Ericsson reports continued solid performance
July 20, 2007, 07:29 (CET)
[Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Swedish Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 07.30 CET, on July 20, 2007.]
Net sales SEK 47.6 (44.0) b. in the quarter, up 8%, SEK 89.8 (83.2) b. first six months 1)
Operating income SEK 9.3 (8.3) b. in the quarter, up 12%, SEK 17.4 (14.9) b. first six months
Operating margin 19.4% (18.4%) in the quarter, 19.4% (17.6%) first six months
Cash flow from operations SEK 4.2 (0.2) b. in the quarter, SEK 8.8 (2.6) b. first six months
Net income SEK 6.4 (5.7) b. in the quarter, up 12%, SEK 12.2 (10.3) b. first six months 2)
Earnings per share SEK 0.40 (0.36) in the quarter, up 11%, SEK 0.77 (0.65) first six months 2)
CEO COMMENTS
"We continue to outpace the market," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). "Sales showed an encouraging year-over-year increase this quarter, primarily driven by Asia Pacific. Europe, Middle East and Africa were softer while we see improving trends in the Americas. Margins were stable with improved cash generation.
The total number of mobile subscriptions has now reached three billion, a milestone for our industry. GSM shipments reach new record levels every quarter and we continue to see growing demand for mobile and fixed broadband. We see dramatic data traffic increases in the HSPA networks that we monitor.
We have strengthened our position through the recent acquisitions, and the announced IP broadband agreement with AT&T was a breakthrough in the North American market, confirming our strong offering in next-generation networks.
Our services business continues to expand faster than the market and several managed services contracts will start to be revenue generating in coming quarters. We are in a start-up phase in multimedia, where sales and margins will vary. Tandberg Television is now part of our group and will add significant strength. On the handset side, Sony Ericsson had another quarter of strong performance and market share increase.
In the ongoing industry consolidation we are expanding our footprint in mobile as well as fixed communications. Our scale advantage from over 40% market share in GSM and WCDMA is obvious and enables technology leading and affordable solutions to an expanding and increasingly demanding market," concluded Carl-Henric Svanberg.
The second quarter year-over-year sales increase of 8% was driven by organic growth and acquired sales. Organic growth amounted to 6%. The USD has continued to weaken and affected sales growth negatively.
Gross margin was stable sequentially and up 0.4%-points year-over-year. The operating margin increased sequentially, excluding Sony Ericsson, as a result of increased sales and continued focus on operational excellence, including a completed streamlining of the former Marconi operations. Sony Ericsson's pre-tax profit was down sequentially but was flat when adjusted for increased royalty fees to the parent companies.
Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 4.2 (0.2) b., a year-over-year improvement.
Deferred tax assets decreased in the quarter by SEK 1.4 b. to SEK 12.7 (14.1) b.
Working capital increased by SEK 7.8 b. in the quarter. This increase reflects the continued growth of turnkey projects in emerging markets.
During the quarter, approximately SEK 1.3 b. of provisions was utilized to cover costs incurred of which the majority was related to previously announced restructuring programs and ongoing product related commitments. New net provisions of SEK 0.1 b. have been made in the quarter.
Networks
The 7% year-over-year sales increase in Networks was driven by a 6% growth in mobile systems. Operating margin increased sequentially due to higher volumes and tight cost control. Fixed networks showed even higher growth, also excluding the acquisition of Redback. The supply chain restructuring of optical transmission is done, which completes the integration of former Marconi products.
The demand for GSM continues with new delivery records and during the quarter Ericsson delivered its millionth GSM base station. Growth is primarily driven by new network deployments and capacity expansions in high-growth markets. Basically all WCDMA network rollouts are HSPA-enabled. Upgrades are ongoing in previously deployed WCDMA networks, laying the foundation for the accelerated migration to mobile broadband.
The combination of Redback and Ericsson's global sales organization is generating considerable business opportunities and several new contracts have been announced. We have completed the first critical integration phase, including leveraging Ericsson's supply chain capabilities, and we are now entering the next phase, which includes the alignment of sales channels.
Professional Services
Sales in Professional Services grew by 11% year-over-year and continue to outpace the market. Growth in local currencies amounted to 14%. Growth was slower in network design and systems integration. The high activity level in previous quarters has now translated into increased network rollout activities, reported in Networks. Operating margin was stable.
Managed services grew by 21%, or 24% in local currencies, and recent key wins confirm our strong lead. A new agreement with Oi in Brazil, as well as earlier announced agreements with Orange in the Netherlands and Belgium, Vodafone and KPN in the Netherlands, and the European-wide spare part contract with Vodafone, will start to contribute to sales in the third quarter. Ericsson is managing networks that together serve more than 135 million subscribers worldwide.
Multimedia
Growth was 6% year-over-year. We continue to build a strong position in this growing business segment. As previously indicated, Multimedia sales will vary between quarters. Sales, excluding Tandberg Television, were down sequentially, affected by timing of completion of several larger revenue management projects. Operating margin was negatively affected as a result.
During the quarter, Mobeon and Drutt were acquired and a public offer was made for LHS, a world leader in post-paid billing systems. Tandberg Television is consolidated from May 2007. During the quarter, Tandberg secured new contracts from broadcasters and operators who are launching IPTV, HDTV and on-demand interactive video services.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
For information on transactions with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, please see Financial statements and Additional information.
Sony Ericsson continued to show profitable growth and market share gains. The company continued to strengthen its product line by announcing a large number of new products across a variety of price points, including the K850, a HSPA, 5 mega-pixel, flag-ship, Cyber-shot phone, and the W960, a high-end Walkman phone with 8 GB of on-board storage.
Sony Ericsson is building premium positions also in the low- and mid-tier segments. The volumes increased faster in these segments, resulting in a decline in average selling price. The underlying gross margin, when adjusted for increased parent company royalties, was stable.
Ericsson's share in Sony Ericsson's income before tax was SEK 1.5 (1.0) b. in the quarter.
The market in Western Europe was soft. This development is primarily a result of ongoing operator consolidation in Italy and shared networks discussions in UK, putting investment decisions on temporary hold.
A 3G/HSPA contract was signed with Vodafone Spain. Other significant contracts were announced with Telefónica Deutschland and Wind in Italy. New managed services contracts were announced with Vodafone and KPN in the Netherlands.
In Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, the high business activity continues, but the large new network rollouts and expansion projects create sales fluctuations between quarters. A number of new contracts have been awarded in the quarter, especially in the Middle East, and major rollouts continue in sub-Sahara. GSM sales to Russia are lower while 3G preparations are ongoing.
Asia Pacific's sales development was very strong and primarily driven by continued expansions in China, India, Bangladesh, Japan and South East Asia. A USD 1 billion GSM expansion agreement with China Mobile was signed. New GSM business with Orascom in Bangladesh was awarded. A USD 2 billion contract, Ericsson's largest to date, has been signed with Bharti Airtel for GSM/EDGE network infrastructure.
Latin America is recovering as expected. Sales during the quarter were mainly driven by GSM rollouts and expansions in most markets, however, Brazil and Mexico are still slow. 3G rollouts are accelerating throughout the region.
In North America, the sales gap versus last year is closing. HSPA is now available in more than 165 AT&T markets, the demand is strong and rollout continues. During the quarter, an agreement was reached with AT&T for their "U-verse" IP broadband rollout. This was a breakthrough for Ericsson in next-generation networks and a vote of confidence in our expanded product portfolio and capabilities.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Growth rates based on Ericsson and market estimates.
Fixed and mobile traffic accelerates due to increased coverage, usage and new multimedia services. Operator investments in infrastructure equipment over the long-term should continue to grow along historical trends of mid- to high-single digits. Infrastructure investments vary over time and between regions depending on regulatory developments, license awards and new technology deployments.
Mobile subscriptions grew with some 140 million in the quarter to 3 billion, ahead of previous estimates. 2.6 billion are GSM/WCDMA subscriptions. 135 million are WCDMA subscriptions, growing by 17 million in the quarter. There are 164 WCDMA networks in 73 countries, of which 117 are upgraded to HSPA services.
Data traffic in mobile networks accelerates and HSPA has generated a dramatic step up in data traffic. In networks we monitor data traffic has doubled the last six months.
In the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007, fixed broadband connections grew by 17 million per quarter, to a total of approximately 300 million.
Growth both within the mobile systems market and the fixed infrastructure market in the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007 is estimated to have been mid-single digit. IP broadband and optical transmission related products showed the strongest development.
The telecom services market in the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007, is estimated to have shown good growth with managed services being the fastest growing area. Within the emerging multimedia market, growth has accelerated but with large variations between different market segments.
MARKET OUTLOOK FOR MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
All estimates are measured in USD and refer to market growth compared to previous year.
For 2007 we continue to believe that the GSM/WCDMA track within the global mobile systems market, measured in USD, will continue to show mid-single digit growth.
We also continue to believe that the addressable market for professional services is expected to show good growth in 2007.
With our technology leadership and global presence we are well positioned to take advantage of these market opportunities.
PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
In accordance with new Swedish reporting requirements for listed companies, effective July 1, 2007, additional information for the parent company is to be included in the six- and twelve-month period reports.
Net sales for the six-month period amounted to SEK 1.7 (1.3) b. and income after financial items was SEK 8.3 (6.6) b. Patent license fees have been included in net sales from 2007, instead of in other operating revenues, and 2006 has been restated accordingly.
Major changes in the Parent Company's financial position for the six-month period include: increased investments in subsidiaries of SEK 27.6 b., mostly attributable to the Tandberg, Redback and Entrisphere acquisitions and the future acquisition of LHS; decreased other current receivables of SEK 3.2 b.; decreased cash and bank and short-term investments of SEK 17.4 b., mainly related to the acquisitions mentioned, payment of dividend for 2006 of SEK 7.9 b. to shareholders and cash from new non-current borrowings; increased notes and bond loans by SEK 11.1 b. through a new bond issue program; current and non-current liabilities to subsidiaries decreased by SEK 7.6 b.
As per June 30, 2007, cash and bank and short-term investments amounted to SEK 36.6 (54.0) b.
Major transactions and balances with related parties include the following with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications: revenues of SEK 1,214 (448) m.; liabilities of SEK 933 (1) m.; dividend of SEK 2,561 (1,160) m.
In accordance with the conditions of the Stock Purchase Plans and Option Plans for Ericsson employees, 4,059,795 shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the second quarter. The holding of treasury stock at June 30, 2007 was 242,579,010 Class B shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
Extraordinary General Meeting
At the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on June 28, the EGM resolved to implement a long-term variable compensation program 2007 (LTV 2007). The LTV 2007 is based on the same principles as the long-term incentive plan 2006 and covers all employees through three different programs.
Acquisitions and public offerings
On June 5, Ericsson announced a voluntary public cash offer to acquire LHS AG for approximately EUR 310 m. The company employs around 550 people and has its headquarters in Frankfurt. Sales amounted to EUR 71.6 m. in 2006 with strong sales momentum.
On June 27, the acquisition of Drutt Corporation was closed. Drutt is a leading provider of service delivery platform solutions with operations in Sweden, China, Canada and Mexico and employs around 85 people.
Credit rating
On May 14, Moody's Investors Service upgraded Ericsson's long-term debt ratings to Baa1 from Baa2 and affirmed the Company's Prime 2 short-term debt ratings. According to Moody's, the upgrade was based on Ericsson's growing track record of robust profitability and very conservative financial structure.
On June 15, Standard & Poor's upgraded Ericsson's credit rating two notches to BBB+/A-2 from BBB-/A-3. The upgrade is predicated on Standard & Poor's expectations that Ericsson will continue to benefit significantly from the expansion of the global mobile systems market, thanks to its leading market positions in key second and third generation mobile network systems technologies and its low cost breakeven point. Standard & Poor's said that the rating reflects Ericsson's remarkably strong capital structure and liquidity position.
Funding program
In the quarter, Ericsson completed a multi-currency bond issue program of SEK 11.1 b. The proceeds of the offering are mainly intended for the re-financing of existing loans.
On July 16, Ericsson signed a new seven-year USD 2 b. committed back-up facility with its core group of banks, which replaces the existing USD 1 b. five-year back-up facility.
New information sections
In accordance with new Swedish reporting requirements for listed companies, effective July 1, 2007, two additional sections have been added to the report for the six-month period; Assessment of risk environment and Board assurance. The full Board is also required to sign the six-month interim report. The same requirements apply to the report for the twelve-month period.
Assessment of risk environment
We have reviewed Ericsson's operational and financial risk factors and exposures as described under "Risk factors" in our 2006 Annual Report and have determined that the risk environment has not materially changed. However, the increased activities related to the new Multimedia segment may result in a more volatile quarterly sales pattern. Specific additional risks for the near term are associated with the acquisitions made during 2007, as a timely and effective integration of these is essential to make them accretive as planned.
Risk factors and exposures in focus for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group for the forthcoming six-month period include: changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular a continued weakness or further deterioration of the USD/SEK rate; increases in interest rates and the potential effect on our customers' willingness to invest in network development; effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our customers as well as between our largest competitors; an increased volume of turn-key projects, which may result in working capital build-up which in turn puts pressure on our cash conversion rate.
Ericsson conducts business in certain countries subject to trade restrictions or which are focused on by certain investors. We stringently follow all relevant regulations and trade embargos applicable to us in our dealings with customers operating in such countries. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group level policies and directives for ethics and conduct. In no way should our business activities in these countries be construed as supporting a particular political agenda or regime. We have activities in such countries mainly due to certain customers with multi-country operations puts demands on us to support them in all of their markets.
Please further refer to Ericsson's Annual report 2006 to learn more about our risks and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate the risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes which remains valid also for 2007.
BOARD ASSURANCE
The Board of Directors and the CEO certify that the half-yearly financial report gives a fair review of the performance of the business, position and profit or loss of the Company and the Group, and describes the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company and the companies in the Group face.
Stockholm, July 20, 2007
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. Nr. 556016-0680
REVIEW REPORT
We have reviewed this report for the period January 1 to June 30, 2007, for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial information based on our review.
We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements SÖG 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity, issued by FAR. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Standards on Auditing in Sweden, RS, and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim financial information is not, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act.
Stockholm, July 20, 2007
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Bo Hjalmarsson Peter Clemedtson
Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant
Lead partner
Date for next report: October 25, 2007
[Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Swedish Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 07.30 CET, on July 20, 2007.]
Net sales SEK 47.6 (44.0) b. in the quarter, up 8%, SEK 89.8 (83.2) b. first six months 1)
Operating income SEK 9.3 (8.3) b. in the quarter, up 12%, SEK 17.4 (14.9) b. first six months
Operating margin 19.4% (18.4%) in the quarter, 19.4% (17.6%) first six months
Cash flow from operations SEK 4.2 (0.2) b. in the quarter, SEK 8.8 (2.6) b. first six months
Net income SEK 6.4 (5.7) b. in the quarter, up 12%, SEK 12.2 (10.3) b. first six months 2)
Earnings per share SEK 0.40 (0.36) in the quarter, up 11%, SEK 0.77 (0.65) first six months 2)
CEO COMMENTS
"We continue to outpace the market," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). "Sales showed an encouraging year-over-year increase this quarter, primarily driven by Asia Pacific. Europe, Middle East and Africa were softer while we see improving trends in the Americas. Margins were stable with improved cash generation.
The total number of mobile subscriptions has now reached three billion, a milestone for our industry. GSM shipments reach new record levels every quarter and we continue to see growing demand for mobile and fixed broadband. We see dramatic data traffic increases in the HSPA networks that we monitor.
We have strengthened our position through the recent acquisitions, and the announced IP broadband agreement with AT&T was a breakthrough in the North American market, confirming our strong offering in next-generation networks.
Our services business continues to expand faster than the market and several managed services contracts will start to be revenue generating in coming quarters. We are in a start-up phase in multimedia, where sales and margins will vary. Tandberg Television is now part of our group and will add significant strength. On the handset side, Sony Ericsson had another quarter of strong performance and market share increase.
In the ongoing industry consolidation we are expanding our footprint in mobile as well as fixed communications. Our scale advantage from over 40% market share in GSM and WCDMA is obvious and enables technology leading and affordable solutions to an expanding and increasingly demanding market," concluded Carl-Henric Svanberg.
The second quarter year-over-year sales increase of 8% was driven by organic growth and acquired sales. Organic growth amounted to 6%. The USD has continued to weaken and affected sales growth negatively.
Gross margin was stable sequentially and up 0.4%-points year-over-year. The operating margin increased sequentially, excluding Sony Ericsson, as a result of increased sales and continued focus on operational excellence, including a completed streamlining of the former Marconi operations. Sony Ericsson's pre-tax profit was down sequentially but was flat when adjusted for increased royalty fees to the parent companies.
Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 4.2 (0.2) b., a year-over-year improvement.
Deferred tax assets decreased in the quarter by SEK 1.4 b. to SEK 12.7 (14.1) b.
Working capital increased by SEK 7.8 b. in the quarter. This increase reflects the continued growth of turnkey projects in emerging markets.
During the quarter, approximately SEK 1.3 b. of provisions was utilized to cover costs incurred of which the majority was related to previously announced restructuring programs and ongoing product related commitments. New net provisions of SEK 0.1 b. have been made in the quarter.
Networks
The 7% year-over-year sales increase in Networks was driven by a 6% growth in mobile systems. Operating margin increased sequentially due to higher volumes and tight cost control. Fixed networks showed even higher growth, also excluding the acquisition of Redback. The supply chain restructuring of optical transmission is done, which completes the integration of former Marconi products.
The demand for GSM continues with new delivery records and during the quarter Ericsson delivered its millionth GSM base station. Growth is primarily driven by new network deployments and capacity expansions in high-growth markets. Basically all WCDMA network rollouts are HSPA-enabled. Upgrades are ongoing in previously deployed WCDMA networks, laying the foundation for the accelerated migration to mobile broadband.
The combination of Redback and Ericsson's global sales organization is generating considerable business opportunities and several new contracts have been announced. We have completed the first critical integration phase, including leveraging Ericsson's supply chain capabilities, and we are now entering the next phase, which includes the alignment of sales channels.
Professional Services
Sales in Professional Services grew by 11% year-over-year and continue to outpace the market. Growth in local currencies amounted to 14%. Growth was slower in network design and systems integration. The high activity level in previous quarters has now translated into increased network rollout activities, reported in Networks. Operating margin was stable.
Managed services grew by 21%, or 24% in local currencies, and recent key wins confirm our strong lead. A new agreement with Oi in Brazil, as well as earlier announced agreements with Orange in the Netherlands and Belgium, Vodafone and KPN in the Netherlands, and the European-wide spare part contract with Vodafone, will start to contribute to sales in the third quarter. Ericsson is managing networks that together serve more than 135 million subscribers worldwide.
Multimedia
Growth was 6% year-over-year. We continue to build a strong position in this growing business segment. As previously indicated, Multimedia sales will vary between quarters. Sales, excluding Tandberg Television, were down sequentially, affected by timing of completion of several larger revenue management projects. Operating margin was negatively affected as a result.
During the quarter, Mobeon and Drutt were acquired and a public offer was made for LHS, a world leader in post-paid billing systems. Tandberg Television is consolidated from May 2007. During the quarter, Tandberg secured new contracts from broadcasters and operators who are launching IPTV, HDTV and on-demand interactive video services.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
For information on transactions with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, please see Financial statements and Additional information.
Sony Ericsson continued to show profitable growth and market share gains. The company continued to strengthen its product line by announcing a large number of new products across a variety of price points, including the K850, a HSPA, 5 mega-pixel, flag-ship, Cyber-shot phone, and the W960, a high-end Walkman phone with 8 GB of on-board storage.
Sony Ericsson is building premium positions also in the low- and mid-tier segments. The volumes increased faster in these segments, resulting in a decline in average selling price. The underlying gross margin, when adjusted for increased parent company royalties, was stable.
Ericsson's share in Sony Ericsson's income before tax was SEK 1.5 (1.0) b. in the quarter.
The market in Western Europe was soft. This development is primarily a result of ongoing operator consolidation in Italy and shared networks discussions in UK, putting investment decisions on temporary hold.
A 3G/HSPA contract was signed with Vodafone Spain. Other significant contracts were announced with Telefónica Deutschland and Wind in Italy. New managed services contracts were announced with Vodafone and KPN in the Netherlands.
In Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, the high business activity continues, but the large new network rollouts and expansion projects create sales fluctuations between quarters. A number of new contracts have been awarded in the quarter, especially in the Middle East, and major rollouts continue in sub-Sahara. GSM sales to Russia are lower while 3G preparations are ongoing.
Asia Pacific's sales development was very strong and primarily driven by continued expansions in China, India, Bangladesh, Japan and South East Asia. A USD 1 billion GSM expansion agreement with China Mobile was signed. New GSM business with Orascom in Bangladesh was awarded. A USD 2 billion contract, Ericsson's largest to date, has been signed with Bharti Airtel for GSM/EDGE network infrastructure.
Latin America is recovering as expected. Sales during the quarter were mainly driven by GSM rollouts and expansions in most markets, however, Brazil and Mexico are still slow. 3G rollouts are accelerating throughout the region.
In North America, the sales gap versus last year is closing. HSPA is now available in more than 165 AT&T markets, the demand is strong and rollout continues. During the quarter, an agreement was reached with AT&T for their "U-verse" IP broadband rollout. This was a breakthrough for Ericsson in next-generation networks and a vote of confidence in our expanded product portfolio and capabilities.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Growth rates based on Ericsson and market estimates.
Fixed and mobile traffic accelerates due to increased coverage, usage and new multimedia services. Operator investments in infrastructure equipment over the long-term should continue to grow along historical trends of mid- to high-single digits. Infrastructure investments vary over time and between regions depending on regulatory developments, license awards and new technology deployments.
Mobile subscriptions grew with some 140 million in the quarter to 3 billion, ahead of previous estimates. 2.6 billion are GSM/WCDMA subscriptions. 135 million are WCDMA subscriptions, growing by 17 million in the quarter. There are 164 WCDMA networks in 73 countries, of which 117 are upgraded to HSPA services.
Data traffic in mobile networks accelerates and HSPA has generated a dramatic step up in data traffic. In networks we monitor data traffic has doubled the last six months.
In the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007, fixed broadband connections grew by 17 million per quarter, to a total of approximately 300 million.
Growth both within the mobile systems market and the fixed infrastructure market in the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007 is estimated to have been mid-single digit. IP broadband and optical transmission related products showed the strongest development.
The telecom services market in the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2007, is estimated to have shown good growth with managed services being the fastest growing area. Within the emerging multimedia market, growth has accelerated but with large variations between different market segments.
MARKET OUTLOOK FOR MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
All estimates are measured in USD and refer to market growth compared to previous year.
For 2007 we continue to believe that the GSM/WCDMA track within the global mobile systems market, measured in USD, will continue to show mid-single digit growth.
We also continue to believe that the addressable market for professional services is expected to show good growth in 2007.
With our technology leadership and global presence we are well positioned to take advantage of these market opportunities.
PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
In accordance with new Swedish reporting requirements for listed companies, effective July 1, 2007, additional information for the parent company is to be included in the six- and twelve-month period reports.
Net sales for the six-month period amounted to SEK 1.7 (1.3) b. and income after financial items was SEK 8.3 (6.6) b. Patent license fees have been included in net sales from 2007, instead of in other operating revenues, and 2006 has been restated accordingly.
Major changes in the Parent Company's financial position for the six-month period include: increased investments in subsidiaries of SEK 27.6 b., mostly attributable to the Tandberg, Redback and Entrisphere acquisitions and the future acquisition of LHS; decreased other current receivables of SEK 3.2 b.; decreased cash and bank and short-term investments of SEK 17.4 b., mainly related to the acquisitions mentioned, payment of dividend for 2006 of SEK 7.9 b. to shareholders and cash from new non-current borrowings; increased notes and bond loans by SEK 11.1 b. through a new bond issue program; current and non-current liabilities to subsidiaries decreased by SEK 7.6 b.
As per June 30, 2007, cash and bank and short-term investments amounted to SEK 36.6 (54.0) b.
Major transactions and balances with related parties include the following with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications: revenues of SEK 1,214 (448) m.; liabilities of SEK 933 (1) m.; dividend of SEK 2,561 (1,160) m.
In accordance with the conditions of the Stock Purchase Plans and Option Plans for Ericsson employees, 4,059,795 shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the second quarter. The holding of treasury stock at June 30, 2007 was 242,579,010 Class B shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
Extraordinary General Meeting
At the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on June 28, the EGM resolved to implement a long-term variable compensation program 2007 (LTV 2007). The LTV 2007 is based on the same principles as the long-term incentive plan 2006 and covers all employees through three different programs.
Acquisitions and public offerings
On June 5, Ericsson announced a voluntary public cash offer to acquire LHS AG for approximately EUR 310 m. The company employs around 550 people and has its headquarters in Frankfurt. Sales amounted to EUR 71.6 m. in 2006 with strong sales momentum.
On June 27, the acquisition of Drutt Corporation was closed. Drutt is a leading provider of service delivery platform solutions with operations in Sweden, China, Canada and Mexico and employs around 85 people.
Credit rating
On May 14, Moody's Investors Service upgraded Ericsson's long-term debt ratings to Baa1 from Baa2 and affirmed the Company's Prime 2 short-term debt ratings. According to Moody's, the upgrade was based on Ericsson's growing track record of robust profitability and very conservative financial structure.
On June 15, Standard & Poor's upgraded Ericsson's credit rating two notches to BBB+/A-2 from BBB-/A-3. The upgrade is predicated on Standard & Poor's expectations that Ericsson will continue to benefit significantly from the expansion of the global mobile systems market, thanks to its leading market positions in key second and third generation mobile network systems technologies and its low cost breakeven point. Standard & Poor's said that the rating reflects Ericsson's remarkably strong capital structure and liquidity position.
Funding program
In the quarter, Ericsson completed a multi-currency bond issue program of SEK 11.1 b. The proceeds of the offering are mainly intended for the re-financing of existing loans.
On July 16, Ericsson signed a new seven-year USD 2 b. committed back-up facility with its core group of banks, which replaces the existing USD 1 b. five-year back-up facility.
New information sections
In accordance with new Swedish reporting requirements for listed companies, effective July 1, 2007, two additional sections have been added to the report for the six-month period; Assessment of risk environment and Board assurance. The full Board is also required to sign the six-month interim report. The same requirements apply to the report for the twelve-month period.
Assessment of risk environment
We have reviewed Ericsson's operational and financial risk factors and exposures as described under "Risk factors" in our 2006 Annual Report and have determined that the risk environment has not materially changed. However, the increased activities related to the new Multimedia segment may result in a more volatile quarterly sales pattern. Specific additional risks for the near term are associated with the acquisitions made during 2007, as a timely and effective integration of these is essential to make them accretive as planned.
Risk factors and exposures in focus for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group for the forthcoming six-month period include: changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular a continued weakness or further deterioration of the USD/SEK rate; increases in interest rates and the potential effect on our customers' willingness to invest in network development; effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our customers as well as between our largest competitors; an increased volume of turn-key projects, which may result in working capital build-up which in turn puts pressure on our cash conversion rate.
Ericsson conducts business in certain countries subject to trade restrictions or which are focused on by certain investors. We stringently follow all relevant regulations and trade embargos applicable to us in our dealings with customers operating in such countries. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group level policies and directives for ethics and conduct. In no way should our business activities in these countries be construed as supporting a particular political agenda or regime. We have activities in such countries mainly due to certain customers with multi-country operations puts demands on us to support them in all of their markets.
Please further refer to Ericsson's Annual report 2006 to learn more about our risks and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate the risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes which remains valid also for 2007.
BOARD ASSURANCE
The Board of Directors and the CEO certify that the half-yearly financial report gives a fair review of the performance of the business, position and profit or loss of the Company and the Group, and describes the principal risks and uncertainties that the Company and the companies in the Group face.
Stockholm, July 20, 2007
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. Nr. 556016-0680
REVIEW REPORT
We have reviewed this report for the period January 1 to June 30, 2007, for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim financial information based on our review.
We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements SÖG 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity, issued by FAR. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Standards on Auditing in Sweden, RS, and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim financial information is not, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act.
Stockholm, July 20, 2007
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Bo Hjalmarsson Peter Clemedtson
Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant
Lead partner
Date for next report: October 25, 2007
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