Ericsson reports third quarter results 2013

Third quarter highlights * Sales amounted to SEK 53.0 b, down -3% YoY. * For comparable units and adjusted for FX, sales increased 3% YoY. * Operating income incl. JV was SEK 4.2 (3.1) b. with an operating margin of 8.0% (5.7%). * Net income was SEK 3.0 (2.2) b. * EPS diluted was SEK 0.90 (0.67). EPS Non-IFRS was SEK 1.31 (1.04). * Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 1.5 (7.0) b...

Third quarter highlights

• Sales amounted to SEK 53.0 b, down -3% YoY.
• For comparable units and adjusted for FX, sales increased 3% YoY.
• Operating income incl. JV was SEK 4.2 (3.1) b. with an operating margin of 8.0% (5.7%).
• Net income was SEK 3.0 (2.2) b.
• EPS diluted was SEK 0.90 (0.67). EPS Non-IFRS was SEK 1.31 (1.04).
• Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 1.5 (7.0) b.

 

 

Comments from Hans Vestberg, President and CEO

"Sales for comparable units, adjusted for FX, grew 3%. Reported sales were slightly down YoY, primarily due to continued currency headwind," said Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

"We are currently seeing sales coming under some pressure. In addition to FX, the major drivers for this development are the two large mobile broadband coverage projects, which peaked in North America in the first half of 2013. We also saw impact from reduced activity in Japan where we are getting closer to completion of a major project.

The 4G/LTE tenders in China continue and so far two of the major operators have made their choices. Despite having insignificant market share for 3G, Ericsson has been named technology partner for both these operators and we will now build on this initial footprint.

The pace is picking up in the European market with continued WCDMA/LTE investments and a major investment announcement by one of the large operators. Ericsson now sees growth in several European markets and margins are also improving as the network modernization projects gradually come to an end and we engage more in new capacity and LTE business.

The momentum for Professional Services continued with stable earnings and 59 signed managed services contracts year to date. As a result of our continuous work to implement global processes, methods and tools to increase efficiency, Global Services margins improved during the quarter.

Profitability for the group continued to improve YoY, partly offset by currency headwind. The improvement was driven by higher gross margin due to less dilutive impact from European network modernization and somewhat improved business mix.

During the quarter Ericsson has continued to strengthen its market leadership. In September we launched a small-cell product, the Ericsson Radio Dot System, for indoor coverage. The new product opens up new revenue opportunities for operators and initial customer response has been very positive. In addition, we closed the acquisition of Mediaroom which places Ericsson as the world's largest IPTV player, by market share.

The macroeconomic climate has stabilized in many OECD markets. However, uncertainty still remains in certain parts of the world. The long-term fundamentals in the industry remain attractive and we are well positioned to continue to support our customers in a transforming ICT market," concludes Vestberg.

NOTES TO EDITORS

You find the complete report with tables in the attached PDF or by following this link:
www.ericsson.com/res/investors/docs/q-reports/2013/09month13-en.pdf or go to: www.ericsson.com/res/investors

Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to a press conference at the Ericsson Studio, Grönlandsgången 4, Stockholm, at 09.00 (CET), October 24, 2013. An analysts, investors and media conference call will begin at 14.00 (CET).

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

Video material will be published during the day on www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Helena Norrman, Senior Vice President, Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 34 72
E-mail: [email protected]

Investors

Peter Nyquist, Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 714 64 49
E-mail: [email protected]

Åsa Konnbjer, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 713 39 28
E-mail: [email protected]

Stefan Jelvin, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 714 20 39
E-mail: [email protected]

Rikard Tunedal, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 714 54 00
E-mail: [email protected]

Media

Ola Rembe, Vice President, Head of External Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 97 27
E-mail: [email protected]

Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: [email protected]

Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication at 07.30 CET, on October 24, 2013.

Copyright Thomson Reuters

Attachment(s)
http://hugin.info/1061/R/1737828/582823.pdf

Regulatory News
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.

The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the
information contained therein.

Source: %s via Thomson Reuters ONE


[HUG#1737828]