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Ericsson

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FY2006 Annual Report · Ericsson
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dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

 ERICSSON ANNUAL REPORT 2006

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Opportunity

The broadband revolution is just beginning. Cutting-edge 

applications and innovative services are driving the need  

for higher-speed and higher-capacity networks, in line with 

our vision of an all-communicating world. 

Result

As of year-end 2006, Ericsson had rolled out 46 HSPA 

broadband networks on five continents, bringing easy 

access to the Internet to more corners of the world than 

ever before.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
SE-164 83 Stockholm, Sweden
www.ericsson.com

Printed on Amber graphic and holmen Ideal volume – chlorine free paper  
that meets international environmental standards.
EN/LZT 108 9051 R1A   
ISSN 1100-8962
© Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 2007

 
 
CONTENTS

Annual Report 2006

1  Operational review
  25  Letter from the Chairman 
  26  Five-year summary  
  28  Board of directors' Report*
  40  Consolidated financial statements* 
  44  Notes to the consolidated financial statements*
  89  Risk factors*
  94  Parent Company financial statements*
  99  Notes to the Parent Company financial statements* 
  115  Auditors' Report 
  116  Information on the Company 
  129  Forward-looking statements
  130  Share information
  135  Shareholder information 
 136  Compensation

Corporate Governance Report 2006

*Chapters covered by the Auditors' Report

Annual publications

The Ericsson Annual Report is intended to accurately 
describe Ericsson's financial and operational 
performance during 2006. This publication includes  
a Corporate Governance Report.

The Ericsson Summary Annual Report is an extract of 
the full Annual Report.

We issue a separate Corporate Responsibility Report.  
A summary is included on page 22 of this document.

Our  website www.ericsson.com is updated on a regular 
basis and contains a variety of useful information about 
the Company, including downloadable versions of each  
of the above reports.

dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

dRIvINg ChANgE

 ERICSSON ANNUAL REPORT 2006

 ERICSSON SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT 2006

 ERICSSON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILIT Y REPORT 2006

Design and production Publicis Stockholm and Paues Media
Photography Andreas Lind
Reprographics C2, Jonas Skoglund, TBK
Printing Sörmlands grafiska Quebecor AB/Printer Consult

 
This is Ericsson

Why invest in Ericsson?

Founded in 876, Ericsson is a leading provider of communi­

Global leader

cations networks, related services and handset technology 

We are a leading supplier of systems and services to most of  

platforms. Through our Sony Ericsson joint venture, we are 

the world's largest mobile and fixed network operators. Ericsson  

also a major provider of handsets. Our experience building 

has a long history of innovation and an industry­leading R&D 

networks in more than 75 countries gives us unique customer 

program that focuses on being first to market with new solu­

and consumer insights, and our extensive portfolio of telecom­

tions based on open standards. 

munication solutions and intellectual property offer a true 

business advantage. We are committed to working with our 

customers and partners to expand the borders of telecom­

munications for the benefit of people everywhere.

Our vision

Our vision is to be the prime driver in an all­communicating world.

This means a world in which all people can use voice, data, 

images and video to share ideas and information whenever 

Solid financial performance

2006 is the third consecutive year in which Ericsson has 

reported good sales growth and best­in­class operating  

margin. Cash flow before financial investing activities was  

SEK ­2.6 billion. Excluding major acquisitions/divestitures,  

we generated however a healthy cash flow from operations  

of SEK 2.2 billion. The dividend has increased over each  

of the past two years and the Board has proposed a further  

 percent increase for 2006. 

and wherever they want.

Long-term growth

We are gaining market share in mobile and fixed networks 

as well as in services. Our professional services business 

is experiencing particularly strong growth and generating 

a return on capital employed well above the group average. 

Moreover, we anticipate that our Sony Ericsson joint venture, 

our industry­leading patent portfolio and our newly­formed 

multimedia business unit will increasingly contribute favorably 

to our overall financial performance. 

T h i S   i S   E R i C S S O n



 
FinanCial highlighTS

Change 
from 2005 

20052)  

20043) 

20034) 

20024)

SEK million 

net sales 
Operating income 
  – operating margin 
net income 
Earnings per share, diluted, SEK  
Cash dividends per share, SEK 

2006 

177,783   
35,828   
20.2%   
26,436   
1.65   
0.50) 

7.% 
8.3% 

8.% 
7.8% 
.% 

5,82 
33,084  
2.8% 
24,460 
.53 
0.45 

3,972 
26,706 
20.2% 
7,836 
. 
0.25 

86,86 
69,268 
5,44 
80,445 
33,643 

7,738 
­,239 
­9.5% 
­0,844 
­0.69 
0 

45,773
­2,299
­4.6%
­9,03
­.5
0

82,372 
58,873 
08,989 
60,48 
46,209 

209,3
73,026
37,539
73,607
6,463

214,940 
 82,926 
142,447 
120,113 
21,552 

2.7% 
­3.8% 
6.8% 
8.2% 
­30.2% 

209,336 
86,84 
33,332 
0,622 
30,860 

40,728 

­9.6% 

50,645 

42,9 

26,998 

4,75

24.4% 
23.7% 
27.4% 
56.2% 
1.3 
5.1 
3.9 

25.6% 
26.7% 
28.7% 
49.0% 
.2 
5.0 
4. 

25.5% 
24.2% 
26.4% 
43.8% 
.2 
5.7 
4. 

.% 
­6.2% 
­5.9% 
34.4% 
.0 
6. 
3.4 

­.9%
­26.7%
­.3%
36.4%
.0
5.
3.0

63,781 
19,094 
98,694 

3.8% 
­9.8% 
5.% 

56,055 
2,78 
93,879 

50,534 
2,296 
86,50 

5,583 
24,408 
72,966 

64,62
30,24
86,695

Net SaLeS:
good growth, mainly  
driven by mobile networks, 
professional services and 
acquired Marconi sales.

OperatING marGIN:
Best­in­class operating 
margin reflects scale 
advantage and operational 
excellence.

Net INcOme:
SEK 26.4 billion is the 
highest in Ericsson's history.

caSH dIVIdeNdS:
SEK 0.50 proposal is double
the level paid for 2004.

Net caSH:
Strategic acquisition of 
Marconi assets reduces net 
cash.

)   For 2006, as proposed by 
the Board of Directors. 
2)   Ericsson has adopted the 

new option in iaS 9 as from 
January , 2006. 2005 has 
been restated accordingly.
3)   2004 has been restated in 
accordance with iFRS.
4)   2002 and 2003 have not 

been restated. The 
differences refer mainly to 
capitalized development 
costs, goodwill and pensions.

Year-eNd pOSItION, SEK million
Total assets 
Working capital  
Capital employed 
Stockholders’ equity 
interest­bearing liabilities and 
post­employment benefits 
net cash  

ratIOS
EBiTDa  
Return on equity 
Return on capital employed 
Equity ratio 
Capital turnover 
inventory turnover 
accounts receivable turnover 

StatIStIcaL data, Year-eNd
number of employees
  – Worldwide 
  – Of which in Sweden 
Export sales from Sweden, SEK million 

Our 10 LarGeSt marketS 2006
% of total sales

Net SaLeS
(SEK billion)

45.8

5.8

32.0

7.7

SaLeS BY reGION 2006
Ericsson net sales (SEK billion) 
and change (%) year­over­year

177.8

Western Europe

Central &  
Eastern Europe,  
Middle East  
and africa

51.9
+24%

50.3
+23%

15.9
-18%

16.5
-14%

43.2
+42%

2002   2003   2004   2005   2006

north 
america

latin america

asia 
Pacific

8

7

6

6

5

4

4

4

3

3

a

S

U

a

h i n

C

it a ly

K

U

a i n

p

S

u

a

s tr a li a

d i a

i n

w

S

n

e

d

e

B r a

z il
i n

d

s i a

e

n

o

2

F i n a n C i a l   h i g h l i g h T S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KEY aChiEvEMEnTS 2006

We were awarded contracts to build 

Our 3G (Wcdma/HSpa) solution was 

mobile networks in many areas of asia, 

selected by leading operators around the 

africa and the Middle East, bringing tele­

world including eMobile and Softbank (Japan), 

coms to millions of people for the first time.

aT&T and T­Mobile (US) and Telstra (australia).

Fixed-line operators, including  

T­Com and Telefonica, increasingly 

selected our broadband access 

and optical transmission solutions.

We extended our lead in 

services, now supporting 

networks with one billion 

subscribers.

We won 23 new ImS (iP Multimedia Subsys­

tem) contracts for fixed and mobile networks 

and led the industry forward by putting six 

new iMS networks into commercial operation.

vodafone group named 

us Supplier of the Year 

and designated us as a 

preferred iMS supplier.

We deployed our one mil-

lionth microwave Mini­linK 

used to transport traffic in 

mobile and fixed networks.

Our solution for fixed broad­

band access (vDSl2) was named 

Best access technology at 

Broadband World Forum 2006.

We exceeded our goal to 

reduce r&d lead times 

by an additional 20 percent 

during the year.

Our acquisition and successful 

integration of Marconi further 

strengthened our ability to 

deliver end­to­end solutions.

K E Y   a C h i E v E M E n T S   2 0 0 6

3
3

TO MY FEllOW ShaREhOlDERS,

2006 was a year of great change, enabling us to capture current 

greatest strengths and has made Ericsson a driving force 

opportunities and open the door to new ones. Our 7 percent 

behind the industry’s evolution for the past 30 years.

sales growth outpaced the industry and extended our leading 

The world of communications is driven by consumers' 

position in systems and services. 

desire for mobility and broadband. Today, there are more 

than 2.7 billion mobile subscriptions in the world, and in a 

change creates Opportunities

few years this figure is expected to pass four billion, fueled by 

Our market leadership and scale advantage have stimulated 

high­growth markets. as most of these markets have limited 

increased merger activity among our main competitors. We 

fixed­line networks, the mobile networks will be the way for 

believe that this is a positive development, as over the long 

many new subscribers to access the internet for the first time. 

term this will create fewer but stronger competitors and a 

We rolled out almost one half, and the vast majority in 

healthier market. Our customers' needs are also changing as 

terms of users, of all hSPa mobile broadband networks that 

they move toward all­iP networks and high­speed broadband. 

were put into commercial service during 2006, enabling our 

Our recent reorganization and the acquisitions of Marconi in 

customers to launch a new generation of mobile data services. 

2006 and Redback networks in 2007 have put us in a stron­

The combination of rapid subscriber growth, increased usage, 

ger position than ever to address the evolving needs of the 

and new applications, such as internet surfing, music down­

world's leading operators. Our ability to lead the telecommu­

loads and mobile Tv, will require ongoing operator investments 

nications industry through times of change is one of our 

to improve network coverage, capacity and functionality. 

The number of Class B 
shares (and Class a 
shares, if applicable) 
includes holdings by 
related natural or legal 
persons.

torbjörn Nilsson
Senior Vice President and  
head of Group Function  
Strategy & Product  
Management (until 
December 31, 2006)

Born: 953

Shares held:  
69,54 Class B

marita Hellberg
Senior Vice President and 
head of Group Function 
Human Resources and 
Organization 

Born: 955

Shares held:  
47,09 Class B

Henry Sténson
Senior Vice President  
and head of Group 
Function  
Communications

Born: 955

Shares held:  
42,574 Class B

kurt Jofs
Executive Vice President  
and head of Business  
Unit Access 

Born: 958

Shares held:  
229,522 Class B

carl Olof Blomqvist
Senior Vice President, 
General Counsel and  
head of Group Function  
Legal Affairs

Born: 95

Shares held:  
6,080 Class a  
46,49 Class B

Joakim Westh
Senior Vice President  
and head of Group 
Function Operational 
Excellence

Born: 96

Shares held:  
24,886 Class B

4

M E S S a g E   F R O M   T h E   C E O

the prime driver in an all-communicating World

smarter and gain a better understanding of customer needs,  

By supporting operators to expand their mobile and fixed 

we have fostered an environment dedicated to serving our 

networks to reach a broader population, we are helping to 

customers better than anybody else. Ericsson is a company of 

improve quality of life, spur socio­economic development, 

outstanding talent. i take pride in our employees and the work 

and foster mutual understanding. By evolving and improving 

that we do around the world. as we close the book on 2006 

the networks, and bringing new multimedia services to 

and enter 2007, i am excited about the prospects for telecom­

market, we are also creating a world in which all people can 

munications and the significance our industry plays in global 

have access to information, entertainment, social communi­

development. Supplying the technology and services that  

ties and more, whenever and wherever they want. at the 

enrich the everyday lives of billions of people around the world… 

same time, our Sony Ericsson joint venture is introducing 

what a fantastic company to work for!

feature­rich and attractive mobile handsets to facilitate  

simple use of these services.

Striving for Operational excellence

These achievements would not have been possible without  

our focus on operational excellence. By identifying best practices 

in key dimensions of our operations and striving to work 

Carl­henric Svanberg

President & CEO

carl-Henric 
Svanberg 
President and CEO

Born: 952

Shares held:  
5,683,577 Class B

Bert Nordberg
Executive Vice President, 
head of Group Function  
Sales and Marketing

Born: 956

Shares held:  
43,87 Class B

karl-Henrik 
Sundström
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer  
and head of Group 
Function Finance

Born: 960

Shares held:  
34,230 Class B

Håkan eriksson
Senior Vice President, 
Chief Technology Officer 
and head of Group 
Function R&D

Born: 96

Shares held:  
22,980 Class B

Sivert Bergman
Senior Vice President  
and head of Business Unit 
Broadband Networks

Born: 946

Shares held:  
7,260 Class B

Björn Olsson
Executive Vice President 
and head of  
Business Unit Systems

Born: 956

Shares held:  
40,76 Class B

Hans Vestberg 
Executive Vice President  
and head of Business Unit 
Global Services 

Born: 965

Shares held:  
27,364 Class B

M E S S a g E   F R O M   T h E   C E O

5

 
OUR BUSinESS FOCUS 2006



Reaching
more people

2

increasing 
speed and
capacity

Our fixed and mobile broadband solutions dramatically 

Ericsson brought telecommunications to more people 

improve network speed and capacity. network evolutions 

in more parts of the world than ever before, deploying 

are enhancing quality of service and enabling operators to 

rural networks and boosting capacity in many high­

launch new data services for their subscribers. On the mobile 

growth markets. The number of global subscriptions 

side of the business, we have supplied 46 of the 96 3g/hSPa 

grew by a record 500 million, ending the year at 2.7 

(high­speed packet access) networks launched to date. On 

billion. Our cost­efficient and scalable solutions require 

the fixed side, we delivered iP­DSl networks to more than 

fewer radio sites while maintaining high­quality network 

00 customers around the world during 2006, putting Ericsson 

performance. in this way, we help our customers to 

among the global leaders in broadband access.

reduce their operating costs, enabling them to expand 

coverage to reach more users in new geographic areas.

Opportunities in a converging world

Many of the world’s leading operators are beginning to con­

make Ericsson an attractive partner for operators seeking sup­

verge their mobile and fixed networks into one. For consumers 

port to reliably and cost­effectively evolve their networks to 

this means a richer experience with easier access to a wide 

accommodate multiple technologies. 

range of content and applications. For operators it means 

reduced costs and shorter time to market with new services. 

This, in turn, creates new opportunities for suppliers, like 

Ericsson, with both mobile and fixed expertise.

During 2006, we complemented our established leadership 

in mobility by strengthening our fixed­line portfolio. Our tech­

nology leadership, global presence, consumer understanding 

and extensive experience in integrating and managing networks 

Same services on all devices

iP Multimedia Subsystem (iMS) is the key that enables sub­

scribers to access the same content and services from a 

multitude of devices. We are the world's leading supplier of 

iMS with 34 contracts for commercial launch and more than 

70 trials.

6

O U R   B U S i n E S S   F O C U S   2 0 0 6

3

Preparing for 
the future

4

Expanding  
our role

By providing operators with innovative offerings and reducing 

their cost of operations, we support our operators in evolving 

With the introduction of broadband access, subscribers 

their businesses. We are taking increased responsibility as  

can enjoy a wide variety of multimedia applications. To 

a prime integrator and managed services partner for our 

accommodate this traffic, however, many operators will 

customers. Our 24,000 service professionals in more than 

have to overhaul their core networks as well. During 2006, 

40 countries provide local competence and global expertise 

Ericsson took the lead in supporting operators to prepare 

in consulting, network rollout, systems integration, managed 

their networks for an all­iP environment by deploying 

services, education and support. in 2006, we provided 24­hour 

softswitch, iMS, and optical and microwave transport 

network support for one billion subscribers. 

solutions. We also worked with partners via Ericsson 

Mobility World to bring new multimedia content to the 

mobile environment.

an impressive customer base

We serve a broad base of more than 600 customers in over 

Winning New Business

75 countries, including the largest mobile operators in Europe, 

We continued to expand our addressable market and gain 

north america, latin america, asia, Middle East and africa. The 

market share, with 48 new and expanded agreements for 

world’s ten largest operators are all our customers and together 

supply of network equipment and/or services during the year. 

represent almost 50 percent of all mobile subscriptions worldwide. 

Recent acquisitions will enable us to expand our offerings 

diversity reduces risk

The diversity of our customer base and the broad appeal of 

our offerings are reflected in the fact that, during 2006, no  

single customer accounted for more than 7 percent of group 

sales. Our sales were also evenly divided between emerging 

and developed markets. 

even further, enhancing our ability to attract new customers 

and to deliver increased value to the many we already serve. 

O U R   B U S i n E S S   F O C U S   2 0 0 6

7

Opportunity

Our customer Telstra wanted to quickly bring reliable mobile 

broadband service to all Australians, no matter where they live. 

Result

Ericsson worked together with Telstra to deploy 3G/HSPA mobile 

broadband in just ten months, the fastest rollout ever. The high-

speed network reaches 98 percent of the population, benefiting 

– among other things – health care and education.
8

K a P i T E l R U B R i K

ThE ERiCSSOn aDvanTagE

We have been present in most of our markets for more than 00 years, building strong, long­term relationships with 

Dedication to long­term  
customer relationships

the world’s leading operators. Our significant scale advantage, end­to­end offerings and a local presence in every 

major market enable us to serve as a true partner for cost­effective delivery of solutions and support to a diverse base of 

customers. as operators are increasingly reducing the number of different suppliers they rely on, the responsiveness 

of our employees and the power of our portfolio of products and services that have built a trust over many decades, 

will be key to our future success.

Commitment to  
technology leadership

Ericsson has earned a reputation for innovation and technology leadership by developing open standards and bringing 

reliable, cost­effective network solutions to market. Our early involvement in creating new technologies often enables 

us to be first to market with new solutions – a distinct competitive advantage for operators that choose us as their primary 

supplier. Our extensive portfolio of approximately 22,000 patents covers a variety of fixed and mobile technologies, 

including gSM and WCDMa – the technologies that connect more than 80 percent of the world’s mobile subscribers.

Passion for  
operational excellence

Our mission to take our customers forward in the best possible way requires simple, efficient and effective processes that 

consistently yield high­quality products and services with low cost of ownership. This, combined with our core values of 

professionalism, respect and perserverance, are key to our ways of working. During the past three years, our empha­

sis on operational excellence has enabled us to increase sales without increasing operating expenses at the same 

rate. Furthermore, we reduced R&D lead times in 2006 by more than 20 percent. as a result, we can bring products 

to market faster than ever at a lower R&D cost.

T h E   E R i C S S O n   a D va n Ta g E

9

2

3

OUR PRODUCTS anD SERviCES

Segment Systems:  
Mobile and fixed networks

mobile access

Ericsson is the global leader in the area of 2g (gSM) and 3g 

(WCDMa/hSPa) mobile networks. By deploying our scalable 

Ericsson Expander solutions in new coverage areas, operators 

can profitably serve low­spending users as the total cost of 

Ip core network (switching, routing, control and 

transport)

The evolution to internet Protocol (iP) starts in the core. Our 

core network solutions include industry­leading softswitch,  

iP infrastructure, iMS, media gateways and microwave and 

optical transport solutions to provide cost­effective manage­

ment of voice and data traffic. Our acquisition of Redback 

networks will further strengthen our iP product portfolio.

ownership is at least 30 percent lower. More than 40 percent 

multimedia services and applications

of the operators who have begun rolling out mobile broad­

a broadband network with an iP core provides operators with 

band technology have chosen Ericsson’s WCDMa/hSPa 

almost everything they need to begin offering multimedia 

radio network. This evolution from gSM to hSPa means that 

services. The last pieces of the puzzle are multimedia applica­

tasks which once took minutes to accomplish in the mobile 

tions and devices to attract subscribers, increase usage and 

network (e.g. downloading a song) will now take seconds. 

generate revenues.

gSM and WCDMa/hSPa share a common core network, 

While multimedia applications and content have flourished 

meaning that previous investments are preserved as opera­

in the world of fixed communications, operators are just now 

tors transition from voice­centric to multimedia networks.  

beginning to launch attractive features for the mobile sub­

We are now actively involved in the development of standards 

scriber. Our ability to understand the needs of consumers and 

for the long­Term Evolution (lTE) of 3g which will further 

enterprises, and our relationships with content and applica­

enhance the consumer experience.

tion partners enable us to deliver such solutions and drive the 

Fixed broadband access

future of mobile multimedia. 

The acquisition of Marconi strengthened our iP­DSl offer­

Working end-to-end 

ing for fiber­ and copper­based broadband access networks. 

Sony Ericsson’s cutting­edge multimedia handsets and our 

The expansion of our fixed broadband offering has been an 

handset technology platforms and global services team 

important step in reinforcing our ability to address network 

complete our end­to­end proposition. By ensuring that all ele­

operators as they begin integrating their fixed and mobile  

ments of the communication chain – the phone, the access 

networks.

and core networks, the applications and the services – work 

together, we provide a powerful offering for our customers.

Systems' sales by business activity

Mobile networks

74%

Fixed networks

7%

Professional Services

9%

mobile Networks Sales
(SEK billion)

23.4

2.6

98.2

82.

Fixed Networks Sales
(SEK billion)

2.0

8.0

4.6

4.6

2003

2004

2005

2006

2003

2004

2005

2006

0

O U R   P R O D U C T S   a n D   S E R v i C E S

150

120

90

60

30

0

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

tHe cONVerGed NetWOrk

SERVICES

 MULTIMEDIA
SERVICES &
APPLICATIONS

USERS

MOBILE

FIXED

SWITCHING/
ROUTING

CONTROL

SWITCHING/
ROUTING

TO INTERNET
AND OTHER
NETWORKS

TRANSPORT

ACCESS

CORE NETWORK

acceSS

cOre NetWOrk

mobile: radio base stations connect 
users to the mobile network.

Fixed: aXe products provide traditional 
voice service. digital Subscriber Lines 
(dSL) and “fiber to the home” solutions 
connect users to the fixed or converged 
network.

Switching/routing: routers, media gateways and 
aXe switches connect voice and broadband traffic 
between users and multimedia services. 

control: Softswitch and ImS control the traffic 
flow between users and manage the wide variety 
of content available through the networks. this is 
often referred to as the "brains" of the network.

transport: Optical and microwave transmission 
connect all parts of the network, enabling the 
high-speed transport of voice and data.

muLtImedIa SerVIceS aNd 
appLIcatIONS
examples:
- e-mail 
- Internet browsing
- music
- mobile tV and IptV
-  mmS for sharing video, images etc.
- Location-based services
-  Business support systems, including 

charging and billing solutions 

O U R   P R O D U C T S   a n D   S E R v i C E S



Our products and services continued

Services as percent  

of Systems’ sales

Services

2006

focus on their core business of attracting, serving and retain­

By outsourcing certain activities to Ericsson, operators can 

32%

ing customers. We realized the strategic importance of services 

early on, and by the end of the 990s we were the first supplier 

to form a services business unit. Today, our services orga­

nization leads the industry with 24,000 professionals in 40 

countries. We use our experience, skills and scale to support 

customers in growing their business. 

professional services 

Managed services 

We provide high­quality operations of fixed and mobile net­

works at a predictable cost. in addition, as a leading provider 

of hosting solutions, we enable operators to launch multimedia 

services in a simple, fast and cost­effective manner. We are the 

industry leader in managed services, managing networks with 

more than 00 million subscribers.

Systems integration 

Operators can minimize risk by engaging Ericsson to integrate 

equipment from multiple suppliers and handle technology change 

programs, as well as to design and integrate new solutions. 

More and more operators who face challenging technology 

transformations or introductions of multimedia services are 

asking us to serve as a prime integrator. 

Consulting and education 

as technologies and business models become more complex in 

the evolution towards broadband and all­iP, our customers rely 

on our consultants to support them in selecting technologies, 

identifying multimedia services for growth and developing the 

competence of their employees.

Customer support 

having experienced professionals available around­the­clock to 

provide customer support is a crucial part of our service offer­

ing. giving advice on how to maximize efficiency in day­to­day 

operations ensures network uptime and lowers total cost.

2005

28%

2004 

25%

Services sales
(SEK billion)

40.2
15.4

24.9

31.1
11.0

20.1

53.7
21.3

32.3

Network rollout 

2004

2005

2006

Network rollout

Professional Services

note: due to rounding, the two parts of 
a column may not add up exactly to the 
total.

Our ability to effectively roll out networks generates significant 

revenues. in 2006, we raised the bar on network rollout effi­

ciency, launching the world’s geographically largest national 

hSPa network for Telstra (australia) in only ten months.

2

O U R   P R O D U C T S   a n D   S E R v i C E S

ericsson’s state-of-the-art Network 
Operations centers (NOc) play a 
key role in managing the day-to-day 
operations of customer networks and 
in hosting content, applications and 
enablers. Seven global NOcs provide 
local managed-services solutions for 
operators and enterprises.

Segment Other Operations

Ericsson provides several other important and complementary technical solutions.  

The units included in Other Operations are small but strategically important.

Ericsson Mobile Platforms is a leading supplier of technology platforms (gSM/gPRS, 

EDgE and WCDMa/hSPa) for mobile handsets and PC cards. During 2006, more than 7 million 3g/WCDMa handsets 

were based on our technology. We currently license these platforms to 9 handset providers, enabling them to launch 

new products faster, with lower technology risks. 

Ericsson network Technologies (Cables) is a leading provider of copper  

and fiber cables for telecommunications and power networks.

Ericsson Enterprise provides communications systems and services that enable businesses, 

public entities and educational institutions to have seamless access to applications and services across multiple locations. 

Ericsson Power Modules is a leading supplier of DC/DC power converters and regulators, 

mainly to the communications industry.

Ericsson Microwave Systems was sold to Saab aB in September 2006.

O U R   P R O D U C T S   a n D   S E R v i C E S

3

a RECORD YEaR FOR 
SOnY ERiCSSOn

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications is a 50/50 joint ven­

3G phones 

ture, combining Ericsson’s technology leadership with Sony’s 

Some of Sony Ericsson’s best selling WCDMa phones during 

consumer electronics expertise to create a powerful partner­

2006 were the K800, K60 and W850. The success of these 

ship that brings innovative products to market and provides 

feature­rich and attractively designed 3g models has enabled 

us with a valuable link to the consumer.

Sony Ericsson to capture a market share in 3g that is almost 

a record year 

in 2006, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications celebrated 

their 5th anniversary by delivering record­breaking results. 

double its position in the overall market. This is promising for 

the future as 3g phones are expected to represent a much 

larger share of the market in the years ahead.

Sony Ericsson reported 46 percent unit growth, 5 percent sales 

Gaining share in a growing market 

growth and profits that more than doubled. The joint venture's 

Sony Ericsson’s ability to differentiate itself with attractive,  

success is partly attributable to its broadened portfolio, 

feature­rich phones has enabled the joint venture to enter 

including the introduction of the 3.2 mega pixel Cyber­shotTM 

2007 with strong momentum. The popularity of Sony Ericsson’s 

imaging phone and a wide range of Walkman® music phones.

high­end models has generated brand awareness across the 

a complete product portfolio 

While Sony Ericsson’s multimedia Cyber­shotTM and Walkman® 

line­up captured most of the headlines, the joint venture 

shipped more than 75 different phones in all during the year, 

including a wide variety of models in the mid­ and entry­level 

segments. Over recent years, Sony Ericsson has developed 

into a full portfolio player and this is reflected in their market 

share gain during 2006.

portfolio, encouraging more users in all categories to choose 

Sony Ericsson as their brand of choice. With more than 980 

million handsets sold industry wide in 2006 and the market 

expected to break the one billion mark in 2007, Sony Ericsson 

is well positioned to capitalize on continued market growth. 

Cyber­shot™ is a trademark of Sony Corporation
WalKMan® is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation

1,298

Number of units shipped (million)

Sales (million Euro)

Income before taxes (million Euro)

74.8

51.2

42.3

27.2

22.9

4,673

4,176

10,959

7,268

6,525

512

486

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

4

a   R E C O R D   Y E a R   F O R   S O n Y   E R i C S S O n

-130

-291

Opportunity

The evolution of mobile broadband is rapidly increasing the 

demand for feature-rich phones, providing easy access to 

the latest applications and content. 

Result

During 2006, Sony Ericsson celebrated its five-year anni-

versary with over 20 million Walkman® phones sold since 

releasing the first model in the fall of 2005.

K a P i T E l R U B R i K

5

 
an all­COMMUniCaTing WORlD
– more people communicating in more ways

communication for all

going mobile! in 2006, the number of 3g/WCDMa subscrip­

Following the record growth in new mobile subscriptions 

tions nearly doubled to approximately 00 million globally.  

during 2006, we expect that the total number of mobile sub­

We anticipate that this figure will grow significantly over the 

scriptions will surpass three billion already in 2007. This rapid 

next five years. The traffic increase in fixed broadband net­

growth is possible thanks to the introduction of cost­effective 

works will be greater still.

solutions, such as Ericsson Expander. This far­reaching and 

scalable radio base station enables operators to profitably 

launch networks in sparsely populated or developing areas 

that typically generate aRPU (average revenue per user) well 

below USD 0. We also offer solutions that enable operators 

to enhance capacity without having to add new radio base 

stations. apart from being a case for good business, these 

solutions enhance quality of life by helping to eliminate  

the impact of distance and to establish the foundation for 

more advanced data services.

taking broadband mobile

multimedia

Thanks to hSPa and the transformation to all­iP networks,  

the mobile broadband genie is out of the bottle and there is no 

end to what it can do: high­speed downloads of music, photos, 

streaming television and other multimedia applications. 

Operators are making great strides in this area as they seek to 

introduce attractive offerings and generate increased revenues in a 

very competitive marketplace. in 2006, the multimedia market 

was estimated to be approximately USD 25 billion and is 

expected to exceed USD 00 billion by 20. 

Our end­to­end approach includes our Consumer and 

During the past ten years, the internet has revolutionized 

Enterprise lab, through which we conduct more than 20,000 

the world, connecting more than a billion homes and offices 

face­to­face interviews annually, providing valuable insights 

into one massive global network. in the early 990s, analog 

for ourselves and our customers. it also includes our access 

modems and narrowband dial­up connections made surfing 

to unique content through the more than 250,000 developers 

the web and downloading content possible but often frustrat­

linked to Ericsson Mobility World. These assets combined with 

ing due to slow response times over these connections. Then 

our network and handset technology expertise and our charging, 

came digital subscriber lines and broadband!

messaging and provisioning solutions put us in a very strong 

Fixed broadband is today expanding its reach throughout 

position to support operators in launching the new services 

the world, and as it does, an exciting thing has happened… 

needed to capture the multimedia opportunity.

broadband has broken away from the home and office and is 

In 1876, Lars magnus 
ericsson opens up a 
telegraph repair shop 
in Stockholm. this 
same year, alexander 
Graham Bell patents 
the telephone.

By the turn of the century, 
ericsson is building 
fixed networks on five 
continents. In the 1920s, 
manual switching centers 
give way to automatic 
switching. 

the 1980s see the intro-
duction of analog mobile 
networks. In the 1990s, fixed 
broadband is introduced as 
is atm switching, bringing 
with it the start of  
the Internet age.

6

a n   a l l­ C O M M U n i C aT i n g   W O R l D

Mobile Subscriptions

Broadband Lines

High-growth market
Mature markets

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

)

n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(
s
n
o
i
t
p
i
r
c
s
b
u
S
d
e
t
r
o
p
e
R

Fiber/WLL
Cable
DSL

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

)

n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(
s
e
n
L

i

-00

-01

-02

-03

-04

-05

-06

-07

-08

-09

-10

-11

-00

-01

-02

-03

-04

-05

-06

-07

-08

-09

-10

-11

With subscription penetration of approximately 40% there 
is still enormous potential for growth. Over the next 5 years, 
over 80% of new subscriptions are expected to come 
from emerging markets, with the most significant growth 
coming from India and china.

Source: Ericsson

today there are more than 270 million fixed broadband 
subscriber lines worldwide and this number is expected 
to more than double to almost 600 millions by 2011.

Source: Ericsson

Traffic in Mobile Access Networks

Traffic in Fixed Access Networks

3

2.5

2

1.5

1

0.5

0

-05

Mobile data
Voice

IPTV
Internet
Voice

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

r
a
e
y
/
e
t
y
b
a
r
e
T
n
o

i
l
l
i

M

-06

-07

-08

-09

-10

-11

-05

-06

-07

-08

-09

-10

-11

r
a
e
y
/
e
t
y
b
a
r
e
T
n
o

i
l
l
i

M

the mobile Internet, tV, video, music and the rise of 
the mobile office are all expected to lead to significant 
traffic growth in the world's mobile networks. data is 
expected to surpass voice by the end of the decade.

today operators are making the transition to all-Ip 
networks and are just beginning to launch IptV. the 
estimated increase in IptV usage assumes 4 hours 
daily use of IptV, by 50 million subscribers in 2011.

Source: Ericsson

Source: Ericsson

the new millennium starts 
with extraordinary growth, 
as the Internet fuels a 
massive increase in data 
traffic. the first 3G mobile 
broadband networks are 
introduced. 

In 2002, the number of mobile 
subscriptions surpasses fixed. By 
2006, Internet users exceed one billion 
and mobile subscriptions reach 2.7 
billion. Operators begin conversion to 
lower-cost and higher-performance 
all-Ip networks.

Over the next few years, more 
than four billion people will 
have access to fixed or mobile 
broadband networks for voice 
and data. this will bring us one 
step closer to our vision of an 
all-communicating world.

a n   a l l­ C O M M U n i C aT i n g   W O R l D

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
lEaDing, Changing, gROWing

Ericsson has led the evolution of telecommunications. From 

Business unit Global Services – Our expertise in network 

the introduction of fixed­line networks in the late 800s to 

rollout, consulting, education, integration, customer support 

fixed and mobile broadband today, we have built an unpar­

and managed services enables us to capitalize on the trend 

alleled track record that is a result of our ability to predict, 

among operators to outsource a broader range of activities to 

respond to and capitalize on change.

network suppliers.

as of January , 2007, we have realigned our organization to 

reflect market trends, strengthen our leadership and expand our 

market reach. Through efficiently applying our resources into three 

key business units we are sharpening our focus on the markets 

that we believe will enable us to capture emerging opportunities 

and best meet the needs of our global customer base.

Business unit multimedia – Our applications and con­

tent management solutions help our customers to increase 

their sales. Ericsson Mobility World brings a broad array of 

music, images, games and global positioning applications to 

operators and to their subscribers. Ericsson Consumer and 

Enterprise lab and the complementary strengths of Sony 

Business unit Networks – With our robust portfolio of mobile 

Ericsson Mobile Communications further enhance our con­

and fixed broadband access technologies, core networks, 

sumer perspective for superior end­to­end offerings.

transport and next­generation iP networks, we will effectively 

meet the coverage, capacity and network evolution needs of 

our customers.

the prime driver 

in an all-communicating world

make people's lives easier and richer

provide affordable communication for all

enable new ways for companies to do business

eXceL 

in Network  
Infrastructure

eXpaNd 

in 
Services

eStaBLISH 

position in 
multimedia 
Solutions

Operational excellence in everything we do

8

l E a D i n g ,   C h a n g i n g ,   g R O W i n g

 networks 
“ Ericsson has been # in mobile networks for many years and has now  

re­emerged as a leading contender in fixed networks as well. This has 

enabled us to expand our business with existing customers and to enter into 

important new relationships with others. in the years ahead, fixed and mobile 

broadband will be deployed in more and more areas of the world  

and Ericsson networks will be a driving force behind this evolution.”

kurt Jofs
Executive Vice President 

and head of Business Unit Networks

 global Services 
“ Whether measured by numbers or by performance, we are the global leader 

in both professional services and network rollout. in 2006, operators spent an 

estimated USD 6­65 billion on services and the market has shown consistent 

growth over the years. Our ability to support our customers in growing their 

business and in significantly reducing network operations costs explains why 

our services are in such high demand. With our services offering, our custom­

ers gain significant efficiencies.”

Hans Vestberg
Executive Vice President 

and head of Business Unit Global Services

 Multimedia 
“ The future is here and now ­ it's about music on the move, mobile Tv, internet 

and e­mail access wherever you want it. Ericsson is helping to drive the multime­

dia experience by enabling our customers to develop successful businesses that 

energize consumers' lives by providing rich, exciting, differentiated content. Our 

innovative technology, application platforms, cutting­edge Sony Ericsson phones 

and relationships with leading content developers and application providers make 

us a valuable partner for operators and other industry players seeking to  

access more revenue streams.”

Jan Wäreby
Senior Vice President 

and head of Business Unit Multimedia

l E a D i n g ,   C h a n g i n g ,   g R O W i n g

9

QUESTiOnS anD anSWERS

Why is Ericsson expanding headcount?

as a knowledge company, our employees are our greatest asset. During the year we added a net of 7,726 employees. 

This increase was primarily a result of the Marconi acquisition and the remaining additions were largely in Services  

to accommodate the 33 percent growth in that area. going forward we expect to increase our headcount in line with 

our business needs. We have already announced plans to hire 500 new research engineers over the next few years 

to further strengthen Ericsson’s technology leadership and accelerate research, especially in the area of iP­networks 

and multimedia technology.

What is Ericsson's acquisition strategy? 

Over the past three years we have consistently grown our business faster than the market while maintaining best­in­class 

profitability. This has been achieved primarily through organic growth, complemented by bolt­on acquisitions that have 

brought us cutting­edge technology or expertise. going forward our strategy remains the same. 

What is Ericsson's most significant  
challenge going forward?

Keeping pace with change, bringing cost­efficient, revenue­generating solutions to market, and meeting the needs 

of our customers better than our competitors are our primary challenges and key to our future success. although 

we have been a telecommunications leader for many decades, this industry is always evolving and we must evolve 

along with it if we are to stay in the lead. The last 20 years have seen tremendous growth in mobile subscriptions. 

looking to the future, the pace of new subscriber additions will eventually slow and growth will need to be driven 

in new ways. growing minutes of use and a rapid increase in both mobile and fixed broadband data traffic are 

changing our business. Our recent acquisitions have expanded our technology portfolio and our growing services 

business will play an even more important role in meeting the challenges in the future. 

20

Q U E S T i O n S   a n D   a n S W E R S

What is Ericsson’s intellectual Property  
position?

With around 22,000 patents, we believe that we hold leading patent portfolios in a number of key technology standards 

including gSM, EDgE, WCDMa, hSPa and MBMS. We also hold strong portfolios of essential patents in a variety of 

other fixed and mobile technologies including voice over iP (voiP), aTM, WaP, WiMaX, Wlan and TD­SCDMa. These 

patents are very valuable, reducing our cost and creating an additional source of income for our Company. 

What does Ericsson mean by  
Operational Excellence?

at Ericsson we use the term operational excellence to refer to our philosophy of striving to do things smarter today 

than yesterday and to do it in a smarter way than our competitors. By driving excellence and innovation in everything 

that we do, we create a competitive advantage. Much was achieved through operational excellence in 2006, including 

improved R&D lead times and the successful integration of Marconi operations. We also reorganized our operations 

into three business units, creating a more customer­oriented organization and paving the way for continuous efficiency 

improvements in the years ahead.

how will Ericsson utilize its net cash  
of SEK 40.7 billion?

Maintaining a strong cash position is essential to us and we intend to keep it at a robust level for the foreseeable 

future. Our cash provides us flexibility in this competitive and capital­intensive business. it will be used to fund organic 

growth, to execute large network projects, to provide selective customer financing, to make bolt­on acquisitions, 

and to pay the annual dividend to shareholders. The dividend payout has increased from SEK 0.25 for 2004, to SEK 0.45 

for 2005 and the Board has proposed a dividend of SEK 0.50 for 2006. as we continue to generate free cash flow, 

the Board will propose appropriate dividend levels and determine how to best utilize our cash to maximize long­term 

shareholder value.

Q U E S T i O n S   a n D   a n S W E R S

2

CORPORaTE RESPOnSiBiliTY
– our contribution to a better world

Corporate Responsibility is about building enduring value 

minimize risks 

– economic, environmental and social – for our Company 

and our stakeholders. Our goal is to generate positive 

business impacts and ensure that controls are in place to 

minimize risks.

Generate positive business impacts

Our approach ensures that controls are in place to deepen 

stakeholder trust and to minimize operational risks.

• Our Code of Business Ethics outlines expectations Ericsson 
has on its employees. This Code is periodically reviewed, and 

in 2006 all employees were asked to review and acknowledge 

understanding of this Code.

We are committed to solutions that increase our own and our 

customers’ positive impact on the planet. During 2006:

• We introduced new “green site” concepts, promoting the 
use of a variety of renewable energy sources to power our 

• Ericsson was an early signatory to the Un global Compact 
principles which cover human rights, fair labor practices, envi­

ronment and anti­corruption. These principles are reflected in 

our Code of Conduct and are valid for all employees and all 

radio base stations. We announced our pioneering biofuel 

suppliers. 

project with pan african­operator MTn and the gSMa 

Development Fund in nigeria.

• Ericsson Consumer and Enterprise lab conducted studies 
in Kenya and nigeria, deepening the industry's understanding 

of how mobile communications can serve as a major catalyst 

of socio­economic development in very low­income villages.

• We are driving market penetration and subscriber growth 
in emerging economies by introducing new technologies and 

business models which lower operators’ costs of network 

rollout in rural and low­income areas. in this way, we are nar­

rowing the "digital divide" by increasing the accessibility and 

affordability of services.

• Ericsson Response, our employee volunteer disaster relief 
program, provided on­the­ground support in Pakistan for nine 

months following the devastating earthquake. 

• as one of the founding partners of the KTh Center for 
Sustainable Communications in Sweden, we are exploring  

the role of advanced communication technologies in a 

sustainability context. 

• During 2006, we completed a pilot project using a risk­
based approach to the Code’s implementation to evaluate 

supplier performance and to reduce operational risks.

• We joined the Business leaders initiative on human Rights 
(BlihR), a business­led initiative designed to help lead and 

develop the corporate response to human rights. 

• Ericsson is in compliance with the EU Directive on 
Restriction of the use of certain hazardous Substances in 

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RohS).

• We have begun global implementation of our Ecology 
Management Provision (first introduced in 2002), offering 

take­back of customers’ decommissioned equipment for all 

products, in all markets. 

• Ericsson’s goal is to exceed the European Union's WEEE 
(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive’s 

ambition of recycling or reusing 75 percent of equipment 

taken back and ensure that less than 25 percent ends up  

in landfill sites. 

22

C O R P O R aT E   R E S P O n S i B i l i T Y

 
Opportunity

Although telecommunications is an energy lean sector, network infrastructure  

and handsets consume energy during manufacturing and operation. Fossil fuel, 

when used to produce energy, generates carbon dioxide (CO2). Ericsson provides 

the technical solutions and expertise to support operators in optimizing energy 

efficiency in the network, reducing CO2 emissions as well as operating costs. 

Result

In 2006, we improved the energy efficiency of our WCDMA radio base station  

portfolio by 35 percent, exceeding our 25 percent target. By 2008 we intend to 

reach a total of 50 percent improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2005 

levels. We lower the CO2 emission by 2.2 million tons over the lifetime of our  

radio base stations delivered during 2006. This will also reduce our customers' 

operating cost significantly.

K a P i T E l R U B R i K

23

ThE BOaRD OF DiRECTORS

according to our articles of association, the Board of 

Under Swedish law, unions have the right to appoint three 

Directors shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum  

additional directors and their deputies to the Board. 

of twelve directors, with no more than six deputies.

Our Directors (as of December 3, 2006) are as follows:

The directors shall be elected each year at the annual  

general Meeting for the period up to and including the  

following annual general Meeting.

torbjörn Nyman 
(Born 96) appointed 2004

Member of the Finance  
Committee

Employee Representative

Shares held: 0,440 Class B

Nancy mckinstry
(Born 959) First elected 2004

Member of the Remuneration 
Committee 

Shares held: none

carl-Henric Svanberg
(Born 952) First elected 2003

President and CEO

Shares held: 5,683,577 Class B

anna Guldstrand 
(Born 964) appointed 2004

Deputy Employee Representative

Shares held: 4,46 Class B,  
Options held: 900

per Lindh 
(Born 957) appointed 994

Deputy Employee Representative

marcus Wallenberg
(Born 956) First elected 996 

Deputy Chairman of the Board  
of Directors

Chairman of the Finance Committee 

Shares held: 70,000 Class B

michael treschow 
(Born 943) First elected 2002 

Shares held: 203 Class B

Chairman of the Board of Directors 

kristina davidsson
(Born 955) appointed 2006

Deputy Employee Representative

Shares held: ,026 Class B

Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

Member of the Finance Committee 
and the nomination Committee

Shares held: 770,000 Class B

Sverker martin-Löf 
(Born 943) First elected 993

Deputy Chairman of the Board of 
Directors

Chairman of the audit Committee

Shares held: 52,000 Class B

katherine Hudson
(Born 947) Elected 2006

Shares held: 52,000 Class B

ulf J. Johansson
(Born 945) First elected 2005 

Member of the audit Committee

Shares held: 32,76 Class B

Sir peter L. Bonfield 
(Born 944) First elected 2002

Member of the audit Committee 

Shares held: none

Jan Hedlund 
(Born 946) appointed 994 

Member of the audit Committee

Employee Representative

Shares held: ,603 Class B

Börje ekholm 
(Born 963) Elected 2006

Member of the Remuneration 
Committee 

Shares held: 58,803 Class B 

monica Bergström 
(Born 96) appointed 998

Member of the Remuneration 
Committee

Employee Representative

Shares held: 3,694 Class B

anders Nyrén 
(Born 954) Elected 2006

Member of the Finance  
Committee

Shares held: 33,428 Class B

The number of Class B shares (and options, if applicable) 
includes holdings by related natural or legal persons.

24

T h E   B O a R D   O F   D i R E C T O R S

Carl­henric Svanberg is the only Director who holds an 
operational management position at Ericsson. 

no Director has been elected pursuant to an arrangement 
or understanding with any major shareholder, customer, 
supplier or other person. 

For more information on the Board of Directors see our 
website; www.ericsson.com. (information on our website 
does not form part of this document).

e r i c S S o n   a n n U a L   r e P o r t   2 0 0 6

Letter from the chairman  
of the board

Dear Shareholder,

five years ago, ericsson embarked on an important process of 

oversees with the assistance of 

change. it started with the formation of the Sony ericsson mobile 

external experts is fair, robust and 

communications joint venture, followed by an extensive revamp­

in line with industry norms.

ing of ericsson’s entire operations. today these actions have 

the board is committed to 

resulted in a powerful and unique combination of scale and diver­

ensuring that ericsson’s gover­

sity. in 2006, ericsson reported record profits and Sony ericsson 

nance framework supports the 

marked its fifth anniversary with record shipments, sales and 

company’s main purpose of 

income. this transformation would not have been possible with­

shareholder value creation. 

out strong shareholder support, particularly the positive re­

 enhancements made during the 

sponse to ericsson’s stock issue in 2002 that provided the finan­

year are described in the corpo­

cial security to successfully complete the change process.  

rate Governance report which i 

our ambition is to return value to shareholders in the most 

encourage you to read. along with 

sustainable way. this requires maintaining a strong balance 

the company’s executive manage­

sheet for the financial flexibility to capture opportunities and 

ment, we continue to foster erics­

further strengthen ericsson’s market position. organic growth is 

son’s culture of integrity, respect and professionalism; integral 

the company’s primary intention but acquisitions to speed time 

parts of effective governance. 

to market may be necessary. You can be assured that we will 

Your board of directors has been particularly busy during 

rigorously apply the management oversight needed to ensure 

2006, meeting 10 times on a broad range of issues from acquisi­

acquisitions are in line with ericsson’s needs and means.

tions to strategies to a new organization for the company.  in 

today’s telecommunications market is both promising and 

addition we had a number of training sessions including r&d, 

challenging, offering opportunities that are bigger but also more 

human resources and corporate responsibility. We will 

demanding than in the past. the market is more global; with 

 continue our work with a commitment to progressively enhance 

customers as well as competitors becoming more concentrated 

the company’s performance for the benefit of the employees, for 

and stronger. ericsson must continuously adapt to such market 

society in general and, of course, for all ericsson shareholders.

dynamics if it is to continue its leadership and management has 

the telecom industry is one with long­term growth prospects 

done a good job to make sure ericsson is strategically, opera­

and one that has an increasingly positive effect on our daily lives. 

tionally and financially prepared for a new stage of development. 

as the world’s leading supplier of communications networks and 

the underlying strength of ericsson is the quality of the work­

services, ericsson has a vital role in the industry and i am proud 

force. their commitment to ericsson’s core values and willing­

to be associated with such an exciting company. i thank you for 

ness to embrace change underpins the outstanding results 

allowing me this privilege.

achieved this year. on behalf of the board of directors, i would 

like to express our appreciation to all employees for their dedi­

Yours sincerely,

cated efforts and special contributions.

the ability to attract and retain the best talent at all levels of 

the company, especially in leadership roles, is crucial to 

 ericsson’s growth and future performance. executive compensa­

tion is one of the most widely debated issues in business today 

and suitable remuneration is important to the company. erics­

son’s executive compensation must be competitive and reflect 

the high demands we put on the company’s leadership. We 

michael treschow

believe the compensation plan that the remuneration committee 

Chairman of the Board

L e t t e r   f r o m   t h e   c h a i r m a n   o f   t h e   b o a r d

25

ENXChairman_v21.indd   25

07-02-28   11.03.49

e r i C s s O N   a N N u a L   r e P O r T   2 0 0 6

five-year summary

SEK million 

Net sales 
Operating income 
  – operating margin 
financial net 
Net income 

Year-end position
Total assets 
Working capital 
Capital employed 
Property, plant and equipment 
stockholders’ equity 
minority interests 
interest-bearing liabilities and  
post-employment benefits 

Other information
earnings per share, basic, seK  
earnings per share, diluted, seK 
Cash dividends per share, seK 
stockholders’ equity (seK per share) 
Number of shares (in millions)
  – outstanding, basic, at end of period 
  – average, basic 
  – average, diluted 
additions to property, plant and equipment 
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment 
r&D and other technical expenses  
  – as percentage of net sales  

Ratios
eBiTDa 
return on equity 
return on capital employed 
equity ratio 
Capital turnover 
inventory turnover 
Trade receivables turnover 
return on sales 
Payment readiness, seK million 
  – as percentage of net sales 
Net cash, seK million  

Statistical data, year-end
Number of employees 
  – Of which in sweden 
export sales from sweden 

2006 

177,783 
35,828 
20.2% 
165 
26,436 

214,940 
82,926 
142,447 
7,881 
120,113 
782 

2005 2) 

2004 3) 

2003 4) 

2002  4)

151,821 
33,084 
21.8% 
251 
24,460 

209,336 
86,184 
133,332 
6,966 
101,622 
850 

131,972 
26,706 
20.2% 
–540 
17,836 

186,186 
69,268 
115,144 
5,845 
80,445 
1,057 

117,738 
–11,239 
–9.5% 
–864 
–10,844 

182,372 
58,873 
108,989 
6,505 
60,481 
2,299 

145,773
–21,299
–14.6%
–1,536
–19,013

209,113
73,026
137,539 
9,964
73,607
2,469

21,552 

30,860 

33,643 

46,209 

61,463

1.65 
1.65 
0.50 1) 
7.56 

15,881 
15,871 
15,943 
3,827 
3,007 
27,921 
15.7% 

24.4% 
23.7% 
27.4% 
56.2% 
1.3 
5.1 
3.9 
21.3% 
67,454 
37,9% 
40,728 

63,781 
19,094 
98,694 

1.53 
1.53 
0.45 
6.41 

15,864 
15,843 
15,907 
3,365 
2,804 
24,454 
16.1% 

25.6% 
26.7% 
28.7% 
49.0% 
1.2 
5.0 
4.1 
23.5% 
78,647 
51.8% 
50,645 

56,055 
21,178 
93,879 

1.11 
1.11 
0.25 
5.08 

15,832 
15,829 
15,895 
2,452 
2,434 
23,421 
17.7% 

25.5% 
24.2% 
26.4% 
43.8% 
1.2 
5.7 
4.1 
22.9% 
81,447 
61.7% 
42,911 

50,534 
21,296 
86,510 

–0.69 
–0.69 
0 
3.82 

15,826 
15,823 
15,841 
3,493 
3,753 
28,553 
24.3% 

11.1% 
–16.2% 
–5.9% 
34.4% 
1.0 
6.1 
3.4 
–6.2% 
75,309 
64.0% 
26,998 

51,583 
24,408 
72,966 

–1.51
–1.51
0
4.65

15,820
12,573
12,684
2,738
5,514
33,455
23.0%

–1.9%
–26.7%
–11.3%
36.4%
1.0
5.1
3.0
–11.7%
66,306
45.5%
4,751

64,621
30,241
86,695

1)  for 2006, as proposed by the Board of Directors.
2)  ericsson has adopted the new option in ias 19 from January 1, 2006. 2005 has been restated accordingly.
3)  2004 has been restated in accordance with ifrs. for more information about the transition to ifrs, see note C3 – “Transition to ifrss from swedish GaaP” in the annual 

report 2005.

4)  2002 and 2003 are in accordance with swedish GaaP. major differences compared to ifrs are retrospective capitalization of development costs, goodwill is no longer 
amortized but instead subject to impairment and that the effective pension costs for future salary increases are estimated and recognized during the time of service.

26

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e r i C s s O N   a N N u a L   r e P O r T   2 0 0 6

Working capital

Equity ratio

Current assets less current non-interest-bearing provisions and 

Defined as equity, expressed as a percentage of total assets.

liabilities.

Capital employed

Capital employed is defined as total assets less non-interest-

bearing provisions and liabilities.

Earnings per share

Capital turnover

Net sales divided by average Capital employed.

Inventory turnover

Cost of sales divided by average inventory.

see Notes to the Consolidated financial statements – Note C1, 

Accounts receivable turnover

“significant accounting Policies”, for information on principles for 

Net sales divided by average accounts receivable.

calculation of earnings per share. 

Cash dividends per share

Return on sales

Operating income plus financial income expressed as a percent-

Defined as dividends paid divided by average number of shares, 

age of Net sales.

basic.

Payment readiness

Stockholders’ equity (SEK per share)

Defined as cash and cash equivalents and short-term invest-

Defined as stockholders’ equity divided by the Number of shares 

ments less short-term borrowings plus long-term unused credit 

outstanding, basic, at the end of the period.

commitments. Payment readiness is also shown as a percentage 

EBITDA

earnings Before interest, Taxes, Depreciation and amortization.

of Net sales.

Net cash

Return on equity

Defined as cash and cash equivalents plus short-term cash 

investments less interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment 

Defined as Net income as a percentage of average stockholders’ 

benefits.

equity (based on the amounts at January 1 and December 31).

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 1 and December 31). 

Compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

used to describe the growth rate over a period of time.

ENX3Xyear_v18.indd   27

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27

e r i c s s o N   a N N U a L   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

board of directors’ report

This Board of Directors’ Report contains a discussion and 

SalES dEvElopMEnT 2004 –2006 (SEK bIllIon)

analysis of Ericsson’s consolidated financial statements and 

operational results. This report also includes forward-looking 

statements regarding a variety of matters including future market 

conditions, strategies and anticipated results. Such statements 

are based on assumptions and estimates, which are subject to 

risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from 

those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. 

For further discussion, please see “Forward-looking Statements” 

and “Risk Factors.”

The terms “Ericsson”, “Group”, “the Company”, and similar all 

refer to Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and its subsidiaries. 

Unless otherwise noted, numbers in parenthesis refer to prior 

200

150

100

50

0

2004

2005

2006

year, i.e. 2005.

Summary

number of contract announcements was lower this year than in 

the previous three years, the aggregate value of orders from 

ericsson performed well in 2006, increasing sales 17 percent 

these agreements along with existing ones lifted our order back-

and generating operating income of seK 35.8 (33.1) billion and a 

log for systems to the highest level in four years.

cash flow before financial investing activities of seK –2.6 (11.3) 

the sony ericsson Mobile communications joint venture 

billion. excluding the Marconi and Netwise acquisitions and the 

showed record performance, profitably gaining market share and 

divestiture of the defense business, the cash flow was seK 12.2 

ending the year as the fourth largest mobile device supplier with 

billion. 

strong momentum toward their ambition of becoming a top three 

in addition to delivering solid financial results, ericsson also 

mobile phone supplier. 

made good progress in strategically important areas, strengthen-

the company’s progress during 2006 indicates that the strat-

ing the company’s position within the systems segment busi-

egy of maintaining a healthy balance between profit and growth 

ness in a number of related areas such as mobile and fixed 

has already strengthened ericsson’s prospects for a number of 

broadband and professional services. services sales in particu-

opportunities in growth areas such as services and next-genera-

lar showed strong growth, and we believe that scale for contin-

tion networks for fixed and mobile operators.

ued profitable growth has now been established.

the Marconi acquisition was completed with the acquired 

Market Environment and Trend Information

operations integrated and profitability established before year 

2006 was a record year in terms of new mobile subscriptions: 

end. the combined ericsson and Marconi business has secured 

some 500 (450) million new mobile subscriptions and approxi-

several significant new contracts as a result of the expanded 

mately 980 (800) million mobile phones were sold. the network 

product line. 

equipment market also developed positively during 2006, par-

ericsson’s leading systems position was further expanded 

ticularly for mobile systems, fixed broadband access and optical 

with a number of major contracts for new mobile network deploy-

transmission. 

ments in all regions of the world, including in australia, brazil, 

price competition was especially intense this year regarding 

india, Japan and the United states. the development in china 

strategic pricing necessary to win certain new contracts. How-

was unfavorably affected by the timing and operator investment 

ever, with the merger of several of our competitors, we expect 

requirements for 3G licenses.

pricing going forward to be more in line with historical trends. 

during the year, 48 new or expanded agreements to supply 

the historical price/performance trend in both mobile phones 

network equipment and/or related services to operators around 

and network infrastructure has significantly expanded the ad-

the world were publicly announced by the company. this com-

dressable market with resulting unit volume increases more than 

pares with 78 in 2005, 59 in 2004 and 58 in 2003. although the 

offsetting lower average selling prices. 

28

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although GsM represents the majority of the systems market, 

at year-end, there were 146 (91) 3G/WcdMa networks in 

growth of GsM is slower than 3G/WcdMa, which is accelerating. 

commercial service, of which ericsson is a supplier to 91 (49). 

the market for new GsM networks is mainly in emerging markets, 

the High speed packet access (Hspa) enhanced version of 3G/

especially asia, africa and Latin america. if the current trend 

WcdMa is now commercially deployed within 96 networks in 51 

continues, the market for 3G/WcdMa will surpass that of GsM 

countries. ericsson is a supplier of 46 of these networks, which 

within the next several years.

represent the vast majority of Hspa users. the number of Wcd-

the ongoing equipment supplier consolidation is a healthy 

Ma subscriptions almost doubled during 2006 to nearly 100 

process, driven by the competitive need for critical mass in r&d, 

million and Hspa deployments are rapidly picking up speed. 

production and support. as a market leader, ericsson’s expan-

However, the number of 3G/WcdMa networks in commercial 

sion strategy is based on organic growth supplemented with 

service is less than one fourth that of 2G/GsM – a significant 

complementary acquisitions. With ericsson’s scale advantage 

opportunity for 3G/WcdMa equipment suppliers when 2G net-

within mobile systems exposed to potential reduction, the com-

works are upgraded.

pany will increasingly focus on innovation and operational excel-

Within fixed networks, many operators are converting to an all-

lence as well as expansion of fixed networks and professional 

ip (internet protocol) broadband environment. this will enable 

services sales along with new areas within multimedia.  

more efficient handling of fixed and mobile voice, data and image 

operator consolidation continues to be a key trend in a num-

based communications as well as provide a platform for con-

ber of regions. in the americas, significant operator consolida-

verged services. While fixed network operators’ spending for 

tion has occurred with the number of operators reduced by more 

network equipment in total was up slightly in 2006, certain areas 

than half over the last several years. one result of this consolida-

essential to next-generation networks – optical transmission, ip 

tion is that a number of operators in Latin america have chosen 

broadband access, ip routing and iMs/softswitch – showed 

the GsM/WcdMa technology track, where ericsson is the mar-

stronger growth. the company believes the demand for ip broad-

ket leader. in europe, we see an acceleration of cross-border 

band equipment will increase to meet the higher traffic require-

expansion as operators there seek revenue growth and econo-

ments and user expectations for broadband multimedia services.

mies of scale. in other regions, operator consolidation is ongoing 

in addition to network deployment and systems integration 

with the emergence of a number of rapidly growing pan-regional 

services, the opportunity to supply network operation and host-

operators.

ing services is growing rapidly. the market for such managed 

increased usage driven by new mobile subscriptions, mainly 

services is expected to continue to show good growth prospects 

in emerging markets, and accelerating deployments of 3G net-

going forward, as operators realize the competitive advantages 

works around the world generated growth in the mobile systems 

and cost savings made possible when outsourcing certain net-

market. at year-end, the 2.7 billion mobile subscriptions world-

work operations. With hosting services, smaller operators espe-

wide represented a global subscription penetration of 41 (34) 

cially benefit by gaining access to service capabilities and con-

percent. the company expects the number of mobile subscrip-

tent far beyond what they could normally afford, while at the 

tions to exceed three billion before the end of 2007. this will drive 

same time lowering their risks and improving their time to market. 

a significant number of initial network build-outs and create 

opportunities for network deployment and professional services 

Goals, Strategy and Financial Results

in addition to mobile network systems offerings.

our ultimate goal is for the company to generate growth and a 

total voice traffic on mobile networks worldwide grew an 

competitive profit that is sustainable over the longer term. erics-

estimated 30 (30) percent in 2006, driven by subscriber additions 

son’s ambition is to be the preferred business partner to custom-

and increased average minutes of use (MoU). Western europe is 

ers, especially the world’s leading network operators. ericsson 

among the highest penetrated mobile markets in the world in 

strives to be the market and technology leader for the supply and 

terms of subscriptions. However, Western european usage is 

operation of network infrastructure. being a market leader allows 

significantly lower than the average for the rest of the world. in-

the company to leverage economies of scale to develop superior 

creased tariff competition among operators is starting to stimu-

products and services and thereby offer customers competitive 

late Western european usage to a level closer to the global aver-

advantages. in addition, when our network equipment and asso-

age. this is expected to require expansion of mobile network 

ciated services within systems are combined with our mobile 

capacity over the coming years.

platform technology and the sony ericsson joint venture for 

mobile handsets, the scope of ericsson’s operations extends to 

complete end-to-end solutions.

b o a r d   o f   d i r e c t o r s ’   r e p o r t

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Performance relative to financial objectives

encouraging, growing at 30 percent, as the company continued 

the company performed in line with the following financial tar-

to be awarded contracts for network operation and hosting 

gets:
• increase sales at a faster rate than the market growth. the 
GsM/WcdMa mobile systems market grew an estimated 5 

services. at year end 2006, ericsson-managed network opera-

tions served approximately 100 (53) million users. 

based on ericsson’s reported sales combined with the pub-

percent, while ericsson increased their mobile systems sales 

licly reported and estimated sales for ericsson’s main competi-

by almost 10 percent; 

tors, we believe the mobile systems market grew approximately 5 

• deliver best-in-class operating margin, i.e. better than the main 

(11) percent in reported currencies during 2006. during this 

competitors. With an operating margin of 16 percent for 

period, ericsson’s mobile systems sales increased by almost 10 

 ericsson systems segment and 20 percent for the Group, 

percent, measured in seK, indicating that ericsson grew faster 

ericsson operating margins were the highest among its main 

than the market.

competitors; 

• Maintain “investment Grade” credit ratings;

the successful integration of the Marconi operations signifi-

cantly strengthened ericsson’s systems offering, especially to 

operators of fixed networks, where sales grew by 162 percent. 

However, the company did not meet the following target 

the company was awarded a number of contracts for broad-

 “Generate positive cash flow before financial investing activities” . 

band access and optical transmission equipment due to the 

However, excluding the major acquisitions/divestitures the cash 

competitiveness of the combined product offering. We are opti-

flow was seK 12.2 billion.

mistic regarding growth opportunities for ip routing, broadband 

in addition to these objectives, the shareholder-approved 

access, optical transmission and next-generation networks. the 

long-term variable pay programs for executives is based on a 

company continues to invest in these areas, with the acquisition 

certain eps growth over a three-year period for each program. 

of redback Networks expanding the scope of the product port-

please see also Notes to the consolidated statements – Note 

folio to also include ip routing.

c29, “information regarding employees, Members of the board 

of directors and Management”.

segment other operations

Sales

sales and operating income developed positively within Mobile 

platforms and cables (ericsson Network technologies) and 

Group sales grew 17 percent mainly driven by higher systems 

overall sales within other operations increased by 6 (–4) percent 

sales, where services increased by 33 percent and the Marconi 

and operating income was seK 0.9 (0.3) billion. the divested 

acquisition added an estimated 7 percent. fluctuations in foreign 

defense business is reflected in sales and operating income of 

exchange rates had an insignificant effect on reported sales. 

other operations up until the divestiture in early september, 

segment systems

2006. sales up until date of divestment were approximately seK 

1.4 billion, compared with full year 2005 of approximately seK 2 

Within systems, unit volume increases drove mobile network 

billion.

sales growth. sales of network deployment services related to 

systems grew 39 percent during 2006, reflecting increased 

segment phones

demand for turn-key projects and our strong market position in 

see sony ericsson Mobile communications on page 33 under 

mobile systems. sales of professional services were particularly 

partnerships and Joint Ventures.

SalES by SEGMEnT and GEoGRaphIc REGIon 2006

(SEK million) 

Western europe 
central and eastern europe, Middle east and africa 
asia pacific  
Latin america  
North america  
Total 

Systems 

45,396 
48,699 
41,991 
16,234 
15,250 
167,570 

percent  
change 

other 
 operations 

percent 
change 

27% 
23% 
45% 
–14% 
–19% 
18% 

6,542 
1,602 
1,211 
246 
612 
10,213 

7% 
36% 
–16% 
2% 
–7% 
6% 

Total 

51,938 
50,301 
43,202 
16,480 
15,862 
177,783 

percent 
change 

percent
of total

24% 
23% 
42% 
–14% 
–18% 
17% 

29%
28%
25%
9%
9%
100%

30

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e r i c s s o N   a N N U a L   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

nET SalES and opERaTInG ExpEnSES 2004 –2006  

son’s 50 percent share in earnings of the joint venture before tax 

(SEK bIllIon)

CAGR: 16.1%

2005 to seK 0.2 billion in 2006.

increased from seK 2.3 billion in 2005 to seK 5.9 billion in 2006.

the financial net decreased slightly from seK 0.3 billion in 

200

150

100

50

0

CAGR:
12.0%

Sales
Operating
expenses
CAGR sales
CAGR opex

2004

2005

2006

income after financial items was seK 36.0 (33.3) billion.

Net income attributable to the stockholders of the parent 

company increased to seK 26.3 (24.3) billion, with diluted earn-

ings per share of seK 1.65 (1.53). 

Balance Sheet 

total assets amounted to seK 214.9 (209.3) billion at year-end.

the main item contributing to the 3 percent increase was higher 

trade receivables reflecting the high business activity in the last 

quarter of the year in markets with longer payment terms. 

deferred tax assets decreased by seK 5.0 billion, due to 

Margins and operating expenses

our ambition is for ericsson to generate a competitive return on 

utilization of tax loss carryforwards and timing differences.

sales. With best-in-class operating margins of 20.2 (21.8) percent, 

seK 9.3 billion of non-current borrowings were repaid. 

the company continued to perform at industry-leading levels. 

Net cash decreased from seK 50.6 billion to seK 40.7 billion, 

sony ericsson contributed 3.3 (1.5) percentage points to the 

mainly as a result of the Marconi acquisition. the major part of 

operating margin, while Marconi negatively affected systems 

the acquired assets were intellectual property rights. 

margins until profitability was established at the end of the third 

equity increased to seK 120.9 (102.5) billion and the equity 

quarter. the lower gross margin of 41.2 (45.7) percent was mainly 

ratio improved to 56.2 (49.0) percent.

a reflection of a business mix within systems that had a signifi-

return on capital employed (roce ) was 27 percent com-

cantly higher proportion of service sales as well as the impact of 

pared to 29 percent in 2005.

the businesses acquired from Marconi, as both have a lower than 

group average gross margin. 

RETuRn on capITal EMployEd 2004 –2006

operating margins have remained robust, with Group sales 

showing a 16.1 percent compound annual growth rate (caGr) 

over the last three years while operating expenses have a caGr 

of only 12.0 percent. operating expenses, measured as a per-

centage of net sales, increased from 27 percent in 2005 to 28 

2004 
2005 
2006 

  percent

26.4
28.7
27.4

percent in 2006. the acquired Marconi operations had a nega-

Cash flow before financial investing activities

tive effect on operating expenses during the first nine months, 

cash flow before financial investing activities was seK –2.6 (11.3) 

until they were successfully integrated and streamlined. 

billion. seK 17.6 billion was used to acquire certain assets from 

cost savings programs have been carried out within a number 

Marconi. excluding major acquisitions/divestitures, the underly-

of areas, such as creating scale advantages through the estab-

ing cash flow was seK 12.2 billion. increases in working capital 

lishment of several shared service centers in a number of regions 

for work in progress in the field and trade receivables, reflecting 

which provide financial and human resource services to the sales 

the growth in large network roll-out projects, also had negative 

organization. the number of employees in support functions was 

effects. cash outlays regarding restructuring amounted to seK 

reduced through improved utilization of it applications. by focus-

2.3 (2.0) billion, where seK 0.8 (1.5) billion relates to restructuring 

ing on operational excellence (i.e. process efficiency), we have 

programs initiated during 2001–2003. 

been able to grow sales without having to increase s&a head-

through the efforts to improve capital efficiency, inventory 

count and costs at a corresponding rate. 

turnover (ito) improved compared to 2005. days sales out-

Other income statement items

standing (dso) increased due to growth in emerging and other 

markets with longer payment terms. efforts to further improve 

share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies 

capital efficiency will continue.

before tax increased by seK 3.5 billion, mainly due to a larger 

contribution from sony ericsson Mobile communications. erics-

b o a r d   o f   d i r e c t o r s ’   r e p o r t

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WoRKInG capITal EFFIcIEncy MEaSuRES

ERIcSSon cREdIT RaTInGS yEaR End 2004 –2006

Target 

2006 

2005 

2004 

days sales outstanding (dso) 
inventory turnover (ito) 
payable days 1) 

<90 
>5.5 
>45 

86 
5.1 
54 

81 
5.0 
52 

75 
5.7 
51

Moody’s 
standard & poor’s 

1)  payable days: accounts payable divided by cost of sales and multiplied by 365 

Research and development

2006 

2005 

2004 

baa2 
bbb– 

baa3 
bbb– 

ba2 
bb+ 

days.

Capital expenditures

a robust r&d program is essential to ericsson’s competitiveness 

and future success. With most r&d invested in mobile communi-

We continuously monitor the company’s capital expenditures 

cations network infrastructure, ericsson’s program is one of the 

and evaluate whether adjustments are necessary in light of mar-

largest in the industry. the efficiency of the r&d activities has 

ket conditions and other economic factors. Most capital expendi-

been improved, enabling a faster time to market for new prod-

tures are normally investments in test equipment used to develop, 

ucts and increased investments in new areas such as multimedia 

manufacture and deploy network equipment. However, the in-

solutions, while decreasing r&d as a percentage of sales. the 

crease in capital expenditures from 2005 to 2006 was mainly due 

company reduced r&d lead time by more than 20 percent this 

to investments for data and network operation centers, needed 

year and has an ambition to reduce r&d lead times by an addi-

to support the rapidly growing services business. 

tional 30 percent over the next several years, as well as adding 

the following table summarizes annual capital expenditures 

as many as 500 research engineers in the areas of multimedia 

during the five years ended december 31, 2006:

and ip technology.

capITal ExpEndITuRES 2002–2006

R&d pRoGRaM

SEK billion 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002

2006 

2005 

2004 

capital expenditures 
  of which sweden 
as percent of net sales 

3.8 
1.0 
2.2 

3.4 
1.0 
2.2 

2.5 
1.1 
1.9 

1.8 
1.1 
1.5 

2.7
1.2
1.9

23.4 
expenses (seK billion)  
as percent of sales 
16.1%  17.7% 
employees within r&d at december 31 1)  17,000  16,500  16,000 
22,000  20,000  16,000
patents 1) 

27.9 
15.7% 

24.5 

excluding acquisitions, capital expenditures in relation to sales 

1)  the number of employees and patents are approximate.

are not expected to be significantly different in 2007, remaining at 

r&d expenses during 2007, excluding the effects of the acquisi-

roughly two percent of sales. However, in addition to the normal 

tion of redback Networks, are expected to remain at roughly the 

capital expenditures there are commitments to repay seK 0.1 

same level in absolute terms compared with 2006, including the 

billion of debt and to purchase redback Networks for Usd 1.9 

additional research engineers and the amortization of the intan-

billion, or seK 13.4 billion, as well as to acquire entrisphere. With 

gible assets acquired from Marconi.

a net cash position at year-end of seK 40.7 billion, we expect the 

company to be able to cover all  capital expenditure plans and 

partnerships and joint ventures 

customer financing commitments for 2007 by using funds gener-

during 2006, sony ericsson Mobile communications ab re-

ated from operations with no additional borrowings required.

ported strong unit volume and sales increases, which caused 

in 2000 and 2001, we disposed of the majority of the real 

income before tax to improve significantly during the year. the 

estate properties that we owned. We believe the properties that 

improved performance is mainly a result of focusing on imaging, 

we now occupy are suitable for our present needs in most loca-

music and enterprise phones, while increasing the number of 

tions. as of december 31, 2006, no material land, buildings, 

more affordable models. sony ericsson’s ambition is to achieve 

machinery or equipment were pledged as collateral for outstand-

continued profitable growth by leveraging the opportunities 

ing indebtedness.

Credit ratings

created by the combination of technologies and expertise from 

the parent companies. the joint venture results are accounted for 

in accordance with the equity method. for more information, see 

Moody’s credit rating agency raised ericsson’s credit rating 

also Notes to the consolidated financial statements – Note c1, 

during 2006, while standard & poor’s (s&p) last upgraded their 

“significant accounting policies”.

ratings in 2005. at year-end, their ratings of ericsson’s creditwor-

thiness were baa2 (baa3) for Moody’s and bbb– for s&p, both 

considered to be “investment Grade”.

32

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Sony ERIcSSon RESulTS 2004 –2006

1,250 employees when ownership was transferred. 

shipments (unit millions) 
sales (eUr m.) 
income before tax (eUr m.) 
Net income (eUr m.) 
ericsson’s share of earnings  
(seK billion) 

  percent
change 

2006 

2005 

2004

74.8 
10,959 
1,298 
997 

46% 
51% 
154% 
185% 

51.2 
7,268 
512 
350 

42.3
6,525
486
316

in december, ericsson launched a tender offer to acquire 

redback Networks of the Us for Usd 1.9 billion. the tender offer 

was successfully concluded on January 25, 2007.

during 2004, ericsson made a public offer to purchase shares 

of ericsson s.p.a. in italy, increasing ericsson’s ownership to 93 

percent. in the first quarter of 2005, a residual public offer was 

5.9 

157% 

2.3 

2.1

launched for the remaining shares, and subsequently ericsson 

s.p.a. was delisted from the Milan stock exchange. in total seK 

for more information on transactions with sony ericsson, please 

2.2 billion was paid out for the shares, of which seK 0.6 billion in 

see also Notes to the consolidated financial statements – Note 

2005. in 2006, the remaining shares were purchased for seK 0.1 

c30, “related party transactions”.

billion, and the ownership in ericsson s.p.a. is now 100 percent.

acquisitions and divestitures

other than the transactions described above, there were no 

material acquisitions or divestitures completed during 2004,  

the acquisition of certain assets relating to broadband access, 

2005 or 2006.

optical and radio transmission systems, data networking and 

service layer from Marconi was completed on January 23, 2006, 

Material contracts and contractual obligations

with a cash payment equivalent to seK 17.6 billion. With net 

primary contractual obligations are outlined in the following table. 

assets of seK 4.0 billion, most of the acquisition costs were 

operating leases are mainly related to offices and production 

related to intellectual property rights, e.g. patents, brands, trade 

facilities. purchase obligations are mainly related to outsourced 

marks, etc., which will be amortized over a ten year period. the 

manufacturing, r&d and it operations and to components for 

acquired businesses were consolidated into ericsson’s accounts 

our own manufacturing. except for those transactions previously 

as per January 1, 2006. 

described in this report, ericsson has not been a party to any 

during the year, the acquired Marconi businesses were 

material contracts over the last three years other than those 

streamlined and fully integrated within ericsson’s operations. 

entered into during the ordinary course of business.

this resulted in a 24 percent reduction of the former Marconi 

workforce for an estimated annual cost savings of approximately 

conTRacTual oblIGaTIonS 2006

seK 2.0 billion, with full effect from the fourth quarter of 2006. 

restructuring charges were seK 2.2 billion, of which about one 

third was utilized during 2006, with the remainder expected to be 

utilized during the first half of 2007. of this charge, seK 1.4 billion 

relates to the layoff of 1,600 employees and seK 0.8 billion re-

lates to the termination of it agreements and facilities contracts 

that are no longer needed but were pre-paid as part of the acqui-

sition.

during 2006, there were also several small acquisitions made 

to increase capacity mainly to support the growing systems 

integration business. to expand the systems product portfolio, 

the company also made several small technology acquisitions 

with Netwise of sweden, acquired for seK 0.3 billion, being the 

largest.

ericsson’s defense business, ericsson Microwave systems 

ab, and its 40 percent holding in saab ericsson space was sold 

(SEK million) 

Total 

Long-term debt 1) 2)  12,020 
capital lease 
obligations 3) 
2,207 
operating leases 3)  11,225 
other non-current
liabilities 
purchase 
obligations 4) 
commitments 
for customer 
financing 2) 
total 

6,795 
43,353 

2,868 

8,238 

 payment due by period

<1 
year 

1–3 
years 

3–5 
years 

>5
years

427 

6,689 

4,401 

503

180 
2,198 

334 
3,318 

253 
2,205 

1,440
3,504

187 

991 

15 

1,676

8,238 

– 

– 

–

6,795 
18,025 

– 
11,332 

– 
6,874 

–
7,122

1)  including interest payments.
2)  see also Notes to the consolidated financial statements – Note c20, “financial 

risk Management and financial instruments”.

3)  see also Notes to the consolidated financial statements – Note c27, “Leasing”.
4)  the amounts of purchase obligations are gross, before deduction of any related 

to saab ab for seK 3.8 billion in cash with a capital gain of seK 

provisions.

3.0 billion. the ericsson defense business that saab acquired 

had sales of approximately seK 2 billion in 2005 and employed 

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critical accounting estimates

corporate Governance

the discussion and analysis of our results of operations and 

although internal policies and directives for governance and 

financial condition are based on our consolidated financial state-

other important rules for managing the company’s business 

ments which have been prepared in accordance with ifrs.  the 

activities have long been established, we have adapted our work 

preparation of these financial statements requires management 

procedures in line with relevant developments in sweden and the 

to apply accounting methods and policies that are based on 

United states regarding reporting, disclosure and other require-

difficult, complex or subjective judgments or on estimates based 

ments for listed companies as well as changes in legislation, 

on past experience and assumptions determined to be reason-

such as the swedish companies act and the Us sarbanes-oxley 

able and realistic based on the related circumstances.  the ap-

act. 

plication of these estimates and assumptions affects the report-

in accordance with the swedish code of corporate Gover-

ed amounts of assets and liabilities and contingent assets and 

nance, a separate corporate Governance report, including an 

liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of 

internal control section, has been prepared. there have been no 

revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  actual 

amendments or waivers to ericsson’s code of business ethics 

results may differ from these estimates under different assump-

for any director or member of management.

tions or conditions.  

please see Notes to the consolidated financial statements – 

Risk Management

Note c2, ”critical accounting estimates and Judgments” for 

risk-taking is an inherent part of doing business. risks are man-

more information about the accounting policies that we believe 

aged in our operational processes where risks are identified, 

have the most significant impact on ericsson’s reported results 

probability of occurrence assessed and potential consequences 

and financial position. 

new organization

estimated. actions are then taken to reduce or mitigate the risk 

exposures and limit potential unfavorable consequences. 

We broadly categorize risks into operational risks and financial 

the development of broadband capabilities for both mobile and 

risks. our approach to risk management leverages the scale and 

fixed operators combined with the move toward next-generation 

diversity of our business activities and balances central coordina-

networks are expected to create demand for richer multimedia 

tion with well-defined risk management responsibilities within 

services and accelerate growth opportunities. in this environ-

each operational unit. 

ment, we see the possibility to further strengthen ericsson’s 

for more information on risk management, see also page 89, 

market and technology leadership by implementing a more cus-

risk factors.

tomer-oriented organization with three business units, each 

optimized for a specific, but related, market segment.

Operational risk management

Networks includes access, core and transport, as well as 

risk management has been integrated within the ericsson Group 

cables and power modules, previously reported within other 

Management system and each business process. the opera-

operations.

tional risk management framework applies universally across all 

Global Services, consisting of network rollout and profes-

business activities and is based on the following principles:

sional services, remains unchanged.

each risk is owned and managed by an operational unit that is 

Multimedia includes Multimedia systems, as well as mobile 

held accountable, and monitored through unit steering boards 

platforms and enterprise solutions, both previously reported 

and Group Management.

within other operations. 

risks are dealt with on three levels: in the strategy process, in 

the new organization is in effect as from January 1, 2007.

annual target setting and within ongoing operations by transac-

tion (customer bid/contract, acquisition, investment, product 

development project, etc).

approval limits are clearly established with escalation accord-

ing to a well-defined delegation of authority.

certain risks, such as information security/it risks and physi-

cal security as well as insurable risks are centrally coordinated. a 

crisis management council deals with ad hoc events of a serious 

nature, as necessary. 

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Financial risk management

customer finance risk 

We have an established policy governing the Group’s financial 

at year-end 2006, gross exposure for customer financing 

risk management, which is carried out by the treasury function 

amounted to seK 4.1 (7.0) billion, of which less than one percent 

within the parent company and by a customer finance function. 

was off-balance sheet. operators in central and eastern europe, 

these are both supervised by the board of directors’ finance 

Middle east and africa represented half of the exposure, with 

committee. 

Latin america accounting for most of the rest.  

for further information on objectives, policies and strategies 

credit risks are covered by security arrangements in most 

for financial risk management, please see Notes to the consoli-

customer financing agreements, normally in the form of pledges 

dated financial statements – Note c19, “interest-bearing Liabili-

of equipment, pledges of certain of the borrower’s assets and/or 

ties” and Note c20, “financial risk Management and financial 

pledges of shares in the operating company. in addition to these 

instruments”.

foreign exchange risks

security arrangements provisions are made and reported as part 

of selling expenses. risk provisions amounted to 13 (29) percent 

of the gross exposure. 

With significant transaction volumes in currencies other than 

Unutilized outstanding customer financing commitments 

seK, the company has a net exposure to a number of currencies. 

amounted to seK 6.8 (3.6) billion at year-end. 

the duration of this exposure is also considerable, as many con-

tracts have long lead times between order and delivery. a variety 

financial credit risk

of hedging activities, covering on average the forthcoming 6–9 

financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterpar-

months, are used to manage foreign exchange risks. 

ties may be unable to fulfill their payment obligations. all deriva-

the largest foreign exchange exposure is to the Us dollar and 

tive transactions are covered by isda Master agreements to 

 related currencies, which represented 49 (46) percent of sales in 

reduce the credit risk. during 2006, no credit losses were in-

2006. assuming that other foreign exchange exposures re-

curred from such instruments.

mained the same, a 10 percent plus/minus change in the Usd/

seK exchange rate would affect operating income by an esti-

Liquidity and refinancing risk

mated plus/minus seK 3.8 (3.3) billion before any hedging ef-

We expect the company’s cash-generating capabilities and 

fects. However, these effects may be compensated over time 

strong cash position to satisfy any short-term liquidity require-

with new contracts with adjusted prices and costs.

ments. during 2006, there have not been any defaults in the 

interest rate risks

payment of principal or interest, or any other material default 

relating to the indebtedness of ericsson or any of its subsidiaries.

ericsson is exposed to interest rate risk through market value 

fluctuations of certain balance sheet items and through changes 

corporate Responsibility 

in interest expenses and income. assuming the net cash position 

effective management of social, environmental and ethical issues 

remained at seK 40.7 (50.6) billion, a sustained change in inter-

can help to assure an enduring capability for value creation and 

est rates of plus/minus 0.25 percentage points would have an 

competitive advantage. ericsson supports the UN Global com-

annual impact on the financial net of approximately plus/minus 

pact and its ten guiding principles. We see these principles not 

seK 72 (135) million. 

credit risk in trade receivables 

only as guiding principles, but also as a prerequisite for sound, 

long-term business and as such, we are committed to respon-

sible business practices for sustainable economic growth that all 

at year-end 2006, trade receivables amounted to seK 51.1 (41.2) 

our stakeholders benefit from. our commitment to employees, 

billion, less allowances of seK 1.4 (1.4) billion. extended payment 

customers, shareholders and the broader global community is 

terms for trade credits and overdue amounts are regularly re-

underscored by external recognition of our efforts. during 2006, 

viewed, and allowances are made to cover any potential losses. 

ericsson was again included in the ftse 4Good, the dow Jones 

Historically, credit losses have been minimal, mainly due to a 

sustainability index and the 100 Global Most sustainable corpo-

customer base that largely consists of well established and finan-

rations. 

cially sound network operators.

ericsson publishes a separate corporate responsibility re-

port annually, which provides comprehensive information about 

our corporate responsibility and related activities. 

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Human Rights 

Environment and Health

ericsson believes that publicly available and affordable telecom-

our most significant environmental impact relates to the energy 

munications is a fundamental prerequisite for social and eco-

consumed by our products during their use phase, and we have 

nomic development. as one of the world’s largest providers of 

set ambitious targets in this area. by 2008, the company intends 

communications equipment and services, the company plays a 

to improve the energy efficiency of the 3G/WcdMa base station 

vital role in this process, especially in emerging markets. erics-

portfolio by a total of 50 percent, compared with 2005 levels. 

son joined the business Leaders’ initiative on Human rights 

during 2006, the annual incremental improvement target of 25 

(bLiHr), which aims to find practical applications of the Universal 

percent was significantly exceeded.

declaration of Human rights within a business context and to 

the company is also working actively with green site solu-

inspire other businesses to do likewise. ericsson’s participation 

tions, including solar, wind, fuel cell and biofuel technologies. 

in bLiHr reinforces a longstanding commitment to human rights 

ericsson recently teamed up with the GsM association’s devel-

and corporate responsibility activities.

opment fund in Nigeria to show that biofuel is a viable option for 

Community Involvement 

powering rural base stations. a second biofuel pilot, on a larger 

scale, is now starting in india. biofuel-powered networks have 

the company is committed to being a responsible member of 

the potential to bring socio-economic and environmental benefits 

the global society and of the local communities in which we oper-

to a society, while lowering operators’ total cost of ownership.

ate. employees are encouraged and empowered to make a posi-

We believe that the company is in compliance with all material 

tive contribution to the world around them. their contributions 

environmental, health and safety laws and regulations required 

are of many kinds, determined by our employees according to 

by its operations and business activities. ericsson provides 

local needs. they may, for example, be in the fields of health care, 

public information on radio waves and health and supports inde-

social and humanitarian aid, scholarships and other educational 

pendent research to further increase knowledge in this area. 

support, art and culture, the environment, children’s welfare as 

ericsson currently co-sponsors more than 45 different ongoing 

well as many other charitable activities. 

research projects related to electromagnetic fields (eMf), radio 

We believe that telecom by its very nature has a constructive 

waves and health, and has since 1996 supported more than 80  

role to play in the proactive engagement in local economic, envi-

studies with a total cost of more than eUr 40 million. public 

ronmental and social challenges. We are encouraging economic 

health authorities and independent expert groups have reviewed 

growth in emerging markets through our communications for all 

the total amount of research and they have consistently conclud-

program, which we are convinced will contribute substantially to 

ed that the balance of evidence does not demonstrate any health 

poverty reduction.

effects associated with radio wave exposure from either mobile 

ericsson response is a global initiative to rapidly provide it, 

phones or radio base stations.

communication solutions and telecom experts anywhere in the 

from august 13, 2005, ericsson has complied with the eU 

world in response to human suffering caused by disasters. erics-

directive on Waste electrical and electronic equipment (Weee). 

son response assists the disaster relief operations of the UN 

our global end-of-life treatment program is called the ecology  

office for the coordination of Humanitarian affairs (ocHa), UN 

Management provision, and was initiated three years before the  

World food programme (Wfp) and the international federation 

Weee requirements became law in the eU. this proactive ap-

of red cross and red crescent societies (ifrc). during 2006, 

proach gives ericsson an effective tool to meet waste-manage-

ericsson response continued its 2005 support for an additional 

ment challenges in all our markets around the world. from July 1, 

six months to the earthquake-hit pakistan. during the crisis in 

2006, ericsson is in compliance with the eU directive on reduc-

Lebanon, ericsson response supported the telecom sans fron-

tion of Hazardous substances (roHs).

tiers operations in the country through our office in Lebanon.

Employees

every year, an employee satisfaction survey is conducted with a 

high level of employee participation. in 2006, over 90 (92) per-

cent of employees participated in this survey. the results show 

improvements in, among others, the areas of operational excel-

lence, Work empowerment & company engagement, co-opera-

tion, Learning and Leadership.

employee headcount at year-end was 63,781 (56,055). Most 

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of the additions were due to the acquisition of Marconi and to 

commission opened a first-phase investigation. the complain-

support the growing services business. during the year, 6,432 

ants are still waiting for the commission’s decision to open a 

(2,377) employees departed while 14,158 (7,898) joined the com-

second-phase investigation. 

pany. please see also Notes to the consolidated financial state-

together with most of the mobile communications industry, 

ments – Note c29, “information regarding employees, Members 

ericsson has been named as a defendant in six class action 

of the board of directors and Management”.

lawsuits in the United states, where plaintiffs alleged that ad-

Executive Compensation

verse health effects could be associated with the use of mobile 

phones. in 2006, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed four of those 

the remuneration committee continues to be mindful of the 

lawsuits. the two remaining cases are currently pending in the 

debates around the world on executive salaries and benefits. We 

United states district court for the district of Maryland and the 

remain confident that current policies and practices concerning 

superior court of the district of columbia.

authorization, compliance and control of senior executive com-

in another suit filed in the Us, freedom Wireless inc., a tech-

pensation within ericsson are appropriate and reasonable. prin-

nology company, sued cingular Wireless LLc and ericsson, 

ciples for remuneration and other employment terms for top 

claiming the two defendants built their prepaid wireless tele-

executives were approved by the annual General Meeting 2006, 

phone service on freedom Wireless’ patents that allow mobile 

and are further described in Notes to the consolidated financial 

telephone customers to purchase increments of airtime for any 

statements –Note c29, “information regarding employees, 

mobile phone.

Members of the board of directors and Management”.

ericsson is engaged in litigation with an australian company, 

as of december 31, 2006, there were no loans outstanding 

QpsX, in the federal court of australia. QpsX’s claim relates to 

from, and no guarantees issued to or assumed by ericsson for 

an alleged breach by ericsson of a patent license agreement. 

the benefit of any member of the board of directors or senior 

ericsson has contested the claim.

management. please see also Notes to the consolidated finan-

in december, 2006, the stockholm city court acquitted all 

cial statements – Note c29, “information regarding employees, 

current or former employees of the parent company who had all 

Members of the board of directors and Management”.

been indicted by the swedish National economics crimes bu-

legal and tax proceedings

reau for evasion of tax control. the judgment has in part been 

appealed by the prosecutor.  

ericsson and sony ericsson Mobile communications are en-

swedish fiscal authorities have disallowed, for income tax 

gaged in multiple patent litigations in the Us, UK, Germany and 

purposes, the parent company and the subsidiary companies 

the Netherlands, involving GsM/Gprs/edGe/WcdMa stan-

ericsson telecom ab and ericsson radio systems ab (renamed 

dards against the Korean handset manufacturer samsung, in-

ericsson ab) deductions for sales commission payments via 

cluding proceedings in the Us international trade commission 

external service companies to sales agents in certain countries. 

(itc) under section 337 of the tariff act of 1930. in itc, both 

Most of these taxes have been paid. the decision covering the 

sides’ complaints are based on respondents’ alleged unlawful 

fiscal year 1999 was appealed. in december, 2006, the county 

importation and sales within the United states of products, that – 

administrative court in stockholm rendered a judgment in favor 

according to the complainants – infringe several of their Us pat-

of the fiscal authorities. 

ents. ericsson and sony ericsson, as well as samsung, seek 

exclusion orders to stop respondent’s importation of such prod-

board of directors

ucts into the Us. 

More information regarding the board of directors and its mem-

in october 2005, ericsson filed a complaint to the european 

bers as well as the board and its committee activities can be 

commission requesting that it investigate and stop Us-based 

found in the corporate Governance report.

Qualcomm’s anti-competitive conduct in the licensing of essen-

tial patents for 3G mobile technology. at the same time, broad-

Changes to the Board membership

com, Nec, Nokia, panasonic Mobile communications and texas 

the board of directors is elected each year at the annual General 

instruments each filed similar complaints claiming Qualcomm is 

Meeting for the period until the next annual General Meeting. at 

violating eU competition law and failing to meet the commit-

the annual General Meeting on april 10, 2006, Michael treshow 

ments Qualcomm made to international standardization bodies 

was re-elected chairman of the board and Marcus Wallenberg 

around the world that it would license its technology on fair, rea-

deputy chairman. sverker Martin-Löf was also elected deputy 

sonable and non-discriminatory terms. in december, 2005, the 

chairman. sir peter L. bonfield, Ulf J. Johansson, Nancy McKin-

b o a r d   o f   d i r e c t o r s ’   r e p o r t

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stry and carl-Henric svanberg were re-elected. börje ekholm, 

during the year. the quota value of these shares is seK 17.1 

Katherine Hudson and anders Nyrén were elected as new mem-

million, representing less than one percent of capital stock, and 

bers of the board of directors.

compensation received amounted to seK 124.9 million. the 

Board compensation

holding of treasury stock at december 31, 2006 was 251,013,892 

class b shares. the quota value of these shares is seK 251.0 

Members of the board, who are not employees of the company, 

million, representing 2 percent of capital stock, and related 

have not received any compensation other than the fees paid for 

 acquisition cost amounts to seK 558.6 million. 

board duties as outlined in Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements – Note c29, “information regarding employees, 

post-closing events

Members of the board of directors and Management.” Members 

and deputy Members of the board, who are employees, i.e. the 

Acquisition of Redback Networks

ceo and the employee representatives, have not received any 

on december 20, 2006, ericsson and redback Networks inc. 

remuneration or benefits other than their normal employee en-

(NasdaQ:rbaK) announced the signing of a definitive agree-

titlements, with the exception of a small fee paid to the employee 

ment under which ericsson would acquire redback for Usd 

representatives for each board meeting attended.

25.00 per share, or an aggregate price of approximately Usd 1.9 

parent company

billion (seK 13.4 billion). the acquisition was completed on Janu-

ary 25, 2007.

the parent company business consists mainly of corporate 

redback has over 700 carrier customers in more than 80 

management, holding company functions and internal banking 

countries and employs about 800 people, including 500 r&d 

activities. the parent company business also includes customer 

engineers. fifteen of the top 20 network operators worldwide use 

credit management performed on a commission basis by erics-

redback’s technology, including broadband routers to manage 

son credit ab.

ip-based data, voice and video services. redback has a strong 

the parent company is the owner of the majority of intellec-

position in multi-service edge routing technology, which helps 

tual property rights and manages the patent portfolio, including 

carriers deliver broadband, telephony, tV and mobility services 

patent applications, licensing and cross-licensing of patents and 

over internet-based infrastructures. 

defending of patents in litigations.

the combination of redback’s intelligent routing technology 

the parent company has 7 (8) branch offices. in total, the 

and ericsson’s leading iMs (ip Multimedia subsystem), optical 

Group has 51 (51) branch and representative offices.

transport and broadband access puts ericsson in a leading 

Net sales for the year amounted to seK 0.6 (1.1) billion and 

position in end-to-end ip solutions for both fixed and mobile 

income after financial items was seK 13.6 (14.0) billion. exports 

operators.

accounted for 100 percent of net sales in 2006 (96 percent in 

2005). No consolidated companies were customers of the parent 

Acquisition of Entrisphere

company’s sales in 2006 or 2005, while 29 percent (27 percent 

ericsson announced on february 12, 2007, the acquisition of 

in 2005) of the company’s total purchases of goods and services 

entrisphere, a company providing fiber access technology. entri-

were from such companies. Net profits from disposals and write-

sphere was founded in 2000 in santa clara, california, and em-

downs of shares, including ericsson Microwave systems ab, 

ploys about 140 people, including important r&d resources. 

contributed seK 2.9 (6.6) billion to income.

the entrisphere acquisition brings a leading ip-based broad-

Major changes in the parent company’s financial position for 

band access platform ready for volume deployment compliant 

the year include decreases in current and non-current receiv-

with both North american and international standards.

ables from subsidiaries of seK 31.4 billion and decreases in cash 

since its first deployment of fiber access solution in 2003, 

and bank and short-term investments of seK 21.0 billion. current 

entrisphere has worked with major operators to deliver ip-based 

and non-current liabilities to subsidiaries decreased by seK 41.9 

services to customers across North america. With its GpoN 

billion and current maturities of long-term borrowings decreased 

solution (Gigabit passive optical Network) already in service in 

by seK 9.7 billion. at year-end, cash and bank and short-term 

North america and the system being evaluated for deployment 

investments amounted to seK 54.0 (75.0) billion.

by leading network operators around the globe, the acquisition 

in accordance with the conditions of the stock purchase 

forms an important cornerstone in ericsson’s full service broad-

plans and option plans for ericsson employees, 17,051,349 

band offering.

shares from treasury stock were sold or distributed to employees 

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proposed disposition of earnings

the Group reports an equity ratio of 56.2 (49.0) percent and net 

the board of directors proposes that a dividend of seK 0.50 

cash amounts to seK 40.7 (50.6) billion.

(0.45) per share be paid to shareholders duly registered on the 

the board of directors has also considered the parent com-

record date of april 16, 2007, and that the company retains the 

pany’s and the Group’s position in general. in this respect, the 

remaining part of non-restricted equity. the class b treasury 

board of directors has taken into account known commitments 

shares held by the parent company are not entitled to receive a 

that may have an impact on the financial positions of the parent 

dividend.

company and its subsidiaries. 

assuming that no treasury shares remain within the company 

the proposed dividend does not limit the Group’s ability to 

on the record date, the board of directors proposes that earn-

make investments or raise funds and it is our assessment that 

ings be distributed as follows:

the proposed dividend is well-balanced considering the nature, 

scope and risks of the business activities as well as the capital 

amount to be paid to the shareholders 

 seK 8,066,129,339

requirements for the parent company and the Group.

amount to be retained 

by the parent company 

total non-restricted equity 

of the parent company 

seK 24,920,658,097

board assurance

in accordance with section 3.6.2 of the swedish code of corpo-

rate Governance, assurance is hereby given by the board of 

seK 32,986,787,436

directors and the president and ceo that, to the best of our 

knowledge, the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts 

as a basis for its proposal for a dividend, the board of directors 

have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted 

has made an assessment in accordance with chapter 18, sec-

accounting principles (Gaap) for a publicly listed company, the 

tion 4 of the swedish companies act of the parent company’s 

information presented is consistent with actual conditions and 

and the Group’s need for financial resources as well as the par-

nothing of material value has been omitted that would affect the 

ent company’s and the Group’s liquidity, financial position in 

picture of the company as presented in this annual report.

other respects and long-term ability to meet their commitments. 

stockholm february 23, 2007

telefonaktiebolaget LM ericsson (publ)

org. no. 556016-0680

sverker Martin-Löf 

Deputy chairman 

Michael treschow 

Chairman 

Marcus Wallenberg

Deputy chairman

Nancy McKinstry  

sir peter L. bonfield 

anders Nyrén

börje ekholm  

Ulf J. Johansson 

Katherine Hudson

 torbjörn Nyman 

Monica bergström  

Jan Hedlund

carl-Henric svanberg

President and CEO

ENXBoD_v61.indd   39

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b o a r d   o f   d i r e c t o r s ’   r e p o r t

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

consolidated  
income statement

Years ended December 31, SEK million  

net sales  
cost of sales  
Gross margin 

Research and development and other technical expenses 
selling and administrative expenses  
operating expenses 

other operating income  
share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies  
Operating income 

financial income  
financial expenses  
income after financial items 

taxes  
Net income 

net income attributable to:
  stockholders of the parent company 
  minority interest 

Other information
average number of shares, basic (million) 
earnings per share, basic (seK)   
earnings per share, diluted (seK)  

notes 

c3, c4 

c6 
c12 

c7 
c7 

c8 

2006 

2005 

2004

177,783 
–104,487 
73,296 

–27,921 
–21,422 
–49,343 

5,941 
5,934 
35,828 

1,954 
–1,789 
35,993 

–9,557 
26,436 

151,821 
–82,369 
69,452 

–24,454 
–16,800 
–41,254 

2,491 
2,395 
33,084 

2,653 
–2,402 
33,335 

–8,875 
24,460 

131,972
–70,864
61,108

–23,421
–15,921
–39,342

2,617
2,323
26,706

3,541
–4,081
26,166

–8,330
17,836

26,251 
185 

24,315 
145 

17,539
297

c9 
c9 

15,871 
1.65 
1.65 

15,843 
1.53 
1.53 

15,829
1.11
1.11

40

c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

ENXCONSXStatsXnew_v20.indd   40

07-02-27   09.44.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consolidated  
balance sheet

December 31, SEK million  

ASSETS
Non-current assets
intangible assets  

  capitalized development expenses 
  Goodwill 

intellectual property rights 

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

notes 

2006 

2005 1)

c10

4,995 
6,824 
15,649 

6,161
7,362
939

Property, plant and equipment  

c11, c26, c27 

7,881 

6,966

financial assets  

equity in joint ventures and associated companies 

  other investments in shares and participations  
  customer financing, non-current 
  other financial assets, non-current  

deferred tax assets  

Current assets
inventories  

trade receivables 
customer financing, current 
other current receivables 

short-term investments  
cash and cash equivalents  

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
stockholders’ equity   
minority interest in equity of subsidiaries 

Non-current liabilities
Post-employment benefits  
Provisions, non-current  
deferred tax liabilities 
borrowings, non-current  
other non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities
Provisions, current  
borrowings, current  
trade payables  
other current liabilities  

Total equity and liabilities 2)  

c12

c8 

c13 

c14 

c15 

c20 
c20 

c16 
c16 

c17 
c18 
c8 
c19, c20 

c18 
c19, c20 
c22 
c21 

9,409 
721 
1,921 
2,409 
13,564 
63,373 

6,313
805
1,322
2,796
18,519
51,183

21,470 

19,208

51,070 
1,735 
15,012 

32,311 
29,969 
151,567 
214,940 

120,113 
782 
120,895 

6,968 
602 
382 
12,904 
2,868 
23,724 

13,280 
1,680 
18,183 
37,178 
70,321 
214,940 

41,242
3,624
12,574

39,767
41,738
158,153
209,336

101,622
850
102,472

5,891
904
391
14,185
2,740
24,111

17,764
10,784
12,584
41,621
82,753
209,336

1)  ericsson has adopted the new option in ias 19 to charge actuarial gains/losses directly to equity, as from January 1, 2006. earlier periods have been restated accordingly. for 

further information please see notes to the consolidated statements – note c17, “Post-employment benefits”.

2)  of which interest-bearing liabilitites and post-employment benefits 21,552 (30,860). 

c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

41

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

consolidated statement  
of cash flows

Years ended December 31, SEK million  

notes 

2006 

2005 

2004

OPERATIONS
net income attributable to stockholders of the parent company 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash  

Operating net assets
inventories 
customer financing, current and non-current 
trade receivables 
Provisions and post-employment benefits 
other operating assets and liabilities, net 
Cash flow from operating activities 

Investing activities
investments in property, plant and equipment  
sales of property, plant and equipment 
acquisitions of subsidiaries and other operations 
divestments of subsidiaries and other operations 
Product development 
other investing activities 
Cash flow from operating investing activities 

26,251 

24,315 

17,539

c25 

6,245 
32,496 

10,845 
35,160 

10,490
28,029

–2,553 
1,186 
–10,563 
–3,729 
1,652 
18,489 

–3,827 
185 
–18,078 
3,086 
–1,353 
–1,070 
–21,057 

–3,668 
–641 
–5,874 
–15,574 
7,266 
16,669 

–3,365 
362 
–1,210 
30 
–1,174 
13 
–5,344 

–3,432
–65
–1,403
–1,990
1,340
22,479

–2,452
358
–1,648
14
–1,146
86
–4,788

c11 

c26 
c26 
c10 

Cash flow before financial investing activities 

–2,568 

11,325 

17,691

short-term investments 
Cash flow from investing activities 

Cash flow before financing activities 

Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings 
sale of own stock and options exercised 
dividends paid 
Cash flow from financing activities 

effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
Net change in cash  

6,180 
–14,877 

6,375 
1,031 

–26,050
–30,838

3,612 

17,700 

–8,359

1,290 
–9,510 
124 
–7,343 
–15,439 

58 
–11,769 

657 
–2,784 
174 
–4,133 
–6,086 

–288 
11,326 

1,100
–15,407
41
–292
–14,558

214
–22,703

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 

41,738 

30,412 

53,115

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  

c20 

29,969 

41,738 

30,412

42

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

consolidated statement  
of RecoGniZed income  
and eXPense

Years ended December 31, SEK million 

Income and expenses recognized  
directly in equity: 
actuarial gains and lossed related  
to pensions including payroll tax 

Revaluation of other investments in shares  
and participations
fair value remeasurement reported in equity 
transferred to income statement at sale 

Cash Flow hedges:
fair value remeasurement of derivatives  
reported in equity 
transferred to income statement  
for the period 
transferred to balance sheet  
for the period 

changes in cumulative translation  
effects due to changes in foreign  
currency exchange rates 

tax on items reported directly in/or  
transferred from equity 

2006 

2005 1) 

2004  1)

stock- 

stock- 

stock- 

holders’  minority 
interest 

equity  

Total 
equity  2) 

holders’  minority 
interest 

equity  

total 
equity  2) 

holders’  minority 
interest 

equity  

total
equity  2)

440 

– 

440 

–3,221 

– 

–3,221 

–1,059  

– 

–1,059

–2 
– 

1 
– 

–1 
– 

–3 
–147 

– 
– 

–3 
–147 

4,100 

– 

4,100 

–3,961 

– 

–3,961 

–1,990 

– 

–1,990 

1,404 

99 

– 

99 

– 

– 

– 

1,404 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

–
–

–

–

–

–3,028 

–91 

–3,119 

4,118 

147 

4,265 

–1,200 

–65 

–1,265

–769 

– 

–769 

1,523 

– 

1,523 

384 

– 

384

Total transactions reported in equity 

–1,150 

–90 

–1,240 

–287 

147 

–140 

–1,875 

–65 

–1,940

net income 

26,251 

185 

26,436 

24,315 

145 

24,460 

17,539 

297 

17,836

Total income and expenses  
recognized for the period 

25,101 

95 

25,196 

24,028 

292 

24,320 

15,664 

232 

15,896

1) ericsson has adopted the new option in ias 19 to charge actuarial gains/losses to equity, as from January 1, 2006. earlier periods have been restated accordingly. for further 

information, please see notes to the consolidated statements – note c17, “Post-employment benefits”.

2) for further information, please see notes to the consolidated statements – note c16, “equity”. 

ENXCONSXStatsXnew_v20.indd   43

07-02-27   09.44.38

c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

notes to the consolidated 
financial statements
contents
c1  significant accounting Policies...........................................................................................................................................................................................................45

c2  critical accounting estimates and Judgments......................................................................................................................................................................52

c3  segment information...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54

c4  Revenues.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 57

c5  expenses by nature...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57

c6  other operating income........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57

c7  financial income and expenses........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 57

c8  taxes........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 57

c9  earnings per share.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................58

c10  intangible assets............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59

c11  Property, Plant and equipment........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61

c12  financial assets..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................63

c13  inventories............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................65

c14  trade Receivables.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................65

c15  other current Receivables.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................65

c16  equity.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................66

c17  Post-employment Benefits.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................68

c18  Provisions............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 74

c19  interest-bearing liabilities.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................75

c20  financial Risk management and financial instruments..................................................................................................................................................75

c21  other current liabilities............................................................................................................................................................................................................................79

c22  trade payables.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................79

c23  assets Pledged as collateral................................................................................................................................................................................................................79

c24  contingent liabilities...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................79

c25  statement of cash flows.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................79

c26  Business combinations............................................................................................................................................................................................................................80

c27  leasing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81

c28  tax assessment Values in sweden................................................................................................................................................................................................. 81

c29  information Regarding employees, members of the Board of directors and management.............................................................. 81

c30  Related Party transactions.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87

c31  fees to auditors..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................88

c32  events after the Balance sheet date..............................................................................................................................................................................................88

44

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ENXCONSXNotsXnew_v72.indd   44

07-03-04   17.32.39

c1 significant accoUnting 
Policies

the consolidated financial statements comprise telefonaktiebolaget 
lm ericsson, the Parent company, and its subsidiaries (“the 
company”) and the company’s interest in associated companies and 
joint ventures. the Parent company is domiciled in sweden at 
torshamnsgatan 23, 164 83 stockholm.

the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 

december 31, 2006, have been prepared in accordance with 
international financial Reporting standards (ifRs) as endorsed by 
the eU, RR 30:05 additional rules for group accountng and related 
interpretations issued by the swedish financial accounting 
standards council (Redovisingsrådet) and the swedish annual 
accounts act. for the company, there is no difference between ifRs 
and ifRs endorsed by the eU, nor is RR 30:05 or the swedish annual 
accounts act in conflict with  ifRs. 

the financial statements were approved by the Board of directors 

on february 23, 2007. the balance sheets and income statements 
are subject to approval by the annual general meeting of share-
holders.

ifRs 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, informa-
tion will be provided in a separate note ”Reconciliation to accounting 
Principles generally accepted in the United states” in the annual 
report on form 20f. the 20f will be filed with sec in the second 
quarter of 2007. 

ericsson has applied ifRss since January 1, 2005. all amounts 
related to 2004 have been restated in accordance with ifRss, except 
for ias 39, which has been applied as from January 1, 2005, as 
allowed by ifRs 1. 

in 2006, the following amendments to ifRs and new ifRic:s were 

adopted:
•  IAS.19.employee Benefits. as from January 1, 2006, the company 
has applied the option for recognition of actuarial gains and losses 
directly in equity. the option has been applied retrospectively as 
from January 1, 2004. in note c17 Post employment Benefits, the 
effect of the application of the option is disclosed. 

•  IAS.21.the effects of changes in foreign exchange Rates. ias 21 
has been amended in relation to the accounting treatment of net 
investments in a foreign operation. this amendment has not had 
a significant impact on the financial position or result.

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

•  IAS.39.financial instruments: Recognition and measurement. an 
amendment to ias 39 requires a company to include liabilities 
resulting from financial guarantee contracts in the balance sheet at 
fair value. this amendment has not had a significant impact on the 
financial position or result.

•  IFRIC.4.determining whether an arrangement contains a lease. 
this interpretation has not had a significant impact on the financial 
position or result.

•  IFRIC.6.liabilities arising from Participating in a specific market – 
Waste of electric and electronical equipment. this interpretation 
has not had a significant impact on the financial position or result.

Basis.of.presentation

the financial statements are presented in millions of swedish kronor 
(seK). they are prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain 
financial assets and liabilities that are stated at fair value; derivative 
financial instruments, financial instruments held for trading, financial 
instruments classified as available-for-sale and plan assets related to 
defined benefit plans. non-current assets and disposal groups held 
for sale are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less 
cost to sell.

Principles.of.consolidation.

the consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with the purchase method. accordingly, consolidated stockholders’ 
equity includes equity in subsidiaries, associated companies and 
joint ventures earned only after their acquisition. 

Subsidiaries

the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the 
Parent company and all subsidiaries and the companys’ interest in 
associated companies and joint ventures. subsidiaries are all compa-
nies in which ericsson has an ownership interest and directly or 
indirectly, including effective potential voting rights, has a voting 
majority or in which ericsson by agreement has control of or retains 
the majority of the residual or ownership risk of the entity. this means 
that the company has the power to govern the financial and 
operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more 
than one half of the voting rights. at acquisitions, consolidation is 
performed from the date control is transferred. at divestments, 
deconsolidation is made from the date when control ceases. 

intra-group balances, and any unrealized income and expense 
arising from intra-group transactons, are fully eliminated in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses are 
eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the extent 
that there is no evidence of impairment. 

Associated companies and joint ventures

investments in associated companies and joint ventures, where 
voting stock interest including effective potential voting rights is at 
least 20 percent but not more than 50 percent, or where a corre-
sponding influence is obtained through agreement, are accounted for 
according to the equity method. ericsson’s share of income before 
taxes 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 as well 

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

45

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07-03-04   17.32.39

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

as other assets in associated companies and joint ventures 
purchased from subsidiary companies are eliminated in the 
consolidated accounts in proportion to ownership. losses in transac-
tions with associated companies and joint ventures are eliminated in 
the same way as profit unless there is evidence of impairment.

also when associated companies and joint ventures sell to the 
company, unrealized internal profits and losses occur. eliminations 
are made also for these profits and losses.

Undistributed earnings of associated companies and joint 

ventures included in consolidated equity are reported as Retained 
earnings, subsequent to acquisition. 

Business.combinations

at the acquisition of a business, an allocation is made of the cost of 
the business combination in which fair values are assigned to 
acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, for example 
intangible assets such as customer relations, brands and patents, 
based upon appraisals made. goodwill arises when the purchase 
price exceeds the fair value of recognizable acquired net assets. 
as from the acquisition date, goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is allocated to each of the cash-generating units, or 
groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from 
the synergies of the combination. corporate assets are allocated to 
cash-generating units in proportion to each unit’s proportion of net 
sales. an annual impairment test for the cash-generating units to 
which goodwill has been allocated is performed in the fourth quarter, 
or when there is an indication of impairment. an impairment loss is 
recognized if the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit 
exceeds its recoverable amount. impairment losses are recognized in 
the income statement. impairment losses recognized in respect of 
cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying 
amount of the goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the 
carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis. 
the recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is the 
greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. in 
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discount-
ed to their present value. an impairment loss in respect of goodwill is 
not reversed.

Translation.of.financial.statements.in.foreign.currency.

for subsidiary companies, joint ventures and associated companies, 
the functional (business) currency is the currency in which the 
companies primarily generate and expend cash. their financial 
statements plus goodwill related to such companies are translated 
to seK by translating assets and liabilities at the closing rate on the 
balance sheet day and income statement items at average exchange 
rates, with translation adjustments reported directly in consolidated 
equity. When a company is disposed of, the corresponding 
accumulated translation adjustments are recognized in consolidated 
income. 

effective portions of foreign exchange gains and losses on hedge 

instruments designated to hedge the net investments in foreign 
entities are reported directly in consolidated equity, net of tax effects, 
to offset the translation adjustments above. ineffective portions of 
foreign exchange gains and losses are reported in operating income.

46

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

Remeasurement.of.foreign.currency.items.in.
individual.companies.

in the financial statements, receivables and liabilities in foreign 
currencies are measured at year-end exchange rates. 

foreign exchange gains and losses are reported either as 

operational cost or in financial net. effects of hedging are reported in 
the income statement together with the foreign currency exchange 
gains/losses of the hedged item. 

the net difference between foreign exchange gains/losses on 
operating transactions and gains/losses on hedging through foreign 
exchange derivatives are reported as adjustments to 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. 

ias 39 was adopted as from January 1, 2005, with early adoption 
of the amendment related to cash flow hedge accounting of forecast 
intragroup transactions.

Statement.of.cash.flows

the cash flow statement is prepared according to the indirect 
method. cash flows from foreign subsidiaries are translated at the 
average exchange rate during the period. subsidiaries purchased 
and/or sold are reported as cash flow from operating investing 
activities, net of cash. 

cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, bank and short-term 

investments and are highly liquid financial instruments that have a 
remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Revenue.recognition.

sales are recorded net of value added taxes, goods returned, trade 
discounts and rebates. Revenue is recognized with reference to all 
significant contractual terms when the product or service has been 
delivered, when the revenue amount is fixed or determinable and 
when collection is reasonably assured.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of telecommunication and data 

communication systems and services covering a range of technolo-
gies. 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 four main types:
•  delivery-type
•  construction-type
•  contracts for various types of services, for example multi-year 

managed services contracts

•  licenses

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.

the profitability of contracts is periodically assessed and 

ENXCONSXNotsXnew_v72.indd   46

07-03-04   17.32.40

provisions for losses are immediately made, with full amounts, when 
losses are probable.

for delivery-type contracts revenue is recognized when risks and 
rewards have been transferred to the customer, normally stipulated in 
contractual terms of trade. for delivery-type contracts that have 
multiple elements, revenue is allocated to each element based on 
relative fair values. if there are undelivered elements essential to the 
functionality of the delivered elements, or, if fair values are not 
available for all elements, the company defers the recognition of 
revenue until all elements essential to the functionality have been 
delivered or fair values exist for the undelivered elements. 

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 deliverables or 
milestones for progress billing to the customer, which also well reflect 
the degree of completion of the contract. in construction-type 
contracts where the milestone output method is applied, costs 
incurred pending the completion of milestones are reported as 
contract work in progress and included in inventory. such milestones 
are in most contracts frequent. the extent to which milestones have 
been met varies from period to period, and as a consequence the 
amount of contract work included in inventory may also vary 
significantly.

Revenue for period service contracts and managed services 
contracts, covering longer periods is recognized pro rata over the 
contract period. Revenue for training, consulting, engineering, 
installation and similar services is generally recognized when the 
services are provided. 

licenses relate to mobile platform license revenues which are 
included in reported net sales based on the number of handsets or 
components produced by the customer. Revenue is recognized 
when the customer production has been made. license revenues 
related to third party contracts for utilization of our patents are 
reported as other operating revenues.

for sales between consolidated companies, associated compa-

nies, joint ventures and segments we apply arm’s length pricing.

Earnings.per.share.

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income 
attributable to shareholders of the parent company by the average 
number of shares outstanding (total number of shares less treasury 
stock) during the year. 

diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income 
attributable to shareholders of the parent company by the sum of the 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive potential 
ordinary shares. Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive 
when, and only when, this reduces earnings per share. 

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Classification.and.measurement.of.financial.
instruments

ias 39 was adopted as from January 1, 2005, with early adoption of 
the amendment related to cash flow hedge accounting of forecast 
intragroup transactions.
•  short-term investments are measured at fair value through profit or 

loss.

•  investments in equity instruments are recognized at fair value. 
subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in equity, 
adjusted for impairment, which is recognized in the income 
statement.

•  loans and borrowings are recognized at fair value, net of 

transaction costs incurred. subsequently, loans and borrowings 
are measured using the amortized cost method less impairment.
•  all derivatives are recognized at fair value. subsequent changes in 
fair value of derivatives are recognized in the income statement, 
unless the derivative is a hedging instrument in 
i)   a cash flow hedge of a highly probable forecasted transaction. 
the effective portion of fair value changes of the derivative is 
recognized in equity until the hedged transaction affects the 
income statement, at which moment the accumulated 
deferred amount in equity is recycled to the income statement.
ii)   a cash flow hedge of a highly probable forecasted transaction 
that result in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability. 
the effective portion of fair value changes of the derivative is 
recognized in equity until the hedged transaction affects the 
balance sheet, at which moment the accumulated deferred 
amount in equity is included in the initial measurement of the 
acquisition cost of the asset or liability

iii)  a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. the 

effective portion of fair value changes of the derivative is 
recognized in equity until the hedged investment affects the 
income statement, at which moment the accumulated 
deferred amount in equity is recycled to the income statement.
•  for derivatives assigned as fair value hedges, fair value changes of 

both the derivative and the hedged item, attributable to the 
hedged risk, are recognized in the income statement and offset 
each other to the extent the hedge is effective. the company only 
applies fair value hedge accounting for hedging fixed interest risk 
on borrowings. 

•  ericsson’s listed debt instruments (outstanding notes and bond 
loans) are measured at amortized cost, unless designated as a 
hedged item in a fair value hedge, when its hedged risk is 
measured at fair value.

a financial instrument is recognized if the company becomes a party 
to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Regular purchases 
and sales of financial assets are recognized on settlement date. 
investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction 
costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or 
loss. financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are 
initially recognized at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed 
in the income statement. financial assets are derecognized when the 
rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or 

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have been transferred and the group has transferred substantially all 
risks and rewards of ownership. financial liabilities are derecognized 
when they are extinguished.

foreign exchange gains and losses on operating assets and 
liabilities are reported as adjustments to cost of sales. the corre-
sponding reporting for financial items is credited/charged to financial 
income and expenses respectively. 

gains and losses on derivatives held to offset balance sheet items 

are reported together with losses and gains on the underlying 
position. 

financial assets and liabilities are offset and reported net in the 
balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right for offset and 
there is an intent to settle on a net basis.

fair values of financial instruments are based on quoted market 
prices or rates. if official rates or market prices are not available, fair 
values are calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows 
at prevailing interest rates.

each balance sheet date, the company assesses whether there is 
objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets 
is impaired. in the case of equity securities with changes in fair value 
recognized in equity, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair 
value of the security below its cost is considered an indicator that the 
security is impaired. if any such evidence exists for these financial 
assets, the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between 
the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment 
loss on that financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss – is 
removed from equity and recognized in the income statement. 
impairment losses recognized in the income statement on equity 
instruments are not reversed. 

Receivables.and.customer.financing.

Receivables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortized cost, less allowances for impairment charges. 
impairment of receivables is assessed when there is objective 
evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due 
according to the original contractual terms. significant financial 
difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter 
bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in 
payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is 
impaired. the amount of the allowance is the difference between the 
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future 
cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate at inception. the 
amount of the provision is recognized in the income statement within 
selling expenses.

When selling receivables, they are derecognized if substantially all 
the risks and rewards of ownership of the receivable have been trans-
ferred. separate assets or liabilities are recognized if any rights and 
obligations are created or retained in the transfer.

collectibility of the receivables are assessed for purposes of initial 
revenue recognition. in instances where the exposures are related to 
guarantees to third parties for customer financing, we have reported 
the extent of our exposure as contingent liabilities. these contingent 
liabilities are reported net of risk provisions. 

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Financial.guarantees

financial guarantee contracts are initially recognized at fair value (i.e 
usually the fee received). subsequently, these contracts are 
measured at the higher of 
•  the amount determined as the best estimate of the expenditure 
required to settle the obligation according to the guarantee 
contract, and

•  the recognized fee less cumulative amortization when amortized 

over the guaranteed period using the straight line method.

Inventories.

inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value 
on a first-in, first-out (fifo) basis. 

Risks of obsolescence have been measured by estimating market 
value based on future customer demand and changes in technology 
and customer acceptance of new products.

Intangible.assets.other.than.goodwill.

these assets consist of capitalized development expenses and 
acquired intangible assets, such as patents, customer relations, 
brands and software, and are stated at cost less accumulated 
amortization/impairment. amortization and any impairment losses 
are included in Research and development and other technical 
expenses, mainly for capitalized development expenses and patents, 
selling and administrative expenses, mainly for customer relations 
and brands, and cost of sales.

costs incurred for development of products to be sold, leased or 

otherwise marketed or 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. these 
capitalized costs are mainly generated internally and 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 the 
straight-line method over periods not exceeding five years. 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.

amortization of acquired intangible assets, mainly intellectual 
property rights, is made according to the straight-line method over 
the useful life, normally not exceeding ten years. 

the company has not recognized any intangible assets with 

indefinite lifetime other than goodwill.

impairment tests are performed on a regular basis whenever there 

is an indication of possible impairment. however, intangible assets 
not yet available for use are tested annually. an impairment loss is 
recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating 
unit exceeds its recoverable amount. the recoverable amount is the 
higher of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. in 
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discount-
ed to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the asset. corporate assets have been allocated to cash-
generating units in relation to each unit’s proportion of total net sales. 
impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each 
reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no 
longer exists. an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a 

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change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount, 
an impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s 
carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would 
have been determined, net of amortization, if no impairment loss had 
been recognized.

Property,.plant.and.equipment.

items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

depreciation is charged to income, generally on a straight-line 

basis, over the estimated useful life of each part of an item of 
property, plant and equipment. estimated useful lives are, in general, 
40 years for buildings, 20 years for land improvements, 3 to 10 years 
for machinery and equipment, and up to 5 years for rental equipment. 
depreciation and any impairment are included in cost of sales, 
Research and development and other technical expenses and selling 
and administrative expenses. 

impairment testing is performed in the same manner as for 
intangible assets other than goodwill as well as recognition or 
reversal of impairment, see description under intangible assets other 
than goodwill above.

Leasing.

Leasing when the Company is the lessee

leases on terms in which the company assumes substantially all the 
risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon 
initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal 
to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum 
lease payments. subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is 
accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to 
that asset, although the depreciation period would not exceed the 
lease term. other leases are operating leases, and the leased assets 
under such contracts are not recognized on the balance sheet. 
costs under operating leases are recognized in the income 

statement on a straight-line bases over the term of the lease. lease 
incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total 
lease expense, over the term of the lease.

Leasing when the Company is the lessor

leasing contracts with the company as lessor are classified as 
finance leases when the majority of risks and rewards are transferred 
to the lessee, and otherwise as operating leases. Under a finance 
lease, a receivable is recognized at an amount equal to the net 
investment in the lease and revenue recognized in accordance with 
the revenue recognition principles. 

Under operating leases, an item of property, plant and equipment 
is reported and revenue as well as depreciation are recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

Income.taxes.

income taxes in the consolidated financial statements include both 
current and deferred taxes. income taxes are reported in the income 
statement unless the underlying item is reported directly in equity. 
for those items the related income tax is also reported directly in 
equity. a current tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated 
taxes payable or refundable for the current year or prior years.

deferred tax assets are recognized for (i) deductible temporary 
differences between the book values of assets and liabilities and their 
tax values and (ii) unutilized tax loss carryforwards. a deferred tax 
asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable 
profits will be available against which the temporary differences can 
be utilized. temporary differences related to the following are not 
provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial 
recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor 
taxable profit, and differences related to investments in subsidiaries 
to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable 
future.

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 probable utilization. the largest 
amounts of tax loss carryforwards are in sweden, with indefinite 
period of utilization.

deferred tax is measured at the tax rate that is expected to be 
applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on 
the tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
reporting date. an adjustment of deferred tax asset/liability balances 
due to a change in the tax rate is recognized in the income statement 
unless it relates to a temporary difference earlier recognized directly 
in equity, in which case the adjustment is also recognized in equity.

Provisions

Provisions are made when there are legal or constructive obligations 
as a result of past events and when it is probable that an outflow of 
resources will be required to settle the obligations and the amounts 
can be reliably estimated. however, the actual outflow as a result of 
the obligation may differ from such estimate. 

the provisions mainly relate to warranty commitments, restruc-
turing, customer financing guarantees and other obligations, such as 
litigation obligations, contractual discounts, customer contract loss 
provisions, penalties or claims as well as unresolved income tax and 
value added tax issues. 

in the ordinary course of business, the company is subject to 

proceedings, lawsuits and other unresolved claims, including 
proceedings under laws and government regulations and other 
matters. these matters are often resolved over long periods of time. 
We regularly assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments in or 
outcomes of these matters, as well as potential ranges of possible 
losses. Provisions are recognized when it is probable that a liability 
has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably 
estimated based on a detailed analysis of each individual issue. 

for losses on customer contracts we record provisions when a 
loss from a contract is anticipated and possible to estimate reliably. 
We provide for the estimated future settlements related to patent 
infringements based on the probable outcome of each infringement. 

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the ultimate outcome or actual cost of settling an individual 
infringement may vary from our estimate. We estimate the outcome 
of any potential patent infringement made known to us through 
assertion and through our own monitoring of patent-related cases in 
the relevant legal systems. to the extent that we determine that an 
identified potential infringement will more probably than not result in 
an outflow of resources, we record a provision based on our best 
estimate of the expenditure required to settle infringement procee-
dings. 

at various intervals, we give our suppliers and/or subcontractors 

forecasts of expected purchases and also sometimes commit to 
minimum purchase levels during a certain period. the agreements 
often include compensation clauses for the event that material 
deviations from original plans regarding production volumes or 
product mix should occur. as a result of actual deviations from 
committed purchase levels or of received actual claims from these 
suppliers and/or subcontractors, we make provisions for estimated 
compensation to such suppliers and/or subcontractors. additionally, 
provisions are estimated and accrued for charges as a result of 
known changes in design specifications that are provided to 
production subcontractors. amounts for provisions and subsequent 
net amounts at settlements are charged to the corresponding item in 
the income statement, i.e. costs related to component suppliers, 
production subcontractors and installation subcontractors are 
included in cost of sales. costs regarding development subcontrac-
tors are included in Research & development and other technical 
expenses, and costs related to it-providers and other services are 
included in operating expenses or cost of sales depending on the 
nature of the service. such provisions are monitored closely on a 
regular basis, with any additions/reversals charged or credited to the 
same account as the initial provision. 

Post-employment.benefits

Pensions and other post-employment benefits are classified as either 
defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans. Under a defined 
contribution plan, the company’s only obligation is to pay a fixed 
amount to a separate entity (a fund), and will have no obligation to 
pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to 
pay all employee benefits. the related actuarial and investment risks 
fall on the employee. the expenditures for defined contribution plans 
are recognized as costs during the period when the employee 
provides service. Under a defined benefit plan it is the company’s 
obligation to provide agreed benefits to current and former employ-
ees. the related actuarial and investment risks fall on the company.

the present value of the defined benefit obligations for current and 

former employees is calculated using the Projected Unit credit 
method. the discount rate for each country is determined by 
reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds that have 
maturity dates approximating the terms of the company’s obligations. 
in countries where there is no deep market in such bonds, the market 
yields on government bonds are used. the calculations are based 
upon actuarial assumptions and are as a minimum prepared annually. 
actuarial assumptions are the company’s best estimate of the 
variables that determine the cost of providing the benefits. When 
using actuarial assumptions, it is possible that the actual result will 
differ from the estimated result. these differences are reported as 
actuarial gains and losses. they are for example caused by 

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unexpectedly high or low rates of employee turnover, changed life 
expectancy, salary changes, changes in the discount rate and 
differences between actual and expected return on plan assets. 
actuarial gains and losses are recognized in equity in the period in 
which they occur. the company’s net commitment for each defined 
benefit plan consists of the present value of pension commitments 
less the fair value of plan assets and is recognized net on the balance 
sheet. When the result is a benefit to the company, the recognized 
asset is limited to the total of any cumulative past service cost and 
the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in 
future contribution to the plan.

the net of return on plan assets and interest on pension liabilities is 

reported as financial income or expense, while the current service 
cost and any other items in the annual pension cost are reported as 
operating income or expense.

Pension cost calculated according to ias 19 differs from pension 
cost calculated according to swedish gaaP. a special payroll tax is 
calculated on the difference between ias 19 and local practice. 
Payroll taxes are recorded as other current liabilities and are 
recognized as cost in the income statement. Payroll tax related to 
actuarial gains and losses are reported in equity together with the 
recognition of actuarial gains and losses.

Share-based.employee.compensation.

share based compensation only relates to remuneration to em-
ployees, including key management personnel.

Stock option plans

ericsson has chosen not to apply ifRs 2 to equity instruments 
granted before november 7, 2002, in accordance with ifRs 1 and 
ifRs 2. 

ifRs 2 is applied for one employee equity settled option program 
granted after november 7, 2002. the vesting period for this program 
ended during 2005, and ericsson recognized compensation costs 
representing the fair value at grant date of the outstanding employee 
options. in the balance sheet the corresponding amounts are 
accounted for as equity. the fair value of the options was calculated 
using an option-pricing model. the total costs were recognized 
during the vesting period (3 years), i.e. the period during which the 
employees had to fulfill vesting requirements. When the options are 
exercised, social security charges are to be paid in certain countries 
on the value of the employee benefit; generally based on the 
difference between the market price of the share and the strike price. 
such social security charges are accrued during the vesting period.

Stock purchase plans

for stock purchase plans, compensation costs are recognized 
during the vesting period, based on the fair value of the ericsson 
share at the employee’s investment date. the fair value is based 
upon the share price at investment date adjusted for that no 
dividends will be received on matching shares prior to matching. the 
employees pay a price equal to the share price at investment date for 
the investment shares. the investment date is considered as the 
grant date. in the balance sheet the corresponding amounts are 
accounted for as equity. Vesting conditions are non-market based 
and affect the number of shares that ericsson will match. for shares 
under performance-based matching programs, the company 

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assesses the probability of meeting the performance targets when 
calculating the compensation costs. compensation expenses are 
based on estimates of the number of shares that will match at the 
end of the vesting period. 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 generally based on the 
market value of the shares at the matching date. during the vesting 
period, estimated such social security charges are accrued. 

Segment.reporting

financial information is provided to the Board for both primary and 
secondary segments. these segments are subject to risks and 
returns that are different from those of other segments.

Primary segments

ericsson has the following business segments: 
•  systems, addressing operators of mobile and fixed public 

telephone networks. in this segment is included since January 1, 
2006, businesses acquired from marconi. 

•  Phones, addressing distributors of mobile handsets to end users. 
financial information for this segment consists of our investment in 
and share in earnings of sony ericsson.

•  other operations, which consists of a number of different 

operations addressing different types of customers. each included 
operation represents, however, less than 10 percent of total net 
sales and is therefore considered too small to be reported 
separately. included operations are: network technologies, 
enterprise systems, mobile Platform technology, Power modules 
and other. as per september 1, 2006, the major part of the 
defense operations was sold and revenue and costs are included 
in other operations until that date.

When determining our business segments, we have looked at which 
market and to what type of customers our products are aimed, and 
through what distribution channels they are sold, as well as to 
commonality regarding technology, research and development. the 
systems segment is regarded as one business segment, where the 
business units access, systems, global services and Broadband 
networks represent different product lines. this is due to the close 
technical relation between included products – they are all integrated 
components in public telecommunications networks for fixed or 
mobile communication, subject to common technical systems 
standards ,e.g. gsm, tdma, cdma and Wcdma – and due to the 
common supply and sales through our own sales organization to 
operators of public networks, with contracts that as a rule include a 
mix of products and services from several product lines as well as 
installation. 

our second segment, Phones, is carried out through a joint 
venture with sony and develops and sells handsets for mobile 
telecommunications to distributors. 

our segment other operations is composed of a number of 

smaller operating units, each too small to be reported individually as 
a separate segment, and each with different characteristics in terms 
of products, customers and distribution channels. 

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

Secondary segments

ericsson operates in five main geographical areas: (1) Western 
europe, (2) central and eastern europe, middle east and africa, (3) 
asia Pacific, (4) north america and (5) latin america. these areas 
represent our geographical segments.

Borrowing.costs

the company does not capitalize any borrowing costs. these costs 
are expensed as incurred.

Non-current.assets.held.for.sale

non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of 
carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. at present, the 
amounts related to assets held for sale are insignificant.

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 are linked to performance of 
research or development work or to subsidized capital expenditures 
as governmental stimulus to employment or investments in a certain 
country or region. government grants linked to research and 
development are normally deducted in reporting the related expense 
whereas grants related to assets are accounted for deducting the 
grant in arriving at the carrying amount of the asset.

New.or.amended.standards.(IAS/IFRS)

the new or amended standards relate to changes in disclosure or 
presentation and will therefore have no impact on financial result or 
position.
•  ifRs 7, financial instruments: disclosures, and a complementary 
amendment to ias 1, Presentation of financial statements – 
capital disclosures (effective from January 1, 2007). ifRs 7 
introduces new disclosure requirements to improve the informa-
tion about financial instruments.  
the amendment to ias 1 introduces disclosures about the level of 
an entity’s capital and how it manages capital. the company will 
apply ifRs 7 and the amendment to ias 1 from annual periods 
beginning January 1, 2007.

•  ifRs 8 operating segments. this standard prescribes measure-

ment and presentation of segments and replaces ias 14 segment 
reporting. an entity shall apply this ifRs in its annual financial 
statements for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009. the 
company plans to apply this new standard as from January 1, 
2009.

New.interpretations.(IFRIC:s).

none of the new ifRic:s are expected to have a significant impact on 
financial result or position.

the following ifRic:s shall be applied as from January 1, 2007:
•  ifRic interpretation 7 applying the Restatement approach under 
ias 29 financial Reporting in hyperinflationary economies. this 
interpretation provides guidance on how to apply the requirements 
of ias 29 in a reporting period in which an entity identifies the 
existence of hyperinflation in the economy of its functional 
currency.

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•  ifRic interpretation 8 scope of ifRs 2. this interpretation applies 
to transactions when the identifiable consideration received 
appears to be less than the fair value of the equity instruments 
granted.

•  ifRic interpretation 9 Reassessment of embedded derivatives. 
determines when an entity shall reassess the need for an 
embedded derivative to be separated. 

•  ifRic interpretation 10 interim financial Reporting and impairment. 
an entity shall not reverse an impairment loss recognized in a 
previous interim period in respect of goodwill or an investment in 
either an equity instrument or a financial asset carried at cost. 

the following ifRic:s shall be applied as from January 1, 2008:
•  ifRic interpretation 11 ifRs 2—group and treasury share 

transactions. this interpretation addresses issues in relation to 
such transactions when grants to equity instruments of the entity 
are made to employees and treatment of these grants in individual 
companies. 

•  ifRic interpretation 12 service concession arrangements. this 
interpretation gives guidance on the accounting by operators for 
public-to-private service concession arrangements.

c2 cRitical accoUnting 
estimates and JUdgments 

the preparation of financial statements and application of accounting 
standards often involve management’s judgment or the use of 
estimates and assumptions deemed to be reasonable and prudent at 
the time they are made. however, other results may be derived using 
different assumptions or estimates and outcomes may occur within 
the next financial year that could require a material adjustment to the 
carrying amount of the asset or liability affected. following are the 
accounting policies subject to such estimates or assumptions that 
we believe could have the most significant impact on our reported 
results and financial position. 

Revenue.recognition
Parts of our sales is generated from large and complex customer 
contracts. managerial judgment is applied regarding, among other 
aspects, contractual performance, estimated total contract costs, 
degree of completion and conformance with acceptance criteria to 
determine the amounts of revenue to be recognized and any loss 
provisions to be made. 

Inventory.valuation

inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 
total inventory reserves as of december 31, 2006 amount to seK 2.6 
(2.5) billion or 12 (13) percent of gross inventory. of the total inventory 
of seK 21.5 (19.2) billion, seK 10.6 (11.6) billion is contract work in 
progress and seK 10.9 (7.6) billion is mainly related to components 
and finished goods. for the contract work in progress inventory, risks 
are related to the judgements made in relation to revenue recognition, 
while for the component and finished goods parts, the inventory risks 
are more related to technological obsolescence and estimates of net 
realizable values.

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Deferred.taxes

deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences 
between reported and taxable income and for unutilized tax loss 
carryforwards. the largest amounts of tax loss carry-forwards are in 
sweden, with an indefinite period of utilization (i.e. with no expiry 
date). the valuation of tax loss carryforwards and our ability to utilize 
tax losses is based upon our estimates of future taxable income in 
different tax jurisdictions and involves assumptions regarding the 
deductibility of costs not yet subject to taxation. 

at december 31, 2006, the value of unutilized tax loss carryfor-
wards amounted to seK 23,1 (28,0) billion. the deferred tax amounts 
related to loss carry-forwards are reported as non-current assets.

Accounting.for.income-,.value.added-.and.other.
taxes

accounting for these items is based upon evaluation of income, value 
added tax rules and other taxes in all jurisdictions where we perform 
activities. the total complexity of all rules related to taxes and the 
accounting for these require management’s involvement in estimates 
and judgments of probable outcomes.

Capitalized.development.costs

development costs for products that will be sold, leased or otherwise 
marketed as well as those intended for internal use are capitalized. 
the starting point for capitalization is based upon management’s 
judgment that technological and economical feasibility is confirmed, 
usually when a product development project has reached a defined 
milestone according to an established project management model. 
capitalization ceases and amortization of capitalized development 
amounts begins when the product is available for general use. 
impairment testing is performed thereafter whenever there is an 
indication of impairment. intangible assets not yet available for use 
are tested annually. the definition of amortization period as well as 
evaluation of future cash flows also requires management’s judgment.
at december 31, 2006, the amount of capitalized development 

costs amounted to seK 5.0 (6.1) billion. 

Intellectual.property.rights.and.other.acquired.
intangible.assets,.other.than.goodwill

at initial recognition, future cash flows are calculated, ensuring that 
the initial carrying values do not exceed the discounted cash flows for 
the items of this type of assets. impairment tests are made sub-
sequent to initial recognition whenever there is an indication of 
impairment. at initial recognition and subsequent measurement, 
management judgements are made, both for assumptions and 
outcomes of calculations.

at december 31, 2006, the amount of intellectual property rights 
and other acquired intangible assets, other than goodwill amounted 
to seK 15.6 (0.9) billion. 

Provisions

Valuation of receivables and exposures  
in customer financing

We monitor the financial stability of our customers and the environ-
ment in which they operate to evaluate the likelihood that the 
individual receivables will be paid. total allowances for doubtful 

ENXCONSXNotsXnew_v72.indd   52

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accounts as of december 31, 2006, were seK 1.4 (1.4) billion or 2.7 
(3.4) percent of our gross trade receivables. 

We regularly assess the credit risk, and based on these assess-

ments we record provisions for outstanding customer financing 
credits and contingent liabilities, i.e. third party credits under our 
guarantees. these risk provisions are included in selling and 
administrative expenses.

Warranty commitments

Provisions for product warranties are based on historic quality rates 
as well as assumptions on estimated quality rates for new products 
and costs to remedy the various types of faults predicted. total 
provisions for product warranties as of december 31, 2006, 
amounted to seK 3.0 (4.8) billion.

Pension and other post-employment benefits

accounting for the costs of defined benefit pension plans and other 
applicable post-employment benefits is based on actuarial valuations, 
relying on key assumptions for discount rates, expected return on 
plan assets, future salary increases, turnover rates and mortality 
tables. the discount rate assumptions are based on rates for high-
quality fixed-income investments with durations similar to our 
pension plans. expected return on plan assets consider long-term 
historical returns, allocation of assets and estimates of future long-
term investment returns. at december 31, 2006, provisions for 
pensions and other post-employment benefits amounted to net seK 
6.1 (5.4) billion.

Other provisions

other provisions are mainly comprised of contractual obligations and 
penalties with most of the rest for risks associated with patent and 
other litigations, contractual discounts of uncertain timing or amount, 
supplier or subcontractor claims and/or disputes, as well as 
provisions for income tax and value added tax unresolved issues and 
estimated losses on customer contracts. the nature and type of risks 
for these provisions differ and judgments related to them receive 
special attention from the management. at december 31, 2006, 
other provisions amounted to seK 8.6 (11.5) billion.

Hedge.accounting.and.foreign.exchange.risks

foreign exchange risk in highly probable sales in future periods are 
hedged using foreign exchange derivative instruments designated as 
cash-flow hedges. 

establishing highly probable sales volumes involves gathering and 

evaluating sales forecasts for future periods as well as analyzing 
actual outcome on a regular basis in order to fulfill effectiveness 
testing requirements for hedge accounting. deviations in outcome of 
sales might result in that the requirements for hedge accounting are 
not fulfilled.

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53

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c3 segment infoRmation

BuSINESS.SEGmENTS.(PRImARy ).

.
.
2006.

net sales 
inter-segment sales 
Total.net.sales.
share in earnings of JV and associated companies 
Operating.income.
operating margin (%)  
financial income 
financial expenses 
Income.after.financial.items.
taxes 
Net.income.
net income attributable to:  
  stockholders of the parent company 
   minority interest 
assets 1) 2)  
equity in joint ventures and associated companies 
Total.assets.
Liabilities.3).4).

.
systems 

167,570 
141 
167,711.
65 
26,824.
16% 

.

.

119,453 
1,106 
120,559.
60,003.

.
Phones 

other.
 operations 

Unallocated    eliminations 

group

– 
– 
–.
5,852 
5,852.
– 

.

.

– 
8,041 
8,041.
–.

10,213 
1,376 
11,589.
17 
895.
8% 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
– 

2,257.5).

– 

.

.

8,463 
262 
8,725.
3,962.

77,615 
– 
77,615.
30,080.

– 
–1,517 
–1,517.
– 
–.
– 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
–.

177,783
–
177,783
5,934
35,828
20%
1,954
–1,789
35,993
–9,557
26,436

26,251
185
205,531
9,409
214,940
94,045

1)  segment assets include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, current and non-current customer financing, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, 

accrued revenues, derivatives and other current assets.

2)  Unallocated assets include mainly cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and deferred tax assets.
3)  segment liabilities include accounts payable, provisions, accrued expenses and deferred revenues, advances from customers and other current liabilities.
4)  Unallocated liabilities include accrued interests, tax liabilities, interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits.
5)  Unallocated operating income includes the effect of the divesture of the defense business by seK 2,963 million.

Other.segment.items.
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
  additions/capitalization  
  depreciation 
  amortization 

impairment, net of reversals 

Restructuring expenses 
gains/losses from divestments 
 number of employees 

1) of which related to the marconi acquisition seK 15.4 billion.

GEOGRAPHICAL.SEGmENTS.(SECONDARy ).

.
.
.
.
.
.
2006.

Western europe 
	 –	of	which	Sweden	
central and eastern europe, middle east and africa 
asia Pacific 
  –	of	which	China	
north america 
  –	of	which	United	States	
latin america 
Total.
		 –	of	which	EU		

20,888 1) 
–2,874 
–3,991 
–225 
–2,908 
– 
59,484 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,207 
–132 
–209 
–47 
– 
2,963 
4,297 

– 
–1 
–37 
– 
– 
–18 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

22,095
–3,007
–4,237
–272
–2,908
2,945
63,781

.
.
.
net sales 

51,938 
6,566	
50,301 
43,202 
11,766	
15,862 
13,873	
16,480 
177,783.
55,888	

.
.

total assets 

additions/ .
capitalization of .
PP&e and  
intangible assets 

number of .
employees

158,773 
125,578	
8,598 
24,394 
9,088	
10,893 
10,231	
12,282 
214,940.
159,310	

20,653 
17,819	
151 
415 
206	
798 
739	
78 
22,095.
20,709	

38,432
19,094
6,325
10,388
3,938
4,138
2,582
4,498
63,781
39,818

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BuSINESS.SEGmENTS.(PRImARy ).

.
.
2005.

net sales 
inter-segment sales 
Total.net.sales.
share in earnings of JV and associated companies 
Operating.income.
operating margin (%)  
financial income 
financial expenses 
Income.after.financial.items.
taxes 
Net.income.
net income attributable to:  
  stockholders of the parent company 
   minority interest 
assets 1) 2)  
equity in joint ventures and associated companies 
Total.assets.
Liabilities.3).4).

.
systems 

141,986 
113 
142,099.
118 
30,885.
22% 

.

.

85,958 
1,185 
87,143.
60,670.

.
Phones 

other.
 operations 

Unallocated 5)  eliminations 

group  5)

– 
– 
–.
2,257 
2,257.
– 

.

.

– 
5,044 
5,044.
–.

9,835 
1,061 
10,896.
20 
283.
3% 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
– 
–341.
– 

.

.

10,541 
84 
10,625.
6,461.

106,524 
– 
106,524.
39,733.

– 
–1,174 
–1,174.
– 
–.
– 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
–.

151,821
–
151,821
2,395
33,084
22%
2,653
–2,402
33,335
–8,875
24,460

24,315
145
203,023
6,313
209,336
106,864

1)  segment assets include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, current and non-current customer financing, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, 

accrued revenues, derivatives and other current assets.

2)  Unallocated assets include mainly cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and deferred tax assets.
3)  segment liabilities include accounts payable, provisions, accrued expenses and deferred revenues, advances from customers and other current liabilities.
4)  Unallocated liabilities include accrued interests, tax liabilities, interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits.
5)  ericsson has adopted the option in ias 19 to recognize actuarial gains or losses directly to equity, and year 2005 figures have been restated accordingly.

Other.segment.items
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
  additions/capitalization  
  depreciation 
  amortization 

impairment, net of reversals 

number of employees 

5,166   

–2,676 
–2,976 
271 
50,107 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

438 
–127 
–377 
– 
5,948 

– 
–1 
84 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

5,604
–2,804
–3,269
271
56,055

GEOGRAPHICAL.SEGmENTS.(SECONDARy ).

.
.
.
.
.
.
2005.

Western europe 
	 –	of	which	Sweden	
central and eastern europe, middle east and africa 1) 
asia Pacific 1) 
	 –	of	which	China	
north america 
  –	of	which	United	States	
latin america 
Total.
   –	of	which	EU	

. .
. .
. .
net sales   

. .
. .
.  
total assets 2) 

additions/ .
capitalization of .
PP&e and  
intangible assets 

number of .
employees

41,940 
6,110	
40,911 
30,463 
11,544	
19,432 
17,904	
 19,075 
151,821.
45,288	

154,159 
133,448	
7,891 
20,290 
8,964	
13,754 
12,988	
13,242 
209,336.
154,075	

4,565 
3,502	
113 
285 
123	
552 
453	
89 
5,604.
4,628	

35,679
21,178
4,533
8,550
3,601
3,911
2,113
3,382
56,055
36,482

1)  Restated for change of geographical segment for Pakistan.
2)  ericsson has adopted the option in ias 19 to recognize actuarial gains or losses directly to equity, and year 2005 figures have been restated accordingly.

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55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BuSINESS.SEGmENTS.(PRIm.ARy ).

.
.
2004.

net sales 
inter-segment sales 
Total.net.sales.
share in earnings of JV and associated companies 
Operating.income.
operating margin (%)  
financial income 
financial expenses 
Income.after.financial.items.
taxes 
Net.income.
net income attributable to: 
  stockholders of the parent company 
   minority interest 
assets 1) 2)  
equity in joint ventures and associated companies 
Total.assets.
Liabilities.3).4).

.
systems 

 121,549 
1,348 
122,897.
90 
23,187.
 19% 

.

.

 66,973 
961 
67,934.
54,728.

.
Phones 

other.
 operations 

Unallocated 

eliminations 

group

– 
– 
–.
2,143 
2,143.
– 

.

.

– 
3,092 
3,092.
–.

10,423 
966 
11,389.
68 
1,298.
11% 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
22 
78.
– 

.

.

9,452 
97 
9,549.
6,627.

105,606 
5 
105,611.
43,329.

– 
–2,314 
–2,314.
– 
–.
– 

.

.

– 
– 
–.
–.

131,972
–
131,972
2,323
26,706
20%
3,541
–4,081
26,166
–8,330
17,836

17,539
297
182,031
4,155
186,186
104,684

1)  segment assets include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, current and non-current customer financing, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, 

accrued revenues, derivatives and other current assets.

2)  Unallocated assets include mainly cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and deferred tax assets.
3)  segment liabilities include accounts payable, provisions, accrued expenses and deferred revenues, advances from customers and other current liabilities.
4)  Unallocated liabilities include accrued interests, tax liabilities, interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits.

– 
– 
– 
– 

399 
–209 
–82 
–61 

– 
–1 
11 
–35 

– 
– 
– 
– 

4,297
–2,434
–4,452
–118

.
.
.
.

.

. .
. .
.  
net sales   

additions/ .
capitalization of .
PP&e and .

intangible assets

 40,542 
	6,180	
 33,075 
 28,406 
	12,298	
 15,471 
	13,984	
 14,478 
.131,972.
42,366	

3,571
2,868
86
227
130
320
165
93
4,297
3,620

Other.segment.items.
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
  additions/capitalization  
  depreciation 
  amortization 

impairment, net of reversals 

GEOGRAPHICAL.SEGmENTS.(SECONDARy ).

.
.
.
.
.
.
2004.

 3,898 
 –2,224 
 –4,381 
 –22 

Western europe 
	 –	of	which	Sweden	
central and eastern europe, middle east and africa 2) 
asia Pacific 2) 
	 –	of	which	China	
north america 
	 –	of	which	United	States	
latin america 
Total.
		 –	of	which	EU	1)	

1)  Restated due to new members in eU as of may, 2004.
2)  Restated for change of geographical segment for Pakistan.

56

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the gains on sales of investments and operations for 2006 mainly 
relate to the sale of ericsson microwave systems in the third quarter.

c7 financial income  
and exPenses 

..

.

2006.

2005 

2004

Financial.income
income from securities and receivables  
accounted for as non-current assets   
other interest income and similar  
profit/loss items 
Total 
Financial.expenses.
interest expenses and similar  
profit/loss items 
Financial.net 

.

369 

293 

354

1,585 
1,954 

2,360 
2,653 

3,187
3,541

–1,789 
165 

–2,402 
251 

–4,081
–540

c4 ReVenUes

the majority of ericsson’s products and services are sold as parts of 
contracts including multiple elements. 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:

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

  142,191  125,856  110,985

  127,639  107,844 
  14,552 
  32,380 
3,212 

87,666
18,012  23,319
19,301
23,477 
1,686
2,488 
  177,783  151,821. 131,972

sales of equipment and  
network rollout 
  of which: 
  – delivery-type contracts  
  – construction-type contracts  
service sales 
licenses 
Net.sales 
other revenues
capital gains and other  
operating revenues 
interest income 
dividends 

6,192 
1,774 
7 

2,760 
2,310 
9 

3,119
3,346
8

c8 taxes 

Income.Statement.

c5 exPenses By natURe

the following items are included in taxes: 

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

goods and services 
amortization and depreciation 
impairments, net of reversals 
employee remunerations 
interest expenses 
taxes 
Expenses.incurred 
less: 
inventory changes 1) 
additions to capitalized development  
Expenses.charged.to.the..
Income.Statement 

7,244 
876 

  108,033  86,630 
6,073 
508 

71,842
6,886
2,786
  42,821  34,458  32,356
4,081
8,330
  170,320  138,946  126,281

1,789 
9,557 

2,402 
8,875 

3,791 
1,353 

2,872 
1,174 

2,526
1,138

  165,176  134,900  122,617

1)  the inventory changes are based on changes of inventory values prior to 

allowances (gross value).

c6 otheR oPeRating income

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

gains on sales of intangible  
assets and PP&e 
losses on sales of intangible  
assets and PP&e 
gains on sales of investments  
and operations 
losses on sales of investments  
and operations 
capital gains/losses, net 
other operating revenues  
Total.other.operating.income 

27 

29 

111

–158 

–120 

–229

3,038 

205 

510

–93 
2,814 
3,127 
5,941 

–149 
–35 
2,526 
2,491 

–273
119
2,498
2,617

..

current income taxes for the year 
current income taxes related  
to prior years 
deferred tax income/expense (–)  
related to temporary differences 
share of taxes in joint ventures and  
associated companies 
Taxes 

.

2006.

2005 

2004

  –4,565 

–3,635 

–2,324

–169 

138 

–637

  –3,582 

–4,753 

–4,635

–1,241 
–9,557 

–625 
–8,875.

–734
–8,330

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, 28 percent on income before 
taxes is shown in the table:

..

.

2006.

2005 

2004

income after financial items 

  35,993  33,335 

26,166

tax rate in sweden (28%) 
effect of foreign tax rates 
current income taxes related to  
prior years 
Benefits from temporary differences  
of prior periods used to reduce  
deferred tax expense 
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 
Taxes 

  –10,078 
–156 

–9,334 
–489 

–7,327
–286

–169 

138 

–637

505 

380 

–

–1,333 

–515 

–910

1,608 
66 
–9,557 

944 
1 
–8,875.

855
–27
–8,330

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Balance.sheet.

Tax loss carryforwards 

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: 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

deferred tax assets 
deferred tax liabilities 

  13,564 
382 

18,519
391

deferred tax assets relate to tax loss carryforwards of seK 6,756 
million and temporary differences of seK 6,808 million, which are 
related to deferred tax on eliminated group adjustments seK 1,391 
million, warranty commitments seK 787 million, obsolescence 
allowance seK 609 million, allowance for receivables seK 375 million 
and other provisions and accruals seK 3,646 million.

deferred tax asset are amounts recognized in countries where we 

expect to be able to generate corresponding taxable income in the 
future to benefit from tax reductions. the significant tax loss 
carryforwards are related to countries with long or indefinite periods 
of utilization, mainly sweden and the Us. of the total deferred tax 
assets for tax loss carryforwards, seK 6,756 million, seK 5,271 
million relate to sweden with indefinite time of utilization.

With our strong current financial position and profitability during 
2006, we have been able to use part of our tax loss carryforwards 
during the year, and we are convinced that ericsson will be able to 
generate sufficient income in the coming years to utilize also 
remaining parts.

deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which 
no deferred tax asset is recognized in the balance sheet amounted to 
approximately seK 80 million.

Investments in subsidiaries 

due to losses in certain subsidiary companies, the book value of 
certain investments in those subsidiaries are less than the tax value 
of these investments. 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 future, no 
additional deferred tax assets are reported. 

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 31, 2006, these unutilized tax loss carryforwards 
amounted to seK 23,137 (28,034) million. the tax effect of these tax 
loss carryforwards are reported as an asset. 

the final years in which these loss carryforwards can be utilized 

are shown in the following table: 

year.of.expiration.

tax loss 
carryforwards 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 or later 
Total.

33 
100 
128 
388 
350 
22,138 
23,137.

.

.

tax.
effect

6
32
41
125
114
6,438
6,756

Tax effects reported directly to stockholders’ equity 

tax effects reported to equity amount to seK –769 (1,523 )million, of 
which hedge accounting seK –676 million and actuarial gains/losses 
on pensions seK –93 million.

c9 eaRnings PeR shaRe 

..

.

2006.

2005 

2004

net income attributable to stockholders  
of the parent company (seK million) 
average number of shares  
outstanding, basic (millions) 
Earnings.per.share,.basic.(SEK) 
net income attributable to stockholders  
of the parent company (seK million) 
average number of shares  
outstanding, diluted (millions) 1) 

  26,251 

24,315 

17,539

  15,871  15,843  15,829
1.11

1.65 

1.53.

  26,251 

  15,943 

24,315 

17,539

15,907  15,895

Earnings.per.share,.diluted.(SEK) 

1.65 

1.53.

1.11

1)  includes the sum of the average number of ordinary shares outstanding and dilutive 

potential ordinary shares for ericsson’s stock option and purchase plans.

the number of dilutive shares for option programs was 17.5 million 
and for stock purchase programs 54.7 million, as per december 31, 
2006.

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c10 intangiBle assets

.

.
.
.
2006.

Accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
acquisitions 
Balances regarding divested/ 
acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.amortization
opening balance 
amortization for the year 2) 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.impairment.losses
opening balance 
impairment losses for the year 
Closing.balance.
Net.carrying.value.

Capitalized.development.costs .

Goodwill.

.Intellectual.property.rights

 .

to be .
marketed  

 .
acquired .
costs for .
internal use 

 .
internal .
costs, for .
internal use 

..
.
..
Total.

licenses . Patents and .
.
acquired .
. trademarks .
. and similar . research and .
rights  development 
.

..
..
..

Total

11,983 
1,353 

– 
–948 
– 
12,388.

–5,192 
–2,195 
948 
– 
–6,439.

–716 
–242 
–958.
4,991.

1,638 
– 

– 
–36 
– 
1,602.

–1,549 
–49 
36 
– 
–1,562.

–38 
– 
–38.
2.

1,094 
– 

– 
–24 
– 
1,070.

–1,033 
–33 
24 
– 
–1,042.

–26 
– 
–26.
2.

14,715.
1,353.

7,362 
163 

1,065 

792   

1,373 

363   

2,438
1,155

–.
–1,008.
–.
15,060.

–7,774.
–2,277.
1,008.
–.
–9,043.

–780.
–242.
–1,022.
4,995.

– 
– 
–701 
6,824.

3,711 1) 
–173 
–78 
5,317.

11,937 1) 
–188 
–6 
13,479.

– 
– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
–.
6,824.

–882 
–452 
110 
44 
–1,180.

– 
– 
–.
4,137.

–603 
–1,508 
155 
3 
–1,953.

–14 
– 
–14.
11,512.

15,648
–361
–84
18,796

–1,485
–1,960
265
47
–3,133

–14
–
–14
15,649

1)  as per January1, 2006, ericsson acquired assets of marconi telecommunications operations. the acquisition consists of iPR, seK 11.7 billion, and brands and customer 

relationships, seK 3.6 billion. the remaining amortization period related to the intellectual property rights acquired from marconi is nine years.

2)  no intangible assets other than goodwill have indefinite useful lives.

amortization and impairment losses for capitalized development 
costs is reported as research and development and other technical 
expenses.

the goodwill is allocated to the business segment systems, 
representing one cash-generating unit due to that the goodwill is 
related to acquisitions of internet protocol (iP) competence and know-
how. iP technology is an integrated part of the products within 
systems and separate prices are not defined or invoiced to the 
customers for this technology. the estimates used for measuring the 
recoverable amounts for goodwill per cash-generating unit include 
mainly assumptions for the following key parameters: 
•  sales growth, 
•  development of operating margin, reduced with estimated tax 

expense,

•   capital expenditure requirements, including working capital

the assumptions, approved by management, are based on available 
industry sources that provide estimates of the number of mobile 
subscribers. the number of global subscriptions is estimated to grow 
from 2.7 billion to more than 4 billion within five years. the minutes of 
usage per user will also continue to increase. impairment testing is 
based on the premise that changes for the main assumptions are in 
line with the development for the global subscriber growth, based on 
detailed assumptions for four years, with a slight decrease thereafter. 
the impairment test for goodwill has not resulted in any impairment. 
a number of tests of sensivity have been made, for example the 
effect of a growth of just one percent per year. none of these tests 
indicate impairment. the management’s view is that it is unlikely that 
an outcome for the key parameters will occur that would result in 
impairment. a pre-tax discount rate of 12 percent has been applied 
for the discounting of projected cash flows.

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

.

.
.
.
2005.

Accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
acquisitions 
Balances regarding divested/
acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.amortization
opening balance 
amortization for the year  
Balances regarding divested/
acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.impairment.losses
opening balance 
impairment losses for the year 
Closing.balance.
Net.carrying.value.

Capitalized.development.costs .

Goodwill.

.Intellectual.property.rights

 .

to be .
marketed  

 .
acquired .
for internal .
use 

 .
internal .
costs, for .
internal use 

..
.
..
Total.

licenses . Patents and .
.
. trademarks .
acquired .
. and similar . research and .
rights  development 
.

 11,876 
 1,174 

– 
 –1,067 
– 
11,983.

 –3,458 
 –2,801 

 – 
 1,067 
– 
–5,192.

 –621 
 –95 
–716.
6,075.

1,638 
– 

– 
– 
– 
1,638.

–1,424 
–125 

– 
– 
– 
–1,549.

–38 
– 
–38.
51.

1,094 
– 

– 
– 
– 
1,094.

–950 
–83 

– 
– 
– 
–1,033.

–26 
– 
–26.
35.

14,608.
1,174.

5,766 
512 

–.
–1,067.
–.
14,715.

–5,832.
–3,009.

–.
1,067.
–.
–7,774.

–685.
–95.
–780.
6,161.

– 
– 
1,084 
7,362.

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
–.
7,362.

1,022 
38 

11 
–73 
67 
1,065.

–901 
–8 

–7 
78 
–44 
–882.

– 
– 
–.
183.

1,118 
515 

– 
–276 
16 
1,373.

–477 
–252 

– 
134 
–8 
–603.

–14 
– 
–14.
756.

..
..
..

Total

2,140
553

11
–349
83
2,438

–1,378
–260

–7
212
–52
–1,485

–14
–
–14
939

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c11 PRoPeRty, Plant and eqUiPment

.
.
.
2006.

Accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
additions 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
Reclassifications 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.amortization
opening balance 
depreciation for the year 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
Reclassifications 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.impairment.losses,.net
opening balance 
impairment losses for the year 
Reversals of impairment losses 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Net.carrying.value.

.
.
. machinery and .
 . other technical .
assets 

Real estate 

other .construction in .
process and .
advance .
payments 

equipment, .
tools and .
installations 

3,512 
772 
624 
–47 
21 
–331 
4,551.

–1,119 
–206 
– 
40 
28 
45 
–1,212.

–359 
– 
– 
– 
– 
53 
–306.
3,033.

5,200 
931 
8 
–1,036 
59 
–157 
5,005.

–4,285 
–706 
156 
1,043 
2 
111 
–3,679.

–145 
–11 
– 
– 
– 
2 
–154.
1,172.

17,146 
1,264 
–337 
–2,448 
552 
–1,042 
15,135.

–13,106 
–2,095 
542 
2,178 
–30 
773 
–11,738.

–165 
–50 
31 
– 
– 
6 
–178.
3,219.

287 
860 
11 
–45 
–632 
–24 
457.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–.
457.

. ....................
. ....................
. ....................

Total

26,145
3,827
306
–3,576
–
–1,554
25,148

–18,510
–3,007
698
3,261
–
929
–16,629

–669
–61
31
–
–
61
–638
7,881

contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment as per december 31, 2006, amounted to seK 190 (1,448) million.
the reversal of impairment losses have been reported under cost of sales.

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61

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

.
.
.
2005.

Accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
additions 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
Reclassifications 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.amortization
opening balance 
depreciation for the year 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
Reclassifications 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Accumulated.impairment.losses,.net
opening balance 
impairment losses for the year 
Reversals of impairment losses 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
sales/disposals 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Net.carrying.value.

.
.
. machinery and .
 . other technical .
assets 

Real estate 

other .construction in .
process and .
advance .
payments 

equipment, .
tools and .
installations 

2,657 
461 
14 
–196 
229 
347 
3,512.

–583 
–366 
–3 
96 
–4 
–259 
–1,119.

–482 
– 
43 
–1 
– 
81 
–359.
2,034.

5,306 
405 
–14 
–582 
–121 
206 
5,200.

–4,374 
–489 
13 
562 
173 
–170 
–4,285.

–148 
–14 
– 
– 
– 
17 
–145.
770.

15,350 
1,745 
24 
–2,001 
659 
1,369 
17,146.

–11,652 
–1,949 
–21 
1,685 
–169 
–1,000 
–13,106.

–532 
– 
337 
– 
– 
30 
–165.
3,875.

303 
754 
– 
–17 
–767 
14 
287.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–.
287.

. ....................
. ....................
. ....................

Total

23,616
3,365
24
–2,796
–
1,936
26,145

–16,609
–2,804
–11
2,343
–
1,429
–18,510

–1,162
–14
380
–1
–
128
–669
6,966

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c12  financial assets 

EquITy.IN.jOINT.vENTuRES.AND.ASSOCIATED.COmPANIES

.

.

opening balance 
share in earnings 
taxes 
translation difference for the year 
change in hedge reserve 
dividends 
capital contributions 
Reclassification 
disposals 
Closing.balance 

goodwill, net, amounts to seK 18 (21) million. 

Joint ventures 
2005.
2006.

5,038 
5,852 
–1,237 
–422 
–30 
–1,160 
– 
– 
– 
8,041 

3,092 
2,257 
–604 
286 
7 
– 
– 
– 
– 
5,038 

associated
companies.

Total

2006.

2005.

2006.

2005

1,275 
82 
–4 
–9 
– 
–102 
201 
–8 
–67 
1,368 

1,063 
138 
–21 
92 
– 
–32 
33 
2 
– 
1,275 

6,313 
5,934 
–1,241 
–431 
–30 
–1,262 
201 
–8 
–67 
9,409 

4,155
2,395
–625
378
7
–32
33
2
–
6,313

ERICSSON’S.SHARE.OF.ASSETS,.LIABILITIES.AND.INCOmE.IN.

ERICSSON’S.SHARE.OF.ASSETS,.LIABILITIES.AND.INCOmE.IN.

jOINT.vENTuRE.SONy.ERICSSON.mOBILE.COmmuNICATIONS

ASSOCIATED.COmPANy.ERICSSON.NIKOLA.TESL A.D.D..1)

.

non-current assets 
current assets 
non-current liabilities 
current liabilities 
Net.assets.
Net.sales.
income after financial items 
income taxes for the year 
Net.income.
net income attributable to:
  stockholders of the Parent company 
  minority interest  
assets pledged as collateral 
contingent liabilities 

1,963
21,268
87
15,103
8,041
50,770
6,006
–1,237
4,769

4,615
154
18
56

.

non-current assets 
current assets 
non-current liabilities 
current liabilities 
Net.assets.
Net.sales.
income after financial items 
income taxes for the year 
Net.income.
net income attributable to:
  stockholders of the Parent company 
  minority interest 
assets pledged as collateral 
contingent liabilities 

1)  ericsson’s share is 49 percent.

367
804
1
222
948
1,014
164
–19
145

145
–
4
39

Both these companies apply ifRs in the reporting to ericsson.

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63

 
 
 
 
 
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OTHER.FINANCIAL.ASSETS

.

.

Accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
effect of changed accounting principle, ias 39 
additions 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
disposals/repayments/deductions 
Reclassifications 
Revaluation 
translation difference for the year  
Closing.balance 
Accumulated.impairment.losses/allowances
opening balance 
effect of changed accounting principle, ias 39 
impairment losses/allowances for the year 
Balances regarding divested businesses 
disposals/repayments/deductions 
Reclassifications 
translation difference for the year  
Closing.balance 
Net.carrying.value 

other investments  
in shares and  
participations 
2005.

2006.

customer 
financing, 
non-current 
2005.

2006.

derivatives hedging 
non-current liabilities 
 with a positive value 
2005.

2006.

other  
financial assets, 
non-current
2005

2006.

2,336 
– 
82 
– 
–286 
– 
– 
–133 
1,999 

2,318 
256 
26 
– 
–467 
–2 
– 
205 
2,336 

–1,531 
– 
–8 
– 
155 
– 
106 
–1,278 

721 1)  

–1,775 
155 
–1 
– 
225 
– 
–135 
–1,531   
805 

2,372 
– 
1,760 
– 
–1,755 
–35 
– 
–72 
2,270 

–1,050 
– 
–84 
– 
727 
31 
27 

4,330 
– 
689 
– 
–2,215 
–697 
– 
265 
2,372 

–2,180 
– 
–128 
– 
807 
559 
–108 

–349 2)  –1,050   
1,322   
1,921   

716 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–600 
– 
116 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
116 

– 
937 
– 
– 
– 
–401 
180 
– 
716 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
716 

3,199 
– 

2,312
–
617 3)  1,888
–84 –
–149  –1,191
–
–
190
3,199

– 
– 
–136 
3,447 

– 
–81 
– 
– 
– 
46 

–1,119  –1,076
–
12
–
–
–
–55
–1,154  –1,119
2,080
2,293 

1)  fair value per december 31, 2006, for listed shares was seK 6 (8) million with a net carrying value of seK 6 (8) million. 
2)  impairment losses are included in selling expenses due to the close relation to operations. 
3)  additions include funded pension plans with net assets of seK 381 (453) million. for further information, see note c17, “Post-employment benefits”.

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

c13  inVentoRies 

c14  tRade ReceiVaBles 

.

.

2006.

2005

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Raw materials, components and consumables 
manufacturing work in progress 
finished products and goods for resale 
contract work in progress 
less advances from customers 
Inventories,.net.

213 

6,902  4,699
139
3,781  2,770
11,171  12,753
–597  –1,153
21,470  19,208

Reported amounts are net of obsolescence allowances of seK 2,578 
(2,519) million. 

mOvEmENTS.IN.OBSOLESCENCE.ALLOwANCES

.

.

.

2006.

2005

opening balance 
additions 
Utilized 
translation difference for the year 
Balances regarding acquired/divested businesses 
Closing.balance.

.

.

2,519 
857 
–693 
–81 
–24 
2,578 

3,146
785
–1,560
148
–
2,519

contract work in progress includes amounts related to construction-
type contracts as well as other contracts with ongoing work in 
progress.

the cost of inventories recognized as an expense and included in 

cost of sales was seK 54,479 (44,662) million.

.CONSTRuCTION-TyPE.CONTRACTS.IN.PROGRESS

..

.

.

.

2006. . 2005

for construction-type contracts in progress:
aggregate amounts of costs incurred   
aggregate amount of recognized profits  
(less recognized losses)  
gross amount due from customers 2)    
gross amount due to customers 3)  

  12,255   23,244 1)

1,735    6,416 1)
1,537   

537

785    4,118 1)

1)  a significant part of these amounts relate to contracts in the defense business sold 

in september, 2006.

2)  for all contracts in progress for which costs incurred plus recognized profits (less 

recognized losses) exceeds progress billings.

3)  for all contracts in progress for which progress billings exceed costs incurred plus 

recognized profits (less recognized losses).

the aggregate amounts of costs incurred relate to all construction-
type contracts that where not finalized as per december 31, 2006 
and include all costs incurred since the start of these projects, includ-
ing any costs incurred prior to January 1, 2006. net sales for 
construction-type contracts for 2006 amounts to seK 14 552 million, 
see note c4, “Revenues”.

trade receivables excluding  
associated companies and joint ventures 
allowances for impairment of receivables 
trade receivables, net 
trade receivables related to associated  
companies and joint ventures 
Total 

  51,846 
–1,372 
  50,474 

42,198
–1,382
40,816

596 
  51,070 

426
41,242

days sales outstanding were 86 (81) in december, 2006.

Retention receivables recognized as revenues were seK 4,680 

(3,940) million as of december 31, 2006.

mOvEmENTS.IN.ALLOwANCES..

FOR.ImPAIRmENT.OF.RECEIvABLES

.

.

.

2006.

2005

opening balance 
additions 
Utilized 
Reversal of excess amounts 
Reclassification 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance 

1,382 
686 
–139 
–527 
56 
–86.
1,372 

1,782
916
–1,185
–185
–60
114
1,382

c15  otheR cURRent 
ReceiVaBles 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Prepaid expenses 
accrued revenues 
advance payments to suppliers 
derivatives with a positive value 
other 
Total 

2,212 
1,124 
666 
3,802 
7,208 
15,012 

1,997
1,998
517
1,347
6,715
12,574

the major item within “other” is value added tax.

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

c16  eqUity 

Capital.stock.2006.

capital stock at december 31, 2006, consisted of the following:

.

.
Parent.company.

class a shares 
class B shares 
Total.

Number.
of.shares.

1,308,779,918 
14,823,478,760 
16,132,258,678.

Capital
stock

1,309
14,823
16,132

the capital stock of the company is divided into two classes: class a 
shares (quota value seK 1.00) and class B shares (quota value seK 
1.00). 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 

tenth of one vote per share. 

the total number of treasury shares at december 31, 2006, was 

251,013,892 (268,065,241 in 2005, 299,715,117 in 2004) class B 
shares. the number of treasury shares decreased during 2006 due 
to delivery and sale of shares in relation to the stock Purchase Plans 
and the stock option Plans.

RECONCILIATION.OF.NumBER.OF.SHARES

.
.

.
.

Number.
of.shares.

number of shares, Jan 1, 2006 
number of shares, dec 31, 2006 

16,132,258,678 
16,132,258,678 

Capital
stock

16,132
16,132

Dividend proposal
the Board of directors will propose to the annual general meeting a 
dividend of seK 0.50 per share.

  Revaluation 
of other 
investments 
in shares 
and parti- 
cipations 

  additional 
paid in 
capital 

capital 
stock 

  cumu-
lative
trans-
lation 

cash 
flow 

hedges  ments 

earnings 

equity 

adjust-  Retained  holders’  minority 

Total
interest  Equity

Stock- 

2006
january.1,.2006 
actuarial gains and losses related to  
pensions and payroll tax 
Revaluation.of.other.investments..
in.shares.and.participations
  fair value measurement reported in equity 
Cash.flow.hedges
  fair value remeasurement of derivatives  

reported in equity  

  transferred to income statement  

for the period 

  transferred to balance sheet  

for the period 

changes in cumulative translation  
effects due to changes in foreign  
currency exchange rates 
tax on items reported directly in/or  
transferred from equity 
Total.transactions.reported..
directly.in.equity 

Net.income 

Total.income.and.expenses..
recognized.for.the.period 

16,132 

24,731 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

sale of own shares 
stock Purchase and stock option Plans 
dividends paid 
stock issue, net 
Business combinations 
December.31,.2006.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
16,132.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
24,731.

–704 

–2,493 

63,951  101,622 

850  102,472

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

440 

440 

– 

440

– 

–2 

1 

–1

– 

4,100 

– 

4,100

– 

–1,990 

– 

–1,990

– 

99 

– 

99

– 

– 

– 

4,100 

– 

–1,990 

99 

5 

– 

–2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–3,028 1) 

– 

–3,028 

–91 

–3,119

–628 

–48 2) 

–93 

–769 

– 

–769

–2 

1,581 

–3,076 

347 

–1,150 

–90 

–1,240

– 

– 

– 

26,251 

26,251 

185  26,436

–2 

1,581 

–3,076 

26,598 

25,101 

95  25,196

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
877. –5,569.

58 
473 
–7,141 
– 
– 

58 
473 
–7,141 
– 
– 
83,939. 120,113.

– 
58
– 
473
–202 
–7,343
70 
70
–31 
–31
782. 120,895

1)  changes in cumulative translation adjustments include changes regarding revaluation of goodwill in local currency of seK –701 million (seK 1,084 million in 2005, seK –376 

million in 2004), net gain/loss from hedging activities of foreign entities, seK 123 million (seK –142 million in 2005, seK –167 million in 2004) and seK –1 million (seK 127 million 
in 2005, seK 47 million in 2004) of realized gain/losses net from sold/liquidated companies.
2)  deferred tax on gains on hedges on net investments in foreign entities, seK 171 million pre tax.

66

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Stock- 

  Revaluation 
of other 
investments 
in shares 
and parti- 
cipations 

  additional 
paid in 
capital 

capital 
stock 

  cumu-
lative
trans-
lation 

cash 
flow 

hedges  ments 

earnings 

equity 

adjust-  Retained  holders’  minority 

Total
interest  Equity

2005
january.1,.2005 
changes in accounting policy 
Adjusted.opening.balance 
actuarial gains and losses related  
to pensions and payroll tax 
Revaluation.of.other.investments..
in.shares.and.participations
  fair value measurement  

reported in equity 

  transferred to income  
  statement at sale 
Cash.flow.hedges
  fair value remeasurement of derivatives  

reported in equity  

  transferred to income statement  

for the period 

changes in cumulative translation  
effects due to changes in foreign  
currency exchange rates 
tax on items reported directly in  
transferred from equity 

Total.transactions.reported..
directly.in.equity 

Net.income 

Total.income.and.expenses..
recognized.for.the.period 

16,132 
– 
16,132 

24,731 
– 
24,731 

– 
155 
155 

– 
1,155 
1,155 

–6,530 

–6,530 

45,372 
179 
45,551 

79,705 
1,489 
81,194 

1,057  80,762
1,489
1,057  82,251

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–3,221 

–3,221 

– 

–3,221

–3 

–147 

– 

– 

– 

–3,961 

– 

1,404 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–3 

–147 

– 

– 

–3

–147

– 

–3,961 

– 

–3,961

– 

1,404 

– 

1,404

– 

– 

– 

4,118   

– 

4,118 

147 

4,265

698 

–81 

906 

1,523 

– 

1,523

–150 

–1,859 

4,037 

–2,315 

–287 

147 

–140

– 

– 

– 

24,315 

24,315 

145  24,460

–150 

–1,859 

4,037 

22,000 

24,028 

292  24,320

sale of own shares 
stock Purchase and stock option Plans 
dividends paid 
stock issue, net 
Business combinations 
December.31,.2005.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
16,132.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
24,731.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
5.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–704.

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–2,493.

117 
242 
–3,959 
– 
– 

117 
242 
–3,959 
– 
– 
63,951. 101,622.

– 
– 
–174 
17 
–342 

117
242
–4,133
17
–342
850. 102,472

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  Revaluation 
of other 
investments 
in shares 
and parti– 
cipations 

  additional 
paid in 
capital 

capital 
stock 

  cumu–
lative
trans–
lation 

cash 
flow  adjust–  Retained  holders’  minority 

Stock– 

hedges  ments 

earnings 

equity 

Total
interest  Equity

2004 
january.1,.2004 
actuarial gains and losses related to  
pensions and payroll tax 
changes in cumulative translation  
effects due to changes in foreign  
currency exchange rates 
tax on items reported directly in/or  
transferred from equity 

Total.transactions.reported..
directly.in.equity 

Net.income 

Total.income.and.expenses..
recognized.for.the.period 

sale of own shares 
stock Purchase and stock  
option Plans 
dividends paid 
Business combinations 
adjustment of stock issue 2002 
December.31,.2004.

16,132 

24,729 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
16,132.

– 
– 
– 
2 
24,731.

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
–.

– 

–5,395 

28,354 

63,820 

2,299 

66,119

– 

– 

 –1,059 

–1,059 

– 

–1,059

– 

–1,200   

– 

–1,200 

–65 

–1,265

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

65 

319 

384 

– 

384

–1,135 

–740 

–1,875 

–65 

–1,940

– 

17,539 

17,539 

297 

17,836

–1,135 

16,799 

15,664 

232  15,896

– 

15 

15 

– 

15

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–. –6,530.

204 
– 
– 
– 
45,372.

204 
– 
– 
2 
79,705.

– 
–292 
–1,182 
– 

204
–292
–1,182
2
1,057. 80,762

c17  Post-emPloyment 
Benefits

in summary, during 2006 the overall funded ratio in our plans for post-
employment benefits was kept on almost the same level as last year, 
74.7 percent compared to 75.2 percent. the funded ratio is defined 
as total plan assets in relation to total defined benefit obligations 
(dBo). the slight decrease of this ratio is mainly due to the acquisi-
tion of marconi. in the acquisition of marconi, ericsson took over the 
responsibility for pension plans with a total dBo amounting to seK 
1,755 million (of which fully funded plans were seK 909 million) and 
plan assets amounting to seK 939 million.

ericsson participates in a number of local post-employment 

benefit plans throughout the world. the plans benefit levels are in line 
with market practice in each country. there are principally two types 
of plans:
•  defined contribution plans, i.e. post-employment benefit plans 

where ericsson pays fixed contributions into separate entities and 
will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further 
contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all 
employee benefits relating to employee service in current and prior 
periods. in consequence, actuarial risks and investment risks fall 
on the employee. the expenditures for defined contribution plans 

are recognized as costs during the period when the employee 
provides service.

•  defined benefit plans, i.e. post-employment benefit plans where 
ericsson’s undertaking is to provide pre-determined benefits that 
the employees will receive on or after retirement. Benefit formulas 
are usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years 
of service and salary. actuarial risks and investment risks fall on 
the employer. defined benefit plans may be funded or unfunded. 
Within ericsson, almost all plans are fully or partly funded.

actuarial gains and losses may arise from either a change in actuarial 
assumptions or in deviations between estimated outcome and actual 
outcome. during 2004, iasB amended ias 19 and introduced a new 
alternative way in which actuarial gains and losses may be recog-
nized. the amended ias 19 was endorsed by the eU in 2005. the 
new alternative permits immediate recognition of actuarial gains and 
losses directly in equity disclosed in a statement of recognized 
income and expense (soRie). ericsson has adopted the new method 
as from January 1, 2006. earlier reporting periods have been 
restated accordingly. as a one time effect, provisions for post-
employment benefits increased by seK 3.5 billion at January 1, 2006. 
costs for post-employment benefits within ericsson are distributed 
between defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans, with at 
trend towards defined contribution plans. 

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almost all companies with material defined benefit plans have trust 
funds which fully or partly secure the obligations for pension. the net 
of dBo and plan assets is recognized as provisions for post-
employment benefits in the balance sheet. Plans with a net surplus, 
i.e. where plan assets exceed dBo, are reported as financial assets. 
none of the company’s plans with net surplus are affected by a 
ceiling rule, which in some cases can limit the amount reported as 
assets. the net periodic pension cost and the present value of dBo 
for current and former employees are calculated using the Projected 
Unit credit method (PUc). the calculations are based upon actuarial 
assumptions and are prepared annually by certified actuaries. some 
of our defined benefit plans throughout the world have been closed 
for new entrance and will gradually be replaced by defined contribu-
tion plans.  

in sweden, the total pension schemes are a mixed solution, with 

some parts being defined contribution plans and others defined 
benefit plans. all plans for blue-collar workers are defined contribu-
tion plans. Plans for salaried employees consists of a defined 
contribution plan, itPK (supplementary retirement benefits), and a 
defined benefit plan, itP (occupational pension for salaried em-
ployees in manufacturing industries and trade). thereof the retire-
ment pension part of the itP-plan dBo is partly secured through the 
swedish pension trust. the disability- and survivors’ pension part of 
the itP-plan dBo is secured through an insurance solution with the 
insurance company alecta. this part of the plan is classified as a 
multi-employer defined benefit plan. it has not been possible, 

however, for ericsson to get sufficient information to account for the 
plan as a defined benefit plan. the plan has therefore been account-
ed for as a defined contribution plan. fees during 2006 for the 
disability- and survivors’ pension amount to seK 389 million (seK 
350 million in 2005). the collective consolidation level at alecta was 
143.1 percent at year-end 2006 (128.5 percent in 2005). the 
collective consolidation level is calculated as the market value on 
alecta’s asset portfolio in relation to insurance obligations according 
to actuarial assumptions set by alecta, which do not comply with ias 
19. substantially higher or lower surplus may give rise to future 
premium changes or refunds. the parties on the swedish labor 
market have agreed to launch a new itP-plan during 2007. the new 
plan is a defined contribution plan and will be open for new partici-
pants in the itP-system, whereas current participants will continue in 
the old plan. 

a number of ericsson employees in sweden took the opportunity 

to join a voluntary career change program and left the company 
during the year. the effects of the program resulted in a curtailment 
gain amounting to seK 81 million. in relation to the divestment of the 
defense business, a number of pension obligations were settled with 
alecta. the settlement cost was offset by a curtailment gain. the net 
gain amounts to seK 57 million.

the following tables summarize the total pension cost for the 

group:

TOTAL.ANNuAL.PENSION.COST

.

2006
Pension cost for defined benefit plans 
Pension cost for defined contributions plans 
Total.
2005
Pension cost for defined benefit plans 
Pension cost for defined contribution plans 
Total..

ANNuAL.PENSION.COST.FOR.DEFINED.BENEFIT.PL ANS

.

2006
service cost 
interest cost 
expected return on plan assets 
Past service cost 
curtailments and settlements 
Total.

2005
service cost 
interest cost 
expected return on plan assets 
Past service cost 
curtailments and settlements 
Total.

sweden 

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other.

Total

347 
1,350 
1,697.

417 
929 
1,346.

249 
– 
249.

71 
– 
71.

300 
195 
495.

200 
198 
398.

49 
93 
142.

101 
83 
184.

44 
82 
126.

107 
59 
166.

989
1,720
2,709

896
1,269
2,165

sweden 

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other.

Total

431 
406 
–352 
– 
–138 
347.

275 
407 
–267 
2 
– 
417.

228 
177 
–169 
31 
–18 
249.

62 
169 
–160 
– 
– 
71.

279 
133 
–103 
– 
–9 
300.

200 
93 
–93 
– 
– 
200.

47 
146 
–140 
5 
–9 
49.

78 
148 
–128 
3 
– 
101.

92 
104 
–145 
13 
–20 
44.

81 
61 
–63 
14 
14 
107.

1,077
966
–909
49
–194
989

696
878
–711
19
 14
896

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

the tables below and on the following pages present information about defined benefit plans for ericsson and summarize changes in the benefit 
obligation, the plan assets and the funded status of defined benefit plans and the amount recognized in the balance sheet as well as key 
assumptions. 

CHANGE.IN.DEFINED.BENEFIT.OBLIGATION,.DBO

.

2006
opening balance 
service cost 
interest cost 
employee contributions 
Pension payments 
actuarial gain/loss (–/+) 
settlements  
curtailments  
Business combinations 
other 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.

2005
opening balance 
service cost 
interest cost 
employee contributions 
Pension payments 
actuarial gain/loss (–/+) 
settlements 
curtailments 
Business combinations 
Reclassifications 
other 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.1).2).

sweden 

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other.

Total

11,632 
431 
406 
– 
–69 
–208 
–209 
–211 
– 
– 
– 
11,772.

8,190 
275 
407 
– 
–71 
2,830 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1 
– 
11,632.

3,795 
228 
177 
54 
–150 
767 
–18 
– 
909 
29 
–78 
5,713.

3,018 
62 
169 
30 
–74 
346 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
244 
3,795.

2,475 
279 
133 
4 
–60 
–244 
– 
–9 
781 
– 
–118 
3,241.

1,987 
200 
93 
– 
–37 
166 
– 
– 
– 
–33 
18 
81 
2,475.

2,863 
47 
146 
– 
–189 
–159 
– 
–9 
45 
37 
–382 
2,399.

2,362 
78 
148 
22 
–161 
–148 
– 
– 
– 
– 
91 
471 
2,863.

1,549 
92 
104 
13 
–69 
–28 
–48 
–19 
20 
1 
–128 
1,487.

1,263 
81 
61 
12 
–63 
106 
–49 
– 
65 
–94 
–55 
222 
1,549.

22,314
1,077
966
71
–537
128
–275
–248
1,755
67
–706
24,612.1)2)

16,820
696
878
64
–406
3,300
–49
0
65
–127
55
1,018
22,314

1)   of which wholly and partly funded plans seK 22,055 (20,488) million and unfunded plans seK 2,557 (1,826) million.
2)  of which post-employment medical benefit schemes seK 579 (692) million.

CHANGE.IN.PLAN.ASSETS

.

2006
opening balance 
expected return on plan assets 
actuarial gain/loss (+/–) 
employer contributions 
employee contributions 
Pension payments 
settlements  
Business combinations 
other 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.

sweden 

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other.

Total

8,809 
352 
261 
– 
– 
– 
–281 
– 
– 
– 
9,141.

2,754 
169 
26 
191 
54 
–151 
– 
909 
– 
–55 
3,897.

1,821 
103 
38 
99 
4 
–17 
– 
– 
–11 
–78 
1,959.

1,880 
140 
–24 
211 
– 
–136 
– 
17 
– 
–270 
1,818.

1,520 
145 
56 
61 
13 
–62 
–48 
13 
–1 
–117 
1,580.

16,784
909
357
562
71
–366
–329
939
–12
–520
18,395

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sweden 

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other.

Total

– 
267 
204 
8,338 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
8,809.

2,014 
160 
107 
352 
30 
–74 
– 
– 
– 
165 
2,754.

1,389 
93 
182 
102 
– 
–15 
– 
– 
– 
70 
1,821.

1,417 
128 
–4 
43 
22 
–126 
– 
– 
108 
292 
1,880.

944 
63 
217 
110 
12 
–50 
–63 
38 
–5 
254 
1,520.

5,764
711
706
8,945
64
–265
–63
38
103
781
16,784

sweden 

UK  eurozone 

613 
471 

195 
267 

141 
275 

Us 

116  
124 

other.

201 
280 

Total

1,266
1,417

sweden  

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other 

Total

2,377 
6,764 
– 
9,141.

2,357 
6,452 
– 
8,809.

1,802 
1,914 
181 
3,897.

1,433 
635 
686 
2,754.

1,142 
714 
103 
1,959.

1,323 
398 
100 
1,821.

1,058 
696 
64 
1,818.

1,528 
336 
16 
1,880.

353 
1,087 
140 
1,580.

393 
1,001 
126 
1,520.

6,732
11,175
488
18,395

7,034
8,822
928
16,784

2005
opening balance 
expected return on plan assets 
actuarial gain/loss (+/–) 
employer contributions 
employee contributions 
Pension payments 
settlements 
Business combinations 
other 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.

ACTuAL.RETuRN.ON.PLAN.ASSETS

.

2006 
2005 

ASSET.ALLOCATION

.

2006
equities 
interest-bearing securities 
other 
Total.

2005
equities 
interest-bearing securities 
other 
Total.

only a minor part of plan assets are invested in the company’s equity securities or in interest-bearing securities issued by the company. 
expected contributions to defined benefit plans during 2007 are slightly higher compared to 2006.

ACCRuED/PREPAID.PENSION.COST

.

2006
fair value of plan assets  
dBo 
deficit/surplus (–/+) 
Unrecognized past service cost 
Accrued/Prepaid.pension.cost,.net.(–/+).

2005 
fair Value of plan assets  
dBo 
deficit/surplus (–/+) 
Unrecognized past service cost 
Accrued/Prepaid.pension.cost,.net.(–/+).

sweden  

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other 

Total

9,141 
11,772 
–2,631 
– 
–2,631.

8,809 
11,632 
–2,823 
– 
–2,823.

3,897 
5,713 
–1,816 
– 
–1,816.

2,754 
3,795 
–1,041 
– 
–1,041.

1,959 
3,241 
–1,282 
– 
–1,282.

1,821 
2,475 
–654 
– 
–654.

1,818 
2,399 
–581 
6 
–575.

1,880 
2,863 
–983 
– 
–983.

1,580 
1,487 
93 
77 
170.

1,520 
1,549 
–29 
92 
63.

18,395
24,612
–6,217
83
–6,134

16,784
22,314
–5,530
92
–5,438

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AmOuNT.RECOGNIZED.IN.THE.CONSOLIDATED.BAL ANCE.SHEET,.2006

.

sweden  

UK  eurozone 

Us 

other 

Total

2006
opening balance 
annual pension cost 
Recognized actuarial gain/loss (–/+) current period 
Benefits paid by the company 
employer contributions 
Business combinations 
other 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.
Plans with net surplus 
Provision.for.Post-employment.benefits.

2005
opening balance 
annual pension cost 
Recognized actuarial gain/loss (–/+) current period 
Benefits paid by the company 
employer contributions 
Business combinations 
Reclassification 
other 
translation difference for the period 
Closing.balance.
Plans with net surplus 
Provision.for.Post-employment.benefits.

2,823 
347 
–470 
–69 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2,631.
– 
2,631.

8,190 
417 
2,626 
–71 
–8,338 
– 
– 
–1 
– 
2,823.
– 
2,823.

1,041 
249 
741 
– 
–191 
– 
– 
–24 
1,816.
– 
1,816.

1,004 
71 
239 
– 
–352 
– 
– 
– 
79 
1,041.
– 
1,041.

654 
300 
–282 
–43 
–99 
781 
11 
–40 
1,282.
310 
1,592.

598 
200 
–16 
–23 
–102 
– 
–33 
– 
30 
654.
86 
740.

983 
49 
–135 
–28 
–211 
28 
– 
–111 
575.
41 
616.

945 
101 
–144 
–35 
–43 
– 
– 
–3 
162 
983.
– 
983.

–63 
44 
–84 
–8 
–61 
7 
1 
–6 
–170.
483 
313.

249 
107 
–111 
–13 
–110 
27 
–94 
–19 
–99 
–63.
367 
304.

.....
.....
.....

5,438.
989.
–230.
–148
–562
816
12
–181
6,134
834
6,968

10,986
896
2,594
–142
–8,945
27
–127
–23
172
5,438
453
5,891

total accrued/prepaid pension cost, seK 6,134 (5,438) million are 
reported gross by plan in the balance sheet. Plans with net assets 
are reported as other financial assets, non-current, amounting to 
seK 834 (453) million and plans with net liabilities are reported as 
Post-employment benefits, total seK 6,968 (5,891) million.

ACTuARIAL.GAINS.AND.LOSSES.REPORTED..

DIRECTLy.IN.EquIT y

.

.

.

2006.

2005

cumulative loss at beginning of year    
Recognized gain/loss (–/+) during the year 
translation difference for the year 
effects related to the divested defense business  
cumulative loss at end of year 

3,483 
–230 
8 
–196
3,065 

899   

2,594
–10

3,483   

THE.EFFECT.OF.A.ONE.PERCENTAGE.POINT.CHANGE..

IN.THE.ASSumED.TREND.RATE.OF.mEDICAL.COSTS

.
.

.
.

1.percent.
.increase..

1.percent
decrease

net periodic post-employment  
medical costs 
accumulated post-employment  
benefit obligation for medical costs 

4 

55 

–3     

–47

Actuarial assumptions

the discount rate for each country is determined by reference to 
market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. in countries where 
there is no deep market in such bonds, the market yields on 
government bonds are used. 

muLTI-yEAR.SummARy.

.

.

the overall expected long-term return on plan assets is a weighted 

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

average of each asset-category’s expected rate of return. 

Plan assets 
dBo 
deficit/surplus (–/+) 
actuarial gains and losses (–/+) 

experience-based adjustments 
of pension obligations 
experience-based adjustments  
of plan assets 

  18,395 
  24,612 
–6,217 

16,784 
5,764
22,314  16,820
–5,530  –11,056

232 

–415 

–56

–358 

–706 

–146

the expected return on interest-bearing investments are set in line 

with each country’s market yield. 

expected return on equities is derived from each country’s risk-

free rate with the addition of a risk premium.

the principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

72

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

sweden  

UK  eurozone 1) 

Us 

other 1)

3.7% 
4.0% 
3.0% 
n/a 

 3.5% 
 3.2% 
 3.0% 
 n/a 

5.0% 
6.2% 
4.5% 
n/a 

 4.7% 
 7.0% 
 4.0% 
 n/a 

4.5% 
5.75% 
3.0% 
n/a 

4.5%  
6.25%  
3.25%  
 n/a 

6.0% 
8.0% 
4.5% 
10.0% 

 5.5% 
 8.0% 
 4.5% 
10% 

8.25% 
9.5%  
6.0%
n/a

8.0% 
8.0% 
6.0% 
n/a

sweden  

UK  eurozone 1) 

18 
22 

21  
24  

20  
24  

Us 

18  
20  

other 1)

17
20

PRINCIPAL.ACTuARIAL.ASSumPTIONS

.

2006
discount rate 
expected return on plan assets for the year 
future salary increases 
health care cost inflation, current year 

2005
discount rate 
expected return on plan assets for the year 
future salary increases 
health care cost inflation, current year 

1) Weighted average

LIFE.ExPECTANCy.AFTER.AGE.65

(years).

men 
Women 

1) Weighted average

ericsson has adopted the new option in ias 19 to charge actuarial 
gains and losses directly to equity as from January 1, 2006. the 
change in accounting policy was recognized retrospectively in 

accordance with the transitional provisions of the amendment, and 
earlier periods have been restated. the changes in accounting policy 
had the following impact on the consolidated financial statements:

EFFECTS.OF.CHANGES.IN.ACCOuNTING.POLICy.IAS.19

Income.statement
no restatement has been made in the income statement  
due to minor amounts.

Recognized.income.and.expense
income and expenses recognized directly in equity 
tax on items reported in/transferred from equity 
Total.recognized.income.and.expense.for.the.period 

Balance.sheet
other financial assets, non current 
deferred tax assets 
stockholders’ equity  
Post-employment benefits 
other current liabilities 

1)  of which seK –1,059 million relate to 2004.
2)  of which seK 319 million relate to 2004.

dec 31, 2005  
with corridor method 

effects from changes 
in accounting policy 

dec 31, 2005
with equity method

2,470 
298 
2,768 

3,514 
17,294  
104,677 
3,125  
40,825 

–4,280 1) 
1,225 2) 

–3,055 

–718 
1,225 
–3,055 
2,766 
796 

–1,810
1,523
–287

2,796
18,519
101,622
5,891
41,621

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73

 
 
e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

c18 PRoVisions

.
.

2006
Opening.balance.
additions 
costs incurred 
Reversal of excess amounts 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
Reclassification 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.

2005
Opening.balance.
additions 
costs incurred 
Reversal of excess amounts 
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses 
Reclassification 
translation difference for the year 
Closing.balance.

1)  Both current and non-current provisions.
2)  off-balance customer financing is included in other provisions.

Warranty 
.
. commitments 

Restruc- 
turing 

Total.
other 1) 2). provisions

.

.

.

.

4,821.
2,561 
–3,471 
–1,100 
224 
15 
–89 
2,961.

6,424.
2,858 
–3,181 
–1,390 
6 
3 
101 
4,821.

2,314.
2,765 
–2,308 
–416 
20 
19 
–117 
2,277.

3,598.
1,323 
–1,983 
–480 
– 
–322 
178 
2,314.

11,533.
5,420 
–4,561 
–3,231 
–24 
–121 
–372 
8,644.

14,756.
5,564 
–6,894 
–2,923 
– 
224 
806 
11,533.

18,668
10,746
–10,340
–4,747
220
–87
–578
13,882

24,778
9,745
–12,058
–4,793
6
–95
1,085
18,668

warranty.commitments

Warranty provisions are based on historic quality rates as well as 
assumptions on estimated quality rates for new products and costs 
to remedy the various types of faults predicted. the actual utilization 
for 2006 was seK 3.5 billion, compared to the expected seK 2.9 
billion. however, due to more favorable outcomes in certain parts, 
reversals of seK 1.1 billion were made. the expected utilization of 
warranty provisions during year 2007 is seK 2.2 billion.

Restructuring

in the third quarter 2006, restructuring provisions were made for the 
career change offer in sweden, seK 0.6 billion , and for the marconi 
integration, seK 1.4 billion. in the fourth quarter, seK 0.8 billion were 
paid out of the restructuring provision made during the year.

Restructuring provisions amounting to seK 2.3 billion were utilized 

during 2006, compared to the expected seK 1.5 billion.

the reversal of seK 0.4 billion mainly relate to real estate provi-
sions which have been reversed due to more favorable outcome of 
leasing commitments.

Remaining restructuring provisions are mostly related to marconi 
restructuring activities and unutilized leased real estate. the majority 
of these real estate leases will expire in one to five years, and the last 

one in year 2028. the values of the real estate commitments are 
calculated based on the net present value of the future lease 
payments minus the forecasted sublease revenues. the expected 
utilization of restructuring provisions during 2007 is seK 1.6 billion 
and a major part of these relate to marconi restructuring.

Other

other provisions include estimated obligations related to patent and 
other litigations, contractual discounts and penalties of uncertain 
timing or amount, supplier or subcontractor claims and/or disputes, 
off-balance customer financing, as well as provisions for unresolved 
income tax and value added tax issues and estimated losses on 
customer contracts. on a quarterly basis, management performs an 
analysis of all provisions to identify the need for new additions or 
reversals. management uses its best judgement to estimate 
provisions based on this analysis. the actual utilization for 2006 was 
seK 4.6 billion, compared to the estimated seK 7.0 billion. in certain 
circumstances provisions are no longer required, due to more 
favorable outcomes than anticipated, for instance when certain 
disputes in some cases have been resolved in a positive way. 
therefore excess amounts have been reversed with seK 3.2 billion 
2006. the expected utilization in 2007 is seK 4.5 billion.

74

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c19  inteRest-BeaRing 
liaBilities

ericsson’s outstanding interest-bearing liabilities were seK 14.6 
(25.0) billion as of december 31, 2006.

INTEREST-BEARING.LIABILITIES

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Borrowings,.current
current part of non-current borrowings 1) 
other current borrowings 
total current borrowings 
Borrowings,.non-current
notes and bond loans 
other borrowings, non-current 
total non-current interest- 
bearing liabilities 
Total.interest-bearing.liabilities 

1)  including notes and bond loans of seK 0 (9,614) million.

NOTES.AND.BOND.LOANS

88 
1,592 
1,680 

9,615
1,169
10,784

  11,204 
1,700 

11,475
2,710

  12,904 
14,185
  14,584  24,969

.
issued-.
maturing 

1999-2009 
2001-2008 
2003-2010 
2004-2012 
Total.

. .
. .

Book. . maturity.
date 
value.  
nominal    coupon  currency. (SEK.m.). .(yy-mm-dd)

.
.

.
.

  483    6.500% 
226 1)   7.375% 
471 2)  6.750% 
450    3.935% 
.

. .

Usd 
gBP 
eUR 
seK 

3,311 3)  09-05-20
3,044 3)  08-06-05
10-11-28
4,255 3) 
12-12-07 4)
594   

. 11,204

1)   the gBP 226 million bond has interest rates linked to the company’s credit rating. 
the interest will increase/decrease 0.25 percent per annum for each rating notch 
change per rating agency (moody’s and standard & Poor’s). the interest rate 
applicable to this bond cannot be less than the initial interest rates in the loan 
agreements.

2)   the eUR 471 million bond is callable after 2007; the fair value of the embedded 

derivative is included in the book value of the bond.
3)  interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges.
4)  contractual repricing date 2007-06-07.

all outstanding notes and bond loans are issued by the Parent 
company under its euro medium term note program. Bonds issued 
at a fixed interest rate are swapped to a floating interest rate using 
interest rate swaps, resulting in a weighted average interest rate of 
4,70 percent at december 31, 2006. these bonds are revalued 
based on changes in benchmark interest rates according to the fair 
Value hedge methodology stipulated in ias 39. as the notes and 
bond loans are issued at par the effective interest rate is the same as 
the coupon rate.

one note and one bond were redeemed during 2006. one Usd-
fRn with a nominal amount of Usd 15 million and a eUR-bond with a 
nominal amount of eUR 1,000 million.

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

c20  financial RisK 
management and financial 
instRUments

Financial.risk.management

ericsson’s financial risk management is governed by a policy 
approved by the Board of directors. the finance committee of the 
Board of directors is responsible for approving certain matters 
regarding investments, loans, guarantees and customer financing 
commitments and is continuously monitoring the exposure to 
financial risks.

the Board of directors has established risk limits for defined 

exposures to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. 

ericsson has a treasury function with the principal role to ensure 
that appropriate 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 
risk exposures in a manner consistent with underlying business risks 
and financial policies. hedging activities and cash management are 
largely centralized to the treasury function 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 Parent company provides or 
guarantees vendor credits. the customer finance function monitors 
the exposure from outstanding vendor credits and credit commit-
ments.

ericsson classifies financial risks as:

•  foreign exchange risk
•  interest rate risk
•  credit risk
•  liquidity and refinancing risk 
•  market price risk in own and other listed equity instruments.
Foreign exchange risk

ericsson has significant revenues, costs, assets and liabilities in 
currencies other than seK, which results in a substantial foreign 
exchange rate exposure in the income statement, balance sheet and 
cash flows. When managing foreign exchange risk, ericsson 
distinguishes between two types of exposure: transaction and 
translation exposure. 

transaction exposure

an analysis of ericsson’s annualized transaction exposure shows that 
the predominant part is related to transactions in Usd (revenue) and 
seK (cost of sales). a change in the exchange rate of +/– 10 percent 
between seK and Usd, would have an estimated annualized impact 
on the operating income by seK 3.8 (3.3) billion before tax and 
hedging effects. however, these effects may be compensated over 
time with new contracts with adjusted prices and costs.

foreign exchange risk is as far as possible concentrated to 

swedish group companies. sales to foreign subsidiaries are normally 
invoiced in the functional currency of the receiving entity. in order to 
limit the exposure toward exchange rate fluctuations on future 
revenue or expenditure, committed and forecasted net exposure by 

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OuTSTANDING.CuRRENCy.DERIvATIvES.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

maturity up to one year 

total currency derivatives with maturity up to one year 
maturity one to three years 

.

currency 

eUR 
Usd 
other 

eUR 
Usd 
other 

.
nominal 
currency 

2,062 
6,764 

1,043 
109 

total currency derivatives with maturity one to three years 
maturity three to five years 
total currency derivatives with maturity three to five years 
Total.currency.derivatives.

(of	which	is	included	in	Cash	flow	hedge	relations)	

OuTSTANDING.INTEREST.RATE.DERIvATIvES

.

.

.

eUR 

471 

.

2006.
asset 
seK 

370 
2,281 
456 
3,107 
90 
63 
58 
211 
17 
17 
3,335.
1,239	

..
liability  

seK 1) 

70 
726 
–40   
756 
0 
29 
–17   
12 
0 
0 
768.
158	

.
nominal 
currency 

3,381 
5,247 

298 
290 

2005 
asset 

seK 1) 

liability
seK

116 
607 
46 
769 
–16   
69 
13 
66 

142 
2,665
460
3,267
0
103 
17
120

.

835.
113	

3,387.
1,172

maturity up to one year  

total maturity up to one year 
maturity one to three years 

total maturity one to three years 
maturity three to five years 

total maturity three to five years 
maturity more than five years 
Total.interest.rate.derivatives.

(of	which	is	included	in	Fair	value	hedge	relations)	

currency 

eUR 
noK 
seK 
other 

gBP 
noK 
Usd 
other 

eUR 
Usd 
seK 

seK 
.

.
nominal 
currency 

2006.
asset 
seK 

..
liability  
seK 1) 

260 
24,289 
42,820 

226 
25,275 
483 

434 
50 
– 

1,428 
.

0 
12 
119 
0 
131 
115 
43 
180 
5 
343 
94 
6 
– 
100 
9 
583.2).
385	

2 
23 
63 
4 
92 
0 
–2 
8 
6 
12 
0 
0 
– 
0 
11 
115.

.
nominal 
currency 

1,412 
2 
23,186 

226 

942 
530 
360 

2,105 
.

2005 
asset 
seK 

liability
seK 1)

408 
– 
15   
4 
427 
188 
– 
0 
40 
228 
249 
279 

528 
1 
1,184.
761

0
2     

20 
4
26
0
–
0 
133
133
–
15
–1
14 
3       

176

1)   negative amounts relate to effects from one exposure of a derivative that is positive/negative while the total effect of the derivative is the opposite.
2)  of which seK 116 million is reported as non-current assets.

period of future sales and purchases in major currencies were 
hedged, on average, for the coming 6–9 months in 2006. trade 
receivables and payables in foreign currencies are generally fully 
hedged.

internal currency forward contracts are primarily used for hedging 

future revenues and expenditures on subsidiary level. external 
forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges of the net 
exposure for the main currencies and companies of the group.

other foreign exchange exposures in balance sheet items are 

hedged through offsetting balances or derivatives. 

as of december 31, 2006, outstanding foreign exchange 

derivatives hedging transaction exposures had a positive net market 
value of seK 2.3 (–2.6) billion. the market value is partly deferred in 
the hedge reserve in equity to offset the gains/losses on hedged 

future sales in foreign currency. the remaining positive balance 
corresponds to depreciation of trade receivable balances being 
remeasured at lower rates compared to the exchange rates prevailing 
when originated. 

translation exposure 

ericsson has many subsidiaries operating outside sweden. the net 
results in such companies and the value of such foreign equity invest-
ments 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:

translation risk relating to equity in foreign companies is hedged 

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up to 20 percent in selected companies. the translation differences 
reported in equity during 2006 were negative, seK 3.1 billion, 
including hedging gains of seK 0.1 billion.

Interest Rate Risk 

ericsson is exposed to interest rate risk through market value 
fluctuations in certain balance sheet items and through changes in 
interest expenses and revenues. the net cash position was seK 40.7 
(50.6) billion at the end of 2006, consisting of cash and bank, and 
short-term cash investments of seK 62.3 (81.5) billion and interest-
bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits of seK 21.6 (30.9) 
billion. (Please note that ericsson has adopted the new option in ias 
19 to charge actuarial gains/losses directly to equity, as from January 
1, 2006. earlier periods have been restated accordingly. for further 
information please see notes to the consolidated statements – note 
c17, “Post-employment benefits”.)

outstanding customer financing credits, net of provisions, were 

seK 3.7 (4.9) billion. 

ericsson seeks 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 rate exposure in ericsson’s net cash 
position. as of december 31, 2006, 100 (94) percent of ericsson’s 
interest-bearing liabilities and 99 (99) percent of ericsson’s interest-
bearing assets had floating interest rates, i.e. interest periods of less 
than 12 months.

When managing the interest rate exposure, ericsson uses derivative 

instruments, such as interest rate swaps.

ericsson’s interest net and cash flows are exposed to interest rate 
fluctuations. a sustained change in interest rates of +/– 0.25 percent-
age points would, with the current net cash position, have an annual 
impact on the interest net of approximately seK +/– 72 (+/–135) million .

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 amounted to seK 51.1 (41.2) billion as of december 
31, 2006. Provisions for expected losses are regularly assessed and 
amounted to seK 1.4 (1.4) billion as of december 31, 2006. erics-
son’s nominal 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

all major customer finance commitments are subject to approval by 
the finance committee of the Board of directors according to the 
credit approval policy. 

as of december 31, 2006, ericsson’s total outstanding exposure 

related to customer finance credits was seK 4.1 (7.0) billion. as of 
that date, ericsson also had unutilized credit commitments of seK 
6.8 (3.6) billion. the outstanding customer loans and financial 
guarantees relate to infrastructure projects in different geographic 
markets and to a large number of customers. as of december 31, 
2006, there were a total of 66 customer loans originated by or 
guaranteed by ericsson. the five largest customer finance arrange-

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

ments represented 60 percent of the total credit exposure. security 
arrangements for customer credits normally include pledges of 
equipment, pledges of certain of the borrower’s assets and pledges 
of shares in the operating company. Restructuring efforts for cases of 
troubled debt may lead to temporary holdings of equity interests.
the table below summarizes ericsson’s outstanding customer 

finance credits as of december 31, 2005 and 2006.

OuTSTANDING.CuSTOmER.FINANCE.CREDITS

(SEK.billion).

.

.

2006.

2005

on-balance sheet credits 
off-balance sheet credits 
Total.credits 
accrued interest 
less third-party risk coverage 
Ericsson’s.risk.exposure.
on-balance sheet credits, net value 
Reclassifications 1) 
on-balance sheet credits, net book value 
credit commitments for customer financing 

.

4.1 
0.0 
4.1 
0.1 
–0.1 
4.1 
3.8 
–0.1 
3.7 
6.8 

7.0
0.1
7.1
0.1
–0.2
7.0
5.0
–0.1
4.9
3.6

1)  Reclassification due to consolidation in accordance with sic 12.

of ericsson’s total outstanding customer finance credit exposure as 
of december 31, 2006, 52 percent related to central and eastern 
europe, middle east & africa, 36 percent to latin america, 7 percent 
to Western europe, 4 percent to asia Pacific and 1 percent to north 
america. 

the net effect of risk provisions and reversals for customer 
financing affecting operating expenses, amounted to a positive 
impact of seK 1.1 billion in 2006, compared to seK 1.0 billion in 
2005. in 2006 and 2005, ericsson incurred credit losses of seK 0.3 
billion and seK 0.4 billion respectively. 

financial credit risk 

financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterparts 
may be unable to fulfill their payment obligations. this exposure 
arises in the investments in cash and cash equivalents and from 
derivative positions with positive unrealized result against banks and 
other counterparties.

ericsson mitigates these risks by investing cash primarily in well-
rated commercial papers, treasury bills and floating rate notes with 
short-term ratings of at least a-2/P-2 and long-term ratings of at least 
a-/a3 and in liquidity funds with a rating of at least a. separate credit 
limits are assigned to each counterpart in order to minimize risk 
concentration. all derivative transactions are covered by isda netting 
agreements to reduce the credit risk. no credit losses were incurred 
during 2006, neither on external investments nor on derivative 
positions.

at december 31, 2006, the credit risk in financial cash instruments 

was equal to the instruments carrying value. credit exposure in 
derivative instruments was seK 3.9 (2.0) billion.

Liquidity Risk 

liquidity risk is that ericsson is unable to meet its short-term 
payment obligations due to insufficient or illiquid cash reserves.

ericsson maintains sufficient liquidity through centralized cash 
management, investments in highly liquid interest-bearing securities, 

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

and by having sufficient committed credit lines in place to meet 
potential funding needs. the current cash position is deemed to 
satisfy all short-term liquidity requirements.

during 2006, cash and bank and short-term cash investments 

decreased by seK 19.2 billion to seK 62.3 billion, mainly due to 
repayment of non-current debt and investment in new business 
combinations. the decrease was partly offset by a positive operating 
cash flow.

CASH.AND.SHORT-TERm.CASH.INvESTmENTS

.
.
(SEK.billion).

Remaining.time.to.maturity
>5.
< 3 
years 
months 

1–5 
years 

< 1 
year 

2006.

2005

total group 

33.0 

9.0 

20.3 

– 

62.3 

81.5

the instruments are classified as held for trading and therefore short 
term investments.

Refinancing risk

Refinancing risk is the risk that ericsson is unable to refinance 
outstanding debt at reasonable terms and conditions, or at all, at a 
given point in time.

REPAymENT.SCHEDuLE.OF.LONG-TERm.BORROwINGS.1)

Nominal 
amount 
(SEK.billion) 

current 
maturities 
of long- 
term debt 

notes 
and bonds 
(non-current) 

liabilities 
to financial 
institutions 
(non-current) 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
Total.

0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.1.

– 
3.0 
3.3 
4.3 
– 
0.5 
11.1.

– 
0.1 
0.1 
0.1 
– 
– 
0.3.

Total

0.1
3.1
3.4
4.4
–
0.5
11.5

1)  excluding finance leases reported in note c27, “leasing”.

debt financing is mainly carried out through borrowing in the 
swedish and international debt capital markets.

Bank financing is used for certain subsidiary funding and to obtain 

committed credit facilities.

FuNDING.PROGRAmS

.

Amount. utilized. unutilized

euro medium term note program  
(Usd m.) 
euro commercial Paper program 
(Usd m.)  
swedish commercial Paper program 
(seK m.) 
long-term committed credit facility 
(Usd m.) 
short-term committed  
credit facilities (seK m.) 

5,000 

1,585 

3,415

1,500 

5,000 

1,000 

273 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,500

5,000

1,000

273

the Usd 1 billion committed credit facility has interest rates linked to 
our credit rating.

78

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

moody’s credit rating agency raised ericsson’s credit rating during 

2006, while standard & Poor’s (s&P) last upgraded their ratings in 
2005. at year-end, their ratings of ericsson’s creditworthiness were 
Baa2 (Baa3) for moody’s and BBB– for s&P, both considered to be 
“investment grade”.

Financial Instruments Carried at other than Fair Value 

in the following tables, carrying amounts and fair values of financial 
instruments that are carried in the financial statements at other than 
fair values are presented. assets valued at fair value through profit or 
loss have a net gain of seK 637 million. for further information about 
valuation principles, please see note c1, “significant accounting 
policies”. 

FINANCIAL.INSTRumENTS.CARRIED..

AT.OTHER.THAN.FAIR.vALuE

. 
(SEK.billion).

Carrying.amount.
2005.

2006.

Fair.value
2005

2006.

current maturities of  
non-current borrowings 
notes and bonds 

0.1 
11.2 
11.3 

9.6 
12.3 
21.9 

0.1 
11.7 
11.8 

9.7
13.0
22.7

financial instruments excluded from the tables, such as trade 
receivables and payables are carried at amortized cost which is 
deemed to be equal to fair value. When a market price 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 a fair value.

Market Price Risk in Own Shares and Other Listed 
Equity Investments

Risk related to our own 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 as treasury stock 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 cash flow exposure is fully hedged 
through the holding of ericsson class B shares as treasury stock to 
be sold to generate funds to cover also social security payments, 
and through the purchase of call options on ericsson class B shares.

Risk related to the prices of listed equity investments

through investments in equity 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.

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

other contingent liabilities assumed by ericsson include guaran-
tees of loans to other companies of seK 95 (186) million. ericsson 
has seK 496 (760) million issued to guarantee the performance of a 
third party.

c25  statement of cash 
floWs

interest paid in 2006 was seK 1,353 million (seK 2,577 million in 
2005, seK 3,492 million in 2004) and interest received was seK 
1,539 million (seK 2,142 million in 2005, seK 3,662 million in 2004). 
taxes paid, including withholding tax, were seK 3,649 million (seK 
2,010 million in 2005, seK 2,944 million in 2004). 

for more information regarding the disposition of cash and cash 

equivalents and unutilized credit commitments, see note c20 – 
“financial Risk management and financial instruments”.

cash restricted due to currency restrictions or other legal 

restrictions in certain countries amounted to seK 5,794 million (seK 
3,773 million in 2005, seK 2,156 million in 2004).

ADjuSTmENTS.TO.RECONCILE.NET.INCOmE.TO.CASH

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

Property,.plant.and.equipment
depreciation 
impairment losses/reversals  
of impairments 
Total. 
Intangible.assets
  amortization

  capitalized development costs   
intellectual Property Rights 

  total amortization 

impairments
  capitalized development costs   
intellectual Property Rights 

  total impairment losses 
Total. 
Total.depreciation,.amortization..
and.impairment.losses.on.property,..
plant.and.equipment.and..
intangible.assets. 
taxes 
dividends from joint ventures/ 
associated companies 
Undistributed earnings in joint  
ventures/associated  
companies
impairment losses on other investments  
in shares and participations and capital  
gains (–)/losses on sale of fixed assets,  
excluding customer financing, net 
other non-cash items 
Total.adjustments.to.reconcile.net..
income.to.cash 

3,007 

2,804 

2,434

30 
3,037 

–366 
2,438 

10
2,444

2,277 
1,960 
4,237 

242 
– 
242 
4,479 

3,009 
260 
3,269 

95 
– 
95 
3,364 

4,139
313
4,452

108
–
108
4,560

7,516 
4,282 

5,802 
5,518 

7,004
4,483

1,262 

31 

97

  –4,233 

–2,815 
233 

–2,154 

–1,511

35 
1,613 

–121
538

6,245  10,845  10,490

c21  otheR cURRent 
liaBilities 

.

.

.

2006.

2005.

income tax liabilities 
advances from customers 
liabilities to associated companies  
accrued interest 
accrued expenses, of which 
	 employee	related	
	 other	
deferred revenues 
derivatives with a negative value 
other 
Total 

1,969 
1,441 
31 
365 

1,260
4,059
34
770
  19,040  20,379 
7,983	
	 10,998  12,396
3,558
3,607
7,954
41,621

4,583 
883 
8,866 
37,178 

8,042 

the major items within other are value added tax payables and 
amounts withheld due to employees.

c22 tRade PayaBles

.

.

.

2006.

2005.

Payables to associated  
companies and joint ventures 
other 
Total 

730 

351
17,453  12,233
18,183  12,584

c23 assets Pledged  
as collateRal 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Real estate mortgages 
chattel mortgages 
Bank deposits 
Total 

– 
114 
171 
285 

10
166
373
549

there were no collaterals for subsidiary financing during 2006 (seK 
151 million 2005). the remaining bank deposits relate to a capital 
insurance for the employees.

c24 contingent liaBilities 

.

.

.

.

2006.   2005

guarantees for customer financing 
other contingent liabilities 
total 

30 
1,362 
1,392 

67
1,641
1,708

guarantees for customer financing relate to 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). 

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79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

c26 BUsiness comBinations

mARCONI.BuSINESS

Net.assets.acquired.

Intangible.assets.

intellectual property rights 

  Brands 
  customer relationships 
  goodwill 
Other.assets.and.liabilities

Book 
value 

fair value 

adjustments  fair value

.
– 
– 
– 
– 

11,748 
2,901 
718 
– 

inventory 

1,913 
  Property, plant and equipment  1,252 
4,197 
  other assets 
–812 
  Post-employment benefits 
–2,557 
  other liabilities 
Total.purchase.price 
– 
less:
  cash and cash equivalents 
Cash.flow.effect 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

11,748
2,901
718
–

1,913
1,252
4,197
–812
–2,557
19,360

1,748
17,612

Divestments

Net.assets.disposed.of.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

Property, plant and equipment 
other assets 
Provisions, including post- 
employment benefits 
other liabilities 
gains from divestments 
less: 
cash and cash equivalents 
Cash.flow.effect 

253 
2,946 

–89 
–2,079 
2,945 

890 
3,086 

3 
76 

–8 
–30 
16 

27 
30 

–
186

–
–131
–31

10 
14 

in 2006, divestments made by ericsson amounted to seK 3,086 
million, primarily:
•  the defense business, ericsson microwave systems aB and its 40 
procent holding in saab ericsson space, was sold to saab aB on 
september 1. ericsson microwave systems is a leading provider of 
radar, command and control systems for defense applications.

DEFENSE.BuSINESS

Net.assets.disposed.of.

.

Property, plant and equipment 
other assets  
Provisions, including post- 
employment benefits 
other liabilities 
gains from divestments 
less: 
cash and cash equivalents 
Cash.flow.effect 

252
2,744

–88
  –2,026
2,963

726
3,119

Acquisitions.and.divestments

Acquisitions

.

intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
goodwill 
other assets 
Provisions, including  
post-employment benefits 
other liabilities 
Purchase of minority holdings 
cash and cash equivalents 
Total.purchase.price 
less:
cash and cash equivalents 
Cash.flow.effect 

.

2006.

2005 

2004

  15,648 
1,257 
163 
4,422 

–812 
–2,689 
89 
1,781 
  19,859 

404 
15 
512 
124 

–135 
–55 
345 
16 
1,226 

85
149
387
651

–
–879
1,255
33
1,681

1,781 
  18,078 

16 
1,210 

33
1,648

in 2006, ericsson made acquisitions amounting to 18,078, primarily:
•  the acquisition of certain assets relating to broadband access, 
optical and radio transmission systems, data networking and 
service layer from marconi was completed on January 23, 2006, 
with a cash payment equivalent to seK 17.6 billion. With net 
tangible assets of approximately seK 4.0 billion, most of the 
acquisition costs were related to intellectual property rights, e.g. 
patents, brands, trade marks, etc., which will be amortized over a 
ten year period. the acquired businesses were consolidated into 
ericsson’s accounts as per January 1, 2006. 

during the year, the acquired marconi businesses were 

streamlined and fully integrated within ericsson’s operations. this 
resulted in a 24 percent reduction of the former marconi workforce 
for an estimated annual cost savings of approximately seK 2.0 
billion, with full effect from the fourth quarter of 2006. Restructur-
ing charges were seK 2.2 billion, of which about one third was 
utilized during 2006, with the remainder expected to be utilized 
during the first half of 2007. of this charge, seK 1.4 billion relates 
to the layoff of 1,600 employees and seK 0.8 billion relates to the 
termination of it agreements and facilities contracts that are no 
longer needed but were pre-paid as part of the acquisition.

the countries affected were primarily the UK, germany, italy and 

the Us. Revenues and profit related to the marconi acquisition 
cannot be recognized separately, since the product portfolios of 
the marconi business and ericsson have been merged. 
total transaction cost was seK 160 million. 

•  netwise aB, acquired on august 11, 2006, develops and markets 
software within the growing area of Presence management, team 
collaboration, integration of mobile phones, iP-telephony and 
multimedia. netwise has subsidiaries in sweden, norway, 
denmark, finland, germany and france.

80

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

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c27 leasing 

Leasing.with.the.Company.as.lessee.

Leases.with.the.Company.as.lessor.

leasing income mainly relates to income from sublease of real estate. 
these leasing contracts vary in length from 1 to 13 years. 

at december 31, 2006, future minimum payment receivables were 

assets under finance leases, recorded as property, plant and 
equipment, consist of: 

distributed as follows: 

FINANCE.LEASES

.

.

Acquisition.costs
Real estate 
machinery 
other equipment 

Accumulated.depreciation
Real estate 
machinery 
other equipment 

Accumulated.write-downs
Real estate 
machinery 
other equipment 

Net.carrying.value 

2006.

2005

1,767 
– 
5 
1,772 

–544 
– 
–1 
–545 

–349 
– 
– 
–349 
878 

1,948
–
5
1,953

–502
–
–1
–503

–417
–
–
–417
1,033

as of december 31, 2006, future minimum lease payment obligations 
for leases were distributed as follows: 

.

finance   operating 
leases

leases  

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011  
2012 and later 
Total.
future finance charges 1) 
Present.value.of.finance.lease.liabilities.

180 
182 
152 
138 
115 
1,440 
2,207.
–879 
1,328.

1)  average effective interest rate on lease payables is 6.61 percent.

2,198
1,830
1,488
1,228
977
3,504
11,225
n/a
11,225

expenses in 2006 for leasing of assets were seK 2,873 (2,686) 
million, of which variable expenses were seK 11 (11) million. the 
leasing contracts vary in length from 1 to 22 years.

most of the company’s lease agreements contain no contingent 
rents. in the few cases they occur it relates to charges for heating, 
linked to the oil price index. most of the leases of real estate contain 
terms of renewal giving the right to prolong the agreement in 
question for a predefined period of time. all of the finance 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 25 billion.

.

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011  
2012 and later 
Total.
Unearned financial income 
Uncollectible lease payments 
Net.investments.in.financial.leases.

finance  operating 
leases

leases 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–.
– 
– 
–.

132
92
72
38
23
107
464
n/a
n/a
n/a

leasing income in 2006 was seK 149 (114) million.

c28 tax assessment ValUes 
in sWeden 

.

.

land and land improvements 
Buildings 
Total 

2006.

2005

60 
235 
295 

60
235
295

c29  infoRmation RegaRding 
emPloyees, memBeRs of the 
BoaRd of diRectoRs and 
management

AvERAGE.NumBER.OF.EmPLOyEES

.
.

.
..

.

.
men. women.

2006.
.
Total. men  Women 

.

2005
total

31,212.

8,516  33,704

8,697. 39,909  25,188 

Western  
europe 1)  
central and  
eastern europe, 
middle east  
and africa  
north america 
latin america 
asia Pacific 
total 2) 
1)  Of	which		
	 Sweden 
5,120	 20,498
14,517	 4,792	 19,309  15,378	
2)  Of	which	EU  32,007	 8,925	 40,932  25,713	 8,688	 34,401

1,058  4,319
4,121
3,117
2,765. 10,782  6,541  2,393  8,934
50,149. 14,337. 64,486  40,668  13,527  54,195

5,481  3,261 
4,250 
3,129 
4,064  2,549 

4,344.
3,252.
3,324.
8,017.

1,137.
998.
740.

992 
568 

Within the group of the 150 most senior executives, the distribution between females 

and males is 15.5 percent and 84.5 percent respectively.

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

81

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NumBER.OF.EmPLOyEES

.
Employees.by.region.

Western europe 1) 
central and eastern europe,  
middle east and africa  
north america 
latin america 
asia Pacific 
Total.2) 
1)  Of	which	Sweden	
2)  Of	which	EU	

.
Employees.per.segment.

systems 
other operations 
Total 

as per december 31,
2005
2006.

38,432 

35,679

6,325 
4,138 
4,498 
10,388 
63,781 
19,094	
39,818	

4,533
3,911
3,382
8,550
56,055
21,178
36,482

as per december 31,
2005
2006..

59,484 
4,297 
63,781 

50,107
5,948
56,055

EmPLOyEE.mOvEmENTS.2006

head count at year-end 
departed employees 
employees joining the company 
temporary employees 

Remuneration.

63,781
6,432
14,158
1,219

wAGES.AND.SAL ARIES.AND.SOCIAL.SECuRITy.ExPENSES.

.

.

Wages and salaries 
social security expenses 
Of	which	pension	costs	

2006.

32,219 
10,602 
2,709	

2005

25,567
8,891
2	165

amounts related to the President and ceo and the group manage-
ment team are included.

wAGES.AND.SAL ARIES.PER.GEOGRAPHICAL.AREA

EmPLOyEES.By.GENDER.AND.AGE.AT.yEAR.END.2006..

.

.

.

Under 25 years old 
26–35 years old 
36–45 years old 
46–55 years old 
over 55 years old 
Percent of total 

..
.
  female 

  Procent
male  av total

674 
5,663 
5,276 
1,950 
573 
22% 

2,369 
18,507 
18,755 
7,820 
2,194 
78% 

5%
38%
38%
15%
4%
100%

NumBER.OF.EmPLOyEES.REL ATED.TO.COST.OF.SALES..

AND.OPERATING.ExPENSES.

.

cost of sales 
operating expenses 
Total 

.

2006.

2005 

2004

  27,682 
22,477  19,234
  36,099  33,578  31,300
  63,781  56,055  50,534

Western europe 1)  
central and eastern europe,  
middle east and africa  
north america 3) 
latin america 
asia Pacific 
Total.2) 
1)  Of	which	Sweden	
2)  Of	which	EU	
3)  Of	which	United	States	

2006.

22,296 

1,958 
3,503 
1,333 
3,129 
32,219 
11,467	
22,480	
2,244	

2005

17,706

1,317
3,184
1,007
2,353
25,567
10,721
17,781
1,823

Remuneration in foreign currency has been translated to seK at average exchange 
rates for the year. 

ELEmENTS.IN.TOTAL.REmuNERATION.FOR.THE.PRESIDENT.AND.CEO.AND.OTHER.TOP.ExECuTIvES

.
.

fixed salary 

short-term Variable 
salary 

.
Objective.

competitive in the 
home country while 
tracking global 
compensation levels
Performance related 

Performance
period.

n/a 

annual 

long-term Variable 
compensation 

Performance related 

3 years 

Pension 

other Benefits 

competitive in  
the home country 
competitive in  
the home country

n/a 

n/a 

82

n o t e s   t o   t h e   c o n s o l i d at e d   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

Conditions

absolute level is determined by the size and complexity of the job and  
year-to-year performance of the individual jobholder 

cash program based on achievement of specific business objectives derived  
from the annual business plan approved by the Board of directors. the exact  
nature of the targets will vary depending on the specific job, but may include  
financial targets – at either corporate level or unit level – operational  
targets, employee motivation targets and customer satisfaction targets
Payouts are determined by three specific variables; the individual’s own  
investments in shares, a long-term financial target at group level and the  
share price development. share-based long-term variable plans are submitted  
each year for approval by the shareholders at the annual general meeting
defined contribution plan for old age pension in addition to the basic pension  
plans in the swedish labor market (the itP plan)

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Compensation.policies.and.remuneration.to.the.
Board.of.Directors,.the.President.and.CEO.and.Other.
Top.Executives

the following information covers the remuneration for the Board of 
directors, the President and ceo and the other top executives as 
required by applicable laws, rules and recommendations. 

Principles for remuneration and other employment 
terms for Top Executives

the principles, approved by the annual general meeting 2006, cover 
remuneration and other employment terms for the President and 
ceo and other top executives. 

the Remuneration committee monitors pay trends within and 

outside sweden to find competitive and performance driven 
remuneration packages for the top executives. 

Notice and severance pay 

for the President and ceo and the other top executives the following 
applies:

the mutual notice period is 6 months. Upon termination of 
employment by the company, severance pay amounting to a 
maximum of 18 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 50 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.

PROPORTION.OF.FEmALES/mALES.IN.THE.BOARD.OF.

the total remuneration includes fixed salary, variable components 

DIRECTORS.AND.OTHER.TOP.ExECuTIvES

together, the variable components are set to a target of around 40 

SEK.

in the form of short-term variable salary and long-term variable 
compensation, pension and other benefits according to the table 
“elements in total remuneration for the President and ceo and other 
top executives”. 

Performance is especially reflected in the variable components – 
both in the annual variable part and in the long-term variable portion. 
although this may vary over time to take general trends in compensa-
tion into account, the target level of the annual component for 
swedish top executives is currently about 20 percent of the total 
compensation (fixed salary, short-term variable salary and long-term 
variable compensation). the long-term component is also set to 
achieve a target of around 20 percent of the total compensation. in 
both cases the variable pay is measured against the achievement of 
specific business objectives. 

percent of the total compensation and the remaining part of around 
60 percent for the fixed salary, reflecting the judgment of the Board of 
directors as to the right balance between fixed and variable pay and 
the market practice for compensation of executives.

Pension 

the pension age is normally 60 years for the President and ceo and 
the other top executives.

for the President and ceo and the other top executives a defined 

contribution plan is applied. they were also entitled to pension in 
accordance with the occupational pension plan for salaried staff on 
the swedish labor market (itP) from 65 years. from 2007, the 
pension age in the itP plan is lowered to 60 years. these pension 
plans are portable.

in the defined contribution plan, the company pays for old age 
pension a contribution between 10 and 35 percent per year on salary 
portions in excess of 20 base amounts (one base amount 2006 was 
seK 44 500) of the executive’s pensionable salary. for the President 
and ceo the annual pension contribution is 35 percent of the 
pensionable salary above 20 base amounts.

the pensionable salary consists of the annual fixed salary and the 

target level of the annual variable salary. 

.

. Females.

. males

Board.of.Directors
2005-12-31 
2006-12-31 

Other.Top.Executives.
2005-12-31 
2006-12-31 

3 
5 

 1  
1 

20% 
31% 

9% 
8% 

12 
11 

10 
11 

80%
69%

91%   
92% 

COmPENSATION.TO.mEmBERS.OF.THE.BOARD..

OF.DIRECTORS.DuRING.2006

Board  

member   commit- 
tee fee 

fee 

emp-
loyee re- 
presen- 
tative.

250,000 
350,000 
125,000 
250,000 
125,000 
– 
250,000 
125,000 
125,000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total

4,000,000
1,100,000
875,000
1,000,000
875,000
750,000
1,000,000
875,000
875,000

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
400 
900 
1 100 
– 
– 
400 
– 
9,750,000. 1,602,800.

– 
10,000 
10,000 
10,000 
4,000 
10,000 
9,000 
6,000 

–
10,400
10,900
11,100
4,000
10,000
9,400
6,000
59,000. 11,411,800
 3,683,729
.. 15,095,529.

.

Board.member
michael treschow  3,750,000 
 750,000 
sverker martin-löf 
750,000 
marcus Wallenberg 
  750,000 
Peter l. Bonfield 
750,000 
Börje ekholm 
750,000 
Katherine hudson 
  750,000 
Ulf J. Johansson 
750,000 
nancy mcKinstry  
750,000 
anders nyrén 
carl-henric  
svanberg 
monica Bergström 
Jan hedlund 
torbjörn nyman 
Kristina davidsson 
anna guldstrand 
Per lindh 
arne löfving 
Total.
social security fees 
Total..

.

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83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

comments to the table
•  the chairman of the Board received a Board fee of seK 3,750,000. 

the chairman also received seK 125,000 for each Board 
committee on which he served.

•  the other directors appointed by the annual general meeting 
received a fee of seK 750,000 each. in addition, each director 
serving on a Board committee has received a fee of seK 125,000 
for each committee. however, the chairman of the audit commit-
tee received a fee of seK 350,000 and the other two members of 
the audit committee received a fee of seK 250,000 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 1,000 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 100 for each 
committee meeting.

•  arne löfving resigned from the Board of directors in august 2006 

and was replaced by Kristina davidsson.

COmPENSATION.PAID.TO.THE.PRESIDENT.AND.CEO.AND.OTHER.

TOP.ExECuTIvES.DuRING.2006

Salary.and..
benefits,.SEK.

salary 
Variable pay earned
2005 and paid 2006 
other benefits 
Total..

the 
President 

other top
executives.

Total

15,271,483 

44,170,661  59,442,144

8,700,000 
71,127 

23,423,344  32,123,344
878,977
24,042,610. 68,401,855. 92,444,465

807,850 

comments to the table
•  other top executives included the following persons: Karl-henrik 
sundström, sivert Bergman, carl olof Blomqvist, marita hellberg, 
torbjörn nilsson, Bert nordberg, henry sténson, Joakim Westh, 
håkan eriksson, Kurt Jofs, Björn olsson and hans Vestberg. 
•  “other benefits” include the value of matching shares received 
during 2006 under the stock Purchase Plan 2003. the value of 
matching shares for the President and ceo was seK 27,429 
corresponding to 989 ericsson B-shares. for the other top 
executives the value for matched shares was seK 135,839, 
corresponding to 4,900 ericsson B shares. the above values are 
based on the share price at matching.

•  in addition to the above amounts, the company has paid fees for 
an external lawyer and compensated for individual taxes on this 
benefit, totally seK 7,458,949, for one person in the top executive 
group in connection with an alleged evasion of tax control.

COmPENSATION.COSTS.INCuRRED.DuRING.2006.FOR.THE.

PRESIDENT.AND.CEO.AND.THE.GROuP.mANAGEmENT.TEAm

Total..
costs,.SEK.

salary 
Provisions for 
variable pay earned 
2006 to be paid 2007 
other benefits 
Pension premiums 
social security fees  
Total. 

the 
President 

other top
executives.

Total

15,271,483 

44,170,661  59,442,144

21,137,377  30,077,379
8,940,002 
10,258,162  14,283,709
4,025,547 
20,981,148  27,474,796
 6,493,648 
10,966,834 
30,164,068  41,130,902
45,697,514. 126,711,416. 172,408,930

comments to the table
•  other benefits include the compensation cost during 2006 for 

share based programs. for the President and ceo the cost was 
seK 3,981,849 and for the other top executives seK 9,586,151, 
which represent their part of total compensation costs as 
disclosed under “shares for all plans”. 
stock purchase programs are a part of the total remuneration 
package as a compensation for the services rendered by 
employees. ericsson shall recognize the value of services received 
as compensation cost in the income statement at consumption of 
the services.

•  for the President and ceo, the above pension premium includes a 

fee of seK 6,580,992 corresponding to 35 percent of his 
pensionable salary above 20 base amounts (one base amount 
2006 was seK 44,500), for a premium-based old age pension and 
a fee of seK 373,656 for the itP plan. included in the pension 
premiums are also changes of commitments made to the 
President and ceo and the other top executives for benefit based 
temporary disability and survival’s pensions until retirement age. 
for the President and ceo, the change of these commitments was 
– seK 464,300, which amount has affected his total premiums for 
the year. 

•  the company’s commitments for benefit-based pensions per 

december 31, 2006, under ias 19 amounted to seK 3,128,700 for 
the President and ceo, of which seK 89,200 refers to old age 
pensions in the itP plan and the remaining seK 3,039,500 to 
temporary disability and survival’s pensions until retirement age. 
for other top executives the company’s commitments amounted 
to seK 36,869,094, of which 17,040,094 refers to old age pensions 
in the itP plan. 

•  social security fees include payroll tax on pension premiums.
•  for previous Presidents, the company has made provisions for 
defined benefit pension plans in connection with their active 
service periods within the company.

•  in addition to the above amounts, the company has incurred costs 
of seK 9,866,698 whereof social security fees of seK 2,407,749 for 
the above reported benefits for one person in the top executive 
group in connection with an alleged evasion of tax control.

84

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OuTSTANDING.STOCK.OPTIONS.AND.mATCHING.RIGHTS.

.

Number.of.B.shares.

As.per.December.31,.2006.
other top
executives

the 
President 

1999 stock option Plan 
millenium stock option Plan 
stock option Plan 2001 – may grant 
stock option Plan 2002 
stock Purchase Plan 2003 (two-year),  
2005 and 2006, and Performance  
matching Program 2004, 2005 and 2006 

– 
– 
– 
– 

13,816
1,238,240
625,000
690,000

705,378 

1,621,974

comments to the tables
•  for the definition of matching rights, see description under “long-

term variable compensation”.

•  the number of options presumes full exercise under applicable 
plans. the millenium stock option Plan expired on January 17, 
2007 and the 1999 stock option Plan will expire february 28, 2007.
•  for strike prices for option plans, see “long-term variable compen-

sation”.

•  the number of matching rights presumes maximum performance 
matching under long-term incentive Plans 2004, 2005 and 2006. 
the matching under the Performance matching Programs will start 
in 2007.

Long-term.variable.compensation

The Stock Purchase Plan

the stock Purchase plan is designed to offer an incentive for all 
employees to participate in the company, which is consistent with 
our industry and with our ways of working. Under the plans, 
employees can save up to 7.5 percent of the gross salary, for 
purchase of class B shares at market price on the stockholm stock 
exchange or adRs at nasdaq (contribution shares). if the contribu-
tion shares are retained by the employee for three years after the 
investment and the employment with the ericsson group continues 
during that time, the employee’s shares will be matched with a 
corresponding number of class B shares or adRs free of consider-
ation. employees in 86 countries participate in the plan. 

the below table shows the periods for employees’ purchase of 

shares (contribution period) and participation details in ongoing 
plans.

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

Plan 

  number of  
contribution  participants  
at launch  

period 

take-up   
rate – % of 
all employees

stock Purchase  
plan 2003 1st year 
stock Purchase  
plan 2003 2nd year 
stock Purchase  
plan 2005 
stock Purchase  
plan 2006 

august 2003 –  
July 2004 
august 2004 –  
July 2005 
august 2005 –  
July 2006 
august 2006 –  
July 2007 

11,000 

15,000 

16,000 

17,000 

22%

30%

29%

29%

The Key Contributor Program
the Key contributor Program is designed to give recognition to key 
employees as a method of retention. Under the program, about 10 
percent of the employees (2004: up to 4,500, 2005: up to 5,000 and 
2006: up to 6,040) have been selected to obtain one extra matching 
share in addition to the ordinary one matching share for each 
contribution share purchased under the stock Purchase Plan during 
a twelve-month program period. the program was introduced in 
2004 and has been repeated 2005 and 2006.

The Performance Matching Program for executives

the Performance matching Program is designed to focus the 
management on driving earnings and provide competitive compen-
sation based on swedish practice. Under the program, executives 
(2004: up to 200 executives, 2005 and 2006: up to 220 executives) 
have been selected to obtain up to four or six extra shares (perfor-
mance matching shares) in addition to the ordinary one matching 
share for each contribution share purchased under the stock 
Purchase Plan during a twelve-month program period. the 
performance matching is subject to the fulfillment of a performance 
target. several possible measures have been evaluated, but earnings 
per share (ePs) growth during a three-year period has been found to 
best suit the company. the program was introduced in 2004 and 
has been repeated 2005 and 2006. in the 2006 program, the ceo is 
allowed to invest up to 9 percent of the salary in shares and may 
obtain up to eight performance matching shares in addition to the 
ordinary one matching share.

the performance target for the 2004 program is annual average 
ePs growth between five (0 performance matching shares) and 25 
percent (maximum performance matching shares). the performance 
target for the 2005 and 2006 programs is annual average ePs 
growth between three (0 performance matching shares) and 15 
percent (maximum performance matching shares). the Board may 
reduce the number of performance matching shares, if deemed 
appropriate, considering the company’s financial results and 
position, conditions on the stock market and other circumstances at 
the time of matching.

it is the Board of directors’ intention to repeat the stock Purchase 

Plan, including the Key contributor Program and the Performance 
matching Program for next year.

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STOCK.OPTION.PL ANS

Plan 

grant/expiry date 

1999 stock option Plan 

1 march 00/28 feb 07 

exercise 

 price 1) 
(seK) 

128.00 

millennium stock option Plan 

17 Jan 00/17 Jan 07 

93.80 

stock option Plan 2001  
– may grant 

stock option Plan 2001  
– november grant 2) 

14 may 01/14 may 08 

30.50 

19 nov 01/19 nov 08 

25.70 

stock option Plan 2002 2) 

11 nov 02/11 nov 09 

7.80 

number of  
participants  
at grant  

number of  
participants 
end 2006

1,800 

1,007 

8,000 

2,591 

15,000 

7,698 

900 

527 

12,800 

6,881 

Vesting period  
from grant date 

30% after 3 years, 
40% after 4 years, 
30% after 5 years 
1/3 after 1 year, 
1/3 after 2 years, 
1/3 after 3 years 
1/3 after 1 year, 
1/3 after 2 years,  
1/3 after 3 years 
1/3 after 1 year, 
1/3 after 2 years,  
1/3 after 3 years 
1/3 after 1 year, 
1/3 after 2 years, 
1/3 after 3 years 

1)  market price at grant date – re-pricing is only permitted under limited circumstances principally relating to changes in the capital structure of ericsson.
2)  for stock options exercised during 2006, the weighted average share price was seK 26.49.

Shares for all plans 

all plans, except the millennium option Plan, are funded with treasury 
stock. sale of shares is recognized directly in equity. the millennium 
stock option Plan is based on warrants, i.e. options entitling the 
holders to subscribe for class B shares. the warrants are held by 
subsidiaries to telefonaktiebolaget l m ericsson, which have granted 
options to their employees. treasury stock for the 1999 option Plan 
was repurchased in year 2000 on the stockholm stock exchange. 
treasury stock for all remaining plans was issued in a directed cash 
issue of class c shares at a nominal amount of seK 1, and pur-
chased under a public offering at seK 1 per share plus a premium 
corresponding to the subscribers’ financing costs, and then 
converted to class B shares. 

for all plans, additional shares and warrants have been allocated 

for financing of social security expenses. for the millennium stock 
option Plan, the warrants designated for social security expenses 
have been exchanged for a call option issued by a bank in order to 
hedge also equity against potential social security payments. for all 
other plans, treasury stock is sold on the stockholm stock exchange 

to cover the social security payments when arising due to exercise of 
options or matching of shares. during 2006, 2,075,564 shares were 
sold at an average price of seK 27.07.

if all options outstanding as of december 31, 2006, were exercised, 

all shares allocated for future matching under the stock Purchase 
Plan were transferred, and shares designated to cover social security 
payments were disposed of as a result of the exercise and the 
matching, approximately 34 million class B shares would be issued 
and approximately 197 million class B shares, held as treasury stock, 
would be transferred. the total, approximately 231 million class B 
shares, corresponds to 1.5 percent of the total number of shares 
outstanding, 15,881 million.

the below table shows the number of shares (representing options 

and matching rights but excluding shares for social security costs) 
allocated for each ongoing plan and changes during 2006. it also 
shows compensation costs charged for each plan. the total 
compensation costs charged for the long term Variable compensa-
tion plans during 2006 amount to seK 389 million. 

86

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

Plan.(million.shares) 

out- 
standing  
originally     beginning  
of 2006 

designated  1)  

exer-  
cised/ 

 compen-
sation
costs
granted   matched   forfeited   expired   standing    options  charged
end of    exercis-  during
2006 
2006   

   number 
 of 

during  
2006 

during  
2006 

during  
2006 

during  
2006 

out-   

able 

1999 stock option Plan 
millennium stock option Plan 
2001 stock option Plan – may grant 
2001 stock option Plan– nov grant 
2002 stock option Plan  
2003 stock Purchase Plan (2-year plan) 
and 2004 Key contributor and Performance  
matching programs 
2005 stock Purchase Plan, Key contributor  
and Performance matching programs  
2006 stock Purchase Plan, Key contributor  
and Performance matching programs  

1.4   
71.6   
44.9   
2.6   
53.9   

0.8 
31.2 
25.9 
1.5 
33.3 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
0.1 
8.1 

0.1 
2.8 
2.3 
0.1 
0.5 

151.7   

33.3 

0.1 

5.4 

1.0 

31.5   

5.9 

19.4 

1.3 

0.4 

31.8   

– 

5.8 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

0.7   
28.4   
23.6   
1.3   
24.7   

0.7 
28.4 
23.6 
1.3 
24.7 

–
–
–
–
–

27 2) 

23.6 2) 

5.8 2) 

– 

– 

– 

245 3)

138 3)

6 3)

1)  adjusted for split, bonus issue and rights offering when applicable.
2)  Presuming maximum performance matching under the Performance matching Program.
3)  fair value is calculated as the share price on the investment date reduced by the net present value of the dividend expectations during the three year vesting period. net present 

value calculations are based on data from external party. for shares under the performance matching programs, the company assesses the probability of meeting the 
performance targets when calculating the compensation costs. fair value of class B share at each investment date during 2006 was: february 15 seK 25.67, may 15 seK 22.49, 
august 15 seK 20.32 and november 15 seK 26.14.

c30  Related PaRty 
tRansactions

during 2006, various transactions were executed pursuant to 
contracts based on terms customary in the industry and negotiated 
on an arm’s length basis.

Sony.Ericsson.mobile.Communications.AB.(SEmC)

in october 2001, semc was organized as a joint venture between 
sony corporation and ericsson, and a substantial portion of 
ericsson’s handset operations was sold to semc. as part of the 
formation of the joint venture, contracts were entered into between 
ericsson and semc. 

major transactions are as follows:

•  Sales. ericsson reports sales regarding mobile phone platform 

design to semc.

•  Royalty. Both owners of semc, sony corporation and ericsson, 
receive royalties for semc’s usage of trademarks and intellectual 
property rights.

•  Purchases..ericsson purchases mobile phones from semc to 

support contracts with a number of customers for mobile systems 
which also include limited quantities of phones. 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Related.party.transactions.
sales 
Royalty 
Purchases 
dividends 
Related.party.balances
Receivables 
liabilities 

2,486 
1,478 
173 
1,160 

1,742
654
827
–

479 
108 

197
33

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 49.07 percent of the 
shares. 

major transactions 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 purchases development resources from 

ericsson nikola tesla d.d..

•  Dividends. Both owners of semc, sony corporation and ericsson, 

•  Dividends. ericsson receives dividends from ericsson nikola tesla 

receive dividends.

d.d..

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87

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c32  eVents afteR the 
Balance sheet date

the process of establishing a purchase price allocation (PPa) for both 
acquisitions is in progress and ericsson will disclose preliminary  
PPas in the q1 2007 interim report.

Acquisition.of.Redback.Networks

on december 20, 2006, ericsson and Redback networks inc. 
(nasdaq:RBaK) announced the signing of a definitive agreement 
under which ericsson would acquire Redback for Usd 25.00 per 
share, or an aggregate price of approximately Usd 1.9 billion. on 
January 25, 2007, the completion of the acquisition was announced.

Redback has over 700 carrier customers in more than 80 
countries and employs about 800 people, including 500 R&d 
engineers. fifteen of the top 20 telephone carriers worldwide use 
Redback’s technology, including broadband routers to manage iP-
based data, voice and video services. Redback has a strong position 
in multi-service edge routing technology, which helps carriers deliver 
broadband, telephony, tV and mobility services over internet-based 
infrastructures.

the combination of Redback’s intelligent routing technology and 
ericsson’s leading ims (iP multimedia subsystem), optical transport 
and broadband access puts ericsson in a leading position in end-to-
end iP solutions for both fixed and mobile operators.

Acquisition.of.Entrisphere

ericsson annonced on february 12, 2007, the acquisition of 
entrisphere, a company providing fiber access technology. entri-
sphere was founded in 2000 in santa clara, california, and employs 
about 140 people, including important R&d resources. 

the entrisphere acquisition brings a leading iP based broadband 

access platform ready for volume deployment and compliant with 
both north american and international standards.

e R i c s s o n   a n n U a l   R e P o R t   2 0 0 6

.

.

.

2006 

2005

Related.party.transactions
sales 
Royalty 
Purchases 
dividends 
Related.party.balances
Receivables 
liabilities 

867 
7 
465 
98 

86 
82 

880
9
364
–

132
50

Other.related.parties
ericsson continued the cooperation with ericsson’s owners investor 
aB and aB industrivärden in the venture capital vehicle ericsson 
Venture Partners. 

for information regarding the management remuneration, see 
note c29, information regarding employees, members of the Board 
of directors and management.

c31  fees to aUditoRs 

.

.
..

Price-
waterhouse-
coopers 

KPmg 

others.

Total

2006
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
other fees 
.

2005
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
other fees 
.

2004
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
other fees 
.

98 
14 
19 
1 
132.

58 
24 
43 
– 
125.

57 
10 
31 
– 
98.

8 
– 
2 
2 
12.

6 
– 
1 
1 
8.

6 
6 
2 
– 
14.

3 
– 
1 
1 
5.

3 
– 
1 
– 
4.

1 
– 
– 
– 
1.

109
14
22
4
149

67
24
45
1
137

64
16
33
–
113

during the period 2004–2006 Pricewaterhousecoopers and KPmg 
provided the company with certain audit related services and tax 
services in addition to audit services. the audit related services 
provided during the period include consultation on financial 
accounting, consultation in connection with conversion to interna-
tional financial Reporting standards (ifRs), services related to 
acquisitions and assessments of internal control. the tax services 
include general expatriate services, Vat refund services and 
corporate tax compliance work. 

audit fees to other auditors consist of local statutory audits for 

minor companies.

the increase of audit fees during 2006 is related to sox 404.

88

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E r i c s s o N   a N N U a L   r E P o r t   2 0 0 6

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 

We are subject to the market conditions affecting the 
capital and operating expenditures of our customers, 
making demand for our products and services highly 
unpredictable.

our business, operational results, financial condition, liquidity and/

adverse economic conditions could cause network operators to 

or our share price. Furthermore, our operational results may have a 

postpone investments or initiate other cost-cutting initiatives to 

greater variability than in the past and we may have more difficulty 

improve their financial position, which could result in significantly 

in accurately predicting future developments.

Risk associated with the industry and market 
conditions

reduced capital expenditures for network infrastructure. if opera-

tor spending for network equipment and associated rollout ser-

vices declines substantially, our business and operating results 

would suffer. We have established better flexibility to cost effec-

We conduct business throughout the world and are subject to 

tively accommodate fluctuations in demand. However, if demand 

the effects of general global economic conditions as well as 

were to fall, or were to be significantly weaker than expected, we 

conditions unique to a specific country and region. in particular, 

may experience material adverse effects and may incur operating 

we are affected by market conditions within the telecommunica-

losses in the future.

tions industry. 

We are subject to political, economic and regulatory risks 
in the various countries in which we operate. 

Our business essentially depends upon the continued 
growth of mobile communications.

Most of our business depends on continued growth in mobile 

We conduct business in more than 140 countries, with a signifi-

communications in terms of both number of subscriptions and 

cant proportion of our sales originating from emerging markets in 

usage per subscriber, which in turn requires the continued de-

asia Pacific, Latin america, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and 

ployment of our network systems by customers. in particular, we 

africa. We expect that sales to such emerging markets will be an 

are dependent on operators in highly penetrated markets to 

increasing portion of total sales as developing nations and re-

successfully introduce services that cause a substantial increase 

gions around the world increase their investments in telecommu-

in usage for both voice and data. in emerging markets, we are, to 

nications. We already have extensive operations in many of these 

a certain extent, dependent on the availability of lower-cost 

countries, which involve certain risks, including volatility in gross 

handsets in addition to affordable tariffs by operators to support 

domestic product, civil disturbances, economic and political 

a continued increase of mobile subscribers. if operators are not 

instability, nationalization of private assets and the imposition of 

successful in their attempts to increase the number of subscrib-

exchange controls. 

ers and/or stimulate increased usage, our business and opera-

changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade 

tional results could be materially adversely affected. 

barriers, price or exchange controls or other governmental poli-

cies 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 re-

Changes in the regulatory environment for 
telecommunications systems and services could 
negatively impact our business.

gions could limit our ability to enforce our rights. We also must 

telecommunications is a regulated industry and regulatory 

comply with the export control regulations of the countries in 

changes affect both our customers and us. for example, chang-

which we operate. although we seek to comply with each of 

es in regulations that impose more stringent, time-consuming or 

these regulations, even unintentional violations thereof could 

costly planning, zoning requirements or building approvals re-

have material adverse effects on our business, operational re-

garding the construction of base stations and other network 

sults and reputation.

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 regulations that affect the pricing of new services offered by 

r i s k   fa c t o r s

89

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operators could also affect their ability to invest in network infra-

structure, which in turn could affect the sales of our systems and 

services.

We operate in a highly competitive industry, which is 
subject to competitive pricing and rapid technological 
change. 

License fees, environmental, health and safety, privacy and 

the markets for our products are highly competitive in terms of 

other regulation changes may increase costs and restrict opera-

pricing, functionality and service quality, the timing of develop-

tions of network operators and service providers. the indirect 

ment and introduction of new products and services and terms 

impact of such changes could affect our business adversely 

of financing. We face intense competition from significant com-

even though the specific regulations may not directly apply to our 

petitors. our competitors may implement new technologies 

products or us.

Consolidation among network operators may increase 
our dependence on a limited number of key customers. 

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 busi-

ness segments or geographic markets than we do. We may also 

the market for mobile network equipment is highly concentrated, 

encounter increased competition from new market entrants, 

with the 10 largest operators representing more than 40 percent 

alternative technologies or alternative telecommunications plat-

of the total market. Network operators have undergone signifi-

forms. our operating results significantly depend on our ability to 

cant consolidation, especially among companies operating in 

compete in this market environment, in particular on our ability to 

different countries. this trend is expected to continue, while also 

introduce new products to the market and to continuously en-

intra-country consolidation is likely to accelerate as a result of 

hance the functionality while reducing the cost of new and exist-

competitive pressure. 

ing products.

a market with fewer and larger operators 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. Moreover, if the combined companies oper-

Liability claims related to and public perception of the 
potential health risks associated with electromagnetic 
fields could negatively affect our business.

ate in the same geographic market, less network equipment and 

We are subject to claims that mobile handsets and other tele-

associated services may be required. another possible conse-

communications devices that generate electromagnetic fields 

quence of customer consolidation is that it could cause a delay in 

expose users to health risks. at present, a substantial number of 

their network investments while they negotiate merger/acquisi-

scientific studies conducted by various independent research 

tion agreements, secure necessary approvals, or are constrained 

bodies have indicated that electromagnetic fields, at levels within 

by efforts to integrate the businesses. 

the limits prescribed by public health authority safety standards 

Consolidation among equipment and services suppliers 
may lead to increased competition and a different 
competitive landscape.

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 

industry consolidation among equipment suppliers could poten-

Ericsson’s products are designed to comply with all current 

tially result in stronger competitors that are competing as end-to-

safety standards and recommendations regarding electromag-

end suppliers as well as competitors more specialized in particu-

netic fields, we cannot assure you that we or the jointly owned 

lar areas. consolidation may also result in competitors with 

sony Ericsson Mobile communications will not become the 

greater resources, including technical and engineering resources, 

subject of product liability claims or be held liable for such claims 

than we have. this could have a material adverse effect on our 

or be required to comply with future regulatory changes that may 

business, operating results, and financial condition.

have an adverse effect on our business. see also “Legal and tax 

proceedings” in the Board of Directors’ report .

Our current and historical operations are subject to a 
wide range of environmental, health and safety 
regulations.

We are subject to certain environmental, 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 

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we are in compliance with all material environmental, health and 

safety laws and regulations related to our products, operations 

and business activities. However, there is a risk that we may have 

We expend significant resources on product and 
technology R&D which may not be successful in the 
market. 

to incur expenditures to cover environmental and health liabilities 

Developing new products or updating existing products and 

to maintain compliance with current or future environmental, 

solutions requires significant levels of financial and other commit-

health and safety laws and regulations or to undertake any nec-

ments to research and development, which may not always 

essary remediation. it is difficult to reasonably estimate the future 

result in success. We are also actively engaged in the develop-

impact of environmental matters, including potential liabilities 

ment of technology standards that we are incorporating into our 

due to a number of factors especially the lengthy time intervals 

products and solutions. in order to be successful, those stan-

often involved in resolving them. 

dards must be accepted by relevant standardization bodies and 

Strategic and operational risks

by the industry as a whole. our sales and earnings may suffer if 

we invest in development of technologies and technology stan-

our business is subject to a wide variety of factors that impact 

dards that do not function as expected, are not adopted in the 

our strategies and operating results. any of these factors could 

industry or are not accepted in the marketplace within the time-

have a material adverse impact on our operating results. further-

frame we expect, or at all.

more, results of operations for any period may not necessarily be 

Please also see section “research and Development” in the 

indicative of results to be expected in future periods. conse-

Board of Directors’ report and in information on the company.

quently, our operating results may fluctuate significantly from 

period to period which may lead us to revise our estimates and/

or strategies.

Most of our business is derived from a limited number of 
customers.

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 

We derive most of our business from large, multi-year network 

the capabilities of our strategic partners, our ability to work with 

build-out agreements with a limited number of significant cus-

these partners or otherwise, our ability to develop new products 

tomers. although no single customer currently represents more 

and solutions may be constrained and this may harm our com-

than 10 percent of sales, the loss of, or a reduced role with, a key 

petitive position in the market. additionally, our share of any 

customer for any reason could have a significant adverse impact 

losses from, or commitments to contribute additional capital to, 

on sales, profit and market share for an extended period.

joint ventures may adversely affect our financial position or re-

Some long-term frame agreements expose us to risks 
related to agreed future price reductions or penalties.

sults 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 

Long-term agreements are typically awarded on a competitive 

to compete as successfully in the mobile systems market or at all 

bidding basis. in some cases such agreements also include 

in the mobile handset market. 

commitments to future price reductions. in order to maintain 

our solutions may also require us to license technologies from 

gross margin even with lower prices, we continuously strive to 

other companies and successfully integrate such technologies 

reduce the costs of our products through design improvements 

with our products. it may be necessary in the future to seek or 

and other changes in costs related to e.g. component prices, 

renew licenses relating to various aspects of these products. 

productivity in production, etc. We can not assure you that our 

there can be no assurance that the necessary licenses would be 

cost reduction actions will be sufficient to maintain our gross 

available on acceptable terms, or at all. Moreover, the inclusion in 

margin. 

our products of software or other intellectual property licensed 

frame agreements often also provide for penalties and termi-

from third parties on a non-exclusive basis could limit our ability 

nation rights in the event of our failure to deliver ordered prod-

to protect our proprietary rights in our products.

ucts on time or if our products do not perform as promised, 

which may affect our results negatively.

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Our products incorporate 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 large number of patents and other 

patent applications are currently pending, there can be no assur-

ance that any of these patents will not be challenged, invalidated, 

or circumvented, or that any rights granted under these patents 

for additional information regarding certain of the lawsuits in 

which we are involved, see “Legal and tax Proceedings” in the 

Board of Directors’ report.

We rely on a limited number of suppliers for the majority 
of our components and electronic manufacturing 
services.

will in fact provide competitive advantages to us.

our ability to deliver according to market demands depends in 

the European Union recently considered placing restrictions 

large part on obtaining timely and adequate supply of materials, 

on the patentability of software. although the European Union 

components and production capacity on competitive terms. 

ultimately rejected this proposal, we cannot guarantee that they 

failure by any of our suppliers could interrupt our product supply 

will not revisit this issue in the future. We rely on many software 

and could significantly limit our sales or increase our costs. if we 

patents, and any limitations on the patentability of software may 

fail to anticipate customer demand properly, an over/undersupply 

materially affect our business.

of components and production capacity could occur. in many 

We utilize a combination of trade secrets, confidentiality poli-

cases, some of our competitors also utilize the same contract 

cies, non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements in 

manufacturers, and we could be blocked from acquiring the 

addition to relying on patent, copyright and trademark laws to 

needed components or increasing capacity if they have pur-

protect our intellectual property rights. However, these measures 

chased capacity ahead of us. this factor could limit our ability to 

may not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other 

supply our customers or could increase our costs. at the same 

misappropriation. Moreover, we may not be able to detect unau-

time we commit to certain capacity levels or component quanti-

thorized use or take appropriate and timely steps to establish 

ties, which, if unused, will result in charges for unused capacity 

and enforce our proprietary rights. in fact, existing laws of some 

or scrapping costs.

countries in which we conduct business offer only limited protec-

tion of our intellectual property rights, if at all.

Many key aspects of telecommunications and data network 

We are dependent upon hiring and retaining highly 
qualified employees.

technology are governed by industry-wide standards, which are 

We believe that our future success depends in large part on our 

usable by all market participants. as the number of market en-

continued ability to hire, develop, motivate and retain engineers 

trants as well as the complexity of the technology increases, the 

and other qualified personnel needed to develop successful new 

possibility of functional overlap and inadvertent infringement of 

products, support our existing product range and provide ser-

intellectual property rights also increases. third parties have 

vices to our customers. competition for skilled personnel and 

asserted, and may assert in the future, claims against us alleging 

highly qualified managers in the telecommunications industry 

that we infringe their intellectual property rights. Defending such 

remains intense. We are continuously developing our compensa-

claims may be expensive, time consuming and divert the efforts 

tion and benefit policies as well as other measures. However, we 

of our management and/or technical personnel. as a result of 

may not be as successful at attracting and retaining such highly 

litigation, we could be required to pay damages and other com-

skilled personnel in the future.

pensation, 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 

As a Swedish company operating globally, we have 
substantial foreign exchange exposures. 

to us on commercially reasonable terms.

With the majority of our cost base being swedish krona (sEk) 

Adverse resolution of litigation may harm our operating 
results or financial condition.

denominated and a very large share of sales in currencies other 

than sEk, and many subsidiaries outside sweden, our foreign 

exchange exposure is significant. currency exchange rate fluc-

We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. 

tuations affect our consolidated balance sheet, cash flows and 

Litigation can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal 

income statement when foreign currencies are exchanged or 

business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal 

translated to sEk. our attempts to reduce the effect of exchange 

proceedings are difficult to predict. an unfavorable resolution of 

rate fluctuations through a variety of hedging activities may not 

a particular lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our 

be sufficient or successful, resulting in an adverse impact on our 

business, operating results, or financial condition. 

results.

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a stronger sEk exchange rate would generally have a nega-

competitors or ourselves regarding capital spending plans of 

tive effect on our competitiveness compared to competitors with 

network operators, financial difficulties for network operators for 

costs denominated in other currencies. 

whom we have provided financing or with whom we have entered 

A significant interruption or other failure of our information 
technology (IT) operations or communications networks 
could have a material adverse affect on our operations 
and results.

into material contracts, awards 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; 

our business operations rely on complex it operations and 

technical problems, in particular those relating to the introduc-

communications networks which are vulnerable to damage or 

tion and viability of new network systems like 3G; potential litiga-

disturbance from a variety of sources. Having outsourced a 

tion involving ourselves or the markets in which we operate. Even 

significant portion of our it operations, we depend partly on 

though we may not be directly involved, announcements con-

security and reliability measures of external companies. regard-

cerning bankruptcy or other similar reorganization proceedings 

less of protection measures, essentially all it systems and com-

involving, or any investigations into the accounting practices of, 

munications networks are susceptible to disruption from equip-

other telecommunications companies may materially adversely 

ment failure, vandalism, computer viruses, security breaches, 

affect our share price. 

natural disasters, power outages and other events. although we 

have experienced disruptions from computer viruses, security 

breaches, power outages and equipment failures in the past, our 

operations or results have not been materially affected to date. 

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect the trading 
prices of our Class B shares and ADSs and the value of 
any distributions we make thereon.

We will continue to expend significant resources to manage and 

Because our shares are quoted in swedish kronor (sEk) on the 

try to mitigate these risks and we may incur additional costs to 

stockholm stock Exchange (our primary stock exchange) but on 

remedy damage caused by such disruptions, especially for com-

NasDaQ and the London stock Exchange in local currencies, i.e. 

puter viruses and security breaches.

UsD and GBP, fluctuations in exchange rates between sEk and 

Risks associated with owning Ericsson shares

Our share price has been and may continue to be volatile.

these 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 sEk, fluctuations in exchange rates may 

affect the value of distributions if arrangements with your bank, 

our share price has been volatile due in part to the high volatility 

broker or depositary, in the case of aDss, call for distributions to 

in the securities markets generally, and for telecommunications 

you in currencies other than sEk.

and technology companies in particular, as well as developments 

from quarter to quarter which impact our financial results. fac-

tors 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 inves-

tors as well as a result of announcements by our customers, 

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parent company  
income statement

Years ended December 31, SEK million  

net sales  
cost of sales 
Gross margin 

selling expenses 1) 
administrative expenses 
operating expenses 

other operating revenues and costs  
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  

taxes  
Net income 

notes 

p2 

p3 

p4 
p4 

p15 
p15 

p5 

2006 

562 
–285 
277 

–206 
–1,072 
–1,278 

4,378 
3,377 

12,811 
–2,549 
13,639 

–631 
543 
–88 

2005 

1,096 
–621 
475 

148 
–796 
–648 

3,365 
3,192 

13,535 
–2,700 
14,027 

10 
–57 
–47 

–1,189 
12,362 

–581 
13,399 

2004

2,598
–2,238
360

–613
–989
–1,602

2,890
1,648

11,008
–5,251
7,405

53
1,137
1,190

–1,435
7,160

1) selling expenses included the net effect of risk provisions for customer financing of seK 1,262 million in 2006 (seK 782 million in 2005 and seK –343 million in 2004).

94

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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  
  customer financing, non-current  
  Deferred tax assets  
  other financial assets, non-current  

Current assets
inventories  
receivables
   trade receivables 
   customer financing, current 
   receivables from subsidiaries  
   current income taxes 
   other current receivables  
short-term investments 
cash and bank 

Total assets 

e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

notes 

2006 

2005

p6 
p7, p26 

2,800 
300 

18
318

p8, p9 
p8, p9 
p8 
p12 
p8 
p5 
p8 

p10 

p11 

p12 

p13 
p19 
p19 

51,124 
4,469 
19 
16,978 
1,562 
403 
401 
78,056 

53,066
4,474
18
54,413
1,231
877
357
114,772

91 

60

68 
366 
27,099 
19 
5,399 
43,372 
10,614 
87,028 
165,084 

27
1,285
21,076
34
3,622
64,172
10,790
101,066
215,838

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

December 31, SEK million 

Stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities
Stockholders’ equity  
  capital stock 
  revaluation reserve 
  statutory reserve 

  restricted equity 

  retained earnings 
  net income 

  non-restricted equity 

Untaxed reserves  
Provisions
pensions  
other provisions  

Non-current liabilities 
notes and bond loans  
liabilities to financial institutions  
liabilities to subsidiaries  
other non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities
current maturities of long-term borrowings 
trade payables  
liabilities to subsidiaries  
other current liabilities  

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities 

assets pledged as collateral  
contingent liabilities  

notes 

2006 

2005

p14

p15 

p16 
p17 

p18 
p18 
p12 

p18 
p21 
p12 
p20 

p22 
p23 

16,132 
20 
31,472 
47,624 

20,625 
12,362 
32,987 
80,611 
1,074 

419 
1,195 
1,614 

11,204 
– 
32,369 
145 
43,718 

– 
509 
35,261 
2,297 
38,067 
165,084 

277 
7,670 

16,132
20
31,472
47,624

15,570
13,399
28,969
76,593
986

415
1,391
1,806

11,811
67
41,011
134
53,023

9,582
161
68,528
5,159
83,430
215,838

421
7,545

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

parent company 
statement of cash flows

Years ended December 31, SEK million  

notes 

2006 

2005 

2004

Operations  
net income 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash 

p24 

Changes in operating net assets
inventories 
customer financing, current and non-current 
trade receivables 
provisions and pensions 
other operating assets and liabilities, net 
Cash flow from operating activities 

Investing activities
investments in tangible assets 
sales of tangible assets 
investments in intangible assets 
investments in shares and other investments 
Divestments of shares and other investments 
lending, net 
other investing activities 
Cash flow from investing activities 

p24 
p24 

12,362 

13,399 

7,160

–1,574 
10,788 

–31 
446 
358 
–401 
–4,827 
6,333 

–132 
57 
–3,092 
–541 
5,654 
22,836 
59 
24,841 

–5,966 
7,433 

–20 
757 
27 
–1,250 
7,276 
14,223 

–76 
– 
– 
–6,972 
9,470 
–4,127 
124 
–1,581 

1,129
8,289

–37
1,137
495
–975
–3,756
5,153

–50
70
–
2,740
6,396
–5,536
1,446
5,066

Cash flow before financing activities 

31,174 

12,642 

10,219

Financing activities
changes in current liabilities to financial institutions, net 
changes in current liabilities to subsidiaries 
proceeds from issuance of borrowings 
repayment of borrowings 
sale of own stock and options exercised 
Dividends paid 
settled contributions from/to (–)subsidiaries 
other 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Net change in cash and cash investments 

– 
–34,265 
– 
–9,511 
63 
–7,141 
–1,296 
– 
–52,150 
–20,976 

–322 
–2,207 
– 
–699 
119 
–3,959 
–2,299 
–9 
–9,376 
3,266 

–1,478
6,852
450
–12,263
15
–
–492
–
–6,916
3,303

Cash and short-term investments, beginning of period 

74,962 

71,696 

68,393

Cash and short-term investments, end of period  

p19 

53,986 

74,962 

71,696

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

parent company  
statement of chanGes  
in stocKholDers’ eqUity

December 31, SEK million 

Opening balance 
adjustment for ias 39, net 
Adjusted opening balance 
sale of own stock 
stock purchase and stock option plans 
contributions from/to (–) subsidiaries 
tax on contributions 
Dividends paid 

Revaluation of other investments in shares
fair value measurement reported in equity 

Cash Flow hedges
transferred to balance sheet for the period 

net income  
Closing balance 

for further information, please see “notes to the parent company financial statements, note p14, stockholders´ equity”. 

notes 

p14 

2006 

76,593 
–17 
76,576 
58 
67 
–1,955 
548 
–7,141 

–3 

99 

2005

63,763
–
63,763
117
62
4,465
–1,254
–3,959

–

–

12,362 
80,611 

13,399
76,593

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

notes to the parent company 
financial statements
contents
p1  significant accounting policies.......................................................................................................................................................................................................100

p2  segment information..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................100

p3  other operating revenues and costs......................................................................................................................................................................................100

p4 

financial income and expenses.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 101

p5  taxes.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 101

p6 

intangible assets........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................102

p7  tangible assets...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................102

p8 

financial assets..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................103

p9 

investments....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................104

p10 

inventories.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................106

p11  trade receivables.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................106

p12  receivables and liabilities – subsidiary companies.....................................................................................................................................................106

p13  other current receivables.................................................................................................................................................................................................................106

p14  stockholders’ equity...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................106

p15  Untaxed reserves.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................108

p16  pensions...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................108

p17  other provisions.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................109

p18 

interest-bearing liabilities...................................................................................................................................................................................................................109

p19  financial risk management and financial instruments.............................................................................................................................................. 110

p20  other current liabilities.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................111

p21  trade payables..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................111

p22  assets pledged as collateral............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 112

p23  contingent liabilities............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 112

p24  statement of cash flows.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 112

p25  leasing............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 112

p26  tax assessment Values in sweden............................................................................................................................................................................................. 113

p27  information regarding employees............................................................................................................................................................................................... 113

p28  related party transactions................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 113

p29  fees to auditors...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................114

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99

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.

Pensions

pensions are accounted for in accordance with the recommendation 
far 4 “accounting for pension liability and pension cost” from the 
swedish insitute of authorized public accountants. according to rr 
32:05, ias 19 shall be adopted regarding supplementary disclosures 
when applicable.

Statement.of.cash.flows

cash and short-term investments include financial instruments with 
maturity up to 12 months from the balance sheet date.

p2 segment information

Net.SaLeS

. .

.

2006 

2005 

2004

Western europe 1) 2) 
eastern europe, middle east & africa   
latin america 
total 
1) of which sweden 
2) of which eU 

– 
543 
19 
562 
– 
– 

41 
1,047 
8 
1,096 
41 
41 

54
2,530
14
2,598
54
54

parent company sales are mainly related to business segment systems. 

p3 other operating 
reVenUes anD costs

. .

.

2006 

2005 

2004

royalties, license fees 
and other operating revenues
  subsidiary companies 
  other 
net losses (–) on sales of tangible assets 
total 

2,018 
2,362 
–2 
4,378 

1,728 
1,641 
–4 
3,365 

1,683
1,237
–30
2,890

e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p1 significant accoUnting 
policies

the parent company, telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson, adopted 
rr32 “reporting in separate financial statements” from January 1, 
2005.  the adoption of rr32 has not had any effect on reported profit 
or loss for 2004 and 2005. the amended rr32:05 (from 2006) 
requires the parent company to use the same accounting principles 
as for the group, i.e. ifrs to the extent allowed by rr32:05.

the main deviations between accounting policies adopted for 
consolidation and accounting policies for the parent company are:

Subsidiaries,.associated.companies.and.joint.
ventures.

the investments are accounted for according to the acquisition cost 
method. investments are carried at cost and only dividends are 
accounted for in the income statement. an impairment test is 
performed annually and write-downs are made when permanent 
decline in value is established. 

Classification.and.measurement.of.financial.
instruments

ias 39 financial instruments: recognition and measurement was 
adopted from January 1, 2006, except regarding financial guarantees 
where the exception allowed in rr32:06 was chosen.

the comparison figures are accounted for according to the 

annual accounts act. the main deviations are:

•  short-term investments, interest and foreign exchange derivatives 
•  foreign exchange derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet 

are carried at lowest of amortized cost and fair value.

at fair value to offset value changes in the hedged item. effects 
from foreign exchange derivatives hedging future transactions are 
deferred to offset the hedged transaction. interest rate derivatives 
hedging loans or investments are valued in the same way as the 
underlying transaction.

•  Bonds issued by the parent company are carried at amortized 

cost.

there were no material effects on the opening balances January 1, 
2006, as the derivatives had a negative fair value in the closing 
balance December 31, 2005. restatement of opening balances has 
been performed. remeasured opening balances include other 
current receivables and liabilities, current maturities of long-term 
borrowings and notes and bond loans, other investments in shares 
and stockholders’ equity. all remeasured balances, except for other 
investments in shares, are derivatives. 

Leasing

the parent company has one rental agreement which is accounted 
for as a finance lease in the consolidated statements and as an 
operating lease in the parent company.

Deferred.taxes

the accounting of untaxed reserves in the balance sheet results in 
different accounting of deferred taxes as compared to the principles 
applied in the consolidated statements. swedish gaap and tax 

100 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   100

07-02-27   10.53.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p4 financial income  
anD expenses 

p5 taxes 

Income.Statement.

.

.

2006 

2005 

2004

Financial.Income
result from participations  
in subsidiary companies
  Dividends 
  net gains on sales 
result from participations  
in associated companies
  Dividends 
  net gains 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
  subsidiary companies 
  other  
total 

4,830 
3,673 

3,804 
6,774 

6,378
146

1,258 
– 

– 
– 

25 
– 

6 
– 

120
34

–
2

1,267 
1,611 
1,439 
1,659 
12,811  13,535 

1,093
3,235
11,008

Financial.expenses.
losses on sales of participations  
in subsidiary companies 
Write-down of investments  
in subsidiary companies 
losses on sale of participations  
in other companies 
Write-down of participations 
in other companies 
interest expenses and  
similar profit/loss items
  subsidiary companies 
  other 
other financial expenses 
total 
Financial.net 

–222 

–14 

–295

–556 

–106 

–861

– 

–7 

–

–3 

– 

–5

–1,067 
–652 
–49 
–2,549 

–1,115 
–1,445 
–13 
–2,700 
  10,262  10,835 

–1,178
–2,896
–16
–5,251
5,757

interest expenses on pension liabilities are included in the interest expenses shown 
above. 

the following items are included in taxes: 
. .

.

2006 

2005 

2004

current income tax on contributions, net  –548 
–291 
other current income taxes for the year 
current income taxes related to prior years  124 
Deferred tax income/expense (–)  
related to temporary differences 
taxes 

–474 
–1,189 

1,254 
–511 
326 

–1,827
–489
–

–1,650 
–581 

881
–1,435

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, 28 percent, on income before 
taxes, is shown in the following table: 

. .

.

2006 

2005 

2004

income before taxes 

  13,551  13,980 

8,595

tax rate in sweden (28%) 
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 related to write-downs  
of investments in subsidiary companies 
taxes 

–3,794 

–3,914 

–2,407

124 

326 

–

–123 

–35 

–597

2,761 

3,072 

1,810

–157 
–1,189 

–30 
–581 

–241
–1,435

Balance.sheet.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

tax effects of temporary differences have resulted in deferred tax 
assets as follows: 

. .

.

.

2006 

2005

Deferred tax assets 

403 

877

Deferred tax assets refer mainly to costs related to customer 
financing and provisions for restructuring costs. 

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   101

07-02-27   10.53.15

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101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p6 intangiBle assets 

PateNtS,.LICeNSeS,.traDemarkS.aND.SImIL ar.rIghtS

.

.

.

2006.

2005

accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
acquisitions 
Closing.balance 
accumulated.amortization
opening balance 
amortization for the year 
Closing.balance 
Net.carrying.value 

222 
3,092 
3.314 

–204 
–310 
–514 
2,800 

222
–
222

–182
–22
–204
18

acquisitions for the year relate mainly to marconi trademarks. the 
useful life and amortization period for the trademarks has been set to 
10 years.

p7 tangiBle assets

.

2006
accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
additions 
sales/disposals 
reclassifications 
Closing.balance.
accumulated.depreciation
opening balance 
Depreciation for the year 
sales/disposals 
reclassifications 
Closing.balance.
Net.carrying.value.

2005
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 

other 
 equipment  
and installations 

construction 
in process and
advance payments 

23 
– 
– 
– 
23.

–2 
– 
– 
– 
–2.
21.

23 
– 
– 
 – 
23.

–2 
– 
– 
–2.
21.

580 
29 
–128 
95 
576.

–322 
–92 
70 
– 
–344.
232.

522 
15 
–24 
67 
580.

–244 
–97 
19 
–322.
258.

39 
103 
– 
–95 
47.

– 
– 
– 
– 
–.
47.

45 
61 
– 
–67 
39.

– 
– 
– 
–.
39.

total

642
132
–128
–
646

–324
–92
70
–
–346
300

590
76
–24
– 
642

–246
–97
19
–324
318

102 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   102

07-02-27   10.53.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p8 financial assets 

INveStmeNtS.IN.SuBSIDIary.ComPaNIeS,.joINt.veNtureS.aND.aSSoCIateD.ComPaNIeS

.

opening balance 
acquisitions and stock issues 
shareholders’ contribution 
Write-downs 
reclassifications 
sales 
Closing.balance 

other.FINaNCIaL.aSSetS

.

accumulated.acquisition.costs
opening balance 
effect of changed accounting principle, ias 39 
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/deductions 
reclassifications 
translation difference for the year  
Closing.balance 
Net.carrying.value 

subsidiary companies 
2005.

2006.

Joint ventures 
2005.

2006.

associated companies
2005

2006.

53,066 
538 
–1,435 
–556 
3 
–492 
51,124 

48,860 
6,959 
63 
–106 
– 
–2,710 
53,066 

4,136 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,136 

4,136 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,136 

338 
– 
– 
– 
–3 
–2 
333 

338
–
–
–
–
–
338

other investments in shares  
and participations 
2005.

2006.

customer financing, 
non-current1) 
2005.

2006.

other financial
assets, non-current
2005

2006.

24 
3 
1 
– 
– 
– 
28 

–6 
–3 
– 
– 
– 
–9 
19 

18 
– 
13 
–7 
– 
– 
24 

–6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–6 
18 

2,175 
– 
1,185 
–1,502 
–35 
–58 
1,765 

–944 
–32 
718 
31 
24 
–203 
1,562 

5,906 
– 
496 
–3,763 
–697 
233 
2,175 

–3,942 
–52 
2,596 
560 
–106 
–944 
1,231 

357 
– 
114 
–70 
– 
– 
401 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
401 

451
–
788
–650
–236
4
357

–
–
–
–
–
–
357

1)  from time to time, customer financing amounts may include equity instruments or equity-related instruments in our customers due to reconstruction activities of troubled 

receivables. We sometimes receive such instruments as security for our receivable and our policy is to sell them as soon as feasible. 

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   103

07-02-27   10.53.16

n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

103

 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p9 inVestments 

the following listing shows certain shareholdings owned directly and 
indirectly by the parent company as of December 31, 2006. a 
complete listing of shareholdings, prepared in accordance with the 
swedish annual accounts act and filed with the swedish companies 

registration office (Bolagsverket), may be obtained upon request to: 
telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson, external & management informa-
tion, se-164 83 stockholm, sweden. 

ShareS.owNeD.DIreCtLy.By.the.PareNt.ComPaNy.

type  company 

reg. no. 

Domicile 

percentage 
of ownership 

par value 
in local 
currency, 
million 

carrying
value,
seK m.

556056-6258 
556251-3266 
556090-3212 
556329-5657 
556404-4286 
556030-9899 
556381-7666 
556381-7609 
556326-0552 

i 
i 
i 
ii 
i 
i 
ii 
ii 
ii 
i 
i 
i 
ii 

Subsidiary.companies
ericsson aB 
i 
ericsson shared services aB 
i 
ericsson enterprise aB 
i 
ericsson sverige aB 
i 
netwise aB 
i 
aB aulis 
ii 
lm ericsson holding aB 
ii 
ericsson gämsta aB 
iii 
ericsson credit aB 
iii 
other (sweden) 
ericsson austria gmbh 
ericsson Danmark a/s 
oy lm ericsson ab 
ericsson participations france sas 
ericsson gmbh 
ericsson hungary ltd. 
lm ericsson holdings ltd. 
ericsson s.r.l. 
ericsson holding international B.V. 
ericsson a/s 
ericsson corporatia ao 
ericsson ag 
ericsson holding ltd. 
other (europe, excluding sweden) 
ericsson holding ii inc. 
cía ericsson s.a.c.i. 
ericsson telecommunicações s.a. 
ericsson telecom s.a. de c.V. 
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 (the rest of the world) 
total.

ii 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 

ii 
i 
i 
i 

.

.

sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 
sweden 

austria 
Denmark 
finland 
france 
germany 
hungary 
ireland 
italy 
the netherlands 
norway 
russia 
switzerland 
United Kingdom 

United states 
argentina 
Brazil 
mexico 

australia 
china 
china 
china 
india 
malaysia 
singapore 
taiwan 
thailand 

.

100 
100 
100 
100 
99 
100 
100 
100 
100 
– 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

53  1) 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
– 
100 

12  2) 
9  3) 

100 
– 
100 
100 
100 

25   4) 

100 
70 
100 
80 
49  5) 
– 
.

50 
361 
360 
100 
2 
14 
105 
162 
5 
– 
4 
90 
13 
26 
20 
1,301 
2 
– 
222 
156 
5 
– 
74 
– 
– 
13 
n/a 
n/a 
– 
20 
2 
65 
5 
725 
2 
– 
240 
90 
– 
–.

20,645
5,716
335
102
305
6
131
324
5
1,152
665
216
196
524
796
120
15
3,151
3,200
237
5
–
758
218
9,531
10
123
1,550
60
100
2
475
37
147
4
1
20
17
225
51,124

104 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   104

07-02-27   10.53.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

ShareS.owNeD.DIreCtLy.By.the.PareNt.ComPaNy.(CoNtINueD)

type  company 

reg. no. 

Domicile 

percentage 
of ownership 

par value 
in local 
currency, 
million 

carrying
value,
seK m.

joint.ventures.and.associated.companies
i 
i 

sony ericsson mobile communications aB 
ericsson nikola tesla d.d. 
other 
total.

.

556615-6658 

sweden 
croatia 

.

.

50 
49 
– 
.

50 
65 
– 
–.

4,136
330
3
4,469

ShareS.owNeD.By.SuBSIDIary.ComPaNIeS.

type 

company 

reg. no. 

Domicile 

percentage 
of ownership

556000-0365 
556044-9489 

Subsidiary.companies
i 
ii 
i 
i 
i 
ii 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 
i 

ericsson network technologies aB 
ericsson cables holding aB 
ericsson france sas 
lm ericsson ltd. 
ericsson telecommunicazioni s.p.a. 
ericsson nederland B.V. 
ericsson telecommunicatie B.V. 
ericsson españa s.a. 
ericsson telekomunikasyon a.s. 
ericsson ltd. 
ericsson canada inc. 
ericsson inc. 
ericsson netQual inc. 
ericsson ip infrastructure inc. 
ericsson amplified technologies inc. 
ericsson servicos de telecomunicações ltda. 
ericsson australia pty. ltd. 
ericsson (china) communications co. ltd. 
nippon ericsson K.K. 
ericsson consumer products asia pacific pte ltd. 

sweden 
sweden 
france 
ireland 
italy 
the netherlands 
the netherlands 
spain 
turkey 
United Kingdom 
canada 
United states 
United states 
United states 
United states 
Brazil 
australia 
china 
Japan 
singapore 

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 

i  manufacturing, distribution and development companies
ii  holding companies
iii  finance companies

1)  through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of ericsson s.r.l.
2)  through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of cia ericsson s.a.c.i. 
3)  through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of ericsson telecommunicações s.a.
4)  through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 51% of nanjing ericsson panda communi-

cation co. ltd. 

5)  through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of ericsson (thailand) ltd.

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   105

07-02-27   10.53.17

n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p10 inVentories 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

finished products  
and goods for resale 
contract work in progress 
Inventories,.net 

91 
– 
91 

47
13
60

p11 traDe receiVaBles

.

.

.

2006.

2005

trade receivables excluding associated  
companies and joint ventures 
allowances for impairment  
of receivables 
trade receivables, net 
trade receivables from  
associated companies  
and joint ventures 
total 

p12 receiVaBles anD 
liaBilities – sUBsiDiary 
companies 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Non-current.receivables.1)
financial receivables 

Current.receivables
trade receivables 
financial receivables 
total 

52 

38

–12 
40 

–13
25

Non-current.Liabilities.1)
financial liabilities 

28 
68 

2
27

Current.Liabilities
trade payables 
financial liabilities 
total 

  16,978 

54,413

614 

1,013
  26,485  20,063
21,076
  27,099 

  32,369 

41,011

236 

135
  35,025  68,393
  35,261  68,528

1)  including non interest-bearing receivables and liabilities, net, amounting to  

seK –33,457 million (seK –29,051 million in 2005). interest-free transactions involv-
ing current receivables and liabilities may also arise at times. 

p13  other cUrrent 
receiVaBles 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

receivables from associated  
companies and joint ventures 
prepaid expenses 
accrued revenues 
Derivatives with a positive value 
other 
total 

65 
575 
416 
3,789 
554 
5,399 

171
741
820
1,516
374
3,622

p14  stocKholDers’ eQUity 

Capital.stock.2006.

capital stock at December 31, 2006, consisted of the following: 

class a shares 1) 
class B shares 1) 
total.

number 
of shares 

1,308,779,918 
14,823,478,760 
16,132,258,678.

capital
stock

1,309
14,823
16,132

1)  class a shares (quota value seK 1.00) and class B shares (quota value seK 1.00).

106 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   106

07-02-27   10.53.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ChaNgeS.IN.StoCkhoLDerS’.equIty

share     revalua- 

capital   premium   
reserve  1) 

stock 

tion   statutory   restricted  
equity 

reserve 

reserve 

total   Disposi- 
tion 
reserve 

e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

fair 
value 

other  

Non-
retained  restricted 
equity 

reserves  earnings 

total

2006
January 1, 2006 
effect of changed
accounting principle, ias 39, net 2) 
adjusted.opening.balance.
sale of own stock 
stock purchase and stock  
option plans 
contributions from/to (–) 
subsidiary companies 
tax on contributions 
Dividends paid 

revaluation.of.other.investments..
in.shares
fair value measurement 
reported in equity 

Cash.Flow.hedges
transferred to balance sheet  
for the period 

16,132 

– 
16,132.
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

net income 2006 
December.31,.2006.

– 
16,132.

16,132.
– 
– 
– 
– 

2005
january.1,.2005.
sale of own stock 
stock purchase and stock option plans 
Dividends paid 
transfer to statutory reserve 
contributions from/to (–)  
subsidiary companies 
tax on contributions 
net income 2005 
December.31,.2005.

– 
– 
– 
16,132.

–   

–   
–. .
–   

–   

–   
–   
–   

– 

– 
– 
– 

–   

– 

–   

–   
–. .

24,731. .
–   
–   
–   
–24,731   

–   
–   
–   
–. .

– 

– 
20.

20.
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
20.

20 

31,472 

47,624 

100 

– 

28,869 

28,969. 76,593

– 
20.
– 

– 
31,472.
– 

– 
47,624.
– 

– 
100.
– 

–94 
–94.
– 

77 
28,946.
58 

–17.

–17
28,952. 76,576
58

58 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

67 

67 

67

–1,955 
548 
–7,141 

–1,955  –1,955
548
–7,141

548 
–7,141 

– 

–3 

– 

99 

– 

– 

–3 

–3

99 

99

– 
31,472.

– 
47,624.

6,741.
– 
– 
– 
24,731 

– 
– 
– 
31,472.

47,624.
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
47,624.

– 
100.

100.
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
100.

– 
2.

12,362 
32,885.

12,362  12,362
32,987. 80,611

–.
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
–.

16,039.
117 
62 
–3,959 
– 

4,465 
–1,254 
13,399 
28,869.

117.
62.

16,139. 63,763
117
62
–3,959. –3,959
–

–.

4,465.
4,465
–1,254. –1,254
13,399. 13,399
28,969. 76,593

1)  2005 and prior years’ share premium are included in statutory reserve.
 2)  the total net of seK –17 million includes cash flow reserve related to the marconi trademarks acquisition seK –15 million, fair value of bond loans of seK –7 million and 

revaluation of other investments in shares of seK 5 million.

ENXPCXNotes_v43.indd   107

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107

 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p15 UntaxeD reserVes 

.
2006.

accumulated.depreciation.in.excess.of.plan
intangible assets 
tangible assets 
total.accumulated.depreciation.in.excess.of.plan.

other.untaxed.reserves
reserve for doubtful receivables 
total.other.untaxed.reserves.
total.untaxed.reserves.

change in depreciation in excess of plan of intangible assets relates 
mainly to marconi trademarks.
changes in other untaxed reserves related to additions to reserve for 
doubtful receivables, seK 57 million in 2005. Deferred tax liability on 
untaxed reserves, not accounted for in deferred taxes, amounts to 
seK 301 million in 2006 (seK 276 million in 2005).

p16  pensions

the parent company has two types of plans:

•  Defined contribution plan: post-employment benefit plan where 

the parent company pays fixed contributions into separate 
entities and have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further 
contributions if the entities do not hold sufficient assets to pay all 
employee benefits relating to employee service. the expenses for 
defined contribution plans are recognized during the period when 
the employee provides service.

•  Defined benefit plans, post-employment benefit plans where the 

parent company’s undertaking is to provide predetermined 
benefits that the employee will receive on or after retirement. the 
fpg/pri plan for the parent company is partly funded. pension 
obligations are calculated annually, on the balance sheet date, 
based on actuarial principles.

.

additions/
Jan. 1  withdrawals (–) 

Dec. 31

16 
–14 
2.

984 
984.
986.

618 
13 
631.

–543 
–543.
88.

634
–1
633

441
441
1,074

ChaNge.IN.PL aN.aSSetS

.

.

.

2006.

2005

opening.balance 
payments to/from pension fund 
 return on plan assets 
reclassification 
Closing.balance 

553 
– 
28 
–104 
477 

–
524
29
–104
449

in 2005, seK 524 million was transferred into the swedish pension 
trust, of which seK 104 million is accounted for as prepaid expense 
in 2006 and 2005. only an immaterial part of plan assets is invested 
in the group’s equity securities or in interest-bearing securities 
issued by the group. the parent company utilizes no assets held by 
the pension trust. return on plan assets for 2006 is 7.1 (5.5) percent. 
74 (73) percent of plan assets are invested in interest-bearing 
securities and 26 (27) percent are invested in shares.

aCtuaL.returN.oN.PL aN.aSSetS

.

.

.

2006.

2005

closing balance pension obligation 
less fair value of plan assets 
excess from plan assets not accounted for 
Closing.balance.provision.for.pensions 

896 
–488 
11 
419 

864
–449
–
415

PeNSIoN.oBLIgatIoN.–.DeFINeD.BeNeFIt.PL aNS

PeNSIoN.CoSt

.

.

.

2006.

2005

.

.

.

2006.

2005

opening.balance 
pension cost  
interest cost 
pensions paid 
closing balance pension obligation 1)   
of  which funded 
total 

864 
52 
34 
–54 
896 
–477 
419 

861
24
33
–54
864
–449
415

1)  including fpg/pri obligation of seK 479 million (seK 449 million) which are 

covered by the swedish law on safeguarding of pension commitments.

the fpg/pri obligation is calculated based on a discount rate of 3.64 
percent and the remaining obligation with the rate of 3.5 percent. life 
expectancy after the age of 65 is 22 years for women and 18 years 
for men.

Defined.benefit.plans 
costs excluding interest 
interest cost 
return on plan assets 
total.cost.defined.benefit.plans 
Defined.contribution.plans
pension insurance premium 
total.cost.defined.contribution.plans 
yield tax  
payroll tax 
credit insurance premium  
total.pension.cost 

52 
34 
–28 
58 

95 
95 
– 
35 
–1 
187 

24
33
–29
28

59
59
3
39
–
129

108 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

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p17  other proVisions 

..
.

2006
opening balance 
additions 
costs incurred 
reversal of excess amounts 
Closing.balance.

2005
opening balance 
additions 
costs incurred 
reversal of excess amounts 
reclassification 

Closing.balance.

p18  interest-Bearing 
liaBilities

the parent company’s outstanding interest-bearing liabilities, 
excluding liabilities to subsidiaries, were seK 11.2 billion as of 
December 31, 2006.

INtereSt-BearINg.LIaBILItIeS

.

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Borrowings,.current.
current maturities of long-term borrowings 
total.current.borrowings 
Borrowings,.non-current
  11,20.4 2)  11,811
notes and bond loans 
other borrowings, non-current 
67
–   
total.non-current.interest-bearing.liabilities    11,204   11,878
  11,204   21,460
total.interest-bearing.liabilities 

– 2)  9,582 1)
–    9,582

1)  including note and bond loans of seK 9,535 million 2005.
2)  including effect of changed accounting principle, ias 39, as of January 1, 2006. 
current maturities of long-term borrowings seK 79 million and notes and Bond 
loans seK 468 million.

e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

Warranty 
commitments 

restruc- 
turing 

customer.
financing 

.
other.

total.other
provisions

1 
– 
– 
– 
1.

1 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1.

763 
44 
–433 
–146 
228.

1,107 
178 
–305 
–126 
–91 

763.

310 
– 
– 
–122 
188.

478 
39 
–113 
–94 
– 

310.

NoteS.aND.BoND.LoaNS

1,391
683
–436
–443
1,195

2,195
217
–418
–512
–91

1,391

317 
639 
–3 
–175 
778.

609 
– 
– 
–292 
– 

317.

Book
value

issued 
mature 

1999-2009 
2001-2008 
2003-2010 
2004-2012 
total.

nominal  coupon  currency 

(seK m.)  (yy-mm-DD)

483    6.500% 
226 1)  7.375% 
471 2)  6.750% 
450    3.935% 
.

.

UsD 
gBp 
eUr 
seK 
.

3,311 3) 
3,044 3) 
4,255 3) 
594   

11,204.

09-05-20
08-06-05
10-11-28
12-12-07 4)

1)   the gBp 226 million bond has interest rates linked to the company’s credit rating. 
the interest will increase/decrease 0.25 percent per annum for each rating notch 
change per rating agency (moody’s and standard & poor’s). the interest rate 
applicable to this bond cannot be less than the initial interest rates in the loan 
agreements. 

2)   the eUr 471 million bond is callable after 2007; the fair value of the embedded 

derivative is included in the book value of the bond. 
3)  interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges.
4)  contractual repricing date June 7, 2007.

all outstanding notes and bond loans are issued under the euro 
medium term note program. Bonds issued at a fixed interest rate are 
swapped to a floating interest rate using interest rate swaps, resulting 
in a weighted average interest rate of 4.70 percent at December 31, 
2006. these bonds are revalued based on changes in benchmark 
interest rates according to the fair Value hedge methodology 
stipulated in ias 39. the effective interest rate is the same as the 
coupon rate as the notes and bond loans are issued at par.

one bond and one note were redeemed during 2006: one UsD-
frn with a nominal amount of UsD 15 million and a eUr-bond with a 
nominal amount of eUr 1,000 million.

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109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p19 financial risK management  
anD financial instrUments
Financial.risk.management

ericsson’s financial risk management is governed on a group level.
 for further information please see note c20.

outStaNDINg.DerIvatIveS..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

currency 

.
nominal 
currency 

2006.
asset 
seK 

..
liability  
seK 

.
nominal 
currency 

2005 
asset  liability

seK 

seK

.

Currency.derivatives
maturity up to one year 

total currency derivatives with maturity up to one year 
maturity one to three years 

UsD  
eUr 
other 

UsD  
eUr 
other 

5,229 
2,060 

453 
1,043 

total currency derivatives with maturity one to three years 
maturity three to five years 
total currency derivatives with maturity three to five years 
total.currency.derivatives.

eUr 

471 

.

.

Interest.Derivatives.
maturity up to one year  

total maturity up to one year 
maturity one to three years 

total maturity one to three years 
maturity three to five years 

total maturity three to five years 
maturity more than five years 
total.interest.rate.derivatives.
	 (of	which	is	included	in	Fair	value	hedge	relations)	
total.outstanding.derivatives.

(of	which	internal	counterparts)	

.
eUr 
noK 
seK 
other 

gBp 
noK 
UsD 
other 

eUr 
UsD 
seK 

seK 
.

.

.
260 
24,289 
42,820 

226 
25,275 
483 

434 
50 
– 

1,428 
.

.

2,269 
371 
469 
3,109 
63 
91 
58 
212 
17 
17 
3,338.

.
0 
12 
119 
0 
131 
115 
43 
180 
5 
343 
94 
6 
– 
100 
9 
583.4).
385	
3,921. .
16	

2,402 
286 
291 
2,979 
29 
– 
9 
38 
– 

3,017.

.
2 
23 
63 
4 
92 
0 
–2 3) 
8 
6 
12 
0 
0 
– 
0 
11 
115.

3,132.
2,258	

315 
1,971 

1 
14 

2, 338  
149  
441  
2,928 
98 
2 
37 
137 
– 

2,663
184 
464
3,311
103 
0 
17 
120 
–

.

3,065.

3,431.

.
1,412 
2 
23,186 

226 

942 
530 
360 

2,105 
.

.

.
408 
– 
15   
4 
427 
188 
– 
0 
40 
228 
249 
279 

528 
1 
1,184.
761
4,249.1).
2,194	

.
0
2     

20 
4
26
0
–
0 
133
133
–
15
–1 3)
14   

3       

176

3,607.2)
22

 1)  closing balance at December 31, 2005, was seK 3,710 million. opening balance has been adjusted with seK 539 million related to ias 39.
2)  closing balance at December 31, 2005, was seK 3,592 million. opening balance has been adjusted with seK 15 million related to ias 39.
3)  negative amounts relate to effects from one exposure of a derivative that is positive/negative while the total effect of the derivative is the opposite.
4)   of which 116 million is reported as non-current assets.

110 n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

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07-02-27   10.53.18

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
CaSh,.CaSh.equIvaLeNtS.aND.Short-term..

INveStmeNtS

.

.

Sek.billion 

Bank deposits 
type.of.issuer/.
counterpart
governments 
Banks 
corporations 
mortgage institutes 
liquidity funds 
total..

remaining.time.to.maturity
< 1 
> 5
year  years  years  2006  2005

< 3 
months 

1–5 

10.6 

– 

– 

–  10.6 

6.3

1.7 
12.1 
0.4 
– 
1.1 
25.9.

– 
6.2 
2.2 
0.5 
– 

4.5 
9.4 
3.6 
1.7 
– 
8.9. 19.2.

6.6
6.2 
– 
0.2
27.7 
– 
6.2  54.1
– 
3.3
2.2 
– 
4.5
1.1 
– 
–. 54.0. 75.0

the instrument are classified as held for trading and are therefore 
short term investments. 

During 2006, cash and bank, and short-term investments 
decreased by seK 21 billion to seK 54 billion mainly due to repay-
ment of loans and investments in companies.

rePaymeNt.SCheDuLe.oF.LoNg-term.BorrowINgS

nominal amount 
Sek.billion 

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 and later 
total.

notes
and bonds
(non-current) 

– 
3.0 
3.3 
4.3 
– 
0.5 
11.1.

total

–
3.0
3.3
4.3
–
0.5
11.1

.

.

Debt financing is mainly carried out through borrowing in the 
swedish and international debt capital markets.

FuNDINg.ProgramS

.

euro medium term note program  
(UsD m.) 
euro commercial paper program 
(UsD m.) 
swedish commercial paper program 
(seK m.) 
long-term committed credit facility 
(UsD m.) 
shot-term committed credit facilities 
(seK m.) 

  amount  Utilized  Unutilized

5,000 

1,585 

3,415

1,500 

5,000 

1,000 

273 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,500

5,000

1,000

273

the UsD 1.0 billion committed credit facility has interest rates linked 
to our credit rating. 

moody’s credit rating agency raised ericsson’s credit rating 
during 2006, while standard & poor’s (s&p) last upgraded their 
ratings in 2005. at year-end, their ratings of ericsson’s creditworthi-
ness were Baa2 (Baa3) for moody’s and BBB– for s&p, both 
considered to be “investment grade”.

e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

Financial.Instruments.Carried..
at.other.than.Fair.value.

in the following tables, carrying amounts and fair values of financial 
instruments that are carried in the financial statements at other than 
fair values, are presented. assets valued at fair value through profit 
and loss has a net gain of seK 637 million. for further information 
about valuation principles, please see note c1, “significant 
accounting policies”.

FINaNCIaL.INStrumeNtS.CarrIeD.at.other..

thaN.FaIr.vaLue

.
Sek.billion.

current maturities of  
long term borrowings 
notes and bonds 

Carrying.amount.
2005.

2006.

Fair.value
2005

2006.

– 
11.2 
11.2 

9.6 
11.8 
21.4 

– 
11.7 
11.7 

9.7
13.0
22.7

financial instruments excluded from the tables, such as trade 
receivables and payables are carried at amortized cost which is 
deemed to be equal to fair value. When a market price 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 a fair value.

p20  other cUrrent 
liaBilities 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

liabilities to associated  
companies and joint ventures 
accrued interest 
accrued expenses, of which 
  employee related 
  supplier invoices  
  not received 
Deferred revenues 
Derivatives with a negative value 
other current liabilities 
total 

7 
306 

74
737

296 

246 

202 
201 
874 
411 
2,297 

44
112
3,570
376
5,159

p21  traDe payaBles

..

.

.

2006.

2005

trade payables excluding associated  
companies and joint ventures 
total 

509 
509 

161
161

n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

111

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p22 assets pleDgeD  
as collateral 

.

Bank deposits 
total 

.

.

2006.

2005

277 
277 

421
421

the major item in bank deposits is the internal bank’s clearing and 
settlement commitments of seK 162 million in 2006 (seK 165 million 
in 2005).

p23  contingent liaBilities 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

guarantees for customer financing 
other contingent liabilities 
total 

23 
7,647 
7,670 

67
7,478
7,545

other contingent liabilities include pension commitments of seK 
6,909 million in 2006 (seK 6,918 million in 2005), and subsidiary 
companies’ borrowing from financial institutions of seK 51 million in 
2006 (seK 98 million in 2005).

in accordance with standard industry practice, ericsson enters 
into commercial contract guarantees related to contracts for the 
supply of telecommunication equipment and services. total amount 
for 2006 was seK 16,027 million (seK 15,412 million in 2005). 
potential payments due under these bonds are related to ericsson’s 
performance under applicable contracts.

p24  statement of cash 
floWs 

interest paid in 2006 was seK 1,887 million (seK 3,215 million in 
2005 and seK 4,302 million in 2004) and interest received was seK 
3,123 million (seK 3,151 million in 2005 and seK 4,363 million in 
2004). income taxes paid were seK 364 million (seK 65 million in 
2005 and seK 259 million in 2004). 

major non-cash items in investments are: investments in shares 

and other investments of seK 3,214 million in 2005.

aDjuStmeNtS.to.reCoNCILe.Net.INCome.to.CaSh

.

.

2006.

2005 

2004

tangible.assets
Depreciation 
total. 
Intangible.assets
amortization 
total. 
total.depreciation.and.amortization..
on.tangible.and.intangible.assets.   
taxes 
Write-downs and capital gains (–)/ 
losses on sale of fixed assets,  
excluding customer financing, net 
additions to/withdrawals from (–)  
untaxed reserves 
Unsettled dividends 
total.adjustments.to.reconcile.net..
income.to.cash 

92 
92 

310 
310 

402 
825 

97 
97 

22 
22 

111
111

22
22

119 
516 

133
1,177

–2,889 

–6,643 

1,009

88 
– 

47 
–5 

–1,190
–

–1,574 

–5,966 

1,129

p25  leasing 
Leasing.with.the.Parent.Company.as.lessee

at December 31, 2006, future payment obligations for leases were 
distributed as follows: 
.
.

operating
.leases

.
.

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011  
2012 and later 

1,039
925
736
602
443
940
4,685

Leasing.with.the.Parent.Company.as.lessor

at December 31, 2006, future minimum payment receivables were 
distributed as follows:
.
.

operating
leases

.
.

2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011  
2012 and later 

32
16
14
–
–
–
62

the operating lease income is mainly income from sublease of 
property.

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p26  tax assessment ValUes 
in sWeDen 

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Compensation.policies.and.remuneration.to.the.
Board.of.Directors.and.the.President.and.Ceo
see notes to the consolidated financial statements, note c28 – 
“information regarding employees, members of the Board of 
Directors and management”.

land and land improvements 
total 

11 
11 

11
11

Long.term.incentive.plans

p27  information regarDing 
employees

average.NumBer.oF.emPLoyeeS

.
.

.
.

.

  2005
men. women. total. men  Women  total

.. 2006.

165.

Western europe 1) 2) 
eastern europe,  
middle east and  
africa 
520.
total 
685.
1)  of which sweden  165.
2)  of which eU 
165.

aBSeNCe.Due.to.ILLNeSS

129. 294 

108 

159 

267

17. 537 
146. 831 
129. 294 
129. 294 

705 
813 
108 
108 

21 
180 
159 
159 

726
993
267
267

percent.of.working.hours.

.

.

2006.

2005

absence due to illness for men 
absence due to illness for women 
employees 30–49 years old 
employees 50 years or older 
long-term absence due to illness 1) 

0% 
2% 
1% 
1% 
0.4% 

1%
2%
2%
1%
0.5%

1)  Defined as absence during a consecutive period of time of 60 days or more.

remuneration.

wageS.aND.SaL arIeS.aND.SoCIaL.SeCurIty.exPeNSeS.

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Wages and salaries 
social security expenses 
of which pension costs 

570 
264 
187 

484
251
129

wageS.aND.SaL arIeS.Per.geograPhICaL.area

.

.

.

2006.

2005

Western europe 1) 2) 
eastern europe, middle  
east and africa 2) 
total 
1) of which sweden 
2) of which eU 

350 

302

220 
570 
350 
350 

182
484
302
302

remuneration in foreign currency has been translated to seK at average exchange 
rates for the year. 

The Stock Purchase Plan
compensation costs for all employees of the parent company 
amount to seK 17.1 million in 2006 (seK 8.9 million in 2005).

p28  relateD party 
transactions

During 2006, various transactions were executed pursuant to 
contracts based on terms customary in the industry and negotiated 
on an arm’s length basis.

Sony.ericsson.mobile.Communications.aB.(SemC)

in october 2001, semc was organized as a joint venture between 
sony corporation and ericsson. a substantial portion of ericsson’s 
handset operations was sold to semc. as part of the formation of 
the joint venture, contracts were entered into between the parent 
company and semc. 

for the parent company the transactions are royalty and license 

fees for semc’s usage of trademarks and patents and received 
dividends.

.

.

.

2006.

2005

related.party.transactions.
royalty/licenses 
Dividends 

related.party.balances
receivables 
payables 

ericsson.Nikola.tesla.d.d.

1,478 
1,160 

70 
1 

654
–

171
66

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. the parent company holds 49.07 
percent of the shares. 

for the parent company the transactions are royalty for ericsson 

nikola tesla d.d.’s usage of trademarks and received dividends .

.

.

.

2006.

2005

related.party.transactions
royalty 
Dividends 

other.related.parties

7 
98 

9
–

for information regarding the management remuneration, see note 
c28 to the consolidated financial statements, “information regarding 
employees, members of the Board of Directors and management”.

n o t e s   t o   t h e   pa r e n t   c o m pa n y   f i n a n c i a l   s tat e m e n t s

113

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e r i c s s o n   a n n U a l   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

p29 fees to aUDitors 

.

.

2006
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
other fees 
total.
2005
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
total.
2004
audit fees 
audit related fees 
tax services fees 
total.

price-
waterhouse-

coopers  Kpmg  others.

total

41 
8 
1 
1 
51.

21 
18 
1 
40.

24 
5 
2 
31.

2 
– 
– 
– 
2.

2 
– 
– 
2.

1 
– 
– 
1.

– 
– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
– 
–.

– 
– 
– 
–.

43
8
1
1
53

23
18
1
42

25
5
2
32

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auditors’ report

To the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders  

as well as evaluating the overall presentation of information in the 

of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ),

Corporate identity number 556016-0680 

annual accounts and the consolidated accounts. as a basis for 

our opinion concerning discharge from liability, we examined 

significant decisions, actions taken and circumstances of the 

We have audited the annual accounts, the consolidated ac­

Company in order to be able to determine the liability, if any, to 

counts, the accounting records and the administration of the 

the Company of any Board Member or the president and Ceo. 

Board of directors and the president and Ceo of telefonaktiebo­

We also examined whether any Board Member or the president 

laget LM ericsson (publ)  for the year  2006. (the Company’s 

and Ceo has, in any other way, acted in contravention of the 

annual accounts are included in the printed version on pages 28–

Companies act, the annual accounts act or the articles of asso­

114). the Board of directors and the president and Ceo are 

ciation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for 

responsible for these accounts and the administration of the 

our opinion set out below.

Company as well as for the application of the annual accounts 

the annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with 

act when preparing the annual accounts and the application of 

the annual accounts act and give a true and fair view of the 

international financial reporting standards iFrss as adopted by 

Company’s financial position and results of operations in accor­

the eu and the annual accounts act when preparing the consoli­

dance with generally accepted accounting principles in sweden. 

dated accounts. our responsibility is to express an opinion on 

the consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance 

the annual accounts, the consolidated accounts and the admin­

with international financial reporting standards, iFrss, as 

istration based on our audit. 

 adopted by the eu and the annual accounts act and give a true 

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally ac­

and fair view of the group’s financial position and results of 

cepted auditing standards in sweden. those standards require 

 operations. the Board of directors’ report is consistent with the 

that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assur­

other parts of the annual accounts and the consolidated ac­

ance that the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts 

counts.

are free of material misstatement. an audit includes examining, 

We recommend to the annual general meeting of share­

on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclo­

holders that the income statements and balance sheets of the 

sures in the accounts. an audit also includes assessing the 

parent Company and the Group be adopted, that the profit of the 

accounting principles used and their application by the Board of 

parent Company be dealt with in accordance with the proposal 

directors and the president and Ceo and significant estimates 

in the Board of directors’ report and that the members of the 

made by the Board of directors and the president and Ceo 

Board of directors and the president and Ceo be discharged 

when preparing the annual accounts and consolidated accounts 

from liability for the financial year.

stockholm, February 23, 2007

Bo Hjalmarsson 

peter Clemedtson 

thomas thiel

Authorized Public Accountant 

Authorized Public Accountant 

Authorized Public Accountant

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB 

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

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115

 
 
 
e r i c S S o n   a n n U a L   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

information on the company

History and development 

few companies worldwide that can offer end-to-end solutions for 

our origins date back to 1876 when Lars magnus ericsson 

all major mobile communication standards.  

opened a small workshop in Stockholm to repair telegraph in-

We invest heavily in r&D and actively promote standardization 

struments. that same year in the United States, alexander 

and open systems. as a result, we have a long history of innova-

 Graham Bell filed a patent application for the telephone. Lars 

tion and pioneering of future technologies for more efficient and 

magnus ericsson soon recognized the great potential of voice-

higher quality telecommunications. 

based telecommunications and realized that the technology 

also reflecting our ongoing commitment to technology lead-

could be improved. he started to develop and sell his own tele-

ership, we have one of the industry’s most comprehensive intel-

phone equipment and within a few years reached an agreement 

lectual property portfolios containing approximately 22,000 

to supply telephones and switchboards to Sweden’s first telecom 

patents.

operator. Stockholm soon had the highest telephone density in 

the world. 

Technical milestones 

today, ericsson is a leading provider of telecommunications 

1878  telegraph to telephone

equipment and related services to operators of mobile and fixed 

1923   manual switching to automatic switching

networks worldwide. over 1,000 networks in more than 175 

1956  first mobile phone system 

countries utilize our network equipment and we are one of the 

1968   electro-mechanical to computer control

GeneraL factS on the company

Legal name: telefonaktiebolaget Lm ericsson (publ)

mation on our web site does not form part of this docu-

Organization number: 556016-0680 

ment.

Legal form of the Company:  a Swedish limited liability com-

Agent in the US: ericsson inc., Vice president Legal affairs, 

pany organized under the Swedish companies act. the 

6300 Legacy Drive, plano, texas 75024. telephone num-

terms “ericsson”, “the company”, “the Group”, “us”, “we”, 

ber +1 972 583 0000.

“our” all refer to telefonaktiebolaget Lm ericsson and its 

Shares: our class a and B shares are traded on Stockholms-

subsidiaries.

börsen (the Stockholm Stock exchange). our class B 

Country of incorporation: Sweden. the company was incorpo-

shares are also traded on the London Stock exchange 

rated on august 18, 1918, as a result of a merger between 

(LSe).  

aB Lm ericsson & co. and Stockholms allmänna telefon 

in the United States, our american depository shares 

aB. 

(aDS), each representing 10 underlying class B shares, are 

Domicile: our registered address is telefonaktiebolaget Lm 

traded on naSDaQ.

ericsson, Se–164 83 Stockholm, Sweden. our headquar-

Parent Company operations: the business of the parent com-

ter is located at torshamnsgatan 23, Kista, Sweden.  

pany, telefonaktiebolaget Lm ericsson, consists mainly of 

our telephone number is +46 8 719 0000.  

corporate management, holding company functions and 

our web site is www.ericsson.com. please note that infor-

internal banking activities. parent company operations 

116

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1978   analog switching to digital switching

Our vision – how we see the world 

1981   fixed communications to mobile communications

our vision is to be the prime Driver in an all-communicating world

1991   1G analog to 2G digital mobile technology

1998  

integration of voice and data in mobile networks

Core values – how we act

1999   narrowband circuit to broadband packet switching

professionalism, respect and perseverance are the corner-

1999 

introduction of fixed telephony softswitch

stones of the ericsson culture, guiding us in our daily work, both 

2001   2G narrowband to 3G wideband mobile technology

in how we relate to people and how we conduct our business.

2003 

introduction of mobile softswitch

2004   mass commercial launch of WcDma (3G) networks in 

Results – how we measure our performance

Western europe

We measure three fundamental metrics: customer satisfaction, 

2005   commercial launch of hSDpa mobile broadband net-

employee satisfaction and financial returns for our owners. We 

works in north america

believe that highly satisfied customers, empowered employees 

2006  Global commercial launches of hSpa mobile broadband 

and best-in-class operating margins help to assure a competitive 

networks

advantage and an enduring capability for value creation. 

also include customer credit management activities per-

 www.bolagsverket.se. if you access these reports, please be 

formed by ericsson credit aB. 

aware that the information included may not be indicative of 

Subsidiaries and associated companies: for a listing of our 

our published consolidated results in all aspects. other than 

significant subsidiaries, please see notes to the parent 

information related to the parent company, only consolidated 

company financial Statements – note p9 “investments”. in 

numbers for the Group totals are included in our reports.

addition to our joint venture with Sony corporation, we are 

We also file annual reports and other information with the Secu-

engaged in a number of other minor joint ventures, co-

rities and exchange commission (Sec) in the United States 

operative arrangements and venture capital initiatives. for 

pursuant to the rules and regulations that apply to foreign 

more information regarding risks associated with joint ven-

private issuers. electronic access to these documents may 

tures, strategic alliances and third party agreements, please 

be obtained from the Sec’s website www.sec.gov/edgar/

see “risk factors – Strategic and operational risks”.

searchedgar/webusers.htm where they are stored in the 

Documents on display: We file annual reports and other infor-

eDGar database. you may read and copy any of these 

mation (normally in Swedish only) for certain domestic legal 

reports at the Sec’s public reference room at 100 f Street, 

entities with Bolagsverket (Swedish companies registration 

n.e., Washington, D.c. 20549, or obtain them by mail upon 

office) pursuant to Swedish rules and regulations.  

payment of Sec’s prescribed rates. for further information, 

you may order any of these reports from their web site  

you can call the Sec at +1 800 732 0330. 

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Business strategy and long-term goals

We work closely with our customers to understand their busi-

our ultimate goal is for the company to generate growth and a 

nesses and technology needs and provide tailored solutions to 

competitive profit that is sustainable over the longer term. erics-

help them fulfill their business objectives. 

son’s strategy is to be the preferred business partner to our 

We will continue to devote significant resources to develop 

customers, especially to the world’s leading network operators. 

end-to-end communications solutions that will stimulate  

in doing so, we strive to be the market and technology leader by 

network deployments for geographic coverage as well as traffic 

offering superior end-to-end solutions mainly related to network 

capacity and thereby drive demand for our products and ser-

infrastructure, network management and other service offerings.

vices. 

We are a major supplier to most of the world’s leading mobile 

our expertise and experience in all major telecommunication 

network operators and many of the world’s leading fixed-line 

standards along with our proven track record for quality and 

operators. We believe that our ability to offer end-to-end solu-

innovation have allowed us to develop our business on a world-

tions – systems, applications, services and core handset tech-

wide basis.

nology – together with our in-depth knowledge of consumer 

We believe that our widespread geographical presence and 

requirements, make us well positioned to assist network opera-

the economies of scale associated with market share leadership 

tors with their network development and operations. We are 

give us competitive advantages. Global presence is an important 

already a market leader in network systems integration and 

factor, particularly when working as a business partner to opera-

 managed services. through increased activities in professional 

tors working in multiple markets or globally. We are utilizing our 

services, service layer products and multimedia, we aim for 

strong international reach and core competence in mobile and 

increased sales in these growing segments.

fixed communications to expand into growth areas such as sys-

our strategy is to: 
• excel in network infrastructure;
• expand in service; 
• establish a position in multimedia solutions 
in order to make people’s lives easier and richer, provide 

tems integration, service applications and managed services, as 

well as to develop alliances with suppliers and manufacturers in 

many countries in order to increase our combined effectiveness. 

We will continue to improve our internal processes and sup-

port systems to drive operational excellence as a competitive 

 affordable communication for all and enable new ways for com-

advantage. in addition, we will continue to develop and maintain 

panies to do business. this is performed with operational excel-

high levels of competence in our employees to secure our lead-

lence in everything we do as a base. 

ing market position and to stay at the forefront of technological 

development. 

innovation is an important element of our corporate culture and 

is key to our competitiveness and future success. We have a long 

tradition of developing innovative communication technologies, 

including technologies that form the base for industry standards. 

for example, we helped pioneer the development of industry-

wide mobile technologies such as GSm, GprS, eDGe, cDma, 

WcDma, hSpa, and Bluetooth. 

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eriCSSOn’S OrgAnizAtiOn

CEO

Group Functions

Segment Systems

Research

Business Unit
Access

Business Unit
Global Services

Business Unit
Systems

Business Unit
Broadband Networks

Market Units

Global Customer 
Accounts

Multi-Country Accounts

C
U
S
T
O
M
E
R
S

Segment Other Operations

Cables

Defense
Divested Sept 1, 2006

Enterprise

Mobile
Platforms

Power
Modules

Segment Phones

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications JV

Organization

Governance

Group Functions

a number of Group functions perform tasks pertaining to certain 

a significant amount of authority and responsibility is assigned to 

group-wide matters that are not naturally referable to a specific 

the management of our various operating units for tasks pertain-

operational unit: communications, finance, human resources 

ing to daily operations. Governance of our operating units is 

and organization, Legal affairs, operational excellence, 

carried out through steering boards whose members are repre-

 research & Development, Sales & marketing and Strategy & 

sentatives of the Group management team, the extended 

product management.

 management team and the management of the particular oper-

their responsibilities include the formulation of the Group’s 

ating unit.

strategy, issuing of policies and directives, business control and 

for more information regarding our corporate governance, 

resource allocation. in addition, Group functions are responsible 

please see the corporate Governance report or visit our web 

for the consolidation and reporting of financial performance, 

site www.ericsson.com/ericsson/corpinfo/corp_governance/

financing and cash management, legal issues, communication 

index.shtml. 

with various stakeholders including employees, investors, press 

 information on our web site does not form part of this docu-

and media as well as coordination and administration of a num-

ment.

ber of group-wide issues. other important group-wide matters, 

such as corporate responsibility, are managed by Group func-

tions in conjunction with a network of experts from various parts 

of the company. 

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Business segments 

Secondary segments

We supply the network equipment and services that enable 

We group sales into five geographical segments as shown below:

telecommunications. We offer end-to-end solutions for all major 

mobile communication standards. We also provide our custom-

2006 SALeS By regiOn AnD Segment 

ers with services for network system integration, managed ser-

vices and other professional services. through our Sony erics-

son mobile communications joint venture we offer a range of 

mobile handsets and other mobile devices, including those sup-

porting multimedia applications and other personal communica-

tion services. in addition, the company has products for special 

applications within mobile platforms, enterprise systems, cables 

and power modules.

Primary Segments

SeK billion 

Western europe 
cema 1) 
asia pacific 
north america 
Latin america 
total 
percent share 

other 
Systems  operations 

45.4 
48.7 
42.0 
15.3 
16.2 
167.6 
94% 

6.5 
1.6 
1.2 
0.6 
0.2 
10.2 
6% 

total

51.9
50.3
43.2
15.9
16.5
177.8
100%

1)  central and eastern europe, middle east and africa.
note: due to rounding, all rows and columns may not add up exactly to the totals.

ericsson is a telecommunications company developing and 

please also see “notes to the consolidated financial Statements 

selling a variety of products aimed largely at customers in the 

– note c3, Segment information.”

telecommunications industry. When determining our operating 

segments, we have looked at which market and to what type of 

Seasonality 

customers our products and services are aimed, and through 

our quarterly sales, income and cash flows from operations are 

what distribution channels they are sold as well as to commonal-

seasonal in nature and generally lower in the first and third quar-

ity regarding technology, research and development. to best 

ters of the year and highest in the fourth quarter. this is mainly a 

reflect our business focus and to facilitate comparability with our 

result of the seasonal purchase patterns of network operators. 

peers, we consolidate the results of our operations into three 

although demonstrating a strong seasonal pattern historically, 

business segments:
• Systems, consisting of a three-pronged business approach: 
mobile networks, fixed networks and professional Services;
• phones, carried out through the 50/50 joint venture with Sony 

our seasonal sales variances have not conformed to the longer-

term pattern during the market downturn starting in 2001 and 

subsequent recovery during 2004. the table below illustrates the 

long-term average seasonal effect on sales for the period 1992 

corporation; 

through 2006.

• other operations, which comprise a number of smaller busi-
nesses, including mobile platforms, enterprise Systems, 

 cables, power modules and the Defense business (Divested to 

Saab aB September 1, 2006).

15-yeAr AverAge SeASOnALity

first   Second  

fourth 
quarter  quarter  quarter  quarter

third 

Sequential change 
Share of annual sales 

–27% 
21% 

17% 
24% 

–4% 
24% 

36%
31%

compared to the 15-year historical pattern, the seasonality over 

the last three years has generally been less pronounced with a 

more equal distribution of sales between quarters. the table 

below illustrates the average seasonal effect on sales for the 

years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

mOSt reCent 3-yeAr AverAge SeASOnALity

first   Second  

fourth 
quarter  quarter  quarter  quarter

third 

Sequential change 
Share of annual sales 

–19% 
21% 

17% 
25% 

–5% 
24% 

27%
30%

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Segment Systems 

mobile networks 

networks, a radio network controller effects call handover in 

conjunction with mobility server nodes within the service layer.

We provide mobile systems solutions to network operators that 

the core network nodes interconnect radio access networks 

enable reliable, efficient and cost effective mobile networks. our 

with other parts of the network. many of our core network 

systems offerings include radio base stations, base station and 

switching systems, controllers for base stations and radio net-

radio network controllers, mobile switching centers and applica-

works are built upon common platforms. Like our radio base 

tion nodes. We are the market leader with approximately 35 

station products, our mobile switching products have industry-

percent global share of the addressable GSm/WcDma track 

leading scalability and capacity. 

within the global mobile systems market, i.e. open non-propri-

mobile network equipment and associated network rollout 

etary standards. our claim of market leadership in mobile sys-

services account for 74 percent of our Systems sales.

tems is based on our reported sales and how they relate to the 

publicly reported and estimated mobile system sales of our main 

fixed networks 

competitors. Statements from industry and financial analysts also 

We are a supplier of broadband communications equipment and 

support our estimates. 

services mainly to fixed network operators in Latin america and 

each generation of mobile technology is associated with a 

europe. We have a long history in fixed-line networking with an 

group of international standards for mobile communications 

installed base of access and transit lines equivalent to 180 million 

networks. transitioning from one technology generation to the 

lines or approximately 10 percent  global market share of the 

next, such as from 2G to 3G, requires network operators, equip-

installed base. By successfully addressing three key operator 

ment suppliers and mobile handset manufacturers to adopt new 

needs: modernization and expansion of the fixed telephony net-

and emerging technology standards. We believe that the migra-

works; introduction of ip-based revenue generating services; and 

tion from voice services and basic mobile multimedia services to 

cost-efficient rollout of high capacity broadband networks with 

mobile broadband is the primary technological shift facing 

service differentiation, we have been able to secure strong mar-

 mobile network operators today. our end-to-end solutions offer 

ket positions in voice over packet, soft switching and public 

operators a smooth network migration to 3G.

ethernet access. 

our expertise in all 2G standards and our role in developing 

fixed network operators are moving from single-service net-

3G standards allow us to offer mobile telecommunications sys-

works toward broadband packet-switched multi-service net-

tems that incorporate any of the major 2G (GSm, tDma, cDma), 

works that have the ability to simultaneously handle multiple 

2.5G (GprS) and 3G (eDGe, WcDma, hSpa, cDma2000, tD-

services, such as voice, data and images. migration to an all-ip-

ScDma) mobile technology standards. as a result, we are able 

based packet-switched network is a necessary step in order to 

to offer tailored solutions to a network operator, regardless of the 

combine broadband internet, voice and image traffic into one 

existing network standard used.

broadband network. 

We offer a complete portfolio of radio base stations ranging 

our solution for such multi-service networks utilizes a layered 

from small pico cells (i.e. small cells in a mobile network that 

softswitch service and control architecture, combined with 

boost capacity and coverage within buildings) to high-capacity 

broadband access and core network routing and transmission 

macro cell applications. radio base stations provide access and 

elements. organizing a network into layers isolates the different 

interconnection between mobile handsets and the mobile net-

functions, i.e., access, core network and services, and facilitates 

work. a central feature of our 2G GSm radio base stations and 

easier migration to an all-ip environment. Due to our leadership 

base station controllers is their ability to be upgraded on a cost-

in next-generation mobile networks, we are able to leverage our 

effective basis to enable 2.5G/GprS and 3G/eDGe transmis-

ip-based multimedia subsystem (imS) developed for 3G mobile 

sions. Similarly, our WcDma base stations can be upgraded to 

networks also for next-generation fixed network applications. 

hSpa.

imS is an open service layer platform that hosts ip based ser-

other important elements of radio access networks are the 

vices such as Voice over ip (Voip), “push-to-talk” etc. Since our 

controllers for radio base stations and radio access network, 

imS solution is common for both fixed and mobile networks, 

which manage the traffic between the radio base stations and 

converged services can be transparently provided independent 

core network. in 2G, base station controllers in conjunction with 

of the type of access. 

mobile switching centers, effect call handovers between radio 

fixed network equipment and associated network rollout 

base stations as subscribers move between cell sites while 

services account for 7 percent of our Systems sales.

engaged in a voice call or data transmission. Similarly, in 3G 

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professional Services

With respect to fixed communications equipment, the competi-

our professional services portfolio includes expertise in consult-

tion is also highly concentrated and includes, among others, 

ing, education, systems integration, managed services and 

alcatel/Lucent, cisco, huawei, nokia/Siemens and nortel. We 

customer support services.  

also compete with numerous local and regional manufacturers 

network operators are reducing operating expenses by opti-

and providers of communication equipment and services. We 

mizing the operation and maintenance of their networks. as a 

believe the most important competitive factors in this industry 

result, many network operators are increasingly outsourcing for 

include existing customer relationships, the ability to cost-effec-

example network design, operations and maintenance activities. 

tively upgrade or migrate an installed base, technological innova-

When outsourcing, operators gain flexibility in capital employed, 

tion, product design, compatibility of products with industry 

resources and time to market – all with an assured quality of 

standards, and the capability for end-to-end systems integration. 

service.

competition in professional services not only includes many 

We offer some of the most comprehensive managed services 

of our traditional systems competitors but also a number of large 

capabilities within the telecom industry. our offerings cover 

companies from other industry sectors, such as iS/it, for exam-

management of all aspects of day-to-day operations of a cus-

ple iBm, eDS, accenture and electronics manufacturing services 

tomer’s network as well as hosting of applications and content 

companies as well as a large number of smaller but specialized 

management. ericsson’s internet payment eXchange (ipX) ser-

companies operating on a local or regional basis. as this seg-

vice, which is the global payment and messaging delivery solu-

ment grows, we expect to see additional competitors emerge, 

tion for SmS, mmS, Web and Wap that facilitates payment and 

possibly including some network operators attempting to expand 

distribution of content by interconnecting content providers, 

into new segments.

media companies, governments and consumer brands with 

for more information, see “risk factors – risks associated 

operators. 

with the industry and market conditions”.

the combination of our local expertise, global technology 

leadership, business understanding, strong delivery capabilities 

Organization within Systems

and extensive experience in managing multi-vendor networks 

our organization in Systems is built around a structure of busi-

makes ericsson a leading provider of services to network opera-

ness units responsible for the development and delivery of 

tors.

 products and services to market units that are responsible for 

professional services account for 19 percent of our Systems 

local sales and customer support. 

sales. 

Customers 

Business units

Access 

We are supplying equipment, integrated solutions and services 

our access business unit’s main role is to continuously strength-

to almost all major network operators globally. We derive most of 

en our world leadership in 2G & 3G radio access networks by 

our sales from large, multi-year network build-out agreements 

offering innovative and cost-effective products and solutions that 

with a limited number of significant customers. out of a customer 

provide best-in-class performance. Business unit access’ 

base of more than 425 network operators, the ten largest cus-

 responsibility covers a wide spectrum of activities, from product 

tomers account for 44 percent of our net sales, while the 20 

development to production and supply. Business unit access 

largest customers account for  63 percent of our net sales. our 

has manufacturing in Brazil, china, india and Sweden. 

largest customer accounted for less than 7 percent of sales 

during 2006.

Systems 

for more information, see “risk factors – risks associated 

Business unit Systems is a leading supplier of end-to-end tele-

with the industry and market conditions”.  

com grade network systems and multimedia services. the sys-

Competitors

tem offerings include tailored mobile core and fixed network 

solutions and service layer products. as a key player in the evolu-

in Systems, we compete mainly with large and well-established 

tion to all-ip networks, we are a leader in the convergence of 

communication equipment suppliers. although competition 

fixed and mobile networks and services. Business unit Systems 

varies depending on the products, services and geographical 

has manufacturing in Brazil, china, india and Sweden.

regions, our most significant competitors in mobile communica-

tion include alcatel/Lucent, nortel, huawei, and nokia/Siemens. 

Broadband Networks 

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the Broadband networks business unit offers one of the world’s 

our customers have different needs in interacting with erics-

most widely deployed microwave radio systems (mini-LinK) 

son as a supplier, ranging from support in identifying and captur-

together with metro optical networks in customized and man-

ing business opportunities to “do-it-yourself” fulfillment. We use 

aged transport solutions. the products are essential elements of 

three different sales approaches that acknowledge these differ-

ericsson’s end-to-end solutions but are also often chosen by 

ent needs; project Sales (interactive relationship selling with high 

operators utilizing other vendors’ network equipment. the broad-

involvement of the customer to identify and capture business 

band networks business unit has one of the largest microwave 

opportunities, where the solution is not known at the point of 

production plants in the world in Sweden, as well as manufactur-

sales), System Sales (interactive relationship selling of solutions 

ing in italy and norway.

Global Services 

configured for specific customer needs) and product Sales (the 

outcome of relationship sales and frame agreements where 

customers may call–off well-defined products and services elec-

We enable operators to strengthen their competitiveness by 

tronically). System Sales has historically been our most common 

offering a complete range of consulting, education, systems 

sales approach to best meet our customers’ needs, however, as 

integration, managed services and customer support services as 

their needs evolve, the two other sales approaches will grow in 

well as network rollout services that address a major part of their 

importance.

network operations. the business unit is represented in 140 

countries with 24,000 employees mainly based within the local 

Research & development

market units.

Market units 

a robust r&D program is key to our competitiveness and future 

success. We spent over 15 percent of sales on r&D and other 

technical expenses during 2006. the vast majority of our r&D is 

We use our own sales organization to market and sell our sys-

invested in product development of which the majority in mobile 

tems and services to customers in over 175 countries via a 

communications network infrastructure. We have continued to 

worldwide sales and support network consisting of 24 market 

invest in strategically important areas of broadband access, 

units. each market unit represents either a single country or a 

converged networks, service layer and multimedia.

group of countries, depending on the extent of our business 

our r&D organization develops world-class products and 

activities in that region. We have significant sales in all of the 

performs world-leading research. about 17,100 (16,500) em-

largest geographic markets for telecommunications, with no 

ployees in 17 (17) countries worldwide are working in r&D in an 

individual country accounting for more than 8 percent of sales. 

organization consisting of development units, ericsson research, 

We strongly believe that affordable and generally available 

standardization and ipr & licensing. the development units drive 

telecommunication services are a prerequisite for social and 

r&D operational excellence to increase efficiency and decrease 

economic development which improves the welfare of all people 

leadtime. 

in any given country. as one of the world’s largest providers of 

ericsson research conducts applied research in various 

communications equipment and services, ericsson has imple-

strategic areas to provide ericsson with system concepts, tech-

mented a strict trade compliance program throughout the group 

nology, and methodology to help secure our long-term, strategic 

in order to comply with foreign and domestic laws and regula-

position. World-class innovations are achieved through coopera-

tions, trade embargos and sanctions in force. in no way should 

tion within ericsson and with a variety of partners including cus-

our business activities be construed as supporting a particular 

tomers, universities and research institutes. Standardization 

political agenda or regime.

bodies establish the standards that lead the industry, and 

the majority of our market units operate through local subsid-

 ericsson is a leading player in all major standardization organiza-

iaries that are present in each country. We use our local pres-

tions.

ence to help our customers achieve greater efficiencies and gain 

for more information regarding product and technology de-

access to recognized world-class support resources wherever 

velopment, please see “risk factors – Strategic and operational 

they operate. the market units utilize the product expertise of the 

risks” and “Board of Directors’ report – research and Develop-

central business units within the Systems segment in tailoring 

ment”.

and integrating our products for delivery to customers. the mar-

ket units are also responsible for after-sales support and rely in 

particular on the Global Services business unit in fulfilling this 

function.

i n f o r m at i o n   o n   t h e   c o m pa n y

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Intellectual property rights and licensing

duced in their factory in china. the remaining two-thirds of pro-

through many years of involvement in the development of new 

duction is more or less equally split between contract manufac-

technologies, we have built up a considerable portfolio of intel-

turers (emS) and other device manufacturers (oDm) at locations 

lectual property rights (ipr) relating to telecommunications tech-

in several countries in asia, Latin america and europe. Sony 

nologies. as of December 31, 2006, we held approximately 

ericsson’s global management is based in London and r&D 

22,000 (20,000) patents worldwide, including a substantial num-

centers are located in china, Japan, Sweden, the UK and the US.

ber of patents essential to the 2G/2.5G standards of GSm, GprS 

Within the segment phones, the primary competitors include 

and cDma, as well as numerous patents essential to 3G stan-

nokia, motorola, Samsung and a number of other companies 

dards, such as eDGe, WcDma, hSpa, mBmS, tD-ScDma, 

such as LG electronics, nec and Sharp. We believe that our 

cDma2000 and next Generation ofDm/Lte. We also hold im-

mobile phone joint venture with Japan’s Sony corporation 

portant patents for many other areas, e.g. WimaX, Voice over ip 

creates a distinctive competitive advantage. 

(Voip), atm, Wap, WLan, mobile platforms and Bluetooth. With 

Sales for Sony ericsson are not included in our reported sales, 

the acquisition of marconi, our optical backbone network and 

as their operating results are reported according to the equity 

transport technology portfolios were strengthened. 

method under “Share in earnings of joint ventures and associ-

our intellectual property rights are valuable business assets. 

ated companies” in the income statement.

We license these rights to many other companies including 

equipment suppliers, handset manufacturers and mobile applica-

Segment Other Operations

tions developers, in return for royalty payments and/or access to 

additional intellectual property rights. in addition, we acquire 

Units within the segment other operations

rights via licenses to utilize intellectual property rights of third 

this segment principally consists of a number of operations 

parties. We believe that we have access to all related patents that 

deemed too small to be reported as separate segments. other 

are material to our business in part or in whole.

operations include mobile platforms, enterprise, network 

for more information, see “risk factors – Strategic and op-

 technologies (cables), power modules and microwave Systems 

erational risks”.

Segment Phones 

(Defense) (divested to Saab aB as per September 1, 2006). 

Businesses in our other operations segment market their 

products and services through their own specialized direct and 

Sony ericsson mobile communications aB (Sony ericsson) deli-

indirect sales channels. on occasion, these specialized sales 

vers innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories and 

and marketing teams work with our market units in Systems in 

pc-cards, which allow us to provide end-to-end solutions to our 

certain markets or when dealing with large customers with whom 

customers. the 50/50 joint venture, formed in october 2001, 

we have a relationship. 

combines the mobile communications expertise of ericsson with 

in our other operations segment, our competitors vary widely 

the consumer electronic devices and content expertise of Sony 

depending on the product or service being offered. We face 

corporation and forms an essential part of our end-to-end capa-

significant competition with regard to substantially all of these 

bility for mobile multimedia services. 

products and services.

Sony ericsson is responsible for product design and develop-

 Sales of these units are consolidated within other operations 

ment, as well as marketing, sales, distribution and customer 

and in total amount to 6 percent of total net sales, with no single 

services. about one-third of Sony ericsson’s handsets are pro-

unit representing more than 2 percent.

124

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ericsson microwave Systems 

ericsson mobile platforms 

the defense business of microwave Systems was divested to 

ericsson mobile platforms is a leading platform technology sup-

Saab aB on September 1, 2006. the remaining activities, 

plier for GSm/eDGe and WcDma/hSpa platforms used in de-

 national security and public safety solutions, were transferred to 

vices such as mobile handsets and pc cards. through ericsson 

segment Systems. Up until September 1, 2006, microwave 

mobile platforms, ericsson was one of the first companies in the 

 Systems provided national security and public safety solutions to 

world to license open-standard end-to-end interoperability test-

defense, government and security agencies in Sweden and to 

ed GSm/eDGe and WcDma technology platforms. the product 

more than 20 countries around the world. the unit supplied 

offerings are based on our comprehensive intellectual property 

advanced airborne, terrestrial and marine radar systems, which 

portfolio and include: reference designs, platform software, aSic 

were integrated into command, control and communication 

(application specific integrated circuit) designs and development 

functionality.

ericsson enterprise 

boards, development and test tools, training, support and docu-

mentation. By licensing our technology and platforms, mobile 

phone manufacturers can launch new products faster, with lim-

enterprise provides communications systems and services that 

ited r&D investments and lower technology risks, allowing them 

enable businesses, public entities and educational institutions to 

to focus on product differentiation in areas such as applications, 

have seamless access to applications and services across mul-

industrial design, manufacturing, distribution and branding – 

tiple locations. We address a wide variety of enterprise needs 

getting advanced and attractive products with short time to 

through segmented offerings for both small and large enterprises. 

market. ericsson mobile platforms has operations at nine global 

We focus on providing solutions for Voice over ip (Voip)-based 

locations with main operations in Sweden.

private branch exchanges (pBX), Wireless Local area networks 

(WLan), and mobile intranet solutions. With mobile enterprise, 

ericsson power modules 

users on the move are able to access a range of business-critical 

ericsson power modules is a leading supplier of miniaturized and 

communications and information applications from a variety of 

high density direct current Dc/Dc converters and Dc/Dc regula-

devices over private or public, fixed or mobile networks. ericsson 

tors, mainly to the communications industry, for advanced 

enterprise operates mainly from Sweden, but has a global pres-

 applications such as multiplexors, switches, routers and radio 

ence through the market units and other partners/distributors. 

base stations. in addition, the levels of technology, ruggedness 

manufacturing is outsourced.

and reliability of these products mean that they often provide 

ericsson cables 

excellent solutions for other demanding applications in medical, 

avionics, computing, military, space, and industrial market sec-

our cables unit provides a full range of cable related solutions for 

tors. manufacturing is centralized to china.

telecom and power networks. ericsson is a leading player in the 

passive fiber access network field and our expertise includes 

integration of copper, fiber optic and mobile technologies. about 

a third of the sales from our cables group is attributable to inter-

segment sales. manufacturing is carried out in china, india, 

 malaysia and Sweden.

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125

e r i c S S o n   a n n U a L   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

Changes in organization and management 

organizational changes made during 2006:
• as per January 2006, pakistan was moved from the market 

area asia pacific to the market area central & eastern europe, 

middle east and africa (cema).

• as per January 2006, three development units, ip networks, 

core network evolution and Service Layer Development, were 

transferred to business unit Systems and business unit access 

to bring development closer to the business, improving time to 

the unit is headed by Joakim Westh head of Group function 

operational excellence. product management is moved to 

business unit networks. 

• as per January 24, 2007 ericsson completed the cash tender 

offer for US-based redback networks. 

changes in the Group management team made 2006:
• as per January 2006, Sivert Bergman, head of business unit 
Broadband networks, was appointed integration manager for 

market and ensuring that ericsson’s products and solutions 

the marconi acquisition and included in the Group manage-

meet user needs.

ment team.

• as per January 2006, certain assets and staff of marconi were 
acquired and integrated within business unit transmission and 

transport networks, business unit Global Services and busi-

ness unit Systems.

• as per January 2006, business unit transmission and trans-
port networks was renamed to business unit Broadband 

networks.

organizational changes made during 2006 with effect 2007:
• a new organization is effective as from January 1, 2007 con-

sisting of networks, Global Services and multimedia. 

changes in the Group management team made 2006 with effect 

2007:
• as per January 2007, Kurt Jofs, executive Vice president and 
head of business unit access is appointed head of the new 

business unit networks.

• as per January 2007, Jan Wäreby, is appointed Senior Vice 

president and head of business unit multimedia and included 

in the Group management team.

• as per January 2007, Joakim Westh, head of Group function 
operational excellence, also assumes responsibility for 

•  Business unit networks includes mobile and fixed access, 

 Strategy management.

core and transmission networks, as well as next-generation 

• as per January 2007, Sivert Bergman, head of business unit 

ip-networks. the former business units Systems, access 

Broadband networks, leaves the Group management team as 

and Broadband networks are integrated into the new unit, 

marconi now is fully integrated.

as well as ericsson power modules and ericsson cables. 

the unit is headed by Kurt Jofs, executive Vice president 

• as per January 2007, torbjörn nilsson, head of Group function 
Strategy and product management leaves the Group manage-

and previously head of business unit access. the new unit 

ment team.  

has approximately 21,500 employees. 

•  Business unit Global Services is intact with approximately 

for more information about management, please see “notes to 

24,000 employees.

the consolidated financial Statements – note c29, information 

•  Business unit multimedia provides solutions for charging 

regarding employees, members of the Board of Directors and 

solutions, mobile tV, radio, video, music, gaming, and print 

management”. 

over fixed and mobile networks and other new multimedia 

applications. the business unit includes multimedia systems, 

Human resources 

previously reported under segment Systems and business 

We believe that every employee should be treated with respect 

units ericsson mobile platforms and enterprise, previously 

and dignity. We value the rich diversity and creative potential of 

reported under segment other operations as well as 

people with differing backgrounds and abilities. a culture of 

 ericsson consumer and enterprise Lab. the unit is headed 

equal opportunities in which personal success depends on 

by Jan Wäreby, Senior Vice president and head of business 

personal merit and performance is encouraged throughout our 

unit multimedia. the new unit has approximately 4,000 

operations. 

employees. 

• as from January 1, 2007 Group function Strategy and product 
management is split and moved to Group function opera-

We have three core values: professionalism, respect and 

perseverance. these values form the foundation of how we 

operate our business. our core values define how we treat each 

tional excellence and business unit networks. Strategy is 

other, our customers and our business partners and therefore 

moved to Group function operational excellence and re-

they define our culture. characteristics of our culture are exhib-

named Group function Strategy and operational excellence. 

ited by a passion to win; employee diversity, honesty, trust and 

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PrimAry mAnUfACtUring AnD ASSemBLy fACiLitieS

Sweden 
china 
italy 
Brazil 
Germany 
india 
other 
total 

2006 
Sites  Sq meters 

2005 
Sites  Sq meters 

2004 
Sites  Sq meters 

2003
Sites  Sq meters

8 
3 
2 
1 
1 
1 
2 
18 

231,500 
20,860 
20,100 
18,400 
13,900 
5,364 
8,100 
317,560 

9 
3 
0 
1 
0 
1 
0 
14 

256,615 
15,200 
0 
15,840 
0 
5,364 
0 
293,019 

10 
3 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
14 

277,415 
15,200 
0 
15,840 
0 
0 
0 
308,455 

10 
3 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
14 

310,000
9,500
0
22,100
0
0
0
341,600

During 2006, manufacturing and assembly facilities related to marconi added an aggregate of 39,000 square meters in italy, Germany and USa.
During 2006, our Defense unit was divested and related leased facility was transferred.

support for each other; integrity and high ethical standards; and 

our production facilities is used for module production with the 

leadership by example at all levels. We believe the best way to 

balance mostly used for node assembly and testing. including 

further develop our business is to remain accountable to our-

the emS production, approximately 35–40 (35–40) percent of 

selves and to our customers.

Systems’ module production and 75–80 (75–80) percent of 

every year we conduct an employee satisfaction survey to 

Systems’ node production is performed in Sweden. 

assess our human capital index and employee empowerment 

We intend to continue to outsource module production where 

index.

adequate manufacturing capacity and expertise are available on 

We maintain an open management style that involves our 

favorable terms. Such outsourcing of the major part of module 

employees in both daily decisions that affect them as well as 

manufacturing provides us greater flexibility to adapt to econom-

longer-term matters. We are fully committed to keeping all em-

ic and market changes. however, the timing and level of out-

ployees informed about the implications of major business 

sourcing is a balance between short-term demand and longer-

changes and other relevant matters. Key business priorities are 

term flexibility. therefore, we generally plan to use our own 

communicated throughout the organization and form part of the 

production capabilities to absorb temporary changes in volumes.

basis for employee compensation and incentive plans. Details of 

We manage our own production capacity on a global basis by 

these plans appear in notes to the consolidated financial State-

allocating production to sites where capacity is available and 

ments – note c29, “information regarding employees, members 

costs are competitive. at year-end 2006, excluding marconi 

of the Board of Directors and management”. We also have con-

operations, our overall utilization was close to 100 percent as we 

structive relationships with a variety of trade unions, including 

continuously adjust our production capacity to meet expected 

formal recognition and active dialogue where appropriate.

demand. 

Supply

Manufacturing and assembly

the table “primary manufacturing and assembly facilities” 

above summarizes our major manufacturing and assembly facili-

ties as well as the total square meters of floor space at year-end.

Systems’ manufacturing consists of two basic production activi-

Suppliers 

ties, module and node. however, we outsource about half of our 

most of our node production, i.e., assembly, integration and 

systems module production to several electronics manufacturing 

testing of modular subsystems into complete system nodes such 

service (emS) companies. most of our node production is done 

as radio base stations, mobile switching centers etc., is done in-

in-house. We have 18 significant manufacturing and assembly 

house. about half of our module production, i.e., production of 

locations worldwide with a total of approximately 320,000 square 

subsystems such as circuit boards, radio frequency (rf) mod-

meters of floor space. We lease all of these facilities except one 

ules, antennas etc., is outsourced to a group of electronics man-

in china and one in Brazil as well as some former marconi facili-

ufacturing services companies including celestica, elcoteq, 

ties in Germany, italy and the US. 

flextronics, Jabil and Solectron, of which the vast majority is in 

the Systems segment consumes more than two-thirds of the 

low-cost countries. We also purchase customized and standard-

total floor space, with cables and power modules consuming 

ized equipment, components and services from several global 

most of the rest. in Sweden, the majority of the floor space within 

providers as well as from numerous local and regional suppliers. 

i n f o r m at i o n   o n   t h e   c o m pa n y

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e r i c S S o n   a n n U a L   r e p o r t   2 0 0 6

a number of our suppliers design and manufacture highly spe-

cialized and customized components for our end-to-end solu-

tions as well as individual nodes. We generally attempt to negoti-

ate global supply agreements with our primary suppliers. While 

we are not dependent on any one supplier for the provision of 

standardized equipment or components and seek to avoid single 

source supply situations, a need to switch to an alternative sup-

plier may require us to allocate additional resources to ensure 

that our technical standards and other requirements are met. 

this process could take some time to complete. accordingly, a 

need to switch to an alternative supplier could potentially have an 

adverse effect on our operations in the short term.

for more information, see “risk factors – Strategic and opera-

tional risks”.

Sources and availability of materials 

We purchase raw materials, electronic components, ready-made 

products and services from a significant number of domestic and 

foreign suppliers. Variations in market prices for copper, alumi-

num, steel, precious metals, plastics and other raw materials 

have a limited effect on our total cost of goods sold. our pur-

chases mainly consist of electronic components as well as ready-

made products and services. to a limited extent, we are involved 

in the production of certain components such as power modules 

and cables, which are used in our systems products as well as 

sold externally to other equipment manufacturers.

Based on our most recent sourcing agreements, the increase 

in oil and metal prices during 2006 had only a limited negative 

effect on our costs and did not affect the availability of the elec-

tronic components or ready-made products and services that we 

require. to the extent possible, we rely on alternative supply 

sources for the purchased elements of our products to avoid sole 

source situations and to secure sufficient supply at competitive 

prices. assuming there will only be a moderate increase in mar-

ket demand, we do not foresee any supply constraints to meet 

our expected production requirements during 2007.

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forward-looking statements

this annual report includes “forward-looking statements” about 

• effectiveness of our strategies and their execution including 

future market conditions, operations and results. expressions 

partnerships, acquisitions and divestitures;

such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “may”, “could”, 

“plan” and similar words are intended to help identify forward-

• financial risks, including foreign exchange rate changes, inter-
est rate changes, changes in tax liabilities, credit risks in rela-

looking statements. forward-looking statements may be found 

tion to counterparties, customer defaults under significant 

throughout this document, but in particular in the sections cap-

customer financing arrangements and risks of confiscation of 

tioned “operational review”, “Board of directors’ report” and 

assets in foreign countries;

“information on the Company” and include statements regarding: 
• our goals, strategies and performance expectations;
• the markets we currently or soon intend to address;
• our liquidity, capital resources, capital expenditures and our 

credit ratings;

• the expected demand for our existing as well as new products 

• reduction in the number of customers due to e.g. mergers, and 
the negative business consequences of a loss of, or significant 

decline in, our business with a major customer;

• impact of changes in product demand, price erosion, competi-
tion from existing or new competitors or new technology and 

the risk that our products and services may not sell at the rates 

and services;

or levels we anticipate;

• our joint venture and strategic cooperation activities;
• technology and industry trends including competition and our 

• our ability to develop commercially viable products, systems 
and services, to acquire licenses of necessary technology, to 

customer structure; and

• our plans for new products and services including research 

protect our intellectual property rights through patents and 

trademarks and to defend them against infringement, and 

and development expenditures.

results of patent litigation;

although we believe that the expectations reflected in such state-

• supply constraints, including component or production capac-
ity shortages, suppliers’ abilities to cost effectively deliver 

ments are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expecta-

quality products on time and in sufficient volumes, and risks 

tions will materialize. Because forward-looking statements are 

related to concentration of proprietary or outsourced produc-

based on assumptions and estimates, and are subject to risks 

tion in a single facility or sole source situations with a single 

and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from 

vendor; and

those described or implied herein. important factors that could 

• our ability to recruit and retain qualified management and other 

affect whether and to what extent any of our forward-looking 

key employees.

statements materialize include, but are not limited to: 
• our ability to respond to changes in the telecommunications 
market and general market conditions in a cost effective and 

timely manner;

• developments in political, economic and regulatory fields in the 
markets in which we operate, including allegations of health 

Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described further in 

“risk factors.” we undertake no obligation to publicly update or 

revise any forward-looking statements included in this annual 

report, whether as a result of new information, future events or 

otherwise, except as required by applicable law or stock ex-

risks from electromagnetic fields and cost of radio licenses for 

change regulation.

our customers;

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Share information

Stock exchange trading

exchange and decreased by approximately 27 percent on naS-

ericsson’s Class a and Class B shares are traded on the Stock-

DaQ as compared to 2005.

holm Stock exchange (Stockholmsbörsen) and the Class B 

shares are also traded on the London Stock exchange.

Share price trend

in the United States, the Class B shares are traded on naS-

in 2006, ericsson’s total market value increased by about 1 per-

DaQ in the form of american Depositary Shares (aDS) evidenced 

cent to approximately SeK 446 billion (SeK 441 billion in 2005). 

by american Depositary receipts (aDr) under the symbol eriC. 

the omX SP index on the Stockholm Stock exchange increased 

each aDS represents 10 Class B shares. on august 24, 2006, 

by 24 percent, the naSDaQ telecom index increased by approxi-

the ericsson stock ticker on naSDaQ was changed from eriCY 

mately 21 percent and the naSDaQ composite index increased 

to eriC.

by approximately 7 percent in 2006. 

approximately 40 (43) billion shares were traded in 2006, of 

which about 88 (73) percent on the Stockholm Stock exchange, 

about 12 (16) percent on naSDaQ, and less than 1 (1) percent on 

the London Stock exchange. trading volume in ericsson shares 

increased by approximately 14 percent on the Stockholm Stock 

Share data

earnings per share, diluted (SeK) 1) 
P/e ratio, Class B shares 1) 
Dividend (SeK) 2) 

1)  for 2004 restated in accordance with ifrS.
2)  for 2006 as proposed by the Board of Directors.

2006 

1.65 
17 
0.50 

2005 

1.53 
18 
0.45 

2004 

1.11 
19 
0.25 

2003 

–0.69 
– 
0 

2002

–1.51
–
0

Share trend, the Stockholm  

Stock exchange, 2004 –2006 (Sek)

Share turnover 2006 (million ShareS)

30

25

20

15

10

2004

2005

2006

Source: findata Direkt

B share, SEK
OMX SP Index

130 S h a r e   i n f o r m at i o n

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

  naSDaQ

Stockholm

Jan  feb  mar  apr  may  Jun  Jul  aug  Sep  oct  nov  Dec 

ENXShareXInfo_v21.indd   130

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e r i C S S o n   a n n U a L   r e P o r t   2 0 0 6

Share priceS on the Stockholm Stock exchange

(Sek) 

Class a at last day of trading 
Class a high for year (march 24, 2006) 
Class a low for year (June 13, 2006) 
Class B at last day of trading 
Class B high for year (march 24, 2006) 
Class B low for year (June 13, 2006) 

2006 

27.60 
30.90 
 20.90 
27.65 
 31.00 
 20.90 

2005 

27.50 
28.70 
19.80 
27.30 
29.00 
19.40 

2004 

21.70 
26.10 
14.00 
21.20 
24.50 
12.70 

2003 

13.90 
16.80 
5.55 
12.90 
14.60 
4.11 

2002

8.60
42.89
3.80
6.10
44.78
2.96

offer and listing details

Principal trading market – The Stockholm Stock 
Exchange share prices

the exchange publishes a daily official Price List of Shares 

which includes the volume of recorded transactions in each listed 

stock, together with the prices of the highest and lowest record-

ed trades of the day. the official Price List of Shares reflects 

the tables above and below state the high and low sales prices 

price and volume information for trades completed by the mem-

for our Class a and Class B shares as reported by the Stockholm 

bers.

Stock exchange for the last five years. the equity securities 

listed on the Stockholm Stock exchange official Price List of 

Host market NASDAQ ADS Prices

Shares currently comprise the shares of 276 companies (of 

the table below states the high and low sales prices quoted for 

which 51 from the former a list). trading on the exchange gener-

our aDSs on naSDaQ for the last five years. the naSDaQ quota-

ally continues until 5:30 p.m. each business day. in addition to 

tions represent prices between dealers, not including retail mark-

official trading on the exchange, there is also trading off the 

ups, markdowns or commissions, and do not necessarily repre-

exchange during official trading hours and also after 5:30 p.m. 

sent actual transactions. 

trading on the exchange tends to involve a higher percentage of 

the annual high and low market prices on these markets are 

retail clients, while trading off the exchange often involves larger 

shown in the table “annual high and low market prices” below.

Swedish institutions, banks arbitraging between the Swedish 

market and foreign markets, and foreign buyers and sellers pur-

chasing shares from or selling shares to Swedish institutions. 

annual high and low market priceS

period 

2002 
2003 
2004 
2005  
2006 

the Stockholm Stock exchange 

SeK per Class a share 
Low 

high 

SeK per Class B share  
Low 
high 

42.89 
16.80 
26.10 
28.70 
30.90 

3.80 
5.55 
14.00 
19.80 
20.90 

44.78 
14.60 
24.50 
29.00 
31.00 

2.96 
4.11 
12.70 
19.40 
20.90 

naSdaQ
USD per aDS 1)

high 

43.33 
18.85 
34.57 
37.19 
41.14 

Low

3.40
5.20
17.93
27.78
28.88

Share market prices prior to august 8, 2002, have been adjusted for the stock dividend element of the stock issue.
1)  one aDS = 10 Class B shares. (Prior to october 23, 2002, one aDS = one Class B share. Share prices have been adjusted accordingly.)

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131

 
 
 
e r i C S S o n   a n n U a L   r e P o r t   2 0 0 6

the table below states the high and low sales prices for each  

quarter of 2005 and 2006.

Quarterly high and low market priceS

period 

2005
first Quarter 
Second Quarter 
third Quarter 
fourth Quarter 
2006
first Quarter 
Second Quarter 
third Quarter 
fourth Quarter 

1)  one aDS = 10 Class B shares

the Stockholm Stock exchange 

SeK per Class a share 
Low 

high 

SeK per Class B share  
Low 
high 

naSdaQ
USD per aDS 1)

high 

Low

22.40 
26.10 
28.40 
28.70 

30.90 
29.90 
25.70 
28.45 

19.80 
19.80 
24.30 
25.30 

25.80 
20.90 
21.00 
24.80 

22.10 
26.30 
28.50 
29.00 

31.00 
30.00 
25.80 
28.60 

19.40 
19.70 
24.30 
25.20 

25.60 
20.90 
20.90 
24.85 

32.49  
33.87 
36.99 
37.19 

39.37 
39.28 
35.35 
41.14 

27.78
27.80
31.74
32.17

33.63
28.88
29.13
33.95

the table below states the high and low sales prices for each of  

the last six months (august 2006 to January 2007).

monthly high and low market priceS

the Stockholm Stock exchange 

SeK per Class a share 
Low 

high 

SeK per Class B share  
Low 
high 

24.50 
25.70 
27.85 
28.45 
28.00 
29.70 

21.00 
23.50 
24.80 
26.40 
26.00 
27.50 

24.50 
25.80 
28.00 
28.60 
28.10 
29.90 

20.90 
23.40 
24.85 
26.40 
25.95 
27.45 

naSdaQ
USD per aDS 1)

high 

33.93 
35.35 
38.24 
40.41 
41.14 
42.13 

Low

29.16
32.06
33.95
37.52
38.40
37.98

period 

august 2006 
September 2006 
october 2006 
november 2006 
December 2006 
January 2007 

1)  one aDS = 10 Class B shares

Share capital

as of December 31, 2006, ericsson’s share capital was SeK 

vote, and 14,823,478,760 (14,823,478,760) Class B shares, each 

16,132,258,678 (16,132,258,678) represented by 16,132,258,678 

carrying one-tenth of one vote. as of December 31, 2006, erics-

(16,132,258,678) shares. the par value of each share is SeK 1.00. 

son held 251,013,892 Class B shares as treasury shares. 

as of December 31, 2006, the shares were divided into 

there have been no share repurchases by ericsson during 

1,308,779,918 (1,308,779,918) Class a shares, each carrying one 

2006.

changeS in number of ShareS and capital Stock 2002–2006

2002  Conversions of convertible debentures 
2002  new issue (Class B shares) 1:1   
2003  new issue (Class C shares, later converted to Class B) 
2003  December 31 
2004  December 31 (no changes) 
2005  December 31 (no changes) 
2006  December 31 (no changes) 

132 S h a r e   i n f o r m at i o n

number of shares 

Capital stock

560 
7,908,754,111 
158,000,000 
16,132,258,678 
16,132,258,678 
16,132,258,678 
16,132,258,678 

560
7,908,754,111
158,000,000
16,132,258,678
16,132,258,678
16,132,258,678
16,132,258,678

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Shareholders

ten l argeSt countrieS of ownerShip

as of December 31, 2006, we had 814,841 shareholders regis-

tered at VPC (the Swedish Securities register Center), of which 

percent of capital 

1,640 holders with a US address. according to information pro-

vided by Citibank, there were 117,866,408 aDSs outstanding as 

of December 31, 2006, and 5,892 registered holders of such 

aDSs. a significant number of the aDSs are held of record by 

banks, brokers and/or nominees for the accounts of their cus-

tomers. as of December 31, 2006, banks, brokers and/or nomi-

nees held aDSs on behalf of 242,519 accounts. 

according to information known at year-end 2006, more than 

80 percent of our Class a and Class B shares were owned by 

institutions, Swedish and international.

Sweden 
United States 
United Kingdom 
Luxembourg 
Switzerland 
france 
Belgium 
netherlands 
Denmark 
Germany 
other countries 

Source: SiS Ägarservice aB 

as of December 31,
2005

2006 

50.0% 
27.1% 
6.8% 
3.9% 
1.9% 
1.4% 
1.3% 
1.1% 
0.9% 
0.7% 
4.9% 

54.1%
26.5%
4.3%
3.8%
1.8%
1.1%
0.9%
   0.9%
0.9%
1.1%
4.0%

the following table sets forth share information, as of December 

31, 2006, with respect to our largest shareholders registered at 

VPC and known by us, ranked by percentage of voting rights:

l argeSt ShareholderS by voting rightS december 31, 2006

number of 
Class a shares 

  Percentage of 
total Class a 
shares 

number of 
Class B 
shares 

Percentage of 
total Class B 
shares 

Voting 
rights, 
percent 

Percentage 
of capital

identity of 
person or group 1) 

investor aB 
aB industrivärden 
ShB Pensionsstiftelse 
Livförs. aB Skandia 
Pensionskassan ShB förs.fören.  
Swedbank robur fonder 
alecta 
amf Pension 
SeB trygg försäkring 
ShB/SPP fonder 
tredje aP-fonden 
första aP-fonden 
SeB fonder 
nordea fonder 
ShB Personalstiftelse 
fjärde aP-fonden 
andra aP-fonden 
oktogonen 

foreign owners 2) 
  of which oppenheimer funds inc. 
  of which Barclays 
  of which fidelity 

513,320,192 
372,000,000 
83,903,000 
63,806,641 
63,360,000 
7,440,973 
19,966,000 
4,763,682 
23,024,095 
99,552 
12,245,095 
7,472,938 
3,135,549 
1,944,145 
20,000,000 
2,812,755 
– 
12,903,000 

18,808,834 
– 
33,400 
– 

39.22 
28.42 
6.41 
4.87 
4.84 
0.57 
1.53 
0.36 
1.76 
0.07 
0.94 
0.57 
0.24 
0.15 
1.52 
0.21 
– 
1.00 

297,073,324 
5,000,000 
– 
69,931,826 
– 
403,173,269 
240,000,000 
251,730,000 
51,939,000 
278,006,658 
120,019,925 
158,151,211 
187,367,096 
191,078,855 
– 
129,821,845 
149,123,659 
– 

1.44  8,054,883,408 
334,046,626 
292,853,578 
255,287,828 

– 
0.02 
– 

others 
total 

77,773,467 
1,308,779,918 

5.88  4,236,178,684 
100% 14,823,478,760 

1)  Sources: SiS Ägarservice aB and VPC aB, December 31, 2006, and Capital Precision, December 2006.
2)   including nats Cumco as nominee: 1,134,962,281 Class B shares.

2.00 
0.03 
– 
0.47 
– 
2.72 
1.62 
1.70 
0.35 
1.87 
0.81 
1.07 
1.26 
1.29 
– 
0.88 
1.01 
– 

54.34 
2.25 
2.00 
1.72 

28.58 
100% 

19.46 
13.35 
3.01 
2.54 
2.27 
1.71 
1.58 
1.07 
1.01 
0.99 
0.87 
0.83 
0.77 
0.75 
0.72 
0.57 
0.53 
0.46 

29.53 
1.20 
1.05 
0.91 

17.98 
100% 

5.02
2.34
0.52
0.83
0.39
2.54
1.61
1.59
0.46
1.71
0.82
1.03
1.15
1.19
0.12
0.82
0.92
0.08

50.05
2.07
1.82
1.58

26.81
100%

S h a r e   i n f o r m at i o n

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the following table indicates changes in holdings of the Class a 

and Class B shares, respectively, held by major shareholders and 

percent of voting rights, as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 

2006.

person or group (percent) 

investor aB 
aB industrivärden 
Svenska handelsbankens Pensionsstiftelse 
Livförsäkrings aB Skandia 
Pensionskassan ShB försäkringsförening 
Swedbank robur fonder 
alecta 
amf Pension 
SeB trygg försäkring 
ShB/SPP fonder 
tredje aP-fonden 
första aP-fonden 
SeB fonder 
nordea fonder 
Svenska handelsbankens Personalstiftelse 
fjärde aP-fonden 
andra aP-fonden 
oktogonen 

2006 
Class a  Class B 
shares 
shares 

39.22 
28.42 
6.41 
4.87 
4.84 
0.57 
1.53 
0.36 
1.76 
0.07 
0.94 
0.57 
0.24 
0.15 
1.52 
0.21 
– 
1.00 

2.00 
0.03 
– 
0.47 
– 
2.72 
1.62 
1.70 
0.35 
1.87 
0.81 
1.07 
1.26 
1.29 
– 
0.88 
1.01 
– 

foreign owners 
  of which oppenheimer funds inc.  
  of  which Barclays 
  of which fidelity 

1.44 
– 
0.02 
– 

54.34 
2.25 
2.00 
1.72 

Voting 
rights 

19.46 
13.35 
3.01 
2.54 
2.27 
1.71 
1.58 
1.07 
1.01 
0.99 
0.87 
0.83 
0.77 
0.75 
0.72 
0.57 
0.53 
0.46

29.53 
1.20
1.05
0.91 

2005 
Class a  Class B 
shares 
shares 

Voting 
rights 

2004
Class a  Class B 
shares 
shares 

Voting
rights

39.22 
28.42 
6.41 
4.51 
4.84 
0.57 
1.05 
0.36 
2.13 
0.05 
0.91 
0.57 
0.27 
0.20 
1.53 
0.22 
0.10 

2.00 
0.03 
– 
0.55 
– 
2.54 
2.50 
1.81 
0.39 
2.13 
1.02 
1.13 
1.28 
1.67 
– 
1.41 
1.17 

19.46 
13.35 
3.01 
2.40 
2.27 
1.62 
1.82 
1.13 
1.21 
1.15 
0.97 
0.87 
0.81 
0.98 
0.72 
0.85 
0.67 

39.22 
28.42 
6.41 
4.51 
4.84 
0.51 
0.19 
0.36 
2.13 
0.24 
0.94 
0.57 
0.27 
0.26 
1.53 
0.22 

2.00 
– 
– 
0.50 
– 
2.65 
1.25 
2.15 
0.39 
1.74 
0.97 
1.17 
1.25 
1.64 
– 
1.32 

19.46
13.33
3.01
2.38
2.27
1.62
0.75
1.33
1.22
1.05
0.97
0.90
0.80
1.01
0.72
0.81

1.24 

49.86 

27.06 

1.82 

50.15 

27.48

– 

2.29 

1.22 

– 

5.52 

2.93

5.85 

20.04
100.00  100.00  100.00

32.75 

others 
total 

5.88 

17.98 
28.58 
100.00  100.00  100.00 

7.40 

19.17 
29.56 
100.00  100.00  100.00 

Source: SiS Ägarservice aB and VPC aB, December 31, 2006, and Capital Precision, December 2006.

our major shareholders do not have different voting rights than 

other shareholders.

as far as we know, the Company is not directly or indirectly 

owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign gov-

ernment or by any other natural or legal person(s) severally or 

jointly.

as of December 31, 2006, the total number of voting securities of 

the Company owned by top executives and directors as a group 

was:

number of 
Class a 
shares 

number of 
Class B 
shares 

Voting 
rights,
percent

top executives and directors  
as a group (28 persons) 

6,080 

18,149,028 

0.07

for individual holdings, see “Corporate Governance report”.

134 S h a r e   i n f o r m at i o n

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shareholder information

the annual General meeting of sharehold-

of shareholders. the shareholder is re-

annual reports and other financial reports 

ers will take place at the annex to the 

quested to inform the nominee well before 

can be downloaded or ordered on our 

Globe arena, Globentorget, stockholm, at 

that day. 

web site: www.ericsson.com/investors or 

3.00 p.m. on Wednesday, april 11, 2007.

ordered via e-mail or mail.

Proxy

Entitled to attend and notice  
of attendance

shareholders, represented by proxy, shall 

For printed publications, contact: 

issue a power of attorney for the repre-

strömberg distribution i huddinge aB

shareholders, who wish to attend the 

sentative. to a power of attorney issued 

se – 120 88 stockholm, sweden

annual General meeting of shareholders, 

by a legal entity, a copy of the certificate 

Phone: +46 8 449 89 57

must
• have been entered into the share regis-
ter kept by VPC aB (the swedish secu-

of registration (or, if no such certificate 

E-mail: ericsson@strd.se 

exists, a corresponding document of 

authority) of the legal entity shall be at-

in the United states, ericsson’s transfer 

rities register Centre) as of tuesday, 

tached. the documents must not be older 

agent Citibank:

april 3, 2007; and

than one year. in order to facilitate the 

Citibank shareholder services

• give notice of attendance to the Com-
pany no later than at  4 p.m. (sweden 

registration at the annual General meeting, 

Registered holders: +1 877 881 5969

power of attorney in its original, certifi-

Interested investors: +1 800 808 8010

time) on tuesday, april 3, 2007, at the 

cates of registration and other documents 

E-mail: ericsson@shareholders-online.com

Company’s web site  

of authority should be sent to the Com-

www.citibank.com/adr

www.ericsson.com, at telephone no.:  

pany at the address above so as to be 

+46 8 775 01 99 weekdays between  

available by tuesday, april 10, 2007. 

ordering a hard copy of the annual 

10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at 

fax no.: +46 8 775 80 18. notice of 

Dividend

 report:

http://www.sccorp.com/annualreport/

attendance may also be given by post 

the Board of directors has decided to 

ericsson.htm

to: 

propose the annual General meeting of 

Phone toll free: +1 866 216 0460

telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson, 

shareholders to resolve on a dividend of 

Group function legal affairs, 

seK 0.50 per share for the year 2006 and 

Contact information:

Box 47021, 100 74 stockholm, sweden

monday, april 16, 2007 as record day for 

dividend.

When giving notice of attendance, please 

state name, date of birth, address, tele-

phone no. and number of assistants. the 

personal data that ericsson receives with 

the notice of attendance will be computer 

Financial information from 
Ericsson
• interim reports 2007:  
april 26, 2007 (Q1) 

processed for the purpose of the annual 

July 20, 2007 (Q2) 

General meeting of shareholders 2007 only.

october 25, 2007 (Q3) 

Shares registered in the name  
of a nominee

february 1, 2008 (Q4)

• annual report 2007: march, 2008
• form 20-f for the Us market 2007: 

shareholders, whose shares are regis-

during Q2, 2008

tered in the name of a nominee, must 

request the nominee to enter temporarily 

the shareholder into the share register as 

of tuesday, april 3, 2007 to be entitled to 

participate at the annual General meeting 

investor relations for europe, middle east, 

africa and asiaPacific:

telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson

se-164 83 stockholm, sweden

telephone: +46 8 719 00 00

e-mail: investor.relations.se@ericsson.com

investor relations for the americas:

ericsson

the Grace Building

1114 ave of the americas, suite #3410

new York, nY 10036, Usa

telephone: +1 212 685 4030 

e-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

s h a r e h o l d e r   i n f o r m at i o n

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e R i c s s o n   a n n U a L   R e p o R t   2 0 0 6

compensation

ericsson’s  compensation system is based on three principles: 

ples of group targets for 2006 were financial performance, em-

fairness, performance and competitiveness to attract and retain 

ployee satisfaction, customer satisfaction and operational targets. 

talent. However, we recognize that compensation is local and as 

employees not covered by global short term variable plans 

such we expect local management to create their own systems 

may be eligible for local plans. these vary in design. sweden, for 

based on these principles. performance shall be encouraged by 

example, has a plan for all employees that can give a variable pay 

aligning all employee efforts to the strategic direction of the orga-

of up to 8 percent of fixed salary for maximum target achieve-

nization. individuals and teams shall be rewarded according to 

ment, equaling one month’s fixed salary. 

their contribution to targets. 

Clear controls 

compensation processes by the nature of their sensitivity require 

clear controls. in ericsson these are based on three pillars: the 

Board of Directors and Remuneration committee authorization, 

audit controls and our internal system that requires two levels of 

managers to approve any compensation decision. in addition, the 

annual General meeting approves the compensation principles for 

the target payout levels vary depending on local competitive 

practice, but in general the following is valid for the short-term 

variable plans for management globally: 

Percent of 
fixed salary 

most management jobs 
Group management
including ceo 

target   maximum target 
achievement

achievement  

10–20% 

20–40%  

30–40%  

60–80%

the group management and also the terms of our long-term vari-

Long-term variable plan 

able compensation program. the Remuneration committee is also 

as long-term variable compensation, we have a global stock 

supported by an independent remuneration expert to help in ob-

purchase plan for employees in 86 countries. the plan is based 

taining an independent opinion and advice on remuneration issues. 

on the particpant’s own investments in shares at market price 

Compensating for performance 

and matching after three years by the company at different levels 

ranging from one share for all employees to nine shares for the 

the compensation package for our employees consists mainly of 

ceo. matching of more than two shares is performance tested. 

the following three parts: 
• fixed salary (cash)
• short-term variable salary (annual cash); 
• long-term variable compensation (ericsson shares). 
For more details please see notes to the consolidated Financial 

statements – note c29, “information regarding employees, 

During 2006, 17,000 employees around the world purchased 20 

million ericsson shares for future matching by the company. 

matching of shares under the first matching program, which 

started in 2004, will begin during 2007. 

Pensions

members of the Board of Directors and management”. 

pension benefits are also set depending on local competitive-

We have a preference where possible to encourage variable 

ness and local practice. in addition to any national system for 

compensation because it better supports performance, enables 

social security, pension benefits may contain various supple-

the company to have a more flexible pay-roll cost and it supports 

mentary company plans. Group management including ceo 

employee alignment to clear targets. the company’s success 

have two supplementary plans: the itp plan (for all salaried staff 

becomes team success. 

Short-term variable salary 

in sweden) and a defined contribution plan based on premiums 

invested monthly in a pension fund. all costs for these pensions 

are accounted for annually during active service in the company. 

We have global short-term variable plans for management and for 

the pensions can be paid out from the age of 60.

sales professionals. the Board of Directors and the Remuneration 

committee decide on all ericsson group targets, which are then 

cascaded to unit related targets, all subject to approval by the 

normal two level management approval process. the Remunera-

tion committee monitors appropriateness of the target levels 

throughout the year and has the authority to revise them. exam-

For further information on compensation principles, payout to 
the president and ceo and group management, as well as 
costs, see notes to the consolidated Financial statements – 
note c29, “information regarding employees, members of the 
Board of Directors and management”. 

136 c o m p e n s at i o n

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c o r p o r at e   g o v e r n a n c e   r e p o r t    0 0 6

corporate governance 
report 006

Corporate governance is a generic term describing the 

while these ideals and values are embedded in our ways of 

ways in which rights and responsibilities are distributed 

working, we know that controls and procedures are integral to 

among the various corporate bodies according to the rules, 

maintaining our high standards and we are constantly seeking 

processes or laws they are subject to. In practice, 

ways to make our corporate governance even more effective and 

 corporate governance defines the decision-making 

reliable.

 systems and structure through which owners directly or 

this corporate governance report describes the corporate 

indirectly control a company.

governance, direction and management of ericsson, including 

our commitment to 
corporate governance

at ericsson we are committed to high standards of corporate 

governance and pride ourselves on how we conduct our busi-

ness. 

we have policies and directives that guide all employees in 

how to work to meet legal and regulatory requirements and the 

information on how the board of Directors ensures the quality of 

the fi nancial reports and its interaction with ericsson’s indepen-

dent auditors. the auditors have not reviewed ericsson’s 

 corporate governance report 006. the report does not con-

stitute a part of our formal annual report.

high stanDarDs 
in business ethics

ethical standards that we set for ourselves. the company’s 

our code of business ethics sets out how we work to achieve 

reputation for integrity and good corporate citizenship stems 

and maintain our high standards. 

from its core values of professionalism, respect and per-

this document has been translated into more than 0 lan-

severance. 

ErICSSon’S CorE vALuES

profESSIonALISM
• listen – lead through 

innovation

• Keep commitments 
– be responsive
• seek the truth – 
know your 
numbers

rESpECt
• build strength 

through a shared vision

• qualify everyday 
– generate energy
• Diversity as a strength 
– provide equal opportu-
nities

pErSEvErAnCE
• lead change 

– shape the future

• always deliver 

– walk the extra mile
• trusted global partner 
for more than a cen-
tury!

guages to ensure that everyone who works for ericsson under-

stands our policies and directives and the importance of con-

ducting all business activities in an ethical manner. we also 

arrange corporate governance training for executives so that they 

can reinforce the messages among ericsson’s widespread work-

force. all employees must regularly review the code of business 

ethics and acknowledge that they have understood its principles. 

our code of business ethics satisfi es the applicable require-

ments of the sarbanes-oxley act of 00 and nasDaq. the 

code can be found at: 

www.ericsson.com/ericsson/

corporate_responsibility/

employees/code_businessethics.

CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS

shtml

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TAKING YOU FORWARD

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compliance  
with requirements

corporate boDies  
in corporate governance

as a swedish public limited liability company, ericsson is gov-

the governance and control of ericsson is carried out through a 

erned on the basis of its articles of association and the swedish 

number of corporate bodies. 

companies act. we also comply with the listing requirements of 

at general meetings of shareholders, the shareholders exer-

the stockholm stock exchange, including the swedish code of 

cise their voting rights with regard to, for example, the composi-

corporate governance (“the code”). the code is based on the 

tion of the board of Directors of ericsson and election of external 

“comply or explain” principle, which means that a company may 

auditors. 

deviate from individual rules but is required to explain why. 

a nomination committee proposes candidates to serve as 

in addition, we comply with the listing requirements of the 

board members, the board chairman and external auditors. 

other stock exchanges we are listed on, that is the london stock 

the board is responsible for ericsson’s long-term develop-

exchange and nasDaq. we also satisfy the applicable nasDaq 

ment and strategy as well as controlling and evaluating the com-

corporate governance requirements, subject to a few exemptions 

pany’s daily operations. in addition, the board appoints the 

principally reflecting mandatory swedish legal requirements, see 

president of ericsson, who is also the chief executive officer 

“nasDaq corporate governance exemptions” below. moreover, 

(ceo). the duties of the board are partly exercised through its 

we comply with the applicable requirements of the sarbanes-

three committees; the audit, Finance and remuneration com-

oxley act, including the certification of our annual report on the 

mittees. 

sec’s (securities and exchange commission’s) Form 0-F by 

the president and ceo is in charge of the day-to-day man-

the chief executive officer and chief Financial officer. the 

agement of ericsson in accordance with guidelines and instruc-

 sarbanes-oxley act, commonly called soX, is a united states 

tions provided by the board. 

federal law establishing, among other things, enhanced corpo-

ericsson reports three operating segments, systems, phones 

rate governance standards and is applicable to ericsson as we 

and other operations for the year ending December 31, 006. 

have securities quoted on nasDaq.

the president and ceo is also head of the systems segment, 

Application of the Swedish Code of Corporate 
Governance

and the heads of the business units and market units in systems 

report directly to him. the heads of the five units in other opera-

tions also report to the president and ceo.  

ericsson has been applying the code since July 005. to ensure 

For more information on general aspects of swedish corpo-

ericsson’s compliance with the code, our group steering docu-

rate governance, please refer to a memorandum “special fea-

ments and procedures have been evaluated and adapted to also 

tures of swedish corporate governance” posted on the website 

reflect the requirements of the code. internal processes, such as 

of the swedish corporate governance board www.corporat-

reporting information on the corporate governance website, as 

egovernanceboard.se. information on this website does not form 

well as procedures in connection with the annual general 

part of this document.

 meeting of shareholders, have likewise been adapted to meet 

the requirements of the code. 

ericsson does not report any deviations from the code in 

006. 



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our CorporAtE GovErnAnCE StruCturE

Shareholders’ Meeting

annual general meeting/

extraordinary general meeting

unions

Board of Directors

10 Directors elected by the shareholders’ meeting

3 Directors and 3 Deputies appointed by the unions

audit  
committee 

Finance 
committee 

remuneration
committe

nomination 

Committee

External 

auditors

president and CEo

Management

meetings with the 
shareholDers
in accordance with the swedish companies act and ericsson’s 

nity to raise questions regarding the company and the results of 

the year under review. the members of the board of Directors, 

the executive management as well as the external auditors are 

normally all present to answer such questions.

articles of association, shareholders who exercise their voting 

shareholders and other interested parties can also corre-

rights at the annual general meeting determine the composition 

spond in writing with the board of Directors or executive man-

of the board of Directors and all other issues voted on at general 

agement at any time. 

meetings of shareholders. 

the board of Directors’ secretariat can be contacted by e-

the annual general meeting is held in stockholm, generally at 

mail at boardsecretariat@ericsson.com, or by post:

the end of march or beginning of april. the exact date is adver-

telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson

tised, along with the agenda and information on how sharehold-

the board of Directors’ secretariat

ers can give notice of attendance, on ericsson’s website and in 

se-164 83 stockholm, sweden

the swedish newspapers svenska Dagbladet, Dagens nyheter 

and post- och inrikes tidningar, as well as in the european edition 

Ericsson’s Annual General Meeting 2006

of Financial times, as a courtesy to our shareholders abroad. 

1,106 shareholders, representing 57.4 percent of the votes and 

shareholders who cannot participate in person may be repre-

30.9 percent of the capital of ericsson, attended the annual 

sented by proxy (proxies are valid for a maximum of one year). to 

general meeting held on april 10, 006, at the annex to the 

allow non-swedish speaking shareholders to participate, the 

globe arena in stockholm. ericsson’s board of Directors, group 

annual general meeting is simultaneously interpreted into english. 

management and the external auditors, were present at the 

all information material is also available in english.

resolutions at general meetings of shareholders are normally 

passed by simple majority. however, the swedish companies 

meeting. Decisions of the 006 annual general meeting include:
• re-election of michael treschow as chairman of the board of 
Directors, re-election of marcus wallenberg and election of 

act requires special quorums and majorities in certain cases. at 

sverker martin-löf as Deputy chairmen. 

general meetings of shareholders each class a share carries 

• re-election of sir peter l. bonfield, ulf J. Johansson, nancy 

one vote and each class b share one-tenth of one vote. For more 

mcKinstry and carl-henric svanberg as members of the board 

information on the shares of ericsson, please see “share infor-

of Directors and election of börje ekholm, Katherine hudson 

mation” in the annual report.

the annual general meeting offers shareholders the opportu-

and anders nyrén as new members of the board of Directors.
• resolution to adopt the parent company income statement 

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and balance sheet and the consolidated income statement 

the tasks of the nomination Committee 

and balance sheet.

• Discharge of liability of the members of the board of Directors 

the main task of the nomination committee is to propose candi-

dates for election to the board of Directors, including the chair-

and the president for the fiscal year 005.

man and the Deputy chairmen. the nomination committee must 

• resolution that a dividend of seK 0.45 per share be paid for 

the year 005. 

• resolution that the number of board members be 10 with no 

take into consideration the various rules on independence of the 

board in relation to the company, its senior management and 

major shareholders, in accordance with the requirements of the 

deputies.

code.

• resolution that board of Directors’ fees be paid as follows: 
chairman seK 3,750,000; other non-employed board mem-

in years in which election of auditors are held, the nomination 

committee also proposes candidates for election of auditors, 

bers seK 750,000 each; in addition seK 350,000 to the chair-

based on the preparations carried out by the audit committee of 

man of the audit committee and seK 50,000 each to the 

the board. the nomination committee also proposes a candi-

other two non-employed members of the audit committee; 

date for election of the chairman of general meetings of share-

and seK 15,000 each to the chairmen and other non-em-

holders and prepares proposals concerning the level of remu-

ployed members of the Finance and remuneration commit-

neration for Directors elected by the annual general meeting of 

tees.

• approval of the nomination committee’s proposals for the 
procedure for appointing the members of the nomination 

committee and the assignment of the nomination committee.
• amendments of the articles of association to reflect the new 
swedish companies act that came into effect on January 1, 

006.

• approval of the principles on remuneration and other employ-

ment terms for ericsson’s top executives.

• resolution to implement a long-term incentive plan for 006 

shareholders not employed by ericsson, the auditors and mem-

bers of the nomination committee for resolution by the annual 

general meeting. so far, the nomination committee has not 

proposed any fee to be paid to the nomination committee.

recommendations to the nomination committee may be 

submitted by e-mail to nomination.committee@ericsson.com, or 

by post to:

telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson

the nomination committee

c/o general counsel’s office

and transfer of own shares as a part thereof.

se-164 83 stockholm

Ericsson’s Annual General Meeting 2007

sweden

ericsson’s annual general meeting 007 will take place on 

april 11, 007, at the globe arena in stockholm. this was announ-

Work of the nomination Committee for the Annual 
General Meeting 2007

ced in conjunction with the release of the third quarter financial 

the nomination committee held five meetings and had informal 

report in 006.

nomination committee 
the nomination committee, appointed on the basis of the pro-

contacts between meetings. the nomination committee has 

thoroughly familiarized itself with how the board work is con-

ducted and functions and has made assessments in terms of the 

competence and experience that is required by the board. in 

addition to matters prepared each year by the nomination com-

cedure resolved by the annual general meeting of shareholders 

mittee, the nomination committee for the annual general meet-

006, consists of michael trewchow (chairman of the board of 

ing 007 has, in close cooperation with the board’s audit com-

Directors) and of the four members appointed by the four largest 

mittee, prepared a proposal for the election of auditors for 

shareholders by voting power as of april 8, 006: Jacob wallen-

resolution by the annual general meeting of shareholders 007. 

berg (investor ab), carl-olof by (ab industrivärden, chairman of 

a report on the work of the nomination committee will be 

the nomination committee), caroline af ugglas (livförsäkrings-

published on ericsson’s website in connection with the notice of 

aktiebolaget skandia), tomas nicolin (alecta pensionsförsäkring). 

the annual general meeting of shareholders 007.

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boarD oF Directors 

trade unions. the chairman of the board is elected by the annual 

general meeting. the president and ceo of the company may 

the board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the organiza-

be elected as a director, but  the swedish companies act pro-

tion of the company and the management of the company’s 

hibits the president of a public company from being elected 

operations. it develops guidelines and instructions for the day-to-

chairman of the board.

day management of the company, conducted by the president 

and ceo who ensures the board of Directors receives regular 

Work procedure of the Board of Directors

reports regarding the group’s business development – its results, 

the board of Directors has adopted a work procedure for its 

financial position and liquidity – and events of importance to the 

activities that outlines rules regarding the distribution of tasks 

group. 

between the board and its committees as well as between the 

according to the articles of association, ericsson’s board of 

board, its committees and the president and ceo. the work 

Directors shall consist of a minimum of five directors and a maxi-

procedure is reviewed, evaluated and adopted by the board as 

mum of 1 directors, with no more than six deputies. Directors 

required, at least once a year. During 006, the work procedure 

are elected by the shareholders at the annual general meeting 

was adjusted by the board at its meeting in December. 

for the period from the date of the annual general meeting until 

the close of the following annual general meeting, but can serve 

Independence of the Directors 

any number of consecutive terms. in addition, under swedish law, 

in connection with its proposal to the annual general meeting of 

unions have the right to appoint three directors and their depu-

shareholders 006, the nomination committee elected by the 

ties to the ericsson board of Directors.

annual general meeting of shareholders 005 made the assess-

ericsson abides by strict rules and regulations regarding 

ment that, for the purposes of the swedish code of corporate 

conflicts of interest. Directors and the president and ceo cannot 

governance, the following Directors are independent of the com-

participate in any decision regarding agreements between them-

pany and its senior management, as well as of the company’s 

selves and the company, or between the company and any third 

major shareholders: sir peter l. bonfield, Katherine hudson, ulf 

party or legal entity that the individual has an interest in. 

J. Johansson, nancy mcKinstry and michael treschow. 

Further, the audit committee has implemented a procedure 

for the approval of related-party transactions in accordance with 

Work of the Board of Directors 

nasDaq’s corporate governance rules as well as a pre-approval 

the board holds at least six meetings each year. material for 

process for non-audit services carried out by the external audi-

each board meeting is distributed according to a pre-established 

tors, in order to ensure their independence.

time plan by the board of Directors’ secretariat on behalf of the 

Members of the Board of Directors

president and ceo. each board meeting generally includes 

reports by the chairman of each of the three committees based 

our board of Directors consists of 10 Directors, elected by the 

on the minutes from the committee meetings, which were dis-

shareholders at the annual general meeting for the period until 

tributed to all Directors prior to the board meeting. Further, a 

the close of the next annual general meeting, and three em-

board meeting typically includes the president and ceo’s report 

ployee representatives, each with a deputy, appointed by the 

on general business and market developments including the 

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BoArD of DIrECtorS’ MEEtInGS 2006

Forecast 2007 meeting

Extraordinary meeting

Q4 2005 meeting

Q4

Dec

Jan

Q1

Meeting per capsulam

Q3 2006 meeting

Nov

Feb

Oct

Sep

Board
Meetings
2006

Mar

Apr

Aug

May

Q3

Jul

Jun

Q2

Statutory meeting

Q1 2006 meeting

Extraordinary meeting

Strategy meeting

Q2 2006 meeting

performance of the company. at board meetings held in con-

are held each year to enhance the Directors’ knowledge of group 

junction with interim reports, the financial statements are dis-

operations. training is also provided to new Directors and to 

cussed along with any proposed press release related to the 

cover specific issues as needed. 

interim report. a substantial part of the board’s ordinary work is 

devoted to strategy issues. towards the end of the year, the 

Work of the Board of Directors in 2006

board performs an evaluation of the board work, which serves 

in 006, ten board meetings were held. the Directors’ atten-

as a guide for the work of the nomination committee. the board 

dance at board and committee meetings during 006 is reflect-

is regularly informed of recent developments of legal and regula-

ed in the table “Directors’ attendance and board of Directors’ 

tory matters and addresses, whenever necessary, the adoption 

Fees.” apart from general board matters referred to above, mat-

of and implementation of various corporate governance rules. 

the Directors generally participate in all board meetings and, 

to the extent possible, also attend general meetings of share-

holders. 

ters addressed by the board during 006 include:
• integration of the operations acquired from marconi; 
• acquisition of the swedish company netwise ab;
• divestment of the defense operations, ericsson microwave 

the board is also responsible for financial oversight and 

systems ab to saab ab;

meets regularly with ericsson’s external auditors to receive and 

• a new organization as from January 1, 007, under three busi-

consider the auditors’ observations regarding the annual report, 

ness units; 

interim reports and internal controls. the auditors attend the 

regularly scheduled audit committee meetings and meet with 

• long-term and short-term strategy with regard to the operator 
consolidation driven by convergence and development and the 

the entire board at least twice a year. at least one meeting with 

changes in the competitive landscape, and

the auditors takes place without the presence of the president 

and ceo or other members of the management team. 

to assist Directors in their work for ericsson, training sessions 

• acquisition of the us company redback networks inc.

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orGAnIZAtIon of tHE BoArD WorK

Audit  
Committee 
(4 Directors)
• oversight over  
financial reporting
• oversight over 
internal control
• oversight over 

auditing

Board of Directors
13 Directors

Finance  
Committee 
(4 Directors)
• Financing
• investing
• customer credits

Remuneration 
Committee 
(4 Directors)
• remuneration policy
• incentive programs
• executive  

compensation

training sessions for the board of Directors in 006 included 

members. the work of the committees is principally preparatory, 

research and Development, human resources and corporate 

that is they prepare matters for final resolution by the board. 

responsibility.

Board work evaluation

however, the board has authorized each committee to deter-

mine certain issues in limited areas and may also provide exten-

ded authorization to a committee to determine specific matters. 

the chairman of the board initiates and leads a thorough evalua-

the board of Directors and each committee have the right to 

tion of board work and the board procedures each year. the 

engage external expertise, either in general or in respect to spe-

evaluation process includes written questionnaires, as well as 

cific matters, if deemed appropriate. 

interviews and discussions. During 006, the chairman held indi-

prior to each board meeting, each committee submits a 

vidual discussions with each Director and each Director an-

report to the board on the issues handled, resolved or referred to 

swered three separate written questionnaires, i.e. one covering 

the board since the previous ordinary board meeting. the 

the board work in general, one covering the chairman’s perfor-

 minutes of each committee meeting are attached to the minutes 

mance, and one covering the president and ceo’s performance. 

of the board meeting following each committee meeting. 

the chairman and the president and ceo are neither involved in 

the development, compilation or evaluation of the questionnaires 

The Audit Committee 

related to their respective performances, nor  present when their 

the audit committee, on behalf of the board, monitors the integ-

respective performance is evaluated.

rity of the financial statements, compliance with legal and regula-

Committees of the Board of Directors

tory requirements and the effectiveness of our systems of inter-

nal control over financial reporting. 

the board of Directors has established three committees: the 

the audit committee is primarily responsible for reviewing 

audit, Finance and remuneration committees. the board ap-

annual and interim financial reports, overseeing the external audit 

points each of the committee members amongst the board 

process, including audit fees and the internal audit function, and 

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resolving matters arising during the course of reviews and audits.

DIrECtorS’ AttEnDAnCE AnD BoArD of DIrECtorS’  

this involves:
• reviewing, with management and the external auditors, the 

audited financial statements including conformity with general-

ly accepted accounting principles;

• reviewing, with management, the reasonableness of significant 
estimates and judgments made in preparing the financial state-

ments, as well as the quality of the disclosures in the financial 

statements; 

• reviewing matters arising from reviews and audits performed. 

the audit committee is also involved in the preparatory work of 

proposing candidates for the election of auditors, when appli-

cable, and monitors their ongoing independence and perfor-

mance, as well as monitoring group transactions to avoid con-

flicts of interest. to achieve this, the audit committee has 

implemented approval procedures for audit and other services 

performed by the external auditors (see “audit committee pre-

approval policies and procedures.”); a pre-approval process for 

transactions with related parties; and a “whistle-blower” proce-

dure for the reporting of violations in relation to accounting, inter-

nal controls and auditing matters. the procedure for the report-

ing of these violations has been adjusted in 006 to meet eu 

recommendations and French legal requirements in relation to 

whistle-blower procedures. these recommendations and re-

quirements aim to limit misuse of the procedure and to secure 

handling of personal data in relation to reports made under such 

procedure.  

fEES 2006

Board 

Board Committee  Board and
Fin-  remun-  committee
fee

Meetings  audit  ance  eration 

michael treschow 
sverker martin-löf 
marcus wallenberg 
peter l. bonfield 
börje ekholm 1) 
Katherine hudson 1) 
ulf J. Johansson ) 
nancy mcKinstry 
anders nyrén 1) 
carl-henric svanberg 
arne mårtensson 3) 
eckhard pfeiffer 3) 
monica bergström 4) 
Jan hedlund 
torbjörn nyman 
anna guldstrand 
per lindh 5) 
arne löfving 6) 
Kristina Davidsson 7) 
total  

10 
10 
10 
10 
8 
7 
9 
10 
8 
10 
3 
3 
10 
10 
10 
10 
9 
6 
4 
10 

– 
9 
– 
9 
– 
– 
6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 
– 
9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
9 

11 
– 
11 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
7 
– 
4 
– 
– 
– 
11 
– 
– 
– 
– 
11 

8  4,000,000
1,100,000
– 
– 
875,000
–  1,000,000
875,000
4 
– 
750,000
4  1,000,000
875,000
8 
875,000
– 
–
– 
–
– 
–
– 
10,400
4 
10,900
– 
11,100
– 
10,000
– 
9,400
4 
6,000
– 
– 
4,000
8  11,411,800

1)  appointed as member of the board of Directors as of april 10, 006.
)  resigned from the remuneration committee and joined the audit committee as of 

april 10, 006.

3)   resigned from the board of Directors as of april 10, 006.
4)  Joined the remuneration committee as of april 10, 006.
5)   resigned from the remuneration committee as of april 10, 006.
6)   resigned from the board of Directors as of 31 July, 006.
7)   Joined the board of Directors as of august 1, 006.

alleged violations are investigated by ericsson’s internal audit 

determined that sverker martin-löf, sir peter l. bonfield and ulf 

function in conjunction with the relevant group Function. infor-

J. Johansson satisfy these requirements. 

mation regarding any incidents, including measures taken, de-

the audit committee has appointed an external expert advi-

tails of the responsible group Function and the status of any 

sor, mr. peter markborn, to assist and advise the committee.

investigation are reported to the audit committee. 

the audit committee itself does not perform audit work. erics-

work of the audit committee

son has an internal audit function, which reports to the audit 

the audit committee held nine meetings during 006 – atten-

committee and performs independent audits.

dance is reflected in the table “Directors’ attendance and board 

members of the audit committee

of Directors’ Fees 006”. the work of the audit committee dur-

ing the year included: review of financial reports, the scope and 

the audit committee consists of four members appointed by the 

execution of audits performed, the independence of the external 

board from among its members. in 006, the audit committee 

auditors, the internal audit function and audit fees. Further, the 

comprised sverker martin-löf (chairman of the committee), sir 

audit committee has, together with the external auditors, re-

peter l. bonfield, ulf J. Johansson (succeeding eckhard pfeiffer 

viewed each interim report prior to publishing. part of the com-

from april, 006) and Jan hedlund. all members, except the 

mittee’s work during the year has been to continuously monitor 

employee representative, are independent from the company 

the progress of the company’s implementation of the rules and 

and senior management. each member is financially literate and 

regulations of the sarbanes-oxley act.  in addition, certain ser-

familiar with the accounting practices of an international com-

vices other than audits performed by the external auditors have 

pany comparable to ericsson. at least one member must be an 

been approved by the audit committee under the pre-approval 

audit committee financial expert. the board of Directors has 

policies and procedures. Further, the audit committee has ap-

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proved certain related-party transactions in accordance with the 

pre-approval process implemented by the committee. 

• preparation of the long-term variable plan for referral to the 
board and subsequent resolution by the general meeting of 

The Finance Committee

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 under-

shareholders, and

• preparation of the targets for variable pay for the following year 

for resolution by the board.

to achieve this, the committee holds annual strategic compensa-

tion reviews with representatives of the company to determine 

the direction to follow, allowing program designs and pay policies 

takings and approvals of financing support to customers; and

to be aligned with the business situation. consideration is given 

• continually monitoring the group’s financial risk exposure. 

to trends in compensation, legislative changes, disclosure rules 

and the general global environment surrounding executive pay. 

the Finance committee is authorized to determine matters such 

the committee reviews salary survey data to approve any base 

as direct or indirect financing, provision of credits, granting secu-

pay increase for executives, effective from the following January. 

rities and guarantees and certain investments, divestments and 

financial commitments, or can delegate this power.

members of the Finance committee

members of the remuneration committee

the remuneration committee consists of four members ap-

pointed by the board from among its members. in 006 the 

the Finance committee consists of four members appointed by 

remuneration committee comprised michael treschow (chair-

the board from among its members. in 006, the Finance com-

man of the committee), nancy mcKinstry, monica bergström 

mittee comprised marcus wallenberg (chairman of the commit-

(succeeding per lindh as from april 006) and börje ekholm 

tee), anders nyrén, torbjörn nyman and michael treschow. 

(succeeding ulf J. Johansson as from april 006). 

work of the Finance committee

the remuneration committee has appointed an independent 

expert advisor, mr. gerrit aronson, to assist and advise the com-

the Finance committee held eleven meetings during 006 – 

mittee.

attendance is reflected in the table “Directors’ attendance and 

board of Directors’ Fees 006”. the work included: resolutions 

work of the remuneration committee

on matters such as customer financing and credit facility ar-

the remuneration committee held eight meetings during 006 – 

rangements, and on certain acquisitions and divestments. the 

attendance is reflected in the table “Directors’ attendance and 

Finance committee also monitored the financial risk exposure 

board of Directors’ Fees 006”. the committee reviewed and 

and risk limits and was informed on a large amount of finance-

prepared for the board a proposal for a long-term variable com-

related matters such as the status of ongoing acquisitions, in 

pensation plan, which was resolved by the 006 annual general 

particular the integration of the operations acquired from mar-

meeting of shareholders, and started to prepare a long-term 

coni.

The Remuneration Committee

variable compensation plan to be presented to the annual 

 general meeting of shareholders 007.  Further, the committee 

proposed to the board a structure for variable pay for the group 

the remuneration committee’s main responsibility is to advise 

management team and the extended management team. the 

the board of Directors regarding salary and other remuneration, 

committee also prepared proposals for salaries and variable pay 

including retirement compensation of the president and ceo, 

for 006, including compensation of the president and ceo and 

executive vice presidents and other officers reporting directly to 

of officers reporting directly to him. For further information on 

the president and ceo. other responsibilities include:
• developing and monitoring strategies and general guidelines 
for employee compensation, including variable plans and 

compensation, fixed and variable pay, please see “notes to the 

consolidated Financial statements – note c9, information 

regarding employees, members of the board of Directors and 

retirement compensation;

management” in the annual report. 

• approving variable pay under the previous year’s plan (begin-

ning of each year); 

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9

c o r p o r at e   g o v e r n a n c e   r e p o r t    0 0 6

members oF the boarD oF Directors

Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

astraZeneca plc, mentor graphics inc., sony corporation, and 
tsmc. Holdings in Ericsson: none
principal work experience and other information: ceo and chair-
man of the executive committee of british telecommunications plc 
(1996–00). chairman and ceo of icl plc (1990–1996). positions 
with stc plc and texas instruments inc. member of the international 
advisory group of citigroup and of the international advisory panel 
of the university of london. non-executive Director of actis capi-
tal llp, and hmg Department for constitutional affairs. trustee of 
cutty sark trust. 

Börje Ekholm (elected 2006)
Member of the Remuneration Committee
born 1963, master of science in electrical engineer-
ing, royal institute of technology, stockholm. mas-
ter of business administration, insead, France.  
Board member: ab chalmersinvest, greenway 
medical techn. inc. and husqvarna ab. Holdings in 
Ericsson 1): 58,803 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: president and 
ceo of investor ab since 005. prior to this, börje ekholm was head 
of investor growth capital inc and new investments. previous posi-
tions at novare Kapital ab and mcKinsey & co inc.

Katherine M. Hudson (elected 2006)
born 1947, bachelor of science in management, 
indiana university, usa. Board member (and lead 
Director): charming shoppes inc. Holdings in Erics-
son 1): 5,000 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: 
president and ceo of brady corporation 1994–003. 
management positions with eastman Kodak company, where she 
was employed for 4 years.

ulf J. Johansson (first elected 2005)
Member of the Audit Committee
born 1945, Doctor of technology and master of 
science in electrical engineering, royal institute of 
technology, stockholm. Board Chairman: acando 
ab, eurostep group ab, novo a/s, and novo 
 nordisk Foundation. Board member: trimble 
 navigation ltd. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 3,176 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: Founder of 
europolitan vodafone ab, where he was the chairman of the board 
1990–005. previous positions at spectra-physics ab, where he was 
the president and ceo, ericsson radio systems ab. member of the 
royal academy of engineering sciences.

Michael treschow (first elected 2002)
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
Member of the Finance Committee
born 1943, master of engineering, lund institute of 
technology. Board Chairman: ab electrolux and the 
confederation of swedish enterprise. Board mem-
ber: abb ltd. and b-business partners. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 
770,000 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: president and 
ceo of ab electrolux 1997–00. earlier positions mainly include 
positions within atlas copco, where he served as president and ceo 
1991–1997. member of the royal academy of engineering sciences.

Marcus Wallenberg (first elected 1996)
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Finance Committee
born 1956, bachelor of science of Foreign service, 
georgetown university, usa. Board Chairman: 
skandinaviska enskilda banken, saab ab, and 
international chamber of commerce (icc). Board 
member: astraZeneca plc, ab electrolux, stora enso oy, the Knut 
and alice wallenberg Foundation and thisbe ab. Holdings in Erics-
son 1): 710,000 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: positions within 
investor ab, where he served as president and ceo 1999–005. 
prior to this he was executive vice president at investor. previous 
employers include stora Feldmühle ag, citicorp, citibank and 
Deutsche bank.

Sverker Martin-Löf (first elected 1993)
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Audit Committee
born 1943, Doctor of technology and master of 
engineering, royal institute of technology, stock-
holm. Board Chairman: skanska, svenska cellu-
losa aktiebolaget sca and ssab. Deputy Chair-
man: industrivärden. Board member: confederation of swedish 
enterprise and svenska handelsbanken. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 
5,000 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: president and 
ceo of svenska cellulosa aktiebolaget sca 1990–00, where he 
was employed 1977–1983 and 1986–00. previous positions at 
sunds Defibrator and mo och Domsjö ab.

Sir peter L. Bonfield (first elected 2002)
Member of the Audit Committee
born 1944, honors degree in engineering, lough-
borough university, leicestershire, uK. Board 
Chairman: supervisory board – nXp. Deputy Chair-
man: british quality Foundation. Board member: 

10

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nancy McKinstry (first elected 2004)
Member of the Remuneration Committee
born 1959, master of business administration in 
Finance and marketing, columbia university, usa. 
bachelor of arts in economics, university of rhode 
island, usa. Board Chairman: ceo and chairman 
of the executive board of wolters Kluwer n.v. Board 
member: the american chamber of commerce, the netherlands, 
and tias nimbas business school. Holdings in Ericsson: none
principal work experience and other information: ceo and chair-
man of the executive board of wolters Kluwer n.v. president and 
ceo of cch legal information services (1996–1999). previous posi-
tions at booz, allen & hamilton, and new england telephone com-
pany. member of the advisory council of abn amro holding n.v. 
and the advisory board of the university of rhode island.

Anders nyrén (elected 2006)
Member of the Finance Committee
born 1954, graduate from stockholm school of 
economics, master of business administration from 
anderson school of management, ucla, usa. 
Board Chairman: association of exchange listed 
companies and association for generally accepted 
principles in the securities market. Deputy Chairman: sandvik ab, 
svenska handelsbanken. Board member: svenska cellulosa aktie-
bolaget sca ab, industrivärden, skanska, ssab, and ernströms-
gruppen. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 33,48 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: president and 
ceo of industrivärden since 001. cFo and evp of skanska ab 
1997–001. nordbanken 1996–1997. cFo and evp of securum ab 
199–1996. managing Director of om international ab 1987–199. 
earlier positions at stc scandinavian trading co ab and ab wilhelm 
becker.

Carl-Henric Svanberg (first elected 2003)
born 195, master of science, linköping institute of 
technology. bachelor of science in business admin-
istration, university of uppsala. Board Chairman: 
sony ericsson mobile communications ab. Deputy 
Chairman: assa abloy ab. Board member: the 
confederation of swedish enterprise and hexagon. 
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 15,683,577 class b shares
principal work experience and other information: president and 
ceo of telefonaktiebolaget lm ericsson since 003. prior to this, 
carl-henric svanberg was the president and ceo of assa abloy ab 
(1994–003). various positions within securitas ab (1986–1994) and 
abb group (1977–1985). carl-henric svanberg does not have mate-
rial shareholdings or part ownerships in companies with which the 
company has material business relationships.

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Board members and deputies appointed by the unions:

Jan Hedlund (first appointed 1994)
Employee representative. 
Member of the Audit Committee
born 1946. appointed by the union iF metall. 
 Holdings in Ericsson 1): 1,603 class b shares

Monica Bergström (first appointed  1998)

Employee representative. 
Member of the Remuneration Committee
born 1961. appointed by the union siF. Holdings in 
Ericsson 1): 3,694 class b shares

torbjörn nyman (first appointed 2004)
Employee representative. 
Member of the Finance Committee
born 1961. appointed by the union the swedish 
association of graduate engineers. Holdings in 
Ericsson 1): 10,440 class b shares

per Lindh (first appointed 1994)

Deputy employee representative. 
born 1957. appointed by the union siF. Holdings in 
Ericsson 1): 03 class b shares

Anna Guldstrand (first appointed  2004)
Deputy employee representative. 
born 1964. appointed by the union the swedish 
association of graduate engineers. Holdings in 
Ericsson 1): 4,146 class b shares, 900 options.

Kristina Davidsson (appointed 2006)

Deputy employee representative. 
born 1955. appointed by the union iF metall. 
 Holdings in Ericsson 1): 1,06 class b shares

carl-henric svanberg is the only Director who holds an operational 
management position at ericsson. no Director has been elected 
pursuant to an arrangement or understanding with any major share-
holder, customer, supplier or other person. 

1)  The number of Class B shares (and Class A shares and options, if 
applicable) includes holdings by related natural or legal persons.

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company management

Members of the Group Management team

the president and Chief Executive officer  
– operational Management

the board of Directors appoints the president and ceo and the 
executive vice presidents. management of day-to-day opera-
tions is the responsibility of the president and ceo and the 
group management team which, in addition to the president and 
ceo, consist of the chief Financial officer, the chief technology 
officer, the heads of group Functions and the heads of business 
units access, systems, global services and business unit 
broadband networks.

Group functions

ericsson’s group Functions perform tasks pertaining to group-
wide matters that logically do not fall into a specific operational 
unit: communications, Finance, human resources & organiza-
tion, legal affairs, operational excellence, research & Develop-
ment, sales & marketing, and strategy & product management.
the group Functions formulate group strategy, issue policies 
and directives, perform business control, resource allocation and 
risk management. they are also responsible for consolidation 
and reporting of financial performance, financing and cash man-
agement, legal issues, communication with various stakeholders 
including employees, investors, press and media as well as 
coordination and administration of a number of group-wide 
issues. other important group-wide matters, such as corporate 
responsibility, are managed by group Functions in conjunction 
with a network of experts from various parts of the company. 

operational units

our operations are carried out in three business segments; 
systems, phones and other operations. systems, our largest 
segment, is organized into business units responsible for the 
provision of products and services, and market units, responsible 
for marketing, sales and customer support. For more information 
regarding our business segments and information on the new 
organisation effective as from January 1, 007, please see the 
“board of Directors’ report” and “information on the company” in 
the annual report. management of each operating unit has 
significant authority and responsibility in relation to day-to-day 
operations, while governance is carried out by steering commit-
tees that include representatives of the group management 
team, the extended management team and the unit’s own man-
agement. 

Carl-Henric Svanberg 
President and CEO and member of the Board of 
Directors (since 2003)
born 195, master of science, linköping institute of 
technology, bachelor of science in business adminis-
tration, university of uppsala. Chairman: sony 
 ericsson mobile communications ab. Deputy Chair-
man: assa abloy ab. Board member: the confederation of 
swedish enterprise and hexagon. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 15,683,577 
class b shares
Background: president and ceo of assa abloy ab (1994–003). vari-
ous positions within securitas ab (1986–1994) and abb group (1977–
1985). 

Karl-Henrik Sundström
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
and head of Group Function Finance (since 2003)
born 1960, bachelor in Finance, university of uppsala, 
advanced management program, harvard business 
school, usa. Board member: sony ericsson mobile 
communications ab. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 34,30 
class b shares
Background: prior to assuming his position, Karl-henrik sundström 
was head of business unit global services.

Kurt Jofs
Executive Vice President and head of Business Unit 
Access (since 2004)
born 1958, master of science, royal institute of tech-
nology, stockholm. Board Chairman: peoples travel 
group. Board member: sony ericsson mobile com-
munications ab. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 9,5 
class b shares
Background: president and ceo of linjebuss and abb ventilation 
products.

Bert nordberg
Executive Vice President and head of Group Function 
Sales & Marketing (since 2004)
born 1956, bachelor in electronic engineering, malmö, 
engineer in the marines, berga, university courses in 
international management, marketing and Finance, 
insead university, France. Holdings in Ericsson 1):  
43,817 class b shares
Background: prior to assuming this position, bert nordberg was head of 
business unit systems and held other various positions within ericsson. 

1

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Björn olsson
Executive Vice President and head of Business Unit 
Systems (since 2004)
born 1956, master of science in industrial engineer-
ing and management, linköping institute of technol-
ogy. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 40,176 class b shares 
Background:  prior to assuming this position, björn 
olsson was chief information officer. he has held various positions 
within ericsson since 1981.

Hans vestberg
Executive Vice President and head of Business Unit 
Global Services (since 2003, appointed Executive 
Vice President in 2005)
born 1965, bachelor in business administration, 
university of uppsala. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 
7,364 class b shares
Background: previous to his current position, hans vestberg  was 
vice president and head of market unit mexico (00–003). hans 
vestberg has held various positions in the company since 1988. 

 Marita Hellberg
Senior Vice President and head of Group Function 
Human Resources & Organization (since 2003)
born 1955, bachelor in social studies, stockholm 
university, advanced management program, cedep, 
France. Board member: utbildningsradion, and 
teknikföretagen. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 47,091 
class b shares
Background: prior to assuming this position marita hellberg was 
senior vice president of human resources of ncc group.

torbjörn nilsson
Senior Vice President (since 1998) and head of 
Group Function Strategy & Product Management 
(since 2003)
born 1953, master of science, lund’s university, 
master of business administration, stockholm 
university. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 69 541 class b 
shares
Background: prior to his position above, torbjörn nilsson was head 
of group Function marketing & strategic business Development. 
torbjörn nilsson has held various management positions within the 
company since 1978.

Carl olof Blomqvist 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and head of 
Group Function Legal Affairs (since 1999)
born 1951,  master of law, llm, university of upp-
sala, sweden. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 6,080 class 
a shares and 46,491 class b shares
Background:  prior to assuming this position, carl 
olof blomqvist was a partner of mannheimer swart-
ling law firm.   

Henry Sténson
Senior Vice President and head of Group Function 
Communications (since 2002)
born 1955, studied law, sociology and political 
science, linköping university and at the swedish 
war academy, Karlberg, stockholm. Board mem-
ber: studsvik and the stockholm chamber of com-
merce. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 4,574 class b shares
Background: prior to assuming his position above, henry sténson 
was head of sas group communication, sas ab.

Håkan Eriksson
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and 
head of Group Function Research & Development 
(since 2004)
born 1961, master of science and honorary ph D, 
linköping institute of technology. Deputy Chair-
man: section Xi, research and education, swedish 
royal engineering academy. Board member: 
linköping university, anoto. Holdings in Ericsson 1): ,980 class b 
shares
Background: prior to assuming this position, håkan eriksson was 
senior vice president and head of research & Development. he has 
held various positions within ericsson since 1986.

Joakim Westh
Senior Vice President and head of Group Function 
Operational Excellence (since 2004)
born 1961, master of science, royal institute of 
technology, stockholm, master of science within 
aeronautics & astronautics, mit, boston, usa. 
Board chairman: absolent ab. Board member: 
vKr holding a/s. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 14,886 class b shares
Background: member of assa abloy executive management team. 
before this, Joakim westh was a partner with mcKinsey & co. inc.

 Sivert Bergman
Senior Vice President and head of Business Unit 
Broadband Networks (since 2006) 
born 1946, senior high school degree of electric 
engineering, trollhättan, complemented with studies 
in mathematics. Holdings in Ericsson 1): 7,60 
class b shares
Background: prior to assuming this position, sivert bergman was 
head of business unit transmission and transport networks. sivert 
bergman has held various management positions in the company 
since 1979.

1)  The number of Class B shares (and Class A shares, if applicable) 

includes holdings by related natural or legal persons. Options and 
matching rights are reported in Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements – Note C29, “Information Regarding Employees, Mem-
bers of the Board of Directors and Management” in the Annual 
Report.

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Extended Management team

Compensation to top executives

the extended management team consists of the officers of the 

principles for remuneration and other employment terms for 

group management team and:
• cesare avenía, vice president and head of market unit south 

east europe. 

• rory buckley, vice president and head of market unit north 

east asia;

• ragnar bäck, chairman of the market units within the central 
and eastern europe, middle east & africa (cema) regions;
• Jan campbell, vice president and head of market unit central 

europe;

• mats granryd, vice president and head of market unit india & 

sri lanka; 

• Jef Keustermans, vice president and head of market unit 

ericsson’s top executives were approved by the annual general 

meeting of shareholders 006. For further information on com-

pensation, fixed and variable pay, see notes to the consolidated 

Financial statements – note c9, “information regarding em-

ployees, members of the board of Directors and management” in 

the annual report. 

auDitors 

ericsson’s external, independent auditors are elected by the 

shareholders at the annual general meeting for a period of four 

years. the auditors report to the shareholders at shareholders’ 

northern europe;

meetings.

• ingemar naeve, vice president and head of market unit iberia 

and global customer account executive telefónica;

• mats olsson, vice president and head of market unit greater 

china;

• torbjörn possne, vice president and global customer account 

executive Deutsche telekom;

• angel ruiz, vice president and head of market unit north 

america;

• Jan signell, vice president and head of market unit south east 

asia; and

• gerhard weise, vice president and head of market unit mexi-

co.

During 006, the officers below were also members of the 

 extended management team of the company:
• sandeep chennakeshu: former president ericsson mobile 
platforms ab. sandeep chennakeshu left the company on 

april 9, 006.

the auditors;
• update the board of Directors regarding the planning, scope 

and content of the annual audit;

• examine the year-end financial statements and report findings 
to assess accuracy and completeness of the accounts and 

adherence to accounting procedures and principles; 

• advise the board of Directors of additional services performed 
(non-auditing), the consideration paid and other issues that are 

needed to determine the auditors’ independence. For further 

information on the contacts between the board and the audi-

tors, please see “work of the board of Directors” above.

all ericsson quarterly reports are reviewed by our auditors.

Statutory auditors

peter clemedtson

authorized public accountant, pricewaterhousecoopers.

elected 004 (as successor for the remaining mandate period of 

• Kinson loo: former vice president and global customer 

carl-eric bohlin) until 007.

 account executive for hutchison. Kinson loo left the company 

audit services performed in other large companies such as: 

on June 30, 006.

electrolux, Kmt, medivir, omX, seb.

• anders olin: former vice president and global customer 

 account executive vodafone. anders olin was appointed head 

bo hjalmarsson

of sales & marketing, western europe, within group Function 

authorized public accountant, pricewaterhousecoopers.

sales & marketing on october 1, 006. 

elected 003 until 007.

extended management team members are not involved in any 

sony ericsson, lundin petroleum, vostok nafta. 

audit services performed in other large companies such as omX, 

business activities that compete with or in any other way nega-

tively affect ericsson’s business. none of the extended manage-

ment team members have been appointed by arrangement or 

understanding with shareholders, customers, suppliers or other 

parties. 

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thomas thiel

authorized public accountant, Kpmg.

elected 003 until 007.

audit services performed in other large companies such as atlas 

copco, Folksam, handelsbanken, holmen, peab, ratos, sKF, 

auDit committee pre-
approval policies anD 
proceDures 

swedish match, Kungsleden.

the audit committee makes recommendations to the board of 

Deputy auditors

Jeanette skoglund

Directors regarding the auditors’ performance and fees. it re-

views the scope and execution of audits performed (external and 

internal) and analyzes the result and the cost. 

authorized public accountant, pricewaterhousecoopers.

the audit committee has established pre-approval policies 

elected 003 until 007.

and procedures for services other than audits performed by the 

audit services performed in several large subsidiaries of global 

external auditors. such services fall into two broad headings:

companies such as tDc song.

General Pre-Approval services that can be pre-approved by 

robert barnden

the audit committee without consideration to specific case-by-

case service. tax, transaction, risk management, corporate 

authorized public accountant, pricewaterhousecoopers.

finance, attestation and accounting services and general ser-

elected 004 (as successor for the remaining mandate period of 

vices have received a general pre-approval of the audit commit-

peter clemedtson) until 007.

tee, provided that the estimated fee level for the project does not 

audit services performed in other large companies such as: 

exceed seK 1 million. the external auditors must advise the 

acandoFrontec, nobia, sca, seco tools, vsm group.

audit committee of services rendered under the general pre-

approval policy. 

stefan holmström

Specific Pre-Approval – all other audit-related, tax and other 

authorized public accountant, Kpmg.

services must receive specific pre-approval. the audit commit-

elected 003 until 007.

tee chairman has the delegated authority for specific pre-

audit services performed in other large companies such as: 

 approval, providing service fees do not exceed seK .5 million. 

länsförsäkringar, posten, swedish meats, v&s vin & sprit.

the chairman reports any pre-approval decisions to the audit 

fees paid to external auditors

committee at its scheduled meetings. For other matters, an audi-

tor submits an application to the cFo. if supported by the cFo, 

ericsson paid the fees (including expenses) listed in the table in 

the application is presented to the audit committee for final 

notes to the consolidated Financial statements – note c31, 

approval. 

“Fees to auditors” in the annual report for audit-related and other 

pre-approval authority may not be delegated to management. 

services. 

the policies and procedures include a list of prohibited services. 

the audit committee reviews and pre-approves any non-audit 

services to be performed by the external auditors to ensure the 

auditors’ independence. services other than audit services pro-

vided by the auditors from 004 to 006 are described in notes 

Disclosure controls  
anD proceDures 

to the consolidated Financial statements – note c31, “Fees to 

ericsson has controls and procedures in place to make sure that 

auditors” in the annual report. 

information to be disclosed under the securities exchange act of 

1934, and under ericsson’s agreements with the stockholm and 

london stock exchanges and nasDaq is done so on time, and 

that such information is provided to management, including the 

ceo and cFo, so that timely decisions can be made regarding 

required disclosure.

to assist managers in fulfilling their responsibility with regard 

to disclosures made by the company to its security holders and 

the investment community, a Disclosure committee was estab-

lished in 003. one of the main tasks of the Disclosure commit-

tee is to monitor the integrity and effectiveness of the company’s 

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disclosure controls and procedures.

Further, ericsson has investments in certain entities that 

ericsson does not control or manage. accordingly, our disclo-

• a reflection of best practice – we strive to ensure that our dis-
closure is in line with industry norms and, if possible, lead the 

sure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are 

way to improved best-in-class standards.

necessarily substantially more limited than those we maintain 

our website (www.ericsson.com/investors) includes comprehen-

with respect to our subsidiaries. 

sive information on ericsson, including an archive of our annual 

During the year, management, with the participation of erics-

and interim reports, on-demand-access to recent news and 

son’s president and ceo and cFo, supervised and participated 

copies of presentations given by senior management at industry 

in an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls 

conferences. information on our website does not form part of 

and procedures. as a result, ericsson’s president and ceo and 

this document.

cFo concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures 

were effective at a reasonable assurance level. 

there were no changes to our internal control over financial 

reporting during the period covered by the annual report 006 

that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our 

internal control over financial reporting.

ericsson’s Disclosure 
policies

inDepenDence 
requirements on the 
boarD
the ericsson board of Directors is subject to, and complies with, 

a variety of independence requirements. however, it has sought 

and received exemptions from those nasDaq requirements that 

are contrary to swedish law,  see “nasDaq corporate gover-

nance exemptions” below.

ericsson’s financial disclosure policies are designed to give  

transparent, informative and consistent communication with the 

investment community on a fair and equal basis, which will re-

flect in a fair market value for ericsson shares. we want our 

Stockholm Stock Exchange listing requirements
• only one person from senior management may be a member 
of the board (applies also to senior management in the compa-

shareholders and potential investors to have a good understand-

ny’s subsidiaries).

ing of how our company works, our operational performance, 

what our prospects are and the risks we face that these opportu-

• the majority of the directors elected by the shareholders’ 
meetings (employee representatives not included) must be 

nities may not be realized.

independent of the company and its management. an overall 

to continue to achieve these goals, our financial reporting and 

assessment should be made in each case in order to consider 

disclosure must be:
• transparent – our disclosure should enhance understanding of 
the economic drivers and operational performance of our 

whether a director is independent or not.

• at least two of the directors who are independent of the com-
pany and its management must also be independent of the 

business, hence building trust and credibility.

company’s major shareholders. one of these directors must 

• consistent – we aim for consistent and comparable disclosure 

within and between reporting periods.

• simple – information should be provided in as simple a manner 
as possible, so readers gain the appropriate level of under-

standing of our business operations and performance.

• relevant – we focus our disclosure on what is relevant to erics-
son’s stakeholders or required by regulation or listing agree-

ments, to avoid information overload.

• timely – we utilize well-established disclosure controls and 

be experienced in requirements placed on a listed company.

The Swedish Code of Corporate Governance

independence requirements on the board of directors (excluding 

employee representatives):
• only one person from the senior management may be a mem-

ber of the board.

• a majority of the directors elected by the shareholders’ meet-
ings must be independent of the company and its manage-

procedures to ensure that all disclosures are complete, accu-

ment.

rate and performed on a timely basis.

• Fair and equal – we publish all material information via press 
releases to ensure everyone receives the information at the 

• at least two of the directors who are independent of the com-
pany and its management must also be independent of the 

company’s major shareholders.

same time.

16

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independence requirements on the audit committee:
• the majority of audit committee members must  be indepen-

NASDAQ Corporate Governance Exemptions

pursuant to a 005 amendment to nasDaq’s marketplace rules, 

dent of the company and senior management.

foreign private issuers such as ericsson may follow home- coun-

• at least one member of the committee must be independent of 

try practice in lieu of certain nasDaq corporate governance 

the company’s major shareholders.

requirements.

• a board member who is part of senior management may not 

before the amendment was adopted, nasDaq’s marketplace 

be a member of the audit committee.

rules provided that foreign private issuers could, upon applica-

independence requirements on the remuneration committee:
• committee members must be independent of the company 

tion, be exempt from certain of its corporate governance require-

ments when these requirements were contrary to the laws, rules 

or regulations, or generally accepted business practices of the 

and the senior management.

issuer’s home jurisdiction.

The NASDAQ Marketplace Rules

independence requirements on the board of directors:
• a majority of the members of the board of directors must be 
independent within the meaning of the nasDaq rules.

ericsson has received (and is entitled to continue to rely there-

on under the 005 amendment) exemptions from nasDaq’s 

corporate governance requirements under the marketplace 

rules in order to allow:
• employee representatives to be elected to the board of Direc-
tors and serve on its committees (including the audit commit-

ericsson has obtained an exemption from nasDaq allowing 

tee), in accordance with swedish law. 

employee representative directors to be exempt from nasDaq’s 

independence requirements. 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and corresponding 
NASDAQ rules

independence requirements on the audit committee:
• all members of the audit committee must be independent 
within the meaning of the sarbanes-oxley act of 00.

• shareholders to participate in the election of Directors and the 
nomination committee, in accordance with swedish law and 

common market practice respectively. 

• employee representatives on the board to attend all board and 
all committee meetings (including the audit committee), in 

accordance with swedish laws concerning attendance and 

decision making processes. 

in addition, ericsson relies on the exemption provided by the 

the sarbanes-oxley act of 00 includes a specific exemption 

005 amendment to overcome contradictions between nasDaq 

for non-executive employee representatives.

and swedish law requirements regarding quorums for its meet-

ings of holders of common stock. 

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17

  
c o r p o r at e   g o v e r n a n c e   r e p o r t    0 0 6

internal control over 
Financial reporting For 
year 006

according to the swedish companies act and the swedish code 

Control environment

of corporate governance, the board of Directors shall ensure 

that the company has satisfactory internal controls and keep 

the company’s internal control structure is based on:
• the division of work between the board of Directors and its 

itself informed of the company’s internal control system and 

committees and the president and ceo;

assess how well it is working. this report has been prepared in 

• a management system based on 

accordance with the swedish code of corporate governance, 

• 

the company’s organization and mode of operations, with 

section 3.7., and is thereby limited to internal control over finan-

well-defined roles and responsibilities and delegations of 

cial reporting. 

authority;

the swedish corporate governance board has made a pro-

•  steering documents such as policies and directives, 

nouncement regarding the board of Directors’ reporting on inter-

 including a code of business ethics and conduct; and

nal control under the code to the effect that: this report is to be 

•  a number of well-defined planning, operational and 

included as a part of the corporate governance report; it is not 

 support processes.

necessary for the board of Directors to make a statement of how 

well the internal control over financial reporting has worked; and 

the most essential parts of the control environment regarding the 

the internal control report does not have to be examined by the 

financial reporting are included in steering documents related to 

auditors. in accordance with this pronouncement, we  are not 

accounting and financial reporting. such steering documents are 

making any such statement in this report for 006 and this report 

updated regularly for changes to, for example, laws, financial 

has not been examined by our auditors. 

reporting standards and listing requirements, such as iFrs and 

as the company is listed in the united states, the require-

soX in the united states.

ments in soX section 404 regarding assessment of the effective-

ness of internal controls over financial reporting are applicable  

Risk assessment

as from the fiscal year 006. the company has implemented 

risks related to financial reporting are fraud and loss or embezz-

detailed controls, documentation and testing procedures in 

lement of assets, undue favorable treatment of counter-parties at 

accordance with the coso framework, issued by the committee 

the expense of the company, and other risks of material mis-

of sponsoring organizations of the treadway commission, to 

statements in the financial statements, for example those related 

ensure compliance with soX 404. management’s report 

to recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, revenue 

 according to soX 404 will be included in ericsson’s 0-F report 

and cost or insufficient disclosure. ericsson is managed through 

to the sec in the united states.

common processes, where risk management is integrated, ap-

Internal control over the financial reporting

plying various methods for risk assessment and control, to en-

sure that the risks the company is exposed to are managed 

ericsson has integrated risk management and internal control in 

according to established policies. accounting and reporting 

its business processes. as defined in the coso framework for 

policies and directives cover areas of particular significance to 

internal control, components of internal control are: a control 

support correct accounting, reporting and disclosure.

environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and 

communication, and monitoring.

Control activities

the company’s business processes include financial controls 

regarding approval and accounting for business transactions. 

the financial closing and reporting process has controls regard-

ing recognition, measurement and disclosure, including the 

application of critical accounting policies and estimates, in con-

solidated companies as well as on group level. all legal entities, 

business units and market units in ericsson have their own con-

troller functions participating in planning and evaluation of each 

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unit’s performance. their regular analysis of the financial reports 

Monitoring

for their respective units, together with analysis performed at 

the company’s financial performance is reviewed at each board 

group level, is an important element of the internal control to 

meeting. the committees of the board fulfill important monitoring 

ensure that the financial reports do not contain material errors.

functions regarding remuneration, borrowing, investments, 

For external financial reporting purposes, additional controls 

 customer financing, cash management, financial reporting and 

that all disclosure requirements are fulfilled are performed by a 

internal control. the audit committee and the board of Directors 

Disclosure committee established by company management. 

review all interim and annual financial reports before they are 

the company has implemented controls to ensure that the 

released to the market.  

financial reports are prepared in accordance with iFrs. the 

the company’s process for financial reporting is reviewed 

company also has detailed documentation of internal controls 

annually by management and forms a basis for the evaluation of 

related to accounting and financial reporting, as well as moni-

the internal management system and internal steering docu-

toring of the performance and results of such controls, to ensure 

ments to ensure that these cover all significant areas related to 

ericsson can assess the effectiveness of the internal control in a 

financial reporting. compliance with policies and directives is 

way that is compliant with soX requirements. a thorough review 

also monitored through annual self assessments and representa-

of materiality levels related to the financial reports has resulted in 

tion letters from heads and controllers in all consolidated compa-

implementation of detailed control documentation in a number of 

nies as well as from business units and market units. the 

subsidiaries with significant scale of operations. For other sub-

 company has an internal audit function, reporting to the audit 

sidiaries, overall controls related to the control environment and 

committee, which performs independent audits.

compliance with policies and directives related to financial re-

porting have been implemented.

Information and communication

the company has information and communication channels 

supporting completeness and correctness of financial reporting, 

for example, by making internal instructions and policies regard-

ing accounting and financial reporting widely known and 

 accessible to all employees concerned,  as well as regular up-

dates and briefing documents regarding changes in accounting 

policies and reporting and disclosure requirements.

legal and operational units make regular financial and man-

agement reports to internal steering groups and company man-

agement, including analysis and comments of financial perfor-

mance and risks. the board of Directors receives financial 

reports monthly. the audit committee has established a “whistle 

blower” procedure for the reporting of violations in relation to 

accounting, internal controls and auditing matters. 

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CONTENTS

Annual Report 2006

1  Operational review
  25  Letter from the Chairman 
  26  Five-year summary  
  28  Board of directors' Report*
  40  Consolidated financial statements* 
  44  Notes to the consolidated financial statements*
  89  Risk factors*
  94  Parent Company financial statements*
  99  Notes to the Parent Company financial statements* 
  115  Auditors' Report 
  116  Information on the Company 
  129  Forward-looking statements
  130  Share information
  135  Shareholder information 
 136  Compensation

Corporate Governance Report 2006

*Chapters covered by the Auditors' Report

Annual publications

The Ericsson Annual Report is intended to accurately 
describe Ericsson's financial and operational 
performance during 2006. This publication includes  
a Corporate Governance Report.

The Ericsson Summary Annual Report is an extract of 
the full Annual Report.

We issue a separate Corporate Responsibility Report.  
A summary is included on page 22 of this document.

Our  website www.ericsson.com is updated on a regular 
basis and contains a variety of useful information about 
the Company, including downloadable versions of each  
of the above reports.

dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

dRIvINg ChANgE

 ERICSSON ANNUAL REPORT 2006

 ERICSSON SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT 2006

 ERICSSON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILIT Y REPORT 2006

Design and production Publicis Stockholm and Paues Media
Photography Andreas Lind
Reprographics C2, Jonas Skoglund, TBK
Printing Sörmlands grafiska Quebecor AB/Printer Consult

 
dRIvINg ChANgE ANd CREATINg OPPORTUNITIES

 ERICSSON ANNUAL REPORT 2006

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Opportunity

The broadband revolution is just beginning. Cutting-edge 

applications and innovative services are driving the need  

for higher-speed and higher-capacity networks, in line with 

our vision of an all-communicating world. 

Result

As of year-end 2006, Ericsson had rolled out 46 HSPA 

broadband networks on five continents, bringing easy 

access to the Internet to more corners of the world than 

ever before.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
SE-164 83 Stockholm, Sweden
www.ericsson.com

Printed on Amber graphic and holmen Ideal volume – chlorine free paper  
that meets international environmental standards.
EN/LZT 108 9051 R1A   
ISSN 1100-8962
© Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 2007