First quarter			Fourth quarter
SEK b.	20111)	20102)	Change	20102)	Change
Net sales	53.0	45.1	17%	62.8	-16%
Gross margin	38.5%	38.5%	-	36.6%	-
EBITA margin excl JVs	14.1%	12.8%	-	15.3%	-
Operating income excl JVs	6.3	4.5	39%	8.4	-25%
Operating margin excl JVs	11.9%	10.1%	-	13.4%	-
Ericsson's share in earnings in JVs	-0.5	-0.3	-	-0.3	-
Income after financial items	5.8	4.1	41%	7.8	-26%
Net income	4.1	1.3	220%	4.4	-7%
EPS diluted, SEK	1.27	0.39	-	1.34	-
EPS diluted, excl. amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles, SEK	1.52	0.87	75%	1.65	-8%
Adjusted operating cash flow3)	-2.1	3.0	-	16.2	-
Cash flow from operations	-2.9	2.3	-	15.2	-

¹⁾  All numbers for 2011 are stated incl. restructuring charges

²⁾  All numbers for 2010, excl. EPS, Net income and Cash flow from operations, are stated excl. restructuring charges. For details see section on restructuring under Financial Statements and Additional Information

³⁾  Cash flow from operations excl. restructuring cash outlays that have been provided for

"Group sales in the quarter increased by 17% year-over-year driven by continued strong demand for mobile broadband and especially for the multi-standard radio base station RBS 6000," says Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). "Sales for comparable units, adjusted for currency and hedging, increased 25% year-over-year. Net income improved from SEK 1.3 b to SEK 4.1 b. mainly related to increased profitability in segment Networks. Cash flow in the quarter amounted to SEK -2.9 (2.3) b. impacted by higher level of work in progress in the regions and continued ramp up of production.

The increase in Group sales was driven by segment Networks where revenues grew 35% year-over-year with an EBITA margin of 20%. The strong demand for mobile broadband resulted in five out of ten regions showing growth year-over-year. Countries with especially strong growth were the US, India, Japan, Korea and Russia. China had continued good momentum for 2G.

Segment Global Services sales decreased -4% year-over-year primarily due to currency exchange rate effects. In local currencies Professional Services grew 3%. EBITA margin decreased to 7% in the quarter mainly due to lower profitability in Network Rollout. Managed Services was flat compared to the first quarter 2010, but grew 11% year-over-year in local currencies driven by a number of new smaller contracts. Segment Multimedia sales were flat year-over-year while EBITA margin dropped to -7%, mainly due to product mix. Our joint ventures showed mixed performance. Sony Ericsson contributed with a profit before tax of SEK 0.1 b. while ST-Ericsson's loss amounted to SEK -0.6 b.

Sales in the first quarter were not impacted by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our global supply chain of components is partly dependent on Japan and we estimate delays in delivery of certain products. We have taken a number of actions to mitigate the effects to secure that we limit the impact on our customers. These activities include finding and integrating alternative components in our products as well as increasing volumes with second source suppliers. Effects will also depend on Japan's overall recovery but our best estimate is that we will be able to deliver the majority of these volumes before end of third quarter 2011.

During 2010 we continued to gain market shares in 3G and at least maintained our market shares in 4G/LTE of more than 50%. While GSM will continue to exist for many years, we will see the bulk of investments shifting to 3G/WCDMA and 4G/LTE. In services we increased the market share and we continue to be the leading provider in the industry," concludes Hans Vestberg.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Income statement and cash flow

Sales in the quarter amounted to SEK 53.0 (45.1) b., up 17% year-over-year and down -16% sequentially. Sales for comparable units, adjusted for currency exchange rate effects and hedging, increased 25% year-over-year.

A one-off revenue from the sale of patents of SEK 0.3 b. positively impacted sales and margins in the first quarter. Reported numbers for the first quarter 2010 exclude restructuring charges of SEK 2.2 b., while reported numbers for the first quarter 2011 include restructuring charges of SEK 0.4 b.

Gross margin in the quarter was flat year-over-year at 38.5% (38.5%), and was up from 36.6% sequentially. The business mix from second half of 2010, with expansions and upgrades, has prevailed in the quarter. This, in combination with strong sales in segment Networks and continued efficiency gains, have impacted gross margin positively.

3G volumes in India were high, which affected margins negatively. The negative margin effects from network modernization projects, which we indicated in the fourth quarter 2010, have partly materialized in the quarter.

R&D expenses amounted to SEK 8.0 (7.3) b., an increase by 10% year-over-year. The increase is a result of the planned higher investments in radio, such as TD-LTE and IP as well as the acquired LG-Ericsson operations. Selling and general administrative expenses (SG&A) amounted to SEK 6.4 (5.9) b., an increase by 10% year-over-year, representing 12% of sales. This is mainly a result of the acquired LG-Ericsson operations and a growing number of LTE trials. Total operating expenses amounted to
SEK 14.4 (13.1) b.

Other operating income and expenses were flat, SEK 0.3 (0.3) b. in the quarter.

Operating income, excluding joint ventures, increased 39% to SEK 6.3 (4.5) b. in the quarter. Operating margin improved to 11.9% (10.1%) year-over-year mainly due to the volume increase.

Ericsson's share in earnings of joint ventures, before tax, amounted to SEK -0.5 (-0.3) b., compared to SEK -0.3 b. in the fourth quarter 2010. Sony Ericsson contributed with a profit of SEK 0.1 b. while ST-Ericsson's loss amounted to SEK -0.6 b.

Financial net amounted to SEK 0.0 (-0.2) b. in the quarter. Financial net improved slightly sequentially from SEK -0.3 b. due to higher short-term interest rates and a high cash position.

Net income amounted to SEK 4.1 (1.3) b. The improvements are mainly a result of increased sales volumes and improved profitability in Networks.

Earnings per share were SEK 1.27 (0.39) in the quarter. Earnings per share excluding amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles were SEK 1.52 (0.87) in the first quarter.

Adjusted operating cash flow was SEK -2.1 (3.0) b. in the quarter. Cash flow from operations amounted to
SEK -2.9 (2.3) b. mainly due to higher inventories and a payment of SEK 1.1 (0.9) b. to pension funds. Cash outlays for restructuring amounted to SEK 0.8 (0.7) b. in the quarter. Cash outlays of SEK 2.5 b. remain to be made.

Balance sheet and other performance indicators

SEK b.	Mar 31 2011	Dec 31 2010	Sep 30 2010	June 30 2010	Mar 31 2010
Net cash	48.2	51.3	35.7	25.8	38.5
Interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits	34.8	35.9	40.4	41.8	39.3
Trade receivables	60.6	61.1	57.8	69.4	62.7
Days sales outstanding	101	88	109	133	117
Inventory	32.1	29.9	30.3	29.4	24.1
Of which egional inventory	21.1	18.7	19.1	18.3	14.0
Inventory days	87	74	82	81	75
Payable days	70	62	62	61	59
Customer financing, net	4.2	4.4	3.5	3.1	2.9
Return on capital employed	13%	10%	8%	6%	5%
Equity ratio	53%	52%	52%	51%	53%

Trade receivables decreased sequentially by SEK 0.5 b. to SEK 60.6 (61.1) b. due to the strong SEK and lower seasonal decline in sales. Days sales outstanding (DSO) decreased from 117 to 101 days year-over-year as a result of higher sales and strong collections.

Inventory increased sequentially by SEK 2.2 b. to SEK 32.1 (29.9) b. The higher inventory level year-over-year is reflecting higher level of work in progress in the regions and continued ramp up of production. Inventory turnover days increased from 74 to 87 days.

Goodwill decreased SEK 1.4 b. to SEK 25.8 (27.2) b. due to a stronger SEK.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to SEK 83.0 (87.2) b. The net cash position decreased sequentially by SEK 3.1 b. to SEK 48.2 (51.3) b., mainly due to negative cash flow.

During the quarter, approximately SEK 1.1 b. of provisions were utilized, of which SEK 0.8 b. related to restructuring. Additions of SEK 1.3 b. were made, of which SEK 0.1 b. related to restructuring. Reversals of SEK 0.1 b. were made. Provisions will fluctuate over time depending on business mix, market mix as well as technology shifts.

Total number of employees at the end of the quarter amounted to approximately 91,500 (86,500), an increase by 1,200 from December 31, 2010. In the quarter, some 300 individuals joined Ericsson through acquisitions and approximately 1,000 related to our services business, mainly in Brazil, India and China. Main reductions were made in countries in Western Europe.

SEGMENT RESULTS

Networks

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
SEK b.	20111)	20102)	Change	20102)	Change
Networks sales	33.2	24.7	35%	36.4	-9%
EBITA margin3)	20%	16%	-	18%	-
Operating margin	17%	12%	-	16%	-

¹⁾  All numbers for 2011 are stated incl. restructuring charges

²⁾  All numbers for 2010 are stated excl. restructuring charges

³⁾  EBITA - Earnings before interest, tax, amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles

 

Networks' sales in the quarter were SEK 33.2 (24.7) b. The increase of 35% year-over-year was an effect of high mobile broadband sales. Sales were negatively impacted by a strong SEK. Sequentially sales decreased -9%.

Sales of the multi-standard radio base station RBS 6000 continued to be high as well as of packet-core, IP-routers and microwave based backhaul. CDMA and GSM showed good growth year-over-year and LG-Ericsson performed well also this quarter. GSM demand is primarily driven by capacity needs in countries such as China and India. In China, GSM/EDGE is also used as fall back for mobile broadband coverage.

EBITA margin in the quarter increased year-over-year to 20% (16%) and from 18% sequentially. The increase was driven by increased volumes, business mix with expansions and upgrades and continued efficiency gains.

In Europe the captured network modernization deals will give us an estimated market share increase of approximately three percentage points in the combined 2G/3G market.

 

Global Services

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
SEK b.	20111)	20102)	Change	20102)	Change
Global Services sales	17.4	18.1	-4%	22.9	-24%
Of which Professional Services	12.6	13.3	-5%	16.7	-25%
Of which Managed Services	4.9	4.9	1%	5.4	-8%
Of which Network Rollout	4.9	4.8	0%	6.2	-21%
EBITA margin3)	7%	12%	-	13%	-
Of which Professional Services	13%	16%	-	16%	-
Operating margin	7%	11%	-	12%	-
Of which Professional Services	12%	15%	-	15%	-

¹⁾  All numbers for 2011 are stated incl. restructuring charges

²⁾  All numbers for 2010 are stated excl. restructuring charges

³⁾  EBITA - Earnings before interest, tax, amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles

Global Services sales in the quarter were SEK 17.4 (18.1) b. a decrease of -4% year-over-year, and -24% sequentially. The year-over-year decline is primarily a result of currency exchange rate effects.

Professional Services sales were SEK 12.6 (13.3) b. in the quarter, a decrease of -5% year-over-year and by -25% sequentially, negatively impacted by a low level of integration projects. Managed Services sales increased by 1% year-over-year to SEK 4.9 (4.9) b. and were down -8% sequentially. Currency adjusted sales of Professional Services increased 3% and Managed Services sales increased 11%. Demand for managed services and transformational OSS/BSS projects continued to be high.

Network Rollout sales amounted to SEK 4.9 (4.8) b. in the quarter, flat year-over-year and -21% sequentially. Since network rollout typically lags equipment sales with 6-9 months, sales were negatively impacted by the industry wide component shortage in 2010.

Global Services' EBITA margin decreased in the quarter, both year-over-year and sequentially. It was impacted by a loss in Network Rollout following large 3G rollouts in India with low margins and the effects of supply constraints in 2010.

EBITA margin for Professional Services decreased to 13% (16%) year-over-year and sequentially due to lower proportion of product near systems integration business and with a percentage point negative impact from restructuring during the first quarter.

During the quarter nine new managed services contracts were signed of which five were extensions or expansions.

Ericsson provides support for networks that serve more than two billion subscribers worldwide. The total number of subscribers in networks managed by Ericsson is more than 800 million, of which 450 million in network operation contracts and 350 million in field maintenance.

Multimedia

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
SEK b.	20111)	20102)	Change	20102)	Change
Multimedia sales	2.3	2.3	-1%	3.5	-34%
EBITA margin3)	-7%	-5%	-	16%	-
Operating margin	-15%	-13%	-	11%	-

¹⁾  All numbers for 2011 are stated incl. restructuring charges

²⁾  All numbers for 2010 are stated excl. restructuring charges

³⁾  EBITA - Earnings before interest, tax, amortizations and write-downs of acquired intangibles

Multimedia sales in the quarter decreased -1% year-over-year and -34% sequentially. Sales of multimedia brokering (IPX) and revenue management were good. However, sales for TV solutions were weaker. EBITA margin amounted to -7% (-5%) due to lower volumes and product mix, partly offset by lower operating expenses.

Sony Ericsson

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
EUR m.	2011	2010	Change	2010	Change
Number of units shipped (m.)	8.1	10.5	-23%	11.2	-28%
Average selling price (EUR)	141	134	5%	136	4%
Net sales	1,145	1,405	-19%	1,528	-25%
Gross margin	33%	31%	-	30%	-
Operating margin	2%	1%	-	3%	-
Income before taxes	15	18	-	35	-
Income before taxes, excl restructuring charges	15	21	-	39	-
Net income	11	21	-	8	-
Operating cash flow	-353	-94	-	-128	-

Sony Ericsson is executing on its strategy to grow within the smartphone segment and during the quarter over 60% of total sales were smartphones. The company is experiencing some disruptions in its supply chain from the earthquake in Japan.

Cash flow from operating activities during the quarter was negative EUR 353 million, mainly due to inventory investments. New external borrowings of EUR 375 million were made in the quarter resulting in total borrowings
of EUR 604 million on March 31, 2011. Total cash balances amounted to EUR 599 million. Guarantees from the
Parent Company Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson to Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB amounted to
SEK 2.0 (1.1) b. in the quarter.

Sony Ericsson estimates that its market share for smartphones was approximately 5% in units and approximately 3% in value.

Ericsson's share in Sony Ericsson's income before tax was SEK 0.1 (0.1) b. in the quarter.

ST-Ericsson

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
USD m.	2011	2010	Change		2010	Change
Net sales	444	606	-27%		577	-23%
Adjusted operating income1)	-149	-114	-		-119	-
Operating income	-178	-164	-		-171	-
Net income	-178	-154	-		-177	-

¹⁾ Operating income adjusted for amortization of acquired intangibles and restructuring charges

The company is currently in a shift from legacy to new products. The drop in legacy products was higher than expected during the quarter. Securing the successful execution and delivery of the new products to customers is critical for the long-term value of the company.

The operating loss increased sequentially primarily due to lower sales volumes. The company is taking additional action to improve internal efficiency in product development and further reductions of selling, general and administrative expenses.

The net financial position at March 31, 2011, was negative USD -195 (-82) million. For the second quarter ST-Ericsson expects net sales to decline sequentially primarily due to the ongoing decline in legacy products. By the end of the quarter ST-Ericsson had utilized USD 234 million of a short-term credit facility granted on a 50/50 basis by the parent companies. Ericsson is committed to financially support ST-Ericsson's execution of their new portfolio.

ST-Ericsson is reported in US GAAP. Ericsson's share in ST-Ericsson's income before tax, adjusted to IFRS, was SEK -0.6 (-0.5) b. in the quarter.

REGIONAL OVERVIEW

	First quarter			Fourth quarter
Sales, SEK b.	2011	2010	Change	2010	Change
North America	13.2	9.5	39%	14.1	-6%
Latin America	4.0	4.0	1%	6.1	-34%
Northern Europe and Central Asia	3.4	2.3	46%	4.8	-30%
Western and Central Europe	4.8	5.2	-8%	5.9	-19%
Mediterranean	4.8	5.1	-5%	6.9	-31%
Middle East	3.1	3.9	-22%	4.6	-34%
Sub-Saharan Africa	2.2	2.4	-9%	2.0	9%
India	3.2	2.3	38%	2.8	11%
China and North East Asia	8.6	5.0	74%	9.5	-9%
South East Asia and Oceania	3.1	3.5	-12%	3.9	-21%
Other	2.6	1.9	37%	2.2	25%
Total	53.0	45.1	17%	62.8	-16%

North American sales increased 39% year-over-year and decreased -6% sequentially, negatively impacted by a strong SEK. Growth in the region was driven by continued data traffic increase. Capacity expansions are being carried out via the addition of new hardware as well as software upgrades along with associated services. Since iOS and Android-based devices have been introduced to the market these have become core drivers of traffic growth.
In addition, LTE-equipped devices will be deployed in 2011.

Latin America sales increased 1% year-over-year and decreased -34% sequentially. Demand for mobile broadband is increasing in the region, driven by mobile data traffic. At the same time, there are rural expansion projects, driving demand for voice related products and services. LTE trials are ongoing across the region.

Northern Europe and Central Asia sales increased 46% year-over-year and decreased -30% sequentially.
The year-over-year increase is mainly driven by build out of mobile broadband coverage in Russia where mobile data traffic shows triple-digit growth. Russia was strong also in the first quarter, spurred by network rollouts with large operators such as Vimpelcom and MTS.

Western and Central Europe sales decreased -8% year-over-year and -19% sequentially due to somewhat cautious spending by major operators while preparing for network modernization projects. Deployment of multi-standard radio base stations has commenced as part of the network modernization program that Ericsson is delivering to Telefónica O2 UK along with the continued supply of core network infrastructure. In Germany LTE
roll-out to Vodafone continues.

Mediterranean sales decreased -5% year-over-year and -31% sequentially, negatively impacted by the political unrest in North Africa as well as the general economic situation in Spain, Portugal and Greece. Modernization projects started in Spain and Italy. Managed services developed favorably in the quarter due to new and extended contracts in Spain. Tenders for 4G/LTE spectrum have been or will soon be initiated in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Middle East sales decreased -22% year-over-year and -34% sequentially, impacted by political unrest in the region. 2G declined in the quarter, while sales of mobile broadband continued to increase across the region. Mobile broadband volumes are now almost on par with 2G volumes. 4G/LTE is expected to be rolled out in parts of the
Gulf region later this year.  Managed services increased both year-over-year and sequentially while revenue management, consulting and systems integration as well as network rollout had a weak quarter.

Sub-Saharan Africa sales decreased by -9% year-over-year, but increased sequentially by 9%. The sequential improvement is primarily due to 2G expansions. Services had a weaker quarter due to delayed deliveries affecting network rollouts and the continued slow development for revenue management.

India sales increased 38% year-over-year and 11% sequentially. Growth was driven by 3G deployments also comparing to low level investments during first half of 2010 awaiting 3G licenses. BWA license holders are currently deciding on vendors for their TD-LTE networks where initial roll-outs are expected later in the year.

China and North East Asia sales increased 74% year-over-year and was down -9% sequentially. The
year-over-year increase is mainly related to growth in mobile broadband in Japan, 2G expansions in China and added sales from LG-Ericsson. In Japan data traffic has doubled over the last 18 months and in Korea it has increased 11 times in the last 12 months. Ericsson is one of the vendors selected for a large-scale TD-LTE trial with China Mobile.

South East Asia and Oceania sales decreased -12% year-over-year and -21% sequentially. Operators' investments in mobile broadband are not yet compensating for drop in 2G sales. Mobile data services are different levels of maturity across the region. However, data traffic grows both in volumes and subscribers. Multimedia showed good development in the quarter due to the first sales of revenue management solutions for data traffic.

Other includes sales of for example embedded modules, cables, power modules as well as licensing and IPR.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Growth rates are based on Ericsson and market estimates

Mobile infrastructure market

The global mobile infrastructure market slightly declined in the range of mid-single digits in USD terms in 2010. During the third quarter in 2010, the market conditions improved and growth picked up in the fourth quarter 2010.

Ericsson mobile infrastructure market share, including the Nortel acquisition, increased 2010 in USD terms. The CDMA business, acquired from Nortel, increased market shares in USD terms, driven by strong mobile broadband demand in North America. Measured in shipped radio base stations 2010, Ericsson increased its share of WCDMA/HSPA and strengthened its leading position within 4G/LTE. Due to the industry wide component shortage in 2010 Ericsson could not fully meet the demand for GSM. However, deliveries picked up in the first quarter 2011 and it is Ericsson's view that the company has at least maintained its market share also in GSM.

Data traffic uptake in mobile and fixed networks drives need for higher capacity in areas such as backhaul, aggregation, transport, and routing based on IP and Ethernet technologies. With operators' focus on increased network quality and efficiency, the ability to deal with high data volumes while maintaining telecom grade service levels is key. This enables operators to provide premium quality and differentiating offerings to the end users. This also drives demand for services targeting the operational efficiency of operators, such as consulting, including network optimization, systems integration and managed services.

Telecom services market

The global telecom services market showed positive growth in mid-single digits in USD terms in 2010, mainly driven by continued strong growth in managed services. Operators' focus on efficiency drives interest in exploring business models such as managed operations, network sharing and network IT transformation. Estimates show that only around 35-40% of addressable operator network operating expenditure is spent externally on telecom services today leaving significant continued opportunities, particularly for managed services.

End user drivers

Global mobile penetration is 79% and total mobile subscriptions have reached 5.5 billion. India and China accounted for about 48% of the estimated 190 million net additions during the first quarter, adding around 65 and 30 million respectively. Indonesia and Vietnam were third and fourth countries in terms of net additions. India has now passed 800 million subscriptions and the US has passed 300 million subscriptions.

Global fixed broadband subscriptions grew by 14 million new subscriptions to reach 523 million during the fourth quarter 2010, mainly boosted by strong growth in DSL in China. DSL represents more than 60% of all fixed broadband subscriptions.

	Unit	First quarter			Full year					Ericsson  forecast
		2010	2011	Change	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Mobile subscriptions	Billion	4.8	~5.5	~16%	2.7	3.3	4.0	4.6	~5.3	~6.1
Net additions	Million	160	~190	~17%	500	620	660	640	~720	~730
Mobile broadband1)	Million	420	~670	~57%	55	130	220	370	600	~1,000
Net additions	Million	50	70	~35%	30	70	90	160	~320	~450

¹⁾  Mobile broadband includes handset and mobile PC for the following technologies: HSPA, LTE, CDMA2000 EVDO, TD-SCDMA and WiMax

Ericsson findings, based on measurements in live networks, show that global mobile data traffic more than doubled in 2010 and mobile data traffic is forecasted to almost double annually over the next few years, driven by 24/7 connectivity and end user demand for bandwidth. Increased proliferation of devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops will impact the traffic going forward. The traffic forecast could be subject to change if operators start to implement traffic shaping and caps to a larger degree.

To cater for the increased surge for mobile data services, mobile networks are being built-out across the world and WCDMA networks now cover more than 35% of the world's population. Almost all of these networks have also launched HSPA. At the moment, more than 65% of the commercial HSPA networks have been upgraded, at least partly, to a peak speed of 7.2 Mbps or above. Operators are continuously upgrading to higher speeds and around 6% of the HSPA networks have launched services with 42 Mbps peak speed, currently the highest HSPA speed that is commercially available. In addition, Ericsson has as the first vendor demonstrated 84 and 168 Mbps based on commercial network equipment. Building wider coverage to reach further into the remaining 65% of the population, the availability of affordable handsets, as well as the surge for mobile broadband services and faster speeds, will drive continued strong uptake of HSPA.

Tiered pricing for mobile broadband is now a reality, as many operators today have evolved beyond flat-rate unlimited data models and introduced segmented price plans, such as volume, time or speed based plans. Segmented data price plans intend to attract a wide variety of data users and differentiate the offering, in order to maximize data revenues and to grow service revenues. Many operators in mature mobile broadband markets have today more than offset the decline in voice revenues, not uncommon in mature markets, with increasing data revenues.

In average, a smartphone generates approximately 10 times more traffic compared to a normal feature phone, while a mobile PC user generates 100 times more traffic than a feature phone. There are indications of higher than average per-smartphone traffic in the US networks, however traffic profiles per user do vary considerably between networks and markets.

Yearly WCDMA/HSPA radio access network investments passed GSM investments in 2009, eight years after the 3G introduction in Western Europe. It will remain the dominant access technology for many years to come, in terms of global investment, despite the fact that 4G/LTE is being rolled out and launched. Coexistence of GSM, WCDMA/HSPA, CDMA2000 and 4G/LTE and increasing number of frequency bands pave the way for investments in multi-standard solutions and networks modernization.

PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

Income after financial items was SEK 3.1 (-0.6) b. The increase in financial net, year-over-year, is mainly due to Group internal dividends. Major changes in the Parent Company's financial position for the first quarter include; decreased cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of SEK 2.2 b. and decreased current and non-current liabilities to subsidiaries of SEK 1.8 b. At the end of the quarter cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to SEK 69.4 (71.6) b. Guarantees to Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB are reported as contingent liabilities and amounted to SEK 2.0 (1.1) b. By the end of the quarter ST-Ericsson had utilized
USD 117 million of a short-term credit facility.

In accordance with the conditions of the long-term variable compensation program (LTV) for Ericsson employees, 2,625,812 shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the first quarter. The holding of treasury stock at March 31, 2011, was 70,462,703 Class B shares.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The Annual General Meeting of shareholders (AGM) decided, as previously announced and in accordance with the proposal by the Board of Directors, on a dividend payment of SEK 2.25 per share for 2010 and with April 18, 2011, as the date of record for the dividend. The total dividend payment amounts to SEK 7.2 (6.4) b.

In accordance with the proposal by the Nomination Committee, Leif Johansson was elected new Chairman of the Board of Directors and Jacob Wallenberg was elected new member of the Board of Directors, replacing Marcus Wallenberg.

In accordance with the Board of Directors' proposals, the AGM resolved the implementation of LTV 2011 (Long Term Variable compensation), with the same structure as previous programs but with new performance criteria in the executive performance stock plan.

The AGM also resolved on transfer of shares for implementation of LTV 2011. In addition, the AGM resolved the transfer of treasury stock for previously decided LTV programs.

The AGM resolved in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal, on an amendment of the object's of the company in the Articles of Association (§ 2), to adjust to the Company's strategy to expand into new industry segments, such as governments, health industry, transport, utilities and mobile money. For more details,
see www.ericsson.com/investors 

OTHER INFORMATION

Completion of acquisition of Nortel's Multiservice Switch business

On March 11, 2011, Ericsson announced the completion of the asset purchase agreement to acquire Nortel's Multiservice Switch business. The acquisition gives Ericsson access to a strong product portfolio and installed base in the data segment while ensuring the supply of the platform for the recently acquired CDMA and GSM units.

The closing follows the announcement on September 25, 2010, that Ericsson was entering into an asset purchase agreement for substantially all of the assets of Nortel's Multiservice Switch business.

Acquisition of assets from Telenor Connexion

On April 19, 2011, Ericsson announced the acquisition of Telenor Connexion's machine-to-machine (M2M) technology platform. The acquisition is in line with Ericsson's ambition to drive the market for M2M communication, adding valuable technology and know-how from Telenor Connexion.

Telenor Connexion will also be first customer on Ericsson's Device Connection Platform, a service allowing operators to offer M2M connection beyond smartphones and laptops.

The acquisition is not subject to approval from authorities but to contractual agreements before closing.

Assessment of risk environment

Ericsson's operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes are described in our Annual Report 2010. Compared to the risks described in the Annual Report 2010, no material new or changed risk factors or uncertainties have been identified in the quarter.

Risk factors and uncertainties in focus during the forthcoming six-month period for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group include:

• Potential negative effects on operators' willingness to invest in network development due to a continued uncertainty in the financial markets and a weak economic business environment as well as uncertainty regarding the financial stability of suppliers, for example due to lack for borrowing facilities, or reduced consumer telecom spending, or increased pressure on us to provide financing;
• Effects on gross margins and/or working capital of the product mix in the Networks segment between sales of software, upgrades and extensions as well as break-in contracts;
• Effects on gross margins of the product mix in the Global Services segment including proportion of new network build-outs and share of new managed services deals with initial transition costs;
• A continued volatile sales pattern in the Multimedia segment or variability in our overall sales seasonality could make it more difficult to forecast future sales;
• Effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our customers as well as between our largest competitors, e.g. with postponed investments and intensified price competition as a consequence;
• Changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular USD and EUR;
• Political unrest or instability in certain markets;
• Effects on production and sales from restrictions with respect to timely and adequate supply of materials, components and production capacity and other vital services on competitive terms;
• Natural disasters, effecting production, supply and transportation.

Ericsson conducts business in certain countries which are subject to trade restrictions or which are focused on by certain investors. We stringently follow all relevant regulations and trade embargos applicable to us in our dealings with customers operating in such countries. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group level policies and directives for business ethics and conduct. In no way should our business activities in these countries be construed as supporting a particular political agenda or regime. We have activities in such countries mainly due to that certain customers with multi-country operations put demands on us to support them in all their markets.
Stockholm, April 27, 2011

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO

Date for next report: July 21, 2011

AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT

We have reviewed this report for the period January 1 to March 31, 2011, for Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this financial information in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this 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 SRS. 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 of Auditing (ISA), 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 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, April 27, 2011

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB       

Peter Nyllinge

Authorized Public Accountant

 

EDITOR'S NOTE

To read the complete report with tables, please go to:
www.ericsson.com/res/investors/docs/q-reports/2011/3month11-en.pdf

Ericsson invites media, investors and analysts to a press conference at the Ericsson Studio, Grönlandsgången 4, Stockholm, at 09.00 (CET), April 27, 2011. An analysts, investors and media conference call will begin at 14.00 (CET).

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

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Henry Sténson, Senior Vice President, Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 4044
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com or media.relations@ericsson.com

Investors

Åse Lindskog, Vice President,
Head of Industry and Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 9725, +46 730 244 872
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Susanne Andersson, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 4631
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Åsa Konnbjer, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 713 3928
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Stefan Jelvin, Director,
Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 714 2039
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Media

Ola Rembe, Vice President,
Head of Corporate Public and Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 9727, +46 730 244 873
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

Corporate Public & Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. number: 556016-0680
Torshamnsgatan 23
SE-164 83 Stockholm
Phone: +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com