6-K
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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

April 26, 2017

Commission File Number

000-12033

LM ERICSSON TELEPHONE COMPANY

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Torshamnsgatan 21, Kista

SE-164 83, Stockholm, Sweden

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

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

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

THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENTS ON FORM F-3 (NO. 333-203977) AND ON FORM S-8 (Nos. 333-196453, 333-161683 AND 333-161684 ) OF TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL.) AND TO BE A PART THEREOF FROM THE DATE ON WHICH THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, TO THE EXTENT NOT SUPERSEDED BY DOCUMENTS OR REPORTS SUBSEQUENTLY FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.


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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/     NINA MACPHERSON        

  Nina Macpherson
  Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer
By:  

/s/    HELENA NORRMAN        

  Helena Norrman
  Senior Vice President
  Corporate Marketing & Communications Officer

Date: April 26, 2017


Table of Contents

LOGO

FIRST QUARTER 2017,

AS ADJUSTED FOR INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Stockholm, April 25, 2017

 

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  

Read more

(page)

   Reported sales decreased by -11% YoY.    3
   Provisions and adjustments related to certain customer contracts of SEK -8.4 b., asset write-downs of SEK -3.3 b. and restructuring charges of SEK -1.7 b. were made in the quarter, in line with the announcement on March 28, 2017.    2
   Gross margin was 13.9%.    4
   Operating income was SEK -12.3 b.    4
   Networks operating margin was -2%.    2
   IT & Cloud operating income was SEK -9.0 b. Actions have been initiated to improve performance.    2
   Media operating income was SEK -2.8 b.    2
   Cash flow from operating activities was SEK -1.5 (-2.4) b.    9

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
    Q1
2016
    YoY
change
    Q4
2016
    QoQ
change
 

Net sales

     46.4       52.2       -11     65.2       -29

Gross margin

     13.9     33.3     —         26.1     —    

Operating income

     -12.3       3.5       —         -0.3       —    

Operating margin

     -26.6     6.7     —         -0.4     —    

Net income

     -10.9       2.1       —         -1.6       —    

EPS diluted, SEK

     -3.29       0.60       —         -0.48       —    

Cash flow from operating activities

     -1.5       -2.4       -35     19.4       -108

 

1      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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CEO COMMENTS

Our performance in the first quarter continued to be unsatisfactory. Segment Networks delivered a solid result despite lower sales, while losses in segments IT & Cloud and Media increased significantly. In the quarter a more focused business strategy and a new Executive Team were announced. The immediate priority is to improve profitability while also taking action to revitalize technology and market leadership.

Reported sales declined by -11%. Operating income was SEK -12.3 b.

Despite lower sales, Networks delivered a solid result. Sales declined YoY due to lower investment levels in certain markets, lower IPR licensing revenues and the renewed managed services contract with reduced scope in North America. The new Ericsson Radio System platform contributed to improving profitability and stabilizing the market share position, after several years of decline.

The concerning developments in IT & Cloud continued with significantly increased losses. IT & Cloud remains a strategic area for Ericsson as our customers will digitalize their operations and invest in a future network architecture based on software-defined logic. However, our performance in this area is not acceptable and the new management team is initiating actions to turn the business around. Actions include accelerating the introduction of the new products, streamlining the services organization and tightening the contract scoping. We will continue to sell complete solutions in telecom core, OSS and BSS, including hardware, software and services. However, we are seeking alternatives for our IT cloud infrastructure hardware business to gain necessary scale to ensure that we can offer competitive solutions to our customers. Tangible improvements in profitability are expected during 2018.

The accelerated losses in Media were caused by a faster than anticipated decline in legacy product sales, not offset by growth in the new portfolio. While continuing to develop our media solutions we are exploring strategic opportunities for Media to allow it to scale and succeed in the evolving media landscape.

Of the total adjustments1) of SEK -13.4 b., write-downs were SEK -3.3 b. and restructuring charges were SEK -1.7 b. Triggered by negative developments late in the quarter related to certain customer contracts, provisions and adjustments of SEK -8.4 b. were made of which SEK 5.8 b. is estimated to negatively affect cash flow over several years.

The provisions and adjustments of SEK -8.4 b. consist of the following items. Customer settlements and revaluation of customer discounts, due to lower projected customer volumes, reduced net sales by SEK -1.4 b. Operating expenses were impacted by SEK -1.5 b. due to reassessment of the value of trade receivables. The remaining SEK -5.5 b. is provisions for additional project costs, mainly related to certain transformation projects in IT & Cloud, which due to recent negative developments are not expected to be covered by future project revenues.

In light of the current market environment and company position we are taking a more prudent approach in assessing risk exposures. In this work we have identified certain large, complex transformation projects with challenging profitability and higher inherent risks, that we are focused on mitigating.

On March 28, 2017, we presented a more focused business strategy and a new Executive Team. The new strategy aims to revitalize technology and market leadership, improve group profitability and enable customer success.

The strategy builds on reallocating resources and investments to core portfolio areas, fully leveraging the potential of 5G, IoT and cloud. We will also refocus Managed Services and Network Roll-out to improve profitability. By addressing low-performing operations within Managed Services and optimizing the offering within Network Roll-out, full-year sales are expected to be negatively impacted by up to SEK 10 b. by 2019.

We are not satisfied with the cost structure of the company and the existing cost and efficiency program is not yielding sufficient results. Based on current profitability, we will intensify our efforts to reduce cost with focus on structural changes to generate lasting efficiency gains and increase cost competitiveness. Our target is to surpass previous ambitions. However, we need to increase investment in certain core areas to develop our product portfolio, which can temporarily increase cost levels.

The more focused business strategy is expected to result in a significantly improved profitability already in 2018. Beyond 2018, we believe that we can at least double the underlying 2016 operating margin.

Börje Ekholm

President and CEO

Planning assumptions going forward

 

  Industry trends and business mix in mobile broadband from 2016 are expected to prevail in 2017.

 

  RAN equipment market in USD estimated to decline by -2% to -6% in 2017.

 

  The earlier communicated renewed managed services contract with reduced scope in North America will impact sales negatively YoY in Q2 and Q3 2017.

 

  Addressing low-performing operations in Managed Services and optimizing the offering within Network Rollout are expected to reduce full-year sales by up to SEK 10 b. by 2019.

 

  The baseline for current IPR licensing contract portfolio is approximately SEK 7 b. on an annual basis.

 

  The restructuring charges for 2017 are estimated to be SEK 6-8 b.

 

1) Restructuring, write-down of assets as well as provisions and adjustments related to certain customer projects had a significant negative impact on the reported Q1 2017 result.
 

 

2      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
    Q1
2016
    YoY
change
    Q4
2016
    QoQ
change
 

Net sales

     46.4       52.2       -11     65.2       -29

Of which Networks

     34.9       39.9       -13     47.8       -27

Of which IT & Cloud

     9.5       9.8       -3     14.9       -36

Of which Media

     2.0       2.4       -20     2.5       -23

Gross income

     6.4       17.4       -63     17.0       -62

Gross margin (%)

     13.9     33.3     —         26.1     —    

Research and development expenses

     -9.1       -7.5       21     -8.9       2

Selling and administrative expenses

     -9.9       -6.7       47     -8.8       12

Other operating income and expenses

     0.1       0.3       -48     0.4       -61

Operating income

     -12.3       3.5       —         -0.3       —    

Operating margin

     -26.6     6.7     —         -0.4     —    

for Networks

     -2     14     —         5     —    

for IT & Cloud

     -94     -20     —         -12     —    

for Media

     -143     -13     —         -33     —    

Financial net

     -0.4       -0.5       -7     -0.7       -37

Taxes

     1.9       -0.9       —         -0.6       —    

Net income

     -10.9       2.1       —         -1.6       —    

Restructuring charges

     -1.7       -0.6       176     -4.6       -63

 

Net sales

Sales as reported decreased by -11% YoY. The mobile broadband market remained weak in the quarter with continued low investment levels, particularly in Latin America, Africa and parts of Europe.

Sales in North America declined YoY mainly due to the earlier communicated renewed managed services contract with reduced scope effective from Q4 2016. Sales in North East Asia were flat YoY supported by increased Networks sales in Japan, partly offset by lower IT & Cloud sales in mainland China. The transition from 3G to 4G continued and generated sales growth in South East Asia.

As anticipated, sales declined sequentially with more than normal seasonality following hardware deliveries made in Q4 2016, on customer request, previously planned for Q1 2017. Sales declined by -29% QoQ.

Total sales for Managed Services, as defined in 2016, including Broadcast Services, were SEK 6.2 (7.4) b. The decline mainly refers to the earlier communicated re-scoped managed services contract in North America. The definition of Managed Services will be adjusted in 2018, at latest, to mirror the new organization.

IPR licensing revenues

IPR licensing revenues declined YoY to SEK 2.0 (3.8) b. following certain one-time items in same period last year. IPR licensing revenues were flat QoQ.

Asset write-downs, provisions and adjustments

As announced on March 28, the company has decided to focus its business strategy and explore strategic opportunities for the Media as well as the Cloud infrastructure hardware businesses. As a consequence write-down of assets amounting to SEK -3.3 b., of which SEK -1.5 b. in IT & Cloud, SEK -1.7 b. in Media and SEK -0.1 b. in Networks, were made in the quarter.

As also announced on March 28, provisions and adjustments triggered by negative developments late in the quarter, related to certain large customer projects were required. These provisions and adjustments amounted to SEK -8.4 b. Customer settlements and revaluation of customer discounts, due to lower projected customer volumes, reduced net sales by SEK -1.4 b. Operating expenses were impacted by SEK -1.5 b. due to reassessment of the value of trade receivables. The remaining SEK -5.5 b. is provisions for additional project costs, mainly related to certain transformation projects in IT & Cloud, which due to recent negative developments are not expected to be covered by future project revenues.

 

 

3      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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Gross margin

Gross margin declined to 13.9% (33.3%) and from 26.1% QoQ, mainly due to the additional provisions and adjustments.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to SEK 18.9 (14.2) b. and sequentially from SEK 17.7 b., due to the write-down of assets as well as additional provisions and adjustments.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses declined YoY and QoQ. The revaluation and realization effects of currency hedge contracts were SEK 0.0 (0.2) b. Such effects were SEK -0.4 b. in Q4, 2016.

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

The hedge balance is in USD. The SEK strengthened against the USD between Dec 31, 2016 (SEK/USD rate 9.06) and March 31, 2017 (SEK/USD rate 8.93).

Restructuring charges

Total restructuring charges were SEK -1.7 (-0.6) b. For full-year 2017, the restructuring charges are estimated to be SEK 6-8 b.

Operating income

Operating income decreased to SEK -12.3 (3.5) b., mainly due to the additional provisions and adjustments, asset write-downs and increased restructuring charges.

Operating income decreased sequentially from SEK -0.3 b., mainly due to the additional provisions and adjustments as well as asset write-downs, partly offset by reduced restructuring charges.

Financial net

Financial net was flat YoY and improved QoQ as Q4 2016 was negatively impacted by depreciated local currencies in certain markets.

Taxes

Taxes were positive in the quarter following the negative income.

Net income and EPS

Net income and EPS diluted decreased YoY and QoQ, following the negative operating income. EPS diluted was SEK -3.29 (0.60).

Employees

The number of employees on March 31, 2017 was 110,898 compared with 111,464 on Dec 31, 2016. A majority of the headcount reductions was in Sweden. In addition, 1,600 employees in Sweden, who left the company on voluntary basis, are still included in the headcount numbers without impacting salary costs.

 

 

4      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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REGIONAL SALES

 

     First quarter 2017      Change  

SEK b.

   Networks      IT &
Cloud
     Media      Total      YoY     QoQ  

North America

     9.2        2.3        0.3        11.8        -10     -20

Latin America

     2.0        0.8        0.0        2.9        -29     -42

Northern Europe and Central Asia

     1.2        0.4        0.1        1.7        -24     -38

Western and Central Europe

     2.5        0.7        0.4        3.6        -17     -21

Mediterranean

     2.8        1.4        0.2        4.4        1     -35

Middle East

     2.4        1.0        0.1        3.5        -3     -45

Sub-Saharan Africa

     1.4        0.5        0.0        1.9        -9     -29

India

     1.8        0.6        0.0        2.4        -10     -20

North East Asia

     4.6        0.9        0.0        5.6        0     -42

South East Asia and Oceania

     4.8        0.7        0.1        5.6        7     -16

Other 1)

     2.0        0.2        0.6        2.9        -40     4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     34.9        9.5        2.0        46.4        -11     -29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

North America

North America sales declined, mainly due to the earlier communicated reduced scope of a renewed managed services contract. Mobile broadband infrastructure sales were stable. IT & Cloud sales increased, driven by digital transformation projects reaching milestones in the quarter.

Latin America

Sales declined as mobile broadband investments continue to be impacted by the macroeconomic environment and declining sales in Mexico.

Northern Europe and Central Asia

Sales decreased, impacted by continued lower investments in mobile broadband infrastructure and last year’s project completion in Russia.

Western and Central Europe

Sales declined as operators continued to reduce investments in mobile broadband infrastructure in order to focus on cash flow as well as shifting investments into fiber deployments.

Mediterranean

Sales increased slightly with higher investments in mobile broadband infrastructure while the weak development of related capacity business continued. The managed services business continued to develop favorably.

Middle East

Sales declined slightly in a continued challenging macroeconomic environment. Networks product sales declined as operators remained cautious on mobile broadband capacity investments while the networks services business grew.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Sales declined due to a continued challenging macroeconomic environment in key markets following political uncertainty and on the back of low commodity prices impacting demand.

India

Following a fast pace of 4G deployments in Q4 2016, driven by the spectrum auctions late 2016, sales were down impacted by consolidations and tariff competition between operators.

North East Asia

Sales remained stable. Sales in Mainland China declined due to continued reduced investments by one customer. Sales in Japan and Korea increased, driven by network modernizations and financial year-end sales in Japan.

South East Asia and Oceania

Sales growth was driven primarily by mobile broadband investments in Vietnam. Networks services developed favorably, mainly driven by managed services and network optimization.

Other

IPR licensing revenues amounted to SEK 2.0 (3.8) b. IPR licensing revenues in Q1 2016 were positively impacted by one-off items.

 

 

5      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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SEGMENT RESULTS

NETWORKS

 

LOGO

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
    Q1
2016
    YoY
change
    Q4
2016
    QoQ
change
 

Net sales

     34.9       39.9       -13     47.8       -27

Of which products

     19.4       22.8       -15     27.5       -29

Of which services

     15.5       17.1       -10     20.3       -24

Gross income

     8.0       13.0       -39     11.8       -32

Gross margin

     23     33     —         25     —    

Operating income

     -0.5       5.8       -109     2.4       -123

Operating margin

     -2     14     —         5     —    

Restructuring charges

     -1.4       -0.4       —         -2.4       -40

Net sales

 

Sales as reported decreased by -13% YoY. Networks product sales declined YoY mainly due to continued low investments in mobile broadband in certain markets and lower IPR licensing revenues amounting to SEK 1.6 (3.1) b. Network services sales declined YoY mainly due to lower managed services sales following the earlier communicated renewed contract in North America with reduced scope.

In 2016, a number of markets, in regions such as Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, were impacted by a weak macroeconomic environment with a negative effect on mobile broadband investments. The mobile broadband market remained weak in the first quarter.

The earlier communicated renewed managed services contract, with reduced scope, in North America was the main reason behind the sales decline YoY in the region. Sales in North East Asia increased YoY with sales growth in Japan and Korea.

The transition from 3G to 4G continued to drive sales growth YoY in Asia Pacific. A large mobile broadband coverage project in Vietnam was the main contributor to growth.

Reported sales declined by -27% QoQ, impacted by hardware deliveries made in Q4 2016 on customer request previously planned for Q1 2017.

The transition to the new Ericsson Radio System platform is tracking towards the target of approximately 50% of total deliveries in 2017.

Gross margin

Gross margin decreased YoY due to increased provisions and adjustments as well as lower IPR licensing revenues.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased YoY and QoQ, mainly due to increased provisions and adjustments and lower sales.

The effects of revaluation and realization of currency hedge contracts were SEK 0.0 (0.1) b. in the quarter. In Q4 2016, the effects of currency hedge contracts were negative at SEK -0.3 b.

 

 

6      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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IT & CLOUD

 

LOGO

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
    Q1
2016
    YoY
change
    Q4
2016
    QoQ
change
 

Net sales

     9.5       9.8       -3     14.9       -36

Of which products

     4.1       4.8       -14     6.7       -39

Of which services

     5.4       5.1       8     8.2       -34

Gross income

     -2.1       3.3       -164     4.7       -145

Gross margin

     -22     33     —         31     —    

Operating income

     -9.0       -2.0       —         -1.8       —    

Operating margin

     -94     -20     —         -12     —    

Restructuring charges

     -0.2       -0.2       26     -1.8       -87

 

Net sales

Sales as reported declined by -3% YoY due to lower product sales while services sales increased. Sales of legacy portfolio products, in network infrastructure as well as in OSS & BSS, continued to decline and were not offset by growth in the new portfolio. To prepare for 5G, customers are digitalizing Core and IT, leading to an increased demand for transformation services while the demand for legacy products is decreasing. The services share of sales has increased from 51% Q1 2016 to 57% Q1 2017. IPR and licensing revenues declined YoY to SEK 0.2 (0.4) b.

Sales declined by -36% QoQ after a seasonally strong Q4. Sales in North East Asia and Europe declined more than normal seasonality following milestone completions in large projects in 2016.

Gross margin

Gross margin decreased YoY and QoQ mainly due to increased provisions and adjustments. The services margin continues to be impacted by the ongoing large transformation projects and the service capability build-up to handle the introduction of new platforms. In addition, IT managed services margins are negatively impacted by projects in their initial transformation phase. IT & Cloud product margins were stable.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased YoY and QoQ, mainly due to increased provisions, adjustments and write-downs.

 

 

7      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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MEDIA

 

LOGO

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
    Q1
2016
    YoY
change
    Q4
2016
    QoQ
change
 

Net sales

     2.0       2.4       -20     2.5       -23

Gross income

     0.6       1.1       -49     0.6       -1

Gross margin

     28     45     —         22     —    

Operating income

     -2.8       -0.3       —         -0.8       —    

Operating margin

     -143     -13     —         -33     —    

Restructuring charges

     -0.1       0.0       —         -0.4       -87

 

Net sales

Sales declined YoY primarily due to lower sales of legacy products and lower IPR licensing revenues. The transition to the next-generation MediaFirst platform is ongoing with contracts signed and ongoing customer trials, which have not yet translated into sales. IPR licensing revenues were
SEK 0.2 (0.4) b.

The iconectiv (number portability solutions) sales grew more than 20% YoY. In the quarter, a minority investment in iconectiv by Francisco Partners, subject to regulatory approval, was secured to accelerate value growth.

Sales declined QoQ by -23% after a seasonally strong Q4.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased YoY and QoQ, mainly due to asset write-downs.

Operating expenses for legacy products have been significantly reduced, however the reduction was offset by increased investments in new areas including the iconectiv business.

 

 

8      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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CASH FlOW

 

SEK b.

   Q1
2017
     Q1
2016
     Q4
2016
 

Net income reconciled to cash

     -9.2        3.6        1.6  

Changes in operating net assets

     7.7        -6.0        17.9  

Cash flow from operating activities

     -1.5        -2.4        19.4  

Cash flow from investing activities

     -13.6        -1.0        -6.6  

Cash flow from financing activities

     10.9        0.1        -1.0  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -4.0        -4.3        12.6  

 

Operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities was SEK -1.5 b. in the quarter, due to the negative net income. However, this was partly offset by changes in operating assets of SEK 7.7 b. supported by lower trade receivables. The reduction of trade receivables QoQ was an effect of lower sales. The cash flow effect from sale of trade receivables in the quarter was SEK 1.4 b. higher than in Q1 2016.

Inventory increased sequentially following high project activity and seasonally lower delivery volumes. Trade payables increased slightly QoQ.

Cash outlays related to restructuring charges were SEK -1.6 (-0.5) b. in the quarter.

 

Investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities was impacted by investments in property, plant and equipment of SEK -1.0 b. where investments in the Global ICT centers continued to decrease. The cash flow effect from capitalized development expenses amounted to SEK -0.9 b. Investments of SEK 11.9 b. were made in interest-bearing securities following the launch of the new Euro bonds.

Financing activities

Cash flow from financing activities was positively impacted by the launch of two Euro bonds in March, together amounting to EUR 1.0 b. No large acquisition was made in the quarter.

Net cash was SEK 28.3 b. at the end of the quarter.

 

 

Working capital KPIs, number of days

   Jan-Mar
2017
     Jan-Dec
2016
     Jan-Sep
2016
     Jan-Jun
2016
     Jan-Mar
2016
 

Sales outstanding (target: <90)

     117        95        122        115        108  

Inventory (target: <65)

     73        69        79        81        80  

Payable (target: >60)

     58        56        56        59        58  

 

9      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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FINANCIAL POSITION

 

SEK b.

   Mar 31
2017
     Mar 31
2016
     Dec 31
2016
 

+ Cash and cash equivalents

     33.0        35.9        37.0  

+ Interest-bearing securities, current

     13.5        25.1        13.3  

+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     19.1        —          7.6  

Gross cash

     65.6        61.0        57.9  

- Borrowings, current

     9.5        2.4        8.0  

- Borrowings, non-current

     27.8        22.1        18.7  

Equity

     126.8        145.6        140.5  

Total assets

     292.2        280.3        283.3  

 

Post-employment benefits were SEK 23.8 b., compared with SEK 23.7 b. on Dec 31, 2016.

The company launched one Euro denominated 500 million 4-year bond with a fixed coupon rate of 0.875% and one Euro denominated 500 million 7-year bond with a fixed coupon rate of 1.875% in the quarter. The bonds were issued under Ericsson’s Euro Medium Term Note Program (EMTN). The Euro bonds were invested in interest-bearing securities.

The EUR 0.5 b. term loan facility issued in Q4 2016 has been terminated.

The average maturity of long-term borrowings as of March 31, 2017, was 4.1 years, compared with 4.5 years 12 months earlier.

In the quarter Standard & Poor’s downgraded Ericsson’s long-term rating from BBB with negative outlook to BBB- with negative outlook.

Debt maturity profile, Parent Company

 

LOGO

 

 

10      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Ericsson launched Euro corporate bonds

On February 24, 2017, Ericsson announced a successful launch of one Euro denominated 500 million 4-year bond with a fixed coupon rate of 0.875% and one Euro denominated 500 million 7-year bond with a fixed coupon rate of 1.875%. The bonds were issued under Ericsson’s Euro Medium Term Note Program (EMTN).

Ericsson reported restated financials for 2015 and 2016

On March 10, 2017, Ericsson reported restated financials for 2015 and 2016, in accordance with the new segment reporting structure introduced in the Q1 report 2017.

Ericsson presented focused business strategy

On March 28, 2017, Ericsson presented a focused business strategy to revitalize technology and market leadership, improve group profitability and enable customer success. The company announced that it will reallocate resources and increase investments in the following core portfolio areas: networks, digital services (OSS, BSS and telecom core) and Internet of Things (IoT). In addition, the company will implement a refocused strategy for Managed Services to improve profitability and also explore strategic opportunities for the Media and Cloud infrastructure hardware businesses. The refocused strategy will have the following financial consequences in the short term: write down of assets to be made in Q1, 2017, with an estimated impact on operating income of SEK 3-4 b, restructuring charges estimated to approximately SEK 6-8 b. for 2017, of which approximately SEK 2 b. in Q1.

Separately, the company announced that it will make provisions of an estimated SEK 7-9 b. in Q1, triggered by recent negative developments related to certain large customer projects.

Ericsson simplified organizational structure and named Executive Team

On March 28, 2017, Ericsson announced that it would simplify its organizational structure by replacing the Executive Leadership Team and the Global Leadership Team by a single Executive Team. In addition, the geographical setup with ten regions will become five market areas, and the business areas are re-defined and reduced to three. Effective April 1, 2017, Ericsson’s Executive Team members are:

President and CEO – Börje Ekholm,

Business Area Networks – Fredrik Jejdling,

Business Area Managed Services – Peter Laurin,

Business Area Digital Services – Ulf Ewaldsson,

Market Area North America – Rima Qureshi,

Market Area Europe & Latin America – Arun Bansal,

Market Area Middle East & Africa – Rafiah Ibrahim,

Market Area North East Asia – Chris Houghton,

South East Asia, Oceania & India – Nunzio Mirtillo,

Technology & Emerging Business – Niklas Heuveldop,

Finance & Common Functions – Carl Mellander,

Human Resources – MajBritt Arfert,

Marketing & Communications – Helena Norrman,

Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility – Elaine Weidman Grunewald,

Legal Affairs – Nina Macpherson,

Advisor to the CEO – Jan Frykhammar,

Advisor to the CEO – Magnus Mandersson.

Per Borgklint, Anders Lindblad, Jean-Philippe Poirault and Charlotta Sund leave the Executive Leadership Team effective April 1, 2017.

Resolutions at the AGM

On March 29, 2017, Ericsson held its AGM in Kista, Stockholm. The proposed dividend of SEK 1.00 per share was approved by the AGM.

In accordance with the proposal of the Nomination Committee, Leif Johansson was re-elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Nora Denzel, Börje Ekholm, Kristin Skogen Lund, Kristin S. Rinne, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Helena Stjernholm and Jacob Wallenberg were re-elected to the Board. Jon Fredrik Baksaas, Jan Carlson and Eric A. Elzvik were elected new Board members. Ulf J. Johansson left the Board.

In accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal, the AGM resolved to approve the Guidelines for remuneration to Group Management and the implementation of a Long-Term Variable Compensation Program 2017 for the Executive Team.

The rating for Ericsson was downgraded to BBB- by Standard & Poor’s

On March 30, 2017, Standard & Poor’s announced that they had downgraded the senior unsecured debt ratings to BBB- with negative outlook from BBB with negative outlook.

Patent infringement lawsuits

In 2012 and 2013, Intellectual Ventures (“IV”) filed patent infringement lawsuits in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware accusing a number of Ericsson’s U.S. customers of infringing 16 U.S. patents, seeking an injunction and monetary damages. The first of these cases is set to go to trial in January 2018. IV subsequently filed another wave of lawsuits in the District of Delaware accusing a number of Ericsson’s U.S. customers of infringing 12 U.S. patents, seeking monetary damages. The first of these cases is set to go to trial in July 2017. The claims and scope of these lawsuits have recently become more well defined.

DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO SECTION 219 OF THE IRAN THREAT REDUCTION AND SYRIA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT OF 2012 (ITRA)

During the first quarter of 2017, Ericsson contracted with Farabord Dadehaye Iranian for sales by Ericsson of communications infrastructure related products and services to Farabord Dadehaye Iranian. During the first quarter of 2017, Ericsson made sales of telecommunications infrastructure related products and services in Iran to Mobile Communication Company of Iran and to MTNIrancell, which generated gross revenues (reported as net sales) of approximately SEK 362 million. Ericsson does not normally allocate quarterly net profit (reported as net income) on a country-by-country or activity-by-activity basis, other than as set forth in Ericsson’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. However, Ericsson has estimated that its operating income (income before taxes and financial net) from such sales, after internal cost allocation, during the first quarter of 2017 would be substantially lower than such gross revenues. During the first quarter of 2017, Post Bank of Iran (a local bank in Iran) issued bank guarantees to secure an Iranian customer’s payment obligations to Ericsson.

 

 

11      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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RISK FACTORS

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular USD;

 

  Political unrest and uncertainty in certain markets;

 

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

 

  Cyber security incidents, which may have a material negative impact.

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

Stockholm, April 25, 2017

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO

Org. Nr 556016-0680

This report has not been reviewed by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s auditors.

Date for next report: July 18, 2017

 

 

12      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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EDITOR’S NOTE

 

For further information, please contact:

Helena Norrman, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and

Communications Officer

Phone: +46 10 719 34 72

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

media.relations@ericsson.com

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Org. number: 556016-0680

Torshamnsgatan 21

SE-164 83 Stockholm

Phone: +46 10 719 00 00

www.ericsson.com

Investors
Peter Nyquist, Vice President,
Head of Investor Relations
Phone:    +46 10 714 64 49, +46 70 575 29 06
E-mail:    peter.nyquist@ericsson.com
Stefan Jelvin, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone:    +46 10 714 20 39, +46 70 986 02 27
E-mail:    stefan.jelvin@ericsson.com
Åsa Konnbjer, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone:    +46 10 713 39 28, +46 73 082 59 28
E-mail:    asa.konnbjer@ericsson.com
  
Rikard Tunedal, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone:    +46 10 714 54 00, +46 761 005 400
E-mail:    rikard.tunedal@ericsson.com
  
Media
Ola Rembe, Vice President,
Head of External Communications
Phone:    +46 10 719 97 27, +46 73 024 48 73
E-mail:    media.relations@ericsson.com
Corporate Communications
Phone:    +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail:    media.relations@ericsson.com
 

 

13      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

 

All statements made or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by us. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “predicts”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “potential”, “continue”, and variations or negatives of these words, and include, among others, statements regarding: (i) strategies, outlook and growth prospects; (ii) positioning to deliver future plans and to realize potential for future growth; (iii) liquidity and capital resources and expenditure, and our credit ratings; (iv) growth in demand for our products and services; (v) our joint venture activities; (vi) economic outlook and industry trends; (vii) developments of our markets; (viii) the impact of regulatory initiatives; (ix) research and development expenditures; (x) the strength of our competitors; (xi) future cost savings and profitability; (xii) plans to launch new products and services; (xiii) assessments of risks; (xiv) integration of acquired businesses; (xv) compliance with rules and regulations and (xvi) infringements of intellectual property rights of others.

In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based upon the information available to us at this time. Such information is subject to change, and we will not necessarily inform you of such changes. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, such as those factors described under the risk factor section. Important factors that may cause such a difference for Ericsson include, but are not limited to: (i) material adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or in global economic conditions; (ii) increased product and price competition; (iii) reductions in capital expenditure by network operators; (iv) the cost of technological innovation and increased expenditure to improve quality of service; (v) significant changes in market share for our principal products and services; (vi) foreign exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations; and (vii) the failure to successfully implement our business and operational initiatives

 

 

14      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Contents   

Financial statements

  

Consolidated income statement

     16  

Statement of comprehensive income

     16  

Consolidated balance sheet

     17  

Consolidated statement of cash flows

     18  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

     19  

Consolidated income statement – isolated quarters

     19  

Consolidated statement of cash flows – isolated quarters

     20  

Additional information

  

Accounting policies

     21  

Net sales by segment by quarter

     22  

Gross income and gross margin by segment by quarter

     23  

Operating income and operating margin by segment by quarter

     24  

Net sales by region by quarter

     25  

Net sales by region by quarter (cont.)

     26  

Top 5 countries in sales

     26  

Net sales by region by segment

     27  

Provisions

     28  

Information on investments

     28  

Other information

     29  

Number of employees

     29  
 

 

15      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 

     Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017     2016     Change     2016  

Net sales

     46,369       52,209       -11     222,608  

Cost of sales

     -39,931       -34,819       15     -156,243  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     6,438       17,390       -63     66,365  

Gross margin (%)

     13.9     33.3       29.8

Research and development expenses

     -9,068       -7,485       21     -31,635  

Selling and administrative expenses

     -9,861       -6,720       47     -28,866  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -18,929       -14,205       33     -60,501  

Other operating income and expenses

     141       273         404  

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     11       17         31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     -12,339       3,475       -455     6,299  

Financial income

     -82       -89         -115  

Financial expenses

     -350       -377         -2,158  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     -12,771       3,009       -524     4,026  

Taxes

     1,916       -903         -2,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     -10,855       2,106       -615     1,895  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to:

        

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -10,897       1,966         1,716  

Non-controlling interests

     42       140         179  

Other information

        

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,272       3,258         3,263  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1)

     -3.33       0.60         0.53  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     -3.29       0.60         0.52  

 

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

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Jan-Mar      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2016  

Net income

     -10,855        2,106        1,895  

Other comprehensive income

        

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

        

Remeasurements of defined benefits pension plans incl. asset ceiling

     398        -3,502        -1,766  

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

     -169        953        520  

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

        

Available-for-sale financial assets

        

Gains/losses arising during the period

     32        —          -7  

Reclassification adjustments on gains/losses included in profit or loss

     3        —          —    

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

        

Fair value remeasurement

     2        -4        -2  

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

     -21        -1,133        4,235  

Share of other comprehensive income on JV and associated companies

     10        -376        -362  

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

     -9        —          1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     246        -4,062        2,619  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     -10,609        -1,956        4,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

        

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -10,674        -2,093        4,285  

Non-controlling interest

     65        137        229  

 

16      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

SEK million

   Mar 31
2017
     Dec 31
2016
 

ASSETS

     

Non-current assets

     

Intangible assets

     

Capitalized development expenses

     6,460        8,076  

Goodwill

     43,042        43,387  

Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets

     5,869        7,747  

Property, plant and equipment

     16,645        16,734  

Financial assets

     

Equity in JV and associated companies

     792        775  

Other investments in shares and participations

     1,112        1,179  

Customer finance, non-current

     2,728        2,128  

Interest-bearing securities, non-current

     19,124        7,586  

Other financial assets, non-current

     4,466        4,442  

Deferred tax assets

     17,435        15,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     117,673        107,576  

Current assets

     

Inventories

     33,938        30,307  

Trade receivables

     65,687        68,117  

Customer finance, current

     2,882        2,625  

Other current receivables

     25,525        24,431  

Interest-bearing securities, current

     13,548        13,325  

Cash and cash equivalents

     32,954        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     174,534        175,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     292,207        283,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

     

Equity

     

Stockholders’ equity

     126,105        139,817  

Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiaries

     736        675  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     126,841        140,492  

Non-current liabilities

     

Post-employment benefits

     23,774        23,723  

Provisions, non-current

     4,867        946  

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,888        2,147  

Borrowings, non-current

     27,823        18,653  

Other non-current liabilities

     2,699        2,621  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     61,051        48,090  

Current liabilities

     

Provisions, current

     5,694        5,411  

Borrowings, current

     9,514        8,033  

Trade payables

     25,814        25,318  

Other current liabilities

     63,293        56,003  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     104,315        94,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

     292,207        283,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Of which interest-bearing liabilities

     37,337        26,686  

Assets pledged as collateral

     3,064        2,584  

Contingent liabilities

     1,729        1,186  

 

17      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Jan-Mar      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2016  

Operating activities

        

Net income

     -10,855        2,106        1,895  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

        

Taxes

     -4,345        -1,208        -6,200  

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     -7        -16        58  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     5,431        2,097        9,119  

Other

     527        652        3,135  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

     -9,249        3,631        8,007  

Changes in operating net assets

        

Inventories

     -3,585        -4,212        -613  

Customer finance, current and non-current

     -834        -251        -950  

Trade receivables

     2,397        3,408        5,933  

Trade payables

     626        -617        2,775  

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     4,645        -14        3,106  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

     4,459        -4,317        -4,248  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     7,708        -6,003        6,003  

Cash flow from operating activities

     -1,541        -2,372        14,010  

Investing activities

        

Investments in property, plant and equipment

     -1,015        -1,474        -6,129  

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     69        44        482  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     3        -108        -622  

Product development

     -865        -1,208        -4,483  

Other investing activities

     110        735        -3,004  

Interest-bearing securities

     -11,886        1,013        5,473  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     -13,584        -998        -8,283  

Cash flow before financing activities

     -15,125        -3,370        5,727  

Financing activities

        

Dividends paid

     -4        -33        -12,263  

Other financing activities

     10,902        94        521  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     10,898        61        -11,742  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     215        -981        2,757  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -4,012        -4,290        -3,258  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     36,966        40,224        40,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     32,954        35,934        36,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

     Jan-Mar      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017     2016      2016  

Opening balance

     140,492       147,366        147,366  

Total comprehensive income

     -10,609       -1,956        4,514  

Sale/repurchase of own shares

     25       29        -216  

Stock issue (net)

     —         —          131  

Stock purchase plan

     210       238        957  

Dividends paid

     -3,277 1)      -33        -12,263  

Transactions with non-controlling interests

     —         —          3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     126,841       145,644        140,492  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1) Includes accrual of SEK 3,273 million for the dividend approved by the Annual General Meeting on March 29, 2017.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

- ISOLATED QUARTERS

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net sales

     46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  

Cost of sales

     -39,931       -48,195       -36,616       -36,613       -34,819  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross income

     6,438       17,020       14,460       17,495       17,390  

Gross margin (%)

     13.9     26.1     28.3     32.3     33.3

Research and development expenses

     -9,068       -8,890       -7,855       -7,405       -7,485  

Selling and administrative expenses

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     -18,929       -17,689       -14,093       -14,514       -14,205  

Other operating income and expenses

     141       364       -3       -230       273  

Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies

     11       25       -23       12       17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     -12,339       -280       341       2,763       3,475  

Financial income

     -82       61       -226       139       -89  

Financial expenses

     -350       -744       -371       -666       -377  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income after financial items

     -12,771       -963       -256       2,236       3,009  

Taxes

     1,916       -634       76       -670       -903  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     -10,855       -1,597       -180       1,566       2,106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to:

          

Stockholders of the Parent Company

     -10,897       -1,604       -233       1,587       1,966  

Non-controlling interests

     42       7       53       -21       140  

Other information

          

Average number of shares, basic (million)

     3,272       3,268       3,264       3,261       3,258  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1)

     -3.33       -0.49       -0.07       0.49       0.60  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     -3.29       -0.48       -0.07       0.48       0.60  

 

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

 

19      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

OF CASH FLOWS - ISOLATED QUARTERS

 

     2017      2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Operating activities

              

Net income

     -10,855        -1,597        -180        1,566        2,106  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

              

Taxes

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

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

     -7        -21        22        73        -16  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

     5,431        2,610        2,308        2,104        2,097  

Other

     527        865        630        988        652  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income reconciled to cash

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

Changes in operating net assets

              

Inventories

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

Customer finance, current and non-current

     -834        -106        223        -816        -251  

Trade receivables

     2,397        3,713        -624        -564        3,408  

Trade payables

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

Provisions and post-employment benefits

     4,645        2,772        130        218        -14  

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

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

Cash flow from operating activities

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

Investing activities

              

Investments in property, plant and equipment

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

Sales of property, plant and equipment

     69        277        111        50        44  

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

     3        -50        16        -480        -108  

Product development

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

Other investing activities

     110        -2,341        -508        -890        735  

Interest-bearing securities

     -11,886        -1,505        610        5,355        1,013  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities

     -13,584        -6,609        -2,040        1,364        -998  

Cash flow before financing activities

     -15,125        12,803        -4,357        651        -3,370  

Financing activities

              

Dividends paid

     -4        —          -163        -12,067        -33  

Other financing activities

     10,902        -1,039        -1,295        2,761        94  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities

     10,898        -1,039        -1,458        -9,306        61  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     215        801        1,285        1,652        -981  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     -4,012        12,565        -4,530        -7,003        -4,290  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     36,966        24,401        28,931        35,934        40,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     32,954        36,966        24,401        28,931        35,934  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

20      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE GROUP

 

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

There is no significant difference between IFRS effective as per December 31, 2017 and IFRS as endorsed by the EU.

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

 

 

21      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER*

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     34,860       47,791       37,020       40,245       39,935  

Of which products

     19,410       27,519       19,249       23,037       22,795  

Of which services

     15,450       20,272       17,771       17,208       17,140  

IT & Cloud

     9,545       14,884       11,716       11,500       9,830  

Of which products

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

Of which services

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

Media

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Sequential change, percent

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -27     29     -8     1     —    

Of which products

     -29     43     -16     1     —    

Of which services

     -24     14     3     0     —    

IT & Cloud

     -36     27     2     17     —    

Of which products

     -39     22     3     11     —    

Of which services

     -34     32     1     23     —    

Media

     -23     9     -1     -3     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -29     28     -6     4     -29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year over year change, percent

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -13     —         —         —         —    

Of which products

     -15     —         —         —         —    

Of which services

     -10     —         —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -3     —         —         —         —    

Of which products

     -14     —         —         —         —    

Of which services

     8     —         —         —         —    

Media

     -20     —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -11     -14     -11     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     34,860       164,991       117,200       80,180       39,935  

Of which products

     19,410       92,600       65,081       45,832       22,795  

Of which services

     15,450       72,391       52,119       34,348       17,140  

IT & Cloud

     9,545       47,930       33,046       21,330       9,830  

Of which products

     4,103       22,232       15,550       10,071       4,773  

Of which services

     5,442       25,698       17,496       11,259       5,057  

Media

     1,964       9,687       7,147       4,807       2,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     46,369       222,608       157,393       106,317       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, year over year change, percent

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

Networks

     -13     -11     —         —         —    

Of which products

     -15     -12     —         —         —    

Of which services

     -10     -8     —         —         —    

IT & Cloud

     -3     -7     —         —         —    

Of which products

     -14     -16     —         —         —    

Of which services

     8     1     —         —         —    

Media

     -20     -7     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -10     -9     -7     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Net sales by segment has been restated for each quarter of 2016 and for the full year 2015. Comparisons against isolated quarters in 2015 are not available by segment.

 

22      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

GROSS INCOME AND GROSS MARGIN

BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     7,980       11,783       9,867       12,522       13,011  

IT & Cloud

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

Media

     558       561       760       912       1,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6,438       17,020       14,460       17,495       17,390  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, As percentage of net sales

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     23     25     27     31     33

IT & Cloud

     -22     31     33     35     33

Media

     28     22     32     39     45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     14     26     28     32     33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     7,980       47,183       35,400       25,533       13,011  

IT & Cloud

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

Media

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6,438       66,365       49,345       34,885       17,390  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     23     29     30     32     33

IT & Cloud

     -22     33     34     34     33

Media

     28     34     39     42     45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     14     30     31     33     33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

23      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN

BY SEGMENT BY QUARTER

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

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

IT & Cloud

     -8,997       -1,819       -1,740       -1,546       -1,977  

Media

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -12,339       -280       341       2,763       3,475  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, As percentage of net sales

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

     -2     5     8     12     14

IT & Cloud

     -94     -12     -15     -13     -20

Media

     -143     -33     -32     -20     -13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -27     0     1     5     7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Networks

     -538       15,770       13,390       10,551       5,762  

IT & Cloud

     -8,997       -7,082       -5,263       -3,523       -1,977  

Media

     -2,804       -2,389       -1,548       -790       -310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -12,339       6,299       6,579       6,238       3,475  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2017     2016  

Year to date As percentage of net sales

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

Networks

     -2     10     11     13     14

IT & Cloud

     -94     -15     -16     -17     -20

Media

     -143     -25     -22     -16     -13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -27     3     4     6     7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

24      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES

BY REGION BY QUARTER*

 

     2017     2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

North America

     11,811       14,851       13,178       13,358       13,147  

Latin America

     2,887       4,974       4,383       4,550       4,047  

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)

     1,735       2,781       2,105       2,158       2,286  

Western & Central Europe 2)

     3,645       4,588       3,949       4,828       4,373  

Mediterranean 2)

     4,440       6,785       4,667       5,546       4,394  

Middle East

     3,487       6,397       4,286       4,926       3,579  

Sub Saharan Africa

     1,927       2,732       2,012       2,313       2,120  

India

     2,422       3,042       2,597       2,426       2,683  

North East Asia

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

South East Asia & Oceania

     5,587       6,676       5,081       5,304       5,222  

Other 1) 2)

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     46,369       65,215       51,076       54,108       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     925       843       690       477       1,113  

2) Of which in EU

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

Sequential change, percent

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

North America

     -20     13     -1     2     -21

Latin America

     -42     13     -4     12     -34

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)

     -38     32     -2     -6     -22

Western & Central Europe 2)

     -21     16     -18     10     -25

Mediterranean 2)

     -35     45     -16     26     -38

Middle East

     -45     49     -13     38     -41

Sub Saharan Africa

     -29     36     -13     9     -26

India

     -20     17     7     -10     -15

North East Asia

     -42     57     1     8     -37

South East Asia & Oceania

     -16     31     -4     2     -3

Other 1) 2)

     4     3     1     -44     -44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -29     28     -6     4     -29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     10     22     45     -57     15

2) Of which in EU

     -26     31     -12     4     -27
     2017     2016  

Year-over-year change, percent

   Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

North America

     -10     -11     -8     -8     8

Latin America

     -29     -19     -22     -10     -12

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)

     -24     -5     -19     -18     -18

Western & Central Europe 2)

     -17     -21     -21     -15     -17

Mediterranean 2)

     1     -4     -17     -7     -14

Middle East

     -3     5     -25     -24     -21

Sub Saharan Africa

     -9     -4     -25     -13     -2

India

     -10     -4     -28     -20     -24

North East Asia

     0     8     -4     -13     -7

South East Asia & Oceania

     7     25     5     8     23

Other 1) 2)

     -40     -67     -6     -3     54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -11     -14     -11     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -17     -13     -39     -20     2

2) Of which in EU

     -11     -12     -20     -16     -15

 

* Net sales by region has been restated. Broadcast services, previously reported in Region Other, is now reported per geographical region. In addition, part of the business related to former Telcordia has been transferred from the geographic regions to Region Other.

 

25      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES

BY REGION BY QUARTER, CONT.*

 

     2017     2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

North America

     11,811       54,534       39,683       26,505       13,147  

Latin America

     2,887       17,954       12,980       8,597       4,047  

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)

     1,735       9,330       6,549       4,444       2,286  

Western & Central Europe 2)

     3,645       17,738       13,150       9,201       4,373  

Mediterranean 2)

     4,440       21,392       14,607       9,940       4,394  

Middle East

     3,487       19,188       12,791       8,505       3,579  

Sub Saharan Africa

     1,927       9,177       6,445       4,433       2,120  

India

     2,422       10,748       7,706       5,109       2,683  

North East Asia

     5,561       27,365       17,742       11,620       5,579  

South East Asia & Oceania

     5,587       22,283       15,607       10,526       5,222  

Other 1) 2)

     2,867       12,899       10,133       7,437       4,779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     46,369       222,608       157,393       106,317       52,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     925       3,123       2,280       1,590       1,113  

2) Of which in EU

     8,239       38,525       27,371       18,864       9,229  

Year to date, year-over-year change, percent

   2017     2016  
   Jan-Mar     Jan-Dec     Jan-Sep     Jan-Jun     Jan-Mar  

North America

     -10     -6     -3     -1     8

Latin America

     -29     -16     -15     -11     -12

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)

     -24     -15     -18     -18     -18

Western & Central Europe 2)

     -17     -18     -17     -16     -17

Mediterranean 2)

     1     -10     -12     -10     -14

Middle East

     -3     -16     -24     -23     -21

Sub Saharan Africa

     -9     -11     -14     -8     -2

India

     -10     -20     -25     -22     -24

North East Asia

     0     -3     -8     -10     -7

South East Asia & Oceania

     7     15     12     15     23

Other 1) 2)

     -40     -25     16     27     54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -11     -10     -9     -7     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     -17     -18     -19     -6     2

2) Of which in EU

     -11     -15     -17     -16     -15

 

* Net sales by region has been restated. Broadcast services, previously reported in Region Other, is now reported per geographical region. In addition, part of the business related to former Telcordia has been transferred from the geographic regions to Region Other.

TOP 5 COUNTRIES IN SALES

 

Country    Q1     Jan-Dec  

Percentage of Net sales

   2017     2016     2016  

United States

     26     27     25

China

     7     9     9

India

     5     5     5

Japan

     5     4     3

Vietnam

     4     1     1

 

26      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

NET SALES

BY REGION BY SEGMENT

 

     Q1 2017  

SEK million

   Networks     IT & Cloud     Media     Total  

North America

     9,229       2,287       295       11,811  

Latin America

     2,015       845       27       2,887  

Northern Europe & Central Asia

     1,208       424       103       1,735  

Western & Central Europe

     2,519       690       436       3,645  

Mediterranean

     2,844       1,367       229       4,440  

Middle East

     2,397       1,015       75       3,487  

Sub Saharan Africa

     1,354       538       35       1,927  

India

     1,825       586       11       2,422  

North East Asia

     4,625       889       47       5,561  

South East Asia & Oceania

     4,828       692       67       5,587  

Other

     2,016       212       639       2,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     34,860       9,545       1,964       46,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of total

     75     21     4     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Q1 2017  

Sequential change, percent

   Networks     IT & Cloud     Media     Total  

North America

     -22     -11     -42     -20

Latin America

     -43     -35     -79     -42

Northern Europe & Central Asia

     -39     -37     -20     -38

Western & Central Europe

     -8     -47     -21     -21

Mediterranean

     -25     -49     -27     -35

Middle East

     -47     -42     -15     -45

Sub Saharan Africa

     -36     -10     775     -29

India

     -28     21     -39     -20

North East Asia

     -35     -63     -18     -42

South East Asia & Oceania

     -15     -21     -29     -16

Other

     9     -21     -2     4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -27     -36     -23     -29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Q1 2017  

Year over year change, percent

   Networks     IT & Cloud     Media     Total  

North America

     -15     32     -44     -10

Latin America

     -32     -19     -52     -29

Northern Europe & Central Asia

     -31     4     -18     -24

Western & Central Europe

     -21     6     -20     -17

Mediterranean

     4     -6     8     1

Middle East

     -3     -1     -7     -3

Sub Saharan Africa

     -8     -16     150     -9

India

     -15     17     -52     -10

North East Asia

     8     -30     4     0

South East Asia & Oceania

     8     3     10     7

Other

     -44     -52     -15     -40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     -13     -3     -20     -11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

27      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

PROVISIONS

 

     2017      2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Opening balance

     6,357        3,245        3,387        3,532        3,838  

Additions

     6,365        4,349        666        839        492  

Utilization/Cash out

     -2,085        -976        -716        -794        -667  

Of which restructuring

     -1,586        -785        -529        -639        -487  

Reversal of excess amounts

     -66        -253        -129        -240        -67  

Reclassification, translation difference and other

     -11        -8        37        50        -64  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     10,560        6,357        3,245        3,387        3,532  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2017      2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Opening balance

     6,357        3,838        3,838        3,838        3,838  

Additions

     6,365        6,346        1,997        1,331        492  

Utilization/Cash out

     -2,085        -3,153        -2,177        -1,461        -667  

Of which restructuring

     -1,586        -2,440        -1,655        -1,126        -487  

Reversal of excess amounts

     -66        -689        -436        -307        -67  

Reclassification, translation difference and other

     -11        15        23        -14        -64  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance

     10,560        6,357        3,245        3,387        3,532  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS

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

 

     2017      2016  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q1      Q4      Q3      Q2      Q1  

Additions

              

Property, plant and equipment

     1,015        1,699        1,384        1,572        1,474  

Capitalized development expenses 1)

     865        1,291        885        1,099        1,208  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1        0        -4        13        5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,881        2,990        2,265        2,684        2,687  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

              

Property, plant and equipment

     1,075        1,318        1,106        1,083        1,062  

Capitalized development expenses

     2,481        652        511        386        351  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1,875        640        691        635        684  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,431        2,610        2,308        2,104        2,097  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

1)       Including reclassification

              
     2017      2016  

Year to date, SEK million

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

Additions

              

Property, plant and equipment

     1,015        6,129        4,430        3,046        1,474  

Capitalized development expenses 1)

     865        4,483        3,192        2,307        1,208  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1        14        14        18        5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,881        10,626        7,636        5,371        2,687  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

              

Property, plant and equipment

     1,075        4,569        3,251        2,145        1,062  

Capitalized development expenses

     2,481        1,900        1,248        737        351  

IPR, brands and other intangible assets

     1,875        2,650        2,010        1,319        684  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,431        9,119        6,509        4,201        2,097  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1) Including reclassification

 

28      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017


Table of Contents

OTHER INFORMATION

 

     Jan-Mar      Jan-Dec  

SEK million

   2017      2016      2016  

Number of shares and earnings per share

        

Number of shares, end of period (million)

     3,331        3,305        3,331  

Of which class A-shares (million)

     262        262        262  

Of which class B-shares (million)

     3,069        3,043        3,069  

Number of treasury shares, end of period (million)

     58        46        62  

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

     3,273        3,259        3,269  

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

     3,314        3,293        3,309  

Average number of treasury shares (million)

     59        47        60  

Average number of shares outstanding, basic (million)

     3,272        3,258        3,263  

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

     3,313        3,292        3,303  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK)

     -3.33        0.60        0.53  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)

     -3.29        0.60        0.52  

Ratios

        

Days sales outstanding

     117        108        95  

Inventory turnover days

     73        80        69  

Payable days

     58        58        56  

Exchange rates used in the consolidation 2)

        

SEK/EUR- closing rate

     9.54        9.23        9.56  

SEK/USD- closing rate

     8.93        8.11        9.06  

Other

        

Regional inventory, end of period

     19,047        18,089        16,231  

Export sales from Sweden

     21,460        23,254        107,036  

 

1) Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.
2) Translation method changed from 2015. Monthly rates used to translate transactions are available on www.ericsson.com/thecompany/investors.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

 

     2017      2016  

End of period

   Mar 31      Dec 31      Sep 30      Jun 30      Mar 31  

North America

     11,253        11,547        12,229        13,838        14,081  

Latin America

     9,252        9,513        9,592        9,616        9,836  

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1)

     18,534        19,136        19,759        20,177        20,167  

Western & Central Europe

     13,368        13,646        13,574        13,727        12,100  

Mediterranean

     13,040        12,578        13,110        12,957        12,906  

Middle East

     3,256        3,346        3,479        3,573        3,608  

Sub Saharan Africa

     2,012        2,086        2,167        2,347        2,377  

India

     23,253        22,552        22,340        22,541        22,424  

North East Asia

     12,962        13,042        13,434        13,547        13,623  

South East Asia & Oceania

     3,968        4,018        4,113        4,184        4,178  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     110,898        111,464        113,797        116,507        115,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

1) Of which in Sweden

     14,712        15,303        15,872        16,190        16,290  

 

29      Ericsson  |  First Quarter Report 2017