Report of Foreign Issuer (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

January 24, 2020

Commission File Number 000-12033

LM ERICSSON TELEPHONE COMPANY

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Torshamnsgatan 21, Kista

SE-164 83, Stockholm, Sweden

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

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

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

Announcement of LM Ericsson Telephone Company, January 24, 2020 regarding “Ericsson reports fourth quarter and full-year results 2019”.

SIGNATURES

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


TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (publ)

By:		/s/ XAVIER DEDULLEN
		Xavier Dedullen
		Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

By:		/s/ CARL MELLANDER
		Carl Mellander
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Date: January 24, 2020

LOGO

Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019

Stockholm, January 24, 2020

Fourth quarter highlights

• Sales were SEK 66.4 (63.8) b. Sales growth was 1% adjusted for comparable units and currency. A reduction in North America was compensated by growth in other markets, primarily in the Middle East and North East Asia. Reported sales grew by 4%.

• Operating income¹ improved to SEK 6.5 (2.6) b.^,corresponding to an operating margin of 9.7% (4.0%) excluding restructuring charges. Reported operating income¹ was SEK 6.1 (-1.9) b.

• Gross margin was 37.1% (32.0%) excluding restructuring charges. Reported gross margin was 36.8% (25.7%).

• Networks gross margin excluding restructuring charges was 41.1% (41.0%). Operating margin excluding restructuring charges was 14.5% (17.5%) following the addition of the Kathrein² business and investments in R&D, digitalization, compliance and security.

• Digital Services reported a positive operating income excluding restructuring charges.

• Net income was SEK 4.5 (-6.5) b.

• Free cash flow excluding M&A was SEK -1.9 (3.0) b. including payments of SEK 10.1 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ³ investigations. Net cash decreased to SEK 34.5 (35.9) b.

Full-year highlights

• Sales increased by 4%, adjusted for comparable units and currency, with Networks growing by 6%. Reported sales increased by 8%.

• Reported operating income improved to SEK 10.6 (1.2) b. Operating income was SEK 22.1 b. (operating margin 9.7%) excluding restructuring charges and SEK -10.7 b. in costs related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations.

• Gross margin was 37.5% (35.2%) excl. restructuring charges, with improvements in Networks, Digital Services and Managed Services.

• Free cash flow excluding M&A amounted to SEK 7.6 (4.3) b. including payments of SEK 10.1 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. Net cash at year-end was SEK 34.5 (35.9) b.

• The Board of Directors will propose a dividend for 2019 of SEK 1.50 (1.00) per share to the AGM.



1 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019

LOGO


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Net sales		66.4			63.8			4	%		57.1			16	%		227.2			210.8			8	%
Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency		—						1	%		—			—			—			—			4	%
Gross margin		36.8	%		25.7	%		—			37.7	%		—			37.3	%		32.3	%		—
Gross margin excluding restructuring charges		37.1	%		32.0	%		—			37.8	%		—			37.5	%		35.2	%		—
Operating income (loss)		6.1			-1.9			—			-4.2			—			10.6			1.2			—
Operating margin		9.2	%		-2.9	%		—			-7.3	%		—			4.6	%		0.6	%		—
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges		6.5			2.6			152	%		-4.0			—			11.4			9.3			23	%
Operating margin excluding restructuring charges		9.7	%		4.0	%		—			-7.1	%		—			5.0	%		4.4	%		—
Operating income excl.restr.charges & SEC/DOJ charges⁴		5.7			2.6			123	%		7.4			-23	%		22.1			9.3			139	%
Operating margin excl.restr.charges & SEC/DOJ charges⁴		8.6	%		4.0	%		—			13.0	%		—			9.7	%		4.4	%		—
Net income (loss)		4.5			-6.5			—			-6.9			—			1.8			-6.3			—
EPS diluted, SEK		1.33			-1.99			—			-1.89			—			0.67			-1.98			—
Free cash flow excluding M&A		-1.9			3.0			—			4.5			—			7.6			4.3			79	%
Net cash, end of period		34.5			35.9			-4	%		37.4			-8	%		34.5			35.9			-4	%

¹	Includes a positive impact of SEK 0.7 b. from a partial release of the cost provisions made in Q3 2019 related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations. Includes a non-cash cost of SEK -0.3 b. related to wind-down of the ST-Ericsson legal structure.

²	The acquisition of the Kathrein antenna and filter business is hereinafter referred to as the acquired Kathrein business.

³	United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

⁴	Operating income excludes restructuring charges in all periods and cost provisions related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019 as well as a partial release of the same provision of SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019.

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



2 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019

CEO comments

Our performance during 2019 puts us on track to reach our targets for 2020 and 2022. Our focused strategy with increased investments in R&D combined with operational efficiency is paying off. We have regained technology leadership, recovered previously lost ground in several markets and improved the financial results. Today, we are a leader in 5G with 78 commercial 5G agreements with unique operators and 24 live 5G networks on four continents. Operating margin¹ excluding costs related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations and restructuring charges was 9.7% for full-year 2019, almost reaching the target of more than 10% one year early.

Operating income was impacted by increased operating expenses. The increase is related to the Kathrein business acquisition, increased investments in digitalization and added resources to strengthen security as well as our Ethics and Compliance program. For 2020 we expect somewhat higher operating expenses, which will not jeopardize our financial targets.

Networks gross margin² was solid in the quarter at 41% including effects from strategic contracts which reflects the strong business fundamentals. Due to the uncertainty related to an announced operator merger, we saw a slowdown in our North American business in Q4, resulting in North America having the lowest share of total sales for some time. However, the underlying business fundamentals in North America remain strong. The negative growth in North America was more than offset by growth in Asia and the Middle East. It is still too early to assess possible volumes and price levels for the expected deployment of 5G in China, and we expect that the initial challenging margins will shift to positive margins over the lifespan of the contracts.

The Kathrein acquisition and increased investments were the main reasons why Networks operating margin² declined to 14.5% in Q4. The acquisition is strategically important to strengthen our capabilities in antennas. While we are executing on the integration plan, temporarily lower production and sales had a negative impact on margins in the quarter. We expect a gradual improvement as the integration progresses and a new antenna portfolio is developed, however we expect a negative contribution full-year 2020.

In segment Digital Services we continued the execution of our plan to turn around the business and showed a positive result² in Q4, despite a continued negative impact from the remaining critical projects (provisions of SEK -0.3 b. in Q4). We see strong development in the market, driven by the momentum in 5G resulting in good sales growth in Packet Core and OSS. While rationalization of the legacy portfolio will continue, we are re-investing R&D in our 5G and cloud-native portfolio.

The resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations highlights serious shortcomings in our otherwise proud history. The events described in the resolution are totally unacceptable. However, the resolution represents an important step for Ericsson. We are now fully focused on strengthening the company and making sure we are equipped to deal with compliance challenges. We have already put in place many important changes to our Ethics and Compliance program, including adding further compliance and assurance competence as well as strengthening our third-party management, leadership vetting and internal controls. This work will not stop; our zero-tolerance policy requires constant oversight and renewal, and we are confident that we are on the right path.

Free cash flow in 2019 excluding M&A amounted to SEK

7.6 (4.3) b., after payments of SEK 10.1 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. The Board will propose a dividend of SEK 1.50 (1.00) per share to the AGM. The increase underlines the Board’s confidence in Ericsson delivering on its financial targets and building a strong financial position.

Our strategy aims at building a stronger company longer term and we do not trade long-term strengths for short-term gains. The foundation is our investments in R&D for both technology and cost leadership. This has secured us a competitive advantage as operators accelerate their 5G investments. We continue to execute on our focused strategy. The investments in digitalizing our business processes will increase costs in 2020 and will result in improved productivity in 2021 and beyond, supporting improved margins. Our competitive portfolio and cost position combined with the current market dynamics present a unique opportunity for us and we will continue to invest in order to further strengthen our market position.

Our product portfolio in Networks and Digital Services continues to gain good traction in a highly competitive market undergoing a technology shift to 5G. We see opportunities to further strengthen our position through our strong product offering in a market driven by the momentum in 5G. While we are confident that these opportunities will be value accretive in the long term, initial margins are challenging. Our competitive product offering and improved cost structure in hardware and services make our position and profitability much stronger than at the time of the European network modernization.

In 2019, we saw leading operators switch on their 5G networks. We are tracking well towards our targets for 2020 and 2022, but most importantly, we are making progress towards building a stronger company long term.

Börje Ekholm

President and CEO

¹	Excluding restructuring charges and costs related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations.

²	Excluding restructuring charges.



3 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		CEO comments

Planning assumptions

Market related

• The Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment market is estimated to grow by 4% for full-year 2020 with 2% CAGR for 2018-2023. (Source: Dell’Oro)

Ericsson related

The financial targets for 2020 and 2022 presented at the Investor Update in October 2019 remain unchanged.

Sales and gross margin

• Three-year average Group sales seasonality between Q4 and Q1 is -25%. Q1 is expected to have slightly less seasonality, as the base was lower following a weak Q4 in North America. The underlying business fundamentals in North America remain strong.

• The revenues from current IPR licensing contract portfolio are approximately

SEK 10 b. on an annual basis.

• Strategic contracts, with an overall long-term positive gross margin, but with initially low or negative margin, are expected to continue to impact Networks.

• Large 5G deployments in China are expected to commence in 2020. Ericsson has invested in R&D and supply chain capacity, aiming to increase market share. Based on experience, margins are initially challenging but turn positive over the lifespan of a contract.

• The acquired Kathrein business is expected to have a negative impact on Networks margins during 2020, with a gradual improvement 2H.

• The improvements in Digital Services continue, but earnings will vary between quarters depending on business mix, sales seasonality and impact of the remainder of the 45 critical contracts.

Operating expenses

• Operating expenses typically decrease between Q4 and Q1 due to seasonality. Somewhat higher operating expenses are expected for full-year 2020 due to investments in digitalization, compliance and security.

Restructuring charges

• Restructuring charges for full-year 2020 are estimated to be ~1% of sales.

Currency exposure

• Rule of thumb: A change by 10% of USD to SEK has an impact of approx. +/-5% on net sales and approx. +/-1 percentage point on operating margin.



4 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial highlights

Financial highlights


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Netsales		66.4			63.8			4	%		57.1			16	%		227.2			210.8			8	%
Sales growth adj. for comparable units and currency		—			—			1	%		—			—			—			—			4	%
Gross income		24.4			16.4			49	%		21.5			13	%		84.8			68.2			24	%
Gross margin		36.8	%		25.7	%		—			37.7	%		—			37.3	%		32.3	%		—
Research and development (R&D) expenses		-10.6			-10.7			—			-9.5			—			-38.8			-38.9			—
Selling and administrative expenses		-8.2			-7.7			—			-4.9			—			-26.1			-27.5			—
Impairment losses on trade receivables		-0.2			0.4			—			0.2			—			0.7			-0.4			—
Other operating income and expenses		0.8			-0.3			—			-11.3			—			-9.7			-0.2			—
Operating income (loss)		6.1			-1.9			—			-4.2			—			10.6			1.2			—
Operating margin		9.2	%		-2.9	%		—			-7.3	%		—			4.6	%		0.6	%		—
Financial income and expenses, net		-0.1			-0.7			—			-0.7			—			-1.8			-2.7			—
Taxes		-1.6			-3.9			—			-2.0			—			-6.9			-4.8			—
Net income (loss)		4.5			-6.5			—			-6.9			—			1.8			-6.3			—
Restructuring charges		-0.3			-4.4			—			-0.1			—			-0.8			-8.0			—
Gross income excluding restructuring charges		24.7			20.4			21	%		21.6			14	%		85.2			74.1			15	%
Gross margin excluding restructuring charges		37.1	%		32.0	%		—			37.8	%		—			37.5	%		35.2	%		—
R&D expenses excluding restructuring charges		-10.6			-10.4			—			-9.4			—			-38.5			-37.6			—
SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges		-8.2			-7.6			—			-4.9			—			-26.0			-26.7			—
Operating income (loss) excl. restructuring charges		6.5			2.6			152	%		-4.0			—			11.4			9.3			23	%
Operating margin excluding restructuring charges		9.7	%		4.0	%		—			-7.1	%		—			5.0	%		4.4	%		—
Operating income excl.restr.charges & SEC/DOJ charges ¹		5.7			2.6			123	%		7.4			-23	%		22.1			9.3			139	%
Operating margin excl.restr.charges & SEC/DOJ charges ¹		8.6	%		4.0	%		—			13.0	%		—			9.7	%		4.4	%		—

¹	Operating income excludes restructuring charges in all periods and excludes cost provisions related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019 and a partial release of the same provision of SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019.

Fourth quarter comments

Provision for the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations

In Q3 2019 a provision of SEK -11.5 b. was made to cover costs in connection with a future settlement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). In Q4 2019 a resolution was reached, and payments of a total of SEK 10.1 b. were made. Part of the remaining provision will cover future monitoring costs while SEK 0.7 b. of the provision was released in Q4 2019, with a positive impact on operating income. The initial provision and the partial release were reported as Other operating income and expenses in segment Emerging Business and Other.

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 4% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 1% YoY with growth in market areas Middle East & Africa, North East Asia and South East Asia, Oceania and India. As anticipated, the ongoing operator merger discussion led to lower sales in North America while there was growth with other North American customers.

Networks sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 2% YoY, with strong sales growth in Japan and Saudi Arabia partly offset by reduced sales in North America. Digital Services sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -3% YoY, due to lower sales in North East Asia. Managed Services sales adjusted for comparable units and currency declined by -1% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency in Emerging Business and Other increased by 9% YoY, driven by growth in iconectiv and IoT.

Sequentially, sales increased by 16%.



5 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial highlights

IPR licensing revenues

IPR licensing revenues increased to SEK 2.5 (2.1) b. YoY, mainly due to new contracts and currency effects from a stronger USD versus SEK. Revenues increased from SEK 2.4 b. QoQ, supported by a new contract.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 36.8% (25.7%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 37.1% (32.0%), mainly driven by improvements in Digital Services, where the gross margin in Q4 2018 was impacted by costs related to a revised Business Support Systems (BSS) strategy. Managed Services gross margin improved, mainly as an effect of efficiency gains. Networks gross margin excluding restructuring charges was stable at 41.1% (41.0%), since operational leverage compensated for an increased portion of strategic contracts and a negative effect from the acquired Kathrein business. Higher IPR licensing revenues had a positive impact on gross margin YoY.

Sequentially, gross margin decreased to 36.8% from 37.7%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges decreased to 37.1% from 37.8%, mainly due to lower gross margins in Networks and Managed Services. Networks gross margin declined with a negative impact from strategic contracts and the acquired business partly offset by a favorable business mix and operational leverage. Managed Services gross margin declined, mainly due to lower add-on sales.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses increased to SEK -19.0 (-18.0) b. YoY. Operating expenses excluding restructuring charges increased to SEK -18.9 (-17.6) b. The acquired Kathrein business added expenses of SEK -0.3 b. while the 51% divestment of MediaKind reduced operating expenses by SEK 0.6 b. YoY. Currency effects had a negative impact on operating expenses YoY.

R&D expenses excluding restructuring charges increased slightly to SEK -10.6 (-10.4) b. R&D expenses increased in both Networks and Managed Services while they declined in Digital Services and in Emerging Business and Other. The net impact of capitalized and amortized R&D expenses was SEK 0.2 (-0.6) b.

Selling and administrative (SG&A) expenses excluding restructuring charges increased to SEK -8.2 (-7.6) b. YoY. Revaluation of customer financing was SEK -0.2 (0.0) b. Increased investments in corporate projects for digital transformation, compliance and security impacted SG&A expenses negatively YoY.

Impairment losses on trade receivables were SEK -0.2 (0.4) b.

Sequentially, total operating expenses increased to SEK -19.0 b. from SEK -14.2 b. A refund of social security costs in Sweden of SEK 0.9 b. was made in Q3 2019. Increased impairment losses on trade receivables and the

acquired Kathrein business together added expenses of SEK 0.7 b. QoQ. Continued investments in R&D, seasonality between quarters and higher provisions for variable compensation also impacted operating expenses negatively QoQ.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses improved to SEK 0.8 (-0.3) b. YoY and from SEK -11.3 b. QoQ. A cost provision of SEK -11.5 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations impacted Q3 2019. SEK 0.7 b. of this provision was released in Q4 2019, with a positive impact. ST-Ericsson, a former joint venture, between Ericsson and STMicroelectronics, was split up between its owners in 2013. In the ongoing wind-down of the ST-Ericsson legal structure there was a non-cash negative impact of SEK -0.3 b. in the quarter. Q4 2018 was impacted by costs related to resetting the Edge Gravity business strategy in segment Emerging Business and Other.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges decreased to SEK -0.3 (-4.4) b. YoY. The main part of the restructuring charges in Q4 2018 was related to a revised BSS strategy in Digital Services.

Operating income and margin

Reported operating income improved to SEK 6.1 (-1.9) b. YoY. Operating income in Q4 2018 was negatively impacted by costs to reshape the BSS strategy. Operating income excluding restructuring charges was SEK 6.5 b. (operating margin 9.7%) and includes a positive impact from a partial release (SEK 0.7 b.) of a provision related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations as well as a negative impact (SEK -0.3 b.) from the wind-down of the ST-Ericsson legal structure. Operating income in Q4 2018 was SEK 5.5 b. (operating margin 8.7%) excluding restructuring charges and costs related to the reshaped BSS strategy.

Sequentially operating income improved to SEK 6.1 b. from SEK -4.2 b., mainly due to the impact of the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019 and SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019. The positive effect on operating income from sequentially higher sales was more than offset by increased operating expenses and a lower gross margin. The acquired Kathrein business had a negative impact of SEK -0.5 b. QoQ.

Financial income and expenses, net

The financial net improved to SEK -0.1 (-0.7) b. YoY and from SEK -0.7 b. QoQ, mainly due to positive currency hedge effects which derive from the hedge loan balance in USD. The currency hedge effect was SEK 0.2 b. compared with SEK -0.1 b. in Q4 2018 and SEK -0.3 b. in Q3 2019. The SEK strengthened against the USD between September 30, 2019 (SEK/USD rate 9.81) and December 31, 2019 (SEK/USD rate 9.32). Interest expenses on financial leases were SEK -0.1 (0.0) b. in the quarter, as an effect of IFRS 16 implementation.



6 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial highlights

Taxes

Taxes were SEK -1.6 (-3.9) b. Taxes in Q4 2018 were negatively impacted by impairment of withholding tax assets and non-deductible expenses. The cost provision related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations is handled as non tax-deductible. The Company has implemented IFRIC 23, which requires quarterly assessments of uncertain tax positions.

Net income and EPS

Net income increased to SEK 4.5 (-6.5) b. and EPS diluted increased to SEK 1.33 (-1.99).

Employees

The number of employees was 99,417 on December 31, 2019, a net increase of 3,530 employees in the quarter of which 3,385 employees joined Ericsson through the Kathrein business acquisition.

Full-year comments

Net sales

Sales increased by SEK 16.4 b. or 8% to SEK 227.2 (210.8) b. Networks sales increased by SEK 16.4 b. (12%), Digital Services sales increased by SEK 1.8 b. (5%), Managed Services sales decreased by SEK -0.2 b. (-1%) and Emerging Business and Other sales decreased by SEK -1.6 b. (-19%). Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 4%.

The sales increase in Networks was driven mainly by higher demand for radio access network (RAN) equipment. Networks sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency was 6%.

In Digital Services, growth in the new portfolio was offset by lower legacy product sales. Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency was -1%.

The sales decline in Managed Services was mainly a result of contract exits. Sales adjusted for contract exits grew in 2019.

The sales decrease in segment Emerging Business and Other was due to the 51% divestment of MediaKind in February 2019. Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency was 14%, driven by iconectiv and IoT.

In the geographical dimension, sales were driven by growth in North America and North East Asia.

The sales mix by commodity was: software 21% (21%), hardware 38% (37%) and services 41% (42%).

IPR licensing revenues

IPR licensing revenues increased to SEK 9.6 (8.0) b., driven by new contracts and a stronger USD to SEK. The revenues from current IPR licensing contract portfolio are approximately SEK 10 b. on an annual basis.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 37.3% (32.3%) with improved margins in Networks, Digital Services and Managed Services. In Networks the negative impact from strategic contracts was offset by improved hardware margins, operational leverage and lower restructuring charges. Digital Services gross margin improved, since costs for a revised BSS strategy had a negative impact in 2018. Managed Services gross margin improved, driven by customer contract exits and efficiency measures. A reduced share of services sales and an increased share of IPR and licensing revenues had a positive impact on gross margin. Restructuring charges included in the gross margin decreased to SEK -0.3 (-5.9) b.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses decreased to SEK -64.2 (-66.8) b., with SG&A expenses of SEK -26.1 (-27.5) b., R&D expenses of SEK -38.8 (-38.9) b. and impairment losses on trade receivables of SEK 0.7 (-0.4) b. Restructuring charges included in operating expenses were SEK -0.5 (-2.1) b. Currency effects impacted operating expenses negatively while the 51% divestment of MediaKind had a positive impact on operating expenses.

R&D expenses were impacted by increased investments in R&D for Networks and Managed Services. This increase was partly offset by lower R&D in Digital Services and Emerging Business and Other. The net effect of capitalized and amortized development expenses was SEK 0.3 (-1.7) b. Restructuring charges impacted R&D expenses by SEK -0.3 (-1.3) b.

SG&A expenses were positively impacted by a refund of earlier paid social security costs in Sweden of SEK 0.9 b. and by lower restructuring charges of SEK -0.1 (-0.8) b. Currency effects and increased investments in corporate projects for digital transformation, compliance and security had a negative impact YoY. Costs for customer financing revaluation declined to SEK -0.7 (-1.1) b.

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses was SEK -9.7 (-0.2) b. and was negatively impacted by SEK -10.7 b. in costs related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. In 2019 51% of MediaKind was divested with a capital gain of SEK 0.7 b. in the first quarter. Share in earnings of JV and associated companies was SEK -0.3 (0.1) b., negatively impacted by the 49% ownership in MediaKind. The Company’s share in earnings of MediaKind was SEK -0.4 b. and the remaining investment is SEK 0.8 b.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges amounted to SEK -0.8 (-8.0) b. The cost reduction program announced in 2017 was completed in 2018. Restructuring costs related to the revised BSS strategy had a negative impact in 2018.



7 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial highlights

Operating income and margin

Operating income improved to SEK 10.6 (1.2) b. driven by higher gross margin and higher sales. This improvement was partly offset by SEK -10.7 b. in costs related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. Operating margin was 4.6% (0.6%). Operating margin excluding the SEC and DOJ costs of SEK -10.7 b. and excluding restructuring charges of SEK -0.8 b. was 9.7%. Operating margin excluding restructuring charges of SEK -8.0 b. was 4.4% in 2018.

Financial income and expenses, net

The financial net improved to SEK -1.8 (-2.7) b., mainly due to lower negative effects of foreign exchange revaluation, lower negative currency hedge effects and improved interest net. The currency hedge effects, which derive from the hedge loan balance in USD, impacted financial net by SEK -0.3 (-0.5) b. The SEK weakened against the USD between December 31, 2018 (SEK/USD rate 8.94) and December 31, 2019 (SEK/USD rate 9.32).

Taxes

Taxes were SEK -6.9 (-4.8) b. impacted by the increased income. Costs of SEK -10.7 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations are handled as non tax-deductible. Excluding these costs, the 2019 tax rate was approximately 35%. The Company has implemented IFRIC 23, which requires quarterly assessments of uncertain tax positions.

Net income and EPS

Net income improved to SEK 1.8 (-6.3) b., driven by higher operating income and an improved financial net. EPS diluted was SEK 0.67 (-1.98) and EPS (non-IFRS) was SEK 1.07 (0.27).

Employees

The number of employees was 99,417 on December 31, 2019, an increase of 4,058 employees compared with December 31, 2018. The increase derives mainly from the acquired Kathrein business and increased service delivery resources driven by higher sales. The increase was partly offset by the MediaKind divestment.



8 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial highlights

Market area sales


	Q4 2019								Change
SEK b.	Networks		Digital Services		Managed Services		Emerging Business and Other		Total		YoY			QoQ
South East Asia, Oceania and India		6.8		1.4		1.0		0.0		9.2		12	%		24	%
North East Asia		7.3		1.9		0.3		0.1		9.7		16	%		53	%
North America		13.2		2.9		1.2		0.0		17.4		-4	%		-9	%
Europe and Latin America		10.0		4.1		3.3		0.1		17.5		-2	%		22	%
Middle East and Africa		4.9		2.4		1.1		0.0		8.4		23	%		39	%
Other ¹		2.2		0.4		0.0		1.5		4.2		-6	%		4	%

Total		44.4		13.2		7.0		1.7		66.4		4	%		16	%

¹	Market Area “Other” includes primarily licensing revenues and the major part of segment Emerging Business and Other.

Fourth quarter comments

South East Asia, Oceania and India

Sales increased YoY across all segments driven by continued investments, primarily in LTE, by several major customers. Managed Services sales grew YoY, driven by add-on sales and YoY ramp-up of a contract signed in 2018.

North East Asia

Sales increased YoY. Network sales grew, driven by increased business volumes in Japan and initial launch of 5G in China. Digital Services sales decreased due to lower legacy product sales in China.

North America

Sales decreased YoY, with lower operator spending as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the announced operator merger while there was growth with other customers.

Europe and Latin America

Sales decreased YoY. Sales grew in Europe, driven by earlier announced contract wins. This growth was however more than offset by a decline in Latin America due to large deployments in 2018.

Middle East and Africa

Sales grew across all segments YoY. Networks sales grew on the back of ongoing 4G and 5G deployment in key markets in the Middle East. Digital Services sales grew, driven by 5G core deployment and achievement of project milestones in certain critical contracts. Managed Services sales grew, partly driven by add-on sales.

Other

Sales decreased YoY due to the 51% divestment of the media business, which was transferred to MediaKind. IPR licensing revenues amounted to SEK 2.5 (2.1) b.


	Jan-Dec 2019										Change
SEK b.	Networks		Digital Services		Managed Services		Emerging Business and Other		Total		YoY
South East Asia, Oceania and India		21.9		4.0		3.8		0.1		29.8		1	%
North East Asia		20.3		4.9		1.0		0.2		26.4		18	%
North America		55.8		9.6		4.7		0.1		70.2		20	%
Europe and Latin America		33.9		12.6		12.1		0.4		59.0		-1	%
Middle East and Africa		14.6		7.0		3.9		0.0		25.5		5	%
Other ¹		8.5		1.7		0.0		6.0		16.3		-1	%

Total		155.0		39.9		25.6		6.8		227.2		8	%

¹	Market Area “Other” includes primarily licensing revenues and the major part of segment Emerging Business and Other.

Full-year comments

South East Asia, Oceania and India

Sales remained stable in 2019. Growth in Managed Services was driven by add-on sales and by a contract that was signed in 2018. Digital Services sales decreased, due to lower legacy product sales in India.

North East Asia

Sales increased in 2019. The strong Networks sales growth was driven mainly by 5G deployment in South Korea, increased business volumes in Japan and initial launch of 5G in China. 4G in China continued to decline. Digital Services sales were stable.

North America

Sales increased in 2019. Networks sales increased driven by investments in 4G and 5G across all major customers. Digital Services sales increased as operators digitalize in preparation for 5G. Managed Services sales grew, driven by strong add-on sales in large customer contracts. Uncertainties regarding the pending operator merger impacted investment willingness in Q4 2019.

Europe and Latin America

Sales decreased slightly in 2019. Growth in Europe was driven by previously announced contract wins, partly offset by renegotiation and exits of low-performing and non-strategic businesses. Sales in Latin America declined due to timing of large deployment projects.



9 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Market area sales

Middle East and Africa

Sales increased in 2019 in Networks and Digital Services, driven by 4G and 5G investments in the Middle East. Managed Services sales declined due to exit of non-strategic contracts.

Other

Sales declined as a result of the 51% divestment of the media business, which was transferred to MediaKind. IPR licensing revenues amounted to SEK 9.6 (8.0) b.



10 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Market area sales

Segment results

Networks


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Net sales		44.4			41.6			7	%		39.3			13	%		155.0			138.6			12	%
Of which products		31.2			29.8			5	%		27.5			13	%		109.1			96.9			13	%
Of which IPR licensing revenues		2.0			1.8			14	%		2.0			2	%		7.9			6.5			21	%
Of which services		13.3			11.8			12	%		11.8			13	%		45.9			41.6			10	%
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency		—			—			2	%		—			—			—			—			6	%
Gross income		18.3			16.6			10	%		16.3			12	%		64.7			55.2			17	%
Gross margin		41.1	%		39.9	%		—			41.6	%		—			41.8	%		39.8	%		—
Operating income		6.4			6.9			-7	%		7.2			-11	%		24.8			19.4			28	%
Operating margin		14.4	%		16.5	%		—			18.4	%		—			16.0	%		14.0	%		—
Restructuring charges		0.0			-0.4			—			0.0			—			-0.1			-1.8			—
Gross income excl.restructuring charges		18.3			17.1			7	%		16.3			12	%		64.7			56.5			14	%
Gross margin excl.restructuring charges		41.1	%		41.0	%		—			41.6	%		—			41.8	%		40.8	%		—
Operating income excl.restructuring charges		6.4			7.3			-11	%		7.2			-11	%		24.8			21.2			17	%
Operating margin excl.restructuring charges		14.5	%		17.5	%		—			18.4	%		—			16.0	%		15.3	%		—

Fourth quarter comments

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 7% YoY, while sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 2% YoY. The increase was driven by investments in LTE and 5G networks with strong growth particularly in Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Sales increased by 13% QoQ, which is less than normal seasonality. Sales increased QoQ in all market areas, apart from North America.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 41.1% (39.9%) YoY. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges remained stable at 41.1% (41.0%). Operational leverage compensated for an increased portion of strategic contracts and a negative effect from the acquired Kathrein business (of SEK -0.2 b. equal to -0.5 percentage points), demonstrating the strong underlying business fundamentals. Strategic contracts are taken to strengthen the market position and have a positive overall margin contribution but initially low or negative margins.

Gross margin decreased QoQ to 41.1% from 41.6%. The dilutive margin effect from the acquired business and strategic contracts was partly offset by a favorable business mix and operational leverage.

Operating income and margin

Operating income decreased to SEK 6.4 (6.9) b. YoY and operating margin decreased to 14.4% (16.5%). Operating income excluding restructuring charges was SEK 6.4 (7.3) b. and the corresponding operating margin was 14.5% (17.5%). The decrease in operating income in the quarter, despite stable sales and gross margin, is due to an increase in operating expenses of SEK 2.2 b. The increase in operating expenses is a result of continued investments in R&D for 5G and in corporate projects for digital transformation, compliance

and security. The acquired Kathrein business had a negative impact of SEK -0.5 b., corresponding to -1 percentage point in Networks operating margin. Impairment losses on trade receivables and provisions for customer financing impacted operating expenses by SEK -0.3 (0.3) b.

Operating income decreased to SEK 6.4 b. from SEK 7.2 b. QoQ and operating margin decreased to 14.4% from 18.4%. There was no impact of restructuring charges in the quarter or in the previous quarter. The decrease in operating income was driven by higher operating expenses due to increased investments in R&D for 5G and in corporate projects for digital transformation, compliance, and security. Impairment losses on trade receivables and provisions for customer financing impacted operating expenses by SEK -0.3 b. compared with SEK 0.0 b. in Q3 2019.

Full-year comments

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 12% in 2019 to SEK 155.0 (138.6) b. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 6%. The sales increase was primarily in the US, South Korea, Italy, Germany and Saudi Arabia, driven by operator investments in LTE and 5G networks. The Networks share of IPR licensing revenues was SEK 7.9 (6.5) b.

Gross margin

Gross income increased to SEK 64.7 (55.2) b. while gross margin increased to 41.8% (39.8%). The impact of strategic contracts was more than offset by improved hardware margins and operational leverage. Lower restructuring charges in 2019 contributed positively.



11 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Operating income and margin

Operating income increased to SEK 24.8 (19.4) b. Higher sales and gross margin as well as lower restructuring charges had a positive impact that was partly offset by increased operating expenses. Operating expenses increased mainly due to higher investments in R&D in line with the ambition to continue to strengthen the technology leadership and increased investments in corporate projects for digital transformation, compliance and security. Impairment losses on trade receivables impacted operating expenses by SEK -0.1 (-0.3) b.

Net impact from amortization and capitalization of development expenses and from recognition and deferral of hardware costs was SEK 1.1 (-0.3) b. Restructuring charges were SEK -0.1 (-1.8) b. Operating margin increased to 16.0% (14.0%).

Strategy execution

The target for Networks is to generate an operating margin of

15-17% (excluding restructuring charges) by 2020. Important ongoing strategic activities are to:

•

Invest in R&D to safeguard a leading product portfolio and cost leadership

•

Increase investments in automation and serviceability driving down costs

•

Selectively gain market shares based on technology and cost competitiveness.

In addition, the acquired Kathrein antenna and filter business brings competence and capabilities to support the transformation of the antenna domain into multiple frequencies and multiple technologies. Radios and antennas are being consolidated and integrated to optimize network performance and to further improve performance, capacity and coverage for 5G.

At the close of the quarter Ericsson had announced 78 commercial 5G agreements with unique operators, publicly announced 32 5G contracts, and 24 live 5G networks across the globe.



12 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Digital Services


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Net sales		13.2			13.0			1	%		9.9			33	%		39.9			38.1			5	%
Of which products		7.3			7.5			-2	%		5.6			31	%		21.5			20.5			5	%
Of which IPR licensing revenues		0.4			0.4			14	%		0.4			2	%		1.7			1.4			21	%
Of which services		5.8			5.5			5	%		4.3			36	%		18.4			17.6			4	%
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency		—			—			-3	%		—			—			—			—			-1	%
Gross income		4.9			-1.2			—			3.7			31	%		14.8			8.3			78	%
Gross margin		37.2	%		-9.5	%		—			37.9	%		—			37.2	%		21.8	%		—
Operating income (loss)		-0.2			-7.1			—			-0.7			—			-4.0			-13.9			—
Operating margin		-1.2	%		-54.5	%		—			-6.7	%		—			-10.1	%		-36.4	%		—
Restructuring charges		-0.2			-3.5			—			-0.1			—			-0.6			-5.4			—
Gross income excl.restructuring charges		5.0			2.1			136	%		3.8			33	%		15.1			12.3			22	%
Gross margin excl.restructuring charges		38.1	%		16.4	%		—			38.3	%		—			37.8	%		32.4	%		—
Operating income (loss) excl.restructuring charges		0.0			-3.5			—			-0.5			—			-3.4			-8.5			—
Operating margin excl.restructuring charges		0.3	%		-27.2	%		—			-5.4	%		—			-8.6	%		-22.3	%		—

Fourth quarter comments

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 1% YoY. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -3% YoY, due to lower 4G core sales in North East Asia where the transition to 5G is ongoing. The customer demand for the new portfolio is strong. In the quarter there was growth in OSS, Cloud infrastructure and services.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 37.2% (-9.5%) YoY. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 38.1% (16.4%). Gross margin in Q4 2018 was negatively impacted by costs related to the revised BSS strategy. Cost reductions had a positive impact YoY.

Gross margin excluding restructuring charges declined slightly to 38.1% from 38.3% QoQ with a continued negative impact from the remainder of the 45 critical contracts.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income was SEK -0.2 (-7.1) b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges was SEK 0.0 (-3.5) b., with a positive impact from increased gross margin and from lower operating expenses. The net impact of capitalized and amortized development expenses was SEK -0.1 (-0.6) b. in the quarter.

Sequentially, operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK 0.0 b. from SEK -0.5 b., driven by higher sales.

Full-year comments

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 5% in 2019 driven by growth in North America. Services sales increased driven by customer support. Sales in

the new portfolio grew by 7% driven by customer investments in 4G and 5G, while sales in legacy products declined. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -1% YoY.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 37.2% (21.8%). Gross margin excluding restructuring charges improved to 37.8% (32.4%). 2018 was negatively impacted by costs related to the revised BSS strategy.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income improved to SEK -4.0 (-13.9) b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK -3.4 (-8.5) b., supported by higher gross margin and higher sales. In addition, operating expenses excluding restructuring charges declined by SEK -2.2 b. despite a currency headwind. The net impact of capitalized and amortized development expenses was SEK -0.9 (-1.8) b.

Strategy execution

Top priority is to continue to grow the new portfolio while turning Digital Services into a profitable business, targeting low single-digit operating margin by 2020 (excluding restructuring charges).

There is a strong business momentum in the new Digital Services portfolio of 5G and cloud-native products. Full-year sales of the new portfolio increased by 7%, driven by customer investments in 4G and 5G.

A key activity for turnaround of the Digital Services business is to complete, renegotiate or exit 45 identified critical and non-strategic customer contracts. Six contracts were addressed in the quarter, and a total of 35 contracts have been addressed to date. This is in line with the plan from 2017, to have addressed 75% of the contracts by the end of 2019.



13 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

In order to capture software value and protect the services margin, there is an increased focus on reducing systems integration costs by increasing serviceability and automation.

New ways of working and investments in automation to further improve R&D efficiency as well as investments in the new portfolio of 5G and cloud-native products will continue, in order to strengthen the market position and prepare Digital Services for profitable growth.

The execution of the revised BSS strategy announced in January 2019, is progressing according to plan, attracting both existing and new customers, with several important new BSS contracts signed during the year.



14 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Managed Services


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Net sales		7.0			6.9			2	%		6.4			11	%		25.6			25.8			-1	%
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency		—			—			-1	%		—			—						—			-4	%
Gross income		1.0			0.8			33	%		1.1			-9	%		4.0			2.9			38	%
Gross margin		14.8	%		11.4	%		—			17.9	%		—			15.6	%		11.2	%		—
Operating income		0.3			0.3			2	%		0.6			-48	%		2.3			1.1			111	%
Operating margin		4.2	%		4.1	%		—			8.8	%		—			9.0	%		4.2	%		—
Restructuring charges		0.0			-0.1			—			0.0			—			0.0			-0.3			—
Gross income excl.restructuring charges		1.1			0.9			27	%		1.1			-5	%		4.0			3.1			29	%
Gross margin excl.restructuring charges		15.4	%		12.4	%		—			17.9	%		—			15.8	%		12.2	%		—
Operating income excl.restructuring charges		0.3			0.4			-6	%		0.6			-41	%		2.4			1.4			72	%
Operating margin excl.restructuring charges		4.8	%		5.2	%		—			8.9	%		—			9.2	%		5.3	%		—

Fourth quarter comments

Net sales

Reported sales increased by 2% YoY. Managed Services sales adjusted for comparable units and currency declined by -1% YoY. Sales in Optimization (project business) showed growth.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 14.8% (11.4%) YoY, mainly as a result of efficiency gains.

Sequentially gross margin decreased to 14.8% from 17.9%, mainly as a result of higher add-on sales in Q3 2019.

Operating income and margin

Operating income was SEK 0.3 (0.3) b. An improved gross margin was offset by increased expenses, mainly investments in R&D.

Operating income declined QoQ to SEK 0.3 b from SEK 0.6 b. due to lower gross margin and seasonally higher operating expenses, including corporate investments in digital transformation, compliance and security.

Full-year comments

Net sales

Reported sales decreased by -1% YoY. Sales adjusted for customer contract exits increased.

Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency decreased by -4% YoY, mainly as a result of customer contract exits.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 15.6% (11.2%) YoY. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges increased to 15.8% (12.2%), mainly as a result of efficiency measures and customer contract exits.

Operating income and margin

Operating income increased to SEK 2.3 (1.1) b. YoY. Operating income excluding restructuring charges improved to SEK 2.4 (1.4) b. due to a positive effect from reversal of a provision for impairment of trade receivables made in Q1 2019, of SEK 0.7 b., and higher gross margin.

Operating margin was 6.3%, excluding restructuring charges and the positive effect from reversal of a provision for impairment of trade receivables of SEK 0.7 b. in Q1 2019. The operating margin development is in line with the 2020 target.

Restructuring charges amounted to SEK 0.0 (-0.3) b.

Strategy execution

The target for Managed Services is to have an operating margin of 5-8% (excluding restructuring charges) in 2020.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are essential to managing the increasing complexity of current and future networks. In 2019 Ericsson launched a new AI-based managed services offering for operators – Ericsson Operations Engine. With this offering, network and IT operations will shift from being reactive to proactive, data-driven operations, making sense of billions of data points so that actions can be taken before network issues impact customer experience. This will enable operators to address the increasing network complexity, the increasing volumes of devices, multiple technologies such as 4G, 5G and IoT and more diverse service requirements.

Further investments will be made in automation, analytics and AI-driven offerings, to support 5G, IoT and cloud as well as to increase the efficiency in service delivery.



15 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

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


SEK b.	Q4 2019			Q4 2018			YoY change			Q3 2019			QoQ change			Jan-Dec 2019			Jan-Dec 2018			YoY change
Net sales		1.7			2.3			-24	%		1.6			6	%		6.8			8.4			-19	%
Of which Emerging Business and iconectiv		1.1			1.0			10	%		1.1			6	%		4.3			3.4			27	%
Of which Red Bee Media		0.6			0.6			6	%		0.6			2	%		2.4			2.3			4	%
Of which Media Solutions		0.0			0.7			-100	%		0.0			—			0.1			2.7			-97	%
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency		—			—			9	%		—			—			—			—			14	%
Gross income		0.2			0.2			9	%		0.3			-29	%		1.3			1.8			-30	%
Gross margin		13.4	%		9.3	%		—			20.2	%		—			18.9	%		21.9	%		—
Operating income (loss)		-0.4			-1.9			—			-11.3			—			-12.5			-5.4			—
Operating margin		-23.2	%		-83.3	%		—			-695.8	%		—			-184.0	%		-64.5	%		—
Restructuring charges		0.0			-0.4			—			0.0			—			-0.1			-0.6			—
Gross income excl restructuring charges		0.3			0.4			-33	%		0.3			-22	%		1.3			2.1			-38	%
Gross margin excl.restructuring charges		15.1	%		17.1	%		—			20.5	%		—			19.6	%		25.4	%		—
Operating income excl.restructuring charges		-0.4			-1.5			—			-11.3			—			-12.4			-4.8			—
Of which Emerging Business, iconectiv and common costs		-0.5			-0.9			—			-0.5			—			-2.0			-2.8			—
Of which Red Bee Media		0.0			-0.1			—			0.0			—			0.0			-0.3			—
Of which Media Solutions		-0.3			-0.5			—			-0.3			—			-0.3			-1.7			—
Of which adjustments in Q3 and Q4 2019 ¹		0.5			—			—			-10.5			—			-10.1			—			—
Operating margin excl.restructuring charges		-21.4	%		-67.1	%		—			-695.1	%		—			-183.0	%		-57.4	%		—

Includes cost provisions of SEK -11.5 b. related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations in Q3 2019, and a partial release of the same provision of SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019. Includes winding down non-cash costs of the ST-Ericsson legal structure of SEK -0.3 b. in Q4 2019. Includes a social security cost refund of SEK 0.9 b. in Q3 2019.

Fourth quarter comments

Net sales

Reported sales decreased by -24% YoY, due to the 51% divestment of MediaKind. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 9% YoY, driven by growth in iconectiv and IoT.

Gross margin

Gross margin increased to 13.4% (9.3%) YoY. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges declined to 15.1% (17.1%). The decline was due to the divestment of 51% of MediaKind and project losses in the legacy media business.

Sequentially gross margin decreased to 13.4% from 20.2%. Gross margin excluding restructuring charges decreased to 15.1% from 20.5% due to project losses in the legacy media business.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income was positively impacted by SEK 0.7 b. related to a partial release of a previously made cost provision related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. The positive impact was partly offset by the wind-down of the ST-Ericsson legal structure with a non-cash negative impact of SEK -0.3 b. Operating income excluding restructuring charges and these items was SEK -0.8 b.

Media Solutions operating income excluding restructuring charges was SEK -0.3 (-0.5) b. The operating income includes Ericsson’s 49% share in earnings of the MediaKind business.

Red Bee Media operating income excluding restructuring charges was close to break-even and improved to SEK 0.0 (-0.1) b.

Emerging Business, iconectiv and common costs operating income excluding restructuring charges was SEK -0.5 (-0.9) b. A cost of SEK -0.3 b. for resetting the Edge Gravity business was included in Q4 2018. In addition, iconectiv operating income improved YoY.

Full-year comments

Net sales

Reported sales decreased by -19% in 2019 due to the 51% divestment of MediaKind in February 2019. Sales adjusted for comparable units and currency increased by 14% YoY driven by growth in the iconectiv business through a multi-year number portability contract in the United States.

Gross margin

Gross margin declined mainly due to the 51% divestment of MediaKind. The decline was partly offset by lower restructuring charges.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income was impacted by costs of SEK -10.7 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations, a refund of earlier paid social security costs in Sweden of SEK 0.9 b. and by costs of SEK -0.3 b. related to the wind-down of the ST-Ericsson legal structure.



16 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Operating income in Emerging Business, iconectiv and common costs improved, driven by profitable growth in iconectiv. Red Bee Media income improved supported by profit improvement activities and a capital gain of SEK 0.7 b. from a divestment in Q1 2019. Media Solutions income improved driven by the 51% divestment of Media Kind, including a capital gain from the transaction.



17 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Strategy execution

Emerging Business and iconectiv

A lean start-up approach with selective investments has been implemented in Emerging Business, to build a position and grow sales in new areas, leveraging Ericsson’s core business. Apart from iconectiv (software-based solutions for number portability), the portfolio is still in an early investment phase and focus is on generating sales and scaling the business. Within IoT, Ericsson offers global connectivity management for billions of IoT devices and connections. The main go-to-market model is via mobile operators, leveraging access to licensed spectrum. In Q4 2019, Ericsson divested its enterprise cloud billing solution in line with the focused business strategy.

Red Bee Media

The target remains to achieve a sustainable business by continuing to develop the business as an independent and focused media services entity within Ericsson.

Media Solutions

51% of the MediaKind business was divested on February 1, 2019. After the transaction, Ericsson carries 49% of the MediaKind results as “share in earnings of JV and associated companies”.



18 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Segment results

Cash flow


SEK b.	Q 4 2019		Q 4 2018		Q 3 2019		Jan-Dec 2019		Jan-Dec 2018
Net income reconciled to cash		8.0		-0.1		-4.3		14.1		1.6
Changes in operating net assets		-7.5		4.4		11.3		2.8		7.8
Cash flow from operating activities		0.5		4.3		7.0		16.9		9.3
Cash flow from investing activities		-4.8		-2.2		-3.1		-3.5		-4.1
Cash flow from financing activities		0.1		-0.6		0.2		-6.9		-4.1
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		-1.9		0.8		1.6		0.3		1.4
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		-6.1		2.3		5.7		6.7		2.5
Free cash flow excluding M &A		-1.9		3.0		4.5		7.6		4.3
Free cash flow		-3.2		3.0		4.0		6.1		3.0

Fourth quarter comments

Operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 0.5 (4.3) b. This included payments of SEK 10.1 b. related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations. Cash flow was supported by a positive income and by reduction in inventories following increased deliveries in the quarter. Trade receivables increased on the back of the increased business activity. Sale of trade receivables continued to trend downwards and decreased YoY. Due to the increase in 5G buildout this year, demand for customer financing solutions has increased. Most of such financing has been successfully transferred to banks and the balance of customer finance credits on the balance sheet remains low. Provisions of SEK -12.5 b. were utilized in the quarter, of which SEK -10.1 b. was related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations and SEK -0.1 b. was related to restructuring.

Investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -4.8 (-2.2) b. Investments in property, plant and equipment was SEK -1.5 (-1.1) b. and included increased investments in 5G test equipment and manufacturing capabilities. Capitalized development expenses were SEK -0.3 (-0.2) b. M&A was SEK -1.3 (0.0) b. and included the acquisition of Kathrein antenna and filter business.

Financing activities

Cash flow from financing activities was SEK 0.1 (-0.6) b. Ericsson drew on the credit facility of USD 150 million, from the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), which was signed in December 2019 to support investments in R&D for 5G technology. Part of the new funds, USD 98 million, replaced a credit with NIB that was set to mature in 2021, resulting in a net increase in funding of USD 52 million. The new facility is set to mature in 2025.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow excluding M&A was SEK -1.9 (3.0) b. and free cash flow (including M&A) was SEK -3.2 (3.0) b. In order to more accurately represent the cash flows that can be used to expand the business, pay dividends and reduce debt, the definitions of free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A have been adjusted to include amortization of lease liabilities. Please see section “Accounting Policies” for additional details and updated reconciliation table in “Alternative performance measures”.

Effects of implementation of IFRS 16 “Leases”

Cash flow from operating activities was positively impacted by SEK 0.1 b. from the implementation of IFRS 16 “Leases”. Financing activities were negatively impacted by amortization of the leasing liability of the same amount.

Full-year comments

Operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 16.9 (9.3) b. mainly supported by improved income. Working capital efficiency has improved as a result of a strong focus on cash flow. Accounts receivables days of sales outstanding improved to 75 (91) days and working capital days improved to 75 (89) days. Sale of trade receivables continued to trend downwards and decreased YoY. Due to the increase in 5G buildout this year, demand for customer financing solutions has increased. Most of such financing has been successfully transferred to banks and the balance of customer finance credits on the balance sheet remains low. The ambition is to maintain working capital efficiency and thereby effectively convert income to cash. Cash outlays related to provisions were SEK -7.6 (-6.9) b., of which SEK -1.8 (-4.1) b. was related to restructuring charges.

Investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -3.5 (-4.1) b., where interest-bearing securities impacted by SEK 4.2 (2.2) b. Investments in property, plant and equipment was SEK -5.1 (-4.0) b. The increase was mainly due to investments in 5G test equipment. Capitalized development expenses increased to SEK -1.5 (-0.9) b. due to 5G development projects. M&A was SEK -1.5 (-1.3) b.



19 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Cash flow

Financing activities

Cash flow from financing activities was SEK -6.9 (-4.1) b. Dividends of SEK 4.5 (3.4) b. were paid out. The impact of lease liabilities was SEK -3.0 (0.0) b.

Free cash flow

The improved result and focus on free cash flow, in combination with limited investing activities, resulted in free cash flow of SEK 6.1 (3.0) b. and in free cash flow excluding M&A of SEK 7.6 (4.3) b. The negative effect of payments related to the resolution of the US SEC and DOJ investigations was more than offset by improved income and working capital efficiency.

Effects of implementation of IFRS 16 “Leases”

Cash flow from operating activities had a positive impact of SEK 0.6 b. from the implementation of IFRS 16 “Leases”. Financing activities were negatively impacted by amortization of the leasing liability of the same amount.



20 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Cash flow

Financial position


	Dec 31			Dec 31			Sep 30
SEK b.	2019			2018			2019
+ Cash and cash equivalents		45.1			38.4			51.2
+ Interest-bearing securities, current		6.8			6.6			5.9
+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current		20.4			24.0			19.2

Gross cash		72.2			69.0			76.2

-Borrowings, current		9.4			2.3			1.6
-Borrowings, non-current		28.3			30.9			37.2

Net cash		34.5			35.9			37.4

Equity		81.9			87.8			77.5
Total assets		276.4			268.8			288.5
Capital turnover (times)		1.4			1.4			1.4
Return on capital employed (%)		6.7	%		0.8	%		3.8	%
Equity ratio (%)		29.6	%		32.7	%		26.9	%
Return on equity (%)		2.6	%		-7.1	%		-3.6	%

Fourth quarter comments

Gross cash decreased by SEK -4.0 b. QoQ. Ericsson drew on the credit facility of USD 150 million from the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), which was signed in December 2019 to support investments in R&D for 5G technology. Part of the new funds, USD 98 million, replaced a credit with NIB that was set to mature in 2021, resulting in a net increase in funding of USD 52 million. The new facility is set to mature in 2025. In addition, a credit facility agreement of EUR 250 million was signed in the quarter with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The credit facility is undrawn.

Net cash decreased by SEK 2.9 b. QoQ as a result of the negative free cash flow. Net cash does not include lease liabilities.

Liabilities for post-employment benefits decreased in the quarter, to SEK 35.8 b. from SEK 37.3 b.

Full-year comments

Gross cash increased to SEK 72.2 (69.0) b. while net cash decreased to SEK 34.5 (35.9) b.

Liabilities for post-employments benefits increased to SEK 35.8 (28.7) b. mainly due to lower discount rates. The Swedish defined benefit obligation (DBO) has been calculated using a discount rate based on the yields of Swedish government bonds. If the discount rate had been based on Swedish covered mortgage bonds, the liability for post-employment benefits would have been approximately SEK 9.8 b. lower as of December 31, 2019.

The average maturity of long-term borrowings was 2.7 years as of December 31, 2019, a decrease from 3.4 years 12 months earlier.

Ericsson has an unutilized revolving credit facility of USD 2.0 b., which will expire in 2022.

Ericsson drew on the credit facility of EUR 250 million, from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which was granted in 2018 to support R&D activities for 5G. The facility is set to mature in 2024.

Ericsson signed a new credit facility agreement of EUR 250 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Q4 2019. The credit facility is undrawn.

Ericsson drew on the credit facility of USD 150 million, from the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), which was signed in December 2019 to support investments in R&D for 5G technology. Part of the new funds, USD 98 million, replaced a credit with NIB that was set to mature in 2021, resulting in a net increase in funding of USD 52 million. The new facility is set to mature in 2025.

In July, Moody’s changed their outlook on Ericsson’s long-term rating from stable to positive. The rating of Ba2 was unchanged. In September, Standard & Poor’s changed their rating outlook on Ericsson from stable to positive. The rating BB+ remained unchanged. In 2019, Ericsson solicited Fitch for credit rating services. Fitch’s long-term rating for Ericsson is BBB- (“investment grade”) with stable outlook.

The capital turnover remained at 1.4 (1.4) times.



21 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial position

Parent Company

Income after financial items was SEK -3.1 (5.8) b.

At the end of the year, gross cash (cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and interest-bearing securities, non-current) amounted to SEK 56.7 (58.1) b.

There was a decrease in intercompany lending of SEK 4.3 b. and an increase in intercompany borrowing of SEK 2.0 b. in the quarter.

In the third quarter of 2019, a provision of SEK -11.5 b. was made to cover costs in connection with a future settlement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). In the fourth quarter, a resolution

was reached and payments of a total of SEK 10.1 b. were made to the SEC and DOJ. Part of the remaining provision will cover future monitoring costs while SEK 0.7 b. of the provision was released, with a positive impact on income.

In accordance with the conditions of the long-term variable compensation program (LTV) for Ericsson employees, 5,219,250 shares from treasury stock were distributed or sold to employees during the fourth quarter. The holding of treasury stock at December 31, 2019 was 19,853,247 Class B shares.



22 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Parent Company

Dividend, AGM and Annual Report

Dividend proposal

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting a dividend to the shareholders of SEK 1.50 (1.00) per share for the financial year 2019, representing a total dividend of approximately SEK 5.0 (3.3) b. The dividend is proposed to be paid in two equal installments, SEK 0.75 per share with the record date April 2, 2020, and SEK 0.75 per share with the record date October 2, 2020. The proposed payment periods aim to facilitate a more efficient cash management. The dividend reflects this year’s earnings and balance sheet structure, as well as coming years’ business plans and expected economic development.

Ericsson Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of shareholders will be held on March 31, 2020, 15.00 (CET) at Kistamässan, Kista/Stockholm, Sweden.

Annual Report

The annual report will be made public and available on the Ericsson website www.ericsson.com in the first week of March.



23 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Dividend, AGM and Annual Report

Other information

Ericsson reached a resolution on U.S. FCPA investigations

On December 7, 2019, Ericsson announced the resolution of the previously disclosed investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the Company’s compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). While the DOJ and SEC conduct separate investigations, the same facts have been shared by Ericsson with both authorities.

The resolution relates to historical FCPA breaches ending Q1 2017. While the Company had a compliance program and a supporting control framework, they were not adequately implemented. Specifically, certain employees in some markets, some of whom were executives in those markets, acted in bad faith and knowingly failed to implement sufficient controls. They were able to enter into transactions for illegitimate purposes and, together with people under their influence, used sophisticated schemes in order to hide their wrongdoing. The resolution marks the end of the FCPA-related investigations into Ericsson and its subsidiaries undertaken by the DOJ and the SEC.

The DOJ proceeding is a criminal enforcement action and the SEC proceeding is a civil enforcement action. The agencies resolve their investigation independently of one another using their own discretion and applying different standards of proof. As a result, the DOJ and SEC have come to different conclusions based on the same facts.

DOJ resolution

Ericsson has agreed to enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the DOJ to resolve criminal charges relating to violation of bribery provision of the FCPA in Djibouti. The DPA also resolves criminal charges relating to violations of the accounting provisions of the FCPA in China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Kuwait, and Vietnam. In connection with the matter in Djibouti, Ericsson’s Egyptian subsidiary pled guilty to bribery. As part of the resolution Ericsson paid a fine of USD 520,650,432.

SEC resolution

Ericsson has agreed with the SEC to the entry of a judgment to resolve claims related to allegations of violations of the accounting provisions of the FCPA in China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam and of the bribery provisions of the FCPA in Djibouti, China and Saudi Arabia. As part of the resolution, Ericsson paid financial sanction of USD 458,380,000, plus pre-judgement interest of USD 81,540,000.

As part of the settlement, Ericsson has agreed to engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years while the Company continues to undertake significant reforms to strengthen its Ethics & Compliance program.

In parallel to the investigations, the Company has since 2016, together with external expert advisors, conducted a comprehensive review of the Company’s anti-corruption program. Based on this review, Ericsson has been taking significant steps to improve its Ethics and Compliance program. Pursuant to the resolutions, Ericsson has agreed to continue enhancing its internal controls and its compliance program.



24 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Other information

Improvements to Ericsson’s Ethics and Compliance program include:

•

Additional resources for the Compliance and Investigations functions

•

Reorganizing the allegation management process to ensure a centralized, professional intake of allegations, conduct of investigations and remediation

•

Refining the risk assessment process to consist of a tiered approach and systematic risk mitigation methodology

•

Enhancing the due diligence process of third-parties, including the overall monitoring of third-party engagements

•

Introducing more sophisticated analytic tools to better identify and prevent high-risk transactions and engagements

•

Enhancing the ethics and compliance vetting process for senior leaders

•

Refreshing compliance training modules for employees, including workshops and face-to-face training for employees in exposed roles

•

Enhancing the internal anti-corruption and compliance related awareness campaigns (including the Company’s zero tolerance for corruption).

Ongoing litigation with Sol IP

In December 2018, Sol IP sued AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint in East Texas, alleging infringement of 20 patents declared essential to the LTE standard. Sol IP is a non-practicing entity. The patents originated from Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), a Korean government-funded research institution. In March 2019, Ericsson intervened in the litigation to defend its products against claims of infringement. In December 2019, Ericsson challenged the patentability of a number of the patents with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The first of several potential trials is scheduled to start in June 2020.

POST-CLOSING EVENTS

U.S. Securities class action

In April 2018, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, the present President and CEO and the Chief Financial Officer of Ericsson as well as three former executives were named defendants in a putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges violations of United States securities laws, principally in connection with service revenues and recognition of expenses on long-term service projects. In October 2018 the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. In December 2018 Ericsson filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. In January 2019 the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. Ericsson again filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On January 11, 2020 the court granted Ericsson’s motion to dismiss. At the same time the court granted plaintiffs leave to file a third amended complaint within thirty days.



25 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Other information

Risk factors

Ericsson is exposed to a number of risks in its activities. To stimulate identification and support cross-functional treatment within the Ericsson Group, risks are grouped in a number of categories, including for example risks relating to technology, IPR, compliance, project execution, operations, products and services, treasury and accounting, the geopolitical environment, M&A, cyber security and occupational health and safety.

Ericsson’s risk management is embedded into strategy development and operational processes and is a part of the Ericsson Group Management System to ensure accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, business continuity and compliance. Risks are defined in both a short-term and long-term perspective and are related to long-term objectives as per the strategic direction as well as to short-term objectives.

Risk factors and uncertainties of relevance to Ericsson are described in the Annual Report 2018. Updates to these risk factors and uncertainties observed by Ericsson that are deemed of short-term relevance include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

In December 2019, Ericsson entered into a three-year Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve criminal charges related to violations of the FCPA. In the agreement, the DOJ agrees to defer the prosecution of those charges and to have them dismissed at the end of the term in exchange for Ericsson complying with the conditions of the DPA. Conditions include a payment by Ericsson of a fine of USD 520,650,432. As part of the resolution with the DOJ, Ericsson’s Egyptian subsidiary entered a guilty plea to the bribery charge in Djibouti. Separately, Ericsson agreed to resolve civil charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to allegations of violations of the bribery and accounting provisions of the FCPA. Ericsson agreed to the entry of a judgment enjoining it from future violations of the FCPA and agreed to pay a financial sanction of USD 458,380,000, plus pre-judgment interest of USD 81,540,000. As part of the settlement, Ericsson agreed to engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years while the Company continues to undertake significant reforms to strengthen its Ethics & Compliance program.

In addition to the combined payment of USD 1.06 billion (SEK 10.1 b.), Ericsson could experience reputational harm and other negative consequences as a result of these matters. For example, customers or suppliers may reconsider their relationships with the Company, or governmental and regulatory authorities in the relevant jurisdictions or elsewhere could seek to penalize the Company or place restrictions on its operations. Harm to reputation, or any resulting disruption in customer or supplier relationships, could have a material adverse impact on Ericsson’s business.



26 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Risk factors

•

As with other companies across the world, cyberattacks are targeting Ericsson’s infrastructure, products, operations, and personnel, which requires the Company to invest in defensive countermeasures throughout the organization and in Ericsson’s supply chain. As attacks continue to increase in frequency and severity, there is no guarantee that existing protections will prevent material adverse effects on Ericsson’s business, operations, financial condition, reputation and brand.

•

Geopolitical turbulence and trade frictions, e.g. between China and the USA, and continued or increased tension in parts of the world, such as the Middle East, may continue to prevail and to increasingly be a matter to address for Ericsson and its customers. This could result in material negative impact on Ericsson’s global operations, lead to increased, unrecoverable, costs and may have a negative impact on the Company’s profitability. It may also be disruptive to Ericsson’s international supply chain and export/import activities (including component supply, manufacturing, sourcing and deliveries of products and services).

Stockholm, January 24, 2020

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

The Board of Directors

Org. no. 556016-0680

Date for next report: April 22, 2020



27 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Risk factors

Auditors’ Review Report

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed interim financial information (interim report) of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ.) as of December 31, 2019, and the twelve months period then ended. The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the interim financial report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim report based on our review.

Scope of review

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

A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing, ISA, and other generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim report is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, regarding the Group, and with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, regarding the Parent Company.

Stockholm, January 24, 2020

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Bo Hjalmarsson

Authorized Public Accountant

Auditor in Charge

Johan Engstam

Authorized Public Accountant



28 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Auditors’ Review Report

Editor’s note

Press briefing and live webcast

Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to a conference call on January 24, 2020 starting at 9:00 am CET.

Live audio webcasts of the conference call as well as supporting slides will be available at:

www.ericsson.com/investors and

www.ericsson.com/press

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

For further information, please contact:

Carl Mellander, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Phone: +46 10 713 89 70

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

media.relations@ericsson.com

Stella Medlicott, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs

Phone: +46 10 713 65 39

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

media.relations@ericsson.com

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Org. number: 556016-0680

Torshamnsgatan 21

SE-164 83 Stockholm

Phone: +46 10 719 00 00

www.ericsson.com

Investors

Peter Nyquist, Vice President,

Head of Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 714 64 99, +46 70 575 29 06

E-mail: peter.nyquist@ericsson.com

Lena Häggblom, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 713 27 78, +46 72 593 27 78

E-mail: lena.haggblom@ericsson.com

Stefan Jelvin, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 714 20 39, +46 70 986 02 27

E-mail: stefan.jelvin@ericsson.com

Rikard Tunedal, Director,

Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 714 54 00, +46 76 100 54 00

E-mail: rikard.tunedal@ericsson.com

Media

Peter Olofsson, Head of Corporate Communication

Phone: +46 10 719 18 80

E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

Corporate Communications

Phone: +46 10 719 69 92

E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com



29 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Editor’s note

Forward-looking statements

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

•

Our goals, targets, strategies, planning assumptions and operational or financial performance expectations, such as the investor day key messages and our targets and strategies as described in the introductory bullets, the CEO comments, the Segment descriptions and in Other information

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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

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

Important factors that could affect whether and to what extent any of our forward-looking statements materialize include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the section “Risk Factors”, and in “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report 2018.

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



30 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Forward-looking statements

Financial statements and other information

Contents


Financial statements			32
Consolidated income statement			32
Statement of comprehensive income (loss)			32
Consolidated balance sheet			33
Consolidated statement of cash flows			34
Consolidated statement of changes in equity			35
Consolidated income statement – isolated quarters			35
Consolidated statement of cash flows – isolated quarters			36
Parent Company income statement			37
Parent Company statement of comprehensive income (loss)			37
Parent Company balance sheet			38

Additional information			39
Accounting policies			39
Changes applied in Q1 2019			40
Changes applied in Q2 2019			41
Changes applied in Q4 2019			41
Net sales by segment by quarter			42
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency			43
Gross income (loss) and gross margin by segment by quarter			43
Operating income (loss) and operating margin by segment by quarter			44
EBITA and EBITA margin by segment by quarter			45
Net sales by market area by quarter			46
Top 5 countries in sales			47
Net sales by market area by segment			47
IPR licensing revenues by segment by quarter			48
Provisions			48
Information on investments			49
Other information			50
Number of employees			50

Items excluding restructuring charges			51
Restructuring charges by function			51
Restructuring charges by segment			51
Gross income and gross margin excluding restructuring charges by segment			52
Operating income (loss) and operating margin excluding restructuring charges by segment			53

Alternative performance measures			54
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency			54
Items excluding restructuring charges			55
EBITA and EBITA margin			56
Cash conversion			56
Gross cash and net cash, end of period			57
Capital employed			57
Capital turnover			57
Return on capital employed			58
Equity ratio			58
Return on equity			58
Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)			59
Free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A			59



31 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements and other information

Financial statements

Consolidated income statement


	Q 4									Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019			2018			Change			2019			2018			Change
Net sales		66,373			63,809			4	%		227,216			210,838			8	%
Cost of sales		-41,939			-47,430			-12	%		-142,392			-142,638			-0	%

Gross income		24,434			16,379			49	%		84,824			68,200			24	%

Gross margin (%)		36.8	%		25.7	%					37.3	%		32.3	%
Research and development expenses		-10,633			-10,665			-0	%		-38,815			-38,909			0	%
Selling and administrative expenses		-8,222			-7,685			7	%		-26,137			-27,519			-5	%
Impairment losses on trade receivables		-173			386			-145	%		737			-420			-275	%

Operating expenses		-19,028			-17,964			6	%		-64,215			-66,848			-4	%

Other operating income and expenses ¹⁾		756			-294			-357	%		-9,710			-168			—
Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies		-37			27			-237	%		-335			58			—

Operating income (loss)		6,125			-1,852			-431	%		10,564			1,242			—

Financial income and expenses, net		-71			-715			-90	%		-1,802			-2,705			-33	%

Income after financial items		6,054			-2,567			-336	%		8,762			-1,463			—

Taxes		-1,570			-3,930			-60	%		-6,922			-4,813			44	%

Net income (loss)		4,484			-6,497			-169	%		1,840			-6,276			-129	%

Net income attributable to:
Stockholders of the Parent Company		4,430			-6,553						2,223			-6,530
Non-controlling interests		54			56						-383			254
Other information
Average number of shares, basic (million)		3,313			3,296						3,306			3,291
Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK) ²⁾		1.34			-1.99						0.67			-1.98
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK) ³⁾		1.33			-1.99						0.67			-1.98

¹⁾	Includes cost provisions related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019 and a partial release of the same provision of SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019.

²⁾	Based on net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

³⁾	Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

Statement of comprehensive income (loss)


	Q 4				Jan-Dec
SEK Million	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net income (loss)		4,484		-6,497		1,840		-6,276

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements of defined benefits pension plans incl. asset ceiling		1,984		-2,950		-6,182		-2,453
Revaluation of borrowings due to change in credit risk		-197		433		-651		207
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss		-523		555		1,363		285
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedge reserve
Gains/losses arising during the period		290		—		-290		—
Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses included in profit or loss		—		—		—		—
Adjustments for amounts transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items		—		—		—		—
Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations
Fair value remeasurement		—		—		—		—
Changes in cumulative translation adjustments		-1,708		243		1,979		2,047
Share of other comprehensive income on JV and associated companies		17		-1		131		14
Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss		-59		—		60		—

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-196		-1,720		-3,590		100

Total comprehensive income		4,288		-8,217		-1,750		-6,176

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:
Stockholders of the Parent Company		4,253		-8,277		-1,403		-6,470
Non-controlling interest		35		60		-347		294



32 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Consolidated balance sheet


	Dec 31		Sep 30		Dec 31
SEK million	2019		2019		2018
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Capitalized development expenses		4,040		4,024		4,237
Goodwill		31,200		32,565		30,035
Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets		2,491		2,409		3,474
Property, plant and equipment		13,850		13,399		12,849
Right-of-use assets		8,487		8,617		—
Financial assets
Equity in JV and associated companies		1,565		1,556		611
Other investments in shares and participations		1,432		1,406		1,515
Customer finance, non-current		2,262		2,495		1,180
Interest-bearing securities, non-current		20,354		19,157		23,982
Other financial assets, non-current		5,614		6,452		6,559
Deferred tax assets		31,174		30,818		23,152

		122,469		122,898		107,594

Current assets
Inventories		30,863		36,056		29,255
Contract assets		12,171		13,004		13,178
Trade receivables		43,069		41,228		51,172
Customer finance, current		1,494		1,334		1,704
Other current receivables		14,479		16,962		20,844
Interest-bearing securities, current		6,759		5,866		6,625
Cash and cash equivalents		45,079		51,183		38,389

		153,914		165,633		161,167

Total assets		276,383		288,531		268,761

Equity and liabilities
Equity
Stockholders’ equity		82,559		78,200		86,978
Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiaries		-681		-725		792

		81,878		77,475		87,770

Non-current liabilities
Post-employment benefits		35,817		37,345		28,720
Provisions, non-current		2,679		2,308		5,471
Deferred tax liabilities		1,224		857		670
Borrowings, non-current		28,257		37,153		30,870
Lease liabilities, non-current		7,595		7,888		—
Other non-current liabilities		2,114		2,163		4,346

		77,686		87,714		70,077

Current liabilities
Provisions, current		8,244		19,699		10,537
Borrowings, current		9,439		1,622		2,255
Lease liabilities, current		2,287		2,226		—
Contract liabilities		29,041		34,499		29,348
Trade payables		30,403		30,672		29,883
Other current liabilities		37,405		34,624		38,891

		116,819		123,342		110,914

Total equity and liabilities		276,383		288,531		268,761

Assets pledged as collateral		5,901		6,049		5,681
Contingent liabilities		1,527		1,640		1,638



33 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows


	Q4				Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019		2018		2019		2018
Operating activities
Net income (loss)		4,484		-6,497		1,840		-6,276
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
Taxes		949		3,590		1,652		-1,897
Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies		33		-36		406		-23
Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses		2,290		2,469		9,089		8,318
Other		197		376		1,079		1,432

Net income reconciled to cash		7,953		-98		14,066		1,554

Changes in operating net assets
Inventories		5,200		1,689		261		-4,807
Customer finance, current and non-current		-66		-863		-858		1,085
Trade receivables and contract assets		-3,216		-7,521		10,995		-2,047
Trade payables		688		829		-372		2,436
Provisions and post-employment benefits		-10,509		7,330		-3,729		6,696
Contract liabilities		-4,413		-1,112		-1,579		-808
Other operating assets and liabilities, net		4,859		4,033		-1,911		5,233

		-7,457		4,385		2,807		7,788

Cash flow from operating activities		496		4,287		16,873		9,342

Investing activities
Investments in property, plant and equipment		-1,475		-1,080		-5,118		-3,975
Sales of property, plant and equipment		206		57		744		334
Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net		-1,341		20		-1,505		-1,285
Product development		-329		-195		-1,545		-925
Other investing activities		-74		-96		-331		-523
Interest-bearing securities		-1,759		-910		4,214		2,242

Cash flow from investing activities		-4,772		-2,204		-3,541		-4,132

Cash flow before financing activities		-4,276		2,083		13,332		5,210

Financing activities
Dividends paid		-15		-134		-4,450		-3,425
Lease liabilities		-711		—		-2,990		—
Other financing activities		834		-429		540		-652

Cash flow from financing activities		108		-563		-6,900		-4,077

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		-1,936		811		258		1,372

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		-6,104		2,331		6,690		2,505

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		51,183		36,058		38,389		35,884

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		45,079		38,389		45,079		38,389



34 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Consolidated statement of changes in equity


	Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019		2018
Opening balance¹⁾		87,770		97,571
Adjustment due to new accounting standards²⁾		-249		-983

Adjusted opening balance		87,521		96,588

Total comprehensive income (loss)		-1,750		-6,176
Sale/repurchase of own shares		197		107
Stock issue, net		—		—
Long-term variable compensation plans		377		677
Dividends paid		-4,450		-3,425
Transactions with non-controlling interests		-17		-1

Closing balance		81,878		87,770

¹⁾	Opening balance of 2018 has been restated for IFRS 15.

²⁾	Opening balance adjustment in 2019 due to IFRS 16, and in 2018 due to IFRS 9.

Consolidated income statement – isolated quarters


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Netsales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Cost of sales		-41,939			-35,587			-34,739			-30,127			-47,430			-34,180			-32,475			-28,553

Gross income		24,434			21,540			20,071			18,779			16,379			19,630			17,333			14,858

Gross margin (%)		36.8	%		37.7	%		36.6	%		38.4	%		25.7	%		36.5	%		34.8	%		34.2	%
Research and development expenses		-10,633			-9,497			-9,518			-9,167			-10,665			-9,388			-9,783			-9,073
Selling and administrative expenses		-8,222			-4,920			-6,964			-6,031			-7,685			-6,625			-7,053			-6,156
Impairment losses on trade receivables		-173			200			151			559			386			-409			-369			-28

Operating expenses		-19,028			-14,217			-16,331			-14,639			-17,964			-16,422			-17,205			-15,257

Other operating income and expenses¹⁾		756			-11,305			66			773			-294			31			11			84
Shares in earnings of JV and associated companies		-37			-214			-67			-17			27			2			26			3

Operating income (loss)		6,125			-4,196			3,739			4,896			-1,852			3,241			165			-312

Financial income and expenses, net		-71			-685			-441			-605			-715			-639			-810			-541

Income after financial items		6,054			-4,881			3,298			4,291			-2,567			2,602			-645			-853

Taxes		-1,570			-2,013			-1,451			-1,888			-3,930			146			-1,157			128

Net income (loss)		4,484			-6,894			1,847			2,403			-6,497			2,748			-1,802			-725

Net income (loss) attributable to:
Stockholders of the Parent Company		4,430			-6,229			1,705			2,317			-6,553			2,745			-1,885			-837
Non-controlling interests		54			-665			142			86			56			3			83			112
Other information
Average number of shares, basic (million)		3,313			3,308			3,304			3,300			3,296			3,293			3,290			3,286
Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK)²⁾		1.34			-1.89			0.52			0.70			-1.99			0.84			-0.58			-0.25
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK)³⁾		1.33			-1.89			0.51			0.70			-1.99			0.83			-0.58			-0.25

¹⁾	Includes cost provisions related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019 and a partial release of the same provision of SEK 0.7 b. in Q4 2019.

²⁾	Based on net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

³⁾	Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.



35 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows – isolated quarters


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Operating activities
Net income (loss)		4,484		-6,894		1,847		2,403		-6,497		2,748		-1,802		-725
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
Taxes		949		-411		310		804		3,590		-2,101		-1,071		-2,315
Earnings/dividends in JV and associated companies		33		278		71		24		-36		28		-19		4
Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses		2,290		2,199		2,274		2,326		2,469		1,893		2,065		1,891
Other		197		508		450		-76		376		348		568		140

Net income reconciled to cash		7,953		-4,320		4,952		5,481		-98		2,916		-259		-1,005

Changes in operating net assets
Inventories		5,200		1,077		-3,065		-2,951		1,689		-1,773		-1,910		-2,813
Customer finance, current and non-current		-66		-265		384		-911		-863		1,001		547		400
Trade receivables and contract assets		-3,216		6,528		3,338		4,345		-7,521		-3,503		1,661		7,316
Trade payables		688		-2,913		1,833		20		829		953		1,252		-598
Provisions and post-employment benefits		-10,509		10,719		-480		-3,459		7,330		-265		478		-847
Contract liabilities		-4,413		-3,988		-1,641		8,463		-1,112		-220		-233		757
Other operating assets and liabilities, net		4,859		151		-1,698		-5,223		4,033		2,931		-94		-1,637

		-7,457		11,309		-1,329		284		4,385		-876		1,701		2,578

Cash flow from operating activities		496		6,989		3,623		5,765		4,287		2,040		1,442		1,573

Investing activities
Investments in property, plant and equipment		-1,475		-1,231		-1,098		-1,314		-1,080		-1,088		-951		-856
Sales of property, plant and equipment		206		122		184		232		57		102		52		123
Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net		-1,341		-466		3		299		20		-425		-431		-449
Product development		-329		-313		-446		-457		-195		-151		-325		-254
Other investing activities		-74		-56		-36		-165		-96		-190		-398		161
Interest-bearing securities		-1,759		-1,114		2,414		4,673		-910		30		3,656		-534

Cash flow from investing activities		-4,772		-3,058		1,021		3,268		-2,204		-1,722		1,603		-1,809

Cash flow before financing activities		-4,276		3,931		4,644		9,033		2,083		318		3,045		-236

Financing activities
Dividends paid		-15		-141		-3,308		-986		-134		-2		-3,289		—
Lease liabilities		-711		-1,052		-623		-604		—		—		—		—
Other financing activities		834		1,396		-680		-1,010		-429		254		-383		-94
Cash flow from financing activities		108		203		-4,611		-2,600		-563		252		-3,672		-94
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		-1,936		1,550		13		631		811		-1,562		980		1,143

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		-6,104		5,684		46		7,064		2,331		-992		353		813

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		51,183		45,499		45,453		38,389		36,058		37,050		36,697		35,884

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		45,079		51,183		45,499		45,453		38,389		36,058		37,050		36,697



36 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Parent Company income statement


	Q4				Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net sales		—		—		—		—
Cost of sales		—		—		—		—
Gross income		—		—		—		—
Operating expenses		-499		-301		-1,531		-1,686
Other operating income and expenses ¹⁾		1,808		958		-8,148		2,111

Operating income		1,309		657		-9,679		425

Financial net		4,984		1,853		6,610		5,340

Income after financial items		6,293		2,510		-3,069		5,765

Transfers to (-) / from untaxed reserves		-1,961		-1,535		-1,961		-1,535
Taxes		352		220		87		-36

Net income (loss)		4,684		1,195		-4,943		4,194

¹⁾	Includes a provision of SEK -11.5 billion in Q3 2019 related to the investigation by the SEC and the DOJ.

Parent Company statement of comprehensive income (loss)


	Q4				Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net income (loss)		4,684		1,195		-4,943		4,194

Revaluation of borrowings due to change in credit risk		-197		-251		-651		91
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss		41		56		134		-19
Available-for-sale financial assets
Gains/losses arising during the period		—		—		—		—
Reclassification adjustments on gains/losses included in profit or loss		—		—		—
Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations
Fair value remeasurement		—		—		—		—
Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss		—		—		—		—

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax		-156		-195		-517		72

Total comprehensive income (loss)		4,528		1,000		-5,460		4,266



37 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

Parent Company balance sheet


	Dec 31		Dec 31
SEK million	2019		2018
Assets
Fixed assets
Intangible assets		58		139
Tangible assets		303		259
Financial assets ¹^{) 2)}		106,156		109,177

		106,517		109,575

Current assets
Inventories		—		—
Receivables ²⁾		23,166		38,760
Short-term investments		6,328		6,268
Cash and cash equivalents		29,800		27,850

		59,294		72,878

Total assets		165,811		182,453

Stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities
Equity
Restricted equity		48,164		48,164
Non-restricted equity ²⁾		32,222		40,752

		80,386		88,916

Provisions		668		86
Non-current liabilities ²⁾		28,341		62,581
Current liabilities		56,416		30,870

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities		165,811		182,453

¹⁾ Of which interest-bearing securities, non-current		20,560		23,982

²⁾	The following 2018 opening balances have been adjusted due to IFRS 9: financial assets increased by SEK 8 million, receivables decreased by SEK –4 million, non-restricted equity decreased by SEK -28 million, and non-current liabilities increased by SEK 31 million.



38 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Financial statements

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, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with that annual report, with exception for the accounting policies described below.

New standards as from January 1, 2019

One new IFRS standard IFRS 16 “Leases” and one new interpretation IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over income tax treatments” are effective as from January 1, 2019. IFRIC 23, has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

IFRS 16 – Leases

Presentation in the financial statements

The Company has implemented this standard using the cumulative catch-up method, which means that the prior periods financial statements and key ratios presented in this quarterly report have not been restated to reflect adoption of this new standard.

Based on the new requirements under IFRS 16, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities have been added as new lines in the consolidated balance sheet and lease liabilities as a new line in the statement of cash flows. The right-of-use assets and liabilities were previously reported as off-balance and repayment to lessors was reported as a part of cash flow from operating activities. Now the amortization of lease liabilities is reported as cash flow from financing activities.

Transition

The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company has applied the new standard as from January 1, 2019. At transition, the Company has applied the practical expedient under IFRS 16 to not reassess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. Therefore, the Company has applied the standard to contracts previously identified as leases, or as containing a lease under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The Company has also applied the following practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 at transition date:

•

The IAS 37 onerous lease contract measurement for the operating leases existing as per the transition date. This expedient has been applied as a substitute for the measurement of impairment for the related right-of-use assets. Impairment testing will be applied going-forward.

•

Exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-to-use asset at the date of initial recognition.

The Company has implemented the standard using the cumulative catch-up method, with the cumulative effect being adjusted to the opening retained earnings balance in equity at transition date. No restated information has been presented for previous years.

The Company has, as a lessee, recognized lease liabilities for leases previously classified as operating leases. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognized in the balance sheet at the transition date was 5.4%. Right-of-use assets have for most contracts been recognized based on the amount equal to the related lease liability. For some larger real estate contracts right-of-use assets have been recognized as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the commencement date, however, using the incremental borrowing rate as per the effective date. The asset value for these contracts is SEK 249 million lower than the related liabilities. This difference causes the reduction of equity as per transition date.

Under IAS 17 operating leases were not recognized in the balance sheet of a lessee. Future undiscounted minimum lease payments obligations were however disclosed in a note, see note C3 Leasing in the annual report of 2018, amounting to SEK 13.4 billion. The lease liabilities were as per January 1st, 2019 recognized in the balance sheet with SEK 10.4 billion. The difference is mainly related to the discounting effect of the liability. The liability is calculated as the net present value of the future payments, while the numbers disclosed according to IAS 17 was not discounted – as prescribed in IAS 17. And also, the exclusion of lease payments related to low-value assets from the balance sheet, they are instead expensed straight-line in the income statement.

Opening balance sheet impact of IFRS 16


SEK million	IFRS 16 adjustment
Right-of-use assets		8,651
Lease liabilities, current		2,195
Lease liabilities, non-current		8,203
Equity		249

In the transition the following items have been considered: Onerous contracts with SEK 767 million, straight-lining, periodization of lease costs, with SEK 721 million and other net adjustments with SEK 10 million. The tax effect on the equity posting is deemed to be immaterial. There is no impact on the income statement.



39 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

The impact of right-of-use assets increased the total asset value by approximately 3%.

Accounting policy – IFRS 16 Leases

Leasing when the Company is the lessee

The main types of assets leased by the Company are, in the order of materiality, real estate, IT-equipment and vehicles. Vehicles are mainly used under service contracts.

The Company recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities arising from all leases in the balance sheet, with some exceptions. This model reflects that, at the start of a lease, the lessee always obtains the right to use an asset for a period of time and has an obligation to pay for that right.

In the assessment of a lease contract the lease components are separated from non-lease components and the lease term is defined considering any extension or termination options.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted normally using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the liability are fixed payments, variable payments depending on an index or rate, residual values and penalties for termination of contracts.

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which equals the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received plus any initial direct costs, and restoration costs.

The Company applies the recognition exemption for short-term leases and leases for which the underlying asset is of low-value recognizing the lease payments for those leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Leasing when the Company is the lessor

Leasing contracts with the Company as lessor are classified as finance leases when the majority of risks and rewards are transferred to the lessee, and otherwise as operating leases. Under a finance lease, a receivable is recognized at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease and revenue is recognized in accordance with the revenue recognition principles. Under operating leases the equipment is recorded as property, plant and equipment and revenue as well as depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

APM impact in 2019

Lease interest expense is reported under finance costs according to IFRS 16, which is different from prior to 2019, when it was embedded in the lease expense for operating leases, either as costs of sales or operating expenses. This has had a positive impact on the APM operating margin of approximately 0.2 percentage points year-to-date, because lease interest expense is no longer a part of this measurement. The EBITA year-to-date has increased with SEK 551 million for the same reason.

The amortization of lease liabilities is reported as financing cash flows under IFRS 16 and not as operating cash flows as prior to 2019. The impact of this reclassification year-to-date in 2019 is SEK 2,989 million. The APMs free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A have been adjusted to include lease amortization. This change in definition makes free cash flow in 2019 comparable to prior years when amortization was reported as operating cash flows. The APM Cash conversion has not been adjusted and has been positively impacted. The timing of the cash flows is not impacted.

Because right-of-use assets under IFRS 16 are included in total assets the APM capital employed has increased by approximately 5%. The APM equity ratio has decreased for the same reason.

Changes applied in Q1 2019

Cash flow hedge accounting

The company has identified certain customer contracts where a fluctuation in the USD/SEK foreign exchange rate would significantly impact net sales and operating income recorded from the contracts. These contracts are multi-year contracts denominated in USD with highly probable payments at fixed points in time.

From Q1 2019, the Company has entered into FX forward contracts that match the terms of the foreign exchange exposure as closely as possible and designated these as hedging instruments.

When applying hedge accounting, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI. The gain or loss relating to an ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the Income Statement within Financial income or expenses. Upon recognition of the hedged net sales, the cumulative amount in cash flow hedge reserve is released from OCI as a reclassification adjustment and recognized in net sales.



40 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Market area reporting

As of Q1 2019, sales reported on Morocco is reported on market area Middle East and Africa (earlier Europe and Latin America). Comparative periods have been restated to reflect this change. In Q1 2019, these sales were SEK 151 (103) million. Also “Number of employees” by market area has been updated to reflect this change.

Changes applied in Q2 2019

Changes to the presentation of financial income and expenses

Due to the significant variations in SEK rates in recent months, the Company has considered the change in reporting of foreign exchange effect to reflect how foreign exchange transaction risk is managed on a net basis in the Company. Previously foreign exchange effects were reported within both Financial income and Financial expenses depending on whether they related to assets or liabilities. In the Annual Report the foreign exchange effect will be presented as a net amount, reported separately from other financial income and expenses items.

In line with this change the Company also elected to present all Financial income and expenses, including the foreign exchange effect, on the Income Statement as a single line item ‘Financial income and expenses, net’. Previously, Financial income and Financial expenses were presented as separate line items on the Income Statement. The Income Statement for Q2 2019 and all comparative periods have been restated to reflect the new presentation of ‘Financial income and expenses, net’.

Changes applied in Q4 2019

Changes to the definition free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A

In order to more accurately represent the cash flows generated by the company that can be used to expand the business, pay dividends and reduce debt, the definitions of free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A have been adjusted to include amortization of lease liabilities. Prior to 2019, these payments were included in operating cash flows. However, with the adoption of IFRS 16, amortization of lease liabilities is reported as financial cash flows. During the first three quarters of 2019, free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A were reported without adjusting the definition, which resulted in a positive impact to the measurement. These three quarters have now been restated, resulting in all periods being comparable with one another in this report.



41 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Net sales by segment by quarter


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		44,448			39,261			37,819			33,481			41,641			35,934			32,393			28,602
Of which Products		31,159			27,500			26,698			23,765			29,803			25,336			22,319			19,473
Of which Services		13,289			11,761			11,121			9,716			11,838			10,598			10,074			9,129
Digital Services		13,168			9,881			8,991			7,817			13,007			8,987			8,833			7,262
Of which Products		7,338			5,594			4,611			3,937			7,462			4,582			4,467			3,947
Of which Services		5,830			4,287			4,380			3,880			5,545			4,405			4,366			3,315
Managed Services		7,027			6,359			6,323			5,856			6,881			6,465			6,528			5,896
Emerging Business and Other		1,730			1,626			1,677			1,752			2,280			2,424			2,054			1,651

Total		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411


	2019												2018
Sequential change, percent	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		13	%		4	%		13	%		-20	%		16	%		11	%		13	%		-23	%
Of which Products		13	%		3	%		12	%		-20	%		18	%		14	%		15	%		-23	%
Of which Services		13	%		6	%		14	%		-18	%		12	%		5	%		10	%		-22	%
Digital Services		33	%		10	%		15	%		-40	%		45	%		2	%		22	%		-39	%
Of which Products		31	%		21	%		17	%		-47	%		63	%		3	%		13	%		-39	%
Of which Services		36	%		-2	%		13	%		-30	%		26	%		1	%		32	%		-38	%
Managed Services		11	%		1	%		8	%		-15	%		6	%		-1	%		11	%		-15	%
Emerging Business and Other		6	%		-3	%		-4	%		-23	%		-6	%		18	%		24	%		-21	%

Total		16	%		4	%		12	%		-23	%		19	%		8	%		15	%		-25	%


	2019												2018
Year over year change, percent	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		7	%		9	%		17	%		17	%		12	%		13	%		2	%		-10	%
Of which Products		5	%		9	%		20	%		22	%		17	%		17	%		5	%		-11	%
Of which Services		12	%		11	%		10	%		6	%		1	%		5	%		-3	%		-7	%
Digital Services		1	%		10	%		2	%		8	%		10	%		1	%		-11	%		-10	%
Of which Products		-2	%		22	%		3	%		0	%		16	%		-6	%		-17	%		-9	%
Of which Services		5	%		-3	%		0	%		17	%		3	%		8	%		-4	%		-12	%
Managed Services		2	%		-2	%		-3	%		-1	%		0	%		-2	%		-2	%		-6	%
Emerging Business and Other		-24	%		-33	%		-18	%		6	%		9	%		22	%		2	%		-7	%

Total		4	%		6	%		10	%		13	%		10	%		9	%		-1	%		-9	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		155,009			110,561			71,300			33,481			138,570			96,929			60,995			28,602
Of which Products		109,122			77,963			50,463			23,765			96,931			67,128			41,792			19,473
Of which Services		45,887			32,598			20,837			9,716			41,639			29,801			19,203			9,129
Digital Services		39,857			26,689			16,808			7,817			38,089			25,082			16,095			7,262
Of which Products		21,480			14,142			8,548			3,937			20,458			12,996			8,414			3,947
Of which Services		18,377			12,547			8,260			3,880			17,631			12,086			7,681			3,315
Managed Services		25,565			18,538			12,179			5,856			25,770			18,889			12,424			5,896
Emerging Business and Other		6,785			5,055			3,429			1,752			8,409			6,129			3,705			1,651

Total		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411


	2019												2018
Year over year change, percent	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		12	%		14	%		17	%		17	%		5	%		2	%		-4	%		-10	%
Of which Products		13	%		16	%		21	%		22	%		7	%		3	%		-3	%		-11	%
Of which Services		10	%		9	%		9	%		6	%		-1	%		-2	%		-5	%		-7	%
Digital Services		5	%		6	%		4	%		8	%		-2	%		-7	%		-11	%		-10	%
Of which Products		5	%		9	%		2	%		0	%		-3	%		-11	%		-13	%		-9	%
Of which Services		4	%		4	%		8	%		17	%		-1	%		-2	%		-8	%		-12	%
Managed Services		-1	%		-2	%		-2	%		-1	%		-3	%		-3	%		-4	%		-6	%
Emerging Business and Other		-19	%		-18	%		-7	%		6	%		7	%		6	%		-2	%		-7	%

Total		8	%		9	%		11	%		13	%		3	%		0	%		-5	%		-9	%



42 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency


	2019												2018
Isolated quarter, year over year change, percent	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		2	%		4	%		11	%		10	%		6	%		5	%		2	%		-2	%
Digital Services		-3	%		5	%		-3	%		0	%		5	%		-6	%		-12	%		-3	%
Managed Services		-1	%		-5	%		-6	%		-5	%		-5	%		-8	%		-3	%		-4	%
Emerging Business and Other ¹⁾		9	%		-7	%		24	%		38	%		1	%		11	%		1	%		-2	%

Total¹⁾		1	%		3	%		7	%		7	%		4	%		1	%		-1	%		-2	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, year over year change, percent	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		6	%		8	%		11	%		10	%		3	%		2	%		0	%		-2	%
Digital Services		-1	%		1	%		-2	%		0	%		-4	%		-7	%		-8	%		-3	%
Managed Services		-4	%		-5	%		-6	%		-5	%		-5	%		-5	%		-3	%		-4	%
Emerging Business and Other ¹⁾		14	%		15	%		30	%		38	%		3	%		3	%		-1	%		-2	%

Total ¹⁾		4	%		5	%		7	%		7	%		1	%		-1	%		-2	%		-2	%

¹⁾	Adjusted for MediaKind divestment.

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		18,265			16,327			15,670			14,455			16,626			14,835			12,565			11,127
Digital Services		4,898			3,749			3,311			2,878			-1,240			3,208			3,458			2,892
Managed Services		1,039			1,136			779			1,036			781			805			809			491
Emerging Business and Other		232			328			311			410			212			782			501			348

Total		24,434			21,540			20,071			18,779			16,379			19,630			17,333			14,858


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, as percentage of net sales	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		41.1	%		41.6	%		41.4	%		43.2	%		39.9	%		41.3	%		38.8	%		38.9	%
Digital Services		37.2	%		37.9	%		36.8	%		36.8	%		-9.5	%		35.7	%		39.1	%		39.8	%
Managed Services		14.8	%		17.9	%		12.3	%		17.7	%		11.4	%		12.5	%		12.4	%		8.3	%
Emerging Business and Other		13.4	%		20.2	%		18.5	%		23.4	%		9.3	%		32.3	%		24.4	%		21.1	%

Total		36.8	%		37.7	%		36.6	%		38.4	%		25.7	%		36.5	%		34.8	%		34.2	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		64,717			46,452			30,125			14,455			55,153			38,527			23,692			11,127
Digital Services		14,836			9,938			6,189			2,878			8,318			9,558			6,350			2,892
Managed Services		3,990			2,951			1,815			1,036			2,886			2,105			1,300			491
Emerging Business and Other		1,281			1,049			721			410			1,843			1,631			849			348

Total		84,824			60,390			38,850			18,779			68,200			51,821			32,191			14,858


	2019												2018
Year to date, as percentage of net sales	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		41.8	%		42.0	%		42.3	%		43.2	%		39.8	%		39.7	%		38.8	%		38.9	%
Digital Services		37.2	%		37.2	%		36.8	%		36.8	%		21.8	%		38.1	%		39.5	%		39.8	%
Managed Services		15.6	%		15.9	%		14.9	%		17.7	%		11.2	%		11.1	%		10.5	%		8.3	%
Emerging Business and Other		18.9	%		20.8	%		21.0	%		23.4	%		21.9	%		26.6	%		22.9	%		21.1	%

Total		37.3	%		37.5	%		37.5	%		38.4	%		32.3	%		35.2	%		34.5	%		34.2	%



43 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		6,399			7,216			5,680			5,472			6,850			5,656			3,544			3,371
Digital Services		-164			-660			-1,405			-1,798			-7,087			-1,784			-2,374			-2,607
Managed Services		292			562			203			1,252			285			409			299			100
Emerging Business and Other		-402			-11,314			-739			-30			-1,900			-1,040			-1,304			-1,176

Total		6,125			-4,196			3,739			4,896			-1,852			3,241			165			-312


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, as percentage of net sales	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		14.4	%		18.4	%		15.0	%		16.3	%		16.5	%		15.7	%		10.9	%		11.8	%
Digital Services		-1.2	%		-6.7	%		-15.6	%		-23.0	%		-54.5	%		-19.9	%		-26.9	%		-35.9	%
Managed Services		4.2	%		8.8	%		3.2	%		21.4	%		4.1	%		6.3	%		4.6	%		1.7	%
Emerging Business and Other		-23.2	%		-695.8	%		-44.1	%		-1.7	%		-83.3	%		-42.9	%		-63.5	%		-71.2	%

Total		9.2	%		-7.3	%		6.8	%		10.0	%		-2.9	%		6.0	%		0.3	%		-0.7	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		24,767			18,368			11,152			5,472			19,421			12,571			6,915			3,371
Digital Services		-4,027			-3,863			-3,203			-1,798			-13,852			-6,765			-4,981			-2,607
Managed Services		2,309			2,017			1,455			1,252			1,093			808			399			100
Emerging Business and Other		-12,485			-12,083			-769			-30			-5,420			-3,520			-2,480			-1,176

Total		10,564			4,439			8,635			4,896			1,242			3,094			-147			-312


	2019												2018
Year to date, as percentage of net sales	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		16.0	%		16.6	%		15.6	%		16.3	%		14.0	%		13.0	%		11.3	%		11.8	%
Digital Services		-10.1	%		-14.5	%		-19.1	%		-23.0	%		-36.4	%		-27.0	%		-30.9	%		-35.9	%
Managed Services		9.0	%		10.9	%		11.9	%		21.4	%		4.2	%		4.3	%		3.2	%		1.7	%
Emerging Business and Other		-184.0	%		-239.0	%		-22.4	%		-1.7	%		-64.5	%		-57.4	%		-66.9	%		-71.2	%

Total		4.6	%		2.8	%		8.3	%		10.0	%		0.6	%		2.1	%		-0.2	%		-0.7	%



44 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

EBITA and EBITA margin by segment by quarter


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		6,447			7,253			5,716			5,552			6,916			5,722			3,618			3,461
Digital Services		-23			-521			-1,268			-1,638			-6,911			-1,608			-2,204			-2,443
Managed Services		293			563			205			1,253			288			411			303			105
Emerging Business and Other		-323			-11,262			-688			43			-1,524			-940			-1,202			-1,088

Total		6,394			-3,967			3,965			5,210			-1,231			3,585			515			35


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, as percentage of net sales	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		14.5	%		18.5	%		15.1	%		16.6	%		16.6	%		15.9	%		11.2	%		12.1	%
Digital Services		-0.2	%		-5.3	%		-14.1	%		-21.0	%		-53.1	%		-17.9	%		-25.0	%		-33.6	%
Managed Services		4.2	%		8.9	%		3.2	%		21.4	%		4.2	%		6.4	%		4.6	%		1.8	%
Emerging Business and Other		-18.7	%		-692.6	%		-41.0	%		2.5	%		-66.8	%		-38.8	%		-58.5	%		-65.9	%

Total		9.6	%		-6.9	%		7.2	%		10.7	%		-1.9	%		6.7	%		1.0	%		0.1	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		24,968			18,521			11,268			5,552			19,717			12,801			7,079			3,461
Digital Services		-3,450			-3,427			-2,906			-1,638			-13,166			-6,255			-4,647			-2,443
Managed Services		2,314			2,021			1,458			1,253			1,107			819			408			105
Emerging Business and Other		-12,230			-11,907			-645			43			-4,754			-3,230			-2,290			-1,088

Total		11,602			5,208			9,175			5,210			2,904			4,135			550			35


	2019												2018
Year to date, as percentage of net sales	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		16.1	%		16.8	%		15.8	%		16.6	%		14.2	%		13.2	%		11.6	%		12.1	%
Digital Services		-8.7	%		-12.8	%		-17.3	%		-21.0	%		-34.6	%		-24.9	%		-28.9	%		-33.6	%
Managed Services		9.1	%		10.9	%		12.0	%		21.4	%		4.3	%		4.3	%		3.3	%		1.8	%
Emerging Business and Other		-180.3	%		-235.5	%		-18.8	%		2.5	%		-56.5	%		-52.7	%		-61.8	%		-65.9	%

Total		5.1	%		3.2	%		8.8	%		10.7	%		1.4	%		2.8	%		0.6	%		0.1	%



45 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Net sales by market area by quarter


	2019												2018³⁾
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
South East Asia, Oceania and India		9,231			7,432			6,965			6,148			8,244			7,985			6,981			6,379
North East Asia		9,704			6,356			6,516			3,824			8,387			5,773			4,764			3,385
North America		17,368			18,985			17,699			16,171			17,999			14,933			14,337			11,317
Europe and Latin America ¹^{) 2)}		17,489			14,308			14,085			13,124			17,909			14,697			13,999			12,958
Middle East and Africa		8,426			6,046			5,641			5,412			6,828			5,841			5,801			5,868
Other ¹^{) 2)}		4,155			4,000			3,904			4,227			4,442			4,581			3,926			3,504

Total		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411

¹⁾ Of which in Sweden		235			13			149			192			375			429			596			915
²⁾ Of which in EU		10,572			8,815			8,385			7,957			10,319			8,481			8,619			8,522

	2019												2018³⁾
Sequential change, percent	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
South East Asia, Oceania and India		24	%		7	%		13	%		-25	%		3	%		14	%		9	%		-19	%
North East Asia		53	%		-2	%		70	%		-54	%		45	%		21	%		41	%		-48	%
North America		-9	%		7	%		9	%		-10	%		21	%		4	%		27	%		-23	%
Europe and Latin America ¹^{) 2)}		22	%		2	%		7	%		-27	%		22	%		5	%		8	%		-22	%
Middle East and Africa		39	%		7	%		4	%		-21	%		17	%		1	%		-1	%		-25	%
Other ¹^{) 2)}		4	%		2	%		-8	%		-5	%		-3	%		17	%		12	%		-20	%

Total		16	%		4	%		12	%		-23	%		19	%		8	%		15	%		-25	%

¹⁾ Of which in Sweden		1708	%		-91	%		-22	%		-49	%		-13	%		-28	%		-35	%		5	%
²⁾ Of which in EU		20	%		5	%		5	%		-23	%		22	%		-2	%		1	%		-21	%

	2019												2018³⁾
Year over year change, percent	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
South East Asia, Oceania and India		12	%		-7	%		0	%		-4	%		5	%		2	%		-3	%		-24	%
North East Asia		16	%		10	%		37	%		13	%		30	%		2	%		-19	%		-39	%
North America		-4	%		27	%		23	%		43	%		23	%		21	%		11	%		-6	%
Europe and Latin America ¹^{) 2)}		-2	%		-3	%		1	%		1	%		7	%		11	%		1	%		8	%
Middle East and Africa		23	%		4	%		-3	%		-8	%		-13	%		-9	%		-5	%		6	%
Other ¹^{) 2)}		-6	%		-13	%		-1	%		21	%		2	%		19	%		-7	%		-17	%

Total		4	%		6	%		10	%		13	%		10	%		9	%		-1	%		-9	%

¹⁾ Of which in Sweden		-37	%		-97	%		-75	%		-79	%		-57	%		-35	%		-24	%		-10	%
²⁾ Of which in EU		2	%		4	%		-3	%		-7	%		-5	%		-2	%		-1	%		2	%

	2019												2018³⁾
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
South East Asia, Oceania and India		29,776			20,545			13,113			6,148			29,589			21,345			13,360			6,379
North East Asia		26,400			16,696			10,340			3,824			22,309			13,922			8,149			3,385
North America		70,223			52,855			33,870			16,171			58,586			40,587			25,654			11,317
Europe and Latin America ¹^{) 2)}		59,006			41,517			27,209			13,124			59,563			41,654			26,957			12,958
Middle East and Africa		25,525			17,099			11,053			5,412			24,338			17,510			11,669			5,868
Other^{¹) 2)}		16,286			12,131			8,131			4,227			16,453			12,011			7,430			3,504

Total		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411

¹⁾ Of which in Sweden		589			354			341			192			2,315			1,940			1,511			915
²⁾ Of which in EU		35,729			25,157			16,342			7,957			35,941			25,622			17,141			8,522

	2019												2018³⁾
Year to date, year over year change, percent	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
South East Asia, Oceania and India		1	%		-4	%		-2	%		-4	%		-6	%		-9	%		-15	%		-24	%
North East Asia		18	%		20	%		27	%		13	%		-5	%		-19	%		-29	%		-39	%
North America		20	%		30	%		32	%		43	%		13	%		9	%		3	%		-6	%
Europe and Latin America ^{¹) 2)}		-1	%		0	%		1	%		1	%		7	%		6	%		4	%		8	%
Middle East and Africa		5	%		-2	%		-5	%		-8	%		-6	%		-3	%		0	%		6	%
Other ¹) ²⁾		-1	%		1	%		9	%		21	%		-1	%		-2	%		-12	%		-17	%

Total		8	%		9	%		11	%		13	%		3	%		0	%		-5	%		-9	%

¹⁾ Of which in Sweden		-75	%		-82	%		-77	%		-79	%		-31	%		-21	%		-16	%		-10	%
²⁾ Of which in EU		-1	%		-2	%		-5	%		-7	%		-1	%		0	%		1	%		2	%

³⁾	2018 has been restated to reflect the move of Morocco from market area Europe and Latin America to Middle East and Africa. Please refer to “Changes applied in Q1 2019”.



46 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Top 5 countries in sales


	Q4						Jan-Dec
Country, percentage of net sales	2019			2018			2019			2018
United States		27	%		30	%		32	%		29	%
China		8	%		9	%		7	%		7	%
Japan		6	%		4	%		4	%		3	%
India		3	%		3	%		4	%		4	%
Australia		4	%		3	%		3	%		4	%


Net sales by market area by segment
	Q4 2019															Jan-Dec2019
SEK million	Networks			Digital Services			Managed Services			Emerging Business and Other			Total			Networks			Digital Services			Managed Services			Emerging Business and Other			Total
South East Asia, Oceania and India		6,803			1,370			1,041			17			9,231			21,850			4,033			3,836			57			29,776
North East Asia		7,342			1,940			335			87			9,704			20,339			4,857			1,026			178			26,400
North America		13,218			2,946			1,188			16			17,368			55,808			9,646			4,673			96			70,223
Europe and Latin America		9,963			4,071			3,346			109			17,489			33,884			12,571			12,149			402			59,006
Middle East and Africa		4,898			2,398			1,117			13			8,426			14,604			7,015			3,881			25			25,525
Other		2,224			443			0			1,488			4,155			8,524			1,735			0			6,027			16,286

Total		44,448			13,168			7,027			1,730			66,373			155,009			39,857			25,565			6,785			227,216

Share of Total		67	%		20	%		10	%		3	%		100	%		68	%		18	%		11	%		3	%		100	%


	Q4 2019
Sequential change, percent	Networks			Digital Services			Managed Services			Emerging Business and other			Total
South East Asia, Oceania and India		23	%		48	%		7	%		31	%		24	%
North East Asia		52	%		50	%		51	%		314	%		53	%
North America		-12	%		11	%		-2	%		-38	%		-9	%
Europe and Latin America		21	%		37	%		11	%		—			22	%
Middle East and Africa		40	%		50	%		18	%		44	%		39	%
Other		5	%		2	%		-100	%		3	%		4	%

Total		13	%		33	%		11	%		6	%		16	%


	Q4 2019															Jan-Dec 2019
Year over year change, percent	Networks			Digital Services			Managed Services			Emerging Business and other			Total			Networks			Digital Services			Managed Services			Emerging Business and other			Total
South East Asia, Oceania and India		12	%		10	%		20	%		-37	%		12	%		2	%		-16	%		13	%		43	%		1	%
North East Asia		34	%		-22	%		-13	%		383	%		16	%		28	%		0	%		-30	%		123	%		18	%
North America		-5	%		6	%		-3	%		-33	%		-4	%		20	%		15	%		27	%		—			20	%
Europe and Latin America		-3	%		-3	%		0	%		17	%		-2	%		0	%		3	%		-8	%		28	%		-1	%
Middle East and Africa		26	%		26	%		6	%		333	%		23	%		6	%		9	%		-4	%		67	%		5	%
Other		15	%		14	%		—			-30	%		-6	%		19	%		21	%		—			-23	%		-1	%

Total		7	%		1	%		2	%		-24	%		4	%		12	%		5	%		-1	%		-19	%		8	%



47 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

IPR licensing revenues by segment by quarter


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Networks		2,014		1,972		1,845		2,066		1,759		1,755		1,486		1,522
Digital Services		443		433		404		454		387		385		326		334

Total		2,457		2,405		2,249		2,520		2,146		2,140		1,812		1,856


	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Networks		7,897		5,883		3,911		2,066		6,522		4,763		3,008		1,522
Digital Services		1,734		1,291		858		454		1,432		1,045		660		334

Total		9,631		7,174		4,769		2,520		7,954		5,808		3,668		1,856

Provisions


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Opening balance		22,007		11,358		12,033		16,008		8,695		9,534		9,030		9,879
Additions ¹⁾		2,438		12,774		1,423		1,401		8,930		1,491		1,974		1,315
Utilization/Cash out ¹⁾		-12,529		-2,151		-2,084		-1,676		-1,436		-1,774		-1,486		-2,216
Of which restructuring		-143		-711		-378		-557		-656		-1,236		-832		-1,424
Reversal of excess amounts		-842		-128		-88		-125		-290		-127		-191		-117
Reclassification, translation difference and other		-151		154		74		-3,575		109		-429		207		169

Closing balance		10,923		22,007		11,358		12,033		16,008		8,695		9,534		9,030

Of which restructuring		1,095		1,099		1,743		2,059		6,438		2,960		4,029		3,524

	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Opening balance		16,008		16,008		16,008		16,008		9,879		9,879		9,879		9,879
Additions		7,172		15,598		2,824		1,401		13,710		4,780		3,289		1,315
Utilization/Cash out		-7,576		-5,911		-3,760		-1,676		-6,912		-5,476		-3,702		-2,216
Of which restructuring		-1,789		-1,646		-935		-557		-4,148		-3,492		-2,256		-1,424
Reversal of excess amounts		-1,183		-341		-213		-125		-725		-435		-308		-117
Reclassification, translation difference and other		-3,498		-3,347		-3,501		-3,575		56		-53		376		169

Closing balance		10,923		22,007		11,358		12,033		16,008		8,695		9,534		9,030

Of which restructuring		1,095		1,099		1,743		2,059		6,438		2,960		4,029		3,524

¹⁾	Includes additions of cost provisions related to the resolution of the SEC and DOJ investigations of SEK -11.5 b. in Q3 2019. Includes payment of SEK 10.1 b. to SEC and DOJ in Q4 2019.



48 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Information on investments

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


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Additions
Property, plant and equipment		1,475		1,231		1,098		1,314		1,080		1,088		951		856
Capitalized development expenses		329		313		446		457		195		151		325		254
IPR, brands and other intangible assets		1		2		—		1		27		—		1		—

Total		1,805		1,546		1,544		1,772		1,302		1,239		1,277		1,110

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses
Property, plant and equipment		1,100		1,048		919		880		965		870		1,080		928
Capitalized development expenses		256		330		449		520		884		678		635		616
Goodwill, IPR, brands and other intangible assets		269		229		226		314		620		345		350		347

Total		1,625		1,607		1,594		1,714		2,469		1,893		2,065		1,891


	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Additions
Property, plant and equipment		5,118		3,643		2,412		1,314		3,975		2,895		1,807		856
Capitalized development expenses		1,545		1,216		903		457		925		730		579		254
IPR, brands and other intangible assets		4		3		1		1		28		1		1		—

Total		6,667		4,862		3,316		1,772		4,928		3,626		2,387		1,110

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses
Property, plant and equipment		3,947		2,847		1,799		880		3,843		2,878		2,008		928
Capitalized development expenses		1,555		1,299		969		520		2,813		1,929		1,251		616
Goodwill, IPR, brands and other intangible assets		1,038		769		540		314		1,662		1,042		697		347

Total		6,540		4,915		3,308		1,714		8,318		5,849		3,956		1,891



49 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Other information


	Q4						Jan-Dec
SEK million	2019			2018			2019			2018
Number of shares and earnings per share
Number of shares, end of period (million)		3,334			3,334			3,334			3,334
Of which class A-shares (million)		262			262			262			262
Of which class B-shares (million)		3,072			3,072			3,072			3,072
Number of treasury shares, end of period (million)		20			37			20			37
Number of shares outstanding, basic, end of period (million)		3,314			3,297			3,314			3,297
Numbers of shares outstanding, diluted, end of period (million)		3,328			3,323			3,328			3,323
Average number of treasury shares (million)		22			38			28			43
Average number of shares outstanding, basic (million)		3,313			3,296			3,306			3,291
Average number of shares outstanding, diluted (million) ¹⁾		3,326			3,322			3,320			3,318
Earnings (loss) per share, basic (SEK) ²⁾		1.34			-1.99			0.67			-1.98
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (SEK) ¹⁾		1.33			-1.99			0.67			-1.98
Earnings (loss) per share (Non-IFRS), diluted (SEK) ³⁾		1.46			-0.77			1.07			0.27
Ratios
Days sales outstanding		—			—			75			91
Inventory turnover days		73			58			77			70
Payable days		66			57			77			72
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
Equity ratio (%)		—			—			29.6	%		32.7	%
Return on equity (%)		22.0	%		-28.8	%		2.6	%		-7.1	%
Return on capital employed (%)		14.9	%		-4.9	%		6.7	%		0.8	%
Capital turnover (times)		1.6			1.7			1.4			1.4
Free cash flow		-3,228			2,993			6,128			2,968
Cash conversion (%)		6.2	%		-4374.5	%		120.0	%		601.2	%
Exchange rates used in the consolidation
SEK/EUR - closing rate		—			—			10.43			10.25
SEK/USD - closing rate		—			—			9.32			8.94
Other
Market area inventory, end of period		—			—			17,530			16,505
Export sales from Sweden		39,190			38,974			120,822			109,969

¹⁾	Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share.

²⁾	Based on net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

³⁾	Excluding amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles and restructuring charges.

Number of employees


	2019								2018 ^²)
End of period	Dec 31		Sep 30		Jun 30		Mar 31		Dec 31		Sep 30		Jun 30		Mar 31
South East Asia, Oceania and India		24,559		24,322		23,942		24,051		23,959		23,607		23,516		23,623
North East Asia		13,783		13,608		13,334		13,169		12,788		12,495		12,303		12,321
North America		9,643		9,487		9,342		9,246		9,727		9,459		9,510		9,798
Europe and Latin America ¹⁾		47,135		44,150		43,846		43,833		44,522		44,594		45,643		47,437
Middle East and Africa		4,297		4,320		4,292		4,281		4,363		4,344		4,288		4,402

Total		99,417		95,887		94,756		94,580		95,359		94,499		95,260		97,581

¹⁾ Of which Sweden		12,730		12,679		12,549		12,455		12,502		12,679		13,431		13,763

²⁾	2018 has been restated to reflect the move of Morocco from market area Europe and Latin America to Middle East and Africa. Please refer to “Changes applied in Q1 2019”.



50 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Additional information

Items excluding restructuring charges

Restructuring charges by function


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Cost of sales		-218		-28		-26		-65		-4,054		-204		-937		-743
Research and development expenses		-79		-98		-49		-118		-251		-214		-502		-326
Selling and administrative expenses		-30		-21		-43		-23		-106		-134		-441		-103

Total		-327		-147		-118		-206		-4,411		-552		-1,880		-1,172


	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Cost of sales		-337		-119		-91		-65		-5,938		-1,884		-1,680		-743
Research and development expenses		-344		-265		-167		-118		-1,293		-1,042		-828		-326
Selling and administrative expenses		-117		-87		-66		-23		-784		-678		-544		-103

Total		-798		-471		-324		-206		-8,015		-3,604		-3,052		-1,172

Restructuring charges by segment


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Networks		-48		-5		-5		-10		-425		-128		-749		-479
of which cost of sales		-24		12		9		-3		-439		-63		-469		-415
of which operating expenses		-24		-17		-14		-7		14		-65		-280		-64
Digital Services		-206		-128		-93		-187		-3,545		-358		-882		-581
of which cost of sales		-125		-32		-27		-60		-3,369		-111		-303		-226
of which operating expenses		-81		-96		-66		-127		-176		-247		-579		-355
Managed Services		-42		-2		1		-2		-70		-32		-123		-51
of which cost of sales		-40		-2		3		-1		-69		-28		-103		-48
of which operating expenses		-2		0		-2		-1		-1		-4		-20		-3
Emerging Business and Other		-31		-12		-21		-7		-371		-34		-126		-61
of which cost of sales		-29		-6		-11		-1		-177		-2		-62		-54
of which operating expenses		-2		-6		-10		-6		-194		-32		-64		-7

Total		-327		-147		-118		-206		-4,411		-552		-1,880		-1,172


	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Networks		-68		-20		-15		-10		-1,781		-1,356		-1,228		-479
of which cost of sales		-6		18		6		-3		-1,386		-947		-884		-415
of which operating expenses		-62		-38		-21		-7		-395		-409		-344		-64
Digital Services		-614		-408		-280		-187		-5,366		-1,821		-1,463		-581
of which cost of sales		-244		-119		-87		-60		-4,009		-640		-529		-226
of which operating expenses		-370		-289		-193		-127		-1,357		-1,181		-934		-355
Managed Services		-45		-3		-1		-2		-276		-206		-174		-51
of which cost of sales		-40		0		2		-1		-248		-179		-151		-48
of which operating expenses		-5		-3		-3		-1		-28		-27		-23		-3
Emerging Business and Other		-71		-40		-28		-7		-592		-221		-187		-61
of which cost of sales		-47		-18		-12		-1		-295		-118		-116		-54
of which operating expenses		-24		-22		-16		-6		-297		-103		-71		-7

Total		-798		-471		-324		-206		-8,015		-3,604		-3,052		-1,172



51 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Items excluding restructuring charges

Gross income and gross margin excluding restructuring charges by segment


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		18,289			16,315			15,661			14,458			17,065			14,898			13,034			11,542
Digital Services		5,023			3,781			3,338			2,938			2,129			3,319			3,761			3,118
Managed Services		1,079			1,138			776			1,037			850			833			912			539
Emerging Business and Other		261			334			322			411			389			784			563			402

Total		24,652			21,568			20,097			18,844			20,433			19,834			18,270			15,601


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, as percentage of net sales	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		41.1	%		41.6	%		41.4	%		43.2	%		41.0	%		41.5	%		40.2	%		40.4	%
Digital Services		38.1	%		38.3	%		37.1	%		37.6	%		16.4	%		36.9	%		42.6	%		42.9	%
Managed Services		15.4	%		17.9	%		12.3	%		17.7	%		12.4	%		12.9	%		14.0	%		9.1	%
Emerging Business and Other		15.1	%		20.5	%		19.2	%		23.5	%		17.1	%		32.3	%		27.4	%		24.3	%

Total		37.1	%		37.8	%		36.7	%		38.5	%		32.0	%		36.9	%		36.7	%		35.9	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		64,723			46,434			30,119			14,458			56,539			39,474			24,576			11,542
Digital Services		15,080			10,057			6,276			2,938			12,327			10,198			6,879			3,118
Managed Services		4,030			2,951			1,813			1,037			3,134			2,284			1,451			539
Emerging Business and Other		1,328			1,067			733			411			2,138			1,749			965			402

Total		85,161			60,509			38,941			18,844			74,138			53,705			33,871			15,601


	2019												2018
Year to date, as percentage of net sales	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		41.8	%		42.0	%		42.2	%		43.2	%		40.8	%		40.7	%		40.3	%		40.4	%
Digital Services		37.8	%		37.7	%		37.3	%		37.6	%		32.4	%		40.7	%		42.7	%		42.9	%
Managed Services		15.8	%		15.9	%		14.9	%		17.7	%		12.2	%		12.1	%		11.7	%		9.1	%
Emerging Business and Other		19.6	%		21.1	%		21.4	%		23.5	%		25.4	%		28.5	%		26.0	%		24.3	%

Total		37.5	%		37.6	%		37.5	%		38.5	%		35.2	%		36.5	%		36.3	%		35.9	%



52 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Items excluding restructuring charges

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		6,447			7,221			5,685			5,482			7,275			5,784			4,293			3,850
Digital Services		42			-532			-1,312			-1,611			-3,542			-1,426			-1,492			-2,026
Managed Services		334			564			202			1,254			355			441			422			151
Emerging Business and Other		-371			-11,302			-718			-23			-1,529			-1,006			-1,178			-1,115

Total		6,452			-4,049			3,857			5,102			2,559			3,793			2,045			860


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, as percentage of net sales	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Networks		14.5	%		18.4	%		15.0	%		16.4	%		17.5	%		16.1	%		13.3	%		13.5	%
Digital Services		0.3	%		-5.4	%		-14.6	%		-20.6	%		-27.2	%		-15.9	%		-16.9	%		-27.9	%
Managed Services		4.8	%		8.9	%		3.2	%		21.4	%		5.2	%		6.8	%		6.5	%		2.6	%
Emerging Business and Other		-21.4	%		-695.1	%		-42.8	%		-1.3	%		-67.1	%		-41.5	%		-57.4	%		-67.5	%

Total		9.7	%		-7.1	%		7.0	%		10.4	%		4.0	%		7.0	%		4.1	%		2.0	%


	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		24,835			18,388			11,167			5,482			21,202			13,927			8,143			3,850
Digital Services		-3,413			-3,455			-2,923			-1,611			-8,486			-4,944			-3,518			-2,026
Managed Services		2,354			2,020			1,456			1,254			1,369			1,014			573			151
Emerging Business and Other		-12,414			-12,043			-741			-23			-4,828			-3,299			-2,293			-1,115

Total		11,362			4,910			8,959			5,102			9,257			6,698			2,905			860


	2019												2018
Year to date, as percentage of net sales	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Networks		16.0	%		16.6	%		15.7	%		16.4	%		15.3	%		14.4	%		13.4	%		13.5	%
Digital Services		-8.6	%		-12.9	%		-17.4	%		-20.6	%		-22.3	%		-19.7	%		-21.9	%		-27.9	%
Managed Services		9.2	%		10.9	%		12.0	%		21.4	%		5.3	%		5.4	%		4.6	%		2.6	%
Emerging Business and Other		-183.0	%		-238.2	%		-21.6	%		-1.3	%		-57.4	%		-53.8	%		-61.9	%		-67.5	%

Total		5.0	%		3.1	%		8.6	%		10.4	%		4.4	%		4.6	%		3.1	%		2.0	%



53 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Items excluding restructuring charges

Alternative performance measures

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

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

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

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

The implementation of IFRS 16 “Leasing” as of January 1, 2019, has had an impact on many of the APMs for 2019. For more information, see “Accounting polices” in this report. The APMs for 2018 has not changed. The definition of the APM Net cash has been clarified.

The Company has decided to change the definition of Return on capital employed (ROCE) and no longer include Financial income in the calculation from Q2 2019. The Company believes the updated definition is a better way of reflecting the underlying results of the operation of the Company. The prior periods have been restated to reflect the change.

The Company has decided to update the definitions of Free cash flow and Free cash flow excluding M&A to include the amortization of lease liabilities. The Company believes the updated definitions are a better way of reflecting the cash flows generated by the company that can be used to expand the business, pay dividends and reduce debt. The first three quarters of 2019 have been restated to reflect the change.

For additional information, see Alternative Performance Measures in the Ericsson Annual Report 2018.

Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, year over year change	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Reported net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Acquired business		-96			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Net FX impact		-2,748			-2,457			-2,538			-2,932			-3,549			-3,748			-263			3,328
Comparable net sales, excluding FX impact		63,529			54,670			52,272			45,974			60,260			50,062			49,545			46,739
Comparable quarter net sales adjusted for divested business ¹⁾		63,037			53,077			49,055			42,961			—			—			—			—
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency (% )		1	%		3	%		7	%		7	%		4	%		1	%		-1	%		-2	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, year over year change	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Reported net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
Acquired business		-96			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Net FX impact		-10,675			-7,927			-5,470			-2,932			-4,232			-683			3,065			3,328
Comparable net sales, excluding FX impact		216,445			152,916			98,246			45,974			206,606			146,346			96,284			46,739
Comparable year to date net sales adjusted for divested business¹		208,130			145,093			92,016			42,961			—			—			—			—
Sales growth adjusted for comparable units and currency (% )		4	%		5	%		7	%		7	%		1	%		-1	%		-2	%		-2	%

¹⁾	Adjusted for Media Kind divestment.



54 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Alternative performance measures

Items excluding restructuring charges

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Gross income		24,434			21,540			20,071			18,779			16,379			19,630			17,333			14,858
Net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Gross margin (%)		36.8	%		37.7	%		36.6	%		38.4	%		25.7	%		36.5	%		34.8	%		34.2	%
Gross income		24,434			21,540			20,071			18,779			16,379			19,630			17,333			14,858
Restructuring charges included in cost of sales		218			28			26			65			4,054			204			937			743
Gross income excluding restructuring charges		24,652			21,568			20,097			18,844			20,433			19,834			18,270			15,601
Net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Gross margin excluding restructuring charges (%)		37.1	%		37.8	%		36.7	%		38.5	%		32.0	%		36.9	%		36.7	%		35.9	%
Operating expenses		-19,028			-14,217			-16,331			-14,639			-17,964			-16,422			-17,205			-15,257
Restructuring charges included in R&D expenses		79			98			49			118			251			214			502			326
Restructuring charges included in selling and administrative expenses		30			21			43			23			106			134			441			103
Operating expenses excluding restructuring charges		-18,919			-14,098			-16,239			-14,498			-17,607			-16,074			-16,262			-14,828
Operating income (loss)		6,125			-4,196			3,739			4,896			-1,852			3,241			165			-312
Net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Operating margin (%)		9.2	%		-7.3	%		6.8	%		10.0	%		-2.9	%		6.0	%		0.3	%		-0.7	%
Operating income (loss)		6,125			-4,196			3,739			4,896			-1,852			3,241			165			-312
Total restructuring charges		327			147			118			206			4,411			552			1,880			1,172
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges		6,452			-4,049			3,857			5,102			2,559			3,793			2,045			860
Net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
Operating margin excluding restructuring charges (%)		9.7	%		-7.1	%		7.0	%		10.4	%		4.0	%		7.0	%		4.1	%		2.0	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Gross income		84,824			60,390			38,850			18,779			68,200			51,821			32,191			14,858
Net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
Gross margin (%)		37.3	%		37.5	%		37.5	%		38.4	%		32.3	%		35.2	%		34.5	%		34.2	%
Gross income		84,824			60,390			38,850			18,779			68,200			51,821			32,191			14,858
Restructuring charges included in cost of sales		337			119			91			65			5,938			1,884			1,680			743
Gross income excluding restructuring charges		85,161			60,509			38,941			18,844			74,138			53,705			33,871			15,601
Net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
Gross margin excluding restructuring charges (%)		37.5	%		37.6	%		37.5	%		38.5	%		35.2	%		36.5	%		36.3	%		35.9	%
Operating expenses		-64,215			-45,187			-30,970			-14,639			-66,848			-48,884			-32,462			-15,257
Restructuring charges included in R&D expenses		344			265			167			118			1,293			1,042			828			326
Restructuring charges included in selling and administrative expenses		117			87			66			23			784			678			544			103
Operating expenses excluding restructuring charges		-63,754			-44,835			-30,737			-14,498			-64,771			-47,164			-31,090			-14,828
Operating income (loss)		10,564			4,439			8,635			4,896			1,242			3,094			-147			-312
Net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
Operating margin (%)		4.6	%		2.8	%		8.3	%		10.0	%		0.6	%		2.1	%		-0.2	%		-0.7	%
Operating income (loss)		10,564			4,439			8,635			4,896			1,242			3,094			-147			-312
Total restructuring charges		798			471			324			206			8,015			3,604			3,052			1,172
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges		11,362			4,910			8,959			5,102			9,257			6,698			2,905			860
Net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
Operating margin excluding restructuring charges (%)		5.0	%		3.1	%		8.6	%		10.4	%		4.4	%		4.6	%		3.1	%		2.0	%



55 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Alternative performance measures

EBITA and EBITA margin

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Net income (loss)		4,484			-6,894			1,847			2,403			-6,497			2,748			-1,802			-725
Taxes		1,570			2,013			1,451			1,888			3,930			-146			1,157			-128
Financial income and expenses, net		71			685			441			605			715			639			810			541
Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles		269			229			226			314			621			344			350			347
EBITA		6,394			-3,967			3,965			5,210			-1,231			3,585			515			35
Net sales		66,373			57,127			54,810			48,906			63,809			53,810			49,808			43,411
EBITA margin (%)		9.6	%		-6.9	%		7.2	%		10.7	%		-1.9	%		6.7	%		1.0	%		0.1	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Net income (loss)		1,840			-2,644			4,250			2,403			-6,276			221			-2,527			-725
Taxes		6,922			5,352			3,339			1,888			4,813			883			1,029			-128
Financial income and expenses, net		1,802			1,731			1,046			605			2,705			1,990			1,351			541
Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles		1,038			769			540			314			1,662			1,041			697			347
EBITA		11,602			5,208			9,175			5,210			2,904			4,135			550			35
Net sales		227,216			160,843			103,716			48,906			210,838			147,029			93,219			43,411
EBITA margin (%)		5.1	%		3.2	%		8.8	%		10.7	%		1.4	%		2.8	%		0.6	%		0.1	%

Cash conversion

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Net income (loss)		4,484			-6,894			1,847			2,403			-6,497			2,748			-1,802			-725
Net income reconciled to cash		7,953			-4,320			4,952			5,481			-98			2,916			-259			-1,005
Cash flow from operating activities		496			6,989			3,623			5,765			4,287			2,040			1,442			1,573
Cash conversion (%)		6.2	%		-161.8	%		73.2	%		105.2	%		-4374.5	%		70.0	%		-556.8	%		-156.5	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Net income (loss)		1,840			-2,644			4,250			2,403			-6,276			221			-2,527			-725
Net income reconciled to cash		14,066			6,113			10,433			5,481			1,554			1,652			-1,264			-1,005
Cash flow from operating activities		16,873			16,377			9,388			5,765			9,342			5,055			3,015			1,573
Cash conversion (%)		120.0	%		267.9	%		90.0	%		105.2	%		601.2	%		306.0	%		-238.5	%		-156.5	%



56 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Alternative performance measures

Gross cash and net cash, end of period

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


	2019								2018
SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Cash and cash equivalents		45,079		51,183		45,498		45,453		38,389		36,058		37,049		36,697
+ Interest-bearing securities, current		6,759		5,866		6,367		3,183		6,625		6,591		8,304		5,453
+ Interest-bearing securities, non-current		20,354		19,157		17,091		23,022		23,982		23,014		21,501		27,104
Gross cash, end of period		72,192		76,206		68,956		71,658		68,996		65,663		66,854		69,254
-Borrowings, current		9,439		1,622		2,160		3,015		2,255		2,463		2,642		2,554
-Borrowings, non-current		28,257		37,153		33,040		32,533		30,870		31,187		31,131		31,134
Net cash, end of period		34,496		37,431		33,756		36,110		35,871		32,013		33,081		35,566

Capital employed

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


	2019								2018
SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Total assets		276,383		288,531		280,447		283,958		268,761		264,848		265,322		260,681

Non-interest-bearing provisions and liabilities
Provisions, non-current		2,679		2,308		2,646		2,670		5,471		3,420		2,819		2,597
Deferred tax liabilities		1,224		857		1,178		792		670		1,274		1,332		1,325
Other non-current liabilities		2,114		2,163		2,160		2,118		4,346		4,456		4,549		2,792
Provisions, current		8,244		19,699		8,712		9,363		10,537		5,275		6,715		6,435
Contract liabilities		29,041		34,499		37,264		38,605		29,348		30,108		30,959		30,391
Trade payables		30,403		30,672		31,388		30,842		29,883		28,914		28,563		26,453
Other current liabilities		37,405		34,624		33,351		38,528		38,891		36,323		35,746		37,888
Capital employed		165,273		163,709		163,748		161,040		149,615		155,078		154,639		152,800

Capital turnover

Annualized net sales divided by average capital employed.


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Net sales		66,373		57,127		54,810		48,906		63,809		53,810		49,808		43,411
Annualized net sales		265,492		228,508		219,240		195,624		255,236		215,240		199,232		173,644
Average capital employed
Capital employed at beginning of period		163,709		163,748		161,040		149,615		155,078		154,639		152,800		155,625
Capital employed at end of period		165,273		163,709		163,748		161,040		149,615		155,078		154,639		152,800
Average capital employed		164,491		163,729		162,394		155,328		152,347		154,859		153,720		154,213
Capital turnover (times)		1.6		1.4		1.4		1.3		1.7		1.4		1.3		1.1

	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Net sales		227,216		160,843		103,716		48,906		210,838		147,029		93,219		43,411
Annualized net sales		227,216		214,457		207,432		195,624		210,838		196,039		186,438		173,644
Average capital employed
Capital employed at beginning of period		149,615		149,615		149,615		149,615		155,625		155,625		155,625		155,625
Capital employed at end of period		165,273		163,709		163,748		161,040		149,615		155,078		154,639		152,800
Average capital employed		157,444		156,662		156,682		155,328		152,620		155,352		155,132		154,213
Capital turnover (times)		1.4		1.4		1.3		1.3		1.4		1.3		1.2		1.1



57 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Alternative performance measures

Return on capital employed

The annualized total of operating income (loss) as a percentage of average capital employed. The definition is updated. Refer to the clarification provided at the beginning of the APM section.


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Operating income (loss)		6,125			-4,196			3,739			4,896			-1,852			3,241			165			-312
Annualized operating income (loss)		24,500			-16,784			14,956			19,584			-7,408			12,964			660			-1,248
Average capital employed
Capital employed at beginning of period		163,709			163,748			161,040			149,615			155,078			154,639			152,800			155,625
Capital employed at end of period		165,273			163,709			163,748			161,040			149,615			155,078			154,639			152,800
Average capital employed		164,491			163,729			162,394			155,328			152,347			154,859			153,720			154,213
Return on capital employed (%)		14.9	%		-10.3	%		9.2	%		12.6	%		-4.9	%		8.4	%		0.4	%		-0.8	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Operating income (loss)		10,564			4,439			8,635			4,896			1,242			3,094			-147			-312
Annualized operating income (loss)		10,564			5,919			17,270			19,584			1,242			4,125			-294			-1,248
Average capital employed
Capital employed at beginning of period		149,615			149,615			149,615			149,615			155,625			155,625			155,625			155,625
Capital employed at end of period		165,273			163,709			163,748			161,040			149,615			155,078			154,639			152,800
Average capital employed		157,444			156,662			156,682			155,328			152,620			155,352			155,132			154,213
Return on capital employed (%)		6.7	%		3.8	%		11.0	%		12.6	%		0.8	%		2.7	%		-0.2	%		-0.8	%

Equity ratio

Equity expressed as a percentage of total assets.


	2019												2018
SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Total equity		81,878			77,475			84,533			84,532			87,770			95,953			93,560			93,466
Total assets		276,383			288,531			280,447			283,958			268,761			264,848			265,322			260,681
Equity ratio (%)		29.6	%		26.9	%		30.1	%		29.8	%		32.7	%		36.2	%		35.3	%		35.9	%

Return on equity

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


	2019												2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1			Q4			Q3			Q2			Q1
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company		4,430			-6,229			1,705			2,317			-6,553			2,745			-1,885			-837
Annualized		17,720			-24,916			6,820			9,268			-26,212			10,980			-7,540			-3,348
Average stockholders’equity
Stockholders’ equity, beginning of period		78,200			84,488			84,619			86,978			95,087			92,689			92,703			95,952
Stockholders’ equity, end of period		82,559			78,200			84,488			84,619			86,978			95,087			92,689			92,703
Average stockholders’ equity		80,380			81,344			84,554			85,799			91,033			93,888			92,696			94,328
Return on equity (%)		22.0	%		-30.6	%		8.1	%		10.8	%		-28.8	%		11.7	%		-8.1	%		-3.5	%

	2019												2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar			Jan-Dec			Jan-Sep			Jan-Jun			Jan-Mar
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company		2,223			-2,207			4,022			2,317			-6,530			23			-2,722			-837
Annualized		2,223			-2,943			8,044			9,268			-6,530			31			-5,444			-3,348
Average stockholders’equity
Stockholders’ equity, beginning of period		86,978			86,978			86,978			86,978			95,952			95,952			95,952			95,952
Stockholders’ equity, end of period		82,559			78,200			84,488			84,619			86,978			95,087			92,689			92,703
Average stockholders’ equity		84,769			82,589			85,733			85,799			91,465			95,520			94,321			94,328
Return on equity (%)		2.6	%		-3.6	%		9.4	%		10.8	%		-7.1	%		0.0	%		-5.8	%		-3.5	%



58 Ericsson \| Fourth quarter and full-year report 2019		Alternative performance measures

Earnings (loss) per share (non-IFRS)

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


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted		1.33		-1.89		0.51		0.70		-1.99		0.83		-0.58		-0.25
Restructuring charges		0.07		0.04		0.02		0.05		1.06		0.12		0.41		0.30
Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles		0.06		0.05		0.06		0.05		0.16		0.08		0.08		0.06
Earnings (loss) per share (non-IRFS)		1.46		-1.80		0.59		0.80		-0.77		1.03		-0.09		0.11

	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted		0.67		-0.67		1.21		0.70		-1.98		0.01		-0.83		-0.25
Restructuring charges		0.18		0.11		0.07		0.05		1.88		0.82		0.71		0.30
Amortization and write-downs of acquired intangibles		0.22		0.16		0.11		0.05		0.37		0.21		0.14		0.06
Earnings (loss) per share (non-IRFS)		1.07		-0.40		1.39		0.80		0.27		1.04		0.02		0.11

Free cash flow and free cash flow excluding M&A

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

The definition is updated. Refer to the clarification provided at the beginning of the APM section.


	2019								2018
Isolated quarters, SEK million	Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1
Cash flow from operating activities		496		6,989		3,623		5,765		4,287		2,040		1,442		1,573
Net capital expenditures and other investments (excluding M&A)
Investments in property, plant and equipment		-1,475		-1,231		-1,098		-1,314		-1,080		-1,088		-951		-856
Sales of property, plant and equipment		206		122		184		232		57		102		52		123
Product development		-329		-313		-446		-457		-195		-151		-325		-254
Other investing activities		-74		-56		-36		-165		-96		-190		-398		161
Lease liabilities		-711		-1,052		-623		-604		—		—		—		—
Free cash flow excluding M&A		-1,887		4,459		1,604		3,457		2,973		713		-180		747
Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net		-1,341		-466		3		299		20		-425		-431		-449
Free cash flow		-3,228		3,993		1,607		3,756		2,993		288		-611		298

	2019								2018
Year to date, SEK million	Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar		Jan-Dec		Jan-Sep		Jan-Jun		Jan-Mar
Cash flow from operating activities		16,873		16,377		9,388		5,765		9,342		5,055		3,015		1,573
Net capital expenditures and other investments (excluding M&A)
Investments in property, plant and equipment		-5,118		-3,643		-2,412		-1,314		-3,975		-2,895		-1,807		-856
Sales of property, plant and equipment		744		538		416		232		334		277		175		123
Product development		-1,545		-1,216		-903		-457		-925		-730		-579		-254
Other investing activities		-331		-257		-201		-165		-523		-427		-237		161
Lease liabilities		-2,990		-2,279		-1,227		-604		—		—		—		—
Free cash flow excluding M&A		7,633		9,520		5,061		3,457		4,253		1,280		567		747
Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations, net		-1,505		-164		302		299		-1,285		-1,305		-880		-449
Free cash flow		6,128		9,356		5,363		3,756		2,968		-25		-313		298