Form 6-K

 

 

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

July 22, 2008

 

 

LM ERICSSON TELEPHONE COMPANY

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Torshamnsgatan 23, 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  x    Form 40-F  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Announcement of LM Ericsson Telephone Company, dated July 22, 2008 regarding “Ericsson reports second quarter results.”

 

 

 


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

  

Ericsson reports second

quarter results

 

•         Sales SEK 48.5 (47.6) b., 7% growth in constant currencies, SEK 92.7 (89.8) b. first six months

 

•         Operating income SEK 4.71) (9.3) b., excl. restructuring charges of SEK 1.8 b., SEK 9.0 (17.4) b. first six months, excl. restructuring charges of SEK 2.6 b.

 

•         Operating margin 9.7%1) (19.4%), excl. restructuring charges of SEK 1.8 b., 9.7% (19.4%) first six months, excl. restructuring charges of SEK 2.6 b.

 

•         Cash flow SEK 8.5 (4.2) b., SEK 13.3 (8.8) b. first six months

 

•         Net income2) SEK 1.91) (6.4) b., incl. restructuring charges of SEK 1.8 b., SEK 4.5 (12.2) b. first six months, incl. restructuring charges of SEK 2.6 b.

 

•         Earnings per share2) SEK 0.601) (2.02) 3), SEK 1.43 (3.85) 3) first six months

 

1)      Includes a capital gain of SEK 0.2 b. from divestment of enterprise PBX operations

2)      Attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company, excluding minority interests.

3)      A reverse split 1:5 was made in June 2008. Comparable figures restated accordingly.

 

LOGO

  

 

CEO COMMENTS

 

“The overall business activity shows stable development,” said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). “With no major changes in the market environment, we still find it prudent to plan for a flattish mobile infrastructure market in 2008 and our focus on adjusting our cost base remains.

 

Sales have continued to pick up in the US, Western Europe has remained slow while we see good development in most high-growth markets. The continued decline of the USD impacts sales growth and margins negatively also in this quarter.

 

Networks showed a sequential margin improvement despite a continued high proportion of buildouts of new networks in high-growth markets, including accelerating volumes to India. Professional Services continues to develop favorably with stable margins and Multimedia shows good growth with a lower operating loss.

 

In the wireless market, expansions of GSM, buildouts of HSPA and early discussions on LTE continue in parallel and these technologies will coexist for many years. Access to telephony as well as Internet, with multimedia solutions for e-business, e-health, e-learning, e-banking etc, are key elements for sustainable development. This is driving buildouts of mobile communications in high-growth markets as well as the buildout of broadband in mature markets” said Carl-Henric Svanberg.

 

LOGO   1


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Income statement and cash flow

 

     Second quarter     First quarter     Six months  

SEK b.

   20081)     2007     Change     20081)     Change     20081)     2007     Change  

Net sales

   48.5     47.6     2 %   44.2     10 %   92.7     89.8     3 %

Gross margin

   37.0 %   43.0 %   —       38.6 %   —       37.8 %   43.0 %   —    

EBITDA margin

   14.9 %   23.9 %   —       14.7 %   —       14.8 %   23.8 %   —    

Operating income

   4.7     9.3     -49 %   4.3     10 %   9.0     17.4     -48 %

Operating margin

   9.7 %   19.4 %   —       9.7 %   —       9.7 %   19.4 %   —    

Operating margin excl Sony Ericsson

   9.7 %   16.4 %   —       7.7 %   —       8.7 %   16.0 %   —    

Income after financial items

   4.7     9.3     -49 %   4.5     5 %   9.2     17.5     -48 %

Net income 3)

   1.9 2)   6.4     -70 %   2.6 2)   -28 %   4.5 2)   12.2     -63 %

EPS, SEK 3)

   0.60 2)   2.02 4)   -70 %   0.83 2) 4)   -28 %   1.43 2)   3.85 4)   -63 %

Cash flow from operating activities

   8.5     4.2     —       4.7     —       13.3     8.8     —    

Cash flow excl. Sony Ericsson dividend/advances

   8.5     1.7     —       2.5     —       11.1     2.7     —    

 

1) Excluding restructuring charges of SEK 1.8 b. in the second quarter 2008 and SEK 0.8 b. in the first quarter 2008.
2) Including restructuring charges.
3) Attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company, excluding minority interests
4) A reverse split 1:5 was made in June 2008. Comparable figures are restated accordingly

 

 

Sales growth in constant currencies is estimated to 7% year-over-year. Sales were up 2% year-over-year including negative effects from the continued decline in USD. Effects of acquisitions and divestments equaled out in the quarter.

 

Gross margin amounted to 37.0% (43.0%) and declined year-over-year, mainly due to the shift in business mix with a high proportion of new network buildouts. Sales related to software and IPRs were back to a more normal level after last quarter’s slightly higher level.

 

Operating expenses amounted to SEK 14.0 (13.1) b. in the quarter. The increase year-over-year is mainly attributable to acquired companies, including amortization of intangibles, and increased R&D investments.

 

Operating income amounted to SEK 4.7 (9.3) b. in the quarter, including a capital gain of SEK 0.2 b. from the divestment of the enterprise PBX solutions business. Sony Ericsson’s pre-tax profit contributed SEK 0.0 (1.5) b. to Group operating income in the quarter.

 

Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 8.5 (4.2) b. The working capital was flat despite higher sales. Collections have been strong and days sales outstanding have decreased by 3 days to 107 in the quarter. Current liabilities increased significantly during the quarter, some of which are normal fluctuations due to project activities. The increase was mainly due to increased payables, accrued expenses and various other current liabilities. As a result, cash conversion amounted to 193% (35%).

 

Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -2.0 (-7.9) b. in the quarter, including a positive impact of SEK 0.6 b. from the divestment of the enterprise PBX solutions business.

 

LOGO   2


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

Balance sheet and other performance indicators

 

SEK b.

   Six
months

2008
    Three
months

2008
    Full
year

2007
 

Net cash

   27.9     28.3     24.3  

Interest-bearing provisions and liabilities

   29.2     32.0     33.4  

Trade receivables

   56.7     56.4     60.5  

Days sales outstanding

   107     110     102  

Inventory

   26.6     24.5     22.5  

Of which work in progress

   16.3     13.8     12.5  

Inventory turnover

   4.7 1)   4.6 1)   5.2  

Payable days

   56     57     57  

Customer financing, net

   2.4     2.7     3.4  

Return on capital employed

   12 %1)   12 %1)   21 %

Equity ratio

   55 %   56 %   55 %

 

1) Excluding effects from restructuring.

 

 

Deferred tax assets increased in the quarter by SEK 1.2 b. to SEK 12.8 (11.6) b.

 

During the quarter, approximately SEK 1.3 b. of provisions were utilized related to warranty and project related commitments, restructuring activities and other. Additions of SEK 2.7 b. were made, of which SEK 0.9 b. related to restructuring. Reversals of SEK 0.2 b. were made. Consequently, the net impact on operating income excluding restructuring charges was negative by SEK 1.6 b.

 

Cost reductions

 

As announced in the fourth quarter report 2007, cost reductions of SEK 4 b. in annual savings are being made. These reductions will have full effect in 2009. Restructuring charges are estimated to SEK 4 b. in total and will be recognized as each activity is decided.

 

During the quarter, restructuring charges of SEK 1.8 b. were recognized, of which SEK 0.9 b. was added to provisions. The charges cover product- and supply rationalization, with some consequences for capitalized development. The charges also covers costs for lay offs in Western Europe, including Sweden. Year-to-date, restructuring charges of SEK 2.6 b. have been recognized.

 

Restructuring charges    2008

Isolated quarters, SEK b.

   Q2    Q1

Cost of sales

   -0.6    -0.2

Research and development expenses

   -1.1    -0.6

Selling and administrative expenses

   -0.1    -0.0

Total

   -1.8    -0.8

 

LOGO   3


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

  

SEGMENT RESULTS

 

Networks

 

Sales in Networks were down 1% year-over-year. The continued USD decline contributed negatively to the sales development. There is a steady demand for GSM equipment in high-growth markets, especially in Asia, which drives the growth for network rollout services. The margins improved slightly sequentially. Still, the proportion of buildouts of new networks in high-growth markets, including accelerating volumes in India, remains high and puts pressure on Networks’ margins. Sales related to software and IPRs in the quarter returned to a more normal level.

 

The EBITDA margin was 15% (24%).

 

     Second quarter     First quarter     Six months  

SEK b.

   20081)     2007     Change     20081) 2)     Change     20081)     2007     Change  

Networks sales

   33.3     33.7     -1 %   30.0     11 %   63.3     63.0     0 %

Of which network rollout

   4.8     4.3     11 %   4.5     6 %   9.3     8.1     15 %

Operating margin

   10 %   19 %   —       9 %   —       9 %   18 %   —    

EBITDA margin

   15 %   24 %   —       15 %   —       15 %   24 %   —    

Professional Services sales

   11.0     10.3     7 %   10.0     10 %   21.0     19.8     6 %

Of which managed services

   3.4     2.9     17 %   3.1     10 %   6.5     5.5     19 %

Operating margin

   14 %   15 %   —       14 %   —       14 %   15 %   —    

EBITDA margin

   16 %   16 %   —       16 %   —       16 %   16 %   —    

Multimedia sales

   4.2     3.6     16 %   4.2     2 %   8.4     7.0     20 %

Operating margin

   -1 %   0 %   —       -12 %   —       -6 %   4 %   —    

EBITDA margin

   13 %3)   5 %   —       -6 %   —       4 %   7 %   —    

Total sales

   48.5     47.6     2 %   44.2     10 %   92.7     89.8     3 %

 

1)      Excluding effects from restructuring.

2)      First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

3)      Affected by SEK 0.2 b. due to changed allocation of capitalized development expenses.

 

LOGO   

Redback’s international sales show good development while sales in US are down. Redback technology is being gradually integrated into Ericsson’s product development.

 

Professional Services

 

Sales in Professional Services grew by 7% year-over-year. In the quarter, the IPX operations were transferred to segment Multimedia, negatively impacting Professional Services sales by 2%-points year-over-year. Adjusted for this and in constant currencies, sales growth amounted to 11%. Operating margin was stable sequentially.

 

Managed services sales increased both year-over-year and sequentially, despite the reduced scope of the 3 UK contract announced in the fourth quarter 2007. During the quarter, six new contracts were signed. The total number of subscribers in managed operations now amount to 210 million, of which more than 50% are in high-growth markets.

 

Multimedia

 

Sales growth was 16% year-over-year despite the decline in USD. Effects from divested activities more or less offset the sales effects of acquired businesses and the transfer of the IPX operations. Operating income was slightly below break even level. The income includes the previously announced capital gain of SEK 0.2 b. from the divestment of the enterprise PBX solutions business.

 

LOGO   4


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

  

Tandberg Television and LHS show encouraging development. Multimedia is still in its build-up phase and sales and results will fluctuate between quarters.

 

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications

 

For information on transactions with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, please see Financial statements and Additional information.

 

     Second quarter     First quarter     Six months  

EUR m.

   2008     2007     Change     2008     Change     2008     2007     Change  

Number of units shipped (m.)

   24.4     24.9     -2 %   22.3     9 %   46.7     46.7     0 %

Average selling price (EUR)

   116     125     -7 %   121     -4 %   118     129     -9 %

Net sales

   2,820     3,112     -9 %   2,702     4 %   5,522     6,037     -9 %

Gross margin

   23 %   30 %   —       29 %   —       26 %   30 %   —    

Operating margin

   0 %   10 %   —       7 %   —       3 %   11 %   —    

Income before taxes

   8     327     -98 %   193     -96 %   201     689     -71 %

Net income

   6     220     -97 %   133     -95 %   139     474     -71 %

 

  

Units shipped in the quarter reached 24.4 million. Sales for the quarter were EUR 2,820 m., representing a year-over-year decrease of 9% due to exchange rate fluctuations, continued slowing market growth in mid-to-high end phones and increased competition. Gross margin also decreased, reflecting a less favorable product mix, particularly in Europe, and increased price competition in general. Income before taxes for the quarter was EUR 8 m. Net income for the quarter was EUR 6 m.

 

Sony Ericsson is targeting EUR 300 million in cost savings on an annual basis with full effect expected to appear within a year and restructuring charges of the same magnitude as annual savings. Challenging market conditions are expected to prevail for Sony Ericsson for at least the rest of 2008, and in particular for the third quarter.

 

Ericsson’s share in Sony Ericsson’s income before tax was SEK 0.0 (1.5) b. in the quarter.

   REGIONAL OVERVIEW

 

     Second quarter     First quarter     Six months  

Sales, SEK b.

   2008    2007    Change     2008    Change     2008    2007    Change  

Western Europe

   12.1    12.4    -3 %   11.7    4 %   23.8    24.9    -5 %

Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa

   11.2    11.5    -2 %   11.1    1 %   22.4    22.5    0 %

Asia Pacific

   15.8    16.6    -5 %   12.9    22 %   28.7    28.9    -1 %

Latin America

   5.0    4.1    21 %   4.2    19 %   9.1    7.4    23 %

North America

   4.4    3.0    47 %   4.3    2 %   8.7    6.1    43 %

 

  Sales in Western Europe declined year-over-year. Operators launching HSPA are experiencing strong traffic growth but most have not yet exhausted the initial capacity installed during the coverage buildout. The continued tariff competition drives fixed-to-mobile broadband migration. The Nordic and Baltic region showed good sales growth while the rest of Western Europe showed mixed development, with lower business activity in markets such as the UK and Spain offsetting the growth in other countries.

 

LOGO   5


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

LOGO   

Sales in Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa declined somewhat year-over-year. The business activity is high with continued buildout of mobile communications throughout the region. In the period, however, sales were down in parts of Eastern Europe and Middle East. The region is characterized by continued roll out of 2G network coverage in rural areas combined with increasing deployments of 3G in urban areas. In addition, there is a growing interest in managed services.

 

Asia Pacific sales were down 5% year-over-year. Excluding Australia and Japan, sales were up 6%. Australia was down due to completion of major network deployments last year. In Japan, the network rollout continues although sales vary between quarters. The business activity is generally high in the region with particularly strong growth in India, where rollout of new networks accelerates. Sales in China showed stable development and the decline year-over-year reflects a tough comparison with a strong second quarter 2007.

 

Latin American sales were up 21% year-over-year with particularly strong development in Brazil, Mexico and Chile. The region is driven by continued 2G expansions, 3G rollouts and increased demand for managed services. In parallel, there is a growing wireline modernization, including investments in optical and fiber access.

 

North American sales were up 47% year-over-year as a result of increased operator spending on triple play and HSPA. Consumers show a quickly growing interest in fixed and mobile broadband and related services. The strong growth also reflects the lower sales volumes previous year.

 

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

 

Growth rates are based on Ericsson and market estimates.

 

There is continued strong underlying growth in fixed and mobile broadband subscriptions. There is good momentum for HSPA, with ongoing rollouts across the world, and the support for LTE has been further strengthened with Chinese operators committing to the standard.

 

The industry consolidation among operators and our competitors continues and the price competition is intense. Large mergers and network sharing result in short-term effects on operator investments. During the quarter, the Chinese telecom reform was announced and it is expected that 3G licenses will be issued once the reform is implemented. The tariff competition among operators continues to be strong in many markets, with price plans moving toward bundles and flat plans.

 

Mobile subscriptions grew by some 170 million in the quarter to a total of 3.66 billion. 236 million are WCDMA subscriptions, up by 31 million in the second quarter. There are 220 WCDMA networks in 94 countries, of which 198 networks are upgraded to HSPA.

 

In the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2008, fixed broadband connections grew by 21% to more than 352 million.

 

LOGO   6


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

 

PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS

 

Unchanged industry fundamentals and consumer behavior support a positive longer-term outlook. For 2008, we continue to plan for a flattish development in the mobile infrastructure market while the professional services market is expected to show good growth.

 

PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

 

Net sales for the six-month period amounted to SEK 3.1 (1.7) b. and income after financial items was SEK 7.0 (8.3) b.

 

Major changes in the Parent Company’s financial position in the six-month period include decreased current and non-current receivables from subsidiaries of SEK 10.8 b. and increased cash and bank and short-term investments of SEK 1.9 b. Notes and bond loans decreased by SEK 3.3 b. and current and non-current liabilities to subsidiaries decreased by SEK 3.9 b. During the second quarter, the dividend payment of SEK 8.0 b. decided by the Annual General Meeting, was made. As per June 30, 2008, cash and bank and short-term investments amounted to SEK 47.5 (45.6) b.

 

Major transactions and balances with related parties for the first six months include the following with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications: revenues of SEK 0.8 (1.2) b.; receivables of SEK 0.5 (0.2) b.; received dividend of SEK 2.2 (2.6) b.

 

In accordance with the conditions of the Stock Purchase Plans and Option Plans for Ericsson employees, 1,541,217 shares from treasury stock, after adjustment for the reverse split, were sold or distributed to employees during the second quarter. The holding of treasury stock at June 30, 2008 was 43,398,701 shares of Class B.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

New Head of Business Unit Networks

 

Johan Wibergh has been appointed Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Networks effective July 1, 2008.

 

Reverse split

 

Ericsson’s Annual General Meeting resolved on a reverse split 1:5 of the company’s shares. The first day of trading in the company’s A and B shares after the reverse split was June 2, 2008. The record date for the reverse split was June 4, 2008. In the reverse split, five shares of class A and five shares of class B, respectively, were consolidated into one share of class A and one share of class B, respectively. Further, the ratio between the B share and an American Depositary Share (ADS), traded on NASDAQ, was changed to 1:1.

 

Divestment of enterprise PBX solutions business

 

On May 1, 2008, the enterprise PBX solutions business was divested to Aastra Technologies. Sales in 2007 amounted to approximately SEK 3.0 b. The capital gain was SEK 0.2 b. The deal was announced on February 18, 2008.

 

Divestment of shares in Symbian

 

On June 24, 2008, Ericsson announced that it will accept Nokia’s cash offer to acquire Ericsson’s shares in Symbian Limited. Ericsson owns 15.6% of the shares. The divestment is expected to be completed in the second half of 2008. The book value of

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

   the shares has been increased by 0.8 b. to fair value, which is reported directly in equity. The capital gain is estimated to be approximately EUR 75 m. and will be recognized through the income statement when the transaction takes place. Sony Ericsson will also accept Nokia’s cash offer.
   Assessment of risk environment
   Ericsson’s operational and financial risk factors and exposures are described under “Risk factors” in our Annual Report 2007. However, the increased activities related to the new Multimedia segment may result in a more volatile quarterly sales pattern. Specific additional risks for the near term are associated with the acquisitions made during 2007, as a timely and effective integration of these is essential to make them accretive as planned.
   Risk factors and exposures in focus for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group for the forthcoming six-month period include: unfavorable product mix in the Networks segment with reduced sales of software, upgrades and extensions and an increased proportion of new network build-outs and break-in contracts, which may result in lower gross margins and/or working capital build-up, which in turn puts pressure on our cash conversion rate; variability in the seasonality could make it more difficult to forecast future sales; effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among the Company’s customers as well as between our largest competitors, e.g. intensified price competition; changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular a continued weakness or further deterioration of the USD/SEK rate; increases in interest rates and the potential effect on operators’ willingness to invest in network development; and continued political unrest or instability in certain markets.
   Ericsson conducts business in certain countries which are subject to trade restrictions or which are focused on by certain investors. We stringently follow all relevant regulations and trade embargos applicable to us in our dealings with customers operating in such countries. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group level policies and directives for business ethics and conduct. In no way should our business activities in these countries be construed as supporting a particular political agenda or regime. We have activities in such countries mainly due to that certain customers with multi-country operations put demands on us to support them in all of their markets.
   Please refer further to Ericsson’s Annual Report 2007, where we describe our risks and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate the risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes.

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

BOARD ASSURANCE

The Board of Directors and the CEO certify that the financial report for the first six months gives a fair view of the performance of the business, position and profit or loss of the Company and the Group, and describes the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company and the companies in the Group face.

Stockholm, July 22, 2008

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)

Org. Nr. 556016-0680

 

Sverker Martin-Löf

Deputy chairman

  

Michael Treschow

Chairman

  

Marcus Wallenberg

Deputy chairman

Roxanne S. Austin

Member of the board

  

Sir Peter L. Bonfield

Member of the board

  

Anders Nyrén

Member of the board

Börje Ekholm

Member of the board

  

Ulf J. Johansson

Member of the board

  

Nancy McKinstry

Member of the board

Anna Guldstrand

Member of the board

  

Monica Bergström

Member of the board

  

Jan Hedlund

Member of the board

  

Carl-Henric Svanberg

Member of the board and

President and CEO

  

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

AUDITORS’ REVIEW REPORT

We have reviewed this report for the period January 1 to June 30, 2008, for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial information based on our review.

We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements SÖG 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity, issued by FAR. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Standards on Auditing in Sweden, RS, and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim financial information is not, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act.

Stockholm, July 22, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

 

Bo Hjalmarsson

Authorized Public Accountant

Lead partner

  

Peter Clemedtson

Authorized Public Accountant

Date for next report: October 24, 2008

EDITOR’S NOTE

To read the complete report with tables, please go to: www.ericsson.com/investors/financial_reports/2008/6month08-en.pdf

Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to a press conference at the Ericsson headquarters, Torshamnsgatan 23, Stockholm, at 09.00 (CET), July 22.

An analysts, investors and media conference call will begin at 14.00 (CET).

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

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Henry Sténson, Senior Vice President, Communications

Phone: +46 8 719 4044

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

 

Investors    Media
Gary Pinkham, Vice President,    Åse Lindskog, Vice President,
Investor Relations    Head of Media Relations
Phone: +46 8 719 0000    Phone: +46 8 719 9725, +46 730 244 872
E-mail: investor.relations.se@ericsson.com    E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
Susanne Andersson,    Ola Rembe, Vice President,
Investor Relations    Phone: +46 8 719 9727, +46 730 244 873
Phone: +46 8 719 4631    E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
E-mail: investor.relations.se@ericsson.com   
Andreas Hedemyr,   
Investor Relations   
Phone: +46 8 404 37 48   
E-mail: investor.relations.se@ericsson.com   
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)   
Org. number: 556016-0680   
Torshamnsgatan 23   
SE-164 83 Stockholm   

Phone: +46 8 719 00 00

www.ericsson.com

  

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

Disclosure Pursuant to the Swedish Securities Markets Act

Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication at 07.30 CET, on July 22, 2008.

Safe Harbor Statement of Ericsson under the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995;

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

In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and are based upon the information available to us at this time. Such information is subject to change, and we will not necessarily inform you of such changes. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Important factors that may cause such a difference for Ericsson include, but are not limited to: (i) material 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 successful implementation of our business and operational initiatives.

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Financial statements

   Page

Consolidated income statement

   14

Consolidated balance sheet

   15

Consolidated statement of cash flows

   16

Consolidated statement of recognized income and expense

   17

Consolidated income statement - isolated quarters

   18

Consolidated statement of cash flows - isolated quarters

   19

Parent Company income statement

   20

Parent Company balance sheet

   20

Additional information

   Page

Accounting policies

   21

Net sales by segment by quarter

   22

Operating income and margin by segment by quarter

   23

Number of employees

   23

EBITDA income and margin by segment by quarter

   24

Restructuring costs by quarter

   24

Net sales by market area by quarter

   25

External net sales by market area by segment

   26

Top 15 markets in sales

   26

Transactions with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications

   27

Provisions

   27

Other information

   28

Ericsson planning assumptions for year 2008

   28

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Income Statement

 

      Apr - Jun           Jan - Jun        

SEK million

   2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  

Net sales

   48,532     47,619     2 %   92,707     89,775     3 %

Cost of sales

   -31,206     -27,166     15 %   -58,562     -51,200     14 %
                            

Gross income

   17,326     20,453     -15 %   34,145     38,575     -11 %

Gross margin %

   35.7 %   43.0 %     36.8 %   43.0 %  

Research and development expenses

   -8,932     -7,208     24 %   -17,498     -13,661     28 %

Selling and administrative expenses

   -6,271     -5,856     7 %   -12,377     -11,178     11 %
                            

Operating expenses

   -15,203     -13,064       -29,875     -24,839    

Other operating income and expenses

   704     389     81 %   1,143     551     107 %

Share in earnings of JV and associated companies

   62     1,477     -96 %   973     3,119     -69 %
                            

Operating income

   2,889     9,255     -69 %   6,386     17,406     -63 %

Operating margin %

   6.0 %   19.4 %     6.9 %   19.4 %  

Financial income

   503     322       1,168     878    

Financial expenses

   -511     -292       -984     -735    
                        

Income after financial items

   2,881     9,285     -69 %   6,570     17,549     -63 %

Taxes

   -835     -2,776       -1,905     -5,191    
                            

Net income

   2,046     6,509     -69 %   4,665     12,358     -62 %
                            

Net income attributable to:

            

Stockholders of the Parent Company

   1,901     6,409       4,546     12,224    

Minority interests

   145     100       119     134    

Other information

            

Average number of shares, basic (million) 1)

   3,183     3,178       3,182     3,177    

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1) 2)

   0.60     2.02       1.43     3.85    

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1) 2)

   0.59     2.01       1.42     3.83    

 

1)

Reverse split 1:5 was made in June 2008. Comparable figures are restated accordingly.

2)

Based on Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

SEK million

   Jun 30
2008
   Mar 31
2008
   Dec 31
2007

ASSETS

        

Non-current assets

        

Intangible assets

        

Capitalized development expenses

   2,693    3,305    3,661

Goodwill

   21,140    21,165    22,826

Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets

   21,519    22,443    23,958

Property, plant and equipment

   9,288    9,119    9,304

Financial assets

        

Equity in JV and associated companies

   9,160    9,119    10,903

Other investments in shares and participations

   1,625    728    738

Customer financing, non-current

   508    734    1,012

Other financial assets, non-current

   2,412    2,588    2,918

Deferred tax assets

   12,799    11,593    11,690
              
   81,144    80,794    87,010

Current assets

        

Inventories

   26,580    24,508    22,475

Trade receivables

   56,696    56,436    60,492

Customer financing, current

   1,842    1,947    2,362

Other current receivables

   14,998    16,223    15,062

Short-term investments

   26,411    24,891    29,406

Cash and cash equivalents

   30,695    35,417    28,310
              
   157,222    159,422    158,107

Total assets

   238,366    240,216    245,117
              

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

        

Equity

        

Stockholders’ equity

   129,228    133,693    134,112

Minority interests in equity of subsidiaries

   977    866    940
              
   130,205    134,559    135,052

Non-current liabilities

        

Post-employment benefits

   7,155    6,719    6,188

Provisions, non-current

   311    373    368

Deferred tax liabilities

   2,420    2,468    2,799

Borrowings, non-current

   17,806    21,099    21,320

Other non-current liabilities

   1,866    1,603    1,714
              
   29,558    32,262    32,389

Current liabilities

        

Provisions, current

   10,795    9,683    9,358

Borrowings, current

   4,217    4,211    5,896

Trade payables

   18,297    16,571    17,427

Other current liabilities

   45,294    42,930    44,995
              
   78,603    73,395    77,676

Total equity and liabilities

   238,366    240,216    245,117
              

Of which interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits

   29,178    32,029    33,404

Net cash

   27,928    28,279    24,312

Assets pledged as collateral

   303    411    1,999

Contingent liabilities

   1,104    1,144    1,182

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

      Apr - Jun    Jan - Jun    Jan -Dec

SEK million

   2008    2007    2008    2007    2007

Operating activities

              

Net income

   2,046    6,509    4,665    12,358    22,135

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

              

Taxes

   -278    1,424    -590    1,135    1,119

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

   -41    1,915    1,695    411    -1,413

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

   2,529    2,140    4,743    4,003    8,363

Other

   169    33    -420    -131    -897
                        
   4,425    12,021    10,093    17,776    29,307

Changes in operating net assets

              

Inventories

   -1,906    -496    -4,817    -2,283    -445

Customer financing, current and non-current

   371    94    1,031    -26    365

Trade receivables

   -356    -2,276    1,926    -2,076    -7,467

Provisions and post-employment benefits

   967    -507    1,538    -2,566    -4,401

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

   5,043    -4,616    3,503    -2,029    1,851
                        
   4,119    -7,801    3,181    -8,980    -10,097

Cash flow from operating activities

   8,544    4,220    13,274    8,796    19,210

Investing activities

              

Investments in property, plant and equipment

   -893    -1,024    -1,839    -1,792    -4,319

Sales of property, plant and equipment

   108    38    317    77    152

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

   602    -8,264    609    -23,960    -26,208

Product development

   -422    -251    -755    -457    -1,053

Other investing activities

   12    -42    216    -116    396

Short-term investments

   -1,392    1,654    2,667    9,177    3,499
                        

Cash flow from investing activities

   -1,985    -7,889    1,215    -17,071    -27,533

Cash flow before financing activities

   6,559    -3,669    14,489    -8,275    -8,323

Financing activities

              

Dividends paid

   -8,008    -7,948    -8,014    -7,948    -8,132

Other financing activities

   -3,581    11,323    -4,607    11,895    14,390
                        

Cash flow from financing activities

   -11,589    3,375    -12,621    3,947    6,258

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   308    -337    517    -80    406

Net change in cash

   -4,722    -631    2,385    -4,408    -1,659

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   35,417    26,192    28,310    29,969    29,969

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   30,695    25,561    30,695    25,561    28,310

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Statement of Recognized Income and Expense

 

     Jan - Jun    Jan -Dec

SEK million

   2008    2007    2007
Income and expense recognized directly in equity         

Actuarial gains and losses related to pensions

   -1,079    1,417    1,208

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

        

Fair value measurement reported in equity

   886    -1    2

Cash flow hedges

        

Fair value remeasurement of derivatives reported in equity

   1,187    -541    584

Transferred to income statement for the period

   -1,016    -628    -1,390

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

   -2,006    908    -797

Tax on items reported directly in/or transferred from equity

   234    -72    -73
              

Total transactions reported directly in equity

   -1,794    1,083    -466

Net income

   4,665    12,358    22,135
              

Total income and expense recognized for the period

   2,871    13,441    21,669

Attributable to:

        

Stockholders of the Parent Company

   2,774    13,289    21,371

Minority interests

   97    152    298

Other changes in equity:

        

Sale of own shares

   71    32    62

Stock Purchase- and Stock Option Plans

   225    256    509

Dividends paid

        

Stockholders of the Parent Company

   -7,954    -7,943    -7,943

Minority interests

   -60    -5    -189

Business combinations

        

Minority interests

   —      -40    49

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Income Statement – Isolated Quarters

 

     2008     2007  

SEK million

   Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Net sales

   48,532     44,175     54,460     43,545     47,619     42,156  

Cost of sales

   -31,206     -27,356     -34,809     -28,050     -27,166     -24,034  
                                    
Gross income    17,326     16,819     19,651     15,495     20,453     18,122  

Gross margin %

   35.7 %   38.1 %   36.1 %   35.6 %   43.0 %   43.0 %

Research and development expenses

   -8,932     -8,566     -7,952     -7,229     -7,208     -6,453  

Selling and administrative expenses

   -6,271     -6,106     -7,238     -4,783     -5,856     -5,322  
                                    
Operating expenses    -15,203     -14,672     -15,190     -12,012     -13,064     -11,775  

Other operating income and expenses

   704     439     781     402     389     162  

Share in earnings of JV and associated companies

   62     911     2,362     1,751     1,477     1,642  
                                    
Operating income    2,889     3,497     7,604     5,636     9,255     8,151  

Operating margin %

   6.0 %   7.9 %   14.0 %   12.9 %   19.4 %   19.3 %

Financial income

   503     665     510     389     322     556  

Financial expenses

   -511     -473     -517     -442     -292     -443  
                                    
Income after financial items    2,881     3,689     7,597     5,583     9,285     8,264  

Taxes

   -835     -1,070     -1,774     -1,629     -2,776     -2,415  
                                    
Net income    2,046     2,619     5,823     3,954     6,509     5,849  
                                    

Net income attributable to:

            

Stockholders of the Parent Company

   1,901     2,645     5,642     3,970     6,409     5,815  

Minority interests

   145     -26     181     -16     100     34  

Other information

            

Average number of shares, basic (million) 1)

   3,183     3,181     3,179     3,179     3,178     3,177  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 1) 2)

   0.60     0.83     1.77     1.25     2.02     1.83  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1) 2)

   0.59     0.83     1.77     1.24     2.01     1.79  

 

1)

Reverse split 1:5 was made in June 2008. Comparable figures are restated accordingly.

2)

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

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Isolated Quarters

 

     2008    2007

SEK million

   Q2    Q1    Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1

Operating activities

                 

Net income

   2,046    2,619    5,823    3,954    6,509    5,849

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

                 

Taxes

   -278    -311    49    -65    1,424    -289

Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies

   -41    1,736    -2,033    209    1,915    -1,504

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

   2,529    2,214    2,407    1,953    2,140    1,863

Other

   169    -589    -829    63    33    -164
                             
   4,425    5,669    5,417    6,114    12,021    5,755

Changes in operating net assets

                 

Inventories

   -1,906    -2,912    3,401    -1,563    -496    -1,787

Customer financing, current and non-current

   371    660    467    -76    94    -120

Trade receivables

   -356    2,282    -2,948    -2,443    -2,276    200

Provisions and post-employment benefits

   967    571    -1,011    -824    -507    -2,059

Other operating assets and liabilities, net

   5,043    -1,540    6,693    -2,813    -4,616    2,587
                             
   4,119    -939    6,602    -7,719    -7,801    -1,179

Cash flow from operating activities

   8,544    4,730    12,019    -1,605    4,220    4,576

Investing activities

                 

Investments in property, plant and equipment

   -893    -946    -1,656    -871    -1,024    -768

Sales of property, plant and equipment

   108    209    62    13    38    39

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net

   602    7    196    -2,444    -8,264    -15,696

Product development

   -422    -333    -359    -237    -251    -206

Other investing activities

   12    204    604    -92    -42    -74

Short-term investments

   -1,392    4,059    -5,745    67    1,654    7,523
                             

Cash flow from investing activities

   -1,985    3,200    -6,898    -3,564    -7,889    -9,182

Cash flow before financing activities

   6,559    7,930    5,121    -5,169    -3,669    -4,606

Financing activities

                 

Dividends paid

   -8,008    -6    -7    -177    -7,948    —  

Other financing activities

   -3,581    -1,026    2,254    241    11,323    572
                             

Cash flow from financing activities

   -11,589    -1,032    2,247    64    3,375    572

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   308    209    315    171    -337    257

Net change in cash

   -4,722    7,107    7,683    -4,934    -631    -3,777

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   35,417    28,310    20,627    25,561    26,192    29,969

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   30,695    35,417    28,310    20,627    25,561    26,192

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Parent Company Income Statement

 

     Apr - Jun    Jan - Jun

SEK million

   2008    2007    2008    2007

Net sales

   1,160    1,025    3,129    1,710

Cost of sales

   -112    -6    -488    -9
                   

Gross income

   1,048    1,019    2,641    1,701

Operating expenses

   -708    -421    -1,221    -722

Other operating income and expenses

   726    673    1,355    1,143
                   

Operating income

   1,066    1,271    2,775    2,122

Financial net

   1,517    2,989    4,230    6,183
                   

Income after financial items

   2,583    4,260    7,005    8,305

Transfers to (-) / from untaxed reserves

           

Taxes

   -347    -315    -886    -721
                   

Net income

   2,236    3,945    6,119    7,584
                   

Parent Company Balance Sheet

 

SEK million

   Jun 30
2008
   Dec 31
2007
     

ASSETS

     

Fixed assets

     

Intangible assets

   2,797    2,989

Tangible assets

   607    443

Financial assets

   107,045    106,478
         
   110,449    109,910

Current assets

     

Inventories

   79    84

Receivables

   17,194    28,873

Cash, bank and short-term investments

   47,537    45,608
         
   64,810    74,565

Total assets

   175,259    184,475
         

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, PROVISIONS AND LIABILITIES

     

Equity

     

Restricted equity

   47,624    47,624

Non-restricted equity

   34,278    35,225
         
   81,902    82,849

Untaxed reserves

   1,339    1,339

Provisions

   1,103    1,057

Non-current liabilities

   44,254    50,457

Current liabilities

   46,661    48,773

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities

   175,259    184,475
         

Assets pledged as collateral

   302    359

Contingent liabilities

   12,015    9,650
     

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

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 International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC).

New interpretation (IFRIC), endorsed by the EU

IFRIC 11 IFRS 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions requires a share-based payment arrangement in which a company receives goods or services as consideration for its own equity instruments to be accounted for as an equity-settled share-based payment transaction, regardless of how the equity instruments are obtained. IFRIC 11 is mandatory for the Company’s 2008 financial statements, with retrospective application required. It has not had any impact on the consolidated financial statements since the Company is not buying equity instruments from other parties to satisfy its obligations to its employees.

Renaming of recommendations issued by the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council

(Rådet för finansiell rapportering)

The Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council issues recommendations in relation to matters that are unique for Sweden. These recommendations have from January 1, 2008, been given new names. The content of the renamed recommendations has not been changed.

Reverse split

The Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2008 resolved on a reverse split 1:5 of the Company’s shares. The reverse split has the effect that five shares of series A and five shares of series B, respectively, are consolidated into one share of series A and one share of series B, respectively. Numbers of shares and Earnings per share for comparison periods have been restated accordingly.

Changes in financial reporting structure

Operations related to product area Internet Payment Exchange have been transferred from Segment Professional Services to Segment Multimedia as from April 1, 2008. Financial statements for the first quarter 2008 have been restated accordingly. No restate is made for year 2007, as the amounts are not material.

The Parent Company

Recommendations issued by the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council (Rådet för finansiell rapportering), related to the Parent Company have been renamed. The content of the renamed recommendations has not been changed.

 

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SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Net Sales by Segment by Quarter

 

     2008     2007  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q2     Q11)     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

   33,274     29,992     37,463     28,538     33,666     29,350  

Of which Network rollout

   4,776     4,520     6,444     4,002     4,309     3,752  

Professional Services

   11,018     10,011     12,134     10,995     10,257     9,516  

Of which Managed services

   3,416     3,112     3,318     3,352     2,910     2,592  

Multimedia

   4,240     4,172     4,868     4,017     3,650     3,370  

Less: Intersegment sales

   —       —       -5     -5     46     -80  
                                    

Total

   48,532     44,175     54,460     43,545     47,619     42,156  
                                    
     2008     2007  

Sequential change, percent

   Q2     Q11)     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

   11 %   -20 %   31 %   -15 %   15 %   -25 %

Of which Network rollout

   6 %   -30 %   61 %   -7 %   15 %   -32 %

Professional Services

   10 %   -17 %   10 %   7 %   8 %   -10 %

Of which Managed services

   10 %   -6 %   -1 %   15 %   12 %   3 %

Multimedia

   2 %   -14 %   21 %   10 %   8 %   -26 %
                                    

Total

   10 %   -19 %   25 %   -9 %   13 %   -22 %
                                    
     2008     2007  

Year over year change, percent

   Q2     Q11)     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

   -1 %   2 %   -4 %   -2 %   7 %   5 %

Of which Network rollout

   11 %   20 %   16 %   14 %   26 %   -4 %

Professional Services

   7 %   5 %   15 %   26 %   11 %   15 %

Of which Managed services

   17 %   20 %   32 %   50 %   21 %   11 %

Multimedia

   16 %   24 %   7 %   31 %   6 %   19 %
                                    

Total

   2 %   5 %   0 %   6 %   6 %   7 %
                                    
     2008     2007  

Year to date, SEK million

   0806     08031)     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Networks

   63,266     29,992     129,017     91,554     63,016     29,350  

Of which Network rollout

   9,296     4,520     18,507     12,063     8,061     3,752  

Professional Services

   21,029     10,011     42,902     30,768     19,773     9,516  

Of which Managed services

   6,528     3,112     12,172     8,854     5,502     2,592  

Multimedia

   8,412     4,172     15,905     11,037     7,020     3,370  

Less: Intersegment sales

   —       —       -44     -39     -34     -80  
                                    

Total

   92,707     44,175     187,780     133,320     89,775     42,156  
                                    

Year to date,

year over year change, percent

   2008     2007  
   0806     08031)     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Networks

   0 %   2 %   1 %   3 %   6 %   5 %

Of which Network rollout

   15 %   20 %   13 %   11 %   10 %   -4 %

Professional Services

   6 %   5 %   16 %   17 %   13 %   15 %

Of which Managed services

   19 %   20 %   28 %   27 %   16 %   11 %

Multimedia

   20 %   24 %   14 %   18 %   12 %   19 %
                                    

Total

   3 %   5 %   4 %   6 %   6 %   7 %
                                    

 

1)

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

 

LOGO

   22


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Operating Income by Segment by Quarter

 

     2008    2007

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q2    Q12)    Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1

Networks

   1,803    1,945    3,836    2,256    6,396    4,910

Professional Services

   1,337    1,274    1,792    1,682    1,515    1,405

Multimedia

   -172    -509    -439    42    -11    273

Phones

   24    895    2,286    1,737    1,464    1,621

Unallocated 1)

   -103    -108    129    -81    -109    -58
                             

Total

   2,889    3,497    7,604    5,636    9,255    8,151
                             
     2008    2007

Year to date, SEK million

   0806    08032)    0712    0709    0706    0703

Networks

   3,748    1,945    17,398    13,562    11,306    4,910

Professional Services

   2,611    1,274    6,394    4,602    2,920    1,405

Multimedia

   -681    -509    -135    304    262    273

Phones

   919    895    7,108    4,822    3,085    1,621

Unallocated 1)

   -211    -108    -119    -248    -167    -58
                             

Total

   6,386    3,497    30,646    23,042    17,406    8,151
                             

 

1)

“Unallocated” consists mainly of costs for corporate staffs, non-operational capital gains and losses.

2)

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

Operating Margin by Segment by Quarter

 

     2008     2007  

As percentage of net sales,

isolated quarters

   Q2     Q12)     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

   5 %   7 %   10 %   8 %   19 %   17 %

Professional Services

   12 %   13 %   15 %   15 %   15 %   15 %

Multimedia

   -4 %   -12 %   -9 %   1 %   0 %   8 %
                                    

Total

   6 %   8 %   14 %   13 %   19 %   19 %
                                    

As percentage of net sales,

Year to date

   2008     2007  
   0806     08032)     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Networks

   6 %   7 %   13 %   15 %   18 %   17 %

Professional Services

   12 %   13 %   15 %   15 %   15 %   15 %

Multimedia

   -8 %   -12 %   -1 %   3 %   4 %   8 %
                                    

Total

   7 %   8 %   16 %   17 %   19 %   19 %
                                    

Calculation not applicable for segment Phones and Unallocated.

 

 

2)

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

Number of Employees

 

     2008    2007

Year to Date

   0806    0803    0712    0709    0706    0703

Western Europe 1)

   42,000    42,100    41,500    40,300    39,600    38,050

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   8,000    7,700    7,350    6,850    6,200    6,600

Asia Pacific

   13,700    13,450    13,100    12,350    11,650    11,000

Latin America

   6,600    6,250    6,550    6,000    5,050    4,600

North America

   5,500    5,500    5,500    5,450    5,000    4,900
                             

Total

   75,800    75,000    74,000    70,950    67,500    65,150
                             

____________

                 

1)       Of which Sweden

   20,250    20,200    19,800    19,450    19,300    18,900

 

LOGO

   23


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

EBITDA by Segment by Quarter

 

     2008    2007

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q21)    Q12)    Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1

Networks

   3,510    3,690    5,767    3,846    8,183    6,643

Professional Services

   1,589    1,480    1,988    1,828    1,689    1,494

Multimedia

   400    -246    -159    260    167    314

Phones

   24    895    2,286    1,737    1,464    1,621

Unallocated 3)

   -103    -108    129    -81    -109    -58
                             

Total

   5,420    5,711    10,011    7,590    11,394    10,014
                             
     2008    2007

Year to date, SEK million

   0806    08032)    0712    0709    0706    0703

Networks

   7,200    3,690    24,439    18,672    14,826    6,643

Professional Services

   3,069    1,480    6,999    5,011    3,183    1,494

Multimedia

   154    -246    582    741    481    314

Phones

   919    895    7,108    4,822    3,085    1,621

Unallocated 3)

   -211    -108    -119    -248    -167    -58
                             

Total

   11,131    5,711    39,009    28,998    21,408    10,014
                             

 

1)

Second quarter 2008 for Multimedia is effected by SEK 156 m. due to changed allocation of capitalized development expenses.

2)

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

3)

“Unallocated” consists mainly of costs for corporate staffs, non-operational capital gains and losses.

EBITDA Margin by Segment by Quarter

 

As percentage of net sales,

isolated quarters

   2008     2007  
   Q21)     Q12)     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Networks

   11 %   12 %   15 %   13 %   24 %   23 %

Professional Services

   14 %   15 %   16 %   17 %   16 %   16 %

Multimedia

   9 %   -6 %   -3 %   6 %   5 %   9 %
                                    

Total

   11 %   13 %   18 %   17 %   24 %   24 %
                                    

As percentage of net sales,

Year to date

   2008     2007  
   0806     08032)     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Networks

   11 %   12 %   19 %   20 %   24 %   23 %

Professional Services

   15 %   15 %   16 %   16 %   16 %   16 %

Multimedia

   2 %   -6 %   4 %   7 %   7 %   9 %
                                    

Total

   12 %   13 %   21 %   22 %   24 %   24 %
                                    

Calculation not applicable for segment Phones and Unallocated.

 

 

1)

Second quarter 2008 for Multimedia is effected by SEK 156 m. due to changed allocation of capitalized development expenses.

2)

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

Restructuring costs by Quarter

 

     2008

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q2    Q1

Networks

   -1,519    -692

Professional Services

   -170    -88

Multimedia

   -138    -10
         

Total

   -1,827    -790
         
     2008

Year to Date, SEK million

   0806    0803

Networks

   -2,211    -692

Professional Services

   -258    -88

Multimedia

   -148    -10
         

Total

   -2,617    -790
         

No restructuring charges recognized during 2007.

 

LOGO

   24


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Net Sales by Market Area by Quarter

 

     2008     2007  

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Western Europe 1)

   12,125     11,681     15,396     12,341     12,440     12,508  

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   11,253     11,123     14,256     11,957     11,468     10,980  

Asia Pacific

   15,785     12,908     13,734     12,027     16,616     12,252  

Latin America

   4,956     4,154     6,750     4,240     4,083     3,310  

North America

   4,413     4,309     4,324     2,980     3,012     3,106  
                                    

Total 2)

   48,532     44,175     54,460     43,545     47,619     42,156  
                                    

_____________

            

1)       Of which Sweden

   2,308     1,993     2,453     1,946     2,055     1,941  

2)       Of which EU

   13,427     12,744     17,575     13,643     13,977     13,783  
     2008     2007  

Sequential change, percent

   Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Western Europe 1)

   4 %   -24 %   25 %   -1 %   -1 %   -27 %

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   1 %   -22 %   19 %   4 %   4 %   -23 %

Asia Pacific

   22 %   -6 %   14 %   -28 %   36 %   -12 %

Latin America

   19 %   -38 %   59 %   4 %   23 %   -31 %

North America

   2 %   0 %   45 %   -1 %   -3 %   -22 %
                                    

Total 2)

   10 %   -19 %   25 %   -9 %   13 %   -22 %
                                    

_____________

            

1)       Of which Sweden

   16 %   -19 %   26 %   -5 %   6 %   -15 %

2)       Of which EU

   5 %   -27 %   29 %   -2 %   1 %   -26 %
     2008     2007  

Year-over-year change, percent

   Q2     Q1     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  

Western Europe 1)

   -3 %   -7 %   -10 %   6 %   -3 %   9 %

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   -2 %   1 %   -1 %   10 %   -3 %   16 %

Asia Pacific

   -5 %   5 %   -2 %   3 %   32 %   26 %

Latin America

   21 %   25 %   41 %   1 %   7 %   -9 %

North America

   47 %   39 %   9 %   3 %   -19 %   -41 %
                                    

Total 2)

   2 %   5 %   0 %   6 %   6 %   7 %
                                    

_____________

            

1)       Of which Sweden

   12 %   3 %   7 %   3 %   2 %   19 %

2)       Of which EU

   -4 %   -8 %   -6 %   5 %   -6 %   11 %
     2008     2007  

Year to date, SEK million

   0806     0803     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Western Europe 1)

   23,806     11,681     52,685     37,289     24,948     12,508  

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   22,376     11,123     48,661     34,405     22,448     10,980  

Asia Pacific

   28,693     12,908     54,629     40,895     28,868     12,252  

Latin America

   9,110     4,154     18,383     11,633     7,393     3,310  

North America

   8,722     4,309     13,422     9,098     6,118     3,106  
                                    

Total 2)

   92,707     44,175     187,780     133,320     89,775     42,156  
                                    

_____________

            

1)       Of which Sweden

   4,301     1,993     8,395     5,942     3,996     1,941  

2)       Of which EU

   26,171     12,744     58,978     41,403     27,760     13,783  

Year to date,

year-over-year change, percent

   2008     2007  
   0806     0803     0712     0709     0706     0703  

Western Europe 1)

   -5 %   -7 %   -1 %   4 %   2 %   9 %

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   0 %   1 %   5 %   7 %   6 %   16 %

Asia Pacific

   -1 %   5 %   14 %   21 %   29 %   26 %

Latin America

   23 %   25 %   12 %   0 %   -1 %   -9 %

North America

   43 %   39 %   -15 %   -24 %   -32 %   -41 %
                                    

Total 2)

   3 %   5 %   4 %   6 %   6 %   7 %
                                    

_____________

            

1)       Of which Sweden

   8 %   3 %   8 %   8 %   10 %   19 %

2)       Of which EU

   -6 %   -8 %   0 %   3 %   2 %   11 %

 

LOGO

   25


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

External Net Sales by Market Area by Segment

 

SEK million

Apr - Jun 2008

   Networks     Professional
Services
    Multimedia     Total  

Western Europe

   5,701     4,443     1,981     12,125  

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   8,273     1,974     1,006     11,253  

Asia Pacific

   12,803     2,308     674     15,785  

Latin America

   3,365     1,267     324     4,956  

North America

   3,132     1,026     255     4,413  
                        

Total

   33,274     11,018     4,240     48,532  
                        

Share of Total

   68 %   23 %   9 %   100 %

SEK million

Year to date 2008

   Networks     Professional
Services
    Multimedia     Total  

Western Europe

   11,364     8,735     3,707     23,806  

Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

   16,335     3,920     2,121     22,376  

North America

   22,983     4,276     1,434     28,693  

Latin America

   6,255     2,237     618     9,110  

Asia Pacific

   6,329     1,861     532     8,722  
                        

Total

   63,266     21,029     8,412     92,707  
                        

Share of Total

   68 %   23 %   9 %   100 %
                        

First quarter 2008 is restated for the transfer of the IPX operations from Professional Services to Multimedia.

Top 15 Markets in Sales

 

Market

   Q2
Share of iso.
total sales
    Year to date
Share of
total sales
 

China

   9 %   8 %

India

   8 %   7 %

United States

   7 %   7 %

Italy

   5 %   5 %

Sweden

   5 %   5 %

Spain

   4 %   4 %

Indonesia

   4 %   4 %

United Kingdom

   3 %   3 %

Brazil

   3 %   3 %

Canada

   2 %   3 %

Japan

   2 %   2 %

Nigeria

   2 %   2 %

Germany

   2 %   2 %

Pakistan

   2 %   2 %

Australia

   2 %   2 %

 

LOGO

   26


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Transactions with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications

 

     2008    2007

SEK million

   Q2    Q1    Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1

Revenues from Sony Ericsson

   1,271    1,547    1,930    1,242    1,411    1,160

Purchases from Sony Ericsson

   20    170    39    11    232    51

Receivables from Sony Ericsson

   927    1,097    932    132    178    116

Liabilities to Sony Ericsson

   186    330    204    1,357    2,464    3,720

Dividends from Sony Ericsson

   —      2,220    —      1,388    2,561    —  

 

Provisions

 

                 
     2008    2007

Isolated quarters, SEK million

   Q2    Q1    Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1

Opening balance

   10,056    9,726    10,357    11,675    12,291    13,882

Additions

   2,724    2,019    1,710    874    1,056    1,519

Utilization/Cash out

   -1,343    -781    -1,215    -1,341    -1,276    -2,476

Reversal of excess amounts

   -244    -622    -1,401    -668    -1,006    -675

Reclassification, translation difference and other

   -87    -286    275    -183    610    41
                             

Closing balance

   11,106    10,056    9,726    10,357    11,675    12,291
                             
     2008    2007

Year to date, SEK million

   0806    0803    0712    0709    0706    0703

Opening balance

   9,726    9,726    13,882    13,882    13,882    13,882

Additions

   4,743    2,019    5,159    3,449    2,575    1,519

Utilization/Cash out

   -2,124    -781    -6,308    -5,093    -3,752    -2,476

Reversal of excess amounts

   -866    -622    -3,750    -2,349    -1,681    -675

Reclassification, translation difference and other

   -373    -286    743    468    651    41
                             

Closing balance

   11,106    10,056    9,726    10,357    11,675    12,291
                             

 

LOGO

   27


SECOND QUARTER REPORT

July 22, 2008

Other Information

 

     Apr-Jun     Jan-Jun     Jan-Dec  
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2007  

Number of shares and earnings per share 1)

          

Number of shares, end of period (million)

   3,226     3,226     3,226     3,226     3,226  

of which A-shares (million)

   262     262     262     262     262  

of which B-shares (million)

   2,964     2,964     2,964     2,964     2,964  

Number of treasury shares, end of period (million)

   43     49     43     49     46  

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

   3,183     3,178     3,183     3,178     3,180  

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

   3,199     3,193     3,199     3,193     3,195  

Average number of treasury shares (million)

   44     49     45     49     48  

Average number of shares outstanding, basic (million)

   3,183     3,178     3,182     3,177     3,178  

Average number of shares outstanding, diluted (million)2)

   3,199     3,193     3,198     3,193     3,193  

Earnings per share, basic (SEK)

   0.60     2.02     1.43     3.85     6.87  

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK)2)

   0.59     2.01     1.42     3.83     6.84  
                              

Ratios

          

Equity ratio, percent

   —       —       54.6 %   54.4 %   55.1 %

Capital turnover (times)

   1.2     1.2     1.1     1.2     1.2  

Trade receivable turnover (times)

   3.4     3.5     3.2     3.4     3.4  

Inventory turnover (times)

   4.9     4.5     4.8     4.4     5.2  

Return on equity, percent

   5.8 %   20.3 %   6.9 %   19.9 %   17.2 %

Return on capital employed, percent

   8.3 %   24.8 %   9.2 %   24.2 %   20.9 %

Days Sales Outstanding

   —       —       107     106     102  

Payable days

   51     58     56     63     57  

Payment readiness, end of period

   —       —       64,892     50,076     64,678  

Payment readiness, as percentage of sales

   —       —       35.0 %   27.9 %   34.4 %
                              

Exchange rates used in the consolidation

          

SEK / EUR - average rate

   —       —       9.41     9.20     9.24  

                    - closing rate

   —       —       9.46     9.25     9.45  

SEK / USD - average rate

   —       —       6.14     6.91     6.74  

                    - closing rate

   —       —       6.00     6.85     6.43  
                              

Other

          

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   893     1,024     1,839     1,792     4,319  

of which in Sweden

   397     403     796     637     1,250  

Additions to capitalized development expenses

   422     251     755     457     1,053  

Capitalization of development expenses, net

   -612     -334     -968     -670     -1,334  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

          

Development expenses

   1,034     585     1,723     1,127     2,387  

Property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets

   1,495     1,555     3,020     2,876     5,976  
                              

Total

   2,529     2,140     4,743     4,003     8,363  

Export sales from Sweden

   26,380     26,647     52,436     49,131     102,486  

 

1)

Reverse split 1:5 was made in June 2008. Comparable figures are restated accordingly.

2)

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

Ericsson Planning Assumptions for Year 2008

Research and development expenses

We estimate R&D expenses for the full year to be at about the same runrate level as in the second half of 2007. The estimate includes amortizations/write-downs of intangible assets related to major acquisitions previously made and excludes restructuring. However, currency effects may cause this to change.

Tax rate

We estimate the tax rate for the full year 2008 to be around 28%.

Capital expenditures

Excluding acquisitions, the capital expenditures in relation to sales are not expected to be significantly different in 2008, remaining at roughly two percent of sales.

Utilization of provisions

Expected utilization of provisions for year 2008 is stated in the Annual report, note C18.

 

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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/ CARL OLOF BLOMQVIST

  Carl Olof Blomqvist
  Senior Vice President and
  General councel
By:  

/s/ HENRY STÉNSON

  Henry Sténson
  Senior Vice President
  Corporate Communications

Date: July 22, 2008