Annual Report 2003 e Contents Forward-looking Statements Letter from the President and Chief Executive Officeer Board of Directors’ Report Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements Auditors’ Report Information on the Company Directors, Corporate Management and Auditors Five-year Summary Risk Factors Share Information Shareholder Information 1 2 6 19 27 72 73 81 86 88 94 98 F O R W A R D - L O O K I N G S T A T E M E N T S • the impact of changes in product demand, pricing and competition, including erosion of sales prices, increased competition from existing or new competitors or new technology and the risk that new systems and services may fail to be accepted at the rates or levels we anticipate • our customer structure, where the number of customers may be reduced due to consolidation in the industry, and the negative business consequences of a loss of, or significant decline in, our business with such a customer • the impact of our credit rating • defaults by our customers under significant customer financing arrangements • product development risks, including our ability to adopt new technologies and to develop commercially viable systems and services, our ability to acquire licenses to necessary technology, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights through patents and trademarks and to defend them against infringement, and results of patent litigation • supply constraints, including component or production capacity shortages, suppliers’ abilities to deliver products on time with good quality, and risks related to concentration of purchases from a single vendor or proprietary or outsourced production in a single facility, and • our ability to recruit and retain highly qualified management and other employees. Certain of these factors are discussed in more detail elsewhere in this Annual Report, including under “Letter from the president and Chief Executive Officer”, “Board of Directors’ Report”, “Risk Factors” and “Information on the Company”. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or stock exchange regulation. Forward-looking Statements This Annual Report includes “forward-looking statements” about future market conditions, operations and results. Words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “may”, “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify these statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places including, without limitation, “Letter from the President and Chief Executive Officer”, “Board of Directors’ Report”, “Risk Factors” and “Information on the Company”, and include statements regarding: • our strategies, goals and growth prospects • the growth of the mobile communications market • our liquidity, capital resources and capital expenditures, and our credit ratings • the growth in demand for our systems and services • our joint venture activities • the economic outlook and industry trends • developments of our markets and competition • the impact of regulatory initiatives • our research and development expenditures • our plans to launch new products, systems and services, and • expected cost savings from our various cost reduction measures. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these and other forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will materialize. Because these statements involve assumptions and estimates that are risks and uncertainties, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements, including: • conditions in the telecommunications industry and general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, and our ability to adapt to rapid changes in market conditions • political, economic and regulatory developments in the markets in which we operate, including allegations of health risks from electromagnetic fields and increasing cost of licenses to use radio frequencies • management’s ability to develop and execute a successful strategy, including partnerships, acquisitions, divestitures and ability to manage growth and decline and to execute cost-reduction efforts • market risks, including foreign exchange rate changes, interest rate changes, credit risks in relation to counterparties and risks of confiscation of assets in foreign countries E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 1 C E O L E T T E R Letter from the President and Chief Executive Officer Dear fellow shareholder, Lots of exciting things start with a phone call. Such was the case when I received a call in January , inviting me to become CEO of Ericsson. This is an extraordinary company. I’ve always thought so, and I believe it even more now. In my first year as CEO I’ve found that Ericsson has exceptionally good people – dedicated, well- educated and thoroughly responsible people – and their optimism has impressed me enormously. I can tell you that the pioneering spirit that helped to lead the world’s telecommunications revolution is still very much alive today. Of course, times have been tough over the past few years and market conditions remain tight. We’ve had to adapt accordingly, becoming much more efficient, flexible and more responsive to our customers’ needs. So when I joined, in April, one of my first actions was to build a management team capable of guiding Ericsson through this period of transition and taking us to the next level. Last year’s annual report stated that was a year for clarity, decisiveness and action. That was true then, it was true in , and it will remain true in the year ahead. We know where we want to take the company, and we are acting decisively to improve our efficiency, reduce our costs, grow our revenues and increase our margins. These are our priorities. In this letter I will describe the actions we have taken, and the opportunities we see ahead in a market that has potential for growth. In particular, I’ll discuss three fundamentally important points about Ericsson today: • We kept our promise to return to profit • We have a clear strategy for continued margin improvement and sustainable growth • We are strengthening our leadership position WE KEPT OUR PROMISE TO RETURN TO PROFIT Ericsson’s cost reduction programs were having positive effects before I arrived. This challenging work was initiated by my predecessor, Kurt Hellström, and led by Deputy CEO Per-Arne Sandström. In April, we expanded and accelerated these programs to further reduce cost of sales and operating expenses, creating a profitable cost basis, going forward. Our commitment was rewarded when we returned to profit, before restructuring charges, ahead of plan in the third quarter of . We ended the year achieving one of the strongest fourth quarter performances in the industry. We’ve achieved this thanks to the exceptional motivation and loyalty of all of our employees. They understood that far reaching change was necessary, and responded with incredible energy. The management team and I are truly impressed by their dedication. We have reduced our workforce from , to , employees in just three years. Of course, this meant that many talented people had to leave us, but firm measures were required and our decisive actions mean that Ericsson is now well positioned for the future. Putting more of our time, energy and money behind our most valuable products and services has paid off. We have concentrated our research and development activities from development centers to , and reduced the number of technology platforms we use. These measures, together with effective management of working capital, have created a dramatic improvement in cash flow. We’re now well funded, with a net cash position of SEK billion. Our focus on reducing capital employed has been far more successful than first anticipated. As a result, we have conserved most of the proceeds from our stock issue, giving us a much greater financial flexibility. I believe this is an important strength, given the challenges and opportunities ahead. While restructuring and cutting back, we also managed to reach our operational goals. We have remained on schedule with the development and rollout of new products and services. We have also strengthened our leading position in mobile systems and successfully defended our market shares. We continue to hold the largest market share in both GSM (G) and WCDMA (G), and in certain strategically important areas of wireline technology. I’m pleased to report that the Sony Ericsson joint venture also transformed loss into profit in . Their increased focus on the GSM and Japanese markets improved sales and streamlined costs. They attained one of the highest average sales prices in the industry, demonstrating the attractiveness of their advanced mobile phones. Sony Ericsson’s success is good news for us as co-owner. Not 2 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 C E O L E T T E R only has the company through hard work and cost adjustments returned to profit. Sony Ericsson has also improved their product portfolio, and are aiming for a leading position in high end products. Together we are creating unique customer experiences by combining telecom technology, attractive handsets and exciting content. With telecommunication services becoming more sophisticated, and systems more technically complex, there is a growing interdependency between networks, applications, services and handsets. Together with Sony Ericsson and through our licensing of handset technology (Ericsson Mobile Platforms), we are involved in all four areas. This means we can assure operators that their entire network will work effectively, all the way from the consumer to the back office. successes mean little if we’re not able to offer the best solutions today, and tomorrow. R&D is an extremely important part of our competitive advantage. About one-third of our employees are engaged in this area, making it one of the largest programs in the industry. We are now placing greater emphasis on the commercialization of our innovations, and we have established a more disciplined, customer-driven approach to our investments in R&D. Along with improvements in operations and technology, we’ve analyzed our sales processes and found ways to improve our performance. For example, our regional market structure has been replaced by a simpler approach, enabling us to close the gap between our sales and technology functions. We involve operators more in our R&D process, and that’s helping us to respond faster and to prioritize what we offer. Ericsson has been on an arduous journey over the past few Looking at our market, we can confirm that it has stabilized years and, as promised, we have done what was needed to return to profit. However, we are determinded to create an even more competitive company by focusing on operational excellence with simplicity and clarity in all that we do. WE HAVE A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR CONTINUED MARGIN IMPROVEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Our objective is to generate sustainable growth and provide competitive returns to our investors regardless of day-to-day market developments. Our cost-cutting enabled us to return to profit in , but returning to profit is simply not enough. To ensure sustained profitability and growth we set the goal high – to become world leaders in efficiency and the way we operate as a company. For example, as market leader in mobile systems we should be generating more benefits from our economies of scale. We are a supplier to of the world’s largest mobile operators. These operators provide services to some percent of all mobile subscribers. We’re developing new ways to benefit from our scale by separating standardized, high-volume products from more complex, customized products. This approach will produce cost-savings across the entire sourcing, manufacturing and installation chain. We’re also working to get more from our common product platforms. For example, our GSM/WCDMA and CDMA products were once entirely different from one another, but today they use the same software and hardware in many areas of the core network and service layer. We’re also developing access products, such as radio base stations, capable of working with both CDMA and WCDMA, the main G technologies. In essence, the main difference between a CDMA and a WCDMA radio base station will be the software inside. I’ve been greatly impressed with the technical innovations achieved by Ericsson over the years. However, yesterday’s and we are starting to see signs of return to growth. Having said that, financial stability remains a priority for many operators. We expect that the operator emphasis on operational excellence is here to stay, as well as a strong focus on financial returns. Market conditions have not been easy and a number of operators are grappling with the new services and business models made possible by G. It’s imperative for operators, and for us as their business partner, to understand what consumers want, what they are willing to pay and how to adapt our business models accordingly. We must be as good at delivering what consumers need as we are at developing technology. Going forward, we believe that telecommunications will continue to be a growth business. Only percent or so of the world’s population have a mobile phone, and every day, about , consumers sign up for mobile services. I think it’s too simplistic to talk in terms of one market, however. Operators in emerging markets make very different demands from those in developed markets. To meet the needs of customers in emerging markets, we have launched the Ericsson Expander program, designed to lower the cost of introducing mobile communications. Industry predictions show that it is likely to reach the second billion mobile users within the time frame, as services become more affordable. With more people subscribing, and with existing subscribers making voice calls more often, solutions for both coverage and capacity will be important opportunities for us to address. Of course, developed markets have higher mobile penetration, but mobile calls still represent less than percent of total voice traffic in these markets. Clearly, there is enormous potential for mobile operators to win a larger share of voice traffic. Mobile data services also represent a significant opportunity for operators. The growth potential in this area is remarkable. More than one billion text messages are sent every day, and sales of camera phones have surpassed those of traditional and digital cameras. In Japan and South Korea some operators are E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 3 C E O L E T T E R already generating up to percent of their revenue through data services such as text messages and pictures. This is a trend we expect to see repeated in other parts of the world as mobile multimedia services are introduced. We see good prospects for growth within our markets. As operators feel more secure financially, we expect them to invest more in capacity and new services, in G as well as G. In the service layer, which functions like an open market place, we help operators to catch revenues from a whole range of data services. We’re a world-leading supplier within service layer solutions. For example, more than percent of MMS subscribers are using our solutions when sending and receiving multimedia messages. Our charging solutions enable more than operators to charge for the services they deliver. Having said that, our objective is to ensure that we can This position builds on our broad networking competence prosper independent of short-term fluctuations on the market. Our efforts in terms of efficiency, flexibility and customer focus are moving us towards sustainable profitability and growth. WE ARE STRENGTHENING OUR LEADERSHIP POSITION We are thoroughly convinced that people will use mobile devices more and more for listening to music, taking pictures, and, for example, reading e-mails while riding the bus to work. We will surf the web, buy products, and get stock market reports, weather forecasts and news. We will check maps to find the closest pharmacy, or a good meeting place. Delivering all of these new types of services in a cost-efficient way demands increasingly sophisticated networks. This is where Ericsson’s greatest competitive strengths come into play. For example, Ericsson has proven expertise in every one of the dominant technology standards within both mobile and fixed telecommunications. This is one of our true competitive strengths, and one reason why the world’s largest operators choose to work with us. Indeed, since I joined the company I have been very impressed by the exceptionally long-term and very strong relationships we have with our customers. They trust us with critical areas of their operations, and look to us to guide them through the fast-changing and technically complicated telecommunications environment. Today’s solutions are dependent on many aspects of an operator’s total business. Old systems must work with new, and with products from other suppliers. So, skills such as network planning, systems integration and solutions for network evolution are essential parts of what we provide. Such services also enable us to further strengthen our relationships with customers. We are are leading the introduction of layered architecture into mobile networks. This is all about building networks in a smarter way, and making things simpler for the operator. Our approach structures a network into independent functional areas of connectivity, control and services, and keeps the core elements within the network independent of one another. In this way, when the operator wants to introduce new services or equipment into one layer it is not necessary to re-engineer the entire network or completely replace the hardware. This gives the operator much greater flexibility than conventional networks, which are designed as a giant monolithic system, from top to bottom. 4 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 and range of solutions, including our integration skills and specialist products developed by us.We also support independent application developers and content providers through our Mobility World centers. We select valuable new innovations and transform them into working solutions for our customers. Greater technical complexity is increasing demand for our Global Services expertise. We have provided services such as designing, building, integrating, optimizing and supporting networks for many years. This is becoming an even more valuable part of our business. We are already one of the largest suppliers of services to network operators, with more than one- quarter of our people working in this area. These experts are operating in countries around the world and support networks that provide telecommunications for more than 500 million subscribers worldwide. During we expanded our managed services business with eight new contracts, making us a market leader. Under these agreements, operators outsource all or some of their network operations to us, enabling them to reduce their operating expenses and devote greater time and resources to establishing new services and attracting more customers. So, what about G? What role will the next generation of mobile technology play in our future? For me the business case is simple and powerful – G is more cost-efficient and faster than G. The need for more capacity at lower cost is evident, because operators must cope with traffic growth and be able to expand their markets. It also enables operators to offer new forms of higher value multimedia services to subscribers. Ericsson works at the heart of the industry and we see that G is gaining momentum. Indeed, it now accounts for more than percent of our mobile systems sales. G is a major step forward in technology, but it is not a revolution. GSM (G) and WCDMA (G) both use the same core network, so that G applications can work seamlessly with WCDMA technology. Similarly, applications based on G versions of CDMA can work with their cdmaOne forerunners. This means that operators can test the market with new services such as multimedia messaging without having to invest too much or too soon in their radio network. GSM is still developing, and our leading position has been strengthened, not least by our contribution to the development of EDGE. As a G radio technology, EDGE complements WCDMA and allows operators to significantly enhance the data speeds and capacity of their existing GSM networks with moderate investments. I’ve been talking about the sophistication of today’s services, technologies and networks. Of course, it’s inevitable that the telecommunications environment of the future will be even more complex. There is a simple consumer-led reason for this. People are on the move more and more, yet we always need to communicate with one another. As consumers, we like to be connected in the best possible way, wherever we are. We don’t want to worry about whether it’s technically possible, or whether our connection is called G, G, wireless LAN, fixed wireless or whatever. So the natural evolution of telecommunications is towards one seamless network, where we can all reach whoever we need, in whatever way we prefer. The technology may be sophisticated and complex, but ease of use by the consumer is essential for market success. Only services that are easy to understand and simple to apply will be accepted and used. This requires all of the various ways to connect to work together in a transparent way. Consumers must be able to reach and to be reached, any place, any time, quick and simple. We’re developing mobile networks that can handle the enormous range of traffic this demand generates. In addition to G and mobile networks, fixed line multiservice networks also have an important role to play in an increasingly integrated world. This creates attractive opportunities for companies like Ericsson that can combine telephony and mobility with IP/Ethernet technology to deliver powerful multiservice solutions. One seamless global telecommunications service is a simple and wonderful idea. It is also a major technical challenge, and one that suits our strengths as a company. Our comprehensive experience with all relevant technologies and our commitment to develop open standards and initiatives such as layered architecture, will enable us to be our customers’ best business partner. We can help them to thrive. And if our customers thrive, so will we. I would like to end my letter by acknowledging how important the support of our shareholders has been in recent years. As I said earlier, conditions have been tough, but we’re heading in the right direction. I believe the efficient, robust and highly competitive Ericsson we are building confirms the faith you’ve shown in us. I hope you share my enthusiasm for our future. Yours sincerely, Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and Chief Executive Officer C E O L E T T E R E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 5 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T Board of Directors’ Report In the following comments we will refer to measures such as: “adjusted gross margin”, “adjusted operating expenses”, “adjusted operating income”, and “adjusted income after financial items”. The adjustments are related to restructuring costs, effects of capitalization of development costs and non- operation capital gains, and, in our opinion, the adjusted measures better reflect the operations and will help the readers to understand the Company’s performance during the periods reported in the statements. In the period –, Ericsson carried out two major restructuring programs: in the Phones segment in , to stop huge operating losses and to prepare for establishing a joint venture with Sony, and in Systems and Other Operations during – to adapt to the changing market. Due to the conditions in the telecom market during the last three years, as described below in “Market environment and Trend Information”, we were forced to undertake these As reported 2002 1) 2003 2001 1) Net sales Gross margin – percent Total operating expenses – percent Share in earnings of JV and associated companies Other operating revenues and costs Operating income – percent Income after financial items 38,837 33% 117,738 145,773 41,549 29% –51,013 –62,401 43% 43% –604 1,541 –1,220 773 –11,239 –21,299 –15% –12,103 –22,835 –10% 231,839 57,939 25% –93,002 40% –715 8,398 –27,380 –12% –29,154 Items affecting comparability Non-operational capital gains/losses, net (in other operating revenues and costs) Capitalization of development expenses, net (in other operating expenses) Restructuring costs, net, Total Restructuring costs, of which in: – Cost of sales – Operating expenses – Other operating revenues and costs – Share in earnings of JV and associated companies/Phones Total 1) Restated for changes in accounting principles. 6 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 extensive restructuring efforts, with costs so significant in relation to the underlying business that a clear separation is necessary for the understanding of our financial statements. To illustrate the magnitude of change, the number of employees was reduced from , to ,. The restructuring programs were substantially completed by the end of . In , we also incurred significant capital gains of a non- recurring nature, and income in and was favourably affected by initial effects of implementation of a new Swedish accounting standard regarding intangible assets. However, in order not to mislead readers, we do publish both unadjusted and adjusted measures. The following text contains “Forward Looking Statements” – please see “Forward Looking Statements” on page . Numbers in brackets refer to the prior year. Adjustments Adjusted 2003 2002 2001 117,738 43,627 37% –41,621 35% –252 1,899 3,653 3% 2,789 145,773 47,138 32% –59,309 41% –1,450 1,126 –12,495 –9% –14,031 231,839 66,284 29% –86,347 37% –715 2,598 –18,180 –8% –19,954 2003 – 4,790 – 9,392 – 352 358 14,892 – 14,892 2002 – 5,589 – 3,092 – –230 353 8,804 – 8,804 2001 – 8,345 – 6,655 – – –5,800 9,200 – 9,200 13 42 –5,800 –1,584 16,463 14,892 4,790 10,976 345 –3,200 11,962 – 15,000 8,804 9,200 5,589 6,292 311 8,345 6,655 – 352 –230 – 16,463 11,962 15,000 Highlights of 2003: • Return to profit before restructuring costs with a positive adjusted income after financial items for the full year • Positive cash flow • Cost reductions delivered, focus now on operational efficiency, and • Market position strengthened. STRATEGY AND GOALS Ericsson is a leading provider of infrastructure equipment for mobile and fixed networks and related products and services, as well as products for special applications, such as radar, cables and mobile handset platform technology. Our goal is to be the preferred business partner to the leading network operators as well as to customers in certain specialized markets such as microwave systems. In doing so, we strive to be the market and technology leader. We offer end-to-end solutions for operators, related to their infrastructure investments, network management and service offerings. Our products and services fit into the core and access parts of networks as well as into the increasingly important service layer. In addition, with our mobile platform products and through our Sony Ericsson joint venture for handsets, we extend the scope of our operations all the way to the consumer. As a market leader, our strategy is to leverage our economies of scale to be able to develop superior products and services, offering our customers competitive advantages. During recent years, we have adopted measures to cut costs and adapt Ericsson to the new market situation. We can now conclude that our actions have had the intended effects so far. Despite these rapid internal changes, we have been able to keep up deliveries and support towards our customers, including the roll out of advanced G technology, and we have carried out our most important development projects without significant delays. The improved financial position is partially a result of the successful stock issue in , which ensured that we would have resources to finance our operations during the phase of market decline and restructuring. This has enabled management to focus on the business and on the restructuring. The important result of this is that Ericsson has delivered on the promises to return to profit sometime in , excluding restructuring costs, and to do this with a positive cash flow before financing activities. As indicated when we made the rights issue in , certain maturing debts have been repaid, but the Company has not consumed any of the cash generated by the stock issue for operational purposes. It is still part of the very strong payment readiness. Focus is now on operational improvement to become even more effective. The target is now to reach a sustainable and competitive profitability. B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T MARKET ENVIRONMENT AND TREND INFORMATION The market for mobile and fixed infrastructure went through a number of significant changes during the last five years. From the mid ’s until , network operators invested heavily in mobile infrastructure driven by strong subscriber growth and increasing usage. Similarly, fixed networks were expanded to accommodate Internet traffic. This extraordinary growth peaked in , and, since the beginning of , the market for network equipment has contracted sharply. The three years of decline can be characterized by: • Auctions of G licenses, which led to spending by operators of the equivalent of seven years’ worth of infrastructure investments on the licenses. This created an investment pause in network equipment for G, in particular in many markets in Western Europe • Significant network capacity was deployed during the boom years and many operators reduced their capital expenditures to adjust for excess capacity • Due to over-investments in the sector, credit market restrictions for telecom operators and vendors caused a series of downgrades in credit ratings. Many operators prioritized cash flow over top-line growth and further limited their investments to focus on improved balance sheets to maintain their credit rating. • The resulting rapid and dramatic decline in demand forced equipment suppliers to reduce costs and adjust to the much lower demand • Macroeconomic difficulties in certain markets, for example Latin America, put further pressure on the decline in equipment demand, and • Technology changes dramatically altered the market, including such changes as: – The early implementation of G technology in Japan, which caused a sharp reduction in PDC investments. – System transition in the United States and Latin America from TDMA to GSM or CDMA to prepare for evolution to G-based networks. This led to significant reduction in our TDMA sales, but also increased GSM sales. – Increased demand for CDMA equipment. Ericsson addressed this market segment, focusing on new CDMA markets such as China and India. – Build out of G networks, but in most cases just according to basic license requirements. So far the limited supply of handsets has restricted commercial launches. – More complex networks, with additional features and a larger mix of equipment and software from multiple vendors, which is opening up possibilities for Ericsson to market professional services to support integration of such networks. Operators are also becoming more willing to outsource network management and focus on their service offerings to their customer base in the new technology environment. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 7 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T – In fixed networks, operators are converting from circuit- switched to packet-switched networks – reflecting the need to more efficiently handle voice and data traffic. This caused a very sharp reduction in demand for our circuit- switching products. Due to the sales decline, adjusted income after financial items dropped sharply during and , with a recovery during . Headcount was reduced by slightly more than percent over these years. Net sales 1999–2003 Phones Systems and Other Operations 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 During the last three years, we have been able to strengthen our leading market position in the mobile systems market. We have also established a leading position in the fixed infrastructure market for our packet-switched network solutions. Although the operators drastically reduced their investments in the last few years, the underlying subscriber and traffic growth continued. We are firmly convinced that our industry is a growth industry, but we believe the growth in the late ’s and was extraordinary and will not likely be repeated. While we do not yet see any solid evidence of a fast pick up in operator investments, we are seeing signs of a gradual return to growth. Operators are starting to address their operating expenses and seeking revenue growth from new services. Through increased activities in professional services and service layer applications, we aim for increased sales in these fast- growing segments. We are already a market leader within systems integration and managed services, and we have established a strong position within the service layer. Orders booked of SEK . billion were percent lower than last year, of which approximately percentage points is due to negative foreign exchange impact, largely due to a weaker USD. Orders by market in Systems and Other Operations (SEK billion) 2003 2002 Change 2001 Change Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) North America Latin America Asia Pacific 54.2 20.2 9.1 29.5 65.4 22.9 9.6 30.5 Total 113.0 128.4 –17% –12% –5% –3% –12% 92.7 24.6 31.1 53.4 201.8 –29% –7% –69% –43% –36% Ericsson’s two largest markets, the United States and China, were also among the best performing markets, with an increase in China of percent, despite a negative currency effect, and a percent decline in the US, which was almost entirely currency related. During the last two years, operators in the United States have invested in GSM networks to prepare for next generation’s IP-based technology. This has benefited Ericsson as the largest GSM-vendor. Improved order development in China followed a weak year . Ericsson is the largest GSM vendor in China, and China is Ericsson’s largest CDMA market. We look forward to late /early , when it is expected that system choices will be made with regard to G technologies, which will clarify the market situation and support new investment programs. Among the other markets in Asia Pacific, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Australia also developed well, whereas Japan declined substantially. In EMEA, the decline is primarily attributable to low orders in Saudi Arabia compared to a very large order intake in , as well as low orders in Sweden and other countries where G build out for initial coverage is currently ongoing and additional capacity orders have not yet started to come. Segment orders in Systems and Other Operations (SEK billion) 2003 2002 Change 2001 Change Systems Mobile Fixed Professional Services Other Operations Less: inter segment orders 105.4 79.5 6.3 19.6 9.2 115.3 85.5 9.3 20.5 15.4 –9% –7% –32% –4% –40% 183.3 143.1 21.8 18.4 27.4 –37% –40% –57% 11% –44% –1.6 –2.4 – –8.9 – Total 113.0 128.4 –12% 201.8 –36% Book-to-bill ratios were above one for each of the first three quarters in . Due to the strong sales in the fourth quarter, the ratio fell below one, despite somewhat higher order bookings than in previous quarters. The order backlog corresponds to – months of sales, which we consider to be a normal level. For managed service contracts longer than one year, only the amounts related to the next twelve months are booked. 8 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Within Mobile Networks, orders for GSM declined percent, while increases in G (WCDMA) and CDMA offset sharp declines for PDC and TDMA. The combined GSM/WCDMA track declined only percent. It was also encouraging that Ericsson in its CDMA business received additional orders in China, the United States and Nigeria and in several new markets, including India, Ecuador and Kazakhstan. Ericsson won a number of orders for broadband access and switching products, but this was not sufficient to offset the decline for circuit-switching equipment. Professional services continued to develop well. Adjusting for foreign exchange effects, orders increased slightly year over year. A number of new customers signed managed services contracts and we now have such customers. The decline in Other Operations of percent is partly attributable to the fourth quarter divestiture of our Microelectronics operations and deconsolidation of handset production in China for Sony Ericsson. Orders for comparable units declined percent, mainly due to low orders in the Microwave and Mobile Platform businesses. PRODUCTS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Notwithstanding the general industry conditions, Ericsson continued over the last three years to invest heavily in R&D to support our competitive position. The spending in relation to sales has been stable. The reductions in absolute amounts have been achieved through focusing on a narrower core product portfolio and through increased efficiency as an effect of restructuring efforts and have not had a major negative impact on the key R&D programs. R&D expenditures excluding restructuring costs and capitalization R&D SEK billion As percent of sales Number of R&D sites Employees in R&D 2003 2002 2001 23.2 20% 25 16,500 29.3 20% 30 20,500 43.1 19% 70 25,200 Our product portfolio was strengthened during the year with competitive solutions and more cost-effective products for a number of applications. Some of the major developments were: • Industrialized versions of volume products in G • Roll out of G in commercial networks • Platform commonality for CDMA and WCDMA products to achieve volume leverage on cost and strengthen our market position in CDMA • First commercially launched EDGE network • Expander, a G solution for economic mobile network solutions in emerging markets B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T • Mass deployment of MMS solutions – also an important demonstration of our strong capabilities in systems integration, which is a large part of MMS contracts • Implementation of solutions for WLAN integration in mobile networks • Softswitch products for IP and multi-media in fixed networks • New generation of Ethernet-based broadband access products, and • Ericsson Mobile Platforms’ handset technology for WCDMA, was chosen by of the top largest suppliers of handsets PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES, ACQUISITIONS/DIVESTITURES During , the joint venture Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications successfully launched a number of new handsets. This enabled Sony Ericsson to return to profit during the second half of the year. A number of cost reduction actions were implemented and are expected to contribute to sustainable positive results. Mobile communications networks are becoming increasingly complex, and many new types of services will be launched. Since handsets are an important part of the realization of the new services, it is beneficial for Ericsson as a systems vendor and a supplier of handset platform technology to participate closely also in this area of the end-to- end solution through the joint venture. In the first quarter of , Sony and Ericsson made an additional capital contribution of EUR million each to the joint venture. We believe that the joint venture is now self- sustaining and there are currently no plans for additional capital investments by the parent companies. In January , Ericsson sold its optoelectronics operations to Northlight Optronics AB. During the year, in-house activities within IS/IT were outsourced to Hewlett-Packard (HP) and IBM, and five-year service agreements were signed, which will substantially reduce the operating costs for these activities. HP will provide services to Ericsson in more than countries, including data center management, help desk support and desktop environment services. The agreement involves transfer of assets and around , employees to HP. IBM will provide development, implementation and maintenance services of internal applications. The agreement involves transfer of , employees to IBM. No other significant acquisitions or divestments were made during . Please see also the section Information on the Company – Joint Ventures, Cooperation Arrangements and Venture Capital. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 9 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM The restructuring program initiated in was completed ahead of schedule and delivered the targeted cost reductions. Gross margin and operating expense run-rate targets were surpassed for the year. The number of employees at year-end was ,, which is in line with our plan of ,. In the first quarter the cost reduction program was further expanded to include additional measures, aiming to reduce operating expenses beyond the originally planned level of SEK billion per year down to SEK billion by the third quarter , and to reduce Cost of Sales by SEK billion on an annual basis. The number of employees is expected to reach , during . The expansion of the program was made to secure not only to reach a break-even result, but to deliver a competitive return on investment to the shareholders. Total restructuring charges during the year were SEK . (.) billion. Included are SEK . billion of restructuring costs in Sony Ericsson. Cash flow in related to restructuring was SEK –. (–.) billion. For more detailed information on restructuring charges, please see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Profit from Operations . FINANCIAL RESULTS Sales and Gross Margin Sales in Systems and Other Operations (SEK billion) 2003 2002 Change 2001 Change Systems Mobile Fixed Professional Services Other Operations Less: inter segment sales 108.7 82.1 8.0 18.6 10.6 132.0 101.1 11.7 19.2 16.2 –18% –19% –32% –3% –35% 188.7 143.8 27.1 17.8 31.8 –30% –30% –57% 8% –49% –1.6 –2.4 – –9.7 – Total 117.7 145.8 –19% 210.8 –31% In , we established the Sony Ericsson joint venture for handsets. Their operations are included in our segment Phones, accounted for under the equity method with no sales included in Ericsson’s financial statements. With strong sales in Systems and Other Operations in the fourth quarter, at the same level as the fourth quarter last year, the full year decline in sales stopped at percent. Approximately percentage points of the decline are attributable to foreign exchange effects. The decline in sales was widespread across almost all markets. Sales in the United States declined percent due to lower TDMA volumes. China sales were flat year over year for comparable units, excluding the sales of handsets to Sony Ericsson last year. Price pressure remained strong, in particular regarding contracts with customers aquiring for them new technology. 10 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Sales of mobile systems decreased percent compared to . Sharply reduced sales of the mature TDMA/PDC systems contributed to almost half of the decline and lower GSM sales the other half. The roll out of G systems continued at a moderate rate, as the availability of handsets was still rather limited. Sales of G (WCDMA) systems increased by percent from to SEK . billion or to () percent of Mobile Network sales. We expect a pick up in roll out activities during . Sales increased of products related to the service layer, which is becoming of increased importance in the networks based on new technology offering data and picture and similar services. Fixed Network sales declined substantially due to a very weak market demand for circuit-switching. Sales of professional services decreased by percent from last year and now account for () percent of Systems sales. Adjusted for foreign exchange effects sales increased approximately percent. Sales in Other Operations declined by percent or SEK . billion, of which SEK . billion are related to the now deconsolidated handset production in China and the Microelectronics component business divested in . The remaining reduction of percent is largely attributable to the Mobile Platforms and Enterprise businesses. Mobile platform revenues are dependent on G handset or component production volumes by our licensed customers and production for G handsets has not yet picked up. The adjusted gross margin, which declined sharply from percent in year to percent in and percent in due to excess capacity costs and price competition, improved to percent due to capacity adjustments and other restructuring efforts, continued outsourcing and effects of design cost reductions of products. Adjusted gross margin improved gradually during the year and in particular in the last quarter, reaching percent due to leverage of a strong sales volume. This is well in line with our target. Operating expenses Operating expenses excluding restructuring costs were reduced by almost percent, and as a percentage of sales from percent to percent. Annualized run-rate in the fourth quarter was SEK billion, which is better than the targeted run-rate of SEK billion and clearly on track to reach next year’s target level of SEK billion. The net effect of risk provisions and credit losses for customer financing affecting operating expenses amounted to SEK . (.) billion, see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Financial Instruments. Other Income Statement items Adjusted share in earnings of JV & associated companies improved by SEK . billion due to an improved performance by Sony Ericsson going from a result of SEK –. billion last year to SEK –. billion this year, excluding restructuring costs. Sony Ericsson successfully launched a number of new handsets. This and certain restructuring measures taken enabled Sony Ericsson to show a profit for the second half of , before restructuring costs. Sony Ericsson sold million handsets, with a product mix geared towards more high-end models with high functionality, many with camera and color screen. The overall market share is approximately percent, and the market share in the served market segments is higher. Other operating revenues increased from SEK . billion to SEK . billion, mainly as a result of increased focus on generating more license fees from intellectual property rights. Financial net improved from SEK –. billion in to SEK –. billion due to the improved cash position following last year’s rights issue, repayment of debt and this year’s positive cash flow. From to , the average spot exchange rates of USD and related currencies, such as Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR), to SEK declined by approximately percent. Other currencies where Ericsson has material exposures, such as EUR, GBP and JPY, did not have similar significant exchange rate movements. The decline in average hedged rates year over year was lower for USD and related currencies, approximately percent, and insignificant for other currencies. The effect on operating income of changed hedged rates year over year was SEK –. billion, and on income after financial items SEK –. billion. If the change in average spot rates had been used, the effect on operating income would have been SEK –. billion. Exchange rate differences in operating income for were SEK –. billion, net, with SEK –. billion of negative differences from spot rates almost fully offset by positive effects of hedging. Income after financial items was SEK –. (–.) billion. Adjusted for items affecting comparability, the full year income after financial items was positive by SEK . (–.) billion despite SEK billion of lower sales, which is a confirmation of the impact of cost reduction measures taken. Taxes in the period were positive SEK . (.) billion. The low effective tax rate of () percent is a result of the write- down of deferred tax assets in a couple of jurisdictions and other provisions and write-downs of investments that are not tax deductible. Net income was SEK –. (–.) billion and diluted earnings per share SEK –. (–.). Diluted earnings per share according to US GAAP were SEK –. (–.). Balance sheet, cash flow, liquidity and capital resources The capital usage and cash position improved substantially during . Total assets were reduced by SEK billion from SEK billion to billion. Excluding increased cash of SEK billion, the reduction was SEK billion, of which the largest items were customer financing, fixed assets plus trade- and other receivables. Customer financing credits were substantially reduced through sales of credits. B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T Long-term debt and a convertible bond were repaid with SEK . billion. Accounts payable and other operating liabilities were reduced by SEK billion. While working capital is sufficient for operations, it is still higher than needed for truly efficient operations and efforts to improve this continue. Due to reassessment of the nature of leases according to the present interpretation of Swedish GAAP/IFRS, financial leases of SEK . billion were reflected in the balance sheet as assets and interest bearing liabilities. Net cash developed favorably, with the excess of cash over debt increasing from SEK billion to SEK billion. Due to the net loss and cumulative translation effects, equity declined from SEK . billion to SEK . billion, and the equity ratio declined to . (.) percent. Cash flow before financing activities was positive by SEK . billion, significantly above our target. The major drivers were the improved income, reduced customer financing and reduced other operating assets. Swedish pension liabilities of SEK . billion were settled through payment to Alecta, a pension administration company. The investment in Sony Ericsson was increased by EUR million or SEK . billion. Capital expenditures and proceeds from divested assets were almost equal. Reduced debt and repaid convertible bonds were the major items in the SEK . billion of negative cash flow from financing. The payment readiness at year end was SEK . billion or percent of sales. The cash position has improved since the rights issue, and no part of the stock issue proceeds has been used for operational purposes, only for reduction of debt. We also refinanced debt of EUR . billion, or SEK . billion, extending the maturity from to with possibility to call after four years. A new USD . billion committed credit facility valid until was arranged, which will become available as an existing USD . billion facility expires in . Thereby the financial flexibility and maturity profile was significantly improved. Currently and in the near term, Ericsson expects that its current cash position will satisfy short-term liquidity requirements. Ericsson’s credit ratings are still below investment grade. The rating was lowered by S&P in the first quarter to BB. We expect that our subsequent improvements in income, cash position and financing will lead to improved ratings and thereby also lower interest costs on bonds with interest rates linked to our rating. Off Balance Sheet items Customer financing credits of SEK . (.) billion issued by third parties and guaranteed by Ericsson were outstanding as per December . See Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Financial Instruments, and Note , Reconciliation to Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 11 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T Contractual obligations Long-term debt Capital lease obligations Operating leases Other long-term liabilities Credit commitments for customer financing Total Payment due by period < 1 year 7.3 0.2 2.7 – Total 34.3 2.7 14.5 1.1 6.1 1.7 58.7 11.9 1–3 years 3–5 years >5 years 16.0 0.4 3.9 0.2 4.4 24.9 3.2 0.3 3.0 0.6 – 7.1 7.8 1.8 4.9 0.3 – 14.8 The Company has purchase obligations, in particular in relation to outsourced manufacturing and IS/IT operations, divested R&D operations and for components for own manufacturing. Subcontracted manufacturing corresponds to demands related to Ericsson’s order backlog with a duration of five to six months. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (A more detailed description of financial risk management and financial instruments used is included in Note to the Financial Statements.) Ericsson’s financial risk management is governed by a policy approved by the Board. The Finance Committee of the Board is responsible for approving certain matters regarding investments, loans, guarantees and customer financing commitments and is continuously monitoring the exposure to financial risks. Financial risks are defined as market risk, credit risk, country risk, funding and liquidity risk. Market risk is further divided into three types of risk: foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, and market price risk in own shares and other listed equity instruments. The Board has established risk limits for exposures to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. The market risk mandate of SEK million is based on a five percent adverse change in foreign exchange rates of the total position and a one percentage point change in interest rates. This is complemented by a Value at Risk calculation, given a confidence level of percent and a -day horizon. Ericsson has a treasury function with the principal role to ensure that sufficient financing is in place through loans and committed credit facilities, to actively manage the group’s liquidity as well as financial assets and liabilities, and to manage and control financial exposures in a manner consistent with underlying business risks and financial policies. Cash management and handling of hedging activities are centralized to the consolidated subsidiary Ericsson Treasury Services Aktiebolag in Stockholm. Ericsson also has a customer finance function with the main objective to find suitable third-party financing solutions for customers and to minimize recourse to Ericsson. To the extent customer loans are not provided directly by banks, the consolidated subsidiary Ericsson Credit AB provides or guarantees vendor credits. The customer finance function monitors the exposure from outstanding vendor credits and credit commitments. Our business operations and the resulting financial instruments and future commitments give rise to exposures to financial risks. Primary financial instruments are structured and designated to hedge the exposures to the extent possible. As a complement to the primary instruments also derivative instruments are used for hedging, mainly currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Except for the above described risk mandate, risks associated with the use of financial instruments correspond to actual and forecasted foreign exchange and interest rate commitments. Foreign exchange risk With a very large share of sales in currencies other than SEK, Ericsson has a net exposure of revenue in a number of currencies, mainly USD. The duration of this exposure is also considerable, as a result of many contracts with long lead-times between order and delivery. Changes in foreign exchange rates may have a large impact on our results, and the policy is to reduce this effect to the extent possible through a variety of hedging activities. The transaction exposure is concentrated to Sweden, and all forecasted sales and purchases with a high degree of probability are hedged – months out. Lending to customers and borrowings are hedged through offsetting of balances, and residual net borrowing exposure is hedged through offsetting cash positions or derivative instruments. Ericsson has many subsidiaries operating outside Sweden. The values of such foreign investments are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, which affect the consolidated balance sheet and income statement when translated to SEK. Translation exposure in foreign subsidiaries is hedged according to the following policy approved by the Board: • Monetary net in companies translated using the temporal method, i.e. where translation effects in investments affect the income statement, is hedged to percent. • Equity in companies translated using the current method, i.e. where translation effects are reported directly in stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet, is hedged up to percent in selected companies. Other effects of translation of financial statements in foreign currencies are not hedged. 12 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Interest rate risk Ericsson is exposed to interest rate risk through market value fluctuations of certain balance sheet items and through changes in interest expenses and revenues. In managing our interest rate exposure we use derivative instruments, such as forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps, and cross currency swaps. Having large gross interest revenues and costs, the objective is to avoid risk in the form of a mismatch between fixed and floating interest bearing balance sheet items. To achieve this, we strive to reach a position where all interest rates are floating. Risk related to our share price We are exposed to the development of Ericsson’s own share price through stock option and stock purchase plans for employees. The obligation to deliver shares under these plans is covered by holding Ericsson Class B shares in treasury and warrants for issuance of new Ericsson Class B shares. An increase in the share price will result in social security charges, which represents a risk to both income and cash flow. The income statement exposure in some of the option programs is hedged through the purchase of call options. The cash flow exposure is fully hedged through the holding of Ericsson Class B shares in treasury and through the purchase of call options on Ericsson Class B shares. Risk related to market prices of listed equity instruments Through investments in equity instruments in listed companies, we are exposed to changes in the market values of such instruments. Such instruments, however, constitute a very limited part of our assets and are therefore not hedged. Credit risk Credit risk is divided into three categories: credit risk in trade receivables, customer finance risk and financial credit risk. Credit risk in trade receivables Extended payment terms for trade credits are to be approved by the CFO. Provisions for expected losses are regularly reviewed. Credit losses have historically been low, however, as a result of the customer structure, with a major share of sales to large and successful operators. Customer finance risk The Finance Committee of the Board shall approve all commitments in excess of USD million (from USD million) to extend financing support to customers. In most of our customer finance arrangements, Ericsson maintains security interests, normally in the form of pledges of equipment, certain of the borrowers’ and/or pledges of shares. B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T Financial credit risk Financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterparts may be unable to fulfill their obligations. These risks are mitigated by investing excess liquidity primarily in commercial papers, treasury bills, floating rate notes with short-term ratings of at least A/P and long-term ratings of at least A/A and in liquidity funds holding a rating of at least single A. Country risk Tax, currency and other legal and economic restrictions in certain countries can affect our ability to transfer funds within the group and to provide funding to certain subsidiaries. However, the impact of such restrictions is currently very limited. Funding and liquidity risk We maintain sufficient liquidity through centralized cash management, with investments in highly liquid fixed income securities, and by having sufficient committed and uncommitted credit lines in place for potential funding needs. Ericsson’s funding policy stipulates that the greater part of borrowings should be long-term. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (For more detailed descriptions, please see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Accounting Policies and, for reconciliation to US GAAP, Note to the Financial Statements.) The preparation of financial statements and the application of accounting policies in many cases involve management’s judgment or the use of estimates based on past experience and assumptions deemed to be reasonable and prudent. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have identified below the accounting policies that that might have the most significant impact on our reported results and financial position. Revenue recognition A substantial share of Ericsson’s sales is construction-type contracts to supply network systems configured according to customer specifications. Managerial judgment is applied regarding contractual performance and estimation of total contract costs, degree of completion, conformance with acceptance criteria and collectibility of receivables to define timing and amounts of revenue to be recognized. Due to the large number of sales contracts in process simultaneously, the overall impact on a consolidated level is limited. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 13 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T Valuation of receivables and exposures in customer financing Ericsson continuously monitors the financial stability of the customers and the environment in which they operate and apply judgment regarding the realization of these receivables and guarantees. Total allowances for doubtful accounts are SEK . billion or percent of total receivables. The major part of the customer base has good creditworthness, and the impact of estimates regarding individual receivables is therefor limited in the consolidated accounts. Customer financing credits have higher risks, as such customers normally have less strong balance sheets and liquidity. Consequently, the total risk provisions are higher than for trade receivables. For outstanding customer financing credits and for third party credits under our guarantee we regularly assess the credit risk and make necessary provisions. Inventory valuation and commitments related to outsourcing arrangements Inventories are valued at the lowest of cost or market value, taking into account also risks of obsolescence. This valuation involves making estimates of obtainable market value, future customer demand and changes in technology and customer acceptance of new products. More than half of our production is outsourced to contract manufacturing companies. In addition to valuation allowances regarding own inventories, we regularly assess the need for provisions for supplier compensation due to failure to reach minimum committed purchase volumes. Customer warranties Provision amounts for product warranties are based on assumptions, involving historic failure rates as well as estimates regarding failure rates for new products, and also estimates on costs to remedy various types of faults. Deferred taxes Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences between reported and taxable income and for unutilized tax loss carry-forwards. This involves assumptions regarding the deductibility of costs not yet subject to taxation and regarding sufficient future taxable income to enable utilization of unused tax losses in different tax jurisdictions. The largest amounts of tax loss carry-forwards are in Sweden, with an indefinite period of utilization. New Accounting Principles Swedish GAAP 2004 Pensions Starting , Ericsson will apply a new mandatory IAS-based Swedish accounting standard for pensions. According to this standard, future salary increases will be considered in calculating the pension liability, whereas until only actual salaries were considered. This change will increase the current pension provisions by an estimated SEK . billion. The effect of this accounting change will be reported as a one-time charge to equity of SEK . billion, net of taxes. Pension liabilities are also subject to several other assumptions than future salaries, such as inflation rate, return on plan assets, discount rate, employee turnover and mortality. Different assumptions may change the liability significantly and Ericsson makes those assumptions in consultation with actuaries and applies a consistent set of assumptions to avoid volatility. US GAAP 2004 FIN46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities In , all Variable Interest Entities, where Ericsson is the primary beneficiary, will be consolidated. At present, certain real estate entities have been identified, which will only have a limited impact on the balance sheet. Swedish GAAP 2005 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) From , Ericsson will be required to report according to IFRS. An internal project is underway to identify differences to current GAAP and what changes will be necessary. The company is in the process of evaluating the impact. It is expected that IAS regarding financial instruments and new standards regarding share-based compensation and business combinations will be the standards with the largest impact. LEGAL AND TAX PROCEEDINGS Ericsson and InterDigital Communications Corporation (InterDigital), along with its subsidiary InterDigital Technology Corporation (ITC), settled the companies’ long- standing patent infringement litigation. Under the settlement agreement, the companies entered into a license agreement covering all of ITC’s patents for GSM, TDMA (D-AMPS), GPRS, EDGE and PDC. In exchange, Ericsson will make an annual payment of a limited fixed amount through 2006 for sales of covered infrastructure equipment. At the same time, Sony Ericsson and ITC have entered into a similar license agreement concerning handsets, under which Sony Ericsson will pay royalties to ITC through . We continue to be engaged in litigation proceedings with Harris Corporation in the United States regarding alleged infringement of their patents. We have contested the claim. 14 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 The industry, including Ericsson, is named defendants in a number of class actions in the United States where plaintiffs allege that adverse health effects could be associated with the use of handsets. Together with the majority of the industry, Ericsson has been named defendant in six such lawsuits. The court has dismissed five of these cases. Plaintiffs have appealed the decision. During –, Swedish fiscal authorities disallowed, for corporate income tax purposes, the Parent Company and the subsidiaries Ericsson Telecom AB and Ericsson Radio Systems AB (renamed as Ericsson AB) deductions for commission payments via external service companies to agents in certain countries. The increase in corporate income taxes for all companies amounts to SEK million, of which SEK million were paid by the end of . All decisions have been or will be appealed. ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES Organization and Management On April , Carl-Henric Svanberg, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Assa Abloy, was appointed President and CEO of Ericsson, succeeding Kurt Hellström, who remained employed until the end of , when he retired. Chief Operating Officer Per-Arne Sandström was appointed Deputy CEO. Karl-Henrik Sundström, head of business unit Global Services, was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding Sten Fornell, who remained as advisor to the management for the balance of . An Executive Team was established, consisting of the CEO, the Deputy CEO and the CFO. The organization was changed during , effective January , , to reflect that the group is now smaller than before and to promote more efficient operations with clear areas of responsibility and with a simpler structure than before and with fewer organizational layers. The changes include: • The market area organization is eliminated. The market units were reduced from to and now report to the Executive Team. • Within the Systems segment, the business unit Mobile Systems was split into two: Core Systems, headed by Björn Olsson, and Access, headed by Kurt Jofs. The Systems segment’s other three business units remained unchanged: CDMA Systems, Transmission and Transport Networks and Global Services. B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T As a result of restructuring and outsourcing activities, the total headcount declined by percent during from , to ,. Please see “Directors, Senior Management and Auditors” for more information about employees and management. Employee Compensation The Annual General Meeting in approved an employee stock purchase plan based on million Class B shares, including shares designated for social security payments. Employees may during months purchase shares for up to . percent of their salary up to SEK , per -month period. If the shares are kept for three years and the employment is continued, the employee will be given matching shares at a ration of :. For the President and CEO and the Group Management, the maximum level of variable salary is reduced from percent to percent of the base salary from . This change is compensated by an increase of percent of the fixed salary. The current stock purchase program may be complemented with acceleration features, so that multiple shares may be granted for each share purchased, depending on if performance targets are met, subjected to approval by the Annual General Meeting in . See to Note in Notes to the Financial Statements for more information about employee compensation. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY We believe companies should act in a responsible way, maintaining high standards in corporate governance, and in employee and supplier conduct. Companies should also have a sustainable view in dealing with the environment and humanitarian aid. Ericsson has accepted the UN Global Compact’s nine principles for human rights. We see these principles as a prerequisite for sound, long-term business. These are also guiding principles in our work and inspire us to find new ways to deploy our equipment and services in developing countries. Sustainability and Environment We are committed to continuous improvement of the environmental performance of our products, services and operations. In we: • Applied the results from our unique G life cycle to our • A new group function “Sales and Marketing” was established. Bert Nordberg, previously head of the business unit Mobile Systems, was appointed to head this function. environmental goals, with more emphasis given to decreasing mass and energy flows without jeopardizing quality. • Took action to further reduce the energy consumption of our products while in use. • Continued to phase out banned and restricted materials, including lead in solder and brominated flame retardant. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 15 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T • Consolidated a worldwide Ecology Management recycling • Humanitarian assistance to Liberia scheme through which we take back and recycle our customers’ phased-out equipment. In we will evaluate the impact of the EU directive on prevention of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Code of Conduct Ericsson’s Code of Conduct regarding basic working conditions and environment protects the rights of people working with our products and services, including those working for our suppliers. We will, to the extent justifiable, discontinue cooperation with any party that persists in non-compliance. The Code of Conduct includes directives on: • Workers’ rights, including human rights and discrimination, wages and working hours. • Safety, including workplace conditions. • Environment, with suppliers required to comply with environmental laws and our environmental requirements. • Child labor, which we base on the child labor code in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, article .. • Monitoring, with all suppliers obliged to inform us about their operations. Ericsson’s internal rules for ethical behavior and other important rules for all directors, officers and employees have long been established via group policies and directives. A Code of Business Ethics and Conduct for all employees, directors and officers that essentially summarizes the most important of these rules will be implemented during . Please refer to Ericsson’s investor website for further information: www.ericsson.com Ericsson Response program Ericsson Response is a global initiative aimed at responding to human suffering caused by disasters. Ericsson Response assists disaster relief operations by providing specialist volunteers and communications equipment. Key achievements in were: • Relief work in Bam, Iran Set up of a complete GSM communications system, providing emergency communication to aid relief work in Bam, Iran, following the major earthquake on December . The network was up and running within hours after deployment • UN World Food Programme Ericsson Response signed an agreement with the UN World Food Programme for the use of volunteers in the UN’s humanitarian operations worldwide Due to civil unrest in Liberia, hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes and were without access to adequate food supplies. Two volunteers helped the UN World Food Programme to re-establish IT and telecommunications systems in their looted offices in and around Monrovia. • Humanitarian assistance to Iraq Ericsson Response worked with the UN World Food Programme at the Fast ICT Response team (FITTEST) base in Dubai, helping to prepare for the humanitarian operation in Iraq, and • Relief operations in Algeria Assisted the Swedish Search and Rescue team and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) by strenghtening the network to support relief operations outside of Alger after the severe earthquake in May. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Board changes 2003 At the Annual General Meeting on March , , Arne Mårtensson succeeded Tom Hedelius as member of the Board and as Deputy Chairman. In recent years, several committees have been established to strengthen corporate governance within Ericsson, including: • Audit Committee, which is appointed by the Board among its members and oversees financial statements, audit processes and audit fees • Finance Committee, which is appointed by the Board among its members and oversees major financial transactions and our exposure to financial risk • Remuneration Committee, which is appointed by the Board among its members and oversees salary levels, retirement compensation and incentive plans for employees • Nomination Committee, consisting of shareholders, which is appointed by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and is responsible for nominating Board Directors and proposing Directors’ fees, and • Disclosure Committee, appointed by the CEO and CFO to assist them in relation to the requirements on the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls. The Board work during 2003 The work of the Board is subject to an established work procedure that defines the distribution of work between the Board and its three committees (Audit, Finance and Remuneration) and between the Board and the President. The work procedure is evaluated each year and revised if deemed appropriate. The Chairman has had individual discussions with each member regarding the work procedure and the evaluation of the Board work. The other members of the Board evaluate the work of the Chairman each year. The Board also evaluates the work of the President annually. 16 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T resolved to propose to the AGM that the fees to the auditors be based on work performed (i.e. on account). The Finance Committee primarily resolved issues regarding restructuring of customer credits and trade receivables, guarantees, credit facility agreements, refinancing of Ericsson’s existing credit commitments, the financing strategy (including strategies for risk management, insurance and customer financing) and pension liabilities. The committee prepared for resolution by the Board a proposal to transfer certain Swedish pension liabilities to Alecta, to provide additional security to the insurance company for Swedish white-collar pension liabilities (FPG) for such pension liabilities, as well as capital contributions to companies inside and outside the Ericsson Group, including the contribution of EUR million to Sony Ericsson. The Finance Committee also monitored the financial risk exposure and risk limits and reviewed the reporting to the committee in this respect. The committee had meetings in . The Remuneration Committee reviewed and prepared for resolution by the Board, with the support of major Swedish shareholders, a proposal for a continued stock purchase program from , which was resolved by the AGM in . The committee also prepared an extended employee incentive stock purchase plan, including additional matching for , key contributors and acceleration possibilities for matching of multiple shares for critical employees including senior management, depending on meeting performance targets. The committee approved certain remuneration packages for newly appointed members to the new Management Team. The committee also reviewed proposals for salaries and incentive pay for , including the general compensation package for the Management Team. The committee had meetings in . A Code of Ethics for the CEO and senior financial officers was implemented in . Company policies have been updated and central policies regarding ethical and conduct issues have been summarized in a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. An information policy in accordance with the requirements of Stockholmsbörsen was adopted. Management established a Disclosure Committee to ensure accurate, complete and timely disclosure and related issues. See Directors, Senior Managers and Auditors for more information. POST-CLOSING EVENTS In the beginning of , Ericsson became involved in a patent litigation in Europe related to ATM technology. We have contested the claim. The main tasks of the committees are to work on behalf of the Board within their respective areas of responibility. In certain matters, the Board has authorized the committees to resolve issues, i.a. the Finance Committee has the authority to resolve on customer financing and financing of the Group companies. Although a committee may have the authority to resolve a matter, they often refer it to the Board for resolution. More information on Board and committee activities can be found in “Directors, Senior Management and Auditors – Board Procedures and Committees”. Through the work in the committees, various matters have been possible to handle much more in-depth, with better analysis and preparation for resolution by the Board. Each committee includes Board members that are employee representatives, which has been beneficial to the committee work. Before each Board meeting, the committees submit reports to the Board on the issues handled, resolved or referred to the Board. Each committee also prepares an annual report to the Board. The Board adapted its work procedure in line with development in Sweden and the United States regarding reporting, disclosure and other requirements on listed companies from Stockholmsbörsen, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, NASDAQ and changes in legislation, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the United States. The Board has had meetings during . The Board also received training sessions regarding company matters and made a number of site visits to enhance the members’ knowledge about Ericsson. The company auditors have presented to the Board their observations from the audit of the annual report as well as their reviews of interim reports and the evaluation of our internal controls. The Audit Committee had meetings in and reviewed the financial reporting, the scope and execution of audits performed, the independence of the external auditors, the internal audit function and audit fees. The committee together with the auditors reviewed the Auditors’ report prior to publishing of each interim report. The committee implemented pre-approval procedures for non-audit services by our auditors. The committee devoted significant time to review matters and observations arising from audits performed. The Audit Committee also reviewed and initiated a strengthening of our internal disclosure controls and procedures to improve them and to ensure adequate disclosure. Other matters reviewed by the committee include the handling of vacant premises, pension liabilities, provisions, fraud risk assessments, capitalization of development expenses and deferred tax assets. Procedures for confidential submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters are under preparation and will be implemented in . The committee established a procedure for the provisioning of audit services as a basis for a proposal for election of auditors by the Annual General Meeting and E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 17 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T PARENT COMPANY The Parent Company business consists mainly of corporate management and holding company functions. It also includes activities performed on a commission basis by Ericsson Treasury Services AB and Ericsson Credit AB regarding internal banking and customer credit management. The Parent Company is the owner of all intellectual property rights and manages the patent portfolio, including patent applications, licensing and cross- licensing of patents and defending of patents in litigations. The Parent Company has branch- and representative offices in () countries. Net sales for the year amounted to SEK . (.) billion and income after financial items excluding restructuring costs, was SEK . (.) billion. The financial statements for have been revised due to changes in accounting principles. These changes have not affected the consolidated financial statements. Major changes in the Parent Company’s financial position for the year include decreased current and long-term commercial and financial receivables from subsidiaries of SEK . billion and increased cash and short-term cash investments of SEK . billion. Short- and long-term internal borrowings decreased by SEK . billion. At year-end, cash and short-term investments amounted to SEK . (.) billion. In the second quarter, as decided at the Annual General Meeting, a stock issue and subsequent stock repurchase related to the employee Stock Purchase Plan was carried out. million of Ericsson Class C shares were issued and later repurchased as treasury stock. These shares have been converted to Ericsson Class B shares. The stock issue increased capital stock in restricted stockholders’ equity by SEK million and the repurchase reduced non-restricted equity by SEK million. In accordance with the conditions of the Stock Purchase Plan and Option Plans for Ericsson employees, ,, shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees during the year. The holding of treasury stock at December , , was ,, Class B shares. PROPOSED DISPOSITION OF EARNINGS As of December , , non-restricted equity in the Parent Company amounted to SEK ,,,. The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is paid and the whole amount is retained within the business. Stockholm February , Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) Org. no. - Arne Mårtensson Deputy chairman Michael Treschow Chairman Marcus Wallenberg Deputy chairman Peter Sutherland Peter L. Bonfield Eckhard Pfeiffer Sverker Martin-Löf Lena Torell Per Lindh Åke Svenmarck Carl-Henric Svanberg President and CEO Jan Hedlund 18 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT Years ended December 31, SEK million Net sales Cost of sales Gross margin Research and development and other technical expenses Selling expenses Administrative expenses Total operating expenses Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies Other operating revenues and costs Operating income Financial income Financial expenses Income after financial items Income taxes for the year Minority interest Net income Average number of shares, basic (million) Average number of shares, diluted (million) Earnings per share, basic (SEK) Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) These measures are reported with adjustments that are specified in Note “Profit from Operations” Adjusted gross margin – as percentage of net sales Adjusted operating expenses Adjusted operating margin Adjusted income after financial items 1) Restated for changed accounting principles. Notes 2 11 5 6 6 7 8 8 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2003 117,738 –78,901 38,837 – 27,136 –15,115 – 8,762 – 51,013 – 604 1,541 –11,239 3,995 – 4,859 2002 1) 20011) 145,773 –104,224 41,549 – 30,510 – 21,896 – 9,995 – 62,401 –1,220 773 – 21,299 4,253 – 5,789 231,839 –173,900 57,939 – 46,640 – 32,352 –14,010 – 93,002 –715 8,398 – 27,380 4,815 – 6,589 –12,103 – 22,835 – 29,154 1,460 – 201 4,165 – 343 8,813 – 923 –10,844 –19,013 – 21,264 15,823 15,841 –0.69 –0.69 43,627 37.1% – 41,621 3.1% 2,789 12,573 12,684 –1.51 –1.51 47,138 32.3% – 59,309 – 8.6% –14,031 10,950 11,072 –1.94 –1.94 66,284 28.6% – 86,347 –7.8% –19,954 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 19 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET December 31, SEK million Assets Fixed assets Intangible assets Capitalized development expenses Goodwill Other intangible assets Tangible assets Financial assets Equity in joint ventures and associated companies Other investments Long-term customer financing Deferred tax assets Other long-term receivables Current assets Inventories Receivables Accounts receivable – trade Short-term customer financing Other receivables Short-term cash investments Cash and bank Total assets Stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities Stockholders’ equity Capital stock Reserves not available for distribution Restricted equity Retained earnings Net income Non-restricted equity Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries Provisions Pensions Other provisions Long-term liabilities Notes and bond loans Liabilities to financial institutions Other long-term liabilities Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt Current liabilities to financial institutions Advances from customers Accounts payable – trade Income tax liabilities Other current liabilities Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities1) Assets pledged as collateral Contingent liabilities Notes 9 10, 26, 27 11 13 14 16 17 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 2003 20022) 4,784 5,739 687 6,505 2,970 433 3,027 27,130 1,342 52,617 3,200 8,603 806 9,964 1,835 2,243 12,283 26,047 2,132 67,113 10,965 13,419 31,886 979 12,718 56,622 16,585 129,755 182,372 16,132 40,298 56,430 14,895 –10,844 4,051 60,481 2,299 8,005 28,063 36,068 26,312 689 2,771 29,772 7,262 2,247 3,297 8,895 1,943 30,108 53,752 37,384 1,680 23,303 48,252 17,962 142,000 209,113 15,974 39,950 55,924 36,696 –19,013 17,683 73,607 2,469 10,997 21,357 32,354 33,074 3,043 949 37,066 11,083 3,238 2,672 12,469 619 33,536 63,617 182,372 209,113 8,023 2,691 2,800 3,116 1) Of which total interest-bearing provisions and liabilities 46,209 (61,463), of which long-term 36,700 (47,142). 2) Restated for change in accounting principle in Sweden 2003 regarding financial instruments (RR27), and with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. 20 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31, SEK million OPERATIONS Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash Depreciation and amortization Taxes Write-downs and capital gains(–)/losses on sale of fixed assets, net Other non-cash items Changes in operating net assets Inventories Customer financing, short-term and long-term Accounts receivable – trade Provisions and pensions Other operating assets and liabilities, net Cash flow from operating activities INVESTMENTS Investments in tangible assets Sales of tangible assets Acquisitions/sales of shares and other investments, net Capitalization of development expenses Net change in capital contributed by minority Other Cash flow from investing activities Cash flow before financing activities FINANCING Changes in current liabilities to financial institutions, net Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Stock issue Sale/repurchase of own stock Dividends paid Cash flow from financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Notes 25 2003 2002 20011) –10,844 –19,013 – 21,264 8,395 – 2,352 924 – 580 2,286 7,999 4,131 5,810 7,098 6,537 – 9,171 721 81 8,599 – 2,140 9,839 3,576 – 9,117 22,867 –10,088 –1,806 1,510 – 818 – 2,359 1 60 – 3,412 – 2,738 2,977 2,703 – 3,442 503 2,981 2,984 7,828 –16,983 – 6,126 1,724 20,103 3,903 19,653 5,728 –13,148 1,418 – 8,726 10,155 5,393 – – 83 –1,488 5,251 19,455 –7,104 6,669 – 854 32 –10,904 158 –150 – 206 –11,924 – 538 6,993 –17,168 540 – 6,072 28,940 2 – 645 5,597 –1,203 – 2,710 3,343 35,169 – 8,470 155 –156 – 4,295 25,746 738 33,153 66,214 68,924 35,771 73,207 66,214 68,924 25 25 1) Restated for changed accounting principles in Sweden 2002 regarding consolidation of companies according to RR1:00. E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 21 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Years ended December 31, SEK million Opening Balance Stock issue, net Sale of own stock Stock purchase and stock option plans Conversion of debentures Repurchase of own stock Dividends paid Changes in cumulative translation effects due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates Adjustment of accrued cost for stock issue 2002 Net income Other changes Closing balance 2003 73,607 158 8 151 – –158 – – 2,444 3 –10,844 – 60,481 2002 68,587 28,940 2 12 – – – – 4,921 – –19,013 – 73,607 2001 91,686 155 – – 11 –156 – 3,954 2,110 – – 21,264 –1 68,587 22 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT Years ended December 31, SEK million Net sales Cost of sales Gross margin Research and development and other technical expenses Selling expenses Administrative expenses Total operating expenses Other operating revenues Operating income Financial income Financial expenses Income after financial items Transfers to/from untaxed reserves Changes in depreciation in excess of plan Changes in other untaxed reserves Income taxes for the year Net income 1) Restated according to URA7, Group contributions and shareholders’ contribution. F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2003 1,645 –1,278 367 –15 –1,539 – 2,920 – 4,474 2,408 –1,699 9,177 – 6,019 1,459 – 40 – – 40 –169 1,250 2002 1) 2,017 – 2,358 – 341 – 37 – 3,099 –1,345 – 4,481 2,769 – 2,053 12,997 – 8,620 2,324 20 1,977 1,997 –1,639 2,682 2001 1) 1,374 –1,547 –173 –70 – 3,446 –1,386 – 4,902 3,066 – 2,009 19,224 – 23,645 – 6,430 4 1,172 1,176 425 – 4,829 Notes 2 5 6 6 18 18 7 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 23 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET December 31, SEK million Assets Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets Financial assets Investments Subsidiaries Joint ventures and associated companies Other investments Receivables from subsidiaries Long-term customer financing Other long-term financial assets Current assets Inventories Receivables Accounts receivable – trade Short-term customer financing Receivables from subsidiaries Other receivables Short-term cash investments Cash and bank Total assets Stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities Stockholders’ equity Capital stock Share premium reserve Revaluation reserve Statutory reserve Restricted equity Retained earnings Net income Non-restricted equity Untaxed reserves Provisions Pensions Other provisions Long-term liabilities Notes and bond loans Liabilities to financial institutions Liabilities to subsidiaries Other long-term liabilities Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt Current liabilities to financial institutions Advances from customers Accounts payable–trade Liabilities to subsidiaries Income tax liability Other current liabilities Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities Assets pledged as collateral Contingent liabilities Notes 9 10, 27 11, 12 11, 12 11 15 11 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 20 15, 20 20 15 22 23 24 2003 2002 1) 62 505 79 38 58,991 4,507 17 34,046 2,023 2,122 102,273 50,600 3,210 39 22,595 9,099 1,496 87,156 3 2 84 1,568 22,835 6,523 55,820 12,573 99,406 201,679 98 1,156 59,459 12,542 47,752 11,563 132,572 219,728 16,132 24,729 20 6,741 47,622 12,385 1,250 13,635 61,257 2,129 848 3,183 4,031 26,312 290 31,911 63 58,576 5,905 1,746 2 230 57,606 149 10,048 75,686 15,974 24,726 20 6,741 47,461 11,719 2,682 14,401 61,862 2,089 1,156 2,430 3,586 33,074 411 20,395 102 53,982 10,931 21 14 264 78,746 306 7,927 98,209 201,679 219,728 698 10,517 1,918 16,587 1) Restated according to URA7, Group contributions and shareholders’ contribution, restated for change in accounting principle in Sweden 2003 regarding financial instruments (RR27), and with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. 24 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31, SEK million OPERATIONS Net income Notes 25 2003 2002 1) 2001 1) 1,250 2,682 – 4,829 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash Depreciation and amortization Taxes Write-downs and capital gains (–)/losses on sale of fixed assets, net Additions to/withdrawals from (–) untaxed reserves Unsettled dividends Changes in operating net assets Inventories Customer financing, short-term and long-term Accounts receivable–trade Provisions and pensions Other operating assets and liabilities, net Cash flow from operating activities INVESTMENTS Investments in tangible assets Sales of tangible assets Acquisitions/sales of shares and other investments, net Lending, net Other Cash flow from investing activities Cash flow before financing activities FINANCING Changes in current liabilities to financial institutions, net Changes in current liabilities to subsidiaries Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Stock issue Sale/repurchase of own stock Dividends paid Settled contributions from/to (–)subsidiaries Other Cash flow from financing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 25 152 150 1,479 40 –196 –1 6,335 61 445 5,010 14,725 – 653 23 – 2,135 9,726 1,809 8,770 49 1,595 3,792 –1,997 – 3,108 – – 6,164 1,399 –1,469 2,749 – 472 – 2 7 –1,275 – 6,503 – 2,219 – 9,992 56 – 518 18,983 –1,176 – 3,700 1 2,858 –1,373 2,222 7,748 20,272 – 20 23 – 9,196 –14,037 –1,343 – 24,573 23,495 –10,464 – 4,301 1,930 –1,420 342 –15,083 158 –150 – –163 – 31 –14,417 9,078 59,315 68,393 – 293 – 3,666 232 – 4,641 28,940 2 – 477 – 287 20,764 10,300 49,015 59,315 – 4,400 8,980 28,244 – 3,582 155 –156 – 3,953 2,072 94 27,454 23,153 25,862 49,015 1) Restated according to URA7, Group contributions and shareholders’ contribution, and including all taxes to reconcile net income to cash. E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 25 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Years ended December 31, SEK million Opening balance Stock issue, net Sale of own stock Stock purchase and stock option plans Conversion of debentures Repurchase of own stock Dividends paid Adjustment of accrued costs for stock issue 2002 Contributions from/to subsidiaries, net of taxes Capital discount Net income Closing balance 1) Restated according to URA7, Group contributions and shareholders’ contribution. 2003 61,862 158 8 3 – –158 – 3 –1,869 – 1,250 61,257 2002 1) 2001 1) 31,810 28,940 2 – – – – – –1,572 – 2,682 61,862 40,501 155 – – 11 –156 – 3,954 – 83 –1 – 4,829 31,810 26 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Notes to the Financial Statements CONTENTS Accounting Policies __________________________________________________________________________28 1. Segment Information ________________________________________________________________________34 2. Profit from Operations ________________________________________________________________________36 3. Revenues __________________________________________________________________________________37 4. Other Operating Revenues and Costs __________________________________________________________37 5. Financial Income and Expenses ________________________________________________________________38 6. Income Taxes for the Year ____________________________________________________________________38 7. Earnings per Share __________________________________________________________________________41 8. Intangible Assets ____________________________________________________________________________41 9. 10. Tangible Assets ____________________________________________________________________________42 11. Financial Assets ____________________________________________________________________________43 Investments ________________________________________________________________________________44 12. 13. Inventories __________________________________________________________________________________46 14. Accounts Receivable – Trade __________________________________________________________________46 15. Receivables and Payables – Subsidiaries ________________________________________________________46 16. Other Receivables ____________________________________________________________________________46 17. Stockholders’ Equity__________________________________________________________________________47 18. Untaxed Reserves __________________________________________________________________________48 19. Provisions __________________________________________________________________________________49 20. Long-term Liabilities __________________________________________________________________________50 21. Financial Instruments ________________________________________________________________________51 22. Other Current Liabilities ______________________________________________________________________56 23. Assets Pledged as Collateral __________________________________________________________________56 24. Contingent Liabilities__________________________________________________________________________56 25. Statement of Cash Flows ______________________________________________________________________57 26. Leasing ____________________________________________________________________________________57 27. Tax Assessment Values in Sweden ______________________________________________________________58 28. Special Information Regarding the Parent Company ______________________________________________59 29. Information Regarding Employees, Members of the Board of Directors and Management ________________59 30. Related Party Transactions ____________________________________________________________________65 31. Fees to Auditors ____________________________________________________________________________65 32. Reconciliation to Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States ______________________66 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 27 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The consolidated financial statements of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Sweden, applying all applicable standards (RR) and interpretations (URA) issued by the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council (Redovisningsrådet) and the Annual Accounts Act. These accounting principles differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP). For a description of major differences, with respect to Ericsson’s financial statements, see Note . The preparation of financial statements and the application of accounting policies in many cases involve management’s judgment or the use of estimates based on past experience and assumptions deemed to be reasonable and prudent. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have identified below the accounting policies where estimates and assumptions might have the largest impact on reported results and financial position: • Revenue recognition • Valuation of Receivables and Exposures in Customer financing • Inventory valuation and commitments related to outsourcing arrangements • Customer warranties • Pensions • Deferred taxes In the following standards were adopted: RR22 – Presentation of financial statements RR requires compliance with all standards issued by the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council. Prior to , Ericsson deviated from the standards in two aspects: • In deviation from RR:, Consolidated Financial Statements, minority interests were divided in two items; share in income before taxes and share in taxes. From January , , in accordance with RR:, we report minority interest net of taxes. • In deviation from RR, Income tax, deferred tax assets were prior to reported as both current and long-term. From January , , all deferred taxes are reported as long-term in accordance with RR. • Previous years are restated. RR25 – Segment reporting RR was adopted January , . As a consequence, we have reviewed our segments and decided to transfer internal service units from segment Other Operations to segment Systems, since the major part of the services are provided to Systems. This reduces orders and sales previously reported in Other Operations and also reduced the amounts of eliminations of inter-segment sales. Employees in such service units were transferred from Other Operations to Systems. RR26 – Events after the balance sheet date This statement prescribes when a company should adjust its financial statements for events after the balance sheet date and the disclosures that a company should give about the date when the statements were authorized for issue and about events after the balance sheet date. No events after the balance sheet date have had any effect on Ericsson’s financial statements. RR27 – Financial instruments. Disclosure and presentation RR introduces changed rules for netting of assets and liabilities of similar nature. The effect in the consolidated statements is that certain receivables for which the credit risks have been transferred to third parties can no longer be reported net without a formal three-party agreement. The amounts for trade receivables and short-term borrowings were affected. The adoption of RR has increased Parent Company financial receivables from and liabilities to subsidiaries. Year is restated. RR28 – Accounting for Government Grants This standard governs financial reporting and disclosure of government grants and other forms of government assistance. The effect of implementing RR did not have any impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. URA7 From , the Parent Company adopted URA Group contributions and shareholders’ contributions. As a consequence, contributions to/from subsidiaries are reported net of taxes in retained earnings. Previous years are restated. Revenue recognition Sales are recorded net of value added taxes, goods returned, trade discounts and allowances. Revenue is recognized with reference to all significant contractual terms when the product or service has been delivered, when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collection is reasonably assured. We do not generally provide extended payment terms but may provide customer financing on construction-type contracts For sales between consolidated companies we apply arm’s length pricing. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of telecommunication and data communication systems and services covering a range of technologies. 28 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 The majority of our products and services are sold as parts of contracts including several items. The nature of the products and services being sold, and the contractual terms taken as a whole, determine the appropriate revenue recognition method. The contracts are of three main types: • construction-type • delivery-type • contracts for various types of services, for example managed services contract for several years A substantial share of our sales is construction-type contracts to supply network systems according to customer specifications. Large customer frame agreements may include different types of undertakings and may result in a mix of construction-type contracts, delivery-type contracts and service contracts. Different revenue recognition methods are applied based on the solutions provided to our customers, the nature and sophistication of the technology involved and the contract conditions in each case. Specific contractual performance and acceptance criteria impact the timing and amounts of revenue recognized. Revenues from construction-type contracts are generally recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. The degree of completion is measured using either the milestone output method or, to a very limited extent, the cost-to-cost method. The terms of construction-type contracts generally define milestones for progress billing of the customer, which also well reflect the degree of completion of the contract. Revenues from contracts associated with new technology are not recognized until specified functionality has been achieved, customer acceptance has been obtained and other contractual terms have been satisfied. The profitability of long-term contracts is periodically assessed and revised, if necessary, based on changes in circumstances. Provisions for losses are made when such losses become known. For delivery-type contracts that have multiple elements, revenue is allocated to each element based on fair values. If there are undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements, or, if fair values are not available for all elements, we defer the recognition of revenue until all elements essential to the functionality have been delivered or fair values exist for the undelivered elements. Revenue for period service contracts is recognized ratably over the contract period. Revenue for training, consulting, engineering, installation and similar services is generally recognized when the services are delivered. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Research and development costs Costs incurred for development of software that will be sold, leased or otherwise marketed or that is intended for internal use are capitalized as from when technological and economical feasibility has been established until the product is available for sale or use. The capitalization is made on a prudent and conservative basis, given the inherent uncertainty in development activities. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and related overhead. Amortization of capitalized development costs begins when the product is available for general release. Amortization is made on a product or platform basis according to either the straight-line method over periods not exceeding five years or the sales ratio method. Research and development costs directly related to orders from customers are accounted for as a part of cost of sales. Other research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Capitalized development costs are subject to regular assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenues and changes in technologies. Unamortized capitalized development costs determined to be in excess of net realizable value are expensed immediately. Share-based employee compensation Stock option plans No compensation cost to the employee is recognized for any of our current stock option plans, as the employee’s strike price is equal to the market price at grant date. When the options are exercised, however, social security charges are to be paid in certain countries on the value of the employee benefit; based on the difference between the market price of the share and the strike price. During the vesting period, preliminary costs for such social security charges are accrued. In some plans, these costs are reduced by income from related hedging arrangements. Stock purchase plans For stock purchase plans, a compensation cost is accrued in the income statement during the vesting period, based on the market price of the share at the employee’s investment date. When shares are matched, social security charges are to be paid in certain countries on the value of the employee benefit. The employee benefit is based on the market value of the shares at the matching date. During the vesting period, preliminary social security charges are accrued. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 29 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Government grants Government grants are recognized when there is a reasonable assurance of compliance with conditions attached to the grants and that the grants will be received. For Ericsson, government grants received are linked to performing of research or development work or to subsidized capital expenditures as governmental stimulus to employment or investments in a certain country or region. Overall amounts are not significant. Government grants are normally deducted from development cost or cost of sales, depending on their nature. Borrowing costs The Company does not capitalize any interest costs, including interest cost related to financing of construction of tangible assets. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing adjusted net income by the sum of the average number of shares outstanding plus all additional shares that would have been outstanding if all convertible debentures were converted and stock options were exercised (potential ordinary shares). Net income is adjusted by reversal of interest expense for convertible debentures net of tax. Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares decrease earnings per share. Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and all subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all companies in which Ericsson has an ownership and directly or indirectly, including effective potential voting rights, has a voting majority or by agreement has control or retains the majority of the residual or ownership risk of the entity. Inter- company transactions have been eliminated. Elimination of unrealized profits in inventory is made in full without consideration of minority interests. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the purchase method, whereby consolidated stockholders’ equity includes equity in subsidiaries and associated companies earned only after their acquisition. Investments in subsidiary and associated companies are accounted for on a cost basis. The Parent Company income includes dividends received from subsidiaries and other inter- company revenues and costs, which are eliminated in the consolidated accounts. Ericsson Treasury Services AB and Ericsson Credit AB conducted their operations on commission basis for the Parent Company during as in and . Associated companies and joint ventures Investments in associated companies, including joint ventures, where voting stock interest including effective potential voting rights is at least percent but not more than percent, or where a corresponding influence is obtained through agreement, are accounted for according to the equity method. Ericsson’s share of income before tax in these companies is reported in item “Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies”, included in Operating Income. Taxes are included in item “Taxes”. Unrealized internal profits in inventory in associated companies purchased from subsidiaries are eliminated in the consolidated accounts in proportion to ownership. Investments in associated companies are shown at equity after adjustments for unrealized inter-company profits and un-amortized goodwill (see Goodwill below). Undistributed earnings of associated companies included in consolidated restricted equity are reported as “Equity proportion reserve”, as detailed in Note . Minor investments in associated companies for which financial statements could not be obtained within reasonable time are carried at the lower of acquisition cost and fair value. All other equity instruments are accounted for as Other investments and carried at the lower of acquisition cost or fair value. Goodwill Goodwill resulting from acquisitions of consolidated companies is amortized according to individual assessment of each item’s estimated economic life, resulting in amortization periods of up to years. Goodwill in foreign investments is remeasured at year-end exchange rates. Depending on the nature of the acquisition, goodwill amortization is reported under “Research and development and other technical expenses”, “Selling expenses” or ‘‘Administrative expenses”. Translation of financial statements in foreign currency For most subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies, the local currency is the currency in which the companies primarily generate and expend cash, and is thus considered their functional (business) currency. Their financial statements plus goodwill related to such companies, if any, are translated to SEK using the current method, with translation adjustments reported directly in consolidated stockholders’ equity. When a company accounted for in accordance with these principles is sold, accumulated translation adjustments are included in consolidated income. Financial statements of companies with finance activities and other companies, having such close relations with the Swedish operations that their functional currency is considered to be SEK, are remeasured using the monetary method. Adjustments from remeasurement of financial statements of these companies are included in the consolidated Income Statement (see Note ). Financial statements of companies operating, for example, in countries with highly inflationary economies, whose functional 30 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Financial assets and liabilities of a similar nature are offset and reported net in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right for setoff and there is intent to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Intangible and tangible fixed assets Intangible and tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization/depreciation, adjusted with net value of revaluations. Annual depreciation is reported as plan depreciation, generally using the straight-line method, with estimated useful lives of, in general, years on buildings, years on land improvements, to years on machinery and equipment, and up to years on rental equipment. Intangible assets excluding goodwill are amortized over a period of maximum years. See Goodwill above for amortization of goodwill. Amortization and depreciation is included in “Cost of Sales” and in the respective functional operating expenses. Costs for development of computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed or developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized as intangible assets when technological feasibility has been established and when future economic benefits can be demonstrated. As technological feasibility often cannot be established until late in each project, the capitalized portion of total development costs is limited. No development costs, than costs for software are capitalized. The reason is that software development is the largest part of our development work and other costs are relatively small. As capitalization shall not be made until feasibility is established, which in many cases can not be made for hardware products until software is finalized to enable testing, the amounts to capitalize for hardware would be immaterial. Other development costs are charged to the income statement as incurred. See also Research and Development Costs. Impairment reviews of tangible and intangible fixed assets, including goodwill, are performed whenever there is an indication of possible impairment. The carrying values of fixed assets, including goodwill related to those assets, are not considered to be recoverable when the expected discounted cash flows from those assets are less than their carrying values. An impairment loss is determined based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of those assets. Losses on fixed assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, taking into account the selling price reduced by the costs of disposal. Provisions or write-downs are made for expected costs for restoration of land or buildings due to environmental obligations or obligations in leasing contracts. currency is another than the local currency, are translated in two steps. In the first step, remeasurement is made into the functional currency, resulting exchange rate gains/losses are reported in the Income Statement. In the second step, from the functional currency to SEK, the financial statements are translated using the current method. The resulting translation adjustments are reported directly in consolidated stockholders’ equity. The remeasurement method gives a more fair view of these financial statements than a translation directly to SEK, since companies concerned operate in de facto USD- or EUR- based economies. Translation of foreign currency items in individual companies In the financial statements, receivables and liabilities in foreign currencies have been translated at year-end exchange rates. Gains and losses on foreign exchange are divided into operational and financial. Net operational gains and losses are included in “Cost of sales”, Gains and losses on foreign exchange attributable to financial assets are included in financial income, and gains and losses related to financial liabilities are included in financial expenses. Translation effects related to permanent financing of foreign subsidiaries are reported directly to consolidated stockholders’ equity, net of tax effects. Cash investments and derivative financial instruments Short-term cash investments in the consolidated accounts are valued at the lower of acquisition cost plus accrued interest and market value. In the Parent Company, short-term investments and interest and foreign exchange related derivatives are valued at the lower of acquisition cost and fair value. Interest rate related derivatives and foreign exchange derivatives are in the consolidated accounts valued according to the lower of acquisition cost and market value, determined on a portfolio basis. Derivative financial instruments are used to hedge foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Foreign exchange derivatives hedging items on the balance sheet have been valued at fair value to offset the changed value of the hedged item. Foreign exchange derivatives hedging forecasted transactions with gains are not carried on the balance sheet, as unrealized gains are not recognized in income. Derivatives not fulfilling the requirements for hedge accounting are valued at the lowest of acquisition cost and fair value. Premium/discount on currency forward contracts is amortized during time to maturity. Interest rate-related derivatives linked to specific investments or loans, or which are applied to hedge interest rate positions are valued in the same manner as the hedged position. Gains and losses from derivatives in the Parent Company are reported net as other financial income/expenses. In the consolidated accounts, gains and losses on commercial hedges are reported in the same manner as the underlying position. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 31 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Leasing Financial leasing contracts where the company is a lessee are capitalized and reported as tangible assets and as other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Leases with the company as lessor are normally accounted for as sales-type leases, with recognition of sales revenue at the inception of the lease as well as interest revenue over the lease term. On an exceptional basis only are financial leases or operating leases used. Deferred taxes Deferred tax assets attributable to temporary differences between the book values of assets and liabilities and their tax values, and also deferred tax receivables attributable to unutilized tax loss carry-forwards, are reported to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the tax losses can be utilized. The valuation of deferred tax assets involves assumptions regarding the deductibility of costs not yet subject to taxation and regarding sufficient future taxable income to enable utilization of unused tax losses in different tax jurisdictions. All deferred tax assets are subject to annual review of possible utilization. The largest amounts of tax loss carry-forwards are in Sweden, with indefinite period of utilization. Appropriations and Untaxed reserves are not reported in the consolidated financial statements. Such items reported by consolidated companies have been reversed, applying the current tax rate applicable in each country. The deferred tax so calculated is included in the consolidated income statement in Income taxes for the year. The after-tax effect is stated in the income statement as part of net income for the year, and in the balance sheet as restricted stockholders’ equity. The accumulated deferred tax asset/liability is adjusted each year by applying the current tax rate in each country. Adjustments of deferred tax assets/liabilities attributable to changes in tax rates are included in the consolidated income statement in Income taxes for the year. Receivables and customer financing Receivables are reported at anticipated net realizable value. Sales of trade receivables and customer financing credits are reflected as a reduction of receivables in the balance sheet and the proceeds received are included in cash flows from operating activities. For sale of receivables with recourse, provisions are recorded for estimated value of recourse liabilities. The excess of the recourse obligation over the recorded provision is included in contingent liabilities. We provide financing to certain customers in connection with significant sales of network infrastructure equipment. Financing may include funding for the direct purchase of our products and services or, in exceptional cases, for working capital purposes. We have credit approval procedures where all major customer finance contracts are subject to approval by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. We assess the collectibility of our receivables for purposes of initial revenue recognition and to record receivables at anticipated realizable value. In instances where we have sold credits with recourse or where we have exposure related to guarantees to third parties for customer financing, we have reported the extent of our exposure as contingent liabilities. We accrue risk provisions based on our assessment of the risks relating to these contingent liabilities, and contingent liabilities are reported net of such provisions. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first- in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Consideration has been given to risks of obsolescence. More than half of our production is outsourced to contract manufacturing companies. In addition to valuation allowances regarding inventories, we also need to assess the need for provisions for supplier compensation due to failure to reach minimum committed purchase volumes. This valuation involves making estimates of obtainable market value, future customer demand and changes in technology and customer acceptance of new products. Provisions Provisions are recognized when the company has a present obligation, an outflow of resources is probable and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. Provision amounts for product warranties are based on assumptions, involving historic failure rates as well as estimates regarding failure rates for new products, and also estimates on costs to remedy various types of faults. Statement of cash flows Foreign subsidiaries’ transactions are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Subsidiaries purchased and/or sold, net of cash acquired/sold, are reported as cash flow from investment activities and do not affect reported cash flow from operations. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, bank and short- term investments. Included are all highly liquid financial instruments which are easily converted to cash and insignificatly affected by changes in value and used by our treasury function for cash management purposes. 32 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Segment reporting Our three operating segments are defined based on customers served: • Systems, addressing operators of mobile and fixed line public telephone networks • Phones, addressing distributors of mobile handsets to end users • Other operations, which consists of a number of different operations with different types of customers. Each unit is deemed too small to be reported as a segment in itself. Included operations are: Microwave Systems, Network Technologies, Enterprise Systems, Mobile Platform Technology, Power Modules and other. New accounting standards 2004–2005 The standard Employee Benefits (RR), which is based on IAS, will be adopted from January , . The effect of this standard is a change in timing of pension costs compared to current Swedish GAAP, so that pension costs for future salary increases are estimated and recognized at the time of service. The net effect of the accounting change at adoption will be charged to stockholder’s equity. The effect of adopting RR is an estimated increase of the pension liability as of January , , by approximately SEK . billion. The effect on equity, net after taxes, is estimated to approximately SEK –. billion. From , Ericsson will report according to full IFRS. An internal project is underway to identify differences to current GAAP and what changes will be necessary. The company is in the process of evaluating the impact. Provided that the standards are endorsed for application within the EU, it is expected that IAS regarding financial instruments and a new standard regarding share-based compensation and business combinations will be the standards with the largest impact. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 33 Systems Phones Other Operations Unallocated Eliminations Group N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION Business segments 2003 Orders booked Inter segment orders Total Orders Booked Net sales Inter segment sales Total Net Sales Share in earnings of JV and associated companies Operating Income Financial income Financial expenses 104,694 748 105,442 107,995 671 108,666 125 – 6,163 – – – – – – – – – 521 – 521 – – 8,306 886 9,192 9,743 836 10,579 65 – 3,511 – – Income after financial items – 6,163 – 521 – 3,511 Taxes Minority interest Net Income Segment assets1) 2) Associates Total Assets Segment liabilities3) 4) Total Liabilities – – – – – – – 6,163 – 521 – 3,511 65,478 563 66,041 58,536 58,536 – 1,752 1,752 – – 6,649 491 7,140 7,610 7,610 – – – – – – – 273 –1,044 3,995 – 4,859 –1,908 1,460 – 201 – 649 107,275 164 107,439 53,446 53,446 – –1,634 –1,634 – –1,507 –1,507 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1) Segment assets include tangible assets, intangible assets, short and long term customer financing, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, accrued revenues and other current assets. 2) Unallocated assets comprise of cash, short term investments and deferred tax assets. 3) Segment liabilities include accounts payable, provisions, accrued expenses, prepaid revenues, advances from customers and other current liabilities. 4) Unallocated liabilities include accrued interests, tax liabilities and interest bearing liabilities and provisions. Other segment items Tangible and intangible assets Additions/capitalization Depreciation Amortization Write-downs Number of employees Operating income Income after financial items Non-operational capital gains/losses, net Restructuring costs, net Capitalization of development expenses, net Adjusted operating income Adjusted operating margin (%) Adjusted income after financial items Geographical segments 2003 Europe, Middle East and Africa – of which EU – of which Sweden Asia Pacific – of which China North America – of which United states Latin America Total 34 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 6,348 3,028 1,807 1,126 45,176 – 6,163 – – –12,809 1,412 5,234 5% – Net sales 62,843 35,235 5,868 27,343 10,473 17,627 16,357 9,925 117,738 – – – – – – 521 – – – 338 – –183 – – 373 699 666 337 6,110 – 3,511 – –13 – 3,064 172 – 606 – 6% – 8 26 107 – 297 –1,044 – – – 252 – –792 – – –757 – – – – – – – – – – – – Orders booked 54,167 30,228 4,417 29,514 12,701 20,237 18,971 9,082 113,000 Additions/ capitalization of tangible and intangible assets Number of employees 5,264 5,201 4,849 96 67 505 301 107 5,972 38,379 35,671 24,408 6,468 2,850 4,460 2,581 2,276 51,583 Total assets 145,928 140,888 119,834 16,845 7,625 10,398 9,876 9,201 182,372 113,000 – 113,000 117,738 – 117,738 – 604 –11,239 3,995 – 4,859 –12,103 1,460 – 201 –10,844 179,402 2,970 182,372 119,592 119,592 5,972 3,753 2,579 1,463 51,583 –11,239 –12,103 –13 –16,463 1,584 3,653 3% 2,789 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Systems Phones Other Operations Unallocated Eliminations Group Business segments 2002 Orders booked Inter segment orders Total Orders Booked Net sales Inter segment sales Total Net Sales Share in earnings of JV and associated companies Operating Income Financial income Financial expenses 114,177 1,164 115,341 130,842 1,113 131,955 161 –12,497 – – – – – – – – –1,331 –1,331 – – 14,174 1,210 15,384 14,931 1,270 16,201 – 45 – 5,846 – – Income after financial items –12,497 –1,331 – 5,846 Taxes Minority interest Net Income Segment assets1) 2) Associates Total Assets Segment liabilities3) 4) Total Liabilities – – – – – – –12,497 –1,331 – 5,846 88,121 693 88,814 53,435 53,435 – 799 799 – – 9,048 531 9,579 9,470 9,470 – – – – – – – 5 –1,625 4,253 – 5,789 – 3,161 4,165 – 343 661 110,109 –188 109,921 70,132 70,132 – – 2,374 – 2,374 – – 2,383 – 2,383 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1) Segment assets include tangible assets, intangible assets, short and long term customer financing, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, accrued revenues and other current assets. 2) Unallocated assets comprise of cash, short term investments and deferred tax assets. 3) Segment liabilities include accounts payable, provisions, accrued expenses, prepaid revenues, advances from customers and other current liabilities. 4) Unallocated liabilities include accrued interests, tax liabilities and interest bearing liabilities and provisions. Other segment item Tangible and intangible assets Additions/capitalization Depreciation Amortization Write-downs Number of employees Operating income Income after financial items Non-operationql capital gains/losses, net Restructuring costs, net Capitalization of development expenses, net Adjusted operating income Adjusted operating margin (%) Adjusted income after financial items Geographical segments 2002 Europe, Middle East and Africa – of which EU – of which Sweden Asia Pacific – of which China North America – of which United states Latin America Total 5,896 4,877 1,049 – 612 56,590 –12,497 – – –10,441 2,851 – 4,907 – 4% – Net sales 74,124 43,396 8,303 35,905 12,559 23,068 22,036 12,676 145,773 – – – – – –1,331 – – – – –1,331 – – 553 597 221 – 7,646 – 5,846 – – 42 –1,438 349 – 4,715 – 29% – 32 135 365 – 385 –1,625 – – – 83 – –1,542 – – – 30 – 95 – – – – – – – – – – – Orders booked 65,448 34,003 7,620 30,451 10,852 22,877 21,673 9,575 128,351 Additions/ capitalization of tangible and intangible assets Number of employees 5,693 5,548 4,908 294 151 392 357 72 6,451 47,700 44,467 30,241 7,771 3,034 6,328 4,562 2,822 64,621 Total assets 165,465 159,030 129,056 17,907 6,189 14,201 13,633 11,540 209,113 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 35 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 35 128,351 – 128,351 145,773 – 145,773 –1,220 – 21,299 4,253 – 5,789 – 22,835 4,165 – 343 –19,013 207,278 1,835 209,113 133,037 133,037 6,451 5,514 1,635 – 612 64,621 – 21,299 – 22,835 – 42 –11,962 3,200 –12,495 – 9% –14,031 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED) Net Sales Parent Company Europe1), Middle East & Africa North America Latin America Asia Pacific Total 1) Of which Sweden 1) Of which EU 2003 1,404 – 241 – 1,645 1 1 2002 1,715 – 302 – 2,017 – – 2001 1,143 – 231 – 1,374 – – Parent Company sales are mainly related to business segment Systems. 3 PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS Items affecting comparability 2003 2002 2001 Non-operational capital gains/losses, net Capitalization of development expenses, net Restructuring costs, net Key measurements, excluding items affecting comparability Net sales Adjusted gross margin – as percentage of net sales Adjusted operating expenses – as percentage of net sales Adjusted share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies Adjusted other operating revenue and costs Adjusted operating income Adjusted operating margin (%) Financial net Adjusted income after financial items –13 – 42 5,800 1,584 16,463 3,200 11,962 – 15,000 2003 2002 2001 43,627 37% 117,738 145,773 231,839 66,284 47,138 29% 32% – 41,621 – 59,309 – 86,347 – 41% – 37% – 35% – 252 –1,450 –715 1,899 2,598 1,126 3,653 –12,495 –18,180 – 8% – 9% 3% – 864 –1,774 –1,536 2,789 –14,031 –19,954 Restructuring 2003 2002 2001 Restructuring charges Asset write-downs Employee redundancy 1) Unused real estate Other Total Of which Cost of sales Research and development Other technical expenses Selling expenses Administrative expenses Other operating revenue and costs Share in earnings of JV and associated companies Total Restructuring provisions Opening balance Provisions made Provisions utilized Other Closing balance Restructuring charges Provisions made Direct charges Total 3,966 7,728 3,883 886 1,074 10,556 562 – 230 4,111 7,539 – 3,350 16,463 11,962 15,000 4,790 5,361 – 3,150 2,465 345 5,589 4,124 – 1,474 694 311 8,345 3,546 – 1,508 1,601 – 352 – 230 – 16,463 11,962 15,000 7,535 10,835 – 9,146 –109 7,075 7,195 3,378 15,000 – 6,593 –11,303 – –142 9,115 7,535 7,075 10,835 5,628 7,195 4,767 15,000 – 16,463 11,962 15,000 Restructuring in Statement of cash flows Charges in Net income, net Share in earnings of JV and associated companies Write-downs Provisions made Provisions utilized Total cash flow effect –16,463 –11,962 –15,000 352 3,966 10,835 – 9,146 – 1,074 7,195 – – 15,000 – 6,593 –11,303 –10,456 –10,286 –11,303 1) Number of employees at December 31, 2003 were 51,583 (64,621 in 2002 and 85,198 in 2001) 36 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 4 REVENUES 5 OTHER OPERATING REVENUES AND COSTS N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Consolidated 2003 2002 1) 2001 1) The majority of Ericsson’s products and services are sold as parts of contracts including several items. The nature of the products and services being sold, and the contractual terms taken as a whole, determine the appropriate revenue recognition method. The contracts are of three main types: Consolidated Equipment sales Of which: – Construction-type contracts1) – Delivery-type contracts1) Service sales Royalties Total Capital gains, license fees and other operating revenues Interest income Dividends 2003 2002 2001 98,726 125,112 214,237 73,165 25,561 18,458 554 – – 19,493 1,168 – – 17,424 178 2,645 3,913 7 1,928 3,592 83 10,064 2,684 473 117,738 145,773 231,839 Total 1) Figures for 2002 and 2001 not available. See Note 1, Accounting Policies, Revenue recognition for more information about the different types of contracts. Gains on sales of intangible and tangible assets Losses on sales of intangible and tangible assets Capital losses on tangible assets related to restructuring Gains on sales of investments and operations Losses on sales of investments and operations Sub-total Commissions, license fees and other operating revenues Restructuring costs net, Phones 213 166 1,962 – 28 – 251 –1,317 – 345 – 311 – 493 267 5,830 –731 – 398 1,939 – 1,541 – 593 – 349 –722 6,126 1,265 230 2,272 – 773 8,398 1) Restated for changed accounting principles. Parent Company 2003 2002 2001 Commissions, license fees and other operating revenues Net losses (–) on sales of tangible assets Total 2,441 2,770 3,068 – 33 –1 – 2 2,408 2,769 3,066 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 37 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 6 FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES Parent Company 2003 2002 2001 Consolidated 2003 2002 2001 470 1,049 2,677 3,525 3,995 3,204 4,253 2,138 4,815 4,859 5,789 6,589 – 864 –1,536 –1,774 Subsidiaries Other Financial Expenses Losses on sales of participations in subsidiaries Write-down of investments in subsidiaries Write-down of investments in associated companies Write-down of participations in other companies Interest expenses and similar profit/loss items: Other financial expenses Total Financial Net 21 – 5 1,526 3,800 19,000 86 2 1,680 2,693 11 6,019 3,158 35 2 12 – 2,399 2,370 14 2,080 2,536 12 8,620 23,645 4,377 – 4,421 Parent Company’s interest expenses on pension liabilities are included in the interest expenses shown above. Financial Income Result from securities and receivables accounted for as fixed assets Other interest income and similar profit/loss items Total Financial Expenses Interest expenses and similar profit/loss items Financial Net Interest expenses on Swedish pension liabilities are included in the interest expenses shown above. Parent Company 2003 2002 2001 Financial Income Result from participations in subsidiaries Dividends Net gains on sales Result from participations in associated companies Dividends Net losses on sales Result from other securities and receivables accounted for as fixed assets Dividends Net gains on sales Other interest income and similar profit/loss items Subsidiaries Other1) Total 1,565 36 5,077 20 14,442 7 93 – 4 153 48 – 58 24 23 – 6 – 37 2,629 4,697 3,346 4,424 3,674 1,047 9,177 12,997 19,224 1) Of the total amount, SEK 1,384 million in 2003, SEK 2,161 million in 2002 and SEK –978 million in 2001 is attributable to hedge of net investments in foreign subsidiaries. 7 INCOME TAXES FOR THE YEAR Income Statement The following items are included in Income taxes for the year: Current income taxes for the year Current income taxes related to prior years Deferred income/expense (–) taxes related to temporary differences Share of taxes in joint ventures and associated companies 2003 –1,613 – 240 3,138 175 Income taxes for the year 1,460 4,165 8,813 38 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Consolidated 2002 2001 Parent Company 2002 2001 2003 – 2,579 –1,456 7,996 204 – 5,108 216 13,680 25 –738 205 364 – –169 –799 – 493 – 347 – –1,639 – 209 22 612 – 425 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Deferred tax income and expenses The amounts of deferred tax income and expenses are shown in the following table: Deferred tax income Deferred tax expenses Deferred taxes income/expense, net 2003 6,414 – 3,276 Consolidated 2002 2001 10,269 – 2,273 17,429 – 3,749 3,138 7,996 13,680 Parent Company 2002 2001 29 – 376 – 347 612 – 612 2003 551 –187 364 Consolidated Deferred income taxes refer to tax loss carryforwards of SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ) and to certain provisions mainly for restructuring, inventory write-downs, warranty commitments and allowances for doubtful receivables. Deferred tax expenses refer to reversals of temporary differences regarding certain provisions for mainly restructuring and warranty commitments. Parent Company Deferred income taxes refer mainly to provision for restructuring costs, reserve for doubtful receivables and certain pension obligations. Deferred tax expenses refer to reversal of temporary differences regarding provisions for customer financing commitments. A reconciliation between actual tax income (–expense) for the year and the theoretical tax income (–expense) that would arise when applying statutory tax rate in Sweden, percent on income before taxes, is shown in the table: Income before taxes Tax rate in Sweden (28%) Effect of foreign tax rates Current income taxes related to prior years Tax effect of expenses that are non-deductible for tax purpose Tax effect of income that are non-taxable for tax purpose Tax effect of changes in tax rates Tax effect related to write-downs of investments in subsidiaries Tax effect of tax losses carryforwards, net Income taxes for the year Consolidated 2002 1) 2001 1) 2003 –12,103 – 22,835 – 29,154 3,389 – 438 – 240 –1,457 556 3 – – 353 6,393 39 –1,456 –1,091 365 – 21 – – 64 1,460 4,165 8,163 1,078 216 – 864 260 83 – –123 8,813 Parent Company 2002 2001 4,321 – 5,254 –1,210 – – 493 – 584 1,712 – –1,064 – 1,471 – 22 – 220 4,472 – – 5,320 – 2003 1,419 – 397 – 205 – 659 1,143 – – 461 – –169 –1,639 425 1) In compliance with RR9, figures have been restated to report minority interest net of tax. Consolidated Income taxes related to prior years consist mainly of foreign withholding taxes that were not deductible due to insufficient taxable income and other costs. Tax effect of expenses that are non-deductible include amortization of goodwill, write-downs of investments, certain costs related to customer financing and other non-tax deductible expenses. Parent Company Income taxes related to prior years consist mainly of write-off of receivables. Tax effect of expenses that are non-deductible refer mainly to costs related to customer financing and other costs. Tax effect of income that are non-taxable refer mainly to dividends, and change of permanent differences related to provisions for customer financing commitments in prior years. Balance sheet Deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax effects of temporary differences including unutilized tax loss carryforwards have resulted in deferred tax assets and liabilities as follows: Consolidated Parent Company 2002 1) 2003 2) 2003 2) 2002 1) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities 27,130 462 26,047 1,511 1,646 – 1,282 – 1) Restated for changes in accounting principle with all deferred taxes reported as long-term. 2) Parts of deferred tax assets are expected to be consumed in 2004. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 39 future. With respect to these differences between book and tax value, no additional deferred tax assets are reported. Tax loss carryforwards Deferred tax assets regarding unutilized tax loss carryforwards are reported to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit through the future taxable profits is probable also when considering the period during which these can be utilized, as described below. At December , , these unutilized tax loss carryforwards amounted to SEK , million. The tax effect of these tax loss carryforwards are reported as assets. The final years in which these loss carryforwards can be utilized are shown in the following table: Year of expiration 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 or later Total 2003 112 79 167 189 78 51,378 52,003 The Parent Company has no unutilized tax loss carryforwards. Tax effects reported directly to stockholders’ equity Tax effects reported directly to stockholders’ equity amount to SEK million (SEK million , SEK million ). N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Consolidated Deferred tax assets refer to tax loss carryforwards and temporary differences due to certain provisions for mainly restructuring, inventory write-downs, warranty commitments and allowances for doubtful receivables. Deferred tax assets regarding tax loss carryforwards amount to SEK , million (SEK , million in ). Deferred tax assets are capitalized in countries in which, and with such amounts, we expect to be able to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to benefit from tax reductions. The significant deferred tax assets are related to countries with long or indefinite periods of utilization, mainly Sweden and the U.S. Of the total deferred tax assets SEK , million, SEK , million are with expiration or later, of which SEK , million relate to Sweden with indefinite time of utilization. The losses incurred which generated the deferred tax assets were related to two major circumstances (i) large losses in the Phones segment prior to restructuring and prior to the joint venture with Sony (ii) restructuring costs for the Phones segment – and also for the other segments – due to the sharp decline in demand. Our resizing and cost improvement efforts of the Systems segment and Other operations are now behind us and confirmed through a positive income before restructuring costs. With this, coupled with our current strong financial position and positive cash flow during second half of , we are convinced that Ericsson will be able to generate sufficient income in the coming years to utilize these deferred tax assets. We are convinced this industry has long-term growth potential, with the current still low world-wide penetration of mobile telephony and with new services and increased tariff competition generating more time of usage and thereby increased capacity needs. We have a strong position as a network systems vendor in the telecom industry, based on large market shares in the major technologies and a strong customer base including most leading operators. We also believe we have a good opportunity to increase sales as new, more sophisticated technology is creating a demand for professional services of systems integration and managed services where Ericsson has a strong competitive position. Parent Company Deferred tax assets refer mainly to costs related to customer financing and provisions for restructuring costs. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies Due to losses in certain subsidiaries the book value of certain investment in those subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies are less than the tax value of these investments. However, since deferred tax assets have been reported with respect also to losses in these companies and due to the uncertainty as to which deductions can be realized in the 40 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 8 EARNINGS PER SHARE Consolidated Net income Average number of shares, basic (millions)2) Earnings per share, basic Net income Interest expenses on convertible debentures, net of income taxes Net income after full conversion Average number of shares after full conversion and exercise of stock options (million)2) 2003 –10,844 15,823 –0.69 –10,844 105 –10,739 15,841 2002 –19,013 12,573 –1.51 –19,013 219 –18,794 12,684 Earnings per share, diluted –0.69 1) –1.51 1) 1) Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share. 2) 2001 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue 2002. 9 INTANGIBLE ASSETS 2001 – 21,264 10,950 –1.94 – 21,264 176 – 21,088 11,072 –1.941) Consolidated costs, to be sold costs, for internal use Capitalized costs, for development internal use costs, total Goodwill Capitalized internal development development development Capitalized acquired Capitalized Licenses trademarks and similar and develop- ment Patents and acquired Other research intangible assets, total rights Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Acquisitions/capitalization Balances regarding acquired and sold companies Sales/disposals Translation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated amortization Opening balance Amortization for the year Balances regarding acquired and sold companies Sales/disposals Translation difference for the year 3,074 2,049 – – – 5,123 – 223 – 600 – – – 220 185 – – – 405 –11 – 86 – – – 148 125 – – – 273 – 8 – 58 – – – 3,442 2,359 12,934 – – – – –19 – –1,407 1,319 53 – – 69 –16 1,102 67 – – 67 –18 5,801 11,508 1,287 1,084 2,421 120 – –136 – 34 2,371 – 242 –744 – 4,331 –1,636 –1,220 – 60 – 376 –139 –1,596 –199 – – – – 5 – 476 – 36 13 – 62 15 – 98 28 Closing balance – 823 – 97 – 66 – 986 – 5,496 –1,231 – 438 –1,669 Accumulated write-downs Opening balance Write-downs for the year Sales/disposals Translation difference for the year Closing balance Net carrying value Parent Company Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Acquisitions Closing balance Accumulated amortization Opening balance Amortization for the year Closing balance Net carrying value – – 31 – – – 31 – – – – – – – – – – – – 31 – – – 31 – – 305 – 32 – 273 4,269 308 207 4,784 5,739 – 4 – 4 – – 56 –15 –1 2 –1 –15 631 –19 –1 6 –1 –15 687 Patents, licenses trademarks and similar rights 216 6 222 –137 – 23 –160 62 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 41 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 10 TANGIBLE ASSETS Consolidated Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Additions Balances regarding acquired and sold companies Sales/disposals Reclassifications Translation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated depreciation Opening balance Depreciation for the year Balances regarding acquired and sold companies Sales/disposals Reclassifications Translation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated revaluation, net Opening balance Sales/disposals Translation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated write-downs, net Opening balance Write-downs for the year Sales/disposals/reversals of write-downs Reclassifications Translation difference for the year Closing balance Net carrying value Land and buildings 1) Machinery and other technical assets Other equipment, tools and installations Construction in process and advance payments 1,945 1,741 –163 – 624 36 – 81 2,854 –766 –104 66 305 –18 32 – 485 36 –1 –1 34 – 4 – 500 – – –1 – 505 1,898 10,170 313 63 – 2,094 – 2,287 – 336 5,829 – 6,998 – 887 –119 1,519 1,655 240 – 4,590 – – – – –179 –131 60 4 17 – 229 1,010 20,080 1,202 129 –7,183 2,619 – 657 16,190 –14,523 – 2,762 – 69 6,202 –1,637 495 –12,294 – – – – –102 – 495 8 – 4 8 – 585 3,311 305 237 – 8 138 – 368 –18 286 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 286 Total 32,500 3,493 21 – 9,763 – –1,092 25,159 – 22,287 – 3,753 –122 8,026 – 767 –17,369 36 –1 –1 34 – 285 –1,126 68 – 24 –1,319 6,505 1) Due to reassessments of the nature of leases, according to the present interpretation of Swedish GAAP/IFRS, financial leases of SEK 1,687 million have been reflected in the balance sheet as tangible assets and long-term liabilities. Parent Company Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Additions Sales/disposals Reclassifications Closing balance Accumulated depreciation Opening balance Depreciation for the year Sales/disposals Closing balance Net carrying value Land and buildings Machinery and other technical assets Other equipment, tools and installations Construction in process and advance payments 23 – – – 23 – – – – 23 – – – – – – – – – – 69 455 –72 107 559 – 54 –130 17 –167 392 – 198 –1 –107 90 – – – – 90 Total 92 653 –73 – 672 – 54 –130 17 –167 505 42 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 11 FINANCIAL ASSETS Other financial assets 2003 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Equity in joint ventures and associated companies in 2003 Consolidated Opening balance Share in earnings Taxes Translation difference for the year Dividends Capital contributions Reclassification Sales Closing balance Joint ventures Associated companies 799 – 593 199 – 36 – 1,384 – – 1,753 1,036 –11 – 24 – 64 –150 7 447 – 24 1,217 Total 1,835 – 604 175 –100 –150 1,391 447 – 24 2,970 Goodwill, net, amounts to SEK million (SEK – million in ). Dividends received from companies accounted for under the equity method were SEK million in and SEK million in . Share of assets, liabilities and income in joint ventures Consolidated Fixed assets Current assets Provisions Long-term liabilities Current liabilities Net assets Net sales Income before taxes Net income Assets pledged as collateral Contingent liabilities 1,148 6,631 948 97 4,981 1,753 21,349 – 593 – 394 49 – Parent Company Investments Opening balance Acquisitions and stock issues Shareholders’ contribution Write-downs Sales Closing balance Sub- sidiaries Other Joint Associated invest- companies ments ventures 50,600 2,752 1 1,384 10,512 –1,526 – 596 58,991 – – – 4,136 458 – – – 86 –1 371 39 3 1 – 2 – 24 17 Other investments in shares and partici- pations Consolidated Long- term Other long- term customer Deferred financial financing 3) assets taxes 4) Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Additions Sales/repayments/ deductions Reclassifications Translation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated write- downs/allowances Opening balance Write-downs/ allowances for the year Sales/repayments/ deduction Reclassifications Translation difference for the year 3,144 41 – 529 –197 –151 2,308 19,203 2,879 –12,686 –748 – 698 7,950 26,047 6,497 – 2,738 – 960 –1,292 27,554 2,305 507 – 581 – – 93 2 138 – 901 – 6,920 0 –173 –1,150 – 2,313 – 424 – 642 305 – 233 104 3,631 660 19 – – – – – 19 –796 1,342 Closing balance –1,875 – 4,923 1) – 424 Net carrying value 433 2) 3,027 27,130 1) Write-downs are included in Selling expenses due to the close relation to operations. 2) Market value per December 31, 2003, for listed shares was SEK 373 million with a net carrying value of SEK 83 million. 3) From time to time, customer financing amounts may include equity instruments or equity-related instruments in our customers due to reconstruction activities of troubled debt. This is a result of that we sometimes receive such instruments as security for our receivable. Our policy is to sell such instruments as soon as feasible. 4) Opening balance restated with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. Parent Company Accumulated acquisition costs Opening balance Additions Sales/repayments/deduction Translation/revaluation difference for the year Closing balance Accumulated write- downs/allowances Opening balance Write-downs/allowances for the year Reclassification Sales/repayments Closing balance Net carrying value Long-term customer financing Deferred taxes 1) Other long-term financial assets 12,818 2,123 – 9,054 – 294 5,593 – 3,719 –1,901 – 2,050 – 3,570 2,023 1,282 364 – – 1,646 – – – – – 214 309 – 37 –10 476 – – – – – 1,646 476 1) Opening balance restated with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 43 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 12 INVESTMENTS The following listing shows certain shareholdings owned directly and indirectly by the Parent Company as of December , . A complete listing of shareholdings, prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and filed with the Swedish Patent and Registration Office, may be obtained upon request to: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, External Management Information, SE- Stockholm, Sweden. Shares owned directly by the Parent Company Type Company Reg. No. Domicile Percentage of ownership Par value in local currency Carrying value 556056-6258 556251-3266 556251-3258 556018-0191 556030-9899 556381-7666 556381-7609 556329-5673 556326-0552 556058-5936 Subsidiaries I I II II II II III III III III Ericsson AB Ericsson Shared Services AB Ericsson Telecom AB SRA Communication AB AB Aulis LM Ericsson Holding AB Ericsson Gämsta AB Ericsson Treasury Services AB Ericsson Credit AB Ericsson Project Finance AB Other Ericsson Austria GmbH LM Ericsson A/S Oy LM Ericsson Ab Ericsson Participations France S.A. Ericsson GmbH Ericsson Hungary Ltd. LM Ericsson Holdings Ltd. Ericsson Treasury Ireland Ltd. Ericsson Financial Services Ireland Ericsson S.p.A. 4) Ericsson A/S Ericsson Corporatio AO Ericsson AG Ericsson Holding Ltd. Other (Europe, excluding Sweden) Ericsson Holding II Inc. Cía Ericsson S.A.C.I. Teleindustria Ericsson S.A. Other (United States, Latin America) Teleric Pty Ltd. Ericsson Ltd. Ericsson (China) Company Ltd. Nanjing Ericsson Panda Communication Co. Ltd. Ericsson India Private Ltd. Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Ericsson Telecommunications Pte. Ltd. Ericsson Taiwan Ltd. Ericsson (Thailand) Ltd. Other countries Total I I I II I I II III III II I I I II II I I II I I I I I I I I Joint ventures and associated companies I I I Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. Beijing Ericsson Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. Other Total 556615-6658 44 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Austria Denmark Finland France Germany Hungary Ireland Ireland Ireland Italy Norway Russia Switzerland United Kingdom United States Argentina Mexico Australia China China China India Malaysia Singapore Taiwan Thailand Sweden Croatia China 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 – 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 72 100 100 100 100 – 100 100 100 – 100 100 100 251) 100 70 100 80 492) – 50 49 25 3) – 50 361 100 47 14 105 162 1 5 469 – 4 90 13 22 20 1,301 2 81 300 10 156 5 – 74 – – 5 n/a – 20 2 50 5 725 2 – 240 15 – – 50 196 5 – – 20,636 7,216 6,520 145 6 1,122 324 2 5 567 830 664 216 195 485 341 120 14 3,924 2,451 105 194 5 – 757 137 9,508 10 1,549 70 99 2 369 37 147 4 1 19 4 191 58,991 4,136 330 36 5 4,507 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 12 INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) Shares owned by subsidiaries Type Company Reg. No. Domicile Percentage of ownership 556577-9799 556000-0365 556128-5924 556090-3212 556028-1627 556329-5657 556044-9489 556008-8550 Subsidiaries I I I I I I II III I I I II II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Ericsson Shared Services Väst AB Ericsson Network Technologies AB Ericsson Business Innovation AB Ericsson Enterprise AB Ericsson Microwave Systems AB Ericsson Sverige AB Ericsson Cables Holding AB AB LM Ericsson Finans Ericsson France S.A. LM Ericsson Ltd. Ericsson Telecommunicazioni S.p.A. Ericsson Holding International B.V. Ericsson Nederland B.V. Ericsson Telecommunicatie B.V. Ericsson España S.A. Ericsson Telekomunikasyon A.S. Ericsson Ltd. Ericsson Mobile Communications (U.K.) Ltd. Ericsson Canada Inc. Ericsson Inc. Ericsson NetQual Inc. Ericsson Wireless Communications Inc. Ericsson IP Infrastructure Inc. Ericsson Amplified Technologies Inc. Ericsson Telecommunicações S.A. Ericsson Servicos de Telecomunicações Ltda. Ericsson Telecom S.A. de C.V. Ericsson Australia Pty. Ltd. Nippon Ericsson K.K. Ericsson Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd Ericsson Consumer Products Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden France Ireland Italy The Netherlands The Netherlands The Netherlands Spain Turkey United Kingdom United Kingdom Canada United States United States United States United States United States Brazil Brazil Mexico Australia Japan Malaysia Singapore 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 72 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Key to type of company 1 Through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 51% of Nanjing Ericsson Panda I Manufacturing, distribution and development companies II Holding companies III Finance companies Communication Co. Ltd. 2 Through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of Ericsson (Thailand) Ltd. 3 Through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 41% of Beijing Ericsson Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. 4 The subsidiary Ericsson S.p.A. is listed on the Milan stock exchange in Italy. Ericsson’s share of the market value as per December 31, 2003, was SEK 3,246 million. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 45 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 13 INVENTORIES 16 OTHER RECEIVABLES Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Raw material, components and consumables Manufacturing work in process Finished products and goods for resale Contract work in process Less advances from customers Inventories, net 4,332 245 4,348 653 271 9,275 – 3,158 2,990 9,935 – 4,507 10,965 13,419 14 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE – TRADE Consolidated Parent Company 2002 1) 2003 2002 1) 2003 – – – 3 – 3 – – 1 4 – 3 2 Receivables from associated companies and joint ventures Prepaid expenses Accrued revenues Advance payments to suppliers Other 239 1,639 1,782 399 8,659 461 2,245 2,582 545 17,470 – 623 683 – – 759 754 – 5,217 11,029 Total 12,718 23,303 6,523 12,542 1) Restated with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. Included in Other are cash collaterals and bank deposits amounting to SEK , million (SEK , million in ). Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2002 1) 2003 Notes and accounts receivable Receivables from associated companies and joint ventures Total 31,674 36,660 212 724 31,886 37,384 72 12 84 63 35 98 1) Restated for change in accounting principle regarding financial instruments (RR27). Allowances for consolidated doubtful accounts have reduced the amounts shown above by SEK , million (SEK , million in ) and SEK million (SEK million in ) in the Parent Company, including amounts for estimated losses based on commercial risk evaluations. Retention receivables recognized as revenues were SEK , million at December , (SEK , million in ). 15 RECEIVABLES AND PAYABLES – SUBSIDIARIES Parent Company Long Term Receivables2) Financial receivables Current Receivables Commercial receivables Financial receivables Total Long Term Liabilities2) Financial liabilities Current Liabilities Commercial liabilities Financial liabilities Total 2003 2002 1) 34,046 22,595 1,478 1,525 21,357 57,934 22,835 59,459 31,911 20,395 89 367 57,517 78,379 57,606 78,746 1) Restated for change in accounting principle regarding financial instruments (RR27). 2) Including non interest-bearing receivables and liabilities, net, amounting to SEK 15,317 million (SEK -29,506 million in 2002). Interest-free transactions involving current receivables and liabilities may also arise at times. 46 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 17 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital stock 2003 Capital stock at December , , consisted of the following: Cumulative translation adjustments Opening balance Changes in cumulative translation adjustments Closing balance – 2,951 – 2,444 – 5,395 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Parent Company Number of shares Aggregate par value Class A shares (par value SEK 1.00) Class B shares (par value SEK 1.00) 656,218,640 15,476,040,038 16,132,258,678 656 15,476 16,132 The capital stock of the Company is divided into two classes: Class A shares (par value SEK .) and Class B shares (par value SEK .). Both classes have the same rights of participation in the net assets and earnings of the Company. Class A shares, however, are entitled to one vote per share while Class B shares are entitled to one thousandth of one vote per share. The total number of treasury shares at December , , is ,, (,, in ) Class B shares, corresponding to a negative amount in Non-restricted equity of SEK – million (SEK – million in ). During , million shares were issued and repurchased as Treasury Stock in connection with the Stock Purchase Plan . Changes in cumulative translation adjustments include changes regarding recalculation of goodwill in local currency of SEK – million (SEK –, million in ), net gain/loss (–) from hedging of investments in foreign subsidiaries of SEK , million (SEK , million in ) and SEK , million (SEK – million in ) of realized gains/losses (–), net from sold/liquidated companies. Currency gains/losses resulting from translation of financial statements of integrated companies are included in the following items in the consolidated income statement: Cost of sales Financial income Taxes Total 2003 2002 2001 – 68 –139 – 4 – 211 – 45 –198 3 – 240 134 28 9 171 Changes in stockholders’ equity Consolidated January 1, 2003 Stock issue Repurchase of own stock Sale of own stock Stock purchase and stock option plans Transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves Adjustment of accrued cost for stock issue 2002 Changes in cumulative translation adjustments Net income 2003 Capital stock 15,974 158 – – – – – – – December 31, 2003 16,132 Equity proportion reserve Other restricted reserves Total restricted equity Non- restricted equity 672 – – – – –14 – – – 658 39,278 – – – – 2,806 – – 2,444 – 39,640 55,924 158 – – – 2,792 – – 2,444 – 56,430 17,683 – –158 8 151 – 2,792 3 – –10,844 4,051 Total 73,607 158 –158 8 151 – 3 – 2,444 –10,844 60,481 Of retained earnings, SEK 10 million will be appropriated to reserves not available for distribution, in accordance with the proposals of the respective companies’ boards of directors. In evaluating the consolidated financial position, it should be noted that earnings in foreign companies may be subject to taxation when transferred to Sweden and, in some instances, such transfers of earnings may be limited by currency restrictions. Consolidated unrestricted retained earnings are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Cumulative translation adjustments have been distributed among unrestricted and restricted stockholders’ equity. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 47 Total 68,587 28,940 12 2 – – 4,921 –19,013 73,607 Total 91,686 155 –156 11 –1 – 3,954 – 2,110 – 21,264 68,587 Total 61,862 158 8 3 –158 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Consolidated January 1, 2002 Stock issue Stock purchase plan Sale of own stock Transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves Changes in cumulative translation adjustments Net income 2002 December 31, 2002 Capital stock 8,066 7,908 – – – – – 15,974 Equity proportion reserve Other restricted reserves Total restricted equity Non- restricted equity 491 – – – 181 – – 672 29,102 21,032 – – – 5,935 – 4,921 – 39,278 37,659 28,940 – – – 5,754 – 4,921 – 55,924 30,928 – 12 2 5,754 – –19,013 17,683 Consolidated January 1, 2001 Stock issue Repurchase of own stock Conversion of debentures Capital discount Dividends paid Transfer between non-restricted and restricted reserves Changes in cumulative translation adjustments Net income 2001 December 31, 2001 Capital stock Equity proportion reserve Other restricted reserves Total restricted equity Non- restricted equity 7,910 155 – 1 – – – – – 8,066 447 – – – – – 44 – – 491 32,153 – – 10 –1 – – 5,170 2,110 – 29,102 40,510 155 – 11 –1 – – 5,126 2,110 – 37,659 51,176 – –156 – – – 3,954 5,126 – – 21,264 30,928 Parent Company January 1, 2003 Stock issue Sale of own stock Stock purchase and stock option plans Repurchase own stock Adjustment of accrued costs for stock issue 2002 Contributions from/to (–) subsidiaries, net of taxes Net income 2003 stock 15,974 158 – – – – – – Share Revalua- Capital premium reserve 1) tion Statutory reserve reserve Total Disposi- tion reserve restricted equity Other retained earnings Non- restricted equity 24,726 – – – – 3 – – 20 – – – – – – – 6,741 – – – – – – – 47,461 158 – – – 3 – – 100 – – – – – – – 14,301 – 8 3 –158 14,401 – 8 3 –158 – – 3 –1,869 1,250 13,535 –1,869 1,250 –1,869 1,250 13,635 61,257 December 31, 2003 16,132 24,729 20 6,741 47,622 100 1) 1996 and prior years’ share premium are included in Statutory reserve. 18 UNTAXED RESERVES Parent Company Accumulated depreciation in excess of plan Intangible assets Tangible assets Total accumulated depreciation in excess of plan Other untaxed reserves Reserve for doubtful receivables Income deferral reserve Total other untaxed reserves Total untaxed reserves Jan. 1 Additions/ withdrawals Dec. 31 20 5 25 1,290 774 2,064 2,089 – 3 43 40 – – – 40 17 48 65 1,290 774 2,064 2,129 Swedish GAAP and tax regulations require a company to report certain differences between the tax basis and book value as an untaxed reserve in the balance sheet of the stand-alone financial statements. Changes to these reserves are reported as an addition to, or withdrawal from, untaxed reserves in the income statement. Changes in other untaxed reserves in the Parent Company in 2002 consisted of the following: withdrawals from reserve for doubtful receivables, SEK 1,977 million (SEK –247 million in 2001) and withdrawal of income deferral reserve SEK 0 million (SEK 1,419 million in 2001). Deferred tax liability, not accounted for in deferred taxes, on untaxed reserves, amounts to SEK 596 million in 2003 (SEK 585 million in 2002 and SEK 1,144 million in 2001). 48 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 19 PROVISIONS Consolidated Opening balance Additions To cover costs incurred Excess amounts Settlement Balances regarding acquired and sold companies Reclassification Translation difference for the year Closing balance Pensions and similar provisions 10,997 1,105 – 810 – – 3,509 – 3 400 –175 8,005 Parent Company Opening balance Additions To cover costs incurred Settlement Closing balance N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Deferred taxes Warranty commitments Restructuring Customer financing 1,511 595 – 479 –14 – – – 960 –191 462 3,554 4,706 – 3,105 – 329 – – 3 40 –127 4,736 7,535 10,835 – 9,146 – 66 – 5 178 – 226 9,115 Other 8,579 13,030 –7,028 – 884 – – 3 424 – 664 Total other provisions 21,357 29,364 –19,805 –1,314 – –1 – 326 –1,212 28,063 178 198 – 47 – 21 – – – 8 – 4 296 13,454 Pensions and similar provisions Restructuring Customer financing 1,155 111 – 63 – 355 848 63 1,748 – 346 – 1,465 2,228 660 –1,457 – 1,431 Other 139 287 –139 – 287 Pensions The Ericsson Group participates in local pension plans in countries in which we operate. There are principally two types of pension plans: • Defined contribution plans, where the Company’s only obligation is to pay a pension premium to a fund or insurance company on behalf of the employee. No liability is recorded on the books. • Defined benefit plans, where the Company’s undertaking is to provide pension benefits related to services rendered and salary levels. These plans are managed in two ways: – by setting up a trust to manage the company’s contri- butions to the plan, in which case the recorded provision on the balance sheet is the net of benefit obligations and plan assets. – by recording of total accumulated benefits as a provision on the balance sheet with no assigned plan assets. This method is used in Sweden and subject to insurance with Försäkringsbolaget Pensionsgaranti (FPG) which is covered by Swedish law on safeguarding of pension commitments. In the Ericsson Group, most companies have defined contribution plans and therefore no pension provisions on the books. In a dozen countries other than Sweden, the subsidiaries have defined benefit plans with trust funds, and record the net of accumulated benefit obligations and plan assets as provisions. In Sweden, the total pension benefits are a mixed solution, with some parts being defined contribution-type and others defined benefit: • all blue-collar employee plans and certain parts of white- collar plans, such as death and disability, are defined contribution plans. Some parts of early-retirement plans are also arranged as defined contribution plans. • white-collar employees’ age pension benefits are defined benefit-type plans. No trust is established and the full liability is recorded on the books with compulsory insurance coverage. The liability is calculated by a third party institution, the Pension Registration Institute (PRI), according to actuarial assumptions defined outside the company’s control. PRI also administers the pension payments to employees. The main part of total provisions for pensions and similar benefits amounting to SEK , million, are attributable to the Swedish pension plans, of which SEK , million (SEK , million in ) are PRI-liability. The Parent Company’s pension liabilities include an obligation in the amount of SEK million (SEK million in ) in accordance with an agreement with PRI. In accordance with new Swedish accounting principles, RR, to be adopted January , , actuarial assumptions, such as future salary levels and expected return on any plan assets among other, are required to disclose costs and net liabilities for defined benefit plans. Ericsson will apply RR in year and the cumulative effect of the accounting change will be charged directly to equity. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 49 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S This change will increase the current pension provisions by approximately SEK . billion. The effect of this accounting change will be reported as a one-time change of equity of SEK –. billion net of tax. Deferred taxes Deferred tax liabilities as of December , , relate to timing differences. 20 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Notes and bond loans (maturing 2005– 2010) Liabilities to financial institutions Liabilities to subsidiaries Other Consolidated Parent Company 2002 1) 2003 2003 2002 26,312 33,074 26,312 33,074 689 – 2,771 3,043 – 949 290 411 31,911 20,395 102 63 Warranty commitments Warranty provisions are made based on sales and contractual warranty periods as well as quality failure experience of products sold. We estimate that approximately SEK . billion will be utilized during . Total 29,772 37,066 58,576 53,982 1) Restated for change in accounting principle regarding financial instruments (RR27). Long-term liabilities maturing more than five years after the balance sheet date: Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Notes and bond loans Liabilities to financial institutions Other Total 7,775 155 1,358 9,288 7,422 186 6 7,614 7,775 – – 7,775 7,422 – – 7,422 Of the long-term loans, SEK , million (note issuances of EUR , million and GBP million pursuant to our Euro Medium Term Note program) have interest rates linked to the company’s credit rating. The interest rate will increase/decrease . percent per annum for each rating notch change per rating agency (Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s). The interest rate applicable to these bond issues can not be less than the initial interest rate in the loan agreement. Restructuring During , two restructuring programs were implemented and expenses of SEK billion were recognized. In the remaining provisions of SEK million have been utilized to cover actual costs. During , further restructuring activities were implemented. The majority of the remaining restructuring provisions from , SEK billion have been utilized to cover costs incurred during . There are still SEK . billion remaining which are foreseen to be utilized during the first half of . During , additional restructuring activities were undertaken. At year-end, provisions of SEK . billion related to restructuring activities remained. We expect that SEK billion will be used during . The remaining provisions of SEK . billion refer mainly to unutilized real estate that will be consumed during a longer period of time. Customer financing Total provisions for off-balance sheet customer financing is the sum of all individual provisions for each risk. The individual provisions are based on a specific evaluation of each risk exposure. Other Other provisions includes amounts for risks related to patent and other litigations, estimated losses on construction-type contracts, contractual obligations and penalties. We estimate that approximately SEK billion will be utilized during . 50 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 21 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial instruments carried at other than fair value Financial instruments are either primary or derivative. Primary instruments are mainly cash and cash equivalents, receivables, customer credits, investments, payables and borrowings. In the following table, carrying amounts and fair values of primary financial instruments that are carried in the financial statements at other than fair values are presented. Primary financial instruments carried in the financial statements at other than fair values (SEK billion) Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Financial liabilities Notes and bond loans Convertible debenture Liabilities to financial institutions (non-current) Current maturities of long-term debt 1) Carrying amount As of Dec. 31, 2002 2003 Fair value As of Dec. 31, 2002 2003 73.2 73.2 26.3 – 66.2 66.2 33.1 4.5 73.5 73.5 27.6 – 66.6 66.6 27.7 4.3 0.7 3.0 0.7 3.1 7.3 34.3 6.6 47.2 7.3 35.6 6.5 41.6 1) Carrying amounts include notes and bond loans of SEK 5.9 billion 2003 and SEK 6.4 billion 2002. Fair values have been calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at prevailing interest rates. For Ericsson’s listed debt instruments (outstanding notes and bond loans) the fair values are based on market values. Market values of notes and bond loans takes into account the credit risk on Ericsson and discounted future interest payments. The Ericsson credit risk improved during , which is reflected in the decreased difference between carrying amount and fair value of notes and bond loans. The fair value of notes and bond loans per December , , is higher than the carrying amount due to the high coupon interest rate on certain notes and bond loans. The loans are carried at amortized cost as they are intended to be held to maturity. Fixed interest rates are changed to floating through interest rate swaps. The value of the interest rate swaps is included in the table “Interest rate derivative financial instruments”. Financial instruments excluded from the table, such as trade receivables and payables, investments in non-listed equity instruments, equity participations in associated companies and pension provisions, are considered to be carried at fair value. When a market value is not readily available, and there is insignificant interest rate exposure affecting the value, the carrying value is considered to represent a reasonable estimate of the market value. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Financial risk management For a general overview of the Company’s objectives, policies and strategies for financial risk management, please refer to the Board of Directors’ Report, Financial Risk Management and Note , Accounting Policies. Ericsson classifies financial risks as: • foreign exchange risk • interest rate risk • market price risk in own shares and other listed equity instruments • credit risk • country risk • funding and liquidity risk Foreign exchange risk Ericsson has significant revenues, costs, assets and debt in currencies other than SEK, which result in substantial exposure to foreign exchange rate volatility. Ericsson distinguishes between three types of exposure: economic exposure, transaction exposure and translation exposure. Fluctuations in exchange rates between SEK and other currencies affect Ericsson’s earnings. It is Ericsson’s policy to reduce effects on income and volatility in earnings through a variety of hedging activities, including the use of derivative instruments. Ericsson is exposed to exchange rate risks through value fluctuations of balance sheet items in foreign currencies. Trade receivables and payables are managed through Ericsson’s handling of transaction exposure of sales and purchases. Other exposures, such as customer finance credits and interest bearing liabilities, are hedged through offsetting of balances of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies. Residual net exposures by currency are hedged through offsetting cash positions or derivative instruments. Economic exposure Ericsson is dependent on the development of foreign exchange rates in relation to SEK and on economic conditions in Sweden. As of December , , approximately percent of all employees were located in Sweden, while Sweden accounted for only percent of total sales in . Ericsson’s exports from Sweden are normally invoiced in foreign currencies. With this substantial SEK-denominated net cost base, a gradually stronger SEK during had a negative impact on Ericsson, primarily compared to Ericsson’s competitors with costs denominated in USD. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 51 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Transaction exposure An analysis of our transaction exposures for shows the following net transaction exposures by currency: Net transaction exposures by currency (SEK billion) USD and related currencies EUR JPY CNY 2003 21 3 2 1 A change in the exchange rate of +/– percent between SEK and USD would affect the income statement by SEK . billion before hedging effects. Foreign exchange risk is as far as possible carried by Swedish group companies. All sales to foreign subsidiaries are made in the foreign currency. In order to limit the exposure to exchange fluctuations on future revenue or expenditure, committed and forecasted future sales and purchases in the major currencies are hedged for the coming – months. Currency swaps and forward contracts used to hedge future revenue or expenditure streams are designated as cash flow hedges. Due to the stronger SEK, primarily vs. USD and related currencies such as SAR, in compared to , Ericsson incurred net operating foreign exchange losses of approximately SEK . billion These were almost fully offset by net exchange rate gains on hedges of approximately SEK . billion. Net operating foreign exchange losses were SEK . billion and net financial foreign exchange losses were SEK . billion. As of December , , transaction exposures derivatives hedging had a positive market value of approximately SEK . billion net. This positive market value corresponds to losses on underlying future payments regarding sales and purchases compared to the prevailing rates when the commitments and forecasts were made. The market value of these derivatives is subject to further changes in exchange rates and SEK . billion of the SEK . billion net will affect the income statement within the next – months, when the underlying hedged transactions occur. The loss of SEK . billion is already taken to income. These derivatives represent hedges of both the income risk and the cash flow risk due to changed exchange rates. Set out below is Ericsson’s outstanding foreign exchange derivative financial instruments by type, carrying amounts and fair values. Foreign exchange derivative financial instruments (SEK billion) Type of instrument Currency swaps Other financial foreign exchange derivatives Carrying amounts As of Dec 31, 2003, Fair values As of Dec 31, 2003 Positive Negative Net –0.6 –0.3 –0.9 3.1 –0.6 2.5 0.4 3.5 –0.3 –0.9 0.1 2.6 Translation exposure Ericsson has many subsidiaries operating outside Sweden. The net results in foreign subsidiaries and the value of such foreign investments are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, which affect the consolidated income statement and balance sheet when translated to SEK. Translation exposure in foreign subsidiaries is hedged according to the following policy established by the Board of Directors: • Monetary net in companies translated using the temporal method, i.e. translation effects in investments affect the income statement, is estimated to be hedged to percent. Foreign exchange losses were SEK . billion net, which was fully offset by hedging gains. • Equity in companies translated using the current method, i.e. translation effects are reported directly in stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet, is hedged up to percent in selected companies. The translation differences reported in equity during were negative, SEK . billion, net of hedging gains of SEK . billion. Interest Rate Risk Ericsson is exposed to interest rate risk through market value fluctuations of certain balance sheet items and through changes in interest expenses and revenues. The net cash position was SEK . billion at the end of , consisting of cash and cash equivalents of SEK . billion and interest bearing provisions and liabilities of SEK . billion. Outstanding customer financing credits net of provisions were SEK . billion. In managing the interest rate exposure, we use floating rate notes and derivative instruments, such as forward rate agreements, interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps. Ericsson’s aim is to avoid risk in the form of (i) a mismatch between fixed and floating interest rates in interest bearing balance sheet items and (ii) significant fixed interest rates in Ericsson’s net cash position. To achieve this Ericsson strives towards a position where most interest rates are floating. As of December , , () percent of Ericsson’s interest bearing provisions and liabilities and () percent of Ericsson’s interest bearing assets had floating interest rates. With the current net cash position, Ericsson’s interest net and cash flow are exposed to interest rate fluctuations. A sustained change in interest rates of plus/minus . percentage points would have a plus/minus impact on the interest net of slightly less than SEK million. 52 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 The following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of Ericsson’s interest bearing assets, provisions and liabilities that are exposed to interest rate risk. Interest on interest bearing items classified as floating rate is re-priced at intervals of less than one year. Interest on interest bearing items classified as fixed rate is fixed until maturity of the instrument. Interest bearing assets, provisions and liabilities as of December 31, 2003 (SEK billion) Less than 1 year 1– 5 More than 5 years years Total Interest bearing assets – fixed rate Cash and cash equivalents1) Interest bearing assets – floating rate Cash and cash equivalents1) Short-term customer financing Loans to associated companies Long-term customer financing Total interest bearing assets Interest bearing provisions and liabilities – fixed rate Liabilities to financial institutions (non-current) Interest bearing provisions and liabilities – floating rate Notes and bond loans2) Liabilities to financial Institutions and capital leases (non-current) Current maturities of long-term debt3) Liabilities to financial institutions (current) Pensions and similar provisions Total interest bearing provisions and liabilities 1.3 1.3 71.9 2.6 0.2 – 74.7 – – – – 7.3 2.2 – 9.5 – – – – – 6.2 6.2 0.2 0.2 – – 1.3 1.3 – – – 1.8 1.8 71.9 2.6 0.2 8.0 82.7 84.0 – – 0.2 0.2 18.5 7.8 26.3 0.7 1.5 2.2 – – – – 7.3 – 8.0 4) 2.2 8.0 19.2 17.3 46.0 46.2 1) All instruments used for liquidity management are included regardless of maturity. 2) Note and bond loans are mainly issued at fixed rate, for such bonds Ericsson uses interest rate swaps to pay floating rate. Including notes and bond loans of SEK 5.9 billion. 3) 4) After the one-time payment of SEK 3.5 billion to a Swedish pension management company the majority of pension liabilities have a maturity of more than 5 years. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S The table below shows fair values and carrying amounts of outstanding interest rate derivatives by type. Interest rate derivative financial instruments Carrying amounts As of Dec 31, 2003 Fair values As of Dec 31, 2003 (SEK billion) Positive Negative Net Interest rate derivates Interest rate swaps Cross currency interest rate swaps Other financial interest rate derivatives 0.8 0.1 – 0.9 2.4 0.1 0.1 2.6 –0.1 – –0.1 –0.2 2.2 0.1 0.1 2.4 Market price risk in own shares and other listed equity instruments Risk related to our share price Ericsson is exposed to the development of its own share price through stock option and stock purchase plans for employees. The obligation to deliver shares under these plans is covered by holding Ericsson Class B shares in treasury and warrants for issuance of new Ericsson Class B shares. An increase in the share price will result in social security charges, which represents a risk to both income and cash flow. The income statement exposure in one of the option programs is hedged through the purchase of call options. The cash flow exposure is fully hedged through the holding of Ericsson Class B shares in treasury to be sold to generate funds to cover social security payments, and through the purchase of call options on Ericsson Class B shares. Risk related to the prices of listed equity instruments Through investments in equity instruments of listed companies Ericsson is exposed to market value fluctuations of such instruments. Such investments, however, constitute a very limited part of Ericsson’s financial assets and the exposure is therefore not hedged. Credit risk Credit risk is divided into three categories: credit risk in trade receivables, customer finance risk and financial credit risk. Credit risk in trade receivables Trade receivables amount to SEK . billion. Provisions for expected losses are regularly assessed and amounted to SEK . billion as of December , . Ericsson’s credit losses have, however, historically been low. The amounts of trade receivables follow closely the distribution of Ericsson’s sales and do not include any major concentrations of credit risk by customer or by geography. Customer finance risk As of December , , Ericsson’s total outstanding exposure relating to customer finance credits was SEK . (.) billion as per table below. As of that date, Ericsson also had unutilized commitments of SEK . billion. The outstanding customer E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 53 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S loans and financial guarantees relate to infrastructure projects in different geographic markets and to a large number of customers. As of December , , of a total of customer loans originated by or guaranteed by Ericsson, the six largest customer finance arrangements represented percent of the total credit exposure. Security arrangements for customer credits normally include pledge of equipment, pledge of certain of the borrowers assets and, as the case may be, pledge of shares in the operating company. The table below summarizes Ericsson’s outstanding customer finance credits as of December , , and . Outstanding customer finance credits (SEK billion) On-balance sheet credits1) Off-balance sheet credits Total credits Less third-party risk coverage Ericsson’s exposure On-balance sheet credits, net book value As of December 31, 2001 2002 2003 10.6 2.0 12.6 –0.3 12.3 21.1 1.5 22.6 –0.8 21.8 18.7 12.8 31.5 – 4.7 26.8 4.0 14.0 14.8 1) The reduction of on-balance sheet credits during 2003 of SEK 10.5 billion is mainly the result of credit sale activities. During 2003, a selection of on- balance credits were made for the purpose of selling these assets to third parties. Each sale was made by assignment and transfer of the assets to the purchasing banks. After closure of each individual sale, all rights and obligations of Ericsson as creditor under the credit facility were terminated and assumed by the purchaser. Of Ericsson’s total outstanding customer finance credit exposure as of December , , percent related to Latin America, percent to Europe, Middle East & Africa, percent to North America and percent to Asia Pacific. As of December , , percent of Ericsson’s total outstanding customer finance was in respect of G networks and the remainder was in respect of G and .G networks. The net effect of risk provisions and credit losses for customer financing affecting operating expenses amounted to SEK . billion in , SEK . billion in and SEK . billion in . In , and , Ericsson incurred credit losses of SEK . billion, SEK . billion and SEK . billion respectively. The following table sets forth Ericsson’s unutilized commitments to provide customer finance as of the dates indicated. Unutilized commitments to provide customer finance (SEK billion) As of December 31, 2001 2002 2003 Finance commitments 6.1 14.0 31.2 (SEK billion) Less than 1 year 1–3 4 years years and more Finance commitments 1) 1.7 4.4 0.0 Total 6.1 1) Financing commitments refer to credit arrangements with Ericsson or a third- party as lender. 54 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 As of December , , percent of Ericsson’s total committed customer finance was in respect of G networks and the remainder was in respect of G and .G networks. Financial Credit Risk Financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterparts may be unable to fulfill their obligations. Ericsson mitigates these risks by investing excess liquidity primarily in commercial papers, treasury bills and floating rate notes with short-term ratings of at least A-/P- and long-term ratings of at least A/A and in liquidity funds holding a rating of at least single A. According to Ericsson’s policy, all derivative transactions require netting agreements, i.e. ISDA Master agreements, with all counterparts to reduce the credit risk. No credit losses were incurred during on external investments. Cash and cash equivalents (SEK billion) Type of security Parent Company Treasury bills Cash and bank deposits Commercial papers Floating rate notes Mortgage commercial papers Corporate bonds Treasury bonds Liquidity funds Mortgage bonds Total Parent Company Other Group companies (mainly cash and bank deposits) Total As of December 31, 2002 2003 12.1 4.1 27.7 5.8 4.7 2.8 0.1 8.4 2.7 68.4 4.8 73.2 23.9 5.7 14.5 5.3 1.2 1.4 1.5 5.8 – 59.3 6.9 66.2 Country risk Country risk is defined as the Swedish companies’ total risk related to activities in foreign countries plus lending from group companies outside Sweden. Items included are internal and external trade receivables, project financing, letters of guarantees, lending to and from the internal bank and equity in subsidiaries. The total country risk measures the immediate effect on Ericsson’s income statement should certain countries expropriate Ericsson’s assets. The Board has established risk limits for exposure to political risk. The country risk mandate is based on The Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board’s (EKN) general risk classification and limits are in place for each rating category (low, medium and high). The country risk is calculated on a gross basis and cannot be compared with consolidated balance sheet items. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Total risk by rating and geographical market area Debt maturity profile as of December 31, 2003 (SEK billion and percent) Type of risk class Low (EKN class 0– 2) Medium (EKN class 3– 4) High (EKN class 5–7) Total risk1) Geographical area Europe, Middle East & Africa North America Latin America Asia Pacific Total As of December 31, 2002 2003 (SEK billion) 39 11 13 63 44% 22% 22% 12% 61 14 22 97 49% 16% 22% 13% 15 12 9 6 3 0 Other financial liabilities Notes and bonds 100% 100% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010– 1) The total country risk is reduced by USD 100 million to reflect Ericsson’s political risk insurance. Tax, currency and other legal and economic restrictions in certain countries may represent cash flow risks, affecting Ericsson’s ability to transfer dividends within the group and to provide equity to subsidiaries. However, the impact of such restrictions is currently very limited. As per December , , Ericsson had less than SEK billion in non-restricted equity in countries with transfer restrictions. Funding and liquidity risk Ericsson finances its operations externally primarily by borrowing directly in the Swedish and international bank and debt capital markets. Ericsson’s aggregated outstanding interest bearing provisions and liabilities were SEK . billion as of December , . Long-term interest bearing debt was SEK . billion, comprising of long-term debt of SEK . billion and provisions for pensions and similar commitments of SEK . billion. Current maturities of long-term debt was SEK . billion. Long-term debt, including current maturities of long- term debt, was SEK . billion with an average maturity of . years. Long-term debt consisted mainly of borrowings under the Euro Medium Term Note program. Short-term interest bearing liabilities were SEK . billion with an average maturity of . years. Short-term borrowing consisted primarily of bank overdrafts, bank loans and other short-term financial loans. Ericsson has unused short-term credit facilities of SEK . billion, of which the Parent Company had SEK . billion. The Parent Company has an USD . billion Euro Medium Term Note program of which USD . billion was utilized at December , . Issuances under this program are denominated in EUR, USD, SEK and GBP and have an average maturity of . years. In November , a nominal amount of EUR million of the outstanding EUR billion bond loan was exchanged for a nominal amount of EUR million of notes maturing , callable after years. The rating downgrade during caused an estimated increase in funding costs of approximately SEK million per year relating to two issuances of notes of EUR . billion and GBP million (SEK . billion in total) under the program. The Parent Company has two long-term committed credit facilities in the principal amount of USD billion and USD . billion, all of which was available at December , . The USD . billion facility has interest rates linked to our credit rating as well as certain financial covenants, which Ericsson needs to comply with in order to draw-down funds under the facility. Pursuant to these covenants, prior to any draw-down before June , , Ericsson’s Net Debt may not exceed USD . billion and its Payment Readiness must be at least USD . billion. These conditions will then be replaced by a requirement for Net Debt to months Adjusted EBITDA not to exceed to . As of December , , our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA was less than , due to a negative Net Debt position. On September , , the Parent Company entered into a new USD billion long-term committed credit facility agreement that will become available as the existing USD billion facility matures in . The new facility is subject to certain financial covenants and availability tests, which Ericsson needs to comply with prior to any draw-down and under certain circumstances the facility also requires security to be offered as a condition to draw-down. According to the availability test, Ericsson is required to comply with a certain level of EBITDA. Pursuant to the financial covenants Ericsson’s net debt must not exceed certain multiples of EBITDA and Ericsson’s EBITDA must not exceed its net interest expenses a certain number of times. The levels are set based on a certain business plan, substantially below present financial performance, and vary over time. Historically, Ericsson has relied on its commercial paper programs in the Swedish, European and US markets to satisfy short-term liquidity needs. In December the US commercial paper program was closed down. However, Ericsson is currently unable to utilize under these programs due to its short-term credit rating. Ericsson will gain access to the comercial paper E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 55 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S markets once the short-term rating reaches investment grade. As of December , , the Parent Company had a Swedish commercial paper program (SEK . billion) and a Euro commercial paper program (USD . billion). These programs were unutilized. Currently and in the near term Ericsson expects that its current cash position will satisfy short-term liquidity requirements. We maintain sufficient liquidity through centralized cash management, investments in highly liquid fixed income securities, and by having sufficient committed and uncommitted credit lines in place for potential funding needs. We define cash and cash equivalents as cash and short-term investments in highly rated and liquid fixed income securities that can be swiftly realized without material price impact. During , liquidity increased by SEK . billion to SEK . billion, and net liquidity, after deduction of short-term interest bearing financial liabilities, increased by SEK . billion to SEK . billion, mainly due to release of working capital. Payment readiness is an internal measure, defined as cash and short-term investments less short-term borrowing and current maturities of long-term debt plus long-term unused committed credit facilities expressed as a percentage of annualized net sales. As of December , , payment readiness had increased to SEK . billion, corresponding to percent of net sales, compared to SEK . billion as of December , , corresponding to percent of net sales in . Ericsson’s policy stipulates that the greater part of borrowings should be long-term. After the downgrade by Moody’s in February , Ericsson’s long-term credit rating is currently B (Moody’s) and BB (Standard & Poor’s), both with negative outlook. These ratings are below investment grade. If Ericsson’s credit rating would further deteriorate, Ericsson would incur additional interest expenses. A downgrade from current rating to B by Moody’s or BB– by Standard & Poor’s would have an aggregate impact on Ericsson’s annual funding costs of SEK million solely in respect of notes outstanding under the Euro Medium Term Note program. As of December , , no outstanding debt was subject to financial covenants. 22 OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Consolidated Parent Company 2002 1) 2003 2003 1) 2002 Liabilities to associated companies Accrued interest Accrued expenses2) Prepaid revenues Other short-term liabilities 5 1,302 20,336 1,377 7,088 444 1,597 24,008 1,833 5,654 6 1,198 470 290 8,084 – 1,464 971 427 5,065 Total 30,108 33,536 10,048 7,927 1) Other short-term liabilities for the Parent company include liabilities to subsidiaries of SEK 7,071 million (SEK 4,465 million in 2002). 2) A large part of accrued expenses are employee related. 56 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 23 ASSETS PLEDGED AS COLLATERAL Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Real estate mortgages Chattel mortgages Bank deposits Total 49 6,960 1,014 8,023 – – 2,800 2,800 – 460 238 698 – – 1,918 1,918 The Chattel mortgages of SEK , million (SEK in ) are collateral for Swedish Ericsson companies’ pension commitments. The main items in Bank deposits are collaterals in conjunction with legal disputes of approximately SEK million and collateral for subsidiary financing of approximately SEK million. In the bank deposits consisted mainly of a Parent Company collateral of SEK , million for Swedish Ericsson companies pension commitments. Of the Parent Company’s assets pledged as collateral, the Chattel mortgage amounting to SEK million (SEK in ) is collateral for pension commitments. The major items in Bank deposits are collateral of SEK million (SEK million in ) for the internal bank’s (Ericsson Treasury Services Aktiebolag) clearing and settlement commitments. 24 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Guarantees for customer financing 1,667 1,024 Other contingent liabilities 1,339 1,777 1,524 8,993 3,467 13,120 Total 2,691 3,116 10,517 16,587 Guarantees for customer financing relate to such arrangements, where Ericsson is the guarantor for customers’ payment obligations under credit facilities. A lender under these credit facilities is normally a bank, which thus is the beneficiary of the Ericsson guarantee, covering the entire or part of the outstanding principal amount and accrued interest. The guarantees for customer finance are shown above at their net value (i.e. after provisions). Of other contingent liabilities assumed by Ericsson, consolidated SEK million in (SEK million in ) are related to guarantees for performance provided to certain customers and SEK million in (SEK million in ) to guarantees for loans to other companies. Of other contingent liabilities assumed by the Parent Company, SEK , million in (SEK , million in ) are related to subsidiaries and eliminated in consolidated accounts. The largest guarantees are for Swedish subsidiaries’ pension commitments, SEK , million in (SEK , million in ), and subsidiaries’ borrowing from financial institutions, SEK , million in (SEK , million in ). Other contingent liabilities also include Parent Company guarantees for subsidiaries’ performance (bid bonds, performance bonds and other similar instruments) provided to certain customers and guarantees for loans to other companies. It is unlikely that Ericsson will need to make future payments of substantial amounts under the guarantees. In accordance with standard industry practice, Ericsson enters into bid and performance bonds related to long-term contracts for the supply of telecommunications equipment and services. Potential payments due under these bonds are related to Ericsson performance under applicable contracts. Ericsson has not had to make any significant payments under these types of bonds in the past and currently do not anticipate to be required to make material payments under the bonds outstanding. Total amounts committed under contractual guarantees and performance bonds were SEK , million in , of which SEK million are reported under consolidated other contingent liabilities and SEK , million under the Parent Company’s other contingent liabilities. Contractual guarantees and performance bonds are issued either through banks or other financial institutions or directly from Ericsson. Only guarantees and performance bonds issued directly by Ericsson to third parties are included among contingent liabilities. 25 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Consolidated Interest paid in was SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ) and interest received was SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ). Income taxes paid were SEK million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ). Included in Other non-cash items under “Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash” are undistributed earnings of associated companies and joint ventures and minority interest in net income. Transactions under “Cash flow from operating activities” not reported separately are current year’s settlements of pension liabilities with a negative cash flow effect of SEK –, million. The remaining net increase in pension liabilities is a non-cash transaction with a positive effect of SEK million (SEK million in , SEK million in ). For more information regarding the disposition of cash and cash equivalents, see Note – Financial Instruments. Acquisitions/sales of shares and other investments Consolidated 2003 Purchase price for acquired subsidiaries Other acquisitions/capital contributions Sales Acquisitions/sales, net – –1,432 614 – 818 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S The purchase consideration in cash or cash equivalent for other acquisition was SEK , million, of which the major item was a shareholders’ contribution to Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications of SEK , million. Of the consideration received for disposals SEK million were in the form of cash or cash equivalents. The cash or cash equivalents in the balance sheets of sold subsidiaries were SEK million. Consolidated Tangible assets Other fixed assets Current assets Cash Total assets Pensions and other provisions Long-term liabilities Current liabilities Total liabilities Sold subsidiaries 107 36 114 4 261 9 79 50 138 Parent Company Interest paid in was SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ) and interest received was SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ). Income taxes paid were SEK million (SEK million in , SEK million in ). Major non-cash items in Investments are: Acquisitions/sales of other investments, net, in of SEK , million (SEK , million in , SEK , million in ). 26 LEASING Leasing obligations Assets under financial leases, recorded as tangible assets, consist of: Financial leases Acquisition costs Land and buildings Machinery Other equipment Accumulated depreciation/write-downs Buildings and land Machinery Other equipment Net carrying value 2003 2002 1,687 – 1 1,688 – 500 – – – 500 1,188 – – 2 2 – – –1 –1 1 Due to reassessments of the nature of leases, according to the present interpretation of Swedish GAAP/IFRS, financial leases of SEK , million have been reflected in the balance sheet as tangible assets and long-term liabilities. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 57 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S At December , , future minimum lease payment obligations for leases were distributed as follows: At December , , future payment obligations for leases for the Parent Company were distributed as follows: Consolidated 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and later Future finance charges 1) Present value of finance lease liabilities Financial leases Operating leases 206 188 177 175 175 1,791 2,712 – 999 1,713 2,748 2,116 1,795 1,605 1,357 4,880 14,501 – 14,501 1) Effective interest rate on lease payables is 6.00 percent. Expenses in for leasing of assets were SEK , million (SEK , million in and SEK , million in ), of which variable expenses were SEK million (SEK million in and SEK million in ). Most of the Company’s lease agreements contain no contingent payables. In the few cases they occur it relates to payables for heating, linked to the oil price index. Most of the leases of facilities contain terms of renewal giving the right to prolong the agreement in question for a predefined period of time. All of the financial leases of facilities contain purchase options. Only a very limited number of the Company’s lease agreements contain restrictions on stockholders’ equity or other means of finance, the major agreement contains a restriction stating that the Parent Company must maintain a stockholders’ equity of at least SEK billion. The Company sold certain assets relating to test plant equipment for software testing in Sweden and the United States for SEK , million in December . The assets were leased back from the purchaser over a period of one year. This transaction was accounted for as a financial (capital) lease in the consolidated accounts, and no capital gain was reported. The entity owning these assets was acquired in , by the Parent Company, and this capital lease was no longer reported in the consolidated accounts, as it became internal. During the assets were sold to a subsidiary and are therefore no longer included in the Parent Company’s financial statements. Parent Company 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and later Financial leases Operating leases – – – – – – – 1,723 1,453 1,264 1,165 969 3,306 9,880 Leasing income Leasing income mainly relate to income from sublease of property. Some consolidated companies also lease equipment, mainly telephone exchanges, to customers. These leasing contracts vary in length from to years. At December , , future minimum payment receivables are distributed as follows: Consolidated 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and later Unearned financial income1) Unguaranteed residual value Net investments in financial leases Sales-type and Operating leases Financial leases 74 44 10 – – – 128 –10 43 161 2) 183 121 93 73 64 135 669 – – 669 1) Effective interest rate on lease receivables is 5.66%. 2) Equipment leased to customers reflected on the balance sheet as customer financing. Leasing income in was SEK million (SEK million in and SEK million in ). Parent Company 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 and later Sales-type and Operating leases Financial leases – – – – – – – 118 68 55 55 50 101 447 The Parent Company’s operating lease income is mainly income from sublease of property. 27 TAX ASSESSMENT VALUES IN SWEDEN Land and land improvements Buildings Total 70 247 317 24 – 24 7 – 7 24 – 24 58 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 28 SPECIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE PARENT COMPANY Sales of the Parent Company in were SEK , million (SEK , million in ). Exports accounted for percent in and . No consolidated companies were customers of the Parent Company’s sales in or , while percent ( percent in ) of the Company’s total purchases of goods and services were from such companies. The Parent Company has guaranteed up to SEK . million for loans obtained by employees. 29 INFORMATION REGARDING EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT Average number of employees Consolidated Europe1), Middle East and Africa North America Latin America Asia Pacific 2003 Men Women Total Men Women 2002 Total 31,782 10,695 42,477 37,968 13,380 51,348 7,989 4,251 9,832 1,370 5,225 522 2,650 2,316 6,830 5,766 3,338 6,873 3,855 2,128 4,514 2,223 913 2,959 Total 42,279 14,903 57,182 53,945 19,475 73,420 1) Of which Sweden 19,182 1) Of which EU 28,780 7,057 26,239 22,200 8,747 30,947 9,759 38,539 33,627 11,997 45,625 Parent Company Europe1), Middle East and Africa Latin America Total 1) Of which Sweden 1) Of which EU 2003 Men Women Total Men Women 956 18 974 259 259 284 1,240 24 6 1,127 16 290 1,264 1,143 251 251 510 510 353 353 420 4 424 368 368 2002 Total 1,547 20 1,567 721 721 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S The majority of our employees in Sweden belong to the following trade unions: Sif (the Swedish Union of Salaried Employees), the Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers, the Swedish Union of Industrial Supervisors and the Swedish Metal Worker’s Union. Many of our employees located outside Sweden, in particular those located in other European countries, also belong to trade unions. Central and industry- wide agreements on wages and salaries in Sweden will be renegotiated in March . Ericsson believes that our relations with these unions and our employees in general are good. Absence due to illness Parent Company (percent of working hours) Absence due to illness for men Absence due to illness for women Employees up to 30 years old Employees 30– 49 years old Employees 50 years or older Total absence due to illness Of which long-term absence due to illness1) 2003-07-01 through 2003-12-31 1% 2% 0% 1% 3% 2% 29% 1) Defined as absence during a consecutive period of time of 60 days or more. Remuneration Wages and salaries and social security expenses Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Wages and salaries Social security expenses Of which pension costs 24,829 11,435 967 33,650 13,221 4,133 769 656 521 825 569 451 Within the group of the 150 most senior executives the distribution between females and males is 14 percent and 86 percent respectively. Wages and salaries per geographical area Number of employees, consolidated Employees by region Europe1), Middle East and Africa North America Latin America Asia Pacific Total 1) Of which Sweden 1) Of which EU Employees per segment Systems Phones Other operations Unallocated Total As per December 31, 2001 2002 2003 38,379 4,460 2,276 6,468 47,700 6,328 2,822 7,771 60,743 8,929 5,333 10,193 51,583 64,621 85,198 24,408 35,671 30,241 44,467 37,328 56,427 As per December 31, 2001 2002 2003 45,176 – 6,110 297 51,390 – 12,846 385 68,525 – 16,286 387 51,583 64,621 85,198 Consolidated Parent Company 2002 2003 2003 2002 Europe1), Middle East and Africa North America 2) Latin America Asia Pacific Total 18,176 3,718 861 2,074 22,979 6,100 1,571 3,000 24,829 33,650 757 – 12 – 769 814 – 11 – 825 1) Of which Sweden 516 1) Of which EU 516 2) Of which United States – Remuneration in foreign currency has been translated to at average exchange rates for the year. 13,327 20,539 4,970 11,206 16,913 2,702 533 533 – E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 59 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Ericsson’s Remuneration Committee The Board of Directors appoints from its’ members a Remuneration Committee each year. During , the following Board members served on the committee: Peter Sutherland (Chairman), Lena Torell, Michael Treschow and Per Lindh. The Remuneration Committee’s area of responsibility includes to review and prepare for resolution by the Board, strategies and general guidelines for compensation of employees, including incentive plans and retirement compensation, as well as specific proposals for salary, other remuneration and retirement compensation to the President and CEO, Executive Vice Presidents and other officers reporting directly to the President. This applied also to other officers reporting to the Chief Operating Officer until April , , when this position ceased. The Remuneration Committee schedules at least three regular meetings a year. During , the Remuneration Committee held meetings. At the end of the year, the committee reviews salary survey data to approve any increase of base pay for the following year for executives. Increases, if any, are effective from the following January. The Remuneration Committee also prepares for resolution by the Board the short-term incentive targets for the following year. In the beginning of the year, the committee approves any short-term incentive payments to be made from the previous year’s plan and prepares for resolution by the Board any long- term incentive plan prior to being presented at a meeting of shareholders. In the middle of the year the committee meets for a strategic compensation review with representatives of the Company. They consider trends in compensation, legislative changes, disclosure rules and the general global environment surrounding executive pay. The outcome is to agree on the direction Ericsson will follow so that program designs and pay policies all align with the business situation. Throughout Ericsson all remuneration decisions must comply with Ericsson’s compensation policies and must be formally approved by the next manager to the employee’s manager. 60 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Compensation policies and Remuneration to Member of the Board of Directors, the President and CEO and the Group Management This note to the financial statements covers information about the remuneration for the Board of Directors, the President and CEO and the Group Management and as required by applicable laws, rules and recommendations. Members of the Board of Directors Board member fee Com- mittee fee Emp- loyee repre- senta- tive (SEK) Gender Board member Michael Treschow Arne Mårtensson Marcus Wallenberg Lena Torell Peter Sutherland Peter L. Bonfield Sverker Martin-Löf Eckhard Pfeiffer Carl-Henric Svanberg Göran Engström Jan Hedlund Per Lindh Monica Bergström Christer Binning Arne Löfving Åke Sven- marck Total Social security fees Total Total 10,950,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 700,000 – 8,400 8,800 7,200 – – – – – – – – – 8,000 8,000 7,000 8,000 8,000 3,000 6,000 3,000 6,000 male 10,750,000 1) 200,000 male 500,000 100,000 male female 500,000 500,000 100,000 100,000 male 500,000 100,000 male 500,000 200,000 male 500,000 300,000 male 500,000 200,000 male male male male female male male male – – – – – – – – – 400 800 200 – – – 200 8,000 8,200 14,250,000 1,301,600 48,000 15,599,600 5,147,868 20,747,468 Comments to the table • The Chairman of the Board received a Board fee of SEK ,,1). In addition, the Annual General Meeting decided to award the Chairman an extra Board fee of SEK ,, for each of the years and . However for the year , percent of the extra Board fee was waived by the Chairman and of extra Board fee, in the aggregate SEK ,,1), was paid . The Chairman also received SEK , for each Board committee he was serving on. • The other Directors appointed by the Annual General Meeting received a fee of SEK , each. In addition, each Director serving on a Board committee has received a fee of SEK , for each committee. However, the Chairman of the Audit Committee received a fee of SEK , and the other two members of the Audit Committee received a fee of SEK , each. • Members of the Board, who are not employees of the Company, have not received any compensation other than the fees paid for Board duties. • Members and Deputy Members of the Board who are Ericsson employees received no remuneration or benefits other than their entitlements as employees. However, a fee of SEK , per attended meeting was paid to each employee representative on the Board. Further, employee representatives being also members of a committee of the Board received a fee of SEK for each committee meeting. The President and CEO and the Group Management Salary and benefits (SEK) Fixed salary Variable pay earned 2002 to be paid 2003 Other benefits The The Group President Management Total 8,756,163 47,519,034 56,275,197 – 36,160 – 4,920,608 – 4,956,768 Total received 8,792,323 52,439,642 61,231,965 Provisions for variable pay earned 2003 to be paid 2004 9,600,000 30,146,471 39,746,471 Pensions and social security fees (SEK) Pension premiums Provisions for benefit based old age pension Social security fees Total pension and social security fees The The Group President Management Total 4,532,000 16,735,333 21,267,333 – 3,974,796 9,543,000 21,207,755 9,543,000 25,182,551 8,506,796 47,486,088 55,992,884 The former President and CEO Salary and benefits (SEK) Fixed salary Variable pay earned 2002 to be paid 2003 Other benefits Total received Provision for variable pay earned 2003 to be paid 2004 14,964,526 – 1,087,243 16,051,769 7,760,919 Pensions and social security fees (SEK) The former President Provision for benefit based old age pension Social security fees Total pension provisions and social security fees 33,287,000 1,266,513 34,553,513 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Comments to the tables • The Group Management included the following persons: Per-Arne Sandström, Karl-Henrik Sundström, Carl Olof Blomqvist, Marita Hellberg, Torbjörn Nilsson, Bert Nordberg, Henry Sténson, Per Tjernberg, Ragnar Bäck, Mats Dahlin, Gerhard Weise, Håkan Eriksson, Mats Granryd, Kurt Jofs, Björn Olsson and Hans Vestberg. Previously during the year the Group Management also included Sten Fornell (until April , ), Britt Reigo (until July , ) and Jan Uddenfeldt (until April , ) who are all included in the table above. • No variable pay was earned for and as a consequence there were no payouts during . • The former President and CEO, Kurt Hellström, left his position on April , , but remained employed until December , , when he retired. Up to April , he received a fixed salary of SEK ,, and other benefits of SEK ,, included in the table above. • As no component of other benefits was significant, these are not reported separately. • The pension cost for defined benefit plans has been calculated according to IAS. • For the President and CEO, the above pension premium includes a fee of SEK ,,, corresponding to percent of his pensionable salary, for a premium based old age pension and a fee of SEK , for the ITP plan. • In addition, the Company has commitments to the President and CEO and the Group Management for benefit based temporary disability and survival’s pensions until retirement age. The Company’s commitments per December , , under IAS amounted to SEK ,, for the President and CEO and SEK ,, for the Group Management. These commitments are accounted for as pension provisions and in the future the costs for the Company will only be related to any changes of the commitments. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 61 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Notice and severance pay For the President and CEO and the Group Management the following applies. The mutual notice period is months. Upon termination of employment by the Company, severance pay amounting to a maximum of months fixed salary is paid. Notice of termination given by the employee due to significant structural changes or other events occurred that, in a determining manner, affect the content of work or the condition for the position, is equated with notice of termination served by the company. The severance pay is reduced by percent of the salary or corresponding compensation which the employee would be entitled to from another employer or from own or other business during the period severance is paid from Ericsson. Compensation overview The compensation environment continues to change and Ericsson adapts accordingly. During we revised our major compensation principles and practices. Most remain unchanged but Ericsson, like all companies must rely on the support of all its stakeholders to succeed. Consequently we follow closely the continuing public debate on executive compensation around the world. Our total pay levels remain well below international standards and we have a reliable record in governance and the alignment of pay to the quality of results. Nevertheless, despite delivering the promised turn-around during the year we have for reduced the proportion of variable compensation in the total pay mix from a maximum of percent to percent of the fixed salary. This change was compensated by an increase of percent of the fixed salary. We feel that the adjusted level of variable compensation better reflects the views of all our stakeholders without compromising our ability to deliver results and retain staff. Fixed salary We continue to maintain our policy of tracking fixed pay for executives around the median of the general industry of their respective home country. The competitive level is set using comparative salary survey data from several recognized independent consultants. Salaries are compared on a job-to-job basis and also using a recognized points factor job evaluation system. Increases for executives are mainly based on movements in this market data and the performance of the individual. 62 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Variable pay We believe that a part of executive remuneration should be performance based. Our policy is that together with median fixed pay, the variable part should be designed to achieve upper quartile total pay, compared to the general industry of the respective home country. In , the variable target level for the Group Management, including the President and CEO, was percent of the fixed salary but actual payment could range from to percent. In contrast to , when no payout was made, was the year when we delivered on our promises to return to profit before restructuring costs and positive cash flow – the main performance targets for the year for all executives. Consequently on these targets the maximum level was achieved. Since some executives also had subsidiary unit targets – which have not reached the maximum – a maximum payout will not be made in every case. Since we continue to integrate variable pay with fixed pay, targets, both financial and operational, are chosen each year to be demanding but fair, consistent with the prevailing business environment. As expectations grow, targets will progressively become more demanding. Long-term incentive No long-term incentive plan was introduced for executives in beyond participation in the all employee stock purchase plan. Since participation is capped at an annual contribution of SEK ,, the value as a percentage of the fixed salary is inadequate to serve as a long-term incentive for top executives. With the uncertainty surrounding the use of options and a continued emphasis on restructuring within the industry, we did not consider it necessary to offer such a program to executives in . However, we remain convinced that long- term incentives in some form should be a part of the compensation mix in the future. The previous President and CEO was granted a total of , options between and . Between and , a total of ,, options were granted to members of the Group Management. The previous President and CEO and five members of the Group Management also participated in Ericsson’s convertible debenture program /. Pension Ericsson’s policy regarding pension is to follow the competitive practice in the home country. There are different supplementary old age pension plans for the President and CEO and the Group Management, either premium based or benefit based plans. However, for new participants after , only the premium based plan is applied. For all pension arrangements, the pensionable salary consists of the annual fixed salary and the target level of the variable pay. For premium based old age pensions, the company pays to a capital insurance company on salary portions in excess of base amounts a percentage of the executive’s pensionable salary, between and percent per year, depending on the age of the executive. For the Group Management, the pension age is years and premiums are paid up to the retirement age. From years, the old age pension includes the ITP plan. For benefit based pensions, the old age pension amounts to – percent of the executives’ pensionable salary, including benefits in the ITP plan or corresponding arrangements. The pension age is years. The President and CEO is included in the ITP plan and in a premium based plan. For the premium based plan Ericsson pays an annual contribution of percent of the pensionable salary above base amounts to capital insurance company. The President and CEO has the right to retire at years of age. The former President and CEO retired at the age of , in accordance with his employment agreement. Between and years, his pension will be percent of his pensionable salary, and from years and onwards percent, including the benefits from the ITP plan and the national pension. The former President’s pensionable salary during was SEK ,, and the total pension provisions for his old age pension amounted to SEK ,, during the year. Benefits As with pensions, Ericsson follows the competitive practice of the home country with respect to benefits. While the programs offered – particularly medical – may be similar, plan designs vary widely according to the taxation and legal framework in different countries. Employee Share Ownership Employee convertible debentures, options and shares The below figures in relation to number of options, conversion and exercise prices have, when appropriate, been subject to recalculation as a result of stock dividend, split and new issue of shares. If all options outstanding as of December , , were exercised, all shares allocated for future matching under the Stock Purchase Plan were transferred, and shares designated to cover social security costs and payments were disposed of as a result of the exercise and the matching, approximately million Class B shares would be issued and approximately million Class B shares, held as treasury stock, would be transferred. The total, approximately million Class B shares, corresponds to . percent of the total number of shares outstanding, , million. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Year 1999 2000 2001– 2002 2001 2003 Type of plan Option Option Option Stock purchase Stock purchase Total outstanding options/shares (millions) Outstanding options/ shares as of December 31, 2003 Shares to cover social security costs/ payments Total 1 39 79 22 132 0 8 16 4 26 1 47 95 26 158 273 54 327 Convertible debentures In , convertible debentures of nominal SEK , million were issued to employees. The debentures were convertible at the option of the holder into Class B shares for SEK . per share through May , . The outstanding loan amount SEK ,,, was repaid at maturity June , . Employee option plans The following table sets forth information with respect to employee options originally issued to senior management and other key contributors and the number of options outstanding as of December , after termination of employments and exercise of options. Each employee option gives the right to acquire one B share at the exercise price applicable for the respective plan. Original number employee options granted 1.4 million 71.6 million 101.4 million Option Plan No of employees 1999 1,800 2000 8,000 2001– 2002 15,000 Outstanding options as of December 31, 2003 Final Exercise price, SEK exercise date 1 million 39 million 79 million February 28, 2007 January 18, 2007 May 14/ November 19, 2008/ November 11, 2009 128 93.80 30.50/ 25.70/ 7.80 1999 Option plan The Option Plan is based on . million repurchased Class B shares, including shares designated for covering social security payments. In March of , employee options were granted to approximately , key employees and senior executives, corresponding to approximately . million shares. Of the originally granted employee options, there remained, as of December , , options outstanding corresponding to approximately million shares. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one Class B share for SEK . The options expire February , , and are subject to vesting requirements, meaning that they are exercisable as follows: percent in E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 63 Stock purchase plan The Stock Purchase Plan is based on million Class B shares (issued as Class C shares, repurchased and converted to Class B shares), including shares designated for covering social security payments. During a -month period participants are allowed to save up to . percent of the gross salary, not exceeding the equivalent of SEK , per -month period, for purchase of Class B shares. If the purchased shares are retained by the employee for three years after the investment and employment with the Ericsson Group continues during that time, the employee will be given a corresponding number of Class B shares free of consideration, a so called matching. The Stock Purchase Plan was implemented in and a majority of the employees were invited to participate. During , approximately , employees in countries participated in the plan and invested in approximately . million shares. The initially scheduled -month period of employee salary deductions and investments had to be pre- terminated in the autumn of , since all shares included in the plan for future matching and for covering social security payments had been reserved earlier than expected due to the high participation rate and the low share price. There will be no further employee investments made under the plan. As of December , , approximately million shares of the total million shares available had been either transferred to employees, through premature matching as a result of redundancy, or sold on Stockholmsbörsen in order to cover the social security payments incurred by the matching. Stock purchase plan 2003 The Stock Purchase Plan is based on million Class B shares (issued as C shares, repurchased and converted to Class B shares), including shares designated for covering social security payments. During a -month period participants are able to save up to . percent of the gross salary, not exceeding the equivalent of SEK , per -month period, for purchase of Class B shares. If the purchased shares are retained by the employee for three years after the investment and employment with the Ericsson Group continues during that time, the employee will be given a corresponding number of Class B shares free of consideration, a so called matching. The Stock Purchase Plan was implemented in August and during approximately , employees in countries participated in the plan and invested in million Class B shares. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S , an additional percent in and the remaining percent in . No options were exercised during . Millennium Stock Option Plan The Millennium Stock Option Plan is based on warrants, i.e. options that entitles the holders to subscribe for approximately . million new Class B shares, including warrants designated for covering social security payments. In order to hedge income against potential social security payments, Ericsson entered into an arrangement with a bank, exchanging designated warrants for an OTC option. In January , employee options corresponding to approximately . million shares were granted to approximately , key employees and senior executives. Of the originally granted employee options, there remained, as of December , , options outstanding corresponding to approximately million shares. Each employee option entitles the holder to purchase one Class B share for SEK .. The employee options expire January , and are subject to vesting requirements, meaning that one third is exercisable after one year, another third after two years and the last third after three years. No options were exercised during . Global Stock Incentive Program 2001 The Global Stock Incentive Program is comprised of two parts, the Stock Option Plan ‒ and the Stock Purchase Plan . Stock option plan – The Stock Option Plan ‒ is based on million Class B shares (issued as Class C shares, repurchased and converted to Class B shares), including shares designated for covering social security payments. In May and November (. and . million options respectively) and in November (. million options) employee options, corresponding to approximately . million shares, were granted to approximately , key employees. Of the originally issued employee options, there remained, as of December , , employee options outstanding corresponding to approximately million shares. Each employee option entitles the holder to purchase one Class B share for SEK . (the May grant), SEK . (the November grant) and SEK . (the November grant), respectively. The options expire May , (the May grant), November , (the November grant) and November , (the November grant), and are subject to vesting requirements, meaning that one third is exercisable after one year, another third after two years and the last third after three years from grant. As of December , , options have been exercised and shares sold to cover social security payments corresponding to a total of . million shares relating to the November grant. 64 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 30 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications In October , Sony Ericsson was organized as a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson, and a substantial portion of Ericsson’s handset operations was sold to Sony Ericsson. As part of the formation of the joint venture, contracts were entered into between Ericsson and Sony Ericsson. Transactions were executed pursuant to such contracts, including the following, based on terms customary in the industry and negotiated on an arm’s length basis. • Sales. Ericsson records sales regarding mobile phone platform design and Shared Services. Also included are Beijing Ericsson Mobile Communications Co. Ltd.’s sales of mobile phones manufactured for Sony Ericsson for the three first quarters of . • Royalty. Both owners of Sony Ericsson, Sony Corporation and Ericsson, receive royalties for Sony Ericsson’s usage of trademarks and intellectual property rights. • Purchases. Ericsson purchases mobile phones from Sony Ericsson to support contracts with a number of customers for mobile systems which also include limited quantities of phones. Additionally, inventories were purchased during from Sony Ericsson. • In , Ericsson and Sony Corporation each made a shareholder contribution to Sony Ericsson. • Repair costs for remaining warranty periods were charged to Ericsson for phones sold by Ericsson prior to October , . Related party transactions Sales Royalty Purchases Shareholder contribution Related party balances Receivables Liabilities Contingent liabilities 2003 2002 2,494 5,516 1) 501 320 1,390 3,232 1) 1,384 – 192 447 2) – 479 1) 809 1)2) 412 1) 1) Related party transactions between Ericsson and Sony Ericsson have been adjusted compared to the Annual Report 2002. The complementary information mainly consists of Beijing Ericsson Mobile Communications Co. Ltd.’s sales and receivables of mobile phones manufactured and Shared Services’ invoicing from Ericsson to Sony Ericsson. Moreover, purchases of inventories from Sony Ericsson to Ericsson and additional quantities of phones have been included. Further updates on transactions have been made in order to capture the total transactions between Ericsson and Sony Ericsson. 2) Included in accounts payable. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. is a joint stock company for manufacturing of telecommunications systems and equipment and an associated member of the Ericsson Group. Ericsson holds . percent of the shares. Major transactions with Ericsson are as follows: • Sales. Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. purchases telecommunication equipment from Ericsson. • Royalty. Ericsson receives royalties for Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.’s usage of trademarks and intellectual property rights. • Purchases. Ericsson is purchasing development resources from Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.. Related party transactions Sales Royalty Purchases Related party balances Receivables Liabilities 1) Included in accounts payable. 2003 2002 756 56 340 838 32 321 100 28 1) 187 52 1) Other related parties In addition, Ericsson has related party transactions as follows: • Ericsson continued cooperation with Ericsson’s owners Investor AB and AB Industrivärden in the venture capital vehicle Ericsson Venture Partners. • Ericsson has with Nordinvest AB, a subsidiary to AB Industrivärden, and Investor AB subscribed and repurchased Class C shares for the Stock Purchase Plan 2003. 31 FEES TO AUDITORS Price- waterhouse- Coopers KPMG Others Total Audit fees Parent Company Other companies Fees for other services Parent Company Other companies 11 39 50 13 38 51 1 5 6 1 5 6 Total fees 101 12 – 1 1 – 1 1 2 12 45 57 14 44 58 115 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 65 In , all Variable Interest Entities, where Ericsson is the primary benificiary, will be consolidated. At present certain real estate entities have been identified, which will only have a limited impact on the balance sheet. Significant differences between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP A. Capitalization of development costs Prior to , and in accordance with Swedish accounting principles, software development costs were charged against income when incurred. In , the Company adopted RR, “Intangible assets”. Consequently, intangible assets arising from internal development have been recognized when the intangible asset can be demonstrated to have technical feasibility and future economic benefits. The Company has adopted US GAAP SFAS “Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed” and SOP-, “Accounting for the costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal use”. According to SFAS, development costs are capitalized after the product involved has reached a certain degree of technological feasibility. Capitalization ceases and amortization begins when the product is ready for its intended use. The Company has adopted an amortization period for capitalized software of three to five years. The Company’s capitalization of development costs under Swedish and US GAAP is from identical, but amortization amounts are different, since restating of prior years, for effects of RR, was not allowed according to Swedish GAAP. Development costs for software to be sold, before taxes Capitalization Amortization Write-downs 1) Less net amount already reported per Swedish GAAP 2003 2002 2001 2,049 – 4,723 –706 3,074 – 3,070 –1,171 7,091 –7,661 –1,214 –1,418 – 2,851 – – 4,798 – 4,018 –1,784 1) Write-down is made subject to impairment test regarding future revenue for capitalized products. Development costs for software for internal use, before taxes Capitalization Amortization/write-downs Less net amount already reported per Swedish GAAP 2003 2002 2001 310 – 499 –166 – 355 368 – 941 993 –1,344 – 349 – 922 – – 351 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 32 RECONCILIATION TO ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES As a reporting company with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, we are required to reconcile certain financial information to US GAAP. For additional information required by foreign registrants, please refer to our annual report form -F, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The principal differences between Swedish GAAP and US GAAP that affect our net income (loss), as well as our stockholders’ equity, relate to the treatment of capitalization of development expenses, provisions for restructuring, pension costs, hedge accounting, marketable securities, deferred taxes and goodwill. New US GAAP standards In , the following FASB standards and pronouncements were adopted: • SFAS, Accounting for Obligations Associated with the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets • SFAS, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities • SFAS, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement No. . The Company has chosen to adopt SFAS by use of prospective method as allowed by SFAS. • SFAS, Amendment of Statement on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities • SFAS, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity • EITF-, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables • FIN, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others • FIN, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (VIE), an interpretation of ARB. Adoption of FIN in requires consolidation of VIE created after January , The following FASB standards and pronouncement will be adopted in : • FINR, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB. (The original FIN was partially adopted in in accordance with the revised transition rules.) 66 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 B. Capital discount on convertible debentures In accordance with Swedish accounting principles, the ⁄ convertible debenture loan and its nominal interest payments were valued at present value, based on market interest rate. The difference from the nominal amount, the capital discount, was credited directly to equity. In accordance with US GAAP, convertible debenture loans are reported as liabilities at nominal value. When calculating income and equity in accordance with US GAAP, the effects of the capital discount are reversed. The loan matured on June , , and will have no impact on US GAAP from . C. Restructuring costs The rules for providing for restructuring and onerous contracts differ between US GAAP and Swedish GAAP. As a result, provisions that do not meet the requirements under US GAAP have been reversed. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S D. Pensions The Company participates in several pension plans, which in principle cover all employees of its Swedish operations as well as certain employees in foreign subsidiaries. The Swedish plans are administered by an institution jointly established for Swedish industry (PRI) in which most companies in Sweden participate. The level of benefits and actuarial assumptions are established by this institution and, accordingly, the Company may not change these. Effective , the Company adopted SFAS, ‘‘Employer’s Accounting for Pensions’’, when calculating income according to US GAAP. The effects for the Company of using this recommendation principally relate to the actuarial assumptions, and that the calculation of the obligation should reflect projected salary of each employee at retirement age. The difference relative to pension liabilities already booked at the introduction in is distributed over the estimated remaining service period. In addition to the Swedish defined benefit plans described in Note , the Company has defined benefit plans in several foreign countries, with major plans in the United States and the United Kingdom. For more information about pensions, see Note . Provisions for pensions according to US GAAP Weighted-average actuarial assumptions as of December 31 In percent Discount rates Expected rates of future salary increases Expected investment return In SEK million Accumulated Benefit Obligation Estimated future salary increases Projected Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Funded status Unrecognized prior service cost Unrecognized actuarial loss, net Unrecognized net asset at initial application of SFAS87 Pension Provision as per US GAAP Additional minimum pension liability Total Pension Provision as per US GAAP Sweden 5.5% 3.0% – Sweden 1) 5,373 1,549 6,922 – – 6,922 – 649 1,149 – – 6,422 – – 6,422 2003 Other 5.6% 3.5% 7.0% 2003 Other 6,106 1,329 7,435 5,044 – 2,391 64 1,588 – 48 –787 – 544 –1,331 Sweden 5.0% 3.5% – Total Sweden 11,479 2,878 14,357 5,044 – 9,313 – 585 2,737 – 48 –7,209 – 544 –7,753 8,144 2,095 10,239 – –10,239 –701 2,804 –10 – 8,146 – – 8,146 2002 Other 6.0% 4.0% 7.3% 2002 Other 5,050 1,662 6,712 4,675 – 2,037 138 1,556 – 40 – 383 – 645 –1,028 Total 13,194 3,757 16,951 4,675 –12,276 – 563 4,360 – 50 – 8,529 – 645 – 9,174 1) During 2003 SEK 3.5 billion of the Swedish pension obligation has been settled. As an effect SEK 0.6 billion of the unrealized actuarial loss was recognized under US GAAP. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 67 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S E. Pension premium refund In , Alecta (former SPP), a Swedish insurance company, announced a refund of pension premiums paid, of which a portion was refunded during the year. In accordance with Swedish accounting practice, the total refund was credited to income. In accordance with US GAAP, only the amount Alecta actually paid was credited to income. During the Company received the remaining part not refunded in and . F. Sale-leaseback of property During and , the Company sold property which was leased back to subsidiaries and treated as an operating lease. In Sweden, the gain on sale of property is credited to income, if the rent to be paid is in par with market price. In accordance with US GAAP, the part of the gain exceeding present value of future lease payments is credited to income when occurred. The remaining part is distributed during the lease period. G. Hedge accounting The Company adopted SFAS, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’, as amended, on January , , for calculating income and equity according to US GAAP. SFAS requires recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Cash flow hedges Under SFAS for qualifying derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge the gain or loss is reported in other comprehensive income and affects net income first when the hedged exposure also affects income. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss affects net income immediately. According to Swedish accounting practice, foreign exchange derivatives, which are used to hedge forecasted cash flows regarding sales and purchases, are accounted for as hedges. Consequently, they are valued in a manner reflecting the accounting for the hedged position and are not valued at market. Fair value hedges Ericsson uses interest rate derivative instruments to hedge the fair value of the Group’s borrowing. In accordance with US GAAP, all outstanding derivative instruments are valued at fair value. The profits and losses that thereby arise are included in net income. The Groups’ hedges of financial exposure qualify for hedge accounting under US GAAP. In those cases the hedged item is valued at fair value regarding the risk and period being hedged. The effect is included in net income, offsetting the fair value adjustment on derivatives to the extent the hedges are effective. 68 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 H. Amortization of goodwill Under Swedish GAAP goodwill is amortized over its estimated useful life. In June , US GAAP was changed due to the adoption SFAS, “Business combinations” and SFAS, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The adoption of SFAS did not have an impact on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. According to SFAS goodwill is not subject to amortization subsequent to the date of adoption. Goodwill shall be tested for impairment both at adoption and annually. The amortization of goodwill made according to Swedish GAAP is reversed under US GAAP. I. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred tax is calculated on US GAAP adjustments, and the US GAAP balance sheet reflects the gross recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. J. Other In-process research and development Under US GAAP, acquired technology, including in-process research and development is to be charged to expenses if this technology has not reached technological feasibility and has no alternative use. Under Swedish GAAP, acquired technology is amortized to income over its expected economic life. As of December , no such transactions existed. Revaluation of assets Certain tangible assets have been revalued at amounts in excess of cost. Under certain conditions, this procedure is allowed in accordance with Swedish accounting practice. Revaluation of assets in the primary financial statements is not permitted under US GAAP. Depreciation charges relating to such items have been reversed to income. Capitalization of interest expenses In accordance with Swedish accounting practice, the Company has expensed interest costs incurred in connection with the financing of expenditures for construction of tangible assets. Such costs are to be capitalized in accordance with US GAAP, and depreciated as the assets concerned are used. Provision for payroll related taxes on stock based compensation Under Swedish GAAP, the Company provides for payroll related taxes on stock based compensation during the vesting period. Under US GAAP, no expense for payroll related taxes is recorded until the options are exercised or matching takes place. FIN45 FIN requires a liability to be recognized at the time a company issues a guarantee for the fair value of the obligations assumed under certain guarantee agreements. The provisions for initial recognition and measurement of guarantee agreements are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees that are issued or modified after December , . In accordance with Swedish accounting principles, a liability should be recognized to the extent a company expects a loss and economic outflow of resources as a result of the guarantee commitment. FIN46 FIN addresses the consolidation of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights or agreements (“variable interest entities” or “VIE”) by clarifying the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. , “Consolidated Financial Statements” to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN provides guidance on how to determine when and which business enterprise (the “primary beneficiary”) should consolidate the VIE. In addition, FIN requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. The transition rules requires Variable Interest Entities created after January , , where Ericsson is the primary beneficiary to be consolidated in consolidated financial statements. There are no such entites identified. In , all Variable Interest Entities, where Ericsson is the primary benificiary, will be consolidated. At present certain real estate entities have been identified, which will only have a limited impact on the balance sheet. Financial leases Reclassification of certain lease contracts according to Swedish GAAP has been reversed under US GAAP. This adjustment has no effect on net income nor equity. K. Adjustment of Net Income Application of US GAAP as described above would have had the following effects on consolidated net income. In arriving at the individual items increasing or decreasing reported net income, consideration has been given to the effect of minority interests. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Adjustment of Net Income (loss) 2003 2002 20012) Items increasing reported net income (loss) Pension premium refund Capital discount on convertible debentures Restructuring costs Goodwill amortization Deferred income taxes Sale-leaseback Hedge accounting Other Items decreasing reported net income (loss) Capitalization of software development costs – 47 809 179 1,225 1,636 533 682 1,603 382 6,240 124 –1,240 1,064 966 113 2,884 – 335 116 –1,642 – 2,014 – 815 – 2,233 129 3,623 –1,622 to be sold for internal use Pensions Net increase/decrease in net income (loss) Net income (loss) as reported per Swedish GAAP Net income (loss) per US GAAP before cumulative effect of accounting change Earnings (loss) per share per US GAAP, diluted before cumulative effect of change of accounting principle2) Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes Net income (loss) per US GAAP after cumulative effect of accounting change Reported earnings (loss) per share, diluted, per Swedish GAAP2) Earnings (loss) per share per US GAAP, diluted, after cumulative effect of accounting change2) Average number of shares, diluted per US GAAP (million)2) Basic earnings per share after cumulative effect of accounting change per US GAAP2) Average number of shares basic (million) per US GAAP2) – 4,798 – 355 – 840 – 4,018 – 922 412 –1,784 – 351 197 – 5,993 – 4,528 –1,938 247 – 905 – 3,560 –10,844 –19,013 – 21,264 –10,597 –19,918 – 24,824 –0.68 –1.58 1) – 2.271) – – 421 –10,597 –19,918 – 24,403 –0.69 –1.51 1) –1.941) –0.68 –1.58 1) – 2.231) 15,831 12,684 11,057 –0.67 –1.58 – 2.23 15,823 12,573 10,950 1) Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share. 2) 2001 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue. L. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale In accordance with Swedish accounting principles investments are valued at lower of cost and market. Under US GAAP, securities available for sale that have readily determinable fair values shall be measured at fair value in accordance with SFAS “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. Unrealized gains and unrealized temporary losses shall be included in Other comprehensive income. Other than temporary unrealized losses shall be charged to income. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 69 N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S Changes in Comprehensive Income 2003 Opening balance, net of tax Changes during the period Closing balance, net of tax Cumulative translation adjustments Hedging for investments – 2,586 – 3,525 – 6,111 – 365 1,081 716 Unrealized gains and losses on available- for-sale securities 41 168 209 Net gain/ loss on cash flow hedge Minimum pension liability 1,324 – 603 721 – 465 73 – 392 Accumulated other compre- hensive income – 2,051 – 2,806 – 4,857 M. Comprehensive income The Company has adopted SFAS, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. Comprehensive income includes net income (loss) and other changes in equity, except those resulting from transactions with owners. Comprehensive net income 2003 2002 2001 Net income (loss) in accordance with US GAAP Other comprehensive income (loss) Translation adjustments Translation adjustments for sold/ liquidated companies Net gain on cash flow hedges Hedging for investments Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale Minimum pension liability Deferred income taxes Cumulative effect of accounting change, net (see G) –10,597 –19,918 – 24,403 – 3,525 – 6,160 2,710 – – 838 1,501 234 101 – 279 –107 2,057 1,869 5 2,096 – 833 –199 –71 –1,024 – 6,424 – 392 1,445 – – –1,665 Total other comprehensive income (loss) – 2,806 – 3,635 – 3,058 Comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with US GAAP –13,403 – 23,553 – 27,461 Adjustment of Stockholders’ Equity 2003 2002 2001 Increases Capitalization of software development costs to be sold for internal use Capitalization of interest, net after cumulative depreciation Goodwill Hedging Restructuring costs Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities Other Reductions Capital discount on convertible debentures Pension refund Sale-leaseback Pensions Deferred income taxes 6,278 131 11,076 486 15,094 1,408 133 2,700 3,509 1,442 291 25 172 1,064 2,744 217 – 314 – 26 211 – – 2,196 1,458 255 –102 14,509 15,419 16,128 – – –1,381 – 299 – 3,347 –179 – – 2,063 440 – 4,021 – 303 – 47 – 2,176 99 – 4,487 – 5,027 – 5,823 – 6,914 Adjustment of stockholders’ equity, net Reported stockholders’ equity 9,482 60,481 9,596 73,607 9,214 68,587 Stockholders’ equity according to US GAAP 69,963 83,203 77,801 Adjustment of certain balance sheet items according to US GAAP, as per reported Balance Sheet Intangible assets Tangible assets Other investments Other receivables Provisions1) Current maturities of long-term debt Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Long term liabilities to financial institutions Swedish GAAP Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Dec. 31 2003 2002 2) 2003 As per US GAAP Dec. 31 11,210 6,505 433 12,718 36,068 12,609 9,964 2,243 23,303 32,354 7,262 30,108 2,771 11,083 33,536 949 20,319 5,426 724 17,635 38,789 7,262 31,423 1,084 2002 2) 25,235 10,109 1,929 28,212 35,717 11,262 36,856 949 689 3,043 2,097 4,798 1) Of which short-term 19,617 19,678 19,002 19,461 2) Restated for change in accounting principle in Sweden 2003 regarding financial instruments (RR27), and with all deferred tax assets reported as long-term. 70 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 N. Statement of Cash Flows The Company follows SFAS when preparing the Statement of Cash Flows, except that it defines cash and cash equivalents as highly liquid funds that are easily converted to cash and are insignificantly affected by changes in value. Cash and cash equivalents in accordance with SFAS have a remaining maturity at the time of acquisition of months or less. Applying this definition would mean following adjustments of reported cash, with the offsetting difference reflected in cash flow from investing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows: Consolidated 2003 2002 2001 Short term cash investments, cash and bank, as reported Adjustment for items not compliant with US GAAP Cash and cash equivalents as per US GAAP 73,207 66,214 68,924 – 20,092 – 28,069 – 28,182 53,115 38,145 40,742 O. Share based compensation Up until , the Company, as permitted under SFAS “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation”, applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans under US GAAP. No compensation expense has been reflected in the consolidated income statement as no compensation expense arises when the strike price of the employee’s stock options equals the market value of the underlying stock at grant date, as in the case of all options granted to employees. The Company has during adopted SFAS “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement No. ”. The adoption method chosen is the “Prospective method”. This method states that the recognition provisions shall be applied to all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the beginning of the fiscal year in which the recognition provisions are first applied. As the Company has had no changes to it’s current stock option plans nor any new stock option plans started in there will be no effect to the income. Neither has any difference been identified in accounting for the stock purchase plans, except for accounting of the payroll related taxes. Please refer to section “J” above. As the Company has applied a APB model in accounting for both stock option and stock purchase plans the Stock Purchase Plans have been expensed in the income statement according to both Swedish and US GAAP. In accordance with APB the costs are based on the intrinsic value at investment date and accrued during the vesting period. N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S If the Company had chosen to adopt the optional recognition provisions of SFAS for its stock option plans, net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share in accordance with US GAAP would have been changed to the amounts indicated below: Consolidated 2003 2002 2001 2) Net income (loss) Net income per US GAAP before cumulative effect of accounting change Adjustment for recognitions of provisions per SFAS123 Net income, adjusted, per US GAAP before cumulative effect of accounting change Earnings (loss) per share, diluted Earnings (loss) per share per US GAAP before cumulative effect of accounting change Earnings (loss) per share, adjusted, per US GAAP before cumulative effect of accounting change –10,597 –19,918 – 24,824 – 233 – 4013) –1,341 –10,830 – 20,319 – 26,165 –0.68 –1.581) – 2.27 1) –0.69 –1.621) – 2.39 1) 1) Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share. 2) 2001 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue. 3) The figure for 2002 has been corrected, due to a clerical error. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant, using the Black & Scholes’ option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 2003 2002 2001 Expected dividend yield Expected volatility Risk-free interest rate Expected life of option (in years) 0.6% 0.7% 0.6% 42.3% 43.1% 40.2% 5.5% 4.8 5.5% 5.2 5.4% 5.4 P. Valuation qualifying accounts and reserves Allowances for doubtful notes and accounts receivables and customer financing for the years ended December , , and (SEK million): Allowances 2003 2002 2001 Balance beginning of period Charged (credited) to cost and expenses Charged (credited) to other accounts Deductions 9,053 5,439 –10 – 5,874 6,578 4,079 1,771 – 3,375 5,525 3,732 267 – 2,946 Balance end of period 8,608 9,053 6,578 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 71 A U D I T O R S ’ R E P O R T Auditors’ Report To the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ), corporate identity number 556016-0680 We have audited the annual statements, the consolidated statements, the accounting records and the administration of the Board of Directors and the President of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) for the year . These statements and the administration of the company are the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the President. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the annual statements, the consolidated statements and the administration based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance that the annual statements and the consolidated statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and their application by the Board of Directors and the President, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of information in the annual statements and the consolidated statements. As a basis for our opinion concerning discharge from liability, we examined significant decisions, actions taken and circumstances of the company in order to be able to determine the liability, if any, to the company of any board member or the President. We also examined whether any board member or the President has, in any other way, acted in contravention of the Companies Act, the Annual Accounts Act or the Articles of Association. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion set out below. The annual statements and the consolidated statements have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and, thereby, give a true and fair view of the company’s and the group’s financial position and results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Sweden. We recommend to the Annual General Meeting of shareholders that the income statements and balance sheets of the Parent Company and the group be adopted, that the profit of the parent company be dealt with in accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors and that the members of the Board of Directors and the President be discharged from liability for the financial year. Stockholm, February , Bo Hjalmarsson Authorized Public Accountant PricewaterhouseCoopers AB Jeanette Skoglund Authorized Public Accountant PricewaterhouseCoopers AB Thomas Thiel Authorized Public Accountant 72 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Information on the Company HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) is a limited liability company organized under the Swedish Companies Act. We were incorporated on August , , as a result of a merger between AB LM Ericsson & Co. and Stockholms Allmänna Telefon AB. Our origins date back to a manufacturing business for communications equipment founded in Stockholm in . Our Class A and B shares are quoted on Stockholmsbörsen (the Stockholm Stock Exchange). Our Class B shares are also quoted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). In the United Sates, our ADSs are quoted on NASDAQ. During , we completed the delisting of our B shares from exchanges in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Paris. Our registered address is Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, SE- Stockholm, Sweden; our headquarters are located at Torshamnsgatan , Kista, Sweden. Our telephone number in Sweden is + . In the United States, our agent is Ericsson Inc., Vice President, Legal Affairs, Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas . Our web site is www.ericsson.com. Information on our web site does not form part of this document. BUSINESS OVERVIEW We are an international leader in the development and supply of end-to-end solutions to network operators for mobile and fixed line communications. We supply the infrastructure that enables telecommunications and provide our customers with services for network operations and revenue generation. Our claim of market leadership in mobile systems is based on our reported sales and how they relate to the publicly reported and estimated mobile system sales of our main competitors. Statements from industry and financial analysts also support our estimates. Through our Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications joint venture we offer a range of mobile handsets, including those supporting multimedia applications, and other personal communication devices. We also offer mobile platform technology for handset manufacturers and a variety of technology, equipment and services for private enterprise networks as well as for special applications such as radar, cables and mobile devices. BUSINESS STRATEGY AND LONG-TERM GOALS Our primary business objective is to be the preferred supplier to the most demanding front-line customers and to achieve a sustainable competitive operating profit. Our strategy is to be a market, technology and operational leader; thereby creating economies of scale that can be leveraged to provide superior products and services, offering our customers competitive advantages. Our strategy calls for us to: • Lead market development through innovation and the development of standards; • Take advantage of our position as a global market leader; • Further develop our long-standing customer relationships with network operators and expand our business through increased focus on value-added services; and • Further enhance operational efficiency to establish sustainable and competitive operating profit. Please see also Board of Directors’ Report – Strategy and Goals. Lead market development through innovation and the development of standards Innovation is an important element of our corporate culture. We have a long tradition of developing innovative communication technologies, including technologies that help to establish industry standards. For example, we pioneered the development of industry-wide wireless technology standards such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA and Bluetooth. We work closely with our customers to understand their businesses and technology needs and design tailored solutions to help them fulfill their business objectives. We believe that our ability to meet the diverse technology needs of our customers with high value-added solutions has been instrumental in our being chosen as a provider of wireless communication equipment to the world’s largest mobile network operators. We will continue to devote significant resources to developing end-to-end communication solutions with a strategy to stimulate network development for both geographic coverage as well as traffic capacity and thereby drive demand for our products and services. Take advantage of our position as a global market leader Our expertise and experience in all major telecommunication standards along with our track record for quality and innovation have allowed us to develop our business on a global basis. We have significant sales in each of the largest geographic markets for telecommunications with no individual country accounting for more than percent of sales. We believe that our global presence and the economies of scale associated with market share leadership gives us competitive advantages. We are utilizing our strong international presence and core competence in mobile and fixed communications to expand into growth areas such as service applications and network management services. We also use our global reach to develop alliances with suppliers and manufacturers in order to increase our combined effectiveness. E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 73 most important competitive factors in this industry include existing customer relationships, the ability to cost-effectively upgrade or migrate an installed base, technological innovation, product design, compatibility of products with industry standards, and the ability to attract and retain the key personnel necessary to develop successful products. Competition in Professional services not only includes many of our traditional systems competitors but also a number of large companies from other industry sectors such as IS/IT including IBM, EDS, Accenture and electronics manufacturing services companies such as Flextronics and a number of smaller but specialized companies operating on a local or regional basis. As this segment grows, we expect to see additional competitors emerge, possibly including some network operators attempting to expand into new segments. In our Other Operations segment, our competitors vary widely depending on the product or service being offered. We face significant competition with regard to substantially all of these products and services. Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business, Consolidation among equipment and service suppliers may lead to increased competition and a different competitive landscape” for more information regarding risks associated with competition and industry consolidation. SUPPLIERS We manufacture and assemble a large portion of our products in-house, however, over half of our production is outsourced to a group of electronics manufacturing services companies including Flextronics, Solectron and Sanmina-SCI. We also purchase customized and standardized equipment, components and services from several global providers as well as from numerous local and regional suppliers. We generally negotiate global supply agreements with our primary suppliers, but we are not dependent on any one supplier for the provision of standardized equipment or components. A number of our suppliers design and manufacture highly specialized and customized components for our networks. We strive to avoid single source supply situations and we do not believe that any single supplier is material to our business as a whole. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications outsources a significant part of their production of mobile handsets to Flextronics and other contract manufacturers. Please also see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business, If our outside suppliers fail to deliver satisfactory components and manufacturing services on time, our financial results could be negatively impacted.” I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Further develop our long-standing customer relationships with network operators We are a major supplier to most of the world’s leading mobile network operators and many of the world’s leading fixed-line operators. We believe that our ability to offer end-to-end solutions – systems, applications, services and core handset technology – together with our in-depth knowledge of consumer requirements, make us well positioned to assist network operators with their network development and operations. We are already a market leader in network systems integration and managed services and through increased activities in professional services and service layer products, we aim for increased sales in these growing segments. Further enhance operational efficiency to establish sustainable and competitive operating profit We have implemented efficiency and cost-reduction programs resulting in a return to operating profit and improved operational flexibility which will allow us to more quickly respond to changes in market conditions and customer needs. We will continue to improve our internal processes and support systems to establish operational excellence as a competitive advantage. In addition, we continue to develop and maintain high levels of competence in our employees to secure our leading market position and to stay at the forefront of technology development. CUSTOMERS We are broadly supplying equipment and services to almost all major network operators globally. However, we derive most of our sales from large, multi-year network build-out agreements with a limited number of significant customers. Out of a customer base of more than network operators, the ten largest customers account for almost percent of our net sales while the largest customers account for approximately percent of our net sales. Our largest customer accounted for less than percent of sales during . Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business, Consolidation among network operators may increase our dependence on a limited number of key customers” for more information regarding industry consolidation and concentration of customers. COMPETITORS In our Systems segment, we compete with large and established communication equipment manufacturers. Although competition varies depending on the products and services, our most significant competitors in wireless communication include Alcatel, Lucent, Motorola, Nokia, Nortel and Siemens. With respect to wireline communication equipment, the competition is less concentrated and includes, among others, Alcatel, Cisco, Lucent, Nortel and Siemens. We also compete with numerous local and regional manufacturers and providers of communication equipment and services. We believe the 74 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 BUSINESS SEGMENTS We divide our operations into three business segments: • Systems consisting of a three-pronged business approach: Mobile Networks, Fixed Networks and Professional Services; • Phones (through the / joint venture with Sony which is reported according to equity method under joint ventures and associated companies); and • Other Operations which comprise a number of small operations including Defense Systems (Microwave Systems), Network Technologies, Enterprise Systems, Mobile Platforms and Technology Licensing. Sales by Region and Segment Central and Eastern Europe, Middle Western East and Systems Share of Systems Other Total Share of total Europe 31.2 29% 6.7 37.9 32% North Africa Pacific America America Total Latin Asia 24.1 26.0 22% 24% 1.3 0.8 27.3 24.9 21% 23% 17.1 16% 0.5 17.6 15% 9.5 108.0 9% 100% 9.7 0.4 9.9 117.7 9% 100% Note: due to rounding, all rows and columns may not add up exactly to the totals. Sales and Marketing We use our own sales organization to market and sell our systems and services to customers in over countries. Although we group orders and sales into several large regions for financial reporting purposes, our worldwide sales and support network consists of market units. Each market unit typically represents a single country or a group of countries depending on the extent of our business activities in that region. The majority of these market units operate through local subsidiaries that are present in each country. We use our local presence to help our customers achieve greater efficiencies and access to recognized world-class resources wherever they operate. The market units utilize the product expertise of the central business units within Systems in tailoring and integrating our products for delivery to customers. The market units are also responsible for after-sales support and rely in particular on the Global Services business unit in fulfilling this function. Businesses in our Other Operations segment market their products and services through their own specialized direct and indirect sales channels. On occasion, these specialized sales and marketing teams work with our market units in certain markets or when dealing with large customers with whom we have a relationship. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Seasonality Our quarterly sales, income and cash flow from operations are seasonal in nature and generally lowest in the first quarter of the year and the strongest in the fourth quarter. This is mainly a result of the seasonal purchase patterns of network operators. Although demonstrating a strong seasonal pattern historically, our seasonal variances have not maintained this pattern during the market downturn. The table below illustrates the average seasonal effect on sales for the period to . (Percent) First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Sequential Change Percent of annual sales – 27% 21% 17% 24% – 6% 23% 39% 31% Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business” for more information regarding the predictability of our business. Systems At year-end , our Systems segment was made up of four business units that together provided a broad portfolio of solutions to operators of both mobile and fixed networks. The four business units included in Systems were: Systems (GSM/WCDMA track and switching systems), CDMA systems, Transmission and Transport Networks and Global Services. As of January , , the Systems business unit organization was divided into two units to promote more efficient operations via a more specialized structure. Responsibility for supplying high volume radio base station products has been assigned to the Access business unit – a new business unit with a focus on supply chain excellence and lower cost of sales. The new Systems business unit specializes on end-to-end solutions and large customized projects for both fixed and mobile operators. Systems is also responsible for the traditionally complex network systems offering as well as the service layer. The Systems segment’s other three business units are unaffected. Supply of CDMA infrastructure remains the responsibility of the CDMA business unit. Responsibility for customer support, education, and network roll out remains with Global Services – which is also focused on reducing operator OPEX by expanding business consulting, system integration, and managed services activities. The Transmission and Transport Networks will continue to provide a full line of optical and wireless transmission systems to both fixed and mobile operators. For reporting purposes, Systems orders and sales are grouped into Mobile Networks, Fixed Networks and Professional Services reflecting the served markets. E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 75 Another important element of radio access networks is base station controllers, which manage the traffic between the radio base stations and mobile switching centers. Base station controllers, in conjunction with mobile switching centers, effect call handovers between radio base stations as subscribers move between cell sites while engaged in a voice call or data transmission. The core network nodes that connect radio access networks with other parts of the network are called mobile switching centers. Our switching systems and base station controllers are built from common platforms. Like our radio base station products, our mobile switching center products have industry- leading scalability and capacity. We are also a leading supplier of microwave radio links that can be used to backhaul the traffic between radio base stations and base station controllers as well as between base station controllers and mobile switching centers. Wireless backhauling (i.e., transporting data and voice from a network access point to a central switching point in mobile systems) with microwave radio links reduces the need for the operator to lease transmission capacity from fixed network operators resulting in significant cost savings for the wireless operator. A new generation of microwave transmission systems is now being introduced with expanded capacity to support the increased traffic demands of Mobile Internet and G, as well as to serve the market for wireless broadband access to fixed networks. Our mobile systems offering extends beyond assisting network operators in optimizing and upgrading system functionality. We also offer a suite of Mobile Internet services and applications that enable network operators and content providers to bring messaging, personalization, information, entertainment, location-based and m-commerce services to consumers. We have also established Ericsson Mobility World, a global network of regional centers and local web-based facilities. This open industry-wide initiative is a growing network of more than , registered technology professionals from a diverse base of companies, working in partnership toward successfully implementing the Mobile Internet. Fixed Networks Fixed network operators are moving from single-service networks toward new multi-service networks that have the ability to simultaneously handle multiple services, such as voice, text and images. Offering these services requires fixed operators to migrate from existing circuit-switched networks to packet-switched networks. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Mobile Networks We provide mobile systems solutions to network operators that enable reliable, efficient and cost effective wireless networking. Sales of wireless network equipment and associated network rollout services account for more than two-thirds of our net sales. Wireless networking refers to communications networks that allow users (either consumers or machines) to send and receive voice and data communications using mobile handsets or other wireless devices. Each generation of wireless technology is associated with a group of international standards for wireless communications networks. Transitioning from one generation to the next, such as from G to G, requires network operators, equipment suppliers and mobile handset manufacturers to adopt new and emerging technology standards. We believe that the migration from basic voice services to mobile multimedia services is the primary technological shift facing today’s wireless network operators. Our expertise in all major G standards and our role in developing G standards allow us to offer mobile telecommunications systems that incorporate each of the major G, .G and G mobile technology standards. As a result, we are able to offer tailored solutions to a network operator regardless of the existing standard used in its network. By offering comprehensive upgrade paths for migrating to high-speed/high-capacity networks, we allow maximum use of existing equipment and previous investments, thereby improving network operators’ capital investment returns. We believe that our ability to meet the diverse technology needs of our customers with high value-added solutions has been instrumental in our becoming a leading supplier of mobile telecommunication systems, including G, .G and G. Our systems offering includes radio base stations, base station controllers and radio network controllers, mobile switching centers, service application nodes and other nodes for billing and operations support. Radio base stations provide access and interconnection between mobile handsets and the mobile network. We offer a complete portfolio of radio base stations ranging from small pico cells (i.e., small cells in a mobile network that boost capacity and coverage within buildings) to high capacity macro cell applications. Our installed base of GSM radio base stations represents more than one third of all GSM radio base stations in service globally. A central feature of our G GSM radio base stations and base station controllers is their ability to be upgraded on a cost-effective basis to enable .G GPRS and G EDGE transmissions. 76 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Approximately percent of our net sales in were for fixed network equipment and associated network rollout services. We have a long history in fixed-line networking with an installed base of access and transit lines equivalent to million lines or approximately percent market share globally. We supply fixed network operators with systems solutions that allow them to upgrade their legacy networks to more efficiently handle a mix of voice, data, video and Internet traffic. Our solutions for multi-service networking include systems and services for circuit switching, next generation (packet-switched) networking and broadband (i.e., a channel with more than two megabits per second of bandwidth). These solutions enable network operators to replace multiple networks with a unified multi-service network capable of handling all of these services. The primary systems and services we offer for multi-service networking are our AXE solution and our ENGINE solution. Our circuit-switched solutions are based on an open architecture communication platform that is a common basis for both our fixed and mobile systems. AXE systems have been deployed in countries, connecting more than million fixed and mobile subscribers. Our proprietary ENGINE solution is the world’s leading solution for upgrading narrowband circuit-switched networks to broadband packet switched networks. Migration to a packet- based network is a necessary step in order to combine broadband Internet, voice and data traffic into one multi- service network rather than three separate networks. Similar to our mobile network offering, we offer a suite of network services and applications that enable network operators to provide a range of services such as free-phone, virtual private network, Voice over IP and billing. Professional Services Global Services plays an important role in our business and in total represents about one-fourth of our net sales. We offer a comprehensive range of professional services to support network operators. These services accounted for percent of our net sales in and include advisory, integration and management services. Our services organization has technical knowledge to support fixed networks, data (IP and ATM) and all major mobile network technologies. Network operators are reducing operating expenditures by optimizing the operation and maintenance of their existing networks. As a result, many network operators are increasingly outsourcing network design, operations and maintenance activities. Our comprehensive portfolio of services can be customized or sold in packages to meet the needs of existing and new network operators. We have established the following broad categories of service areas to reflect this trend. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Advisory services We provide consulting services to network operators for business planning and development, design and optimization of networks and the introduction of new services. Our global competence development program is designed to provide network operators with training and education to improve staff competency and develop skills in new technology areas. Integration services Telecommunication networks require very high quality of service. Expressions such as “telecom grade” or ”carrier class,” indicate that service in principle is uninterrupted. Down time per year is normally less than minutes. This is different from so called “best effort” standards used in the data communications industry. In this context, systems integration of various elements from multiple vendors is critical for overall network performance. We provide services designed to help network operators implement new technologies and applications in a rapid and cost-effective manner in their increasingly technically complex networks. This area is comprised of solutions for the rollout of new networks, integration of end-user applications or migration from one network standard to another such as from G to G. Managed services We have the ability to assume full responsibility for network operations and are a leading supplier of managed services. We are currently operating a significant number of mobile and fixed networks on behalf of operators around the world. Our portfolio of management services is designed to assist network operators to provide uninterrupted service and operate their networks efficiently. It also includes solutions for managing service levels by providing customers with technical assistance, system maintenance and repair and return. Phones Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications In October , we formed Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications as a / joint venture with Sony Corporation. Our partnership with Sony allows us to leverage our knowledge of mobile telecommunications technologies and their expertise in consumer electronic devices and multimedia technology. Sony Ericsson provides a full range of mobile handsets and also allows us to monitor the requirements and preferences of the consumer market for mobile handsets. We see this as an important driver for our mobile systems business and supports our ability to provide end-to-end systems to our customers. In January , each partner invested an additional EUR million to strengthen the balance sheet of Sony Ericsson. E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 77 Microwave Systems Our Microwave Systems (aka Defense Systems) unit supplies advanced airborne, terrestrial and marine radar systems. Versions of Ericsson defense systems are operational in Sweden and more than other countries. Network Technologies (Cables) Our Network Technologies group provides a full range of solutions that integrate copper and optical cables and power networks. A large portion of net sales from our Network Technologies group is attributable to intersegment sales. JOINT VENTURES, COOPERATION ARRANGEMENTS AND VENTURE CAPITAL In addition to our joint venture with Sony, which we describe under our business segment “Phones,” we are engaged in a number of other joint ventures, cooperation arrangements and venture capital initiatives. Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business” for more information regarding risks associated with joint ventures, strategic alliances and third party agreements. Ericsson Juniper Networks Mobile IP In November of , we formed a company with Juniper Networks to provide Mobile Internet routing products to wireless network operators building GPRS and G networks. We own percent of this venture, which combines our mobile IP expertise with Juniper’s competence in IP routing systems to facilitate the interaction between mobile voice networks and IP data networks. Symbian We have a . percent ownership interest in Symbian, a software licensing company that supplies an open operating system for data-enabled mobile handsets. Symbian was established as a private company in June and is jointly owned by Nokia, Ericsson, Matsushita (Panasonic), Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Siemens. Our involvement in Symbian helps to promote and develop this advanced, open operating system, which we believe will be instrumental in facilitating the growth of the Mobile Internet. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y In June , Sony Ericsson changed their strategy of broadly addressing all market segments and standards and instead decided to focus exclusively on products for GSM/EDGE/WCDMA globally and models for the Japanese market. This enabled the joint venture to consolidate their operations and significantly reduce costs. We believe the strategy was successful as Sony Ericsson is now generating operating profits and has started to regain market shares within their targeted segments, especially in the higher-end segments for camera handsets with color screens. Other Operations This segment principally consists of a number of small operations deemed too small to be reported as separate segments. Sales of Other Operations, in total, represent less than percent of net sales. Other operations include Mobile Platforms, Technology Licensing, Enterprise Systems, Defense Systems, Network Technologies and other miscellaneous units. Several of these operations are in an investment phase with an expectation of future growth and eventual contribution to our operating profit. Mobile Platforms Our Mobile Platforms unit offers technology based on our comprehensive intellectual property portfolio to manufacturers of mobile handsets and other wireless devices. By licensing our technology and platforms, third party mobile handset and wireless device manufacturers can launch new products with limited R&D investments and can focus on product differentiation such as applications, industrial design, distribution and branding. We currently provide mobile platform products to more than mobile handset suppliers, including our Sony Ericsson joint venture. Ericsson Technology Licensing Ericsson Technology Licensing provides Bluetooth solutions to many of the world’s largest consumer device manufacturers. We helped found the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and were the first company to put Bluetooth consumer products into mass production. Based on technology initially developed by us in the early ’s, Bluetooth is now a universal low- power, low-cost radio standard that enables stationary and mobile devices to communicate wirelessly at short ranges. Enterprise Systems Our Enterprise Systems unit provides mobile communications systems and services that enable businesses, government entities and educational institutions to have seamless access to applications and services across multiple locations. We focus on providing mobile solutions such as Voice over Packet based PABX, wireless local area networks (WLAN), and Mobile Intranet solutions such as our Mobile Office. 78 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Venture Capital In order to support the development of Mobile Internet applications, systems and services, we participate in several venture capital investments. We make direct investments through our operating subsidiaries in companies that are strategic to our core businesses. In addition to direct investments, we have also formed joint ventures to facilitate and support our venture capital activities. For example, Ericsson Venture Partners was formed in together with Investor AB, AB Industrivärden and Merrill Lynch. The venture focuses on investments in the communications industry in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East with particular emphasis on the Mobile Internet market. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) We believe that our future success depends to a large part on our continued ability to deliver systems and services based on advanced technologies. Accordingly, while we have significantly rationalized our R&D activities, we continue to have one of the largest programs in the industry with significant investments in technology related to our future business. The majority of our R&D activities are based in Sweden. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y Our intellectual property rights are valuable business assets and we license these rights to many other companies including equipment suppliers, handset manufacturers and wireless applications developers, in return of royalty payments and access to additional intellectual property rights. Sometimes, we acquire rights via licenses to utilize intellectual property rights of third parties. We believe that we have access to all related patents that are material to our business in part or in whole. Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business, Our products incorporate complex technology involving intellectual property rights (IPR) developed by us that may be difficult to protect or may be found to infringe on the rights of others” for more information regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT As of December , , no land, buildings, machinery and equipment were pledged as collateral for outstanding indebtedness. During and , we disposed of the majority of the real estate properties that we owned. We believe the properties we now occupy are suitable for our present needs, but due to restructuring and reduced headcount, we have certain amounts of excess space, which we are working to reduce. R&D expenditures excluding restructuring costs and capitalization R&D SEK billion As percent of sales Number of R&D sites Employees in R&D 2003 2002 2001 23.2 20% 25 16,500 29.3 20% 30 20,500 43.1 19% 70 25,200 Capital expenditures The following table sets forth a breakdown of our annual capital expenditures during the three years ended December , : Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business” and “Board of Directors’ Report – Products, Research and Development” for more information regarding product and technology development. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING Through many years of involvement in the development of new technologies, we have built up a considerable portfolio of intellectual property rights relating to telecommunications technologies, especially mobile communications. As of December , , we held over , (,) patents worldwide, including a substantial number of patents essential to the G/.G standards of GSM/GPRS, TDMA and CDMA, as well as numerous patents essential to G standards, including WCDMA, CDMA and EDGE. We also hold important patents for many other areas, e.g. Voice over IP (VoIP), ATM, WAP, WLAN, mobile platforms and Bluetooth. In addition, we hold a number of trademarks around the world. (SEK billion) Capex – of which in Sweden 2003 2002 2001 3.5 1.1 2.7 1.2 8.7 3.8 Through downsizing, outsourcing and leasing we have been able to significantly reduce our capital expenditures. Capital expenditures in were mainly for investments in test equipment used to develop, manufacture and deploy systems products. We continuously monitor our capital expenditures and evaluate whether adjustments to our budget are necessary in light of market conditions and other economic factors. We do not expect our capital expenditures during to be materially different than for . Manufacturing and assembly Our systems manufacturing consists of two basic production activities, module and node. We have significant manufacturing and assembly locations worldwide with a total of approximately , square meters of floor space. We lease all but two of these facilities, one in China and the other in Brazil. The Systems segment consumes more than two-thirds of the total floor space with cables and power modules consuming E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 79 PARENT COMPANY OPERATIONS The business of our parent company, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, consists mainly of corporate management and holding company functions. Parent company operations also include internal banking and customer credit management activities performed by Ericsson Treasury Services AB and Ericsson Credit AB. As of December , , our parent company had branch and representative offices in countries and had approximately employees. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE For a listing of our significant subsidiaries, please see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Investments . ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS We are subject to certain environmental and health and safety laws and regulations that affect our operations, facilities and products in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. It is our policy to comply with environmental requirements and to provide workplaces for employees that are safe, environmentally sound, and that will not adversely affect the health or environment of communities in which we operate. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all environmental and health safety laws and regulations required by our operations and business activities. Please see “Risk Factors – Risks Associated with our Business, Our current and historical operations are subject to a wide range of environmental, health and safety regulations” and “Sustainability and Environment” in the Board of Directors’ Report for more information regarding environmental matters. Also see our web site at www.ericsson.com/sustainability for more information including economic, social and environmental aspects of our strategy and business activities. Information on our web site does not form part of this document. I N F O R M A T I O N O N T H E C O M P A N Y most of the rest. In addition, we outsource a significant amount of Systems module production to several electronic manufacturing service (EMS) companies, who have major sites in Sweden, Poland, Estonia, and Hungary as well several locations in China. Including the EMS production, approximately percent of Systems module production and percent of Systems node production is performed in Sweden. We intend to continue to outsource module production where adequate manufacturing capacity and expertise are available on favourable terms. Such outsourcing of the major part of module manufacturing provides us greater flexibility to adapt to economic and market changes. However, the timing and level of outsourcing is a balance between short-term demand and longer-term flexibility. Therefore, we also plan to normally use our own production capabilities to absorb temporary changes in volumes. We manage our own production capacity on a global basis by allocating production to sites where capacity is available and costs are competitive. At year-end , our overall utilization was close to percent as we reduced our production capacity in and early . The table below summarizes the number of our manufacturing and assembly facilities as well as the total square meters of floor space at year-end. Country Sweden USA China Brazil Other Total 2003 2002 Sites Sq Meters Sites Sq Meters 10 0 3 1 0 14 310,000 0 9,500 22,100 0 341,600 11 3 3 1 1 19 327,000 14,400 9,500 22,100 6,600 379,600 Sources and Availability of Materials We make significant purchases of electronic components, aluminum, steel, silicon, precious metals, plastics and other materials and components from many domestic and foreign sources. We continue to develop and maintain alternative sources of supply for essential materials and components and are involved, to a limited extent, in the production of certain strategic components to avoid complete dependence on outside suppliers. We believe that we will be able to obtain sufficient materials and components from world market sources to meet our production requirements. The recent economic slowdown has caused overcapacity and excess supply and inventories for many of our suppliers, resulting in reduced prices and delivery lead times. 80 E R I C S S O N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 D I R E C T O R S , S E N I O R M A N A G E M E N T A N D A U D I T O R S Directors, Senior Management and Auditors BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our Board of Directors consists of nine Directors elected by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on April , , and three employee representatives, each with a deputy, appointed by the respective trade union. The Board of Directors has three committees, i.e. the Finance, Audit and Remuneration Committees. In addition, there is a nomination committee comprised of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and representatives of Ericsson’s primary shareholders. The committees are described below under the heading “Board Procedures and Committees” and more in detail in the Board of Directors’ Report (page ). Michael Treschow, Chairman (since 2002) Chairman of the Board of Directors. Chairman of the Finance Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee. Chairman of the Nomination Committee. Member of the Board of Directors of Electrolux, ABB and B-Business Partners. Deputy Chairman of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Arne Mårtensson, Director (since 2003) Ekon. Dr h.c. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Finance Committee. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Handelsbanken. Member of the Board of Directors of Holmen, Industrivärden, Sandvik, Skanska and Vin & Sprit. Chairman of the Advisory Board of Stockholm School of Economics. Member of the Swedish Industry and Commerce Stock Exchange Committee and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. Marcus Wallenberg, Director (since 1996) Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Finance Committee. President of Investor. Deputy Chairman of Saab and SEB. Member of the Board of Directors of, among others, AstraZeneca, Investor, Scania, Stora Enso and the Foundation of Knut and Alice Wallenberg. Sir Peter L. Bonfield, CBE, Director (since 2002) Member of the Audit Committee. Member of the Board of Directors of AstraZeneca, Mentor Graphics and T.S.M.C. Vice President of the British Quality Foundation. Member of the International Advisory Group of Citigroup. Sverker Martin-Löf, Director (since 1993) Chairman of the Audit Committee. Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCA, SSAB and Skanska. Member of the Board of Directors of Boliden, Handelsbanken, Industrivärden and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Eckhard Pfeiffer, Director (since 2000) Member of the Audit Committee. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Intershop Communications. Member of the Board of Directors of General Motors, IFCO Systems and Sytek Capital. Member of the Advisory Board of Deutsche Bank. Peter Sutherland, Director (since 1996) Ekon. Dr h.c. Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Goldman Sachs International and British Petroleum. Member of the Board of Directors of Investor, the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and the National Westminster Bank. Board of Directors Name Michael Treschow Arne Mårtensson 1) Marcus Wallenberg 1) Peter L. Bonfield Sverker Martin-Löf 1) Eckhard Pfeiffer Carl-Henric Svanberg Peter Sutherland 1) Lena Torell Jan Hedlund Per Lindh Åke Svenmarck Monica Bergström Göran Engström 2) Arne Löfving Member since Age Position No. of Class B shares Options 2) 2002 2003 1996 2002 1993 2000 2003 1996 2002 1994 1995 2000 1998 1994 2003 60 52 47 59 60 62 52 57 57 57 46 61 43 56 51 Chairman Deputy Chairman Deputy Chairman Director Director Director Director & CEO Director Director Employee Representative Employee Representative Employee Representative Deputy Employee Representative Deputy Employee Representative Deputy Employee Representative 770,000 13,400 704,000 – 52,000 3,040 15,572,231 – 50,000 875 70 503 525 10,941 5,030 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2,805 – 1) Arne Mårtensson and Sverker Martin-Löf are also Directors of Industrivärden. Mr. Wallenberg is President and Director of Investor. Mr. Sutherland is also Director of Investor. Investor and Industrivärden are Ericsson’s two largest shareholders, based on voting rights. 2) Number of Class B shares assuming full exercise of options under applicable plan. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 81 D I R E C T O R S , S E N I O R M A N A G E M E N T A N D A U D I T O R S Carl-Henric Svanberg, Director (since 2003) President and CEO of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Member of the Board of Directors of Assa Abloy and Hexagon. Lena Torell, Director (since 2002) Doctor of Physics. Professor. Member of the Remuneration Committee. President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science. Member of the Board of Directors of Gambro, Imego, Ireco Holding, Universeum and the European Council of Applied Sciences and Engineering. Jan Hedlund, Director (since 1994) Member of the Audit Committee. Employee representative. Per Lindh, Director (since 1995) Member of the Remuneration Committee. Employee representative. Åke Svenmarck, Director (since 2000) Member of the Finance Committee. Employee representative. Monica Bergström, Deputy Director (since 1998) Employee representative. Göran Engström, Deputy Director (since 1994) Employee representative. Arne Löfving, Deputy Director (since 2003) Employee representative. Carl-Henric Svanberg is the only Director who holds a management position at Ericsson. No Director has been elected pursuant to an arrangement or understanding with any major shareholder, customer, supplier or other person. No Director has a family relationship with any other Director or executive officer. BOARD PROCEDURES AND COMMITTEES The Board designates, through a work procedure, how various responsibilities will be distributed among the Board and its committees and between the Board and the President. This work procedure is revised and adopted by the Board at least once a year. The work of the Committees are principally of a preparatory character, i.e. the committees prepare matters for final resolution by the Board. However, the Board has authorized each committee to decide on certain issues in limited areas and may also provide extended authorization to a committee to decide on specific matters. The Audit Committee consists of four members appointed by the Board. The present members are Sverker Martin-Löf, Chairman of the committee, Sir Peter L. Bonfield, Eckhard Pfeiffer and Jan Hedlund. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for reviewing annual and interim financial statements, overseeing the external audit process, including audit fees and the internal audit function, resolving matters arising during the course of audits and reviewing at least annually, the effectiveness and appropriateness of internal control functions. Pursuant to the Board’s work procedure, the Audit Committee reviews the audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors, including the conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee also reviews with management the reasonableness of significant estimates and judgments made in preparing the financial statements, as well as the quality of the disclosures in the financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews matters and reservations arising from audits performed, the auditors’ independence from management and the company. The Audit Committee has also implemented pre-approval procedures to non-audit services performed by external auditors. The Audit Committee is authorized to engage and determine funding for independent counsel and other advisors to the Committee. The Finance Committee consists of four members appointed by the Board. The present members are Michael Treschow, Chairman of the committee, Arne Mårtensson, Marcus Wallenberg and Åke Svenmarck. The Finance Committee is primarily responsible for handling matters regarding acquisitions and divestments, capital contributions to companies inside and outside the Ericsson group, raising of loans, issuances of guarantees and similar undertakings and approvals of financing support to customers in excess of USD million, as well as continuously monitoring the group’s financial risk exposure. 82 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 D I R E C T O R S , S E N I O R M A N A G E M E N T A N D A U D I T O R S The Remuneration Committee consists of four Directors appointed by the Board. The present members are Peter Sutherland, Chairman of the committee, Lena Torell, Michael Treschow and Per Lindh. The Remuneration Committee is primarily responsible for reviewing and preparing proposals of salary and other remuneration, including retirement compensation, to the President, Executive Vice Presidents, and other officers reporting directly to the President. These proposals are thereafter presented to the Board for resolution. In addition, the committee is responsible for strategies and general guidelines with respect to employee compensation, including incentive plans and retirement compensation. The Nomination Committee, elected by the Annual General Meeting, consists of Michael Treschow, Chairman of the committee, and the following shareholder representatives: Claes Dahlbäck, Investor, Anders Ek, Robur, Anders Nyrén, Industrivärden and Lars Otterbeck, Alecta. The main task of the committee is to nominate individuals for election to the Board of Directors. The Nomination Committee also prepares proposals concerning Directors’ fees, which are presented at the Annual General Meeting for resolution, and presented in Notes to the Financial Statements – Note . SENIOR MANAGEMENT The Board of Directors appoints the President, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Presidents. The Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the heads of Group Functions, the Senior vice president & Chief Technical Officer and the heads of Business Units CDMA, Access, Systems and Global Services comprise the Group Management Team of the Company. The members and the year of appointment are as follows: Carl-Henric Svanberg Carl-Henric Svanberg is the President & Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors (since April ). Prior to assuming this position, Carl-Henric Svanberg was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Assa Abloy Group. Per-Arne Sandström First executive vice president and deputy Chief Executive Officer (since April ). Prior to assuming this position, Per-Arne Sandström was Chief Operating Officer. Karl-Henrik Sundström Executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer and head of Group Function Finance (since April, ). Prior to assuming this position, Karl-Henrik Sundström was head of Business Unit Global Services. Group Management Team Name Carl-Henric Svanberg Per-Arne Sandström Karl-Henrik Sundström Carl Olof Blomqvist Håkan Eriksson Mats Granryd Marita Hellberg Kurt Jofs Torbjörn Nilsson Bert Nordberg Björn Olsson Henry Sténson Per Tjernberg Hans Vestberg Appointed year Age Position Class A shares Class B shares Options 1) 2003 2001 2003 1999 2004 2004 2003 2004 1998 2004 2004 2002 2004 2003 51 56 43 52 42 41 48 45 50 47 47 48 41 38 President & CEO First executive vice president & deputy CEO Executive vice president & CFO Group Function Legal Affairs General manager Research & Development General manager Business Unit CDMA Head of Group Function Human Resources & Organization General manager Business Unit Access Group Function Stategy & Product Management Group Function Sales & Marketing General manager Business Unit Systems Group Function Communications Group Function IS/IT & Sourcing General manager Business Unit Global Services – – – 6,080 – – – 15,572,231 105,830 2,846 10,488 – 6,000 22,253 – – – – – – – 200,000 49,399 4,407 8,386 10,000 22,000 8,009 – 461,004 328,814 322,096 283,308 135,952 – – 571,923 367,248 343,835 100,000 – 143,763 1) Aggregate number of Class B shares assuming full exercise of options under applicable plans. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 83 D I R E C T O R S , S E N I O R M A N A G E M E N T A N D A U D I T O R S Carl Olof Blomqvist Senior vice president and general counsel and head of Group Function Legal Affairs (since May ). Prior to assuming this position, Carl Olof Blomqvist was a partner of Mannheimer Swartling law firm. Henry Sténson Senior vice president and head of Group Function Communications (since May ). Prior to assuming this position, Henry Sténson was head of SAS Group Communication, SAS AB. Håkan Eriksson Senior vice president and Chief Technical Officer and general manager Research & Development (since January, ). Prior to assuming this position, Håkan Eriksson was vice president & general manager Research & Development. Mats Granryd Senior vice president and general manager Business Unit Mobile Systems CDMA (since January ). Prior to assuming this position Mats Granryd was head of Core Unit Supply. Marita Hellberg Senior vice president and head of Group Function Human Resources & Organization (since September ). Prior to assuming this position, Marita Hellberg was head of Human Resources of NCC. Kurt Jofs Vice president and general manager Business Unit Access (since January ). Prior to assuming this position Kurt Jofs has held senior management positions in, among others, Linjebuss and ABB Ventilation Products. Torbjörn Nilsson Senior vice president (since October ) and head of Group Function Strategy & Product Management. Prior to assuming this position, Torbjörn Nilsson was head of Group Function Marketing & Strategic Business Development. Bert Nordberg Senior vice president and head of Group Function Sales & Marketing (since January ). Prior to assuming this position, Bert Nordberg was head of Business Unit Systems. Björn Olsson Senior vice president and head of Business Unit Systems (January ). Prior to assuming this position, Björn Olsson was Chief Information Officer. Per Tjernberg Senior vice president and head of Group Function IS/IT & Sourcing (since January ). Prior to assuming this position Per Tjernberg was head of Sourcing. Hans Vestberg Senior vice president and head of Business Unit Global Services (January ). Prior to assuming this position, Hans Vestberg was head of Market Unit Mexico. Apart from the Group Management Team, there is an Extended Management Team consisting of the officers of the Group Management Team and: • Cesare Avenía, vice president and general manager Market Unit Italy and account executive Telecom Italia, • Sivert Bergman, vice president and general manager Business Unit Transmission & Transport Networks, • Rory Buckley, vice president and general manager Market Unit North West Europe and account executive Vodafone, • Ragnar Bäck, senior advisor to the President and CEO, • Jan Campbell, vice president and general manager Market Unit India & Sri Lanka, • Jan Malm, vice president and general manager Market Unit China, • Ingemar Naeve, vice president and general manager Market Unit Iberia and account executive Telefónica, • Mats Olsson, vice president and general manager Market Unit South East Asia, • Angel Ruiz, vice president and general manager Market Unit North America, and • Gerhard Weise, vice president and general manager Market Unit Mexico. No member of the Extended Management Team has a family relationship with any Director or member of the Extended Management Team. No member of the Extended Management Team has any business activities which compete with or in any other way negatively affect Ericsson’s business, and no member of the Extended Management Team has been appointed on account of any arrangement or understanding with any major shareholder, customer, supplier or other person. 84 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 D I R E C T O R S , S E N I O R M A N A G E M E N T A N D A U D I T O R S AUDITORS Statutory auditors Carl-Eric Bohlin Authorized Public Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Bo Hjalmarsson Authorized Public Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Thomas Thiel Authorized Public Accountant, KPMG Deputy auditors Jeanette Skoglund Authorized Public Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Peter Clemedtson Authorized Public Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Stefan Holmström Authorized Public Accountant, KPMG During , the officers below were members of the former senior management of the Company: Kurt Hellström Up to the Annual General Meeting on April , , Kurt Hellström was president and Chief Executive Officer. Thereafter Kurt Hellström assumed a position as executive vice president up to December , , when he retired. Sten Fornell Former Chief Financial Officer. Sten Fornell left the Company on December , . Ragnar Bäck Former executive vice president and head of Market Area Asia Pacific. Ragnar Bäck has assumed a position as senior advisor to the President and CEO. Mats Dahlin Former executive vice president and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East & Africa. On January , , Mats Dahlin assumed a position as president of Ericsson Enterprise. Britt Reigo, Former senior vice president and head of Group Function People & Culture. Britt Reigo retired on December , . Jan Uddenfeldt Former senior vice president and head of Group Function Research & Development. Jan Uddenfeldt has assumed a position as Senior Advisor Technology to the President and CEO. Gerhard Weise Former executive vice president and head of Market Area Americas. Gerhard Weise has assumed a position as vice president and general manager Market Unit Mexico. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 85 F I V E - Y E A R S U M M A R Y Five-year Summary SEK million Net sales Operating income Financial net Net income Year-end position Total assets Net assets Working capital Capital employed Tangible assets Stockholders’ equity Minority interests Interest-bearing provisions and liabilities Other information Earnings per share, diluted, SEK2) 4) 5) – in accordance with US GAAP, diluted2) 4) 5) Cash dividends per share, SEK2) 4) Cash dividends per share , USD2) 4) Stockholders’ equity (SEK per share) Earnings per share, basic, SEK2) 4) Number of shares (in millions) – outstanding, at end of period – average, basic2) 4) – average, diluted2) 4) Additions to tangible assets Depreciation on tangible assets R&D and other technical expenses3) – as percentage of net sales3) Ratios Return on equity Return on capital employed Equity ratio Debt-equity ratio Current ratio Capital turnover Inventory turnover Accounts receivable turnover Return on sales Payment readiness – as percentage of net sales Net debt Statistical data, year-end Orders booked, net Backlog of orders Number of employees – Worldwide – Of which in Sweden 2003 20026) 20016) 7) 20006) 7) 1999 6) 7) 117,738 –11,239 – 864 –10,844 182,372 62,780 58,873 108,989 6,505 60,481 2,299 46,209 –0.69 –0.68 0 1) 0 1) 3.82 –0.69 15,826 15,823 15,841 3,493 3,754 28,553 24.3% –16.2% – 5.9% 34.4% 0.7 1.6 1.0 6.1 3.4 – 6.2% 75,309 64.0% – 26,998 113,000 58,825 51,583 24,408 145,773 – 21,299 –1,536 –19,013 209,113 76,076 73,026 137,539 9,964 73,607 2,469 61,463 –1.51 –1.58 0 0 4.65 –1.51 15,820 12,573 12,684 2,738 5,514 33,455 23.0% – 26.7% –11.3% 36.4% 0.8 1.7 1.0 5.1 3.0 –11.7% 66,306 45.5% – 4,751 128,351 63,228 64,621 30,421 231,839 – 27,380 –1,744 – 21,264 257,521 72,240 104,998 162,119 16,641 68,587 3,653 89,879 –1.94 – 2.27 0 0 8.67 –1.94 7,909 10,950 11,072 8,726 6,486 46,640 20.1% 26.5% –14.3% 28.1% 1.2 1.7 1.5 4.8 3.4 – 9.7% 60,239 26.0% 20,955 273,569 30,828 –1,189 21,018 263,282 94,587 97,261 154,014 23,104 91,686 2,901 59,427 1.91 2.12 0.36 0.04 11.59 1.93 7,909 10,896 11,100 12,643 10,040 41,921 15.3% 26.1% 24.8% 35.9% 0.6 1.6 2.0 5.0 3.8 12.6% 23,567 8.6% 23,657 215,403 17,469 – 557 12,130 211,412 71,492 70,426 124,393 24,974 69,176 2,316 52,901 1.11 1.39 0.36 0.04 8.84 1.12 7,829 10,824 11,060 9,227 6,548 33,123 15.4% 18.3% 18.1% 33.8% 0.7 1.6 1.9 4.8 3.5 9.3% 24,389 11.3% 22,932 221,477 87,414 85,198 37,328 292,344 101,215 105,129 42,431 223,828 83,976 103,290 44,040 1) For 2003, proposed by the Board of Directors. 2) 1999 adjusted for 4-for-1 stock split. 3) 1999–2000 adjusted to exclude research and development costs regarding customer orders included in cost of sales. 4) 1999–2001 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue. 5) Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share. 6) 2002 restated for changed accounting principles. 2001, 2000 and 1999 have not been restated as the information is not readily available. 7) Restated for changed accounting principles in Sweden 2002 regarding consolidation of companies according to new RR1. 86 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 F I V E - Y E A R S U M M A R Y US GAAP SEK million, unless otherwise stated Net sales Operating income (loss) Net income (loss), after cumulative effect of accounting change Earnings (loss) per share, after cumulative effect of accounting change, basic (SEK per share)3) 4) 5) Earnings (loss) per share, after cumulative effect of accounting change, diluted (SEK per share)3) 4) 6) Total assets Stockholders’ equity Capital stock Number of shares (in millions): – average, basic3) 4) – average, diluted3) 4) 2003 2) 20022) 20011) 2) 20001) 19991) 117,738 –11,666 –10,597 145,773 – 23,254 –19,918 231,839 – 32,833 – 24,403 273,569 35,350 23,393 215,403 21,903 15,239 –0.67 –1.58 – 2.23 2.15 1.41 –0.68 195,611 69,963 16,132 15,823 15,831 –1.58 226,480 83,203 15,974 12,573 12,684 – 2.27 282,207 77,801 8,066 10,950 11,057 2.12 291,013 109,217 7,910 10,896 11,017 1.39 235,950 85,616 4,893 10,824 11,060 1) Upon adaption of SFAS142 on January 1, 2002, Ericsson ceased 4) 1999–2001 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue. amortization of all goodwill for US GAAP reporting purposes. Amortization expense on goodwill on a US GAAP basis for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was SEK 1,123 million, SEK 761 million and SEK 684 million, respectively. 2) Effective October 1, 2001, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications assumed substantially all of the operations of the Phones segment. As of this date, 50 percent of the results of the Sony Ericsson joint venture are reported under “Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies” pursuant to equity accounting principles. Retained Phones operations are reported under “Other operations”. 3) 1999 adjusted for 4-for-1 stock split. 5) Earnings (loss) per share, basic, are calculated by dividing net income (loss), after cumulative effect of accounting change, by average number of shares outstanding, basic. 6) Diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing net income (loss), after cumulative effect of accounting change, by the sum of the average number of shares outstanding plus all additional shares that would have been outstanding if all convertible debentures were converted and stock options were exercised. Potential ordinary shares are not considered when their conversion to ordinary shares would increase earnings per share. Working capital: Current assets less current non-interest- bearing provisions and liabilities. Capital employed: Capital employed is defined as total assets less non-interest-bearing provisions and liabilities. Earnings per share: See Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Accounting Policies for information of principles for calculation earnings per share. For earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP, see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note . Equity ratio: Defined as the total of stockholders’ equity and minority interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries, expressed as a percentage of total assets. Debt-equity ratio: Defined as total interest-bearing provisions and liabilities divided by the total of stockholders’ equity and minority interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries. Current ratio: Current assets divided by the sum of current provisions and liabilities. Cash dividends per share: Defined as dividends paid divided by average number of shares, basic. Capital turnover: Net sales divided by average capital employed. Stockholders’ equity (SEK per share): Defined as Stockholders’ equity divided by the number of shares outstanding. Return on equity: Defined as Net income expressed as a percentage of average adjusted Stockholders’ equity (based on the amounts at January and December ). Inventory turnover: Cost of sales divided by average inventory. Accounts receivable turnover: Net sales divided by average accounts receivable. Return on sales: Operating income plus Financial income divided by net sales. Return on capital employed: Defined as the total of Operating income plus Financial income as a percentage of average capital employed (based on the amounts at January and December ). Payment readiness: Defined as cash and short-term investments less short-term borrowings plus long-term unused credit commitments. Payment readiness is also shown as a percentage of net sales. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 87 R I S K F A C T O R S Risk Factors You should carefully consider all the information in this annual report and in particular the risks and uncertainties outlined below. Any of the factors described below, or any other factors discussed elsewhere in this report, could have a material negative effect on our business, operational results, financial condition, liquidity and/or our share price. Furthermore, our operational results may have a greater variability than in the past and we may have more difficulty in accurately predicting future developments. and associated rollout services has declined substantially and we believe, are now stabilizing at a level – percent lower than in . During this period, our business, operating results and share price have suffered. We have adopted measures to reduce costs and improve efficiency with the aim of restoring profitability even if the market remains at currently depressed levels. However, if demand continues to fall, or is significantly weaker than expected, we may experience further material adverse effects and may incur operating losses in the future. Risk Associated with the Industry and Market Conditions We conduct business throughout the world and are subject to the effects of general global economic conditions as well as conditions unique to a specific country and region. In particular, we are affected most by the market conditions within the telecommunications industry. We are subject to political, economic and regulatory changes in the various countries in which we operate all of which could impact our operating results. We conduct business in over countries with a significant proportion of our sales originating from emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. We expect that sales to emerging markets will be an increasing portion of total sales as developing nations and regions around the world increase their investments in telecommunications, especially for mobile communications. We already have extensive operations in many of these countries, which involve certain risks, including volatility in gross domestic product, civil disturbances, economic and political instability, nationalization of private assets and the imposition of exchange controls. Changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers, price or exchange controls or other governmental policies in the countries in which we conduct business could limit our operations and make the repatriation of profits difficult. In addition, the uncertainty of the legal environment in some regions could limit our ability to enforce our rights. We are subject to the market conditions affecting the capital and operating expenditures of our customers for equipment and services making demand for our products and services highly unpredictable. Adverse economic conditions worldwide have contributed to dramatic downturns in the Internet and telecommunications markets since the beginning of . Postponed investments and cost-cutting initiatives by many network operators to improve their financial position resulted in significantly reduced capital expenditures for network infrastructure. Consequently, the operator spending for network equipment 88 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Our business essentially depends upon the continued growth of mobile communications. Most of our business depends on continued growth in mobile communications in terms of both the number of subscribers as well as increased usage, which in turn requires the continued deployment of our products by customers to meet this increasing traffic demand. In particular, we are dependent on operators in highly penetrated markets to successfully introduce services that cause a substantial increase in usage for both voice and data. In lower-income markets, we are to a certain extent, dependent on the availability of lower-cost handsets in addition to affordable tariffs by operators to support a continued increase of mobile subscribers. If operators are not successful in their attempts to increase the number of subscribers and/or stimulate increased usage, our business and operational results could be materially adversely affected. Changes in the regulatory environment for telecommunications systems and services could negatively impact our business. Telecommunications is a regulated industry and regulatory changes affect both our customers and us. For example, changes in regulation that impose more stringent, time-consuming or costly planning, zoning requirements or building approvals regarding the construction of base stations and other network infrastructure could adversely affect the timing and costs of new network construction or expansion and the commercial launch and ultimate commercial success of these networks. Similarly, tariff regulation that affects the pricing of new services offered by operators could also affect their ability to invest in network infrastructure which in turn could affect the sales of our systems and services. License fees, environmental, health and safety, privacy and other regulations may increase costs and restrict operations of network operators and service providers. The indirect impact of these changes in regulation could affect our business adversely even though the specific regulations may not directly apply to our products or us. Consolidation among network operators may increase our dependence on a limited number of key customers. The market for mobile network equipment is highly concentrated, with the largest operators representing more than percent of the total market in terms of subscribers and the top representing over percent. Network operators have experienced significant consolidation, especially for companies operating in different countries. This trend is expected to continue while intra-country consolidation is likely to accelerate as a result of competitive pressure. If the combined companies operate in the same geographic market, less network equipment and associated services may be required. Another possible consequence of customer consolidation is that it could cause a delay in their network investments while they negotiate merger/acquisition agreement, secure necessary approvals, or are constrained by efforts to integrate the businesses. Moreover, fewer significant customers will increase our reliance on key customers and, due to the increased size of these companies, may negatively impact our bargaining position and profit margins. Consolidation among equipment and services suppliers may lead to increased competition and a different competitive landscape. We expect the trend toward consolidation in our industry to continue as suppliers attempt to strengthen or expand their market positions in an evolving market. We believe that industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors that are better able to compete as end-to-end suppliers as well as competitors who are more specialized in particular areas. Consolidation may also result in competitors with greater resources, including technical and engineering resources, than we have. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. R I S K F A C T O R S We operate in a highly competitive industry, which is subject to price pressure and rapid technological change. The markets for our products are highly competitive in terms of pricing, functionality and service quality, the timing of development and introduction of new products, customer service and terms of financing. We face intense competition from significant competitors. Our competitors may implement new technologies before we do, allowing them to offer more attractively priced or enhanced products, services or solutions than we provide. Some of our competitors may have greater resources in certain business segments or geographic markets. We may also encounter increased competition from new market entrants, alternative technologies or alternative telecommunications platforms. Our operating results significantly depend on our ability to compete in this market environment, in particular on our ability to adapt to political, economic or regulatory changes, to introduce new products to the market and to continuously enhance the functionality while reducing the cost of new and existing products. We engage in customer financing, which exposes us to credit and other risks relating to our customers’ businesses and operations. We expect demand for customer financing to continue, especially from operators in emerging markets. We believe customer financing is a competitive factor in obtaining business and we sometimes provide financing to our customers, or provide guarantees to banks or other third parties that provide such financing. In addition, some of our customers purchase products and services from us on deferred payment terms. The risks associated with customer finance may be significant, particularly in relation to network operators that do not yet have an established revenue stream or have limited experience or no proven track record. We evaluate our customer credits on a regular basis and make appropriate risk provisions, however, if financed customers encounter financial difficulties and are unable to make payments, defaults could occur and could result in restructuring of the financing arrangements or credit losses. Such an event could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. For more information on our customer finance arrangements, see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note . E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 89 R I S K F A C T O R S Liability claims related to and public perception of the potential health risks associated with electromagnetic fields could negatively affect our business. We are subject to claims that mobile handsets and other telecommunications devices that generate electromagnetic fields expose users to health risks. At present, a substantial number of scientific studies conducted by various independent research bodies have indicated that electromagnetic fields, at levels within the limits prescribed by public health authority safety standards and recommendations, cause no adverse effect to human health. However, any perceived risk or new scientific findings of adverse health effects of mobile communication devices and equipment could adversely affect us through a reduction in sales. Although we comply with all current safety standards and recommendations regarding electromagnetic fields, we cannot assure you that we will not become the subject of product liability claims or be held liable for such claims or be required to comply with future regulatory changes that may have an adverse effect on our business. See also Board of Directors’ Report – legal and tax proceedings. Strategic and Operational Risks Our business is subject to a wide variety of factors that impact our strategies and operating results. Any of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. Furthermore, results of operations for any period may not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected in future periods. Consequently, our operating results may fluctuate significantly from period to period and possibly more than they have historically which may lead us to revise our estimates and/or strategies more frequently than in the past. Most of our business is derived from a limited number of customers. We derive most of our business from large, multi-year network build-out agreements with a limited number of significant customers. Out of a customer base of more than network operators, the ten largest customers account for almost percent of our net sales while the largest customers account for approximately percent of our net sales. Although no single customer currently represents more than percent of sales, the loss of, or a reduced role with, a key customer for any reason could have a significant adverse impact on sales, profit and market share for an extended period. Some long-term contracts expose us to risks of cost overruns and extended payment terms. We currently have certain long-term contracts under which the prices are reduced during the life of the contract, according to a pre-negotiated schedule. These long-term contracts are typically awarded on a competitive bidding basis and the profit margins on these contracts may vary from the original estimates as a result of changes in estimated costs, productivity, specifications or timing. In addition, these contracts frequently 90 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 include extended payment terms, which will require us to recover costs incurred in performing these contracts over the term of the contract. These contracts generally also provide for penalties and termination rights in the event of our failure to deliver on time or if our products do not perform. Should any of these contracts become unprofitable or be terminated due to any or several of these reasons, our operating results will be negatively impacted. We expend significant resources on product and technology R&D which may not be successful in the market. Developing new products or updating existing products and solutions requires significant levels of financial and other commitments to research and development, which may not always result in success. We are also actively engaged in the development of technology standards that we are incorporating into our products and solutions. In order to be successful, those standards must be accepted by relevant standardization bodies and by the industry as a whole. Our sales and earnings may suffer if we invest in developing technologies and technology standards that do not function as expected, are not adopted in the industry or are not accepted in the marketplace within the timeframe we expect, or at all. Please also see sections “Products, Research and Development” in the Board of Directors’ Report and “Research and Development” in Information on the Company. We enter into joint ventures, strategic alliances and third party agreements to offer complementary products and services. If our partnering arrangements fail to perform as expected, whether as a result of having incorrectly assessed our needs or the capabilities of our strategic partners, our ability to work with these partners or otherwise, our ability to develop new products and solutions may be constrained and this may harm our competitive position in the market. Additionally, charges relating to our portion of any losses from, or commitments to contribute additional capital to, joint ventures may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. In the case of our joint venture with Sony Corporation, if the joint venture is unsuccessful for any reason, we may not be able to compete as successfully in the mobile systems market or at all in the mobile handset market. Our solutions may also require us to license third-party technologies and successfully integrate such technologies with our products. It may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of these products. There can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Moreover, the inclusion in our products of software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties on a non-exclusive basis could limit our ability to protect our proprietary rights in our products. Our products incorporate complex technology involving intellectual property rights (IPR) developed by us that may be difficult to protect or may be found to infringe on the rights of others. While we have been issued a number of patents and other patent applications are currently pending, there can be no assurance that any of these patents will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or that any rights granted under these patents will in fact provide competitive advantages to us. We utilize a combination of trade secrets, confidentiality policies, nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements in addition to relying on patent, copyright and trademark laws to protect our intellectual property rights. However, these measures may not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other misappropriation. Moreover, we may not be able to detect unauthorized use or take appropriate and timely steps to establish and enforce our proprietary rights. In fact, existing laws of some countries in which we conduct business may offer only limited protection of our intellectual property rights, if at all. Many key aspects of networking technology are governed by industry-wide standards, which are usable by all market participants. As the number of market entrants as well as the complexity of the technology increases, the possibility of functional overlap and inadvertent IPR infringement also increases. Third parties have asserted, and in the future may assert, claims against us alleging that we infringe their intellectual property rights. Defending such claims may be expensive, time consuming and divert the efforts of our management and/or technical personnel. As a result of litigation, we could be required to pay damages and other compensation, develop non-infringing products/technology or enter into royalty or licensing agreements. However, we cannot be certain that any such licenses, if available at all, will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms. Adverse resolution of litigation may harm our operating results or financial condition. We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. Litigation can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution of a particular lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial condition. For additional information regarding certain of the lawsuits in which we are involved, see “Legal and Tax Proceedings,” contained in the Board of Directors’ Report. R I S K F A C T O R S We rely on a limited number of component and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) suppliers for the majority of our component supply and production. Our ability to deliver according to market demands depends in large part on obtaining timely and adequate supply of materials, components and production capacity on competitive terms. Failure by any of our suppliers could interrupt our product supply and could significantly limit our sales and increase our costs. If we fail to anticipate customer demand properly, an over/undersupply of components and production capacity could occur. In many cases, some of our competitors also utilize the same contract manufacturers, and we could be blocked from acquiring the needed components or increasing capacity if they have purchased capacity ahead of us. This factor could limit our ability to supply our customers or could increase our costs. At the same time we commit to certain capacity levels or component quantities, which, if unused, will result in charges for unused capacity or scrapping costs. We are dependent upon hiring and retaining highly qualified employees. While we have been forced to lay off a number of highly skilled employees over the past few years, we believe that our future success depends in large part on our continued ability to hire, develop, motivate and retain engineers and other qualified personnel needed to develop successful new products, support our existing product range and provide services to our customers. Competition for skilled personnel and highly qualified managers in the telecommunications industry remains intense. We are continuously developing our compensation and benefit policies as well as other measures. However, we may not be as successful at attracting and retaining such highly skilled personnel in the future, especially in light of our recent workforce reductions and operational restructuring. Our current and historical operations are subject to a wide range of environmental, health and safety regulations. We are subject to certain environmental and health and safety laws and regulations that affect our operations, facilities and products in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We believe that we are substantially in compliance with all environmental and health safety laws and regulations related to our products, operations and business activities. However, there is a risk that we may have to incur expenditures to cover environmental and health liabilities, to maintain compliance with current or future environmental and health and safety laws and regulations or to undertake any necessary remediation. It is difficult to reasonably estimate the future impact of environmental matters, including potential liabilities due to a number of factors especially the lengthy time intervals often involved in resolving them. E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 91 R I S K F A C T O R S Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect our sales, earnings and cash flows. Ericsson has many subsidiaries operating outside Sweden with significant revenues, costs, assets and debt in currencies other than SEK, which result in substantial foreign exchange exposures. Currency exchange rate fluctuations, affects our growth rates, consolidated balance sheet, cash flows and income statement when translated to SEK. Our attempts to reduce the effect of exchange rate fluctuations through a variety of hedging activities may not be successful, resulting in an adverse impact on our financial results. With a SEK-denominated cost base, and net revenue exposures in foreign currencies, a stronger SEK exchange rate could also have a detrimental affect on Ericsson’s price/costs competitiveness compared to competitors with costs denominated in other currencies. Please also see section “Financial Risk Management” in the Board of Directors’ Report. Some of our financial instruments contain financial ratios and other covenants that may affect our access to and cost of capital. For a discussion of debt facilities that are impacted by changes in our credit rating or our compliance with financial ratios or other covenants see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Financial Instruments. Our current long-term credit rating, is B (Moody’s) and BB (Standard & Poor’s). Given the uncertainty regarding the timing and strength of a market recovery, it is possible that we may suffer additional downgrades or that it will take some time before our ratings are upgraded again. If our credit rating deteriorates further, we will incur additional interest expenses. A subsequent downgrade to B by Moody’s or BB– by Standard & Poor’s would have an aggregate impact on our funding costs of SEK million solely in respect of notes outstanding under our Euro Medium Term Note program. Furthermore, our ability to comply with financial ratio covenants is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to comply with financial ratio covenants, we may need to repay or refinance the related debt and/or other debt which contains cross default provisions. This may have a materially adverse impact on our financial condition. We cannot assure you that we, in such situation, would be able to refinance our indebtedness or obtain additional funding on favorable terms, or at all. Access to short and long term capital funding is influenced by our credit ratings, operational performance as well as market conditions. Our access to short term funding has decreased and may continue to decrease or become more expensive as a result of our operational and financial condition and market conditions. For a discussion of our access to short term funding see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Financial Instruments. Our business has substantial cash requirements and we may require additional sources of funds if our current sources are unavailable or insufficient to satisfy these requirements. We have substantial cash requirements in connection with our operations, research and development, capital expenditure, cost reduction measures, customer financing programs and debt service obligations. If the cash we generate from our operations or that we can access under our credit facilities or from other sources is not available when needed or is insufficient to satisfy our requirements, we may require additional sources of funds. We cannot assure you that any required additional sources of funds would be available or available on reasonable terms, particularly in light of our existing debt levels and credit ratings. If we do not generate sufficient amounts of capital to support our operations, service our debt, continue our research and development and customer financing programs or we do not generate sufficient amounts of capital at the times and on the terms required by us, our business will likely be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that these additional sources of funds will be available or available on reasonable terms. Please also see Notes to the Financial Statements – Note , Financial Instruments. Risks associated with owning Ericsson shares Our share price has been and may continue to be volatile. Our share price has been volatile due in part to the high volatility in the securities markets generally, and for telecommunications and technology companies in particular, as well as developments from quarter to quarter which impact our financial results. Our share price has also been adversely affected by a downgrade or rumored downgrade of our credit ratings. Factors other than our financial results that may affect our share price include but are not limited to variations between our actual financial results and expectations of financial analysts and investors as well as a result of announcements by our customers, competitors or ourselves regarding capital spending plans of network operators, financial difficulties for network operators for whom we have provided financing or with whom we have entered into material 92 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 contracts, award of large supply agreements or contracts for network roll-out. Additional factors include but are not limited to: speculation in the press or investment community about the level of business activity or perceived growth in the market for mobile communications services and equipment; technical problems, in particular those relating to the introduction and viability of next generation network systems like G; potential litigation involving ourselves or the markets in which we operate. Even though we may not be directly involved, announcements concerning bankruptcy or other similar reorganization proceedings involving, or any investigations into the accounting practices of, other telecommunications companies may materially adversely affect our share price. Currency fluctuations may adversely affect the trading prices of our Class B shares and ADSs and the value of any distributions we make thereon. Because our shares are quoted in SEK on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (our primary stock exchange) but on the NASDAQ and London Stock Exchange in local currencies, e.g. USD and British Pounds, fluctuations in exchange rates between the SEK and currencies in which our Class B shares or ADSs are quoted may affect the value of your investment. In addition, because we pay cash dividends in Swedish kronor, fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the value of distributions if arrangements with your bank, broker or depositary, in the case of ADSs, call for distributions to you in currencies other than SEK. Our Class A shareholders have voting control over the company. Under our current capital structure, each Class A share has a thousand times the voting power of each Class B share. Accordingly, as of December , , our A shareholders, including the Class B shares they also owned, held approx. . percent of our capital stock and . percent of our voting rights. Of our two largest shareholders, based on voting rights, Investor AB held percent of our capital stock and . percent of our voting rights and AB Industrivärden held . percent of our capital stock and . percent of our voting rights as of December , . As a result, our Class A shareholders, and in particular Investor AB and AB Industrivärden, have the ability to exert significant influence over certain actions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and auditors, and may have the ability to influence our policy. As such, decisions made by Investor AB or AB Industrivärden may influence our business, results of operations and financial condition. R I S K F A C T O R S E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 93 S H A R E I N F O R M A T I O N Share Information Stock exchange trading Ericsson’s Class A and B shares are traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (Stockholmsbörsen), and the Class B shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. The de-listing from the European exchanges that began in continued in and on February we de-listed from Euronext (Paris) and on April we also de-listed from the German Exchanges (Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Hamburg). In the United States, the Class B shares are traded on NASDAQ in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADS) evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADR). Each ADS represents Class B shares. More than () billion shares were traded in , of which about . () percent were traded on Stockholmsbörsen, about . () percent on NASDAQ, and about . () percent on the London Stock Exchange. Trading on other exchanges amounted to less than () percent of the total share trade. During , million shares were issued and repurchased as treasury stock in connection with the Stock Purchase Plan . Share price trend During the total market value of our shares increased by about percent (decreased by about percent in ) to approximately billion (SEK billion in ). The Stockholmsbörsen OMX index increased by percent, the NASDAQ telecom index increased by approximately percent and the NASDAQ composite index increased by approximately percent in . The Ericsson share increased by approximately percent on NASDAQ (decreased by almost percent in ). Share capital As of December , , Ericsson’s share capital consisted of SEK ,,, (,,,) represented by ,,, shares. The par value of each share is SEK .. As of December , the shares were divided into ,, Class A shares, each carrying one vote, and ,,, Class B shares, each carrying one-thousandth of a vote. As of December , , Ericsson owned ,, Class B shares. No Class C shares, each carrying one-thousandth of a vote, are outstanding. Share trend, Stockholm Stock Exchange Share turnover (million shares) 150 100 50 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 OMX index B shares SEK Nasdaq London Stockholm 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 94 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Share data Earnings per share, diluted (SEK)2) 3) P/E ratio, Class B shares Dividend (SEK)1) Share prices on Stockholmsbörsen (SEK) A at last day of trading A high for year (September 9) A low for year (March 11) B at last day of trading B high for year (September 9) B low for year (March 11) 1) For 2003 as proposed by the Board of Directors 2) 1999 adjusted for 4-for-1 stock split 3) 1999–2003 adjusted for stock dividend element of stock issue Changes in capital stock 1999–2003 1999 Conversions 2000 Bonus issue 2000 Split 2000 Conversions 2001 Conversions 2001 New issue (Class C shares) 2002 Conversions 2002 New issue (Class B shares) 2003 New issue (Class C shares) 2003 December 31 S H A R E I N F O R M A T I O N 2003 –0.69 – 0 13.90 16.80 5.55 12.90 14.60 4.11 2002 –1.51 – 0 8.60 42.89 3.80 6.10 44.78 2.96 2001 –1.94 – 0 42.25 91.00 23.98 41.35 88.11 23.18 2000 1.91 40 0.36 88.17 169.72 75.83 78.00 166.83 72.94 1999 1.11 89 0.36 104.00 104.18 34.48 98.94 103.28 31.78 4:1 1:1 Number of shares Capital stock 5,786,131 – 5,883,316,821 69,880,270 168,395 155,000,000 560 7,908,754,111 158,000,000 16,132,258,678 14,465,328 2,941,658,410 – 75,830,899 168,395 155,000,000 560 7,908,754,111 158,000,000 16,132,258,678 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 95 S H A R E I N F O R M A T I O N Shareholders As of December , we had , shareholders registered at VPC (the Swedish Securities Register Center). According to information provided by Citibank, there were ,, ADSs outstanding as of December , and , registered holders of such ADSs. A significant number of the ADSs are held of record by broker nominees. The majority of ADSs are held at the beneficial shareholder level (i.e. banks, brokers and/or nominee accounts). As of January 6, 2004, this level is represented by 349,628 accounts. According to information known to us, approximately () percent of our Class A and B shares at year-end , were owned by Swedish and international institutions. Ten largest countries, capital: Sweden United States United Kingdom Luxembourg Switzerland Germany Belgium France Norway Denmark Other countries Year end, 2003 Year end, 2002 56.1% 23.8% 4.5% 4.0% 2.3% 1.9% 1.5% 1.2% 0.9% 0.8% 3.0% 52% 23.8% 3.3% 3.3% 2.0% 1.3% 1.1% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 11.4% (According to SIS Ägarservice AB on December 31, 2003.) The following table sets forth, as of December , , share information with respect to our largest shareholders registered at VPC the Swedish Register Center, known by us, ranked by percentage of voting rights: Largest shareholders by voting rights, December 31, 2003 Identity of person or group1) Investor AB AB Industrivärden Svenska Handelsbankens Pensionsstiftelse Pensionskassan SHB Försäkringsförening Livförsäkrings AB Skandia Gamla Livförsäkringsaktiebolaget SEB-Trygg Svenska Handelsbankens Personalstiftelse EB-stiftelsen Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Tredje AP-fonden Svenska Handelsbanken Första AP-fonden SHB/SPP fonder SEB fonder Robur fonder Foreign ownership2) Others Total Percentage Number of of total Class A-shares Class A-shares Number of Class B-shares Percentage of total Class B-shares Voting rights, Percentage of capital percent 256,660,096 186,000,000 48,403,000 31,680,000 29,754,493 12,979,720 10,000,000 7,779,200 5,058,900 2,560,000 2,191,000 901,300 275,000 0 7,169,474 54,806,457 39.11 28.34 7.38 4.83 4.53 1.98 1.52 1.19 0.77 0.39 0.33 0.14 0.04 0.00 553,733,420 178,039,276 35,500,000 31,680,000 168,438,450 119,853,280 10,000,000 3,779,200 159,009,992 7,595,481 202,847,249 265,385,948 235,279,465 478,588,403 3.58 1.15 0.23 0.20 1.09 0.77 0.06 0.02 1.03 0.05 1.31 1.71 1.52 3.09 1.09 8.36 7,078,781,444 5,947,528,430 45.74 38.45 38.29 27.72 7.21 4.72 4.45 1.95 1.49 1.16 0.78 0.38 0.36 0.17 0.08 0.07 2.12 9.05 656,218,640 100.00 15,476,040,038 100.00 100.00 5.02 2,26 0.52 0.39 1.23 0.82 0.12 0.07 1.02 0.06 1.27 1.65 1.46 2.97 43.92 37.22 100.00 1) According to SIS Ägarservice AB, on December 31, 2003 2) Of which Nats Cumco as Nominee:1,596,359,311 Class B-shares (Total amount of ADSs listed on NASDAQ: 890,959,579. (1 ADS = 10 Class B shares.)) 96 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 S H A R E I N F O R M A T I O N The following table indicates the significant changes in the voting rights for Class A and B shares, respectively, held by major shareholders as of December , , and . Person or group (percent of voting rights) Investor AB AB Industrivärden Svenska Handelsbankens Pensionsstiftelse Livförsäkrings AB Skandia Pensionskassan SHB Försäkringsförening Gamla Livförsäkringsaktiebolaget SEB-Trygg Oktogonen, Stiftelsen Svenska Handelsbankens Personalstiftelse SEB-stiftelsen Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Fjärde AP-fonden Första AP-fonden Tredje AP-fonden Svenska Handelsbanken Astoria i Linköping AB SEB fonder SHB/SPP Fonder Wallanders och Hedelius stiftelse Andra AP-fonden Foreign ownership Others Total Source: SIS Ägarservice AB. 2003 2002 2001 Class A shares Class B shares Class A shares Class B shares Class A shares Class B shares 39.11 28.34 7.38 4.53 4.83 1.98 – 1.52 1.19 – 0.33 0.77 0.39 – 0.04 0.14 3.58 1.15 0.23 1.09 0.20 0.77 – 0.06 0.02 – 1.31 1.03 0.05 – 1.52 1.71 – – 1.09 8.36 – – 45.74 41.54 39.11 28.34 5.41 5.02 4.83 1.98 1.97 1.52 1.19 0.33 0.33 0.29 0.22 0.11 0.08 – – – 0.99 8.27 3.93 1.41 0.23 1.67 0.21 0.89 0.09 0.07 0.06 1.64 1.41 1.37 0.06 0.02 1.62 – – – 40.51 44.83 39.11 28.34 5.41 5.02 4.83 1.84 1.91 1.52 1.32 0.33 0.33 0.65 – – – 0.61 0.33 0.49 0.96 6.97 1.74 0.04 0.00 1.20 0.00 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.39 1.07 0.84 – – – 1.10 0.00 1.10 53.29 37.48 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 We do not know of any arrangements that might result in a change of the control of the Company. As of December , , the total number of voting securities of the Company owned by officers and directors as a group was: Officers and directors as a group (28 persons) 6,080 17,632,233 Insignificant Number of Class A shares Number of ClassB shares Voting rights, percent E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 97 S H A R E H O L D E R I N F O R M A T I O N Shareholder Information The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Globe Arena, Globentorget, Stockholm, at p.m. on Tuesday, April , . Shareholders intending to participate in the Annual General Meeting must be entered as shareholders in the share register maintained by VPC AB (Swedish Securities Register Center) not later than Friday, March , . A shareholder whose shares are registered in the name of a trustee must be entered temporarily in the share register not later than Friday, March , , in order to participate in the Meeting. Please note that this procedure is also due for shareholders who are trading via the Internet. Notice of participation in the Annual General Meeting In addition to the requirements listed above, shareholders shall provide notice of attendance to: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Group Function Legal Affairs Box SE- Stockholm Sweden Telephone: + between a.m. and p.m., Fax: + , or via the company’s web site www.ericsson.com/investors no later than . p.m. Wednesday, March , . Proxy In order to attend and vote as proxy on behalf of a shareholder at the Meeting, a power of attorney must be presented to the Company, preferably at the above address not later than Monday, April , . Dividend The Board of Directors and the President have decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting that no dividend is paid for year . 98 E R I C S S O N – A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 Financial information from Ericsson • Interim report January–March : • Interim report January–June : April , July , • Interim report January–September : October , • Full year report January–December : January/February, • Annual report and form -F for US Market : March, Annual reports and financial reports can be downloaded or ordered on our web site: www.ericsson.com/investors or ordered via e-mail or post. For printed publications, contact: Pressdata AB P.O. Box SE- Stockholm Sweden Phone + E-mail: annual.report@pressdata.se. In the US, Ericsson Transfer Agent Citibank: Citibank Shareholder Services Phone toll-free E-mail: ericsson@shareholders-online.com Ordering a hard copy of the Annual Report: http://www.sccorp.com/annualreport/ericsson.htm Call toll free: Contact information: Investor Relations for Europe, Middle East, Africa and AsiaPacific: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson SE- Stockholm Sweden Telephone: + E-mail: investor.relations@lme.ericsson.se Investor Relations for the Americas: Ericsson Inc. Park Avenue, th floor New York, NY USA Telephone: + E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com Project management: Ericsson External Management Information Design and production: Paues Media, Stockholm Production coordinator: Aralia, Stockholm Printing: Fagerblads, Västerås, Sweden EN/LZT 123 7868 R1A © Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 2004 M I L J ÖMÄRK T ISSN 1100 - 8962 TRYCK S A K 341 039 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson SE-164 83 Stockholm Printed on paper that meets international environmental standards; Munken Lynx, especially produced for Ericsson, is TCF, Totally Chlorine Free.