, diluted, end of period (million)

     3,323       3,324       3,323       3,324       3,324  

Average number of treasury shares (million)

     41       56       44       58       56  

Average number of shares outstanding, basic (million)

     3,293       3,279       3,290       3,275       3,277  

Average number of shares outstanding, diluted (million) 1)

     3,322       3,323       3,319       3,320       3,317  

Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK)

     0.84       -1.09       0.01       -4.31       -9.94  

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     0.83       -1.09       0.01       -4.31       -9.94  

Earnings (loss) per share (Non-IFRS), diluted (SEK) 2)

     1.03       -0.29       1.04       -2.15       -3.24  

Ratios

          

Days sales outstanding

     —         —         94       106       96  

Inventory turnover days

     81       87       81       80       66  

Payable days

     77       62       79       60       60  

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)

          

Equity ratio (%)

     —         —         36.2     42.2     37.5

Return on equity (%)

     11.7     -12.3     0.0     -15.2     -28.1

Return on capital employed (%)

     7.8     -8.8     2.6     -11.8     -20.6

Capital turnover (times)

     1.4       1.1       1.3       1.1       1.2  

Free cash flow

     288       -458       -25       -5,025       5,109  

Cash conversion (%)

     70.0     2.3     306.0     17.1     -73.2

Exchange rates used in the consolidation

          

SEK/EUR- closing rate

     —         —         10.30       9.63       9.83  

SEK/USD- closing rate

     —         —         8.90       8.15       8.20  

Other

          

Market area inventory, end of period

     19,513       20,211       19,513       20,211       14,480  

Export sales from Sweden

     25,338       20,068       70,995       63,297       87,463  

 

1)

Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

2) 

Excluding amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles and restructuring charges.

 

Number of employees                     
     2018      2017  

End of period

   Sep 30      Jun 30      Mar 31      Dec 31      Sep 30      Jun 30      Mar 31  

South East Asia, Oceania and India

     23,607        23,516        23,623        24,495        26,396        26,748        27,221  

North East Asia

     12,495        12,303        12,321        12,456        12,945        12,972        12,962  

North America

     9,459        9,510        9,798        10,009        10,665        11,073        11,253  

Europe and Latin America 1)

     44,695        45,743        47,528        49,231        50,832        53,173        54,194  

Middle East and Africa

     4,243        4,188        4,311        4,544        5,014        5,161        5,268  

Total

     94,499        95,260        97,581        100,735        105,852        109,127        110,898  

1) Of which in Sweden

     12,679        13,431        13,763        13,864        14,195        14,483        14,712  

 

 

37      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Additional information


Table of Contents

Items excluding restructuring charges

 

Restructuring charges by function                     
     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Cost of sales

     -204        -937        -743        -2,038        -817        -927        -1,460  

Research and development expenses

     -214        -502        -326        147        -1,896        -344        -214  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -134        -441        -103        -534        -106        -243        -69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     -552        -1,880        -1,172        -2,425        -2,819        -1,514        -1,743  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Cost of sales

     -1,884        -1,680        -743        -5,242        -3,204        -2,387        -1,460  

Research and development expenses

     -1,042        -828        -326        -2,307        -2,454        -558        -214  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -678        -544        -103        -952        -418        -312        -69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     -3,604        -3,052        -1,172        -8,501        -6,076        -3,257        -1,743  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restructuring charges by segment

 

     
     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Networks

     -128        -749        -479        -1,260        -1,409        -816        -1,343  

of which cost of sales

     -63        -469        -415        -1,052        -430        -512        -1,153  

of which operating expenses

     -65        -280        -64        -208        -979        -304        -190  

Digital Services

     -358        -882        -581        -686        -1,103        -454        -270  

of which cost of sales

     -111        -303        -226        -609        -241        -242        -195  

of which operating expenses

     -247        -579        -355        -77        -862        -212        -75  

Managed Services

     -32        -123        -51        -376        -99        -115        -85  

of which cost of sales

     -28        -103        -48        -326        -94        -113        -83  

of which operating expenses

     -4        -20        -3        -50        -5        -2        -2  

Emerging Business and Other

     -34        -126        -61        -103        -208        -129        -45  

of which cost of sales

     -2        -62        -54        -51        -52        -60        -29  

of which operating expenses

     -32        -64        -7        -52        -156        -69        -16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     -552        -1,880        -1,172        -2,425        -2,819        -1,514        -1,743  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     -1,356        -1,228        -479        -4,828        -3,568        -2,159        -1,343  

of which cost of sales

     -947        -884        -415        -3,147        -2,095        -1,665        -1,153  

of which operating expenses

     -409        -344        -64        -1,681        -1,473        -494        -190  

Digital Services

     -1,821        -1,463        -581        -2,513        -1,827        -724        -270  

of which cost of sales

     -640        -529        -226        -1,287        -678        -437        -195  

of which operating expenses

     -1,181        -934        -355        -1,226        -1,149        -287        -75  

Managed Services

     -206        -174        -51        -675        -299        -200        -85  

of which cost of sales

     -179        -151        -48        -616        -290        -196        -83  

of which operating expenses

     -27        -23        -3        -59        -9        -4        -2  

Emerging Business and Other

     -221        -187        -61        -485        -382        -174        -45  

of which cost of sales

     -118        -116        -54        -192        -141        -89        -29  

of which operating expenses

     -103        -71        -7        -293        -241        -85        -16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     -3,604        -3,052        -1,172        -8,501        -6,076        -3,257        -1,743  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

38      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Items excluding restructuring charges


Table of Contents

Gross income (loss) and gross margin excluding restructuring charges by segment

 

Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     14,898       13,034       11,542       12,901       11,084       11,406       11,184  

Digital Services

     3,319       3,761       3,118       1,724       2,860       3,531       -2,129  

Managed Services

     833       912       539       -365       -266       132       -459  

Emerging Business and Other

     784       563       402       295       420       488       364  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     19,834       18,270       15,601       14,555       14,098       15,557       8,960  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     41.5     40.2     40.4     34.8     34.8     36.0     35.3

Digital Services

     36.9     42.6     42.9     14.6     32.0     35.7     -26.3

Managed Services

     12.9     14.0     9.1     -5.3     -4.0     2.0     -7.3

Emerging Business and Other

     32.3     27.4     24.3     14.1     21.1     24.3     20.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     36.9     36.7     35.9     25.1     28.5     30.9     18.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

SEK million

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

Networks

     39,474       24,576       11,542       46,575       33,674       22,590       11,184  

Digital Services

     10,198       6,879       3,118       5,986       4,262       1,402       -2,129  

Managed Services

     2,284       1,451       539       -958       -593       -327       -459  

Emerging Business and Other

     1,749       965       402       1,567       1,272       852       364  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     53,705       33,871       15,601       53,170       38,615       24,517       8,960  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     40.7     40.3     40.4     35.2     35.4     35.7     35.3

Digital Services

     40.7     42.7     42.9     15.4     15.8     7.8     -26.3

Managed Services

     12.1     11.7     9.1     -3.6     -3.0     -2.5     -7.3

Emerging Business and Other

     28.5     26.0     24.3     19.9     22.0     22.5     20.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     36.5     36.3     35.9     25.9     26.2     25.0     18.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

39      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Items excluding restructuring charges


Table of Contents

Operating income (loss) and operating margin excluding restructuring charges by segment

 

Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     5,784       4,293       3,850       3,205       3,784       4,240       4,054  

Digital Services

     -1,426       -1,492       -2,026       -11,585       -2,668       -1,783       -8,734  

Managed Services

     441       422       151       -898       -628       -143       -1,744  

Emerging Business and Other

     -1,006       -1,178       -1,115       -7,575       -1,321       -1,337       -3,109  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,793       2,045       860       -16,853       -833       977       -9,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Isolated quarters,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     16.1     13.3     13.5     8.6     11.9     13.4     12.8

Digital Services

     -15.9     -16.9     -27.9     -98.0     -29.9     -18.0     -107.8

Managed Services

     6.8     6.5     2.6     -13.0     -9.5     -2.1     -27.8

Emerging Business and Other

     -41.5     -57.4     -67.5     -363.1     -66.2     -66.6     -174.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     7.0     4.1     2.0     -29.1     -1.7     1.9     -19.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

SEK million

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

Networks

     13,927       8,143       3,850       15,283       12,078       8,294       4,054  

Digital Services

     -4,944       -3,518       -2,026       -24,770       -13,185       -10,517       -8,734  

Managed Services

     1,014       573       151       -3,413       -2,515       -1,887       -1,744  

Emerging Business and Other

     -3,299       -2,293       -1,115       -13,342       -5,767       -4,446       -3,109  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6,698       2,905       860       -26,242       -9,389       -8,556       -9,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Year to date,    2018     2017  

As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     14.4     13.4     13.5     11.6     12.7     13.1     12.8

Digital Services

     -19.7     -21.9     -27.9     -63.9     -49.0     -58.4     -107.8

Managed Services

     5.4     4.6     2.6     -12.9     -12.8     -14.6     -27.8

Emerging Business and Other

     -53.8     -61.9     -67.5     -169.6     -99.7     -117.3     -174.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     4.6     3.1     2.0     -12.8     -6.4     -8.7     -19.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

40      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Items excluding restructuring charges


Table of Contents

Alternative performance measures

 

This section includes a reconciliation of certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to the most directly reconcilable line items in the financial statements. The presentation of APMs has limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for related financial measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

APMs are presented to enhance an investor’s evaluation of ongoing operating results, to aid in forecasting future periods and to facilitate meaningful comparison of results between periods.

Management uses these APMs to, among other things, evaluate ongoing operations in relation to historical results, for internal planning and forecasting purposes and in the calculation of certain performance-based compensation.

The APMs presented in this report may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

For additional information, see Alternative Performance Measures in the Ericsson Annual Report 2017.

 

 

Sales growth adjusted for

comparable units and currency

Sales growth adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and divestments as well as the effects of foreign currency fluctuations.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarter, sequential change

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Reported net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       —          —          —          —    

Acquired/divested business

     —         —         —         —          —          —          —    

Net FX impact

     -752       -2,460       423       —          —          —          —    

Comparable net sales, excluding FX impact

     53,058       47,348       43,834       —          —          —          —    

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency (%)

     7     9     -24     —          —          —          —    
     2018     2017  

Isolated quarter, year over year change

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Reported net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       —          —          —          —    

Acquired/divested business

     —         —         —         —          —          —          —    

Net FX impact

     -3,748       -263       3,328       —          —          —          —    

Comparable net sales, excluding FX impact

     50,062       49,545       46,739       —          —          —          —    

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency (%)

     1     -1     -2     —          —          —          —    
     2018     2017  

Year to date, year over year change

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

Reported net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       —          —          —          —    

Acquired/divested business

     —         —         —         —          —          —          —    

Net FX impact

     -683       3,065       3,328       —          —          —          —    

Comparable net sales, excluding FX impact

     146,346       96,284       46,739       —          —          —          —    

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency (%)

     -1     -2     -2     —          —          —          —    

 

 

41      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Alternative performance measures


Table of Contents

Items excluding restructuring charges

Gross income, operating expenses, and operating income (loss) are presented excluding restructuring charges and, for certain measures, as a percentage of net sales.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Gross income

     19,630       17,333       14,858       12,516       13,281       14,629       7,501  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

Gross margin (%)

     36.5     34.8     34.2     21.6     26.9     29.1     15.7

Gross income

     19,630       17,333       14,858       12,516       13,281       14,629       7,501  

Restructuring charges included in cost of sales

     204       937       743       2,038       817       927       1,460  

Gross income, excluding restructuring charges

     19,834       18,270       15,601       14,554       14,098       15,556       8,961  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

Gross margin, excluding restructuring charges (%)

     36.9     36.7     35.9     25.1     28.5     30.9     18.7

Operating expenses

     -16,422       -17,205       -15,257       -18,863       -17,354       -15,417       -18,929  

Restructuring charges included in R&D expenses

     214       502       326       -147       1,896       344       214  

Restructuring charges included in selling and administrative expenses

     134       441       103       534       106       243       69  

Operating expenses, excluding restructuring charges

     -16,074       -16,262       -14,828       -18,476       -15,352       -14,830       -18,646  

Operating income (loss)

     3,241       165       -312       -19,278       -3,652       -537       -11,276  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

Operating margin (%)

     6.0     0.3     -0.7     -33.3     -7.4     -1.1     -23.6

Operating income (loss)

     3,241       165       -312       -19,278       -3,652       -537       -11,276  

Total restructuring charges

     552       1,880       1,172       2,425       2,819       1,514       1,743  

Operating income (loss), excluding restructuring charges

     3,793       2,045       860       -16,853       -833       977       -9,533  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

Operating margin, excluding restructuring charges (%)

     7.0     4.1     2.0     -29.1     -1.7     1.9     -19.9
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Gross income

     51,821       32,191       14,858       47,927       35,411       22,130       7,501  

Net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  

Gross margin (%)

     35.2     34.5     34.2     23.3     24.0     22.6     15.7

Gross income

     51,821       32,191       14,858       47,927       35,411       22,130       7,501  

Restructuring charges included in cost of sales

     1,884       1,680       743       5,242       3,204       2,387       1,460  

Gross income, excluding restructuring charges

     53,705       33,871       15,601       53,169       38,615       24,517       8,961  

Net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  

Gross margin, excluding restructuring charges (%)

     36.5     36.3     35.9     25.9     26.2     25.0     18.7

Operating expenses

     -48,884       -32,462       -15,257       -70,563       -51,700       -34,346       -18,929  

Restructuring charges included in R&D expenses

     1,042       828       326       2,307       2,454       558       214  

Restructuring charges included in selling and administrative expenses

     678       544       103       952       418       312       69  

Operating expenses, excluding restructuring charges

     -47,164       -31,090       -14,828       -67,304       -48,828       -33,476       -18,646  

Operating income (loss)

     3,094       -147       -312       -34,743       -15,465       -11,813       -11,276  

Net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  

Operating margin (%)

     2.1     -0.2     -0.7     -16.9     -10.5     -12.0     -23.6

Operating income (loss)

     3,094       -147       -312       -34,743       -15,465       -11,813       -11,276  

Total restructuring charges

     3,604       3,052       1,172       8,501       6,076       3,257       1,743  

Operating income (loss), excluding restructuring charges

     6,698       2,905       860       -26,242       -9,389       -8,556       -9,533  

Net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  

Operating margin, excluding restructuring charges (%)

     4.6     3.1     2.0     -12.8     -6.4     -8.7     -19.9

 

 

42      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

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Table of Contents

EBITA and EBITA margin

Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles, also expressed as a percentage of net sales.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net income (loss)

     2,748       -1,802       -725       -18,493       -3,457       -457       -10,026  

Taxes

     -146       1,157       -128       -1,303       -516       -24       -1,682  

Financial income and expenses

     639       810       541       518       321       -56       432  

Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles

     344       350       347       13,953       379       445       1,875  

EBITA

     3,585       515       35       -5,325       -3,273       -92       -9,401  

Net sales

     53,810       49,808       43,411       57,881       49,413       50,281       47,803  

EBITA margin (%)

     6.7     1.0     0.1     -9.2     -6.6     -0.2     -19.7
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Net income (loss)

     221       -2,527       -725       -32,433       -13,940       -10,483       -10,026  

Taxes

     883       1,029       -128       -3,525       -2,222       -1,706       -1,682  

Financial income and expenses

     1,990       1,351       541       1,215       697       376       432  

Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles

     1,041       697       347       16,652       2,699       2,320       1,875  

EBITA

     4,135       550       35       -18,091       -12,766       -9,493       -9,401  

Net sales

     147,029       93,219       43,411       205,378       147,497       98,084       47,803  

EBITA margin (%)

     2.8     0.6     0.1     -8.8     -8.7     -9.7     -19.7

Cash conversion

Cash flow from operating activities divided by the sum of net income (loss) and adjustments to reconcile net income to cash, expressed as a percentage.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net income (loss)

     2,748       -1,802       -725       -18,493       -3,457       -457       -10,026  

Net income reconciled to cash

     2,916       -259       -1,005       -4,001       -779       -142       -8,187  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,040       1,442       1,573       11,159       -18       1       -1,541  

Cash conversion (%)

     70.0     -556.8     -156.5     -278.9     2.3     -0.7     18.8
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Net income (loss)

     221       -2,527       -725       -32,433       -13,940       -10,483       -10,026  

Net income reconciled to cash

     1,652       -1,264       -1,005       -13,109       -9,108       -8,329       -8,187  

Cash flow from operating activities

     5,055       3,015       1,573       9,601       -1,558       -1,540       -1,541  

Cash conversion (%)

     306.0     -238.5     -156.5     -73.2     17.1     18.5     18.8

Gross cash and net cash, end of period

Gross cash: Cash and cash equivalents plus interest-bearing securities (current and non-current).

Net cash: Cash and cash equivalents plus interest-bearing securities (current and non-current) less interest-bearing liabilities (which include: non-current borrowings and current borrowings).

 

     2018      2017  

SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Cash and cash equivalents

     36,058        37,049        36,697        35,884        26,210        21,446        32,954  

+ Interest-bearing securities, current

     6,591        8,304        5,453        6,713        6,526        10,754        13,548  

+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     23,014        21,501        27,104        25,105        22,405        22,122        19,124  

Gross cash, end of period

     65,663        66,854        69,254        67,702        55,141        54,322        65,626  

- Borrowings, current

     2,463        2,642        2,554        2,545        3,004        3,230        9,514  

- Borrowings, non-current

     31,187        31,131        31,134        30,500        28,039        27,100        27,823  

Net cash, end of period

     32,013        33,081        35,566        34,657        24,098        23,992        28,289  

 

 

43      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

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Capital employed

Total assets less non-interest-bearing provisions and liabilities.

 

     2018      2017  

SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Total assets

     264,848        265,322        260,681        259,882        267,239        275,160        291,976  

Non-interest-bearing provisions and liabilities

                    

Provisions, non-current

     3,420        2,819        2,597        3,596        3,930        4,794        4,867  

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,274        1,332        1,325        901        1,736        1,838        1,888  

Other non-current liabilities

     4,456        4,549        2,792        2,776        2,563        2,602        2,699  

Provisions, current

     5,275        6,715        6,435        6,283        5,584        5,563        5,647  

Contract liabilities

     30,108        30,959        30,391        29,076        26,185        28,657        29,930  

Trade payables

     28,914        28,563        26,453        26,320        23,559        25,266        26,077  

Other current liabilities

     36,323        35,746        37,888        35,305        33,395        32,599        37,323  

Capital employed

     155,078        154,639        152,800        155,625        170,287        173,841        183,545  

Capital turnover

Annualized net sales divided by average capital employed.

 

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Net sales

     53,810        49,808        43,411        57,881        49,413        50,281        47,803  

Annualized net sales

     215,240        199,232        173,644        231,524        197,652        201,124        191,212  

Average capital employed

                    

Capital employed at beginning of period

     154,639        152,800        155,625        170,287        173,841        183,545        185,667  

Capital employed at end of period

     155,078        154,639        152,800        155,625        170,287        173,841        183,545  

Average capital employed

     154,859        153,720        154,213        162,956        172,064        178,693        184,606  

Capital turnover (times)

     1.4        1.3        1.1        1.4        1.1        1.1        1.0  
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Net sales

     147,029        93,219        43,411        205,378        147,497        98,084        47,803  

Annualized net sales

     196,039        186,438        173,644        205,378        196,663        196,168        191,212  

Average capital employed

                    

Capital employed at beginning of period

     155,625        155,625        155,625        185,667        185,667        185,667        185,667  

Capital employed at end of period

     155,078        154,639        152,800        155,625        170,287        173,841        183,545  

Average capital employed

     155,352        155,132        154,213        170,646        177,977        179,754        184,606  

Capital turnover (times)

     1.3        1.2        1.1        1.2        1.1        1.1        1.0  

 

 

44      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Alternative performance measures


Table of Contents

Return on capital employed

The annualized total of operating income (loss) plus financial income as a percentage of average capital employed.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Operating income (loss)

     3,241       165       -312       -19,278       -3,652       -537       -11,276  

Financial income

     -225       275       -72       -124       -139       -27       -82  

Annualized operating income (loss) + financial income

     12,064       1,760       -1,536       -77,608       -15,164       -2,256       -45,432  

Average capital employed

              

Capital employed at beginning of period

     154,639       152,800       155,625       170,287       173,841       183,545       185,667  

Capital employed at end of period

     155,078       154,639       152,800       155,625       170,287       173,841       183,545  

Average capital employed

     154,859       153,720       154,213       162,956       172,064       178,693       184,606  

Return on capital employed (%)

     7.8     1.1     -1.0     -47.6     -8.8     -1.3     -24.6
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Operating income (loss)

     3,094       -147       -312       -34,743       -15,465       -11,813       -11,276  

Financial income

     -22       203       -72       -372       -248       -109       -82  

Annualized operating income (loss) + financial income

     4,096       112       -1,536       -35,115       -20,951       -23,844       -45,432  

Average capital employed

              

Capital employed at beginning of period

     155,625       155,625       155,625       185,667       185,667       185,667       185,667  

Capital employed at end of period

     155,078       154,639       152,800       155,625       170,287       173,841       183,545  

Average capital employed

     155,352       155,132       154,213       170,646       177,977       179,754       184,606  

Return on capital employed (%)

     2.6     0.1     -1.0     -20.6     -11.8     -13.3     -24.6

Equity ratio

Equity, expressed as a percentage of total assets.

 

     2018     2017  

SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Total equity

     95,953       93,560       93,466       97,571       112,710       119,887       122,434  

Total assets

     264,848       265,322       260,681       259,882       267,239       275,160       291,976  

Equity ratio (%)

     36.2     35.3     35.9     37.5     42.2     43.6     41.9

Return on equity

Annualized net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company as a percentage of average Stockholders’ equity.

 

     2018     2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3     Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the parent company

     2,745       -1,885       -837       -18,476       -3,561       -471       -10,068  

Annualized

     10,980       -7,540       -3,348       -73,904       -14,244       -1,884       -40,272  

Average stockholders’ equity

              

Stockholders’ equity, beginning of period

     92,689       92,703       96,935       112,095       119,177       121,698       134,582  

Stockholders’ equity, end of period

     95,087       92,689       92,703       96,935       112,095       119,177       121,698  

Average stockholders’ equity

     93,888       92,696       94,819       104,515       115,636       120,438       128,140  

Return on equity (%)

     11.7     -8.1     -3.5     -70.7     -12.3     -1.6     -31.4
     2018     2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the parent company

     23       -2,722       -837       -32,576       -14,100       -10,539       -10,068  

Annualized

     31       -5,444       -3,348       -32,576       -18,800       -21,078       -40,272  

Average stockholders’ equity

              

Stockholders’ equity, beginning of period

     96,935       96,935       96,935       134,582       134,582       134,582       134,582  

Stockholders’ equity, end of period

     95,087       92,689       92,703       96,935       112,095       119,177       121,698  

Average stockholders’ equity

     96,011       94,812       94,819       115,759       123,339       126,880       128,140  

Return on equity (%)

     0.0     -5.7     -3.5     -28.1     -15.2     -16.6     -31.4

 

 

45      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

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Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted, excluding amortizations and write-down of acquired intangible assets and excluding restructuring charges.

 

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

     0.83        -0.58        -0.25        -5.63        -1.09        -0.14        -3.08  

Restructuring charges

     0.12        0.41        0.30        0.37        0.73        0.38        0.46  

Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles

     0.08        0.08        0.06        4.17        0.07        0.09        0.43  

Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)

     1.03        -0.09        0.11        -1.09        -0.29        0.33        -2.19  
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK

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

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

     0.01        -0.83        -0.25        -9.94        -4.31        -3.22        -3.08  

Restructuring charges

     0.82        0.71        0.30        1.93        1.57        0.84        0.46  

Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles

     0.21        0.14        0.06        4.77        0.59        0.52        0.43  

Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)

     1.04        0.02        0.11        -3.24        -2.15        -1.86        -2.19  

Free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A

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

Free cash flow excluding M&A: Cash flow from operating activities less net capital expenditures and other investments (excluding M&A).

 

     2018      2017  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q3      Q2      Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Cash flow from operating activities

     2,040        1,442        1,573        11,159        -18        1        -1,541  

Net capital expenditures and other investments (excluding M&A)

                    

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -1,088        -951        -856        -1,105        -739        -1,018        -1,015  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     102        52        123        898        12        37        69  

Product development

     -151        -325        -254        -138        -126        -315        -865  

Other investing activities

     -190        -398        161        -573        42        -42        110  

Free cash flow excluding M&A

     713        -180        747        10,241        -829        -1,337        -3,242  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     -425        -431        -449        -107        371        9        3  

Free cash flow

     288        -611        298        10,134        -458        -1,328        -3,239  
     2018      2017  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Cash flow from operating activities

     5,055        3,015        1,573        9,601        -1,558        -1,540        -1,541  

Net capital expenditures and other investments (excluding M&A)

                    

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -2,895        -1,807        -856        -3,877        -2,772        -2,033        -1,015  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     277        175        123        1,016        118        106        69  

Product development

     -730        -579        -254        -1,444        -1,306        -1,180        -865  

Other investing activities

     -427        -237        161        -463        110        68        110  

Free cash flow excluding M&A

     1,280        567        747        4,833        -5,408        -4,579        -3,242  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     -1,305        -880        -449        276        383        12        3  

Free cash flow

     -25        -313        298        5,109        -5,025        -4,567        -3,239  

 

 

46      Ericsson  |  Third Quarter Report 2018

  

 

Alternative performance measures