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Ericsson

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FY2013 Annual Report · Ericsson
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LIVING in the 
networked 
society

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

138th year of operations

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
SE-164 83 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com

Printed on UPM Sol Matt och Munken Lynx  
– chlorine free paper that meets international  
environmental standards
EN/LZT 138 1292  R1A
ISSN  1100-8962
© Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 2013 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIVING in the  
networked society
New solutions are transforming  
the way people, business and  
society communicate and collaborate.  
Ericsson is expanding its position in  
the ICT (Information and Communication 
Technology) industry, helping create  
the Networked Society.

Our focus on profitability is now starting to pay off. 
Operating income was up from SEK 10.5 billion in  
2012 to SEK 17.8 billion in 2013, with our operating  
margin increasing from 5% to 8%.

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO

MORE INFORMATION

The Annual Report describes Ericsson’s 
financial and operational performance during 
2013. A Corporate Governance Report is 
attached to the Annual Report.

We issue a separate Sustainability  
and Corporate Responsibility Report.
www.ericsson.com/thecompany/
sustainability_corporateresponsibility

Find our Annual Report online: 
www.ericsson.com/annualreport2013

There is further information on sustainability  
and corporate responsibility on page 19  
and pages 44–46.

LETTER 
FROM  
THE CEO

PAGE 6

Making
Better
Cities

PAGE 18

Connect
To Learn

PAGE 21

The
Connected
Car

PAGE 23

Contents

Annual Report 2013

Our business
This is Ericsson 
2013 at a glance 
Letter from the CEO 
Market trends 
Our markets 
Our strategy 
How we create value 
How we work 
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility 
Our solutions 
Our performance 
Regional development 
Ten-year summary 
Letter from the Chairman 

Results
Board of Directors’ report* 
Consolidated financial statements* 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements* 
Parent Company financial statements* 
Notes to the Parent Company financial statements* 
Risk factors* 
Auditors’ report 
Forward-looking statements 

2
4 
6 
8 
11 
12
14
16
19
22 
28 
30
32
35

36
49
57
102
108
122
130
131

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance Report 2013 
Remuneration report 

134
162

Shareholders
Share information 
Shareholder information 

Other information
Glossary 
Financial terminology and Exchange rates 

166
173

171
172

*   Chapters covered by the Auditors’ report.

1

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessResultsCORPORATE GOVERNANCESHAREHOLDERSOTHER INFORMATIONTHIS IS ERICSSON

We are a world-leading provider of communications 
networks, telecom services and support solutions. Here  
we look at some of the factors that make Ericsson unique. 

40%

40% of the world’s mobile 
traffic runs through 
networks supplied  
by Ericsson.

Our segments

Today, Ericsson has more  
than 114,000 people serving 
customers in over 180 
countries. Our business is 
divided into four segments: 

Life in the Networked Society is becoming  
a reality for billions of people and millions of 
businesses around the world. As everything 
becomes connected, our world is changing.  
Our lives are changing. At Ericsson, we are 
proud of the central role we are playing in this 
evolution, using innovation to empower people, 
business and society. The solutions we provide 
allow people to communicate, work, study, do 
business and live more freely. They help create 
more efficient and more sustainable societies.

Every time you make a call or use an app on 
your smartphone, tablet or mobile computer, 
you are probably using one of our solutions  
and one of the networks provided or managed 
by us. When you watch video or TV, there is a 
good chance that one of our solutions is behind 
it – maybe even one of the technologies that 
have won us four Emmy awards. 

As well as the advanced technology, we also 

provide world-leading services, software and 
infrastructure, mainly to telecom operators. 

We have been leaders in telecommunications 

Ericsson has always been a company driven 

and related services ever since Lars Magnus 
Ericsson founded the company in 1876.  
Today, we are expanding into the Information 
and Communications Technology (ICT) arena, 
and becoming a major ICT solutions provider. 
It is a natural progression: our research and 
innovations made mobile communications and 
broadband possible, and those technologies are 
powering modern technologies such as cloud 
computing, smart grids, machine-to-machine 
(M2M) communication and m-commerce.  

by innovation – in technology and business. 
That is why we were the pioneers in managed 
services. That is why we hold so many 
standards-essential patents. We see our 
leadership in technology and services as  
one of the foundations of our business.
 > Some 40 percent of global mobile traffic  
runs through networks we have supplied 
 > Every major telecom operator in the world 
buys solutions or services from Ericsson

NETWORKS

GLOBAL SERVICES

We provide the network infrastructure needed for 
mobile and fixed communication, including 2G, 3G 
and 4G radio networks, and IP core and transport 
networks. Our cost-efficient networks offer superior 
performance and ensure a quality user experience.

Through our 64,000 services professionals  
around the world, we deploy, operate and  
evolve networks and related support systems. 
Global Services includes professional services 
and network rollout.

Revenue

SEK 117.7 bn 

(2012: 117.3 bn)

Market share estimate

25% in network 

equipment, key segments*

Revenue

SEK 97.4 bn 

(2012: 97.0 bn)

Market share estimate

13% 
in a telecom services

For more information on our solutions 
please go to page 22

Operating margin

10% 
(2012: 6%)

Market position

#1 

in radio access

Operating margin

6% 

(2012: 6%)

*  Key segments include Radio IP and Transport as well as Core.

2

Market position

#1 

in telecom services

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESS > We manage networks that serve more than  

1 billion subscribers globally

 > With more than 35,000 granted patents, we have 
one of the industry’s strongest patent portfolios.

Our REGIONS 

As a global company, we have created an 
efficient go-to-market organization based on  
10 regions. Backed by our collective global 
knowledge, our regional competence and  
close customer relationships provide a solid 
foundation for profitable growth. In each of our 
regions, we work closely with customers to 
develop innovative, scalable solutions that help 
them increase revenue and reduce costs.

We share best practices across regions, 
which boosts both quality and efficiency. When 
a successful customer solution is identified and 
proven in one region, we can roll it out around 
the world, sharing common processes, 
methods and tools. 

This knowledge-sharing, the expertise and 
local knowledge gained through working closely 
with customers combine to create global scale, 
another of the pillars of our business success.
Operators look to long-term partners such  
as Ericsson for support in every aspect of their 
business. To ensure a consistent offering 
towards all customers and enable economies  
of scale, the same set of engagement practices 
operate in each region: Mobile Broadband; 
Communication Services; Fixed Broadband and 
Convergence; Managed Services; Operations 
and Business Support Systems; and Television 
and Media Management.

Business units

To best reflect our business, Ericsson reports 
four business segments. They are reflected in the 
four business units, each of which is responsible 
for developing and maintaining its specific 
portfolio of products, solutions and services. 

Organization

CEO

GROUP FUNCTIONS

Strategic Projects

Sustainability  
and Corporate Responsibility

BUSINESS UNIT  
SUPPORT SOLUTIONS

RESEARCH

BUSINESS UNIT  
GLOBAL SERVICES

BUSINESS UNIT  
NETWORKS

BUSINESS UNIT MODEMS

Go to market

REGIONS

ENGAGEMENT  
PRACTICES

OPERATIONS & 
COMPETENCE CENTER

IPR & LICENSING

CUSTOMER  
UNITS

CUSTOMERS

Support solutions

Modems

The Support Solutions segment focuses on 
software for operations and business support 
systems (OSS and BSS), as well as TV and 
media management, and m-commerce.

A new segment in 2013, for design, development 
and sales of LTE multi-mode thin modems.  
The modem portfolio targets smartphone  
and tablet manufacturers.

Multi-technology and multi-band connectivity 

is essential for the Networked Society. 

Using your smartphone, scan this 
code to view a short film about  
the Networked Society.
Or visit: www.ericsson.com/
thinkingahead/networked_society

Revenue

SEK 12.2 bn 

(2012: 13.5 bn)

Market share estimate

25% 

in IPTV

Operating margin

12% 

(2012: 9%)

Market position

#1 

in OSS and BSS

Operating income

–0.5 bn

  THIS IS ERICSSON

3

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our Business2013 at a glance

A look at some of the most important measures of our 
performance, and a summary of business highlights from 
around the world during 2013.

Net sales  
and operating margin incl. JV
SEK billion 

Percent

Operating income  
and net income incl. JV
SEK billion

Cash flow from operating 
activities and cash conversion
Percent
SEK billion 

226.9

227.8 227.4

206.5 203.3

8.1

7.9

7.8

4.6

2.9

250

200

150

100

50

0

20

20

16

12

8

4

0

15

10

5

0

17.9

16.5

17.8

11.2

12.6

10.5

12.2

5.9

4.1

5.9

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

117

112

116

26.6

24.5

22.0

40

10.0

79

17.4

120

105

90

75

60

45

30

15

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

 Net sales (SEK billion)
 Operating margin (%)

 Operating income 
(SEK billion) 

 Net income
(SEK billion)

 Cash flow from operating activities (SEK billion)
 Cash conversion (%)

Earnings per share (EPS)  
and dividend per share
SEK

Net sales
SEK billion

227.4

(2012: 227.8)

Operating income 
SEK billion

17.8(2012: 10.5)

Operating margin incl. JV
Percent

Earnings per share (EPS) 
SEK

7.8(2012: 4.6%)

3.69(2012: 1.78 SEK)

3.77

3.46

3.69

3.00

2.75

2.50

2.25

1.78

2.00

1.14

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

2009 2010 2011 2012 20131)

 EPS diluted (SEK)
 Dividend (SEK)

1)  Dividend for 2013 as proposed by the  
  Board of Directors

4

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESS 
 
2013 in review

JANUARY – March

April – June

JULY – SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER – DecEMBER

 > In line with Ericsson’s services 

strategy to broaden its IT capabilities, 
the Company announced the 
intention to acquire Devoteam 
Telecom & Media operations in 
France, bringing consulting and 
systems integration capabilities.

 > Ericsson signed managed services 
agreements comprising fixed and 
mobile networks for telecom operators 
in India and Russia. Ericsson is 
responsible for network operations 
and field maintenance, and for driving 
modernization of tools, processes and 
best practices, in order to maximize 
operational efficiencies. 

 > UK operator O2 signed an agreement 

with Ericsson to provide a 4G/
LTE-compatible core network and to 
deploy RBS 6000 multi-standard 
radio base stations for 50% of O2’s 
radio access network in the UK. 

 > Ericsson introduced a service to provide 
testing and verification for devices and 
applications in its global device labs. 
Devices can be tested before launch to 
help make them more network-friendly, 
as well as to make networks themselves 
more device-friendly.

 > At Mobile World Congress (MWC), 

Ericsson met numerous customers, 
showcased a series of world firsts 
and launched new products and 
services, including in the areas of 
mobile broadband, operation and 
business support systems (OSS and 
BSS), m-commerce and managed 
services. Ericsson also announced  
its network-enabled cloud concept,  
a business platform that enables 
operators to generate new revenues 
and evolve network capabilities.

  2013 at a glance

 > Acquisition of Canadian Telcocell 
broadened Ericsson’s systems 
integration capabilities for business 
support systems (BSS) in North 
America and strengthened its full ICT 
transformation services. Multi-vendor 
BSS systems integration and 
consulting are of great importance at 
the intersection of IT and telecom.

 > South Korean operator LG U+ 

commercially launched Ericsson’s 
LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) with carrier 
aggregation, combining spectrum 
bands for higher broadband speeds.

 > Ericsson and STMicroelectronics 

completed the split-up of the former 
ST-Ericsson joint venture on August 2. 

 > Ericsson announced it would build 

three Global ICT Centers to support 
R&D in developing and verifying 
solutions, bringing innovations to the 
market faster.

 > Redefining the small-cell market, 
Ericsson announced the Ericsson 
Radio Dot System: a cellular radio unit 
that is small enough to fit in a hand, 
and provides enough indoor network 
coverage for a crowd. It enables 
operators and enterprises to offer a 
complete indoor solution for mobile 
broadband and voice services.  

 > Russian operator Rostelecom,  

a provider of broadband and pay TV, 

has deployed the world’s largest 

operator content-delivery network 

(CDN) through a solution developed 

and integrated by Ericsson. The CDN 

is ground-breaking in terms of both 

capability and geographic span.

 > Ericsson announced its intention to 

acquire Microsoft Mediaroom, making 
Ericsson a leading player for 
innovative video distribution and IPTV 
across multiple networks and devices. 
The importance of video distribution 
capabilities is increasing as more and 
more LTE networks are deployed.

 > Energy company E.ON selected 
Ericsson to operate more than 
600,000 smart metering points for its 
Swedish operations. Ericsson provides 
a hosted solution, including consulting 
and systems integration services.

 > Ericsson was named the global leader 
in telecom operations management 
by industry analyst firm Gartner. 

 > Following the acquisition of Canadian 

Wi-Fi company BelAir Networks, 
Ericsson announced its 3GPP-
compliant Wi-Fi network solution.  
It enables operators to incorporate 
telecom-grade Wi-Fi into their 
heterogeneous networks so that 
smartphone traffic can seamlessly shift 
between 3GPP and Wi-Fi networks.

 > Ericsson reached a milestone by 
providing managed services to 
networks that serve 1 billion 
subscribers.

 > Russian operator MTS selected 

Ericsson to build an LTE network 
covering approximately half of Russia. 
Ericsson supplies hardware and 
services for radio access and core 
networks. Under the three-year 
agreement, MTS’s 2G and 3G 
networks will also be further 
developed in several Russian regions.

 > To meet the demand from traffic 
streams generated by innovative 
cloud services, Ericsson announced 
a new multiple-application board for 
the family of Smart Services Routers 
(SSR). This board is powered by the 
SNP 4000, a revolutionary processor 
introduced by Ericsson in March 2013 

 > As the world’s first LTE broadcast  

on a live network, Australian operator 
Telstra activated Ericsson’s LTE 
Broadcast solution on its commercial 
network to deliver high-quality video 
without buffering. 

 > Ericsson’s complete Voice-over-LTE 
(VoLTE) solution was selected by 
Japanese operator SoftBank Mobile. 
Ericsson’s VoLTE solution offers 
telecom-grade HD voice and video 
calling alongside simultaneous 
enriched multimedia services on  
LTE smartphones.

 > Ericsson was selected by China  

Mobile to deploy LTE in 15 provinces in 
mainland China. Ericsson is the main 
supplier of the core network and will 
deploy a radio access network based 
on its RBS 6000 radio base station. 
The contract also includes network 
design and optimization services.

 > Japanese operator KDDI selected 

Ericsson as one of the prime vendors 
to deploy its LTE system and Evolved 
Packet Core (EPC) network. This was 
the first time that KDDI selected 
Ericsson to implement a radio access 
network, based on RBS 6000.  
In addition to network solutions, 
Ericsson will provide related services 
such as network rollout and  
systems integration.

5

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessLETTER FROM THE CEO

Ericsson is on a journey of transformation. Building on our 
technology and services leadership in telecoms, we are 
becoming a leader in Information and Communications 
Technology (ICT), a driving force in the Networked Society. 
Let us look at some milestones from last year, and explore 
the road ahead. 

Dear shareholders

As the world is changing into a Networked 
Society, it is starting to transform virtually all 
industries. The music industry was early out with 
digital distribution and new business models as 
a result of mobility, broadband and cloud 
creating new opportunities. The networks are 
becoming more relevant not only to people using 
their smartphones, but also to businesses and 
society at large. In light of this development,  
both operators and vendors are making strategic 
choices based on their respective assets. It is  
a truly exciting time in the industry.

Let’s look more closely at developments at 

Ericsson in 2013. In our core business, we redefined 
the small-cell market with our Radio Dot System. 
We have established ourselves in the Chinese 4G 
market with TD-LTE, after a weaker position in 3G 
where we did not participate in the TD-SCDMA 
technology. The majority of the European network 
modernization projects, which put pressure on our 
margins in recent years, are now behind us; in line 
with our strategy we now have a strong installed 
base in Europe. In parallel, we have strengthened  
in services across North America and are now the 
leaders in both infrastructure and telecom services 
in the world’s most advanced ICT market.

We have continued with our strategy of 
expanding into targeted areas such as TV and 
media, IP, cloud, as well as OSS and BSS. And we 
have refocused our position in modems, winding 
up the ST-Ericsson joint venture and establishing 
our own thin modems business. We further 
strengthened our global services capabilities all 
over the world. And we continue to invest in 
research and development – SEK 162 billion in the 
past five years alone. We build on our core assets 
– our technology and services leadership and our 
global scale – as part of our constant evolution, 
something that is vital for maintaining our leading 
position in a transforming industry.

By 2019, we expect to see 9 billion 
mobile subscriptions, with three 
times as many smartphones as 
today, and 8 billion mobile 
broadband subscriptions.

6

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSCash flow from  
operating activities
SEK billion

26.6

25

24.5

22.0

17.4

10.0

20

15

10

5

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

 Cash flow from operating activities

Earnings per share, diluted

SEK3.69

(2012: 1.78)

Our technology leadership is built on our 
investments in R&D and evidenced by more 
than 35,000 granted patents, one of the 
industry’s strongest patent portfolios. During 
the year we closed an IPR (intellectual property 
rights) and licensing agreement with Samsung 
that is important not only to Ericsson but to  
the whole industry as it shows the benefits of 
sharing technology on fair, reasonable and 
non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. The 
multi-year agreement, which ends the patent-
related legal disputes between the companies, 
consists of an initial payment and ongoing 
royalty payments going forward.

Profitability
Our focus on profitability is now starting to pay off, 
with stable margins in Professional Services and  
a steady improvement in Networks during the 
year. Operating income was up from SEK 10.5 
billion in 2012 to SEK 17.8 billion in 2013, with  
our operating margin increasing from 5% to 8%.
In North America we saw a strong start to  

the year as two major coverage projects 
peaked, with a subsequent weaker second half 
of 2013. We expect more capacity projects in 
Networks, continued momentum for 
Professional Services and growth in Support 
Solutions such as TV and media following the 
acquisition of Mediaroom from Microsoft.

As I mentioned earlier, the big European 
network modernization projects are coming to 
an end and we expect the telecom industry in 
Europe to improve, driven by macroeconomic 
improvements as well as a recent investment 
announcement by a large operator that could 
trigger others to invest.

It was a challenging year in Northeast Asia. 
This was primarily due to reduced activity and 
currency headwinds in Japan, where we are 
approaching completion of a major project,  
and a structural decline in GSM sales in China. 
But late in the year we won important contracts 
for rolling out 4G both in China and Japan. 

And now we have integrated Modems into 
the business, providing the device connectivity 
that is so important in the Networked Society.

Growth
From 2012 to 2016, we expect a compound 
annual growth rate of more than 4% in the 
market segments that we address, measured  
in USD, with some variation between market 
segments and years.

The underlying fundamentals for growth  
in the industry are intact. Mobile broadband 
continued to grow, with subscriptions 
increasing 40% to 2.1 billion during 2013.  
By 2019, we expect to see 9 billion mobile 
subscriptions, with three times as many 
smartphones as today, and 8 billion mobile 
broadband subscriptions. 

Sustainable development was high on the 
agenda during 2013 and we lead the industry  

in working holistically with sustainability issues to 
drive growth in a way that positively impacts the 
triple bottom line. We focus on the issues where 
we can make the biggest difference: accessibility 
and affordability of mobile communication;  
the energy and materials performance of our 
products and solutions and our own activities; 
climate change and urbanization, business ethics, 
and employee engagement. We have made 
progress during the year and we will continue to 
use our strength to ensure that technology is a 
force for positive, lasting change in the world.

Strategic direction
We have set out a clear long-term strategy 
framework, where we are determined to evolve 
to become the industry leader in the Networked 
Society. This framework has three components:
 > Excel in our core business – radio, core and 

transmission, and telecom services
 > Establish leadership in targeted areas – 

modems, cloud, IP networks, TV and media, 
as well as OSS and BSS

 > Expand business in new areas. 

The road ahead
The key focus areas outlined at our 2013 
Investor Day remain the foundation for our 
strategy for 2014 and the years ahead.
 > We will continue to pursue profitable growth,  

by making the most out of our existing 
footprint, increasing sales in new and 
targeted areas, increasing the share of IPR 
and software sales, and improving earnings 
in network rollout.

 > We will continue to reduce costs and improve 
efficiency, thanks to a better order-to-cash 
process and structural improvements; by 
industrializing, centralizing and automating 
our processes, and getting the most out of 
our global skills base; and by continuing to 
implement lean and agile ways of working 
across our R&D.

 > And we will keep on demonstrating 

commercial excellence, by evolving our 
infrastructure software model to a complete 
ICT environment, through consistent price 
management and by getting a price premium 
for first-class network performance.
The long-term fundamentals in the industry 
remain attractive and we are in a strong position 
to capture the opportunities that lie ahead.  
To assist me in achieving this, I have a 
dedicated, global organization with talented 
employees who work tirelessly to ensure that 
Ericsson continues to generate sustainable 
value for our shareholders and customers.

Hans Vestberg
President and CEO

  LETTER FROM THE CEO

7

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessMARKET TRENDS

New ICT solutions are transforming the way people, business 
and society communicate and collaborate. 

The Networked Society brings innovation and 
progress to private life, business and society. 
New forms of collaboration, participation and 
sharing, as well as new ways to meet customer 
needs and build value, are making the network 
more and more essential to all aspects of 
everyday life.

All around the world, people are demanding 

greater mobility, better broadband and more 
access to cloud-based services. These three 
factors are driving the evolution of the 
Networked Society. 

MOBILE BROADBAND 
OPPORTUNITIES 

Connections are the starting point of the 
Networked Society. There are currently 
approximately 6.7 billion mobile subscriptions 
around the world, and the proportion of the 
global population with mobile network access 

– known as population coverage – is constantly 
increasing as more radio base stations are 
deployed. And the different generations of 
mobile technology are reaching out to more  
and more people every year.

GSM/EDGE technology has by far the widest 

reach today, covering more than 85% of global 
population. The areas yet to be reached by 
GSM/EDGE in those countries that use the 
technology are sparsely populated.

Further expansion of WCDMA/HSPA  
will be driven by increased user demand for 
internet access, the growing affordability of 
smartphones and regulatory requirements  
to connect the unconnected.

Even in the early days of LTE rollout, at the  
end of 2012, it was estimated that the technology 
covered 10% of the world’s population. Looking 
ahead six years, Ericsson predicts that this will 
increase to more than 65%.

In 2013, global smartphone shipments 
outnumbered those of classic feature phones. 

Population coverage by mobile technology
Percent

Global mobile traffic 2010–2019 
Monthly Exabytes (1018 B)

100

80

60

40

20

0

>85%

>90%

-90%

~55%

>65%

~10%

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

2012 2019

2012 2019

2012 2019

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

 GSM/EDGE    

 WCDMA/HSPA    

 LITE

 Data: mobile PCs, tablets and mobile routers 
 Data: mobile phones    

 Voice

Source: Ericsson (November 2013)

Source: Ericsson estimate

40%

Mobile broadband 
subscriptions grew by 
around 40% in 2013, 
reaching more than  
2 billion.

Monthly data traffic  
per active device (GB)

2019 
forecast

2013

Smartphone 

Mobile PC

Tablet 

0.6

3.3

1.0

2.2

13

4.5

Total monthly mobile data traffic 
is estimated to grow tenfold 
between 2013 and 2019

Total smartphone data traffic is 
estimated to grow tenfold 
between 2013 and 2019

Source: Ericsson estimate

8

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESS4x

4X growth in mobile 
broadband subscriptions 
between 2013 and 2019.

Ericsson estimate.

Performance drives loyalty
Relative impact between each driver 
and loyalty to operator brand

19%

16%

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10%

The 1.9 billion smartphones subscriptions today 
are mainly in mid-to-high-end markets; the next 
billion is set to be mass-market phones now 
being introduced at USD 50-100. The continued 
growth in smartphones is changing consumer 
behavior and creating new lifestyles around the 
world. Another factor is the accelerating usage 
of tablets of which only around 25% are 
currently connected to mobile networks.

A large proportion of the increasing data 

traffic – for smartphones, tablets and computers 
– comes from video, on websites, and through 
streaming, downloads, video applications and 
gaming. Video is more sensitive to network 
quality than many other forms of data traffic,  
a fact that makes network performance even 
more important.

The opportunities that these factors 

represent will increase demand for networks, 
drive the expansion of mobile broadband and 
pave the way for growth in new information 
services and data business.

Changing consumer 
expectations

Today’s social, collaborative and sharing  
culture brings individual empowerment,  
new consumption patterns and stronger civic 
participation. It also brings an expectation of  
an always-on connection to the network and 
access to services wherever you are. For many 
people, a service delivered over the network – 
rather than ownership – is becoming the 
preferred way to consume and access content 
such as music and video, and is also becoming 
increasingly important in areas such as health, 
education and other public services.

Innovation in enterprises

Industries such as media, commerce, utilities, 
transportation, health and education are using 
ICT to create new business and improve 
performance of today’s operations. New, 
disruptive players, such as Spotify and Netflix, 
are challenging the prevailing models of their 
respective music and television/video industries. 
This accelerating innovation power is based  
on the combination of skilled, demanding users 
who expect better ways to get what they want, 
the availability of highly capable networks,  
and powerful ICT-based business platforms.

models. Rather than the all-you-can-eat models 
of a few years ago, we now see better-targeted 
offerings based on usage patterns, capacity, 
service bundles, multi-device plans and 
real-time features such as top-up plans. 
Operators are also increasing investments in, 
and focus on, developing new businesses in 
media and entertainment, cloud and IT services, 
machine-to-machine communications and 
enterprise offerings, as well as industry solutions 
in areas such as connected cars, health 
services and mobile money.

Differentiation through 
network performance

In a smartphone and tablet-centric world, 
broadband becomes the main enabler and 
applications a key service model. The consumer 
and business user experience is increasingly 
determined by the actual performance of 
applications, and the network needs not only to 
provide access but also safeguard and optimize 
the actual performance of the applications used. 
Research by Ericsson ConsumerLab provides 
clear evidence of the business value of a 
superior consumer experience. 

Operators that establish, demonstrate and 

promote a better user experience can take  
a lead in terms of satisfaction, loyalty and 
business value. Ericsson has established an 
approach to assessing and securing the 
performance of networks in relation to a real 
application experience. We call it App Coverage 
and have developed a set of indicators to 
measure and ensure network performance in 
terms of the application experience. We discuss 
this concept further in the Mobile Broadband 
section on Page 22.

Operator transformation

Higher data volumes, more devices, demanding 
applications and new service offerings to 
consumers, enterprises and industries all 
increase pressure on operators to meet customer 
expectations. This calls for a rapid transformation 
where improved network performance, more 
efficient processes and better structured OSS 
and BSS implementations enable the proactivity, 
agility and performance that the business 
portfolio requires. 

The combination of Ericsson’s technology 
and services leadership with business expertise 
and wide network of partners allows us to 
contribute to both network and business 
transformation for operators in markets around 
the world.

d
e
r
e
f
f
o
s
n
a
p

l

f
f
i
r
a
T

t
r
o
p
p
u
s
r
e
m
o
t
s
u
C

5%
s
d
r
a
w
e
r
y
t
l
a
y
o
L

i

e
c
v
r
e
s

r
e
m
o
t
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C

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r
o
w
t
e
N

r
e
f
f

O

g
n
i
t
e
k
r
a
M

Operator business 
development

Source: Ericsson ConsumerLab 
Network Performance Study 2013

Operators are at the center of the development 
of the Networked Society. Significantly, they are 
capitalizing on the growth in mobile broadband 
growth by introducing new pricing and revenue 

  MARKET TRENDS

9

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our Business 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARKET TRENDS CONTINUED

Operator evolution

Many operators are focusing on the user 
experience as a means of differentiation, with 
improved customer service and added-value 
services in order to increase customer loyalty 
and reduce retention costs. Increased focus  
on improved efficiency and core business is  
in many cases leading to new operational 
practices such as outsourcing and managed 
services partnerships.

Operators are also taking a sharper strategic 

focus. The three roles here are representative 
strategies adopted by several customers:
 > Network developers concentrate on 

connectivity and communication services. 
Network performance and efficiency are  
key priorities.

 > Service enablers establish systems and 
platforms that enable new enterprise 
practices such as IT cloud services and 
business processes as well as added-value 
services to enrich the consumer experience.

 > Service creators take the lead in providing 
innovative new services, and are active 
participants in the establishment of new 
ecosystems in markets such as digital health, 
connected cars, smart homes and cities.

Ericsson works closely with operators to 
support their different strategic development 

ambitions, providing solutions that grow 
business and meet the operational priorities  
of all three roles. Among our key offerings are:
 > High-performance networks that meet the 

most demanding service requirements from 
users and are open for the development  
of new business in areas such as new 
connectivity services, machine-to-machine, 
IP, heterogeneous networks, cloud and  
data monetization.

 > Network and business transformation  
to increase efficiency and provide a 
differentiated customer experience.

 > Business support solutions that allow the 

agile introduction of new pricing models and 
offerings with appealing combinations of  
new subscription packages with added-value 
services and partnerships.

 > Systems integration expertise and 

communication solutions that provide 
expansion opportunities and new  
enterprise offerings.

 > Platforms and development projects to 

expand into industry-specific solutions with 
machine-to-machine and applications for 
specific industries.

Ericsson’s technical and business expertise  
and solutions make it possible for operators  
to explore new roles and capture the new 
opportunities they can offer.

Ericsson brings

Operator strategic focus

Innovation and revenue growth

Applications and services

OSS & BSS and process 
transformation

Systems and platforms

Network evolution

Connectivity and communication

Network 
developer

Service  
enabler

Service  
creator

Source: Ericsson

10

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSOUR MARKETS

Understanding of our customers and their businesses  
helps us provide innovative offerings that ensure we and 
they stay ahead in every market. 

Customers in more than  
180 countries

Ericsson’s business is characterized by long-
term relationships, mainly with large telecom 
operators. We serve more than 500 operator 
customers, and an increasing number of 
non-operator customers, in more than 180 
countries. We have been in many of these 
markets for more than 100 years.

We provide solutions and services to all 
major telecom operators in the world. Sales to 
telecom operators represent the vast majority  
of our revenues. Our ten largest customers,  
of which half are multinational, account for  
44% of net sales.

Our customers operate in a variety of markets 
and are at various levels of technological maturity. 
Their business focuses also differ depending on 
the maturity of their markets.

The installed base of radio networks is the 
foundation for Ericsson’s business with mobile 
operators. We are also expanding into other 
domains such as IP core networks, OSS and 
BSS, as well as the TV and media markets.
Over the past ten years, we have built a 
significant services business, representing  
43% of net sales in 2013 (42% in 2012). Ericsson 
pioneered managed services, and continues  
to be the undisputed leader. Success in areas 
such as managed services, consulting and 
systems integration in turn creates opportunities 
for more business.

In recent years, we have expanded into TV 
and media. Users are consuming more video, 
which is an increasing source of data traffic in 
mobile networks – 35% at the end of 2013. Video 
is forecast to account for more than half of all 
mobile network traffic in 2019. In this domain,  
we can reuse skills, methods and tools from our 
telecom managed services in the operation of 
broadcast services for TV and media companies.

Through the acquisition of Tandberg 

Television in 2007 and Microsoft’s Mediaroom  
in 2013, we are now also a leader in the  
IPTV and video compression business,  
with multi-screen solutions for TV Anywhere.

Reinventing the way  
companies create value

To build the Networked Society, we have to offer 
our innovations more widely than to operators 
alone. This requires new ways to extend our 
reach. Today we also engage directly with 
customers in selected industry verticals – 
particularly utilities, transport and public safety. 
Our aim is to reuse products, solutions and 
services for these customers. They either have 
similar business models to telecom operators, 
or gain from mobile broadband and the larger 
opportunity to connect anything that benefits 
from being connected. Connectivity is helping 
these sectors reinvent the way they create value. 

Sometimes we do business in direct 
collaboration with these companies, and 
sometimes together with our operator 
customers. Business requirements – such as 
handling large volumes of subscription data,  
in machine-to-machine applications, for 
example – are often a common factor.  
Our strategy is to explore and commercialize 
emerging opportunities within and between 
these sectors.

Since the split-up of our joint venture  
ST-Ericsson in 2013, and the establishment  
of the Modems segment, handset and device 
manufacturers have become a new customer 
segment, to whom we will supply multi-mode 
thin modems.

43%

Global Services 
represented 43% of 
Ericsson sales in 2013.

  OUR MARKETS

11

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessOUR STRATEGY

We aim to become a leading Information and  
Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider  
by combining our core assets: Our people, our  
technology and services leadership, and global scale.

Vision and mission

OUR STRATEGY

Ericsson’s vision is to be the prime driver in an all-communicating 
world. By using innovation to empower people, business and society, 
we are enabling the Networked Society, in which everything that 
benefits from a connection will be connected.

Our strategy

Global scale

Excel with a leading 
 portfolio for high 
 performance Networks

Expand Services  
by driving  world  
class operations   
and network evolution

Technology 
leadership

The prime  
driver  in an   
all-communicating   
world

Services 
leadership

Extend in Support 
Solutions  with leading 
OSS & BSS  Systems  
and media  distribution  
to utilize  and capitalize 
on  the network

Establish leading 
position  for enablers 
(IPRs, M2M,  Selected 
industry verticals, 
 Modems) of the 
Networked  Society

12

Ericsson’s strategy builds directly on our vision 
of a connected world in which broadband, 
mobility and the cloud combine to create  
the Networked Society.

The strategy is based on four pillars: 

 > Excel in networks
 > Expand in services
 > Extend in support solutions
 > Establish a leading position in Networked 

Society enablers. 

We are executing this strategy by leveraging 
our technology and services leadership 
combined with our global scale. These 
competitive advantages, together with the  
skills and experience of our employees, make 
Ericsson a true end-to-end business partner 
for network operators and customers in 
selected industry verticals as the Networked 
Society becomes a reality. 

Our go-to-market approach is built on 

business units and regions. The business units 
develop solutions for specific business areas, 
while the regions cultivate strong relationships 
with our customers. This allows us to address 
customers’ needs, keep them satisfied and 
ensure we always deliver what we promise.

Our position and our influence also give us 
an opportunity – and a responsibility – to help 
address urgent global challenges such as 
poverty, human rights and climate change.

Excel in networks

We will excel with a leading portfolio for high-
performance networks. Our wanted position is to 
remain No.1 in networks for service providers and 
lead the transition to the network architecture 
that will enable the Networked Society. 

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSOur acquisition of Microsoft’s Mediaroom 

shows our commitment to capturing the 
opportunities created by the ongoing 
transformation of TV and media. Our ambition  
is to be the industry’s TV and media partner of 
choice, and we strive to enable the most efficient 
video-delivery networks, exploit the growing need 
for on-demand content management and lead in 
the multi-screen and multi-platform market.

Establish a leading position in 
Networked Society enablers

With the Networked Society becoming a reality, 
we are establishing ourselves in the emerging 
new business landscape. Building on our 
technology and services leadership with 
intellectual property rights, machine-to-machine 
platforms and modems, we are creating new 
business with players across the selected 
industry verticals of the utility, transportation 
and public safety industries. 

Ericsson’s capabilities, combined with our 
proven record of commercializing advanced  
ICT solutions, position us perfectly to build 
solutions that bring new innovative capabilities 
into these industry verticals while providing  
new efficiencies of scale. 

Long-term STRATEGY 
FRAMEWORK

Evolving to be the industry leader in the 
Networked Society, based on our core 
business, we expect to grow in targeted  
areas and invest in new areas.
 > We are focusing on increasing profit from  

the portfolio in our core business. 
 > We aim to establish leadership in the 

targeted areas of OSS and BSS, TV and 
Media, IP Networks, Cloud and Modems.
 > We are seeking to expand business in new 
areas that are critical to the Networked 
Society and where our capabilities will  
make a significant difference. 

As we allocate capital to support this strategy, 
investment in services capabilities goes  
hand in hand with investment in product 
development. Our growth strategy, leveraging 
our market footprint, is primarily through 
organic growth, but also in combination with 
acquisitions and partnerships. 

We intend to simplify the management of 
every component of an operator’s network, 
while exploring opportunities to build new 
services based on areas such as big data  
and analytics on top of networks.

As the leader in radio evolution, Ericsson  
will continue to drive the introduction of new 
standards and technologies, while defending 
our existing business with a strong migration 
story. We can build on our leading position in 
mobile backhaul and packet core networks to 
grow our footprint in IP and transport, and use 
our network experience to create compelling 
cloud solutions.

Expand in services

We expect to expand our No.1 position in services 
for operators by becoming a professional services 
partner to new types of customers in selected 
industry verticals. The strength of our services 
business proves the value of combining local 
capabilities with global scale, and we will continue 
with this proven strategy while prioritizing 
innovation, competence and cost control.

Top of the agenda is ensuring the continued 

transformation of our professional services 
capabilities. This means continuing to build 
capabilities in IT services and ensuring we reuse 
and standardize as much as possible – a process 
we refer to as services industrialization. We 
expect to also expand in product-related services, 
where we will extend our capabilities in designing 
and optimizing networks and move into services 
for heterogeneous networks, wireless networks 
that use a range of access technologies.

We expect to continue to lead in managed 
services. At the same time, we intend to build 
our consulting and systems integration 
competencies further, with an increased focus 
on extending our OSS, BSS and IP network 
transformation offerings, and continuing to 
explore opportunities in industry verticals.

Extend in support solutions 

Our priority is to extend our support solutions 
business with OSS and BSS as well as TV and 
media solutions to get the most out of networks. 
Ericsson strives to provide solutions that 
contribute to the best customer experience, 
business innovation and business efficiency.

We intend to build on our extensive installed 
OSS and BSS base to strengthen our position 
even further. In particular, we continue to focus 
on customer experience management and 
analytics, cloud and next-generation business 
intelligence. In addition, we intend to use our 
m-commerce strength in developing markets  
to provide banking capabilities to everyone.

  OUR STRATEGY

13

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessHow we create value

Ericsson develops and applies various business models  
for different types of businesses and different parts of the 
portfolio. Here we discuss two of our main business models 
targeting telecom operators. 

Ericsson has worked for many years with large 
network-infrastructure projects. The operation 
of the resulting complex networks created a 
demand for managed services. The advent of 
mobile data led to a need for software-based 
support systems to monetize data services. 
Over the years, the business models have 
evolved to meet customer demand. All have 
similar basic investment-to-value models,  
but with some significant differences. 

They all start with an initial investment phase, 

such as research and the development of new 
products, solutions and services. 

The early phases of both infrastructure 

coverage and managed services projects have 
lower margins and profits, as explained in the 
diagrams on the opposite page. Profitability 
improves in both cases as the projects develop 
and mature.

Business models evolution

Modems

Patents & licensing

 > Unit-priced modems

TV & media

 > Running royalty-based licensing

 > Service-led transformations

OSS & BSS

 > Recurring software contracts

IP & cloud

Managed services

Mobile infrastructure 

 > Recurring service contracts

 > Capacity and small-cell projects

 > Large, capital-intensive   
infrastructure projects 

 > 2015

BUSINESS MODELS WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE AS BUSINESS EVOLVES

Large, capital-intensive  
infrastructure  projects

2005

14

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSMobile broadband infrastructure business model

    Capacity (expansion phase)

 > Upgrade, capacity increase
 > Small-cell deployments
 > Shorter order cycles
 > Positive effect on company  

gross margin 

    Coverage (initial phase)

 > Break-in and green field
 > Open bidding
 > More hardware and rollout services 
 > Negative effect on company  

gross margin 

 > More capital tied up

Managed services business model

PROFITABILITY

A – Transition
B – Transformation
C – Optimization

A

B

C

YEARS

Industralize  and 
evolve  contract

Optimize and 
 shorten transition 
 and transformation

MOBILE BROADBAND 
infrastructure business model

Our most traditional business model is in 
network infrastructure, delivering and rolling  
out a physical network including all necessary 
hardware and software. The first phase involves 
building coverage across one or more 
geographical areas and often includes network 
rollout services. Subsequent phases include 
increasing network capacity, and adding 
functionality. Services include network design 
and optimization, and systems integration. 

The initial build and rollout phase can take 

several years, is capital-intensive, open to 
competitive bidding, and usually involves lower 
margins. The later phases, extending the 
capacity and functionality of the established 
footprint, often involve a lower share of hardware  
but more professional services and software, 
which can be deployed remotely. These phases 
generally produce higher margins. The differing 
nature of the phases makes it important that we 
find a beneficial mix of coverage and capacity 
projects, in order to secure a good balance 
between growth and profitability.

Managed services  
business model

A different model applies to our managed 
services business. We take over aspects of  
a customer’s business operation, or even the 
entire operation, for a period of up to seven 
years. Staff and expertise are often transferred 
from the customer to Ericsson. The initial 
transition and transformation phases can involve 
significant costs up front. But by simplifying, 
implementing and consolidating resources, 
tools, methods and processes, we step by  
step reduce the costs and improve our returns.  
Most such contracts are subsequently renewed. 
We have a good balance of contracts in the 
transition, transformation and optimization 
phases – with the vast majority of the business 
in the optimization phase – which has a 
beneficial effect on revenue and cash flow. 

  How we create value

15

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessHOW WE WORK

Our competitive advantages and core values, our people  
and our ways of working, all combine to ensure we  
are always innovative and efficient, and do business 
responsibly and sustainably.

TECHNOLOGY and SERVICES LEADERSHIP
Innovative solutions and unparalleled service offerings 
We support our customers in the new ICT landscape by combining the advantages of our 
leadership in technology and services capabilities. 

Our technical expertise is driven by innovation, research and development, delivering high network 
performance and enabling our customers to be first to market where it matters. We hold one of  
the largest patent portfolios in the industry, with more than 35,000 granted patents worldwide.  
We supplied the world’s first LTE network and have maintained our leading LTE position since the 
first rollout of LTE in 2009. We are also a leading support systems provider.

Ericsson is also the largest telecom services provider in the world, supporting operators in creating 
competitive, attractive and appealing offerings to consumers, while providing managed services to 
networks that serve more than 1 billion subscribers worldwide. We pioneered managed services  
for the telecom industry more than 10 years ago and remain the leader today.

GLOBAL SCALE
Local presence combined with global scale 
With operations and customers in more than 180 countries, we have established relationships  
with all the world’s major telecom operators. We use worldwide standards, combined with global 
economies of scale in research and development, production and service delivery, to ensure that 
our products and services are efficient and of high quality wherever they are deployed. 

Our technology handles approximately 40% of the world’s mobile traffic and around 50% of all 
global LTE smartphone traffic goes through networks delivered by Ericsson. Our capabilities and 
business understanding in telecom, datacom and media are prerequisites for large-scale ICT 
transformation projects. Every year, we deliver approximately 1500 consulting, systems integration 
and learning services projects in multi-vendor and multi-technology environments.

Ericsson’s core values

Our values are the foundation of our culture. 
They guide us in our daily work, in how we  
relate to each other and the world around  
us, and in the way we do business.

Professionalism

Respect

Perseverance

16

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESS77%

Employee Engagement 
measures employees’ 
overall motivation and 
commitment. Ericsson’s 
score for 2013 is 77%,  
8 percentage points above 
a global benchmark,  
and 2 points above an  
ICT industry subset.

OUR PEOPLE

People have made Ericsson what it is  
today. Our people with their ingenuity and 
professionalism are at the heart of the success 
we achieve today and aspire to tomorrow.  
By working with Ericsson, they are helping  
build the Networked Society and create a  
more sustainable world.

Our people work with us because we can 

help them fulfill their career ambitions and 
reward their effort and commitment. Working  
for Ericsson encourages and stimulates 
creativity and initiative in an environment  
that embraces innovation and rapid change.

To attract the best people, help them reach 
their full potential and engage them on the way, 
our People Strategy has four objectives: 

Attract talent
To attract exceptional talent, we take a strategic 
approach to becoming an employer of choice 
wherever we operate. We want to be recognized 
as the company that will fulfill the personal and 
career ambitions of a potential employee.

Develop talent
Talent needs to be nurtured and encouraged,  
and we place great emphasis on identifying 
talented professionals early in their careers.  
We have a structured approach to identifying  
and assessing talent, and have created an 
environment in which employees can achieve 
their full potential. Our comprehensive career  
and competence model, supported by online  
and classroom training from Ericsson Academy 
and on-the-job development helps employees to 
build their careers and develop capabilities that 
contribute to the company’s continued success. 

Develop leaders
Strong leaders are essential for Ericsson to 
keep our technology and services leadership 
amid evolving business conditions. That is why 
we constantly reexamine the leadership skills 
and competencies required to maintain our 
leading position. An annual process identifies, 
assesses and develops people to assume 

Ericsson Academy

Ericsson Academy provides innovative and 
inspiring learning to all our employees, 
enabling our business to grow in line with  
strategic targets and ambitions. Learning 
everyday includes both formal and informal 
learning, collaboration and sharing.

strategic roles in the company. Our leadership 
pipeline is under continual review to ensure that 
we develop the right leadership capabilities at 
all levels in the organization. 

Embrace diversity
Different people bring different points of view 
and different solutions to challenges – essential 
factors in our constant search for better, more 
effective solutions for our customers. We strive 
for our management teams and employee base 
to be as diverse as the world in which we live.  
A diverse and inclusive workforce drives 
innovation and leads to high-performing teams 
and superior business results. 

TOOLS, METHODS AND PROCESSES

As a global organization, Ericsson uses a 
system of standardized tools, processes and 
methods to ensure simplicity and efficiency, 
guarantee aligned service offerings and quality 
levels, and deliver economies of scale.

Our regional organizations, all of which 
include six engagement practices, allow us to 
identify best practices, methods and processes 
from any individual market, and then adapt and 
reuse them globally. 

The Ericsson Group Management System 

(EGMS) is used in all operations covering all 
units around the world. Its consistency and 
global reach helps ensure that the way we  
work meets the objectives of Ericsson’s  
major stakeholders, building trust. The EGMS 
framework defines structure, rules and 
requirements for compliance with  
applicable laws, listing requirements, 
governance standards and other requirements. 
In addition, we employ a system of audits  
and assessments to determine compliance and 
to provide valuable information for understanding, 
analyzing and continually improving performance. 

GOVERNANCE

Good corporate governance forms the basis  
for building a robust corporate culture 
throughout a global organization. Ericsson 
maintains a constant focus on corporate 
governance issues including the establishment 
of efficient and reliable controls and procedures, 
and on promoting sustainable and responsible 
business practices. It is crucial that such 
business practices are valued and followed by 
all people in the organization. 

All Ericsson employees are responsible for 
adhering to Ericsson’s Code of Business Ethics, 
which summarizes the Group’s basic policies 
and directives, and emphasizes the importance 
of integrity in all business activities. 

  HOW WE WORK

17

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessMaking 
better 
cities

Urban growth is continuing at a fast pace – the 
population in urban areas exceeds 50% of the 
world’s population. By 2050 it is expected that 
70% of the world’s population will live in cities. 
Cities are also the hotspots of the global 
economy and account for more than 70%  
of CO2 emissions. In order to maintain cities’ 
role as a source of innovation and economic 
growth, to improve the quality of life in urban 
areas and to mitigate the impact of climate 
change, they must develop sustainably.

Mobility, broadband and cloud technology 
from Ericsson can help transform the way cities 
are built and the services available to residents, 
like transportation systems and smart energy 
grids. This also has the potential to reduce  
CO2 emissions by approximately 15%. Ericsson 
and UN-Habitat have started a three-year 
collaboration exploring on how cities can 
leverage ICT investment to be more sustainable.

70%

Cities account for more than 70%  
of global CO2 emissions and two-
thirds of the world’s energy use today. 
The steps they take now to combat 
climate change will have a major 
impact on the future of our planet.

18

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013SUSTAINABILITY AND 
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 

Sustainability and corporate responsibility are integral aspects 
of our business, reflected in our strategy and governance. 

40%

40% energy savings with 
Psi coverage solution 
compared with traditional 
coverage solutions.

Ericsson aims to lead the industry in providing 
significant and measureable contributions to  
a sustainable Networked Society. Through our 
commitment and actions, we demonstrate that 
we are a trusted partner for our stakeholders. 

Our Sustainability and Corporate 

Responsibility program has three key focus 
areas closely connected to our business and 
where we can have the greatest impact:
 > Conducting business responsibility
 > Maximizing environmental and  

energy performance

 > Advocating Technology for Good.

CONDUCTING BUSINESS 
RESPONSIBLY 

Ericsson is committed to upholding the UN 
Global Compact Principles, and reported in line 
with the Global Compact Advanced level for the 
first time in 2013. 

We are also committed to the UN Guiding 

Principles on Business and Human Rights,  
and work actively to respect human rights 
throughout our operations. 

In Myanmar we received a Corporate Social 
Responsibility Special Recognition Award from 
Télécoms Sans Frontières. Ericsson was also 
recognized by Swedish insurance company 
Folksam as a “role model company” for our 
work with human rights. 

As part of our zero tolerance for corruption, 
we have continued to develop our anti-corruption 
program. This included a new version of an 
anti-corruption e-learning course which has  
now been completed by approximately  
85,000 employees.

Maximizing ENVIRONMENTAL  
and energy PERFORMANCE

We continue to improve energy efficiency  
across our entire portfolio. Our latest generation 
of network infrastructure equipment provides 
better performance than previous generations 
while consuming less electricity. 

Examples include:

 > The RBS 6000 radio base station,  

 >

part of our core portfolio, which provides  
energy-efficient coverage and capacity.
Increasing deployment of our energy-efficient 
Psi coverage solution in markets such as 
Egypt, Bangladesh, Brazil and Turkey. These 
deployments have shown energy savings of 
40% compared with traditional solutions. 
 > By reducing indoor cell sizes and bringing  
the network closer to users, the Radio Dot 
System can reduce indoor solution power 
requirements. It also prolongs the battery life 
of devices such as smartphones and tablets 
frequently used in enterprise environments.
 > Our own operations are also yielding significant 
energy savings, in areas such as business 
travel, the efficiency of Ericsson facilities and 
the way we ship our products. We are working 
toward a five-year target of reducing CO2 
emissions per employee by 30% and keeping 
absolute CO2 emissions at 2011 levels, despite 
forecast growth in sales and employees.
 > When we take back our products, we reuse 
or recycle 98% of the materials. We also 
continued to expand our ecology 
management program in 2013.

  SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 

19

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessSUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 
CONTINUED

Sustainability advocacy

TECHNOLOGY FOR GOOD

In early 2013, the Broadband Commission on 
Digital Development established a Task Force 
on Sustainable Development, chaired by our 
CEO Hans Vestberg, to explore some of the 
issues surrounding how broadband can best 
contribute to development goals. The Ericsson-
led Broadband Commission Task Force report 
“Transformative Solutions for 2015 and Beyond” 
examines the role broadband and ICT can play 
as transformative solutions for achieving 
sustainable development for all. 

Hans Vestberg was also a member of  
the Leadership Council for the Sustainable 
Development Solutions Network, which submitted 
a report to the UN Secretary-General, “An Action 
Agenda for Sustainable Development,” in 2013.
Our Energy and Carbon Report analyzed  
the growing use of ICT. It showed that while the 
expansion of ICT is stimulating economic growth 
and development, the resulting increase in carbon 
emissions is expected to be marginal, with the 
sector as a whole not seen as contributing more 
than 2% of global CO2 emissions. 

At Ericsson’s NEST thought-leadership event 

in 2013, we announced a collaboration with 
UN-Habitat for research and involvement in 
promoting sustainable cities, getting maximum 
value out of ICT investments, and carrying out 
collaborative research and specific initiatives 
that provide valuable insights for city leaders 
and policy makers.

Our Technology For Good program continues  
to work with several initiatives helping people 
and communities address global challenges  
at the local, regional and international levels.
Connect to Learn is a global initiative 
providing quality secondary education to 
children, especially girls, worldwide. From its 
inception in 2010 up to late 2013, Connect to 
Learn had been established in 15 countries in 
cooperation with 10 operators. The initiative 
benefits nearly 40,000 students in schools 
across three continents.

Our work with Refugees United progressed 

over the year with the launch of the service in 
the Democratic Republic of Congo. By year-
end, there were more than 250,000 refugees 
registered on the platform, so we are a quarter 
of the way toward our 2015 goal of helping  
1 million people separated by conflict or 
disaster come in contact with loved ones.

Ericsson supported the Whitaker 

Development and Peace Initiative’s (WPDI) 
Harmonizer program in Mexico. Harmonizer 
encourages social change and transformation  
in urban areas affected by violence and conflict, 
while the WPDI provides training in areas such 
as conflict resolution, community building and 
ICT for vulnerable youth living through the 
aftermath of violence and conflict.

This project is part of the Youth Peacemaker 

Network (YPN), a program that has been 
already established by the WPDI in South Sudan 
and Uganda, where Ericsson is also a partner. 
The YPN is a global initiative that seeks to 
nurture a new generation of leaders committed 
to reconciliation and conflict prevention.

At the request of our partners at the World 

Food Programme and the Emergency 
Telecommunications Cluster, Ericsson 
Response, our employee volunteer program, 
deployed volunteers to the Philippines in 
response to the disaster caused by the super 
typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. The wireless internet 
access provided to more than 2,500 
humanitarian aid workers allowed them to 
organize their disaster relief operations.

20

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSConnect  
To Learn

Through Ericsson’s Connect To Learn project, 
pupils in the local school of Suruacá in the 
Brazilian Amazon can now access the 
internet, take part in cloud-based education 
and interact with children in other schools 
across Brazil and across the world.

The global education initiative Connect To 

Learn was founded by Ericsson, the Earth 
Institute at Columbia University and 
Millennium Promise. It was launched in the 
Millennium Villages – integrated, community-
led developments designed to improve the 
living conditions and future outlook of some of 
the world’s poorest people – with operators in 
sub-Saharan Africa to meet the challenge of 
access to secondary education. The project 
has since been deployed in other regions 
such as the Amazon with Vivo/Telefónica.
The initiative ensures access to global 
resources through ICT, as well as teacher 
training and scholarships. In Brazil, Ericsson 
volunteers provide virtual classes for students 
and make school-to-school connections for 
classes in Rio de Janeiro and Portugal.

40,000

Nearly 40,000 students are benefiting 
from Connect To Learn in schools 
across three continents.

  SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 

21

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR solutions

We have the competence, the skills and the solutions  
our customers need to tackle the challenges of today  
and tomorrow. 

MOBILE BROADBAND

 > Providing, upgrading and transforming 

network infrastructure 

 > Supporting operators in adoption of new 

data-centric business models

 > Helping operators meet demand by 

introducing the ‘App Coverage’ approach
 > Building heterogeneous networks using small 
cells, improving indoor and urban coverage

Mobile data traffic continued to grow rapidly  
in 2013. The rising number of smartphone 
subscriptions is a key driver for mobile data 
traffic growth, together with the fact that users 
are consuming more data per subscription – 
mainly driven by video. Total smartphone 
subscriptions reached 1.9 billion during 2013 
and the number of subscriptions for mobile 
PCs, tablets and mobile routers reached 300 
million. The majority of mobile broadband 
subscribers are connected using 3G/WCDMA 
networks, but increasing numbers are gaining 
access to 4G/LTE.

With our offerings, operators can cost-
effectively meet consumer and enterprise 
demand for services anywhere, anytime. 
Besides increasing coverage, speed and 
capacity, operators are differentiating  
their services and adapting them to new 
business models.

A change in perspective
Operators need new ways to define 
performance so they can build and manage 
their networks in the most efficient way. 
Ericsson’s “App Coverage” concept advances 
the definition of performance beyond  
traditional population coverage, measuring 
whether a network delivers the performance 
required to run a particular application with 
acceptable quality.

Using this app-centric approach, our 
services and tools help operators determine 
where and when coverage and capacity  
need to be added or improved for an optimal  
user experience.

To increase network coverage and capacity 

in densely populated urban areas, we are 
building heterogeneous networks, improving our 
macro radio base stations while complementing 
them with smaller base stations including Wi-Fi. 
This provides the required App Coverage and 
sufficient capacity in high-load areas, such as 
malls, transport hubs, hotels and offices. 

We expect LTE to keep expanding from 175 
million subscriptions in 2013, reaching around 
2.6 billion in 2019 and covering more than 65% 
of the world’s population. We also see 2G/GSM/
EDGE networks continuing to be an important 
part of the ecosystem, and a complement to 
3G/WCDMA/HSPA and 4G/LTE coverage.

The building blocks
We build network infrastructure with the 
following main components: 
 > The RBS 6000 multi-standard platform for 

radio base stations. It supports GSM/EDGE, 
CDMA, WCDMA/HSPA and LTE in a single 
unit, ensuring a smooth transition to new 
technologies. Upgrades and expansions 
usually involve software and services,  
often delivered remotely. 

 > The Ericsson Blade System for network control 
functionality in fixed and mobile core networks.

 > The SSR 8000 family of smart services 
routers for network gateways. The multi-
application, high-capacity platform improves 
network performance and supports service 
differentiation in fixed and mobile networks.

 > Optimized backhaul solutions. The 

introduction of heterogeneous networks 
means many new sites, challenging traditional 
solutions for backhaul and synchronization. 

30%

Mobile broadband  
now accounts for 
approximately 30% of  
all mobile subscriptions.

The Ericsson Radio Dot 
System will provide quality 
access to mobile services 
indoors using small cells 
to address coverage 
challenges.

22

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSThe 
connected 
car

Ericsson and Volvo Car Group have teamed 
up to create the ‘connected car,’ allowing 
drivers, passengers and the vehicle to 
connect to cloud-based services.

Through the Ericsson connected vehicle 
cloud, drivers and passengers will be able  
to access applications for information, 
navigation and entertainment on a screen in 
the car. At the same time, the car itself will 
supply data on the state of its various 
systems and communicate with other parties 
– for instance, to book a service date and 
give the mechanic early information on parts 
that need to be ordered. 

  OUR solutions

23

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR solutions CONTINUED

Our backhaul solutions use technologies 
such as microwave, optical and satellite.

 > Our network design and optimization 

services ensure that networks can handle 
high levels of data traffic while maintaining 
service quality and user experience.
 > Ericsson’s network rollout services.

Communication services

 > New opportunities for communication 

between people, enterprises and machines
 > Evolution driven by Voice over LTE (VoLTE), 
High Definition Voice and Video, Enriched 
Communication Services, all enabled by  
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)

 > Cloud-based solutions, such as the Device 
Connection Platform, pushing the borders  
of communication beyond people

experience and reducing costs. In addition we 
offer machine-to-machine solutions to operators 
as a cloud service.

We help operators leverage the value of their 
networks by exploiting these new opportunities, 
providing enhanced communication services 
that are secure, reliable and simple to use.

All our applications are moving to virtualized 

deployments, complying with the ongoing 
Network Functions Virtualization industry 
group’s specifications.

FIXED Broadband  
and convergence

 > Fourth-generation IP network portfolio 
 > Real-time cloud capabilities
 > Unlocks full potential of mobility, video  

and the cloud

Consumers and business users want to 
communicate with more people, in more contexts 
and for more reasons than ever before. Operators 
are using this growing demand to drive business, 
providing new functionality and richer offerings 
across networks, devices and country borders.

Operators are already providing 

communication services, such as voice, text 
and multimedia messaging based on industry 
standards, ensuring global interoperability 
across all devices and all subscriptions. 

Our IMS solutions enable operators to offer 

communication in new ways, such as high-
definition voice, video calling and conferencing, 
multi-party chat with presence information, and 
screen sharing. IMS is also providing Voice and 
video over LTE (VoLTE), enhancing the user 

Legacy telecom networks were designed  
to deliver a limited number of services.  
Our IP-based multi-service networks create 
opportunities for operators to unlock the  
full potential of mobility, video and the cloud.
Our fourth-generation IP network portfolio 
allows operators to use their complete network 
as a single business resource as opposed to the 
fragmented and complex reality of most legacy 
networks. It also allows for increasingly virtualized 
network features, adding flexibility and paving the 
way for cooperation with new partners. 

As a first step we introduced the ability to 
deliver telephony, internet and TV over fixed  
and mobile broadband networks. By combining 
operators’ software-defined networks (SDN) and 
cloud solutions, we are now adding real-time 

Three operator cloud tracks

Operator customer cloud

Operator IT cloud

Operator telecom cloud

Cloud services for  
consumer and enterprise

Virtualized IT functions such 
as customer management

Virtualized telecom  
functions

Value-added offerings  
sold as services

Optimized internal IT resources

Replaces telecom hardware

*  The system has at least “five nines” availability, i.e. 99.999%.

24

A carrier-grade* cloud 
Ericsson Cloud System allows 
operators to simplify their networks 
and accelerate service creation  
and delivery. Virtualization of 
network functions, for example, 
allows applications to share the 
same hardware.

Ericsson Cloud System broadens the 
application of cloud-based services 
by providing “carrier-grade” service 
availability, continuity and security.

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESScapabilities to the cloud – essential qualities for 
evolving consumer and enterprise services and 
to create new vertical applications in areas such 
as safety and traffic monitoring. 

MANAGED SERVICES

 > Experience-centric engagement approach 

allows operators to get more out of 
managed services

 > Managing and evolving network and IT 
environments for operators to improve 
efficiency and strengthen competitiveness

 > Established in media, the cloud and IT 

Managed Services, expanding into utilities 
and transport sectors 

Managed services traditionally involve taking 
over activities operators once handled in-house, 
from designing, planning and building a 
network, to managing operations. The main 
driving factor has been cost savings, but as 
competitive pressures have increased, 
operators have also needed to adapt their 
positions in the value chain. 

We have developed managed services as  
a way to enhance the customer experience and 
increase business differentiation. We create new 
value by combining technical, service and 
customer experience expertise. Our experience-
centric approach enhances the performance that 
subscribers actually get. Starting with the 
operator’s business objectives, we define the level 
of customer experience necessary to meet those 
objectives and work together to make it happen. 
Our traditional telecom managed services 
model focuses on reducing cost and complexity. 
Other models such as wholesale network 
sharing allow operators to choose between 
investing in their own infrastructure and sharing  
it to varying degrees with partners.

We handle complex issues such as 

convergence, quality and capacity management, 
while freeing up operator resources to focus on 
strategy, marketing and customer care. 

Customer

Business Support Systems (BSS)

Operations Support Systems (OSS)

Network

We provide managed services to networks 

that serve more than 1 billion subscribers in 
more than 100 countries. These networks are 
typically multi-vendor, multi-technology 
environments, with more than half the equipment 
coming from non-Ericsson sources. We operate 
four Global Network Operations Centers 
(GNOCs) offering a universal approach to 
managed services based on years of innovation 
and global best practice. We rely on our global 
set of tools, methods and processes, and invest 
to ensure they remain at the leading edge.

We are expanding our established model  
for network and IT managed services to adjacent 
areas such as cloud services, TV and media, 
and selected industry verticals.

OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS 
SUPPORT SYSTEMS (OSS AND BSS)

 > Enabling operators to become agile 
 > Providing systems to manage increasingly 

complex networks and services 

 > Solutions to improve user experience and  

to create new business opportunities

OSS and BSS are used to run the networks – 
not just from a technical perspective, but also 
to manage how services are delivered and paid 
for, keep track of revenues and maintain 
customer relationships.

The shift in focus from voice to data services  

is both a challenge and an opportunity for 
operators. The growth of mobile broadband is 
leading operators to evolve their OSS and BSS  
in order to monetize the increasing amount of 
data flowing through their networks while 
managing the increasing complexity of networks 
and services. Our solutions cater for user needs 
and help identify new revenue streams, in addition 
to running and maintaining operations. Our 
extensive expertise and global experience makes 
us unique in our approach to OSS and BSS. 

We enable our customers to become more 

agile – fast, flexible and in control of their 
business in a dynamic and fast-paced market. 
Our solutions help them capture, analyze and 
report user data, providing insights for more 
cost-efficient business decisions, identifying 
new revenue streams and enabling increased 
personalization and user control.

Our portfolio is designed around measurable 

performance improvement in an operator’s 
business processes, with software that is 
scalable, configurable and which provides 
end-to-end capabilities. This, together with our 
expertise in consulting and systems integration, 
makes us a world-class software company. 
The integration of the former Telcordia 
products, and those of ConceptWave, has 
contributed to our comprehensive OSS and 
BSS portfolio. 

25

1 BN

We provide managed 
services to networks  
with more than one  
billion subscribers.

This is BSS and OSS

Business Support 
Systems help with 
customer care, in areas 
such as ordering, billing 
and collecting payments.

Operations Support 
Systems ensure the 
technical aspects of 
network quality, such as 
performance and capacity. 

  OUR solutions

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessOUR solutions CONTINUED

TV and media MANAGEMENT

Connected Devices

>2.0BN

 > A broad suite of standards-based solutions, 

products and services 

 > Complete solutions for device connectivity
 > Compact ‘modems-on-a-chip’ for 

 > Enabling content owners, broadcasters,  

smartphones, tablets and other small devices

Subscriptions served by 
Ericsson Charging and 
Billing systems.

TV service providers and network operators 
to create and deliver the future of TV on all 
consumer devices

 > Managing and monetizing the strong growth 

in video traffic

TV is transforming into an immersive, connected 
and social experience on every smart device a 
consumer owns and interacts with. The 
convergence of media and telecoms, especially 
through the global uptake of mobile broadband, 
is accelerating a change in the way consumers 
get premium entertainment. It also changes 
industry players’ roles in that value chain.

Our position in this transformation – with 20 
years of media and video experience, and global 
leadership in networks and telecoms – is a 
crucial advantage to our customers as we help 
them innovate in TV Anywhere services and 
manage the strong growth in data traffic driven 
by video.

Our Mediaroom and Multiscreen TV solutions 
– enabling TV service providers to deliver on the 
TV Anywhere future – is powering more than  
70 TV services for over 14 million subscribers. 
Our On-Demand Content Management Solution 
provides the content management and 
packaging needed to ensure unified access  
to infinite amounts of relevant content.

Ericsson’s Media Delivery Network solution, 
LTE Broadcast and advanced video compression 
transform video efficiency, while maximizing the 
value of content and network assets.

Our broad portfolio is enhanced by global 

services capability to consult, integrate and 
manage business operations for TV. 

Following the 2013 split-up of the ST-Ericsson 
joint venture between STMicroelectronics and 
Ericsson, Ericsson will offer LTE multi-mode thin 
modem solutions, including 2G, 3G and 4G 
interoperability. Device manufacturers will get a 
complete solution to ensure end-to-end device 
support and network functionality.

Our modems are designed for smartphones, 
tablets and other connected devices, important 
for our vision of 50 billion connected devices in 
the Networked Society.

Our modems support all major  

access technologies. 

The Ericsson Device Connection Platform 
(DCP) is a cloud service enabling operators to 
offer connectivity management to enterprise 
customers. It enables operators to address new 
revenue streams from a variety of devices while 
simplifying the process and reducing the cost  
of connecting them.

Opportunities in  
industry verticals

 > Creating new value for non-operator 
businesses through ICT innovation 

The rapid proliferation of connected devices,  
self-service applications, machine-to-machine 
communication and automation is changing the  
way companies do business. The mobile network 
is fundamental to this development and we serve 
several select industry verticals, specifically, 
utilities, the transport sector and public safety.
Our resources in technology, consulting, 
systems integration and managed services  
on a global scale give us a unique position.  
This lets us support customers with everything 
from connectivity to customer relationship 
management – not just with technology but also 
from a business transformation perspective.

26

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSMobile 
money

It is estimated that 2 billion people across  
the world do not have access to any financial 
system other than cash, and therefore lack  
a safe way to make transactions and save 
money. ICT and mobile money applications 
are rapidly changing this situation. In Uganda, 
since the introduction of mobile money in 
2008, use of the service has grown rapidly. 
Today 9 million Ugandans are using mobile 
money as a means of saving funds and paying 
for goods and services in a secure way.  
The ability to send, spend and receive money 
with a mobile phone is quickly becoming an 
essential part of life for billions of people.

>1 bn

More than 1 billion people in emerging 
and developing markets have mobile 
phones but no bank accounts.

  OUR solutions

27

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our performance

Our overall goal is to create shareholder value.  
We use a range of financial and non-financial  
targets to drive business performance.

What we aim for

Growing sales 
faster than  
the market

Best-in-CLASS 
operating 
margin

Why we measure it

Outperforming our market 
confirms the validity of our 
strategic direction.

A clear focus on  
operating margins 
demonstrates our  
commitment to  
profitable growth.

Our performance 

Revenue growth
Percent

Profitability
SEK billion 

Percent

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

–2

–4

12

0

0

–1

–2

20

16

12

8

4

0

5.9

2.9%

17.9

17.8

16.5

10.5

8.1% 7.9%

7.8%

4.6%

20

16

12

8

4

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

 Operating income incl. JV
 Operating margin incl. JV

28

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSStrong cash 
conversion

Employee 
engagement

Customer 
satisfaction

A strong cash position 
supports new business  
activity, enables appropriate 
acquisition opportunities and 
provides resilience to external 
economic volatility.

Engaged employees are 
motivated to contribute  
to the success of Ericsson  
and are willing to go the  
extra mile to meet the 
organization’s goals.

Customer satisfaction  
is a prerequisite for customer 
loyalty. We strive to ensure  
that our customers perceive  
us as a thought leader and their 
preferred business partner.

Capital efficiency
Percent

Employee engagement index

Customer satisfaction index

117

112

116

79

40

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

 Cash conversion 

 Target

77%

(2012: 77%)

Our score is 8 percentage 
points higher than the  
external benchmark average, 
as measured across over 250 
companies. We started to 
measure the engagement 
index in 2011.

80

75

70

65

60

55

50

76

71

71.4

70.4

70.8

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

  Our performance

29

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our Business 
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ericsson is a truly global player, with customers in more  
than 180 countries. We have been present in many countries, 
such as China, Brazil and India, for more than 100 years.

NORTH AMERICA
Networks sales declined. The first half of the year was 
strong as a result of the two large mobile broadband 
coverage projects that peaked, while the second half was 
weaker. While executing on the large rollout projects in 
the US, Ericsson has also strengthened its professional 
services position and capabilities. Global Services sales 
increased by 20%.

SEK B

59.3

+5%

Key

Ericsson global 
service center

Ericsson segments;
Networks 
Global services
SUPPORT SOLUTIONS

+XX%

Percentage revenue 
increase 

30

Mediterranean
Sales grew, driven by 3G 
deployments in Northwest Africa 
and modernization projects.

SEK B
24.2

+4%

OTHER
Includes revenues generated across 
all regions through licensing, sales 
of cables, broadcast services, 
power modules and other 
businesses. Sales increased, 
positively impacted by the Samsung 
agreement but negatively impacted 
by the divestment of IPX in 2012 
and the exit of the power cable 
businesses in 2013.

SEK B
15.0

+22%

Latin America
LTE deployments ramped up after 
a slow start and together with 3G 
network quality investments drove 
sales growth for the full year 2013. 
However, macroeconomic 
development in mainly Brazil and 
Mexico continued to slow down 
during the year.

SEK B
22.0

+0%

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSWestern and 
Central Europe
The sales growth was driven by 
network modernization projects in 
several countries and also by a high 
activity level in managed services.

Northern Europe 
And central Asia
The sales growth was mainly driven 
by Networks sales in Russia. 
Operators continued to show high 
interest in OSS and BSS.

SEK B
18.5

+6%

SEK B

11.6 +2%

Middle East
Sales grew, driven by increased 
investments in mobile broadband.

SEK B
17.4

+12%

North east Asia
Sales declined. Japan was negatively 
impacted by currency and reduced 
activity. GSM in China structurally 
declined whilst LTE deployments 
commenced towards the end of the 
year. In Japan, KDDI has selected 
Ericsson as one of the prime vendors 
to deploy its LTE system and evolved 
packet core network.

SEK B

27.4

–24%

Sub-saharan 
Africa
Sales came from 2G and 3G 
deployment and managed services, 
although the deployment pace 
slowed down in the latter part of the 
year. Long-term industry 
fundamentals remain positive as 
mobile broadband and smartphone 
penetration is still at low levels.

India
Sales were negatively impacted by 
poor macroeconomic environment 
and delays in regulatory legislation. 
Global Services grew largely due to 
an increase in managed services.

SEK B

6.1 –5%

SEK B

10.0 –11%

  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

South East Asia 
And Oceania
Sales grew, with 3G deployments in 
Thailand and LTE deployments in 
Singapore and Australia. In 
Indonesia major capacity projects 
were finalized. Smartphone 
penetration continued to increase 
from a low level.

SEK B

15.8 +5%

31

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessTEN-YEAR SUMMARY

For definitions of the financial terms used, see Glossary, Financial terminology and Exchange rates.

Ten-year summary

SEK million

Income statement items

Net sales

Operating income

Financial net

Net income

Year-end position

Total assets

Working capital 

Capital employed

Gross cash

Net cash

Property, plant and equipment

Stockholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits

Per share indicators

Earnings per share, basic, SEK 

Earnings per share, diluted, SEK 

Cash flow from operating activities per share, SEK

Cash dividends per share, SEK

Stockholders’ equity per share, SEK

Number of shares outstanding (in millions)

end of period, basic

average, basic

average, diluted

Other information

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Depreciation and write-downs/impairments of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions/capitalization of intangible assets

Amortization and write-downs/impairments of intangible assets

Research and development expenses

as percentage of net sales

Ratios

Operating margin excluding joint ventures and associated companies

Operating margin

EBITA margin

Cash conversion

Return on equity

Return on capital employed

Equity ratio

Capital turnover

Inventory turnover days

Trade receivables turnover

Payment readiness, SEK million

as percentage of net sales

Statistical data, year-end

Number of employees

of which in Sweden

Export sales from Sweden, SEK million
1) For 2013, as proposed by the Board of Directors.

2013

Change

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

227,376

17,845

–747

12,174

269,190

106,940

180,903

77,089

37,809

11,433

140,204

1,419

39,280

3.72

3.69

5.39
3.00 1)
43.39

3,231

3,226

3,257

4,503

4,209

4,759

5,928

32,236

14.2%

7.9%

7.8%

9.8%

79%

8.7%

10.7%

52.6%

1.3

62

3.4

82,631

36.3%

114,340

17,858

108,944

0%

71%

–

105%

–2%

6%

2%

0%

–2%

–1%

2%

–11%

3%

107%

107%

–21%

9%

2%

–

–

–

–17%

5%

–

1%

–2%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–3%

–

4%

1%

2%

203,348

206,477

227,779

10,458

–276

5,938

274,996

100,619

176,653

76,708

38,538

11,493

136,883

1,600

38,170

1.80

1.78

6.85

2.75

42.51

3,220

3,216

3,247

5,429

4,012

13,247

5,877

32,833

14.4%

9.7%

4.6%

6.6%

116%

4.1%

6.7%

50.4%

1.3

73

3.6

84,951

37.3%

226,921

17,900

221

12,569

280,349

109,552

186,307

80,542

39,505

10,788

143,105

2,165

41,037

3.80

3.77

3.11

2.50

44.57

3,211

3,206

3,233

4,994

3,546

2,748

5,490

32,638

14.4%

9.6%

7.9%

9.9%

40%

8.5%

11.3%

51.8%

1.2

78

3.6

86,570

38.1%

16,455

–672

11,235

281,815

105,488

182,640

87,150

51,295

9,434

145,106

1,679

35,855

3.49

3.46

 8.31

2.25

45.34

3,200

3,197

3,226

3,686

3,296

7,246

6,657

31,558

15.5% 

8.7% 

8.1%

11.0%

112%

7.8%

9.6%

52.1%

1.1

74

3.2

96,951

47.7%

208,930

16,252

974

11,667

285,684

99,951

182,439

75,005

34,651

9,995

140,823

1,261

40,354

3.54

3.52

7.54

1.85

44.21

3,185

3,183

3,202

4,133

3,105

1,287

5,568

33,584

16.1%

8.0%

7.8%

9.4%

92%

8.2%

11.3%

49.7%

1.2

68

3.1

84,917

40.6%

187,780

30,646

83

22,135

245,117

86,327

168,456

57,716

24,312

9,304

134,112

940

33,404

6.87

6.84

6.04

2.50

42.17

3,180

3,178

3,193

4,319

2,914

29,838

5,459

28,842

15.4%

12.5%

16.3%

18.0%

66%

17.2%

20.9%

55.1%

1.2

70

3.4

64,678

34.4%

5,918

325

4,127

269,809

99,079

181,680

76,724

36,071

9,606

139,870

1,157

40,653

1.15

1.14

7.67

2.00

43.79

3,194

3,190

3,212

4,006

3,502

11,413

8,621

33,055

16.0%

6.5%

2.9%

6.7%

117%

2.6%

4.3%

52.3%

1.1

68

2.9

88,960

43.1%

82,493

18,217

94,829

179,821

35,828

165

26,436

214,940

82,926

142,447

62,280

40,728

7,881

120,113

782

21,552

8.27

8.23

5.83

2.50

37.82

3,176

3,174

3,189

3,827

3,038

18,319

4,479

27,533

15.3%

16.7%

19.9%

21.0%

57%

23.7%

27.4%

56.2%

1.3

71

3.9

67,454

37.5%

63,781

19,094

98,694

153,222

33,084

251

24,460

209,336

86,184

133,332

81,505

50,645

6,966

101,622

850

30,860

7.67

7.64

5.26

2.25

32.03

3,173

3,169

3,181

3,365

2,438

2,250

3,364

24,059

15.7%

20.1%

21.6%

21.8%

47%

26.7%

28.7%

49.0%

1.2

74

4.1

78,647

51.3%

56,055

21,178

93,879

131,972

26,706

–540

17,836

186,186

69,268

115,144

76,554

42,911

5,845

80,445

1,057

33,643

5.54

5.54

7.10

1.25

25.4

3,167

3,166

3,179

2,452

2,434

1,950

4,452

23,421

17.7%

18.6%

20.2%

20.5%

80%

24.2%

26.4%

43.8%

1.2

64

4.1

81,447

61.7%

50,534

21,296

86,510

110,255

17,712

106,997

104,525

17,500

116,507

90,261

17,848

100,070

78,740

20,155

109,254

74,011

19,781

102,486

32

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013OUR BUSINESSFor definitions of the financial terms used, see Glossary, Financial terminology and Exchange rates.

Ten-year summary

SEK million

Income statement items

Net sales

Operating income

Financial net

Net income

Year-end position

Total assets

Working capital 

Capital employed

Gross cash

Net cash

Property, plant and equipment

Stockholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Per share indicators

Earnings per share, basic, SEK 

Earnings per share, diluted, SEK 

Interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits

Cash flow from operating activities per share, SEK

Cash dividends per share, SEK

Stockholders’ equity per share, SEK

Number of shares outstanding (in millions)

end of period, basic

average, basic

average, diluted

Other information

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Depreciation and write-downs/impairments of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions/capitalization of intangible assets

Amortization and write-downs/impairments of intangible assets

Research and development expenses

as percentage of net sales

Operating margin excluding joint ventures and associated companies

Ratios

Operating margin

EBITA margin

Cash conversion

Return on equity

Equity ratio

Capital turnover

Return on capital employed

Inventory turnover days

Trade receivables turnover

Payment readiness, SEK million

as percentage of net sales

Statistical data, year-end

Number of employees

of which in Sweden

Export sales from Sweden, SEK million

1) For 2013, as proposed by the Board of Directors.

227,376

17,845

–747

12,174

269,190

106,940

180,903

77,089

37,809

11,433

140,204

1,419

39,280

3.72

3.69

5.39

3.00 1)

43.39

3,231

3,226

3,257

4,503

4,209

4,759

5,928

32,236

14.2%

7.9%

7.8%

9.8%

79%

8.7%

10.7%

52.6%

1.3

62

3.4

82,631

36.3%

114,340

17,858

108,944

0%

71%

–

105%

–2%

6%

2%

0%

–2%

–1%

2%

–11%

3%

107%

107%

–21%

9%

2%

–17%

5%

–

1%

–2%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–3%

4%

1%

2%

2013

Change

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

203,348

206,477

227,779

10,458

–276

5,938

274,996

100,619

176,653

76,708

38,538

11,493

136,883

1,600

38,170

1.80

1.78

6.85

2.75

42.51

3,220

3,216

3,247

5,429

4,012

13,247

5,877

32,833

14.4%

9.7%

4.6%

6.6%

116%

4.1%

6.7%

50.4%

1.3

73

3.6

84,951

37.3%

226,921

17,900

221

12,569

280,349

109,552

186,307

80,542

39,505

10,788

143,105

2,165

41,037

3.80

3.77

3.11

2.50

44.57

3,211

3,206

3,233

4,994

3,546

2,748

5,490

32,638

14.4%

9.6%

7.9%

9.9%

40%

8.5%

11.3%

51.8%

1.2

78

3.6

86,570

38.1%

16,455

–672

11,235

281,815

105,488

182,640

87,150

51,295

9,434

145,106

1,679

35,855

3.49

3.46

 8.31

2.25

45.34

3,200

3,197

3,226

3,686

3,296

7,246

6,657

31,558

15.5% 

8.7% 

8.1%

11.0%

112%

7.8%

9.6%

52.1%

1.1

74

3.2

96,951

47.7%

110,255

17,712

106,997

104,525

17,500

116,507

90,261

17,848

100,070

  TEN-YEAR SUMMARY

5,918

325

4,127

269,809

99,079

181,680

76,724

36,071

9,606

139,870

1,157

40,653

1.15

1.14

7.67

2.00

43.79

3,194

3,190

3,212

4,006

3,502

11,413

8,621

33,055

16.0%

6.5%

2.9%

6.7%

117%

2.6%

4.3%

52.3%

1.1

68

2.9

88,960

43.1%

82,493

18,217

94,829

208,930

16,252

974

11,667

285,684

99,951

182,439

75,005

34,651

9,995

140,823

1,261

40,354

3.54

3.52

7.54

1.85

44.21

3,185

3,183

3,202

4,133

3,105

1,287

5,568

33,584

16.1%

8.0%

7.8%

9.4%

92%

8.2%

11.3%

49.7%

1.2

68

3.1

84,917

40.6%

187,780

30,646

83

22,135

245,117

86,327

168,456

57,716

24,312

9,304

134,112

940

33,404

6.87

6.84

6.04

2.50

42.17

3,180

3,178

3,193

4,319

2,914

29,838

5,459

28,842

15.4%

12.5%

16.3%

18.0%

66%

17.2%

20.9%

55.1%

1.2

70

3.4

64,678

34.4%

78,740

20,155

109,254

74,011

19,781

102,486

179,821

35,828

165

26,436

214,940

82,926

142,447

62,280

40,728

7,881

120,113

782

21,552

8.27

8.23

5.83

2.50

37.82

3,176

3,174

3,189

3,827

3,038

18,319

4,479

27,533

15.3%

16.7%

19.9%

21.0%

57%

23.7%

27.4%

56.2%

1.3

71

3.9

67,454

37.5%

63,781

19,094

98,694

153,222

33,084

251

24,460

209,336

86,184

133,332

81,505

50,645

6,966

101,622

850

30,860

7.67

7.64

5.26

2.25

32.03

3,173

3,169

3,181

3,365

2,438

2,250

3,364

24,059

15.7%

20.1%

21.6%

21.8%

47%

26.7%

28.7%

49.0%

1.2

74

4.1

78,647

51.3%

56,055

21,178

93,879

131,972

26,706

–540

17,836

186,186

69,268

115,144

76,554

42,911

5,845

80,445

1,057

33,643

5.54

5.54

7.10

1.25

25.4

3,167

3,166

3,179

2,452

2,434

1,950

4,452

23,421

17.7%

18.6%

20.2%

20.5%

80%

24.2%

26.4%

43.8%

1.2

64

4.1

81,447

61.7%

50,534

21,296

86,510

33

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessTechnology 
leadership 
joins  
the dots

The release of the Ericsson Radio Dot 
System in 2013 is strengthening mobile 
access where people need it most: indoors.

This high-performance, small-cell solution 

improves mobile broadband performance 
inside company premises and public venues. 
The visible element, the Dot itself, is a tiny 
unit the size of a smoke detector, and fits  
in to any environment.

The Radio Dot is just one of numerous 
innovations that have kept Ericsson at the 
forefront of technological advancement.  
We have always invested in R&D to keep  
our portfolio and our customers in front in  
a rapidly changing market.

Another market-leading innovation is the 
SSR 8000 family of Smart Services Routers. 
A key building block for 4G IP, the SSR family 
allows operators to deploy powerful IP 
infrastructure that is smart, simple to 
manage and operate, and scalable as 
demand increases. 

Whether connecting shipping containers 

and cars to the cloud, or providing energy 
efficient radio networks, Ericsson is 
committed to maintaining its position as  
a technology leader.

57

SSR (Smart Services Router) 
contracts won in 2013.

34

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013LETTER FROM  
THE Chairman

Attracting and retaining talent
The Board also pays much attention to talent 
management. We have a committed and 
experienced leadership team, led by our CEO 
and President, Hans Vestberg. We also see it 
as important to have a good leadership talent 
pool, so that future leaders can be developed 
and prepared, to secure the Company’s  
leading position. 

Another main area for the Board is corporate 

governance, sustainability and responsible 
business practice. Ericsson is a large company 
with a unique global reach and it is essential that 
our high standards are met in all our dealings 
across diverse markets. Ericsson has set the 
bar high: every part of the Company is required 
to meet demanding financial, social, and 
environmental standards. Good governance 
ensures that risks are addressed and managed. 
Ericsson works continuously to uphold these 
standards as evidenced by the high trust that 
our stakeholders put in us.

Proposal to raise the dividend
We are also entrusted with the capital structure 
of the Company which is always an important 
topic of discussion. Part of this, particularly 
during the fourth quarter of each year, involves 
a proposal for dividend to the annual general 
meeting. This discussion is based on our 
dividend policy, which takes into account the 
previous year’s earnings and balance sheet 
structure, as well as coming years’ business 
plans and expected economic development. 
Ericsson’s strategy is one of industry leadership 
which requires large investments into R&D as 
well as a continued focus on building on the 
core business and expanding into new areas.
With all this taken into account the Board’s 

proposal is to increase the dividend from  
SEK 2.75 in 2012 to SEK 3 per share for 2013. 

Ericsson is a dynamic, progressive company 

operating in an exciting, growing market, with 
good long-term prospects. I am proud of the 
people of Ericsson and it is an honor to be the 
Chairman of the Board.

Leif Johansson
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Dear shareholders

Looking back on my third year as chairman of 
Ericsson, I have to say it is exciting to be part  
of this industry. The rapid pace of change  
I mentioned last year shows no signs of slowing, 
and the transformative power of technology  
is becoming increasingly felt all around the  
world. It is a true privilege to be the chairman  
of a company that is leading and driving  
that development. 

Much of our time on the Ericsson Board is 
spent examining longer-term strategic issues 
and the Board needs to form a long-term view. 
But particularly in an environment and a market 
like Ericsson’s, we also have to consider 
short-term changes and opportunities that  
arise, and respond appropriately.

2013 was a very eventful year in which 
Ericsson and the Board addressed a number  
of important matters including acquisitions, 
divestments and refinancing. Two events that 
came up for much discussion during 2013  
were the dissolution of the ST-Ericsson joint 
venture, with thin modems being integrated  
into Ericsson’s operations, and the important 
patent agreement with Samsung.

  LETTER FROM THE Chairman

35

Ericsson | Annual Report 2013Our BusinessBOARD OF 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Also in the latter part of 2013, Ericsson 
continued to grow in some of its European key 
markets. During the last years, the position in 
Europe has been strengthened through the 
network modernization projects. These have 
been delivered according to plan and the major 
part of the negative margin impact from these 
projects is now over. Over time, it is expected 
that the telecom industry in Europe will improve.
During 2013, Ericsson executed on a number 

of strategic initiatives to both manage the 
ongoing technology transition in the industry  
and to transform the company for future 
business opportunities. Ericsson has solidified 
its core business as well as taken important 
steps to build a leadership position in new and 
targeted key areas. This includes consolidation 
of the modems business and the acquisition of 
the IPTV business Mediaroom from Microsoft. 
The Company will gradually increase resource 
and capital allocation in these areas as well as  
in IP, Cloud, OSS and BSS. 

The Company has also successfully 

completed an IPR cross-licensing agreement 
with Samsung. This agreement ends complaints 
made by both companies against each other 
before the International Trade Commission (ITC) 
as well as the lawsuits before the U.S. District 
Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

The long-term fundamentals in the industry 

remain attractive and with ongoing strategic 
initiatives Ericsson is well positioned to 
continue to support its customers in a 
transforming ICT market.

The Company has worked diligently to improve 
working capital and ended the year with a strong 
operating cash flow of SEK 17.4 (22.0) billion and 
a full-year cash conversion of 79%, above the 
target of 70%, giving Ericsson a solid balance 
sheet to continue to execute on its strategy.

Contents

Business in 2013  
Financial highlights  
Business results-Segments 
Business results-Regions 
Corporate Governance 
Material contracts 
Risk management 
Sourcing and supply 
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility 
Legal proceedings 
Parent Company 
Board assurance  

36
37
40
41
41
43
44
44
44
46
47
48

BUSINESS IN 2013

Ericsson’s sales ended at SEK 227.4 billion. 
Sales for comparable units, adjusted for FX, 
grew 5% for the full year. The focus on 
profitability started to pay off and operating 
margin for the Group gradually improved in 
2013, despite significant currency headwind, 
driven primarily by improvements in Networks 
and Network Rollout. 

The business mix, with a higher share of 

coverage projects than capacity projects, started 
to shift towards more capacity during the year. 
As anticipated, sales came under some 

pressure towards the end of the year. As 
previously communicated, the major reasons 
behind this development are the two large 
mobile broadband coverage projects, which 
peaked in North America in the first half of 2013, 
and the impact from reduced activity in Japan. 
While executing on the large rollout projects 

in the US, Ericsson has also strengthened its 
professional services position and capabilities. 
In the second half of the year, Global Services 
accounted for more than half of the region’s 
sales and today the Company is the market 
leader in both telecom services and mobile 
infrastructure in one of the world’s most 
advanced and dynamic ICT markets.

The LTE tenders in China continued and so 
far the two major operators that have made their 
vendor selections have included Ericsson as a 
vendor. In the latter part of the year, sales in 
China improved as a result of deliveries to 
ongoing mobile broadband coverage projects. 

Operating income  
and operating margin
SEK billion 

Percent

20

16

12

8

4

0

5.9

2.9%

17.9

17.8

16.5

10.5

8.1% 7.9%

7.8%

4.6%

20

16

12

8

4

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

   Operating income incl. JV
  Operating margin incl. JV

36

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013Net sales 
SEK billion

250

200

150

100

50

0

226.9

227.8 227.4

206.5 203.3

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

IPR revenue (net)
SEK billion

10.6

6.6

6.2

4.6

4.3

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2009 2010 2011* 2012

2013

* One-off patent sales included

Software, hardware and 
services: share of total sales
Percent

26

24

23

23

24

36

37

40

35

34

38

39

37

42

42

100

80

60

40

20

0

2009 2010 2011 2012

2013

  Software   
 Services

 Hardware 

Financial Highlights 

Impact of Samsung IPR agreement
On January 27, 2014, Ericsson and Samsung 
signed an agreement on global patent licenses 
between the two companies. 

The industry is built on scale and a strong 

tradition of sharing technologies through 
licensing on fair, reasonable and non-
discriminatory (FRAND) terms. The agreement 
shows the value of Ericsson’s R&D investments 
and enables both companies to continue to 
innovate and bring new technologies to the 
market. The cross-license agreement covers 
patents relating to GSM, UMTS, and LTE 
standards for both networks and handsets.

The agreement includes an initial payment 
and ongoing royalty payments from Samsung 
to Ericsson for the term of the new multi-year 
license agreement.

The transaction contributed to net sales of 
SEK 4.2 billion, operating income of SEK 4.2 
billion and net income of SEK 3.3 billion in 2013. 
Ericsson expects that the initial payment will 
impact operating cash flow in the beginning  
of 2014. This specific agreement impacts 
segments Networks and Support Solutions. 

Income statement
Reported sales for 2013 were flat and amounted 
to SEK 227.4 (227.8) billion. During the year 
sales were negatively impacted by strong 
currency headwind and lower sales in North 
East Asia, driven by lower GSM investments in 
China combined with lower project activity in 
Japan and South Korea. In North America 
CDMA sales declined by –50% to SEK 4.2 (8.4) 
billion. For comparable units, adjusted for FX, 
full-year sales increased by 5%.

Revenues for IPR and licensing were  
SEK 10.6 (6.6) billion, of which the Samsung 
agreement contributed with SEK 4.2 billion.

With a large share of coverage projects in the 
beginning of the year and with slightly improved 
business mix from the second quarter, the 
commodity mix remained stable compared to last 
year. Software represented 24% (23%), hardware 
34% (35%) and services 42% (42%) of total sales. 
Restructuring charges amounted to SEK 4.5 
(3.4) billion, mainly related to continued execution 
of the service delivery strategy and headcount 
reductions in Sweden. The proactive work to 
drive efficiency and cost reductions continues.
Gross margin increased to 33.6% (31.6%), 
due to the agreement with Samsung, reduced 
negative effect from network modernization 
projects in Europe and improved business mix. 
The Global Services share of Group sales was 
flat at 43%. 

Total operating expenses were basically  
flat and amounted to SEK 58.5 (58.9) billion. 
Expenses related to the modems business 
added SEK –0.5 billion to operating expenses. 
A one-time charge related to the acquisition of 

Airvana Network Solutions Inc. impacted the 
operating expenses negatively by SEK –0.4 
billion. Excluding restructuring charges, 
operating expenses were down –2% compared 
to 2012. Selling, general and administrative 
expenses (SG&A) amounted to SEK 26.3  
(26.0) billion and represented 11.6% of sales 
compared to 11.4% in 2012. For comments  
on research and development expenses (R&D) 
see the section “Research and development, 
patents and licensing.”

Other operating income and expenses 
decreased to SEK 0.1 (9.0) billion. During the 
year, one-time charges related to the divestment 
of Applied Communication Sciences (ACS), the 
former research and engineering arm of Telcordia 
Technologies, and the exiting of the telecom  
and power cable operations of SEK –0.9 billion 
impacted other operating income negatively.  
For new hedges taken in 2013, hedge accounting 
is not applied. The total re-evaluation effect for 
2013 hedges on other operating income was 
SEK 0.5 billion. In 2012, other operating income 
included a gain related to the divestment of Sony 
Ericsson of SEK 7.7 billion and to Multimedia 
brokering (IPX) of SEK 0.2 billion.

Ericsson’s share in earnings of JV and 

associated companies was SEK –0.1 (–11.7) billion. 
In 2012 a non-cash charge of SEK –8.0 billion 
related to ST-Ericsson was made. 

Operating income, including JV, increased  
to SEK 17.8 (10.5) billion, positively impacted by 
improved gross margin, and no negative effect 
from ST-Ericsson. Operating income was 
negatively impacted by one-time charges of 
SEK –1.3 billion related to the divestment of 
ACS, the exiting of the telecom and power  
cable operations and the acquisition of Airvana. 
Operating margin, including JV, was 7.8% 
(4.6%). Operating income including JV and 
excluding the Samsung agreement was SEK 
13.6 billion with an operating margin of 6.1%. 
2012 included a gain of SEK 7.7 billion related  
to the divestment of Sony Ericsson.

Financial net amounted to SEK –0.7 (–0.3) 
billion. The difference is partly attributable to lower 
interest income as an effect of lower interest rates 
during 2013 compared to 2012. The tax rate  
for 2013 was 29% compared to 42% in 2012, 
positively impacted by product and market  
mix. Tax costs were SEK –4.9 (–4.2) billion.

Net income increased to SEK 12.2 (5.9) 
billion, positively impacted by the Samsung 
agreement by SEK 3.3 billion.

EPS diluted was SEK 3.69 (1.78). EPS 

non-IFRS was SEK 5.62 (3.55).

37

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Balance sheet and other  
performance indicators 
Compared to December 31, 2012, trade 
receivables increased from SEK 63.7 billion  
to 71.0 billion, mainly due to the Samsung 
agreement. Days sales outstanding (DSO) 
increased from 86 to 97 days. 

Inventory decreased from SEK 28.8 billion  
to 22.8 billion, positively impacted by improved 
business mix and efficiency measures. 

Inventory turnover days (ITO) improved  
from 73 to 62 days. Accounts payable days 
decreased from 57 to 53 days. 

During the year, Ericsson concluded the 
following refinancing activities to extend the 
average debt maturity profile:
 > A EUR 313 million bond was repaid
 > Ericsson refinanced a USD 2 billion 

Revolving Credit Facility (RCF). The new 
facility is a five-year facility with two one-
year extension options

 > A USD 684 million European Investment Bank 
(EIB) loan was disbursed. The loan agreement 
was signed in 2012 and the loan supports 
R&D activities. The loan will mature in 2020.

A SEK 4 billion EIB loan, with original maturity  
in 2015, will be repaid early 2014.

Provisions amounted to SEK 5.4 (8.6) billion by 
the end of the year. The reduction was mainly due 
to utilization of the 2012 ST-Ericsson provision.
Cash flow from operating activities was 
positive at SEK 17.4 (22.0) billion, negatively 
impacted by higher working capital. There  
was no impact on cash flow from the  
Samsung agreement.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term 

investments amounted to SEK 77.1 (76.7) billion. 
The net cash position decreased from SEK 38.5 
to 37.8 billion. Cash conversion for 2013 ended 
at 79%.

In 2013, the net number of employees 
increased by 4,085, of which 3,293 were in 
services and 741 in R&D. By the end of 2013  
the total number of employees was 114,340 
(110,255) of which 5,377 people joined Ericsson 
through acquisitions and through managed 
services contracts. At the same time 
approximately 13,000 employees left Ericsson, 
reflecting the natural attrition rate and ongoing 
company transformation.

Change in gross cash
SEK billion

Operating cash flow 
17.4

Investing activities* 
–8.1

Financing activities
–9.5

FX on cash
0.6

–2.5

–2.1

–4.5

–3.6

–0.4

76.7

22.0

–9.2

0.6

77.1

Change in gross cash SEK +0.4 billion

100

95

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

Gross cash 
opening 
balance

Net income 
reconciled 
to cash

Change net 
operating 
assets excl. 
restructuring

Restruct-
uring

CAPEX

Acquisitions, 
divestments 
and other

Other 
financing 
activities

Dividend

FX on cash

Gross cash 
closing 
balance

*   As disclosed under Financial Terminology, Gross Cash is defined as cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Cash as presented in the 
balance sheet and related notes includes cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of a maturity less than three months. Due to different 
treatment of cash in the above table and related foreign currency impact, the amounts differ from those in other presentations of cash flows.

Operating income  
and net income
SEK billion

17.9

17.8

16.5

11.2

12.6

12.2

10.5

5.9

5.9

4.1

20

15

10

5

0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

 Operating income
 Net income

Working capital
Days

120

100

80

60

40

106

68

57

88

74

91

78

62

62

86

73

57

97

62

53

2009 2010 2011 2012

2013

  Days sales outstanding 
(Target is less than 90 days)
  Inventory days 
(Target is less than 65 days)
  Payable days 
(Target is more than 60 days)

38

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013 
 
 
Dividend per share
SEK

3.00

2.50

2.00

2.00

2.50

2.25

3.00

2.75

1.50

1.00

0.50

0

Research and development, patents  
and licensing
To secure continued technology leadership, 
focus is on innovation and R&D. R&D expenses 
(see table below) amounted to SEK 32.2 (32.8) 
billion. During 2014, R&D expenses, excluding 
expenses related to Modems, Mediaroom and 
restructuring, are expected to increase 
somewhat, mainly due to investments in IP. 

Research and development, patents and licensing

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1)

Expenses (SEK billion)

2013

32.2

2012

32.8

2011

32.6

1)  For 2013 as proposed by the Board  
  of Directors.

Equity ratio
Percent 

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

52.3

52.1

51.8

50.4

52.6

2009 2010 2011 2012

2013

As percent of Net sales

14.2%

14.4%

14.4%

25,300

Employees within R&D 
as of December 31 1)
Patents 1)
IPR revenue, net  
(SEK billion)
1) The number of employees and patents are approximate.

35,000

33,000

24,100

10.6

6.6

22,400

30,000

6.2

Seasonality 
The Company’s sales, income and cash  
flow from operations vary between quarters, 
generally lowest in the first quarter of the year 
and highest in the fourth quarter. This is mainly 
a result of the seasonal purchase patterns of 
network operators.

Most recent five-year average seasonality

First 
quarter

Second 
quarter

Third 
quarter

Fourth 
quarter

Off-balance sheet arrangements 
There are currently no material off-balance sheet 
arrangements that have, or would be reasonably 
likely to have, a current or anticipated material 
effect on the Company’s financial condition, 
revenues, expenses, result of operations, liquidity, 
capital expenditures or capital resources.

Capital expenditures 
For 2013, capital expenditures amounted to  
SEK 4.5 billion, 2% of sales. Annual capital 
expenditures are normally around 2% of sales. 
This corresponds to the needs for keeping and 
maintaining the current capacity level, including 
the introduction of new technology and 
methods. Expenditures are largely related to test 
sites and equipment for R&D and network 
operations centers as well as manufacturing and 
repair operations. The Board of Directors reviews 
the Company’s investment plans and proposals. 
Ericsson is planning to invest in three new 
global ICT Centers over the coming five years. 
The centers will support R&D and Services in 
developing and verifying solutions, bringing 
innovation to the market faster. Apart from  
this investment Ericsson believes that the 
Company’s property, plant and equipment and 
the facilities the Company occupies are suitable 
for its present needs in most locations. As of 
December 31, 2013, no material land, buildings, 
machinery or equipment were pledged as 
collateral for outstanding indebtedness. 

The Company believes it has sufficient cash and 

Net cash
SEK billion 

Sequential change

Share of annual sales

–21%

23%

6%

24%

–3%

24%

24%

29%

cash generation capacity to fund expected capital 
expenditures without external borrowings in 2014.

51.3

36.1

39.5

38.5

37.8

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2009 2010 2011 2012

2013

Debt maturity, Parent Company
SEK billion

Capital expenditures 2009–2013

SEK billion

Capital 
expenditures

of which in 
Sweden

Share of 
annual sales

2013

4.5

2012

2011

2010

2009

5.4

5.0

3.7

4.0

1.9

1.3

1.7

1.4

1.3

2.0% 2.4% 2.2% 1.8% 1.9%

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

4.0

4.4

2.0

1.9

6.4

1.1

4.4

0.6

0.6

2014

2015*

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

 Notes & bonds 
  Loan from the Swedish Export Credit Corporation guaranteed by the Swedish Export Credit Guarantee Board 
 Loan from the Swedish Export Credit Corporation

 European Investment Bank 

 Nordic Investment Bank

*   The loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) with original maturity 2015 was repaid in January 2014. This was done in conjunction with the draw of 

a new EIB loan in November 2013 (maturity 2020).

39

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Support Solutions
Sales growth for comparable units, adjusted  
for FX, was 0%. The development was primarily 
driven by portfolio changes and decline in sales 
of TV compression technology while OSS  
and BSS showed stable development. The 
Samsung agreement had an overall positive 
impact on sales.

Operating margin increased to 12% (9%) due 

to the Samsung agreement. Lower sales and  
a charge related to the divestment of ACS had  
a negative impact on the margin.

From ST-Ericsson to segment Modems
ST-Ericsson was created in 2008 as a joint venture 
between Ericsson and STMicroelectronics. Early 
in 2013, the parents agreed to split up and close 
the joint venture. 

Ericsson decided to take over the design, 
development and sales of the thin LTE multi-
mode modem solutions as these are seen as an 
important part of the Ericsson vision of 50 billion 
connected devices in the Networked Society. 
The ambition is to be among the top three 
suppliers in the thin-modem market.

In 2013, all ST-Ericsson businesses have 
been transferred to parents or divested. In 2012, 
Ericsson made a provision of SEK 3.3 billion, 
related to the ongoing implementation of 
strategic options at hand. 

Ericsson now has a highly focused thin-

modem operation with industry-leading 
technology and intellectual property. A new 
segment was established as of October 1, 2013, 
and the modems business is now consolidated 
into Ericsson. For 2013, segment Modems 
generated an operating loss of SEK –0.5 billion, 
primarily related to R&D expenses.

BUSINESS RESULTS – SEGMENTS

Networks
Sales for comparable units, adjusted for FX, 
increased 5%, primarily due to the Samsung 
agreement and increased sales in Latin 
America, Europe and the Middle East. This was 
partly offset by lower sales in North America, 
where CDMA related sales declined by –50%. 
North East Asia sales declined as an effect  
of lower project activities in Japan and South 
Korea and lower GSM investments in China.  
At the end of the year there was solid demand 
for our IMS and data layered architecture UDC 
(User Data Consolidation). However, this was 
not enough to offset the continued structural 
decline in circuit-switched core.

Operating margin gradually improved during 
the year and ended at 10% (6%) This was a result 
of the Samsung agreement, reduced negative 
effect from network modernization projects in 
Europe, improved business mix and strong focus 
on improving profitability. Restructuring charges 
amounted to SEK –2.2 (–1.3) billion. This was 
primarily related to reductions of operations  
in Sweden and dismantling of the CDMA 
operations. Operating margin excluding the 
Samsung agreement was 7%. 

Global Services
Reported sales for Global Services were flat  
in comparison to a strong 2012. Growth for 
comparable units, adjusted for FX, was 5%. 
Network Rollout reported sales grew 4% driven 
by high coverage project activities, primarily  
in North America. Professional Services sales 
grew, adjusted for FX, supported by strong 
development in region North America and India.
Global Services operating margin was 6% 

(6%). Network Rollout margin gradually 
improved during the year due to the declining 
dilutive effect from European network 
modernization projects as well as the ongoing 
efficiency programs. Professional Services 
operating margin was 14% (14%).

2011

2012

2013

Restructuring charges amounted to  

SEK –2.0 (–1.9) billion. 

Networks sales
SEK billion

132.4

117.3

117.7

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2011

2012

2013

Global Services sales
SEK billion 

100

80

60

40

20

0

25.1

58.8

30.0

31.0

67.1

66.4

2011

2012

2013

 Network rollout
 Professional services

Support Solutions sales
SEK billion 

13.5

12.2

10.6

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

40

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013BUSINESS RESULTS-REGIONS

 >

 > North America: Networks sales declined  
in 2013, with a strong first half while the 
second half was weaker as a result of the 
two large mobile broadband coverage 
projects that peaked in the first half of the 
year. While executing on the large rollout 
projects in the US, Ericsson has also 
strengthened its professional services 
position and capabilities. Global Services 
accounted for more than 50% of the region’s 
sales in the second half of the year.

 > Latin America: LTE deployments ramped  
up after a slow start, and together with 3G 
network quality investments, drove sales 
growth for 2013. However, macroeconomic 
development mostly in Brazil and Mexico 
continued to slow down during the year. 
 > Northern Europe and Central Asia: Sales 
growth was mainly driven by Networks sales 
in Russia. Operators continued to show high 
interest in OSS and BSS.

 > Western and Central Europe: Sales growth 

was driven by network modernization 
projects in several countries and also by  
a high activity level in managed services. 
 > Mediterranean: Sales in 2013 grew, driven 
by 3G deployments in Northwest Africa and 
modernization projects.

 > Middle East: Sales grew in 2013, driven by 
increased investments in mobile broadband.
 > Sub-Saharan Africa: Sales came from 2G 
and 3G deployment and managed services, 
although the deployment pace slowed down 
in the latter part of the year. Long-term 
industry fundamentals remain positive as 
mobile broadband and smartphone 
penetration is still at low levels.

India: Sales were negatively impacted by 
poor macroeconomic environment and 
delays in regulatory legislation. Global 
Services grew largely due to an increase  
in Managed Services. 

 > North East Asia: Sales declined in 2013. 

Japan was negatively impacted by currency 
and reduced activity. GSM in China 
structurally declined whilst LTE deployments 
commenced towards the end of the year. In 
Japan, KDDI has selected Ericsson as one of 
the prime vendors to deploy its LTE system 
and evolved packet core network. 

 > South East Asia and Oceania: Sales grew 

in 2013 with 3G deployments in Thailand and 
LTE deployments in Singapore and Australia. 
In Indonesia major capacity projects were 
finalized. Smartphone penetration continues 
to increase from a low level.

 > Other: Sales increased, positively impacted 
by the Samsung agreement but negatively 
impacted by the divestment of IPX in 2012 
and the exit of the telecom and power cable 
business. Sales of broadcast services, 
cables, power modules and other businesses 
are also included in “Other.”

Corporate Governance

In accordance with the Annual Accounts Act 
((SFS 1995:1554), Chapter 6, Sections 6 and 8) 
and the Swedish Corporate Governance Code 
(the “Code”), a separate Corporate Governance 
Report, including an Internal Control section, 
has been prepared and attached to this  
Annual Report.

Business results – Regions

Sales per region and segment 2013 and percent change from 2012

Networks

Global Services

Support Solutions

SEK billion

North America

Latin America

Northern Europe and Central Asia

Western and Central Europe

Mediterranean

Middle East

Sub-Saharan Africa

India

North East Asia

South East Asia and Oceania
Other 1)
Total

2013

28.5

11.3

7.2

7.6

10.8

8.5

5.0

3.1

16.7

8.9

10.1

117.7

Percent 
change

-7%

16%

14%

24%

14%

26%

–22%

–13%

–26%

12%

28%

0%

2013

28.2

9.5

4.2

10.3

12.6

7.6

4.1

2.7

10.4

6.4

1.4

97.4

Percent 
change

20%

–10%

–8%

–3%

–3%

4%

6%

11%

–22%

–3%

17%

0%

Share of total
1)  Region “Other” includes licensing revenues, sales of cables, broadcast services, power modules and other businesses. 

52%

43%

2013

Percent 
change

–5%

–30%

–46%

–14%

–6%

–9%

–9%

–32%

–30%

1%

10%

–9%

2.6

1.1

0.3

0.6

0.7

1.3

0.9

0.3

0.4

0.5

3.5

12.2

5%

Percent 
change

5%

0%

2%

6%

4%

12%

–11%

–5%

–24%

5%

22%

0%

Total
2013

59.3

22.0

11.6

18.5

24.2

17.4

10.0

6.1

27.4

15.8

15.0

227.4

100%

The acquired Technicolor Broadcast Service Division is reported in region “Other.” Multimedia brokering (IPX) was part of region “Other” and divested end Q312. The power cable business was 
divested in Q313.

41

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Continued compliance with the Swedish 
Corporate Governance Code 
Ericsson is committed to complying with best-
practice corporate governance standards on a 
global level wherever possible. In 2013, Ericsson 
did not report any deviations from the Code.

Business integrity
Ericsson’s Code of Business Ethics summarizes 
the Group’s basic policies and directives 
governing its relationships internally, with its 
stakeholders and with others. It also sets out 
how the Group works to secure that business 
activities are conducted with a strong sense of 
integrity. There have been no amendments to 
Ericsson’s Code of Business Ethics or waivers 
from a provision of the Code to any member of 
Group management.

Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting held on April 9, 
2013, re-elected Leif Johansson Chairman  
of the Board. Roxanne S. Austin, Sir Peter L. 
Bonfield, Börje Ekholm, Alexander Izosimov,  
Ulf J. Johansson, Sverker Martin-Löf,  
Hans Vestberg and Jacob Wallenberg were 
re-elected and Nora Denzel, Kristin Skogen 
Lund and Pär Östberg were elected new 
members of the Board. Pehr Claesson, Kristina 
Davidsson and Karin Åberg were appointed 
employee representatives by the unions, with 
Rickard Fredriksson, Karin Lennartsson and 
Roger Svensson as deputies.

Management 
Hans Vestberg has been President and  
CEO of the Group since January 1, 2010.  
The President and CEO is supported by  
the Group management, consisting of the 
Executive Leadership Team (ELT). 

A global management system is in place  

to ensure that Ericsson’s business is well 
controlled and has the ability to fulfill the 
objectives of major stakeholders within 
established risk limits. The management  
system also monitors internal control and 
compliance with applicable laws, listing 
requirements and governance codes.

Remuneration 
Remuneration to the members of the Board of 
Directors and to Group management, as well  
as the Guidelines for remuneration to Group 
Management resolved by the Annual General 
Meeting 2013, are reported in Notes to the 
consolidated financial statements – Note C28, 
“Information regarding members of the  
Board of Directors, the Group management  
and employees”.

As of December 31, 2013, there were no 
loans outstanding from and no guarantees 
issued to or assumed by Ericsson for the  
benefit of any member of the Board of Directors 
or senior management.

The Board of Directors’ proposal for guidelines 
for remuneration to Group management 
The Board of Directors proposes that the 
Annual General Meeting resolves on the 
following guidelines for remuneration to Group 
management for the period up to the 2015 
Annual General Meeting. Compared to the 
guidelines resolved by the 2013 Annual General 
Meeting, a reference to the normally applicable 
pensionable age has been deleted.
Guidelines for remuneration to  

Group management
For Group management consisting of the 
Executive Leadership Team, including the 
President and CEO, total remuneration consists 
of fixed salary, short- and long-term variable 
compensation, pension and other benefits. The 
following guidelines apply to the remuneration of 
the Executive Leadership Team:
 > Variable compensation is in cash and 

stock-based programs awarded against 
specific business targets derived from the 
long-term business plan approved by the 
Board of Directors. Targets may include 
financial targets at either Group or unit level, 
operational targets, employee engagement 
targets and customer satisfaction targets.
 > All benefits, including pension benefits, follow 
the competitive practice in the home country 
taking total compensation into account.

 > By way of exception, additional arrangements 
can be made when deemed necessary. An 
additional arrangement can be renewed but 
each such arrangement shall be limited in 
time and shall not exceed a period of 36 
months and twice the remuneration that  
the individual would have received had no 
additional arrangement been made. 

42

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013 > The mutual notice period may be no more 
than six 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 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.

Executive Performance Stock Plan
The Company has a Long-Term Variable 
remuneration program (LTV). It builds on a 
common platform, but consists of three separate 
plans: one targeting all employees, one targeting 
key contributors and one targeting senior 
managers. The program is designed to 
encourage long-term value creation in alignment 
with shareholders’ interests. The aim of the plan 
for senior managers is to attract, retain and 
motivate executives in a competitive market 
through performance-based share-related 
incentives and to encourage the build-up of 
significant equity stakes. The performance 
criteria for senior managers under the Executive 
Performance Stock Plan are revised yearly and 
approved by the Annual General Meeting. 
Performance criteria for the 2014 Executive 
Performance Stock Plan will be communicated 
in the notice to the Annual General Meeting.
The targets for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 
Executive Performance Stock Plans are shown 
in the illustration below. The performance 
criteria are:
 > Up to one-third of the award will vest if the 
target for compound annual growth rate of 
consolidated net sales is achieved

 > Up to one-third of the award will vest if the 
target for compound annual growth rate of 
consolidated operating income, including 
earnings in joint ventures and restructuring,  
is achieved. For the 2011 plan, base year 

2010 excludes restructuring charges of SEK 
6.8 billion. For the 2013 plan, base year 2012 
excludes a non-cash charge of SEK 8.0 
billion for ST-Ericsson.

 > Up to one-third of the award will vest if cash 

conversion is at or above 70% during each of 
the years and vesting one-ninth of the award 
for each year the target is achieved.
The cash conversion target was reached in 
2013 and 2012 but not reached in 2011. 

Before the number of performance shares  

to be matched are finally determined,  
the Board of Directors shall examine whether 
the performance matching is reasonable 
considering the Company’s financial results 
and position, conditions on the stock market 
and other circumstances, and if not, reduce 
the number of performance shares.

Material Contracts

Material contractual obligations are outlined in 
Note C31, “Contractual obligations.” These were 
entered into in the ordinary course of business 
and were primarily related to operating leases  
for office and production facilities, purchase 
contracts for outsourced manufacturing, R&D and 
IT operations, and the purchase of components 
for the Company’s own manufacturing. 

Ericsson is party to certain agreements, 
which include provisions that may take effect  
or be altered or invalidated by a change in 
control of the Company as a result of a public 
takeover offer. Such provisions are not unusual 
for certain types of agreements, such as 
financing agreements and certain license 
agreements. However, considering among other 
things the Company’s strong financial position, 
none of the agreements currently in effect would 
entail any material consequence to Ericsson due 
to a change in control of the Company.

Shareholder value creation

Executive Performance Stock Plan 2011 
targets for 2011–2013 
Base year 2010

Executive Performance Stock Plan 2012 
targets for 2012–2014 
Base year 2011

Executive Performance Stock Plan 2013 
targets for 2013–2015 
Base year 2012

Net sales growth 4–10% CAGR

Net sales growth 2–8% CAGR

Net sales growth 2–8% CAGR

Operating income growth 5–15% CAGR 
including JV(s) and restructuring 1)

Operating income growth 5–15% CAGR 
including JV(s) and restructuring

Operating income growth 5–15% CAGR 
including JV(s) and restructuring 2)

Cash conversion ≥ 70% annually

Cash conversion ≥ 70% annually

Cash conversion ≥ 70% annually

1) Base year 2010 excludes restructuring charges.  2) Base year 2012 excludes non-cash charge for ST-Ericsson.

43

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Risk Management

Risks are defined in both short-term and 
long-term perspective. They are categorized  
into industry and market risks, commercial  
risks, operational risks and compliance risks. 
Ericsson’s risk management is based on the 
following principles, which apply universally 
across all business activities and risk types: 
 > Risk management is an integrated part  

of the Ericsson Group Management System

 > Each operational unit is accountable for 

owning and managing its risks according  
to policies, directives and process tools. 
Decisions are made or escalated according 
to defined delegation of authority. Financial 
risks are coordinated through Group  
Function Finance

 > Risks are dealt with during the strategy 

process, annual planning and target setting, 
continuous monitoring through monthly and 
quarterly steering group meetings and during 
operational processes (customer projects, 
customer bid/contract, acquisition, 
investment and product development 
projects). They are subject to various controls 
such as decision tollgates and approvals. 
At least twice a year, in connection with the 
approval of strategy and targets, risks are 
reviewed by the Board of Directors. 

A central security unit coordinates 

management of certain risks, such as business 
interruption, information security and physical 
security. The Crisis Management Council deals 
with events of a serious nature. 

For information on risks that could impact  
the fulfillment of targets and form the basis for 
mitigating activities, see the other sections  
of the Board of Directors’ report, Notes C2, 
“Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” 
C14, “Trade receivables and customer finance,” 
C19, “Interest-bearing liabilities,” C20, “Financial 
risk management and financial instruments”  
and the chapter Risk factors.

Sourcing and Supply

The production of electronic modules  
and sub-assemblies is mostly outsourced to 
manufacturing services companies, of which  
the vast majority are in low-cost countries. 
Production of radio base stations is largely done 
in-house and on-demand. This consists of 
assembling and testing modules and integrating 
them into complete units. Final assembly and 
testing are concentrated to a few sites. Ericsson 
has 14 manufacturing sites in Brazil, China, 
Estonia, India, Italy, Mexico and Sweden. 
A number of suppliers design and 

manufacture highly specialized and customized 
components. The Company generally attempts 
to negotiate global supply agreements with  
its primary suppliers. Ericsson’s suppliers are 
required to comply with the requirements of 
Ericsson’s Code of Conduct. 

Where possible, Ericsson relies on alternative 
supply sources and seeks to avoid single source 
supply situations. A need to switch to an 
alternative supplier may require allocation of 
additional resources. This process could take 
some time to complete. 

Variations in market prices for raw materials 

generally have a limited effect on total cost of 
goods sold. For more information, see the 
chapter Risk factors.

Sustainability and  
Corporate Responsibility 

The Company has implemented strong social, 
environmental and ethical standards supporting 
value creation and risk management. This 
commitment generates positive business 
impacts, which in turn benefits society. 

Ericsson’s approach to Sustainability and 
Corporate Responsibility (CR) is integrated into  
its core business operations throughout its value 
chain. The Board of Directors considers these 
aspects in governance decision-making. Group 
policies and directives ensure consistency across 
global operations. Ericsson publishes an annual 
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility 
Report, which provides additional information. 

Ericsson’s hardware largely consists of 
electronics. For manufacturing, the Company 
purchases customized and standardized 
components and services from several global 
providers as well as from local and regional 
suppliers. Certain types of components, such 
as power modules, are produced in-house. 

Responsible business practices
Since 2000, Ericsson has supported the UN 
Global Compact, and endorses its ten principles 
regarding human rights and labor standards, 
anti-corruption and environmental protection. 

In 2013, Ericsson reported its Communication 

on Progress at the Global Compact Advanced 

44

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013level. The Ericsson Group Management System 
(EGMS) includes a Code of Business Ethics,  
a Code of Conduct and a Sustainability Policy 
which reflect responsible business practices. 
These practices are reinforced by employee 
awareness training, workshops and monitoring, 
including a global assessment plan run by an 
external assurance provider.

Ericsson has adopted an anti-corruption 
program which is reviewed and evaluated by  
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors 
annually. The program continues to evolve and  
a new version of the Company’s e-learning 
regarding anti-corruption was launched during 
the year. Approximately 85,000 employees  
have completed the training.

Human rights
The Code of Business Ethics reflects the 
Company’s ongoing commitment to respect 
human rights, and the UN Guiding Principles  
on Business and Human Rights. Ericsson  
has worked actively to strengthen its internal 
governance processes and has a Sales 
Compliance Board which considers potential 
human rights impacts in its decisions. The 
human rights risk tools used by the Sales 
Compliance Board include external global risk 
indices. Ericsson joined the Shift Business 
Learning Program to further strengthen its 
framework on Human Rights across the 
Company which included conducting a Human 
Rights Impact Assessment in Myanmar,  
in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles.

Responsible sourcing 
All suppliers must comply with the requirements 
of Ericsson’s Code of Conduct. Approximately 
190 employees, covering all regions, are trained 
as Code of Conduct auditors. The Company 
uses a risk-based approach to ensure that  
the high risk portfolio areas, and highest risk 
markets, are targeted first. For prioritized areas, 
Ericsson performs regular audits and works with 
suppliers to ensure measurable and continuous 
improvements. Findings are followed up to 
ensure that improvements are made.

Ericsson addresses the issue of conflict 
minerals, including compliance with the US 
Dodd-Frank Act and the disclosure rule  
adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) through measures in its 
sourcing and product management processes.

Ericsson has actively engaged with its 
suppliers on this issue and suppliers within 
scope have been queried on the smelters in 
their supply chain. Ericsson’s supply chain is 
complex and both Ericsson and its suppliers 
are often many tiers away from the smelters. 

Ericsson also participates in industry 
initiatives such as the Conflict-Free Sourcing 
Initiative (CFSI), driven by the Global 
e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), and the 
Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC). 

Supplier Code of Conduct 
Audits and assessments

528

503

550

494

479

392

270

130

150

218

170

179

195

152

144

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

 Number of auditors 
 Number of assessments

 Number of audits 

Reducing environmental impact 
Energy use of products in operation remains 
the Company’s most significant environmental 
impact. Ericsson works proactively with its 
customers to encourage network and site 
energy optimization, through innovative 
products, software, solutions and advisory 
services. Processes and controls are in  
place to ensure compliance with relevant  
product-related environmental, customer  
and regulatory requirements. 

The Company works actively to reduce its 
environmental impact, with a focus on Design 
for Environment, which includes product energy 
efficiency and materials management. 
Continuously improving sustainability 
performance is fundamental to Ericsson’s 
strategy – and a priority remains improving the 
life-cycle carbon footprint. Last year, Ericsson 
reported that it reached its five-year target to 
reduce carbon footprint intensity by 40% one 
year ahead of schedule. Ericsson continues  
to report on this performance for the final year.  
The target comprises two focus areas: 
Ericsson’s own activities and the life-cycle 
impacts of products in operation.  Results for 
the five-year target: A 56% reduction in direct 
emission intensity from own activities, including 
business travel, product transportation and 
facilities’ energy use. A 47% reduction in indirect 
emission intensity from life-cycle impacts of 
products in operation.

Ericsson set a new long-term objective for its 

own operations in 2012, which is to maintain 
absolute CO2e emissions from Ericsson’s own 
activities for business travel, product transportation 
and facilities energy use in 2017 at the same level 
as in 2011. To achieve this long-term objective, the 
Company aims to reduce CO2e emissions per 
employee by 30% over five years. The Company 
achieved a 10% reduction of CO2e emissions per 
employee in 2013.

Ericsson Ecology Management is a program 
to take responsibility for products at the end of 
their life and to treat them in an environmentally 
preferable way. The program also ensures that 

45

Ericsson life-cycle  
assessment – carbon  
footprint 2013
Mtonnes CO2e

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

–5

~28

~3

0.8

~4

~–0.3

Activities in 2013
 Supply chain
 Own activities

Future (lifetime) operation  
of products delivered in 2013

 Operator activities
 Products in operation
 End-of-life treatment

~  Approximately

Carbon footprint  
intensity target
Percent

100

80

60

40

20

0

I

E
N
L
E
S
A
B

I

E
N
L
E
S
A
B

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

  Ericsson own activities
  Products in operation

 Five-year target

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Ericsson fulfills its producer responsibility and is 
offered to all customers globally free of charge, 
not only in markets where it is required by law. 

Radio waves and health 
Ericsson employs rigid product testing and 
installation procedures with the goal of ensuring 
that radio wave exposure levels from products  
and network solutions are below established  
safety limits. The Company also provides public 
information on radio waves and health, and 
supports independent research to further increase 
knowledge in this area. Since 1996, Ericsson has 
co-sponsored over 100 studies related to 
electromagnetic fields and health, primarily  
through the Mobile Manufacturers Forum.  
To assure scientific independence, firewalls were  
in place between the industrial sponsors and  
the researchers conducting these studies. 
Independent expert groups and public health 
authorities, including the World Health 
Organization, have reviewed the total amount of 
research and have consistently concluded that the 
balance of evidence does not demonstrate any 
health effects associated with radio wave exposure 
from either mobile phones or radio base stations.

Reporting according to GRI 3.0 
Ericsson publishes an annual Sustainability  
and Corporate Responsibility report and full  
key performance data is made available on  
the Ericsson website according to the Global 
Reporting Initiative (GRI). The performance  
data is assured by a third party.

Legal Proceedings

In November 2012, Ericsson filed two patent 
infringement lawsuits in the US District Court for 
the Eastern District of Texas against Samsung. 
Ericsson sought damages and an injunction. 
Ericsson also asked the Court to adjudge that 
Samsung breached its commitment to license 
any standard-essential patents it owns on fair, 
reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms and to 
declare Samsung’s allegedly standard essential 
patents to be unenforceable. In March 2013, 
Samsung filed its answers and counterclaims  
in the Ericsson suits in Texas, USA. 

In November 2012, Ericsson also filed a 

complaint with the US International Trade 
Commission (ITC), seeking an exclusion order 
blocking Samsung from import of certain 
products into the USA.

In December 2012, Samsung filed a 
complaint with the ITC seeking an exclusion 
order blocking Ericsson from import of certain 
products into the USA. 

On January 27, 2014, Ericsson announced 

that an agreement had been signed with 
Samsung on global patent licenses between the 
two companies. The cross-license agreement 
covers patents relating to GSM, UMTS, and LTE 
standards for both networks and handsets.

The agreement ends the complaints made by 

both companies against each other before ITC 
as well as the lawsuits before the U.S. District 
Court for the Eastern District of Texas. 

On January 10, 2013, Adaptix Inc. filed two 
lawsuits against Ericsson, AT&T, AT&T Mobility 
and MetroPCS Communications in the US 
District Court for Eastern District of Texas 
alleging that certain Ericsson products infringe 
five US patents assigned to Adaptix. Adaptix 
seeks damages and an injunction.

On January 18, 2013, Adaptix filed a 

complaint with the Tokyo District Court alleging 
certain Ericsson products infringe two Japanese 
patents assigned to Adaptix. Adaptix seeks 
damages and an injunction.

On January 25, 2013, Adaptix filed a complaint 
with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) 
requesting that the commission open a patent 
infringement investigation into certain Ericsson 
products. In December 2013, this complaint was 
dismissed by the ITC based on Adaptix’s 
withdrawal of the complaint. 

In 2013, Ericsson filed a patent infringement 

lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Indian 
handset company Micromax, seeking damages 
and an injunction. Ericsson alleged that Micromax 
products, compliant with the 2G/3G standard, 
infringe eight of Ericsson’s Indian patents. As part 
of its defence, Micromax has filed a complaint to 
the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the 
CCI has decided to refer the case to the Director 
General’s Office for an in-depth investigation.

In 2012, Wi-LAN Inc., a US patent licensing 
company, filed a complaint against Ericsson in the 
US District Court of Southern Florida alleging that 
Ericsson’s LTE products infringe three of Wi-
LAN’s US patents. Ericsson was sued in 2010 by 
Wi-LAN in another patent infringement lawsuit in 
the US District Court for the Eastern District of 
Texas. Wi-LAN alleged that Ericsson products, 
compliant with the 3GPP standard, infringe three 
US patents assigned to Wi-LAN.  
In June 2013, a District Court Judge in the Florida 
case granted Ericsson’s request for a Summary 

46

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013Judgment and dismissed Wi-LAN’s claims 
against Ericsson. Wi-LAN has appealed this 
decision. In July 2013, a jury in Tyler, Texas, found 
in Ericsson’s favor in the Texas case. Wi-LAN may 
appeal the final decision by the Court. 

In 2012, Airvana Networks Solutions Inc.  
sued Ericsson in the Supreme Court of the State 
of New York, alleging that Ericsson had violated  
key contract terms and misappropriated Airvana 
trade secrets and proprietary information. 
Ericsson announced on September 6, 2013  
that it has acquired Airvana Network Solutions’ 
EVDO business. The lawsuit filed by Airvana 
against Ericsson has now been dismissed.
In 2011, TruePosition sued Ericsson, 
Qualcomm, Alcatel-Lucent, the European 
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) 
and the Third Generation Partnership Project 
(3GPP) in the US District Court for the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania for purported federal 
antitrust violations. The complaint alleged that 
Ericsson, Qualcomm and Alcatel-Lucent illegally 
conspired to block the adoption of TruePosition’s 
proprietary technology into the new mobile 
positioning standards for LTE, while at the same 
time ensuring that their own technology was 
included into the new standards. The case is 
proceeding to discovery.

In 2007, H3G S.p.A, (H3G) filed arbitral 
proceedings in Italy against Ericsson. H3G 
claimed compensation from Ericsson for alleged 
breach of contract. In June 2013, the parties 
settled the dispute. The settlement is not 
considered to have a material impact on 
Ericsson’s business, operating results or liquidity.
In addition to the proceedings discussed 
above, Ericsson companies are, and in the 
future may be, involved in various other lawsuits, 
claims and proceedings incidental to the 
ordinary course of business.

Parent Company

The Parent Company business consists mainly  
of corporate management, holding company 
functions and internal banking activities. It also 
handles customer credit management, performed 
on a commission basis by Ericsson Credit AB.
The Parent Company has 5 (6) branch 
offices. In total, the Group has 81 (71) branch 
and representative offices.

Financial information
Income after financial items was SEK 7.2 (–4.9) 
billion. The Parent Company had no sales in 
2013 or 2012 to subsidiaries, while 30% (34%) 
of total purchases of goods and services were 
from such companies.

Major changes in the Parent Company’s 

financial position for the year included:
 >

In 2012, a provision of SEK 3.3 billion was 
recognized, which provides for Ericsson’s 
share of obligations for the wind-down of 

ST-Ericsson. In 2013, SEK 2.1 billion has 
been utilized or reversed, which resulted in  
a net liability of SEK 1.2 billion

 > Decreased current and non-current 

receivables from subsidiaries of SEK 7.1 billion

 > Decreased other current receivables of  

 >

SEK 2.0 billion
Increased cash, cash equivalents and 
short-term investments of SEK 1.1 billion
 > Decreased current and non-current liabilities 

to subsidiaries of SEK 5.2 billion

 > Decreased other current liabilities of  

SEK 0.9 billion.

At year-end, cash, cash equivalents and 
short-term investments amounted to SEK 58.5 
(57.4) billion.

Share information
As of December 31, 2013, the total number of 
shares in issue was 3,305,051,735, of which 
261,755,983 were Class A shares, each carrying 
one vote, and 3,043,295,752 were Class B 
shares, each carrying one tenth of one vote. 
Both classes of shares have the same rights  
of participation in the net assets and earnings.
The two largest shareholders at year-end 
were Investor AB and AB Industrivärden holding 
21.50% and 15.21% respectively of the voting 
rights in the Parent Company.

In accordance with the conditions of the 

Long-Term Variable Remuneration Program (LTV) 
for Ericsson employees, 10,829,917 treasury 
shares were sold or distributed to employees in 
2013. The quotient value of these shares was 
SEK 5.00, totaling SEK 54.1 million, representing 
less than 1% of capital stock, and compensation 
received for shares sold and distributed shares 
amounted to SEK 116.6 million.

The holding of treasury stock at December 

31, 2013 was 73,968,178 Class B shares.  
The quotient value of these shares is SEK 5.00, 
totaling SEK 369.8 million, representing 2.2%  
of capital stock, and the purchase price 
amounts to SEK 571.6 million.

Proposed disposition of earnings
The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend 
of SEK 3.0 (2.75) per share be paid to 
shareholders duly registered on the record date 
April 16, 2014, and that the Parent Company shall 
retain the remaining part of non-restricted equity.
The Class B treasury shares held by the 
Parent Company are not entitled to receive 
dividend. Assuming that no treasury shares 
remain on the record date, the Board of 
Directors proposes that earnings be distributed 
as follows:

Amount to be paid to  
the shareholders

Amount to be retained by the 
Parent Company

Total non-restricted equity of 
the Parent Company

SEK 9,915,155,205

SEK 13,882,835,598

SEK 23,797,990,803

47

 Board of Directors’ ReportResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Board Assurance

The Board of Directors and the President 
declare that the consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance 
with IFRS, as adopted by the EU, and give a fair 
view of the Group’s financial position and results 
of operations. The financial statements of the 
Parent Company have been prepared in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles in Sweden and give a fair view of the 
Parent Company’s financial position and results 
of operations.

The Board of Directors’ Report for the 
Ericsson Group and the Parent Company 
provides a fair view of the development  
of the Group’s and the Parent Company’s 
operations, financial position and results of 
operations and describes material risks and 
uncertainties facing the Parent Company  
and the companies included in the Group.

As a basis for its dividend proposal, the Board 
of Directors has made an assessment in 
accordance with Chapter 18, Section 4 of  
the Swedish Companies Act of the Parent 
Company’s and the Group’s need for financial 
resources as well as the Parent Company’s and 
the Group’s liquidity, financial position in other 
respects and long-term ability to meet their 
commitments. The Group reports an equity  
ratio of 53% (50%) and a net cash amount of 
SEK 37.8 (38.5) billion.

The Board of Directors has also considered 

the Parent Company’s result and financial 
position and the Group’s position in general.  
In this respect, the Board of Directors has taken 
into account known commitments that may 
have an impact on the financial positions of  
the Parent Company and its subsidiaries.

The proposed dividend does not limit the 
Group’s ability to make investments or raise 
funds, and it is the Board of Directors’ 
assessment that the proposed dividend is 
well-balanced considering the nature, scope 
and risks of the business activities as well as  
he capital requirements for the Parent Company 
and the Group in addition to coming years’ 
business plans and economic development.

Stockholm, March 5, 2014
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. no. 556016-0680

Sverker Martin-Löf
Deputy Chairman 

Roxanne S. Austin
Member of the Board

Börje Ekholm  
Member of the Board 

Leif Johansson
Chairman

Sir Peter L. Bonfield
Member of the Board 

Alexander Izosimov
Member of the Board

Jacob Wallenberg
Deputy Chairman

Nora Denzel
Member of the Board

Ulf J. Johansson
Member of the Board 

Kristin Skogen Lund 
Member of the Board

Hans Vestberg
President, CEO and Member of the Board

Pär Östberg 
Member of the Board

Pehr Claesson
Member of the Board 

Kristina Davidsson
Member of the Board

Karin Åberg
Member of the Board

48

ResultsEricsson | Annual Report 2013Easy 
financing 
for small 
businesses

Some 200 million businesses in developing 
countries lack the financing they need to 
grow as access to capital is scarce and 
actually getting hold of money is inconvenient 
without access to a bank branch office or 
agent. Equally complicated is the repayment 
of loans, which could require a full day of 
travel to get to a bank.

In the Philippines, a mobile wallet solution 
connecting micro-financing institutions directly 
to borrowers is revolutionizing small business 
financing. People get funding sent directly to 
their mobile phone, or through agents offering 
cash-out services. Financial products and 
services are offered to customers utilizing the 
network of a large operator reaching more 
than 70 million subscriptions.

As a result, individuals starting up small 
businesses get financing fast, cheaply and 
securely. And by improving both the 
distribution and collection of start-up loans, 
micro-financing organizations improve 
efficiency, decrease default rates and extend 
their services to even more customers.

75%

Transaction costs can be cut by over 
75% by moving payments from cash  
to mobile.

ISXEN_v51.indd   49

2014-03-07   10:07

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

49

results

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS with  
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Contents

Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated income statement  
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
Consolidated balance sheet  
Consolidated statement of cash flows  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
C1  Significant accounting policies  
C2  Critical accounting estimates and judgments  
C3  Segment information  
C4  Net sales  
C5  Expenses by nature  
C6  Other operating income and expenses  
C7  Financial income and expenses  
C8  Taxes  
C9  Earnings per share  
C10  Intangible assets  
C11  Property, plant and equipment   
C12  Financial assets, non-current  
C13  Inventories  
C14  Trade receivables and customer finance  
C15  Other current receivables  
C16  Equity 
C17  Post-employment benefits  
C18  Provisions  
C19  Interest-bearing liabilities  
C20  Financial risk management and financial instruments  
C21  Other current liabilities  
C22  Trade payables  
C23  Assets pledged as collateral  
C24  Contingent liabilities  
C25  Statement of cash flows  
C26  Business combinations   
C27  Leasing  
C28  Information regarding members of the Board of Directors,  

the Group management and employees  

C29  Related party transactions  
C30  Fees to auditors  
C31  Contractual obligations  

51
52
53
54
55

58
66
68
71
71
71
72
72
73
74
76
77
78
79
81
81
82
86
87
88
91
91
91
92
92
93
95

96
101
101
101

50

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

ISXEN_v51.indd   50

2014-03-07   10:07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement

January–December, SEK million 

Net sales 
Cost of sales 
Gross income
Gross margin (%)

Research and development expenses
Selling and administrative expenses 
Operating expenses

Other operating income and expenses
Operating income before shares in earnings  
of joint ventures and associated companies
Operating margin before shares in earnings  
of joint ventures and associated companies (%)

Notes

C3, C4

2013

2012

2011

227,376
–151,005
76,371
33.6%

–32,236
–26,273
–58,509

227,779
–155,699
72,080
31.6%

–32,833
–26,023
–58,856

226,921
–147,200
79,721
35.1%

–32,638
–26,683
–59,321

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

C6

113

8,965 1)

1,278

17,975

22,189

21,678

Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies 
Operating income

C3, C12

Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Income after financial items

Taxes 
Net income

Net income attributable to:

Stockholders of the Parent Company
Non-controlling interest

Other information

Average number of shares, basic (million)
Earnings per share attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company, basic (SEK) 2)
Earnings per share attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company, diluted (SEK) 2)

1) Includes gain on sale of Sony Ericsson of SEK 7.7 billion.
2) Based on Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company.

C7
C7

C8

C9
C9
C9

7.9%

–130
17,845

1,346
–2,093
17,098

–4,924
12,174

12,005
169

3,226
3.72
3.69

9.7%

–11,731
10,458

1,708
–1,984
10,182

–4,244
5,938

5,775
163

3,216
1.80
1.78

9.6%

–3,778
17,900

2,882
–2,661
18,121

–5,552
12,569

12,194
375

3,206
3.80
3.77

  Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

51

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results

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

January–December, SEK million 

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements of defined benefits pension plans including asset ceiling
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the period
Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses included in profit or loss
Adjustments for amounts transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

Fair value remeasurement

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associated companies
Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 

Stockholders of the Parent Company 
Non-controlling interests

2013

12,174

3,214
–1,235

251
–1,072
–

71
–1,687
–14
179
–293
11,881

11,712
169

2012

5,938

–451
–59

1,668
–568
92

6
–3,947
–486
–363
–4,108
1,830

1,716
114

2011

12,569

–6,963
1,810

996
–2,028
–

–
–964
–262
348
–7,063
5,506

5,081
425

52

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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2014-03-07   10:07

Consolidated balance sheet

December 31, SEK million 

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 

Capitalized development expenses
Goodwill
Intellectual property rights, brands and other intangible assets

Notes

2013

2012

C10

3,348
31,544
12,815

3,840
30,404
15,202

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Property, plant and equipment

C11, C26, C27

11,433

11,493

Financial assets 

Equity in joint ventures and associated companies
Other investments in shares and participations
Customer finance, non-current
Other financial assets, non-current

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets
Inventories 

Trade receivables
Customer finance, current
Other current receivables

Short-term investments 
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Equity
Stockholders’ equity  
Non-controlling interest in equity of subsidiaries

Non-current liabilities
Post-employment benefits 1)
Provisions, non-current 
Deferred tax liabilities
Borrowings, non-current 
Other non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities
Provisions, current 
Borrowings, current 
Trade payables 
Other current liabilities 1)

C12
C12
C12
C12
C8

C13

C14
C14
C15

C20
C25

C16

C17
C18
C8
C19, C20

C18
C19, C20
C22
C21

2,568
505
1,294
5,684
9,103
78,294

2,842
386
1,290
3,964
12,321
81,742

22,759

28,802

71,013
2,094
17,941

34,994
42,095
190,896

63,660
4,019
20,065

32,026
44,682
193,254

269,190

274,996

140,204
1,419
141,623

136,883
1,600
138,483

9,825
222
2,650
22,067
1,459
36,223

5,140
7,388
20,502
58,314
91,344

9,503
211
3,120
23,898
2,377
39,109

8,427
4,769
23,100
61,108
97,404

Total equity and liabilities 2)

269,190

274,996

1)  As of January 1, 2013 the provision for the Swedish special payroll taxes, amounting to SEK 1.8 billion, which was previously included in Other current liabilities, has been re-classified as 

pension liability in line with the implementation of IAS 19R.

2)  Of which interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits SEK 39,280 (38,170) million.

  Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

53

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results

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

Consolidated Statement of cash flows

January–December, SEK million

Operating activities
Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

Changes in operating net assets
Inventories
Customer finance, current and non-current
Trade receivables
Trade payables
Provisions and post-employment benefits
Other operating assets and liabilities, net

Notes

2013

2012

2011

C25

12,174
9,828
22,002

4,868
1,809
–8,504
–2,158
–3,298
2,670
–4,613

5,938
13,077
19,015

2,752
–1,259
–1,103
–1,311
–1,920
5,857
3,016

12,569
12,613
25,182

–3,243
74
–1,700
–1,648
–5,695
–2,988
–15,200

Cash flow from operating activities

17,389

22,031

9,982

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
Short-term investments
Cash flow from investing activities

C11

C25, C26 
C25, C26 
C10

–4,503
378
–3,147
465
–915
–1,330
–2,057
–11,109

–5,429
568
–11,529 1)
9,452
–1,641
1,540
2,151
–4,888

–4,994
386
–3,181
53
–1,515
–900
14,692
4,541

Cash flow before financing activities

6,280

17,143

14,523

Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from stock issue
Sale/repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
Other financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net change in cash 

5,956
–5,094
–
90
–9,153
–1,307
–9,508

8,969
–9,670
159
–93
–8,632
–118
–9,385

641

–1,752

–2,587

6,006

2,076
–1,259
–
92
–7,455
52
–6,494

–217

7,812

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

44,682

38,676

30,864

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 

C25

42,095

44,682

38,676

1)  Includes payment of external loan of SEK –6.2 billion attributable to the acquisition of Telcordia.

54

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Equity and Other comprehensive income 2013

SEK million

January 1, 2013
Net income
Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements related to post-employment benefits

Group

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the year 

Group

Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses  
included in profit or loss

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

Group

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 3)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale/repurchase of own shares
Stock purchase plans

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Dividends paid
Transactions with non-controlling interest
December 31, 2013

Capital stock

Addi tional
paid in capital

Retained 
earnings

Stock ­
holders’ 
equity

Non-control ling 
interest 

Total 
equity

16,526

24,731

95,626

136,883

1,600

138,483

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
16,526

–
–
–
–
24,731

12,135
–130

12,135
–130

169
–

12,304
–130

3,214
–1,235

3,214
–1,235

251

251

–1,072 1)

–1,072

71

71

–1,687 2)
–14
179
–293
11,712

–1,687
–14
179
–293
11,712

–
90

388
–
–8,863
–6
98,947

–
90

388
–

–8,863 4)

–6
140,204

–
–

–

–

–

0
–
–
–
169

–
–

–
–
–290
–60
1,419

3,214
–1,235

251

–1,072

71

–1,687
–14
179
–293
11,881

–
90

388
–
–9,153
–66
141,623

1)  SEK –754 million is recognized in Net sales, SEK –495 million is recognized in Cost of sales, SEK 177 million is recognized in R&D expenses.
2)  Changes in cumulative translation adjustments include changes regarding revaluation of goodwill in local currency of SEK –204 million (SEK –1,400 million in 2012 and SEK 46 million in 2011), 

gain/loss from hedging activities of foreign entities, SEK 0 million (SEK 0 million in 2012 and SEK 9 million in 2011), and realized gain/losses net from sold/liquidated companies, SEK –20 million 
(SEK –461 million in 2012 and SEK 192 million in 2011).

3)  For further disclosures, see Note C8, “Taxes.”
4)  Dividends paid per share amounted to SEK 2.75 (SEK 2.50 in 2012 and SEK 2.25 in 2011).

  Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

55

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results

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

Equity and Other comprehensive income 2012

SEK million

January 1, 2012
Net income
Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements related to post-employment benefits

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the year 

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies
Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses  
included in profit or loss
Adjustments for amounts transferred to initial
carrying amount of hedged items

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

Group

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale/repurchase of own shares
Stock purchase plans

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Dividends paid
Transactions with non-controlling interest
December 31, 2012

Capital stock

Addi tional
paid in capital

Retained 
earnings

Stock ­
holders’ 
equity

Non-control ling 
interest 

Total 
equity

16,367

24,731

102,007

143,105

2,165

145,270

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

159
–

–
–
–
–
16,526

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
24,731

17,411
–11,636

17,411
–11,636

163
–

17,574
–11,636

–451
50
–59

–451
50
–59

1,668
–25

1,668
–25

–568

–568

92

6

–3,898
–511
–363
–4,059
1,716

–
–93

405
–
–8,033
–376
95,626

92

6

–3,898
–511
–363
–4,059
1,716

159
–93

405
–
–8,033
–376
136,883

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–49
–
–
–49
114

–
–

–
–
–599
–80
1,600

–451
50
–59

1,668
–25

–568

92

6

–3,947
–511
–363
–4,108
1,830

159
–93

405
–
–8,632
–456
138,483

56

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Equity and Other comprehensive income 2011

SEK million

January 1, 2011
Net income
Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurements related to post-employment benefits

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the year 

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies
Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses  
included in profit or loss

Changes in cumulative translation adjustments

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners
Sale of own shares
Stock purchase plans

Group
Joint ventures and associated companies

Dividends paid
Transactions with non-controlling interest
December 31, 2011

Capital stock

Addi tional
paid in capital

Retained 
earnings

Stock ­
holders’ 
equity

Non-control ling 
interest

Total equity

16,367

24,731

104,008

145,106

1,679

146,785

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

15,727
–3,533

15,727
–3,533

375
–

16,102
–3,533

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–6,963
–212
1,810

–6,963
–212
1,810

996
11

996
11

–2,028

–2,028

–1,014
–61
348
–7,113

5,081

–1,014
–61
348
–7,113

5,081

92

92

–
–
–
–
16,367

–
–
–
–
24,731

413
–
–7,207
–380
102,007

413
–
–7,207
–380
143,105

–
–
–

–
–

–

50
–
–
50

425

–

–
–
–248
309
2,165

–6,963
–212
1,810

996
11

–2,028

–964
–61
348
–7,063

5,506

92

413
–
–7,455
–71
145,270

  Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

57

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results

Notes to the CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C1  
Significant Accounting Policies
Introduction
The consolidated financial statements comprise Telefonaktiebolaget 
LM Ericsson, the Parent Company, and its subsidiaries (“the 
Company”) and the Company’s interests in joint ventures and 
associated companies. The Parent Company is domiciled in Sweden at 
Torshamnsgatan 21, SE-164 83 Stockholm.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 

31, 2013 have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the EU and 
RFR 1 “Additional rules for Group Accounting,” related interpretations 
issued by the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (Rådet för finansiell 
rapportering), and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. For the financial 
reporting of 2013, the Company has applied IFRS as issued by the IASB 
(IFRS effective as per December 31, 2013) and with early application 
in relation to the amendment to IAS 36, “Impairment of assets” on 
recoverable amount disclosures. There is no difference between IFRS 
effective as per December 31, 2013, and IFRS as endorsed by the EU, 
nor is RFR 1 related interpretations issued by the Swedish Financial 
Reporting Board (Rådet för Finansiell Rapportering) or the Swedish 
Annual Accounts Act in conflict with IFRS, for all periods presented. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 
March 5, 2014. The balance sheets and income statements are subject 
to approval by the Annual General Meeting of shareholders.

New standards, amendments of standards and interpretations, 

effective as from January 1, 2013 are as follows: 
 > Amendment to IAS 1, “Financial statement presentation 

regarding Other comprehensive income”. The main change 
resulting from this amendment is a requirement for entities to group 
items presented in “other comprehensive income” (OCI) on the 
basis of whether or not they are potentially recycled to profit or loss 
(reclassification adjustments). 

 > Amendment to IAS 19, “Employee benefits” eliminates the 

corridor approach and calculates finance costs on a net funding 
basis. The Company implemented the immediate and full 
recognition of actuarial gains/losses in “Other comprehensive 
income” (OCI) in 2006, meaning that the corridor method has not 
been applied by the Company as from that date and therefore the 
transition to the revised IAS 19 has not had an effect on the present 
obligation and equity except for the reclassification described below. 
The main issue to address is the implementation of the net interest 
cost/income, which integrates the interest cost and expected 
interest income on assets to be based on a common discount rate. 
The impact for fiscal year 2012 in relation to this amendment would 
have been an increase in pension costs for 2012 of SEK 0.4 billion if 
it had been restated. 
The Company has addressed the taxes to be incorporated into the 
defined benefit obligation. The Swedish special payroll taxes have 
been reclassified from “Other current liabilities” to “Post-employment 
benefits” with an amount of SEK 1.8 billion as of January 1, 2013. 
The amendment also includes additional disclosure requirements on 
yearly financial and demographic assumptions, sensitivity analysis, 
duration and multi-employer plans.

58

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

 > Amendment to IFRS 7, “Financial instruments: Disclosures’ on 

asset and liability offsetting.” This amendment requires disclosure 
of gross amounts related to financial instruments for which offset 
has been made.
IFRS 10, “Consolidated financial statements.” The objective 
of IFRS 10 is to establish principles for the presentation and 
preparation of consolidated financial statements when an entity 
controls one or more other entities to present consolidated financial 
statements. It defines the principle of control, and establishes 
control as the basis for consolidation. It sets out how to apply 
the principle of control to identify whether an investor controls an 
investee and therefore must consolidate the investee. An entity 
controls an investee if the entity has power over the investee, has 
the ability to use the power and is exposed to variable returns. It 
also sets out the accounting requirements for the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 11, “Joint arrangements” focuses on the rights and 
obligations of the arrangement rather than its legal form. There are 
two types of joint arrangement: joint operations and joint ventures. 
Proportional consolidation of joint ventures is no longer allowed. The 
Company did not apply the proportionate consolidation method 
prior to 2013.
IFRS 12, “Disclosures of interests in other entities” includes the 
disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, 
including joint arrangements, associates, structured entities and 
other off-balance-sheet vehicles as well as non-controlling interests 
in the subsidiaries of the Company. The conclusion from the 
Company’s adoption analysis of IFRS 12 is that as per December 
31, 2013 the Company experienced no material impact as a result 
of this new standard that would require separate disclosures of non-
controlling interests or associated companies or joint ventures as per 
this date. An exception to this relates to the Company’s ownership in 
the associated company Rockstar Inc.
IFRS 13, “Fair value measurement” does not extend the use of fair 
value accounting but provides guidance on how it should be applied 
where its use is already required or permitted by other standards 
within IFRS. This standard has also added disclosure requirements 
to IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, regarding the disclosure for 
financial instruments.
IAS 27 (revised 2011), “Separate financial statements” includes 
the provisions on separate financial statements that remain after the 
control provisions of IAS 27 have been included in the new IFRS 10.
IAS 28 (revised 2011), “Associates and joint ventures” includes 
the requirements for joint ventures, as well as associates, to be 
equity accounted following the issue of IFRS 11.

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Amendment to IAS 36, “Impairment of assets” on recoverable 

amount disclosures. This amendment addresses the disclosure of 
information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that 
amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal.

None of the new or amended standards and interpretations have had 
any significant impact on the financial result or position nor on the 
disclosure of the Company. 

For information on “New standards and interpretations not yet 

adopted,” refer to the end of this Note.

C1XC2XEN_v47.indd   58

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R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Change of hedge accounting
Due to cost efficiency reasons the Company has changed the hedge 
accounting.

The Company hedges highly probable forecast transactions related 
to sales and purchases with the purpose to limit the impact related to 
currency fluctuations on these forecasted transactions. This will not be 
changed.

The Company has, however, decided to discontinue hedge 

accounting for this type of hedges. Until 2012 the Company applied 
cash flow hedge accounting for highly probable forecast transactions. 
Revaluation of these hedges (incepted prior to January 1, 2013) has, 
prior to release, been reported under “Other comprehensive income” 
and is at release recycled to Sales, Cost of sales and R&D expenses 
respectively.

As from 2013, revaluation of new hedges (inception as from January 

1, 2013) is reported under “Other operating income and expenses” in 
the Income statement. 

Basis of presentation
The financial statements are presented in millions of Swedish Krona (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 pension plans. Financial information in the consolidated income 
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated statement of cash flows and the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity with related notes are presented with two comparison 
years while for the consolidated balance sheet financial information with 
related notes is presented with only one comparison year.

Basis of consolidation and composition of the group
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with the purchase method. Accordingly, consolidated stockholders’ 
equity includes equity in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated 
companies earned only after their acquisition. 

As from January 1, 2013, subsidiaries are all companies for  
which Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, directly or indirectly, is the 
parent. To be classed as a parent, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, 
directly or indirectly, must control another company which requires 
that the Parent Company has power over that other company, is 
exposed to variable returns from its involvement and has the ability 
to use its power over that other company. The financial statements 
of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements 
from the date that control commences until the date that such control 
ceases. 

Before 2013, subsidiaries were all companies in which 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, directly or indirectly, had an 
ownership interest, including effective potential voting rights; 
companies over which the Company had the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies generally associated with ownership 
of more than one half of the voting rights; or companies over which 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, directly or indirectly, by agreement 
had control. The financial statements of subsidiaries were included 
in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commenced until the date that control ceases. The change as 
from 2013 was made due to a change of IFRS, as disclosed under 
Introduction: see IFRS 10, “Consolidated financial statements.”

Intra-group balances and any unrealized income and expense 

arising from intra-group transactions 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. 

The Company is composed of a parent company, Telefonaktie-

bolaget LM Ericsson, with generally fully-owned subsidiaries in many 
countries of the world. The largest operating subsidiaries are the 
fully-owned telecom vendor companies Ericsson AB, incorporated in 
Sweden and Ericsson Inc., incorporated in the US.

Business combinations
At the acquisition of a business, the cost of the acquisition, being the 
purchase price, is measured as the fair value of the assets given, and 
liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, including any 
cost related to contingent consideration. Transaction costs attributable 
to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. The acquisition cost is 
allocated to acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities based 
upon appraisals made, including assets and liabilities that were not 
recognized on the acquired entity’s balance sheet, for example intangible 
assets such as customer relations, brands, patents and financial 
liabilities. Goodwill arises when the purchase price exceeds the fair value 
of recognizable acquired net assets. In acquisitions with non-controlling 
interests full or partial goodwill can be recognized. Final amounts are 
established within one year after the transaction date at the latest.
In case there is a put option for non-controlling interest in a 

subsidiary a corresponding financial liability is recognized.

Non-controlling interest
The Company treats transactions with non-controlling interests as 
transactions with equity owners of the Company. For purchases from 
non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration 
paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets 
of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to 
non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

When the Company ceases to have control, any retained interest 
in the entity is remeasured to its fair value, with the change in carrying 
amount recognized in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying 
amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained 
interest in an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any 
amounts previously recognized in Other comprehensive income in 
respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Company had directly 
disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts 
previously recognized in Other comprehensive income are reclassified 
to profit or loss.

At acquisition, there is a choice on an acquisition-by-acquisition 
basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at 
fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s net assets.

Joint ventures and associated companies
Both joint ventures and associated companies are accounted for in 
accordance with the equity method. Under the equity method, the 
investment in an associate or joint venture is initially recognized at cost 
and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the 
investor’s share of the profit or loss of the investee after the date of 
acquisition. If the Company’s interest in an associated company or joint 
venture is nil, the Company shall not, as prescribed by IFRS, recognize 
its part of any future losses. Provisions related to obligations for such 
an interest shall, however, be recognized in relation to such an interest.
As from January 1, 2013, JVs are classed as ownership interests 
under which the Company has joint control of another company, as 
prescribed under IFRS 11, “Joint Arrangements,” a new standard 
effective as from 2013: see Introduction. Prior to 2013, JVs were 
classed as ownership interests where a joint influence was obtained 
through agreement. IFRS 11 has not changed the Company’s 
accounting treatment of JVs.

Investments in associated companies, i.e. when the Company has 

significant influence and the power to participate in the financial and 
operating policy decisions of the associated company, but is not in 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

59

C1XC2XEN_v47.indd   59

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control or joint control over those policies. Normally this is the case in 
voting stock interest, including effective potential voting rights, which 
stand at at least 20% but not more than 50%. 

 >

Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at 
average exchange rates

 > All resulting net exchange differences are recognized as a separate 

The Company’s share of income before taxes is reported in item 
“Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies”, included 
in Operating Income. This reflects the fact that these interests are held 
for operating rather than investing or financial purposes. Ericsson’s 
share of income taxes related to joint ventures and associated 
companies is reported under the line item Taxes in the income 
statement. 

Unrealized gains on transactions between the Company and its 
associated companies and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent 
of the Company’s interest in these entities. Unrealized losses are also 
eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of 
the asset transferred.

Shares in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies 
included in consolidated equity which are undistributed are reported in 
Retained earnings in the balance sheet. 

Impairment testing as well as recognition or reversal of impairment 
of investments in each joint venture is performed in the same manner 
as for intangible assets other than goodwill. The entire carrying value 
of each investment, including goodwill, is tested as a single asset. See 
also description under “Intangible assets other than goodwill” below.
If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant 

influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts 
previously recognized in Other comprehensive income are reclassified 
to profit or loss where appropriate.

In Note C2, “Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments,” further 

disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation 
uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies 
applied.

Foreign currency remeasurement and translation
Items included in the financial statements of each entity of the Company 
are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in Swedish Krona (SEK), which is the 
Parent Company’s functional and presentation currency. 

component of OCI.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of 
the net investment in foreign operations, and of borrowings and other 
currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are 
accounted for in OCI. When a foreign operation is partially disposed of 
or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in OCI are recognized 
in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate.

There is no significant impact due to any currency of a 

hyperinflationary economy.

Statement of cash flows
The statement of cash flow is prepared in accordance with the indirect 
method. Cash flows in foreign subsidiaries are translated at the average 
exchange rate during the period. Payments for subsidiaries acquired or 
divested are reported as cash flow from investing activities, net of cash 
and cash equivalents acquired or disposed of, respectively. 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, bank, and short-term 
investments that are highly liquid monetary financial instruments with a 
remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Revenue recognition 
Background
The Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of telecommunication 
and data communication systems, professional services, and 
multimedia solutions. Products, both hardware and software as well 
as services, are in general standardized. The impact of this is that 
any acceptance terms are normally only formal requirements. In Note 
C3, “Segment information,” the Company’s products and services are 
disclosed in more detail as per operating segment.

The Company’s products and services are generally sold under 
delivery-type or multi-year recurring services contracts. The delivery 
type contracts often contain content from more than one segment.

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency 
using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of each respective 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 
settlement of such transactions and from the translation at period-
end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in foreign currencies are recognized in the income statement, unless 
deferred in Other comprehensive income under the hedge accounting 
practices as described below.

Changes in the fair value of monetary securities denominated in 
foreign currency classified as available-for-sale are analyzed between 
translation differences resulting from changes in the amortized cost of 
the security and other changes in the carrying amount of the security. 
Translation differences related to changes in the amortized cost are 
recognized in profit or loss, and other changes in the carrying amount 
are recognized in OCI.

Accounting treatment
Sales are based on fair values of consideration received and recorded 
net of value added taxes, goods returned and estimated trade discounts. 
Revenue is recognized when risks and rewards have been transferred to 
the customer, with reference to all significant contractual terms, when:
 > The product or service has been delivered
 > The revenue amount is fixed or determinable
 > The customer has received and activation has been made of 

separately sold software

 > Collection is reasonably assured 
Estimations of contractual performance criteria impact the timing 
and amounts of revenue recognized and may therefore defer revenue 
recognition until the performance criteria are met. The profitability of 
contracts is periodically assessed, and provisions for any estimated 
losses are made immediately when losses are probable.

Allocation and/or timing criteria specific to each type of contract are:

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and 

 > Delivery-type contracts – These contracts relate to delivery, 

liabilities are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. 

Group companies
The results and financial position of all the group entities that have 
a functional currency different from the presentation currency are 
translated into the presentation currency as follows:
 > Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated 

at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

installation, integration of products and provision of related services, 
normally under multiple elements contracts. Under multiple elements 
contracts, accounting is based on that the revenue recognition 
criteria are applied to the separately identifiable components of the 
contract. Revenue, including the impact of any discount or rebate, 
is allocated to each element based on relative fair values. Networks, 
Global Services and Support Solutions have contracts that relate to 
this type of arrangement.

60

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 > Contracts for services – These relate to multi-year service contracts 
such as support – and managed service contracts and other types 
of recurring services. Revenue is recognized when the services have 
been provided, generally pro rata over the contract period. Global 
Services has contracts that relate to this type of arrangement.
 > Contracts generating license fees from third parties for the use 
of the Company’s intellectual property rights – License fees are 
normally measured as a percentage of sales or currency amount 
per unit and recognized over the license period as the amount of the 
consideration becomes reasonably certain. Networks and Support 
Solutions have contracts that relate to this type of arrangement.
For sales between consolidated companies, associated companies, 
joint ventures and segments, the Company applies arm’s length pricing. 
In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” a further 

disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation 
uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies 
applied.

Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income 
attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company by the weighted 
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 stockholders of the Parent Company, when appropriate 
adjusted by the sum of the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding and dilutive potential ordinary shares. Potential ordinary 
shares are treated as dilutive when, and only when, their conversion to 
ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share.

Rights to matching shares are considered dilutive when the actual 
fulfillment of any performance conditions as of the reporting date would 
give a right to ordinary shares.

Financial assets
Financial assets are recognized when the Company becomes a party 
to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Regular purchases and 
sales of financial assets are recognized on the settlement date. 

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash 
flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and 
the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of 
ownership. Separate assets or liabilities are recognized if any rights and 
obligations are created or retained in the transfer. 

The Company classifies its financial assets in the following 

categories: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, 
and available-for-sale. The classification depends on the purpose for 
which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the 
classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. 

Financial assets 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. 

The fair values of quoted financial investments and derivatives 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. Valuations of 
foreign exchange options and Interest Rate Guarantees (IRG) are made 
by using the Black-Scholes formula. Inputs to the valuations are market 
prices for implied volatility, foreign exchange and interest rates. 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets 
held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired 
principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term.

Derivatives are classified as held for trading, unless they are designated 

as hedges. Assets in this category are classified as current assets.
Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair values of the 

“Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” category (excluding 
derivatives) are presented in the income statement within Financial 
income in the period in which they arise. Derivatives are presented in 
the income statement either as Cost of sales, Other operating income, 
Financial income or Financial expense, depending on the intent with the 
transaction.

Loans and receivables
Receivables, including those that relate to customer financing, are 
subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest 
rate method, less allowances for impairment charges. Trade receivables 
include amounts due from customers. The balance represents amounts 
billed to customers as well as amounts where risk and rewards have 
been transferred to the customer but the invoice has not yet been issued.
Collectability of the receivables is assessed for purposes of initial 

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revenue recognition. 

Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are 
either designated in this category or not classified in any of the 
other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless 
management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 months of 
the balance sheet date.

Dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in 
the income statement as part of financial income when the Company’s 
right to receive payments is established.

Changes in the fair value of monetary securities denominated in 
a foreign currency and classified as available-for-sale are analyzed 
between translation differences resulting from changes in the amortized 
cost of the security and other changes in the carrying amount of the 
security. Translation differences on monetary securities are recognized 
in profit or loss; translation differences on non-monetary securities 
are recognized in OCI. Changes in the fair value of monetary and 
non-monetary securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized 
in OCI. When securities classified as available-for-sale are sold or 
impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments previously recognized 
in OCI are included in the income statement.

Impairment
At 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 classified as available-for-
sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security 
below its cost is considered as evidence that the security is impaired. 
If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale 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 OCI and recognized in the income statement. Impairment losses 
recognized in the income statement on equity instruments are not 
reversed through the income statement.

An assessment of impairment of receivables is performed when 
there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect 
all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivable. 
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 original effective interest 
rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognized in the 
income statement within selling expenses. When a trade receivable 
is finally established as uncollectible, it is written off against the 
allowance account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of 
amounts previously written off are credited to selling expenses in the 
income statement.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes bound 
to the contractual obligations of the instrument. 

Financial liabilities are derecognized when they are extinguished, i.e. 

when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled 
or expires.

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs 
incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortized cost; any 
difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the 
redemption value is recognized in the income statement over the period 
of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company 
has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
12 months after the balance sheet date.

Trade payables
Trade payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Hedge accounting
When applying hedge accounting, derivatives are initially recognized at 
fair value at trade date and subsequently re-measured at fair value. The 
method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether 
the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and, if so, the 
nature of the item being hedged. The Company designates certain 
derivatives as either: 
a)  Fair value hedges: a hedge of the fair value of recognized liabilities; 
b)  Cash flow hedges: a hedge of a particular risk associated with a 

highly probable forecast transaction; or 

c)  Net investment hedges: a hedge of a net investment in a foreign 

operation.

At the inception of the hedge, the Company documents the relationship 
between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk 
management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging 
transactions. The Company also documents its assessment, both at 
hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives 
that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.

The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging 
purposes are disclosed in Note C20, “Financial risk management and 
financial instruments.” Movements in the hedging reserve in OCI are 
shown in Note C16, “Equity and other comprehensive income.” 

The fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current 
asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more 
than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability when the remaining 
maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives 
are classified as current assets or liabilities.

As disclosed under Introduction in this note, the Company has 
decided to discontinue hedge accounting for certain derivatives, as for 
new transactions dated January 1st, 2013 or later.

Fair value hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify 
as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, together 
with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that 

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are attributable to the hedged risk, when hedge accounting is applied. 
The Company only applies fair value hedge accounting for hedging 
fixed interest risk on borrowings. Both gains and losses relating to the 
interest rate swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings and the changes 
in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable 
to interest rate risk are recognized in the income statement within 
Financial expenses. If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for 
which the effective interest method is used is amortized to the income 
statement over the remaining period to maturity.

Cash flow hedges
When applying hedge accounting, the effective portion of changes in 
the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow 
hedges is recognized in OCI. The gain or loss relating to an ineffective 
portion is recognized immediately in the income statement within 
Financial income or expense.

Amounts deferred in OCI are recycled in the income statement in 
the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example, 
when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place), either in Net sales 
or Cost of sales. When the forecast transaction that is hedged results in 
the recognition of a non-financial asset (for example, inventory or fixed 
assets), the gains and losses previously deferred in OCI are transferred 
from OCI and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the 
asset. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognized in Cost of sales 
in case of inventory or in Depreciation in case of fixed assets. When 
a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer 
meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss 
which at that time remains in OCI is recognized in the income statement 
when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized. When a forecast 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss 
that was reported in OCI is immediately transferred to the income 
statement within financial income or expense.

Net investment hedges
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted 
for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognized in 
the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA). A gain or loss relating to an 
ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the income statement 
within Financial income or expense. Gains and losses deferred in CTA 
are included in the income statement when the foreign operation is 
partially disposed of or sold.

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 net expenditure 
required to settle the obligation according to the guarantee contract.

 > The recognized contractual fee less cumulative amortization when 

amortized over the guarantee period, using the straight-line-method.
 > The best estimate of the net expenditure comprising future fees and 

cash flows from subrogation rights.

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.

A significant part of Inventories is Contract work in progress (CWIP). 

Recognition and derecognition of CWIP relates to the Company’s 
revenue recognition principles meaning that costs incurred under 

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a customer contract are recognized as CWIP. When revenue is 
recognized, CWIP is derecognized and is instead recognized as Cost 
of sales. 

In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further 

disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation 
uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies 
applied.

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets other than goodwill comprise acquired intangible 
assets, such as patents, customer relations, trademarks and software, 
as well as capitalized development expenses and separately acquired 
intangible assets, mainly consisting of software. At initial recognition, 
acquired intangible assets related to business combinations are stated 
at fair value and capitalized development expenses and software are 
stated at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, separately acquired 
intangible assets, mainly software and capitalized development 
expenses, are stated at initially recognized amounts less accumulated 
amortization and any impairment. Amortization and any impairment 
losses are included in Research and development expenses, which 
mainly consists of capitalized development expenses and patents; in 
Selling and administrative expenses, which mainly consists of expenses 
relating to customer relations and brands; and in 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 economic feasibility has been established until 
the product is available for sale or use. Research and development 
expenses directly related to orders from customers are accounted for 
as a part of Cost of sales. Other research and development expenses 
are charged to income as incurred. Amortization of acquired intangible 
assets, such as patents, customer relations, trademarks and software, is 
made according to the straight-line method over their estimated useful 
lives, not exceeding ten years. However, if the economic benefit related 
to an item of intangible assets is front-end loaded the amortization 
method reflects this. Thus, the amortization for such an item is amortized 
on a digressive curve basis and the asset value decreases by higher 
amounts in the beginning of its useful life compared to the end.

The Company has not recognized any intangible assets with 

indefinite useful life other than goodwill.

Impairment tests are performed 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 the value 
in use and the fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows after tax are discounted to their present 
value using an after-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
asset. Application of after tax amounts in calculation, both in relation 
to cash flows and discount rate is applied due to that available models 
for calculating discount rate include a tax component. The after tax 
discount rate applied by the Company is not materially different from 
a discounting based on before-tax future cash flows and before-tax 
discount rates, as required by IFRS.

Corporate assets have been allocated to cash-generating units in 
relation to each unit’s proportion of total net sales. The amount related 
to corporate assets is not significant. 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 change in the estimates used to determine 
the recoverable amounts and if the recoverable amount is higher than 
the carrying value. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent 
that the asset’s carrying amount after reversal does not exceed the 

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carrying amount, net of amortization, which would have been reported 
if no impairment loss had been recognized.

In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further 

disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation 
uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies 
applied.

Goodwill
As from the acquisition date, goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is allocated to each cash-generating unit (CGU) of the 
Company expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. 
The Company’s four operating segments have been identified as CGUs. 
Goodwill is assigned to three of them: Networks, Global Services and 
Support Solutions.

An annual impairment test for the CGUs to which goodwill has 
been allocated is performed in the fourth quarter, or when there is an 
indication of impairment. Impairment testing as well as recognition 
of impairment of goodwill is performed in the same manner as for 
intangible assets other than goodwill: see description under “Intangible 
assets other than goodwill” above. An impairment loss in respect of 
goodwill is not reversed.

Additional disclosure is required in relation to goodwill impairment 
testing: see Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments” 
below and Note C10, “Intangible assets.”

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment consist of real estate, machinery and 
other technical assets, other equipment, tools and installation and 
construction in process and advance payment. They are stated at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. 

Depreciation is charged to income, generally on a straight-line 
basis, over the estimated useful life of each component of an item of 
property, plant and equipment, including buildings. Estimated useful 
lives are, in general, 25–50 years for real estate and 3–10 years for 
machinery and equipment. Depreciation and any impairment charges 
are included in Cost of sales, Research and development or Selling 
and administrative expenses. 

The Company recognizes in the carrying amount of an item of 

property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing a component and 
derecognizes the residual value of the replaced component. 

Impairment testing as well as recognition or reversal of impairment of 

property, plant and equipment is performed in the same manner as for 
intangible assets other than goodwill: see description under “Intangible 
assets other than goodwill” above.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the 
proceeds less cost to sell with the carrying amount and are recognized 
within Other operating income and expenses in the income statement.

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 type of 
asset, although the depreciation period must 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 
basis 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.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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Leasing when the Company is the lessor
Leasing contracts with the Company as lessor are classified as finance 
leases when the majority of risks and rewards are transferred to the 
lessee, and otherwise as operating leases. Under a finance lease, a 
receivable is recognized at an amount equal to the net investment in 
the lease and revenue is recognized in accordance with the revenue 
recognition principles. 

Under operating leases the equipment is recorded as property, plant 

and equipment and revenue as well as depreciation is recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.

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 or 
OCI. For those items, the related income tax is also reported directly 
in equity or OCI. A current tax liability or asset is recognized for the 
estimated taxes payable or refundable for the current year or prior years.
Deferred tax is recognized for temporary differences between the 

book values of assets and liabilities and their tax values and for tax 
loss carry-forwards. A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the 
extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the deductible temporary differences and tax loss 
carry-forwards can be utilized. In the recognition of income taxes, the 
Company offsets current tax receivables against current tax liabilities 
and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities in the balance 
sheet, when the Company has a legal right to offset these items and 
the intention to do so. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following 
temporary differences: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, for the 
initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor 
taxable profit, and for differences related to investments in subsidiaries 
when it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

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 or OCI, in which 
case the adjustment is also recognized in equity or OCI.

The measurement of deferred tax assets involves judgment 
regarding the deductibility of costs not yet subject to taxation and 
estimates 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 carry-forwards relate to Sweden, which have an indefinite 
period of utilization.

In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further 

disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation 
uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies 
applied.

Provisions and contingent liabilities 
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. When the effect of the time value of money is 
material, discounting is made of estimated outflows. However, the actual 
outflows as a result of the obligations may differ from such estimates.

The provisions are mainly related to warranty commitments, 
restructuring, customer projects and other obligations, such as 
unresolved income tax and value added tax issues, claims or 
obligations as a result of patent infringement and other litigations, 
supplier claims and customer finance guarantees.

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Product warranty commitments consider probabilities of all  

material quality issues based on historical performance for established 
products and expected performance for new products, estimates of 
repair cost per unit, and volumes sold still under warranty up to the 
reporting date.

A restructuring obligation is considered to have arisen when the 
Company has a detailed formal plan for the restructuring (approved 
by management), which has been communicated in such a way that a 
valid expectation has been raised among those affected.

Project-related provisions include estimated losses on onerous 

contracts, contractual penalties and undertakings. For losses on 
customer contracts, a provision equal to the total estimated loss is 
recorded when a loss from a contract is anticipated and possible to 
estimate reliably. These contract loss estimates include any probable 
penalties to a customer under a loss contract.

Other provisions include provisions for unresolved tax issues, 

litigations, supplier claims, customer finance and other provisions. The 
Company provides for estimated future settlements related to patent 
infringements based on the probable outcome of each infringement. 
The actual outcome or actual cost of settling an individual infringement 
may vary from the Company’s estimate. 

The Company estimates the outcome of any potential patent 
infringement made known to the Company through assertion and 
through the Company’s own monitoring of patent-related cases in the 
relevant legal systems. To the extent that the Company makes the 
judgment that an identified potential infringement will more likely than 
not result in an outflow of resources, the Company records a provision 
based on the Company’s best estimate of the expenditure required to 
settle with the counterpart. 

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 a long period of time. The 
Company regularly assesses 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 an obligation 
has arisen and the amount can be reasonably estimated based on a 
detailed analysis of each individual issue.

Certain present obligations are not recognized as provisions as it is not 
probable that an economic outflow will be required to settle the obligation 
or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient 
reliability. Such obligations are reported as contingent liabilities. For 
further detailed information, see Note C24, “Contingent liabilities.” In Note 
C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further disclosure is 
presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation uncertainty and (ii) the 
decision made in relation to accounting policies applied.

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 pension trust fund) with 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 expenses 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 employees. The related 
actuarial and investment risks fall on the Company.

As from January 1, 2013, 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 
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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, assessed on a 
quarterly basis, 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 results will differ from the 
estimated results or that the actuarial assumptions will change from 
one period to another. These differences are reported as actuarial 
gains and losses. They are, for example, caused by unexpectedly high 
or low rates of employee turnover, changed life expectancy, salary 
changes and changes in the discount rate. Actuarial gains and losses 
are recognized in OCI in the period in which they occur. The Company’s 
net liability 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 net benefit 
to the Company, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of 
any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to 
the plan.

Interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and interest income 
on plan assets is calculated as a net interest amount by applying the 
discount rate to the net defined benefit liability. All past service costs 
are recognized immediately. Swedish special payroll tax is accounted 
for as a part of the pension cost and the pension liability respectively. 
Payroll taxes related to actuarial gains and losses are included in 

determining actuarial gains and losses, reported under OCI.

 Prior to 2013, the present value of the defined benefit obligations for 
current and former employees was calculated using the Projected Unit 
Credit Method. The discount rate for each country was 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 were used. The calculations were based 
upon actuarial assumptions, assessed on a quarterly basis, and 
were as a minimum prepared annually. Actuarial assumptions were 
the Company’s best estimate of the variables that determine the cost 
of providing the benefits. When using actuarial assumptions, it was 
possible that the actual results differed from the estimated results or 
that the actuarial assumptions changed from one period to another. 
These differences were reported as actuarial gains and losses. They 
were, for example, caused by 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 were recognized in 
OCI in the period in which they occurred. The Company’s net liability 
for each defined benefit plan consists of the present value of pension 
commitments less the fair value of plan assets and was recognized 
net on the balance sheet. When the result was a net benefit to 
the Company, the recognized asset was 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 contributions to the plan. 

In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further 

disclosure is presented in relation to key sources of estimation 
uncertainty.

Share-based compensation to employees and  
the Board of Directors
Share-based compensation is related to remuneration to all employees, 
including key management personnel and the Board of Directors. 

Under IFRS, a company shall recognize compensation costs for 
share-based compensation programs based on a measure of the value 
to the company of services received under the plans.

This value is based on the fair value of, for example, free shares at 

grant date, measured as stock price as per each investment date. The 
value at grant date is charged to the income statement as any other 
remuneration over the service period. For example, value at grant date 
is 90. Given the normal service period of three years within Ericsson, 30 
would be charged per year during the service period.

The amount charged to the income statement is reversed in equity 

each time of the income statement charge.

The reason for this IFRS accounting principle is that compensation 

cost is a cost with no direct cash flow impact. The purpose of share-
based accounting according to IFRS (IFRS 2) is to present the impact 
of share-based programs, being part of the total remuneration, in the 
income statement.

Compensation to employees
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 the fact that no dividends will 
be received on matching shares prior to matching and other features 
that are non-vesting conditions. The employee pays 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. Other features of a share-based payment are 
non-vesting conditions. These features would need to be included in 
the grant date fair value for transactions with employees and others 
providing similar services. Non-vesting conditions would not impact the 
number of awards expected to vest or valuation thereof subsequent 
to grant date. When calculating the compensation costs for shares 
under performance-based matching programs, the Company at each 
reporting date assesses the probability that the performance targets 
will be met. 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 amounts for such social security 
charges are expensed and accrued. 

Compensation to the Board of Directors
During 2008, the Parent Company introduced a share-based 
compensation program as a part of the remuneration to the Board 
of Directors. The program gives non-employee Directors elected by 
the General Meeting of Shareholders a right to receive part of their 
remuneration as a future payment of an amount which corresponds 
to the market value of a share of class B in the Parent Company at 
the time of payment, as further disclosed in Note C28, “Information 
regarding members of the Board of Directors, the Group management 
and employees.” The cost for cash settlements is measured and 
recognized based on the estimated costs for the program on a pro rata 
basis during the service period, being one year. The estimated costs 
are remeasured during and at the end of the service period.

Segment reporting
An operating segment is a component of a company whose operating 
results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision 
maker, (CODM), to make decisions about resources to be allocated  
to the segment and assess its performance. Within the Company,  
the Group Management Team is defined as the CODM function.

The segment presentation, as per each segment, is based on the 
Company’s accounting policies as disclosed in this note. The arm’s 
length principle is applied in transactions between the segments. 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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The Company’s segment disclosure about geographical areas is 

based on the country in which transfer of risks and rewards occur. 

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 
A number of issued new standards, amendments to standards and 
interpretations are not yet effective for the year ended December 
31, 2013 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated 
financial statements.

Below is a list of standards/interpretations, applicable for the 
Company, that have been issued and are effective for the periods 
starting from January 1, 2014 if not otherwise stated. These 
amendments effective as from January 1, 2014 are not expected to 
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial result or position. 
 > Amendment to IAS 32, “Financial instruments: Presentation,” 
on asset and liability offsetting. This amendment i related to 
the application of guidance in IAS 32, ‘Financial instruments: 
Presentation,’ and clarifies some of the requirements for offsetting 
financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet. This 
amendment is effective as from 1 January, 2014.
IFRIC 21, “Levies.” This sets out the accounting for an obligation to 
pay a levy that is not income tax. The interpretation addresses what 
the obligating event is that gives rise to the need to pay a levy and 
when a liability should be recognized. 
IFRS 9, “Financial instruments.” IFRS 9 is the first standard 
issued as part of a wider project to replace IAS 39. IFRS 9 retains 
but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes two 
primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized 
cost and fair value. This amendment is expected to be effective as 
from 1 January, 2015 or later. The EU has not yet endorsed IFRS 9, 
‘Financial instruments.’

 >

 >

C2  
Critical Accounting Estimates  
and Judgments 
The preparation of financial statements and application of accounting 
standards often involve management’s judgment and the use of 
estimates and assumptions deemed to be reasonable at the time 
they are made. However, other results may be derived with different 
judgments or using different assumptions or estimates, and events may 
occur that could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount 
of the asset or liability affected. Following are the most important 
accounting policies subject to such judgments and the key sources of 
estimation uncertainty that the Company believes could have the most 
significant impact on the reported results and financial position. 

The information in this note is grouped as per:

 > Key sources of estimation uncertainty
 > Judgments management has made in the process of applying the 

Company’s accounting policies.

Revenue recognition
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Examples of estimates of total contract revenue and cost that 
are necessary are the assessing of customer possibility to reach 
conditional purchase volumes triggering contractual discounts to be 
given to the customer, the impact on the Company revenue in relation 
to performance criteria and whether any loss provisions shall be made.

Judgments made in relation to accounting policies applied
Parts of the Company’s sales are generated from large and complex 
customer contracts. Managerial judgment is applied regarding, among 
other aspects, conformance with acceptance criteria and if transfer 
of risks and rewards to the buyer has taken place to determine if 
revenue and costs should be recognized in the current period, degree 
of completion and the customer credit standing to assess whether 
payment is likely or not to justify revenue recognition.

Trade and customer finance receivables
Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
The Company monitors the financial stability of its customers and the 
environment in which they operate to make estimates regarding the 
likelihood that the individual receivables will be paid. Total allowances 
for estimated losses as of December 31, 2013, were SEK 1.2 (1.1) billion 
or 1.6% (1.5%) of gross trade and customer finance receivables. 

Credit risks for outstanding customer finance credits are regularly 
assessed as well, and allowances are recorded for estimated losses. 

Inventory valuation
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 
Estimates are required in relation to forecasted sales volumes and 
inventory balances. In situations where excess inventory balances are 
identified, estimates of net realizable values for the excess volumes are 
made. Inventory allowances for estimated losses as of December 31, 
2013, amounted to SEK 2.5 (3.5) billion or 10% (11%) of gross inventory. 

Deferred taxes
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, are recognized for temporary 
differences and for tax loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax is recognized 
net of valuation allowances. The valuation of temporary differences and 
tax loss carry-forwards, is based on management’s estimates of future 
taxable profits in different tax jurisdictions against which the temporary 
differences and loss carry-forwards may be utilized.

The largest amounts of tax loss carry-forwards are reported in 

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or disputes, as well as provisions for unresolved income tax and value 
added tax issues. The estimates related to the amounts of provisions 
for penalties, claims or losses receive special attention from the 
management. At December 31, 2013, provisions other than warranty 
commitments amounted to SEK 4.5 (7.0) billion. For further detailed 
information, see Note C18, “Provisions.”

Judgments made in relation to accounting policies applied
Whether a present obligation is probable or not requires judgment. The 
nature and type of risks for these provisions differ and management’s 
judgment is applied regarding the nature and extent of obligations in 
deciding if an outflow of resources is probable or not.

Contingent liabilities
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
As disclosed under ‘Provisions other than warranty provisions’ there are 
uncertainties in the estimated amounts. The same type of uncertainty 
exists for contingent liabilities.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Judgments made in relation to accounting policies
As disclosed under Note C1, “Significant accounting policies” a 
potential obligation that is not likely to result in an economic outflow 
is classified as a contingent liability, with no impact on the Company’s 
financial statements. However, should an obligation in a later period be 
deemed to be probable, then a provision shall be recognized, impacting 
the financial statements.

Pension and other post-employment benefits
Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Accounting for the costs of defined benefit pension plans and 
other applicable post-employment benefits is based on actuarial 
valuations, relying on key estimates for discount rates, future salary 
increases, employee turnover rates and mortality tables. The discount 
rate assumptions are based on rates for high-quality fixed-income 
investments with durations as close as possible to the Company’s 
pension plans. At December 31, 2013, defined benefit obligations for 
pensions and other post-employment benefits amounted to SEK 52.9 
(52.0) billion and fair value of plan assets to SEK 46.6 (44.6) billion. For 
more information on estimates and assumptions, see Note C17, “Post-
employment benefits.” 

Foreign exchange risks
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Foreign exchange risk impacts the financial results of the Company: 
see further disclosure in Note C20, “Financial Risk Management and 
Financial Instruments,” under Foreign Exchange Risk.

Sweden, with an indefinite period of utilization (i.e. with no expiry date). 
For further detailed information, please refer to Note C8, “Taxes”.

At December 31, 2013, the value of deferred tax assets amounted 
to SEK 9.1 (12.3) billion. The deferred tax assets related to loss carry-
forwards are reported as non-current assets. 

Accounting for income tax, value added tax, and other taxes
Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Accounting for these items is based upon evaluation of income-, 
value added- and other tax rules in all jurisdictions where we perform 
activities. The total complexity of rules related to taxes and the 
accounting for these require management’s involvement in judgments 
regarding classification of transactions and in estimates of probable 
outcomes of claimed deductions and/or disputes.

Acquired intellectual property rights and other intangible 
assets, including goodwill
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
At initial recognition, future cash flows are estimated, to ensure that 
the initial carrying values do not exceed the expected discounted 
cash flows for the items of this type of assets. After initial recognition, 
impairment testing is performed whenever there is an indication of 
impairment, except in the case of goodwill for which impairment testing 
is performed at least once per year. Negative deviations in actual cash 
flows compared to estimated cash flows as well as new estimates 
that indicate lower future cash flows might result in recognition of 
impairment charges. 

For further discussion on goodwill, see Note C1, “Significant 
accounting policies” and Note C10, “Intangible assets.” Estimates 
related to acquired intangible assets are based on similar assumptions 
and risks as for goodwill.

At December 31, 2013, the amount of acquired intellectual property 
rights and other intangible assets amounted to SEK 44.4 (45.6) billion, 
including goodwill of SEK 31.5 (30.4) billion. 

Judgments made in relation to accounting policies applied
At initial recognition and subsequent remeasurement, management 
judgments are made, both for key assumptions and regarding 
impairment indicators. In the purchase price allocation made for each 
acquisition, the purchase price shall be assigned to the identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities based on fair values for  
these assets. Any remaining excess value is reported as goodwill.  
This allocation requires management judgment as well as the definition 
of cash-generating units for impairment testing purposes. Other 
judgments might result in significantly different results and financial 
position in the future.

Provisions
Warranty provisions
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Provisions for product warranties are based on current volumes of 
products sold still under warranty and on historic quality rates for 
mature products as well as estimates and assumptions regarding future 
quality rates for new products and estimates of costs to remedy the 
various qualitative issues that might occur. Total provisions for product 
warranties as of December 31, 2013, amounted to SEK 0.9 (1.6) billion.

Provisions other than warranty provisions
Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Provisions, other than warranty provisions, mainly comprise amounts 
related to contractual obligations and penalties to customers and 
estimated losses on customer contracts, restructuring, risks associated 
with patent and other litigations, supplier or subcontractor claims and/

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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Modems performs design, development and sales of the LTE 
multimode thin modem solutions, including 2G, 3G and 4G 
interoperability. 
Modems was consolidated into Ericsson as of October 1, 2013. 

Former segments
ST-Ericsson was formed in 2009 as a joint venture between Ericsson 
and STMicroelectronics. Early 2013 the parents agreed to split up and 
close the joint venture. The company ST-Ericsson is winding down and 
all business has been transferred to parents or divested during 2013. 
The acquired business is now consolidated into Ericsson in the new 
segment Modems. As of January 1, 2013, ST-Ericsson is no longer 
reported as a separate segment.

As of December 31, 2012 there were no remaining investments 
related to ST-Ericsson on the Company’s balance sheet. For more 
information, see Note C12, “Financial assets.”
Sony Ericsson was, up until 2012, a joint venture delivering mobile 
phones and accessories. In February 2012, Ericsson completed the 
divestment of its 50% stake in Sony Ericsson to Sony. The sale resulted 
in a gain of SEK 7.7 billion. Sony Ericsson was not consolidated by the 
Company during 2012. 

Unallocated
Some revenues, costs, assets and liabilities are not identified as part of 
any operating segment and are therefore not allocated. Examples of such 
items are costs for corporate staff, IT costs and general marketing costs.

Regions
The Regions are the Company’s primary sales channel. The Company 
operates worldwide and reports its operations divided into eleven regions:
 > North America
 > Latin America
 > Northern Europe & Central Asia 
 > Western and Central Europe
 > Mediterranean
 > Middle East
 > Sub-Saharan Africa
 >
 > North East Asia
 > South East Asia & Oceania
 > Other.
Region “Other” includes licensing revenues, broadcast services, power 
modules and other businesses.

India

Major customers
The Company does not have any customer for which revenues from 
transactions have exceeded 10% of the Company’s total revenues for 
the years 2013, 2012 or 2011.

We derive most of our sales from large, multi-year agreements with 

a limited number of significant customers. Out of a customer base of 
more than 400, mainly consisting of network operators, the 10 largest 
customers account for 44% (46%) of net sales. The largest customer 
accounted for approximately 8% (7%) of sales in 2013.  
For more information, see Risk Factors, “Market, Technology and 
Business Risks.”

C3  
Segment Information
Operating segments
When determining Ericsson’s operating segments, consideration has 
been given to which markets and what type of customers the products 
and services aim to attract, as well as the distribution channels they 
are sold through. Commonality regarding technology, research and 
development has also been taken into account. To best reflect the 
business focus and to facilitate comparability with peers, four operating 
segments are reported:
 > Networks 
 > Global Services 
 > Support Solutions 
 > Modems
Networks delivers products and solutions for mobile access, IP  
and transport networks and core networks. The offering includes:
 > Radio access solutions that interconnect with devices such as 

 >

mobile phones, tablets and PCs. The RBS 6000 supports all major 
standardized mobile technologies
IP and transport solutions based on the SSR 8000 family of products 
as well as transmission/backhaul including microwave (MINI-LINK) 
and optical transmission solutions for mobile and fixed networks
 > Switching and IMS solutions, based on the Ericsson Blade Server 

platform, for core networks 

 > Operations Support Systems (OSS), supporting operators’ 
management of existing networks and introduction of new 
technologies and services. 

Global Services delivers managed services, product-related services, 
consulting and systems integration services as well as broadcast 
services. The offering includes:
 > Managed Services: Services for designing, building, operating and 
managing the day-to-day operations of the customer’s network 
or solution; maintenance; network sharing solutions; plus shared 
solutions such as hosting of platforms and applications. Ericsson 
also offers managed services of IT environments.

 > Product-related services: Services to expand, upgrade, restructure 
or migrate networks; network-rollout services; customer support;  
and network optimization services.

 > Consulting and Systems Integration: Technology and operational 
consulting; integration of multi-vendor equipment; design and 
integration of new solutions and transforming programs. Industry-
specific solutions for vertical industries are also included.

 > Broadcast Services: Services include responsibility for technical 

platforms and operational services related to TV content 
management, playout and service provisioning of a TV broadcaster’s 
business. Services cover live and pre-recorded, commercial and 
public service television.

Support Solutions provides enablers and applications for operators. 
The offering includes:
 > Operations Support Systems: plan, build and optimize, service 

fulfillment and service assurance.

 > Business Support Systems: revenue management (prepaid, post-
paid, convergent charging and billing), mediation and customer 
care solutions.

 > TV solutions: a suite of open, standards-based solutions and 

products for the creation, management and delivery of evolved TV 
experiences on any device over any network. Includes a multi-
screen TV platform with consumer experience creation, video 
content management, on-demand video delivery, advanced video 
compression and video-optimized delivery network infrastructure.
 > M-Commerce solutions for money transfer: payment transactions 
and services between mobile subscribers and operators or other 
service providers. 

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Marketing channels
Marketing in a business-to-business environment is expanding, from 
being primarily conducted through personal meetings, to on-line 
forums, expert blogs and social media. Ericsson performs marketing 
through:
 > Customer engagement with a consultative approach
 > Selective focus on events and experience centers for customer 

experience and interaction

 > Continuous dialogue with customers and target audiences through 

social and other digital media (including virtual events)
 > Activation of the open social and digital media landscape  

to strengthen message reach and impact 

 > Execution of solutions-driven programs, aligned globally  

and regionally.

Operating segments

2013

Segment sales
Net sales

Operating income
Operating margin (%) 
Financial income
Financial expenses
Income after financial items
Taxes
Net income

Global 
Services

Support  
Solutions

Modems

Total 
Segments

Unallo- 
cated

Networks

117,699
117,699

97,443
97,443

12,234
12,234

–
–

227,376
227,376

18,415
8%

–
–

–570
–

11,318
10%

6,185
6%

1,455
12%

–543
–

Other segment items
Share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies
Amortization
Depreciation
Impairment losses
Reversals of impairment losses
Restructuring expenses
Gains/losses from divestments

–155
–4,237
–3,243
–5
19
–2,182
–621

60
–925
–788
–2
5
–1,997
–166

–58
–722
–135
0
1
–186
–105

–
–44
–61
–
–
–
–

–153
–5,928
–4,227
–7
25
–4,365
–892

23
–
–
–
–
–88
51

Revenue from the acquired Telcordia business operation is reported 50/50 between segments Global Services and Support Solutions.

Operating segments

2012

Segment sales
Inter-segment sales
Net sales

Operating income
Operating margin (%) 
Financial income
Financial expenses
Income after financial items
Taxes
Net income

Other segment items
Share in earnings of joint ventures 
and associated companies
Amortization
Depreciation
Impairment losses
Reversals of impairment losses
Write-down of investment
Restructuring expenses
Gains/losses from divestments

Networks

117,185
100
117,285

7,057
6%

Global 
Services

Support  
Solutions

Sony 
Ericsson

ST- 
Ericsson

Total 
Segments

Unallo- 
cated

Elimi- 
nations 1)

97,009
34
97,043

6,226
6%

13,445
6
13,451

1,150
9%

–
–
–

8,457
634
9,091

236,096
774
236,870

–
–
–

8,026 2) –15,447 3)

–

–170%

7,012
3%

–267
–

–8,457
–634
–9,091

3,713
–

–59
–3,832
–3,035
–385
39
–
–1,253
–59

45
–853
–727
–9
9
–
–1,930
1

–20
–809
–290
–1
4
–
–246
216

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

8,026 2)

–11,734 3)
–322
–741

– 4)
–
–4,684
–624
–

–11,768
–5,816
–4,793
–395
52
–4,684
–4,053
8,184

37
–
–
–
–
–
–18
152

–
322
741
–
–
–
624
–

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Group

227,376
227,376

17,845
8%
1,346
–2,093
17,098
–4,924
12,174

–130
–5,928
–4,227
–7
25
–4,453
–841

Group

227,639
140
227,779

10,458
5%
1,708
–1,984
10,182
–4,244
5,938

–11,731
–5,494
–4,052
–395
52
–4,684
–3,447
8,336

Revenue from the acquired Telcordia business operation is reported 50/50 between segments Global Services and Support Solutions.
1)  All segment sales are presented, but as ST-Ericsson sales are accounted for in accordance with the equity method, their sales are eliminated in the Eliminations column.
2)  Includes a gain from the divestment of Sony Ericsson of SEK 7.7 billion.
3)  Includes a write-down of SEK –4.7 billion of the ST-Ericsson investment, a provision of SEK –3.3 billion and the Company’s share in ST-Ericsson’s operating loss of SEK –3.7 billion.
4)  Impairment losses included in Write-down of investment.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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Operating segments

2011

Segment sales
Inter-segment sales
Net sales

Operating income
Operating margin (%) 
Financial income
Financial expenses
Income after financial items
Taxes
Net income

Other segment items
Share in earnings of joint ventures 
and associated companies
Amortization
Depreciation
Impairment losses
Reversals of impairment losses
Restructuring expenses
Gains/losses from divestments

Networks

131,596
799
132,395

17,295
13%

Global 
Services

Support 
Solutions

Sony 
Ericsson

ST- 
Ericsson

Total 
Segments

Unallo- 
cated

Elimi-
nations 1)

83,854
30
83,884

5,544
7%

10,629
13
10,642

–504
–5%

46,866
126
46,992

–1,854
–4%

9,232
1,461
10,693

–5,461
–51%

282,177
2,429
284,606

–
–
–

–56,098
–1,587
–57,685

15,020
5%

–501
–

3,381
–

87
–4,192
–2,783
–50
12
–1,600
–6

28
–481
–532
–23
–
–1,363
–

4
–792
–184
–12
1
–143
–

–1,199
–1
–647
–
–
–838
–

–2,730
–867
–823
–283
–
–280
–

–3,810
–6,333
–4,969
–368
13
–4,224
–6

32
–
–
–
–
–78
164

–
868
1,470
283
–
1,118
–

Group

226,079
842
226,921

17,900
8%
2,882
–2,661
18,121
–5,552
12,569

–3,778
–5,465
–3,499
–85
13
–3,184
158

1)  All segment sales are presented, but as Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson sales are accounted for in accordance with the equity method, their sales are eliminated in the Eliminations column.

Regions

North America 3) 
Latin America 
Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)
Western & Central Europe 2)
Mediterranean 2)
Middle East
Sub-Saharan Africa
India
North East Asia 4) 
South East Asia & Oceania
Other 1) 2) 3) 4)
Total

Net sales

Non-current assets 5)

2013

2012

2011

59,339
21,982
11,618
18,485
24,156
17,438
10,049
6,138
27,398
15,787
14,986
227,376
4,427
43,544
59,085
11,799

56,749
22,006
11,345
17,478
23,299
15,556
11,349
6,460
36,196
15,068
12,273
227,779
5,033
44,230
56,698
12,637

48,785
21,982
15,225
19,030
23,807
15,461
10,163
9,762
38,209
13,870
10,627
226,921
3,882
43,960
46,519
17,546

2013

13,290
1,742
38,522
3,539
1,089
46
32
439
2,667
342
–
61,708
38,049
42,239
11,173
1,344

2012

15,058
2,084
38,335
2,922
1,099
32
119
460
3,371
301
–
63,781
37,718
41,546
13,003
1,399

2011

6,296
2,268
41,008
5,097
1,395
42
79
355
3,939
318
–
60,797
40,415
44,786
6,020
1,496

1) Of which in Sweden
2) Of which in EU
3) Of which in the United States
4) Of which in China
5) Total non-current assets excluding financial instruments, deferred tax assets, and post-employment benefit assets.

For employee information, see Note C28, “Information regarding members of the Board of Directors, the Group management and employees.”

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C4  
Net Sales

Net sales

Sales of products and network rollout services
Of which:

Delivery-type contracts
Professional Services sales
License revenues
Net sales
Export sales from Sweden

C5  
Expenses by Nature

Expenses by nature

Goods and services
Employee remuneration
Amortization and depreciation
Impairments and obsolescence allowances, net of reversals
Financial expenses
Taxes
Expenses incurred
Inventory changes 1)
Additions to capitalized development
Expenses charged to the income statement

1)  The inventory changes are based on changes of gross inventory values prior to obsolescence allowances.

Total restructuring charges in 2013 were SEK 4.5 (3.4) billion.  
Restructuring charges are included in the expenses presented above. 

Restructuring charges by function

Cost of sales
R&D expenses
Selling and administrative expenses 
Total restructuring charges

C6  
Other Operating Income and Expenses

Other operating income and expenses

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 and expenses

1)  Includes a gain from the divestment of Sony Ericsson of SEK 7.7 billion.
2)  Includes revaluation of cash flow hedges of SEK 0.5 billion. For more information, see Note C1, “Significant accounting policies.”

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

2013

2012

2011

150,429

154,068

161,882

150,429
66,395
10,552
227,376
108,944

154,068
67,092
6,619
227,779
106,997

161,882
58,834
6,205
226,921
116,507

2013

2012

2011

129,453
65,064
10,155
537
2,093
4,924
212,226
–5,220
915
216,531

137,769
64,100
9,546
1,999
1,984
4,244
219,642
–2,782
1,641
220,783

142,221
58,905
8,964
1,363
2,661
5,552
219,666
3,417
1,515
214,734

2013

2,657
872
924
4,453

2012

2,225
852
370
3,447

2011

1,231
561
1,392
3,184

2013

172
–307
69
–910
–976

1,089 2)
113

2012

12
–261
8,462 1)
–126
8,087

878
8,965

2011

65
–64
210
–52
159

1,119
1,278

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

71

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C7  
Financial Income and Expenses 

Financial income and expenses

Contractual interest on financial assets

Of which on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Contractual interest on financial liabilities 
Net gains/losses on:

Instruments at fair value through profit or loss 1)

Of which included in fair value hedge relationships

Loans and receivables
Liabilities at amortized cost

Other financial income and expenses 
Total

        2013

         2012

         2011

Financial 
income

Financial 
expenses

Financial 
income

Financial 
expenses

Financial 
income

Financial 
expenses

971
597
–

447
–
–75
–
3
1,346

–
–
–1,412

–601
–196
–
196
–276
–2,093

1,685
1,308
–

142
–
–127
–
8
1,708

–
–
–1,734

54
–129
–
–133
–171
–1,984

1,940
1,381
–

1,062
–
–132
–
12
2,882

–
–
–1,706

–591
–175
–
–105
–259
–2,661

1)  Excluding net gain from operating assets and liabilities, SEK 49 million (net gain of SEK 1,299 million in 2012, SEK 51 million in 2011), reported as Cost of sales.

Deferred tax balances
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are derived from the balance sheet 
items as shown in the table below.

Tax effects of temporary differences  
and tax loss carry-forwards 

Deferred  
tax assets

Deferred  

tax liabilities Net balance

2013
Intangible assets and property,  
plant and equipment
Current assets
Post-employment benefits
Provisions
Other
Loss carry-forwards
Deferred tax assets/liabilities
Netting of assets/liabilities
Deferred tax balances, net

2012
Intangible assets and property,  
plant and equipment
Current assets
Post-employment benefits
Provisions
Other
Loss carry-forwards
Deferred tax assets/liabilities
Netting of assets/liabilities
Deferred tax balances, net

300
1,958
2,008
997
2,416
3,578
11,257
–2,154
9,103

941
2,388
2,600
1,512
3,487
4,239
15,167
–2,846
12,321

3,143
164
1,033
293
171
–
4,804
–2,154
2,650

4,579
293
614
48
432
–
5,966
–2,846
3,120

6,453

6,453

9,201

9,201

C8  
Taxes 

The Company’s tax expense for 2013 was SEK –4,924 (–4,244) million 
or 28.8% (41.7%) of income after financial items. The tax rate may vary 
between years depending on business and geographical mix. 

Income taxes recognized in the income statement

Current income taxes for the year
Current income taxes related  
to prior years
Deferred tax income/expense (+/–) 
Subtotal
Share of taxes in joint ventures  
and associated companies
Tax expense

2013

2012

2011

–3,985

–5,795

–4,642

–26
–913
–4,924

0
–4,924

–241
1,697
–4,339

283
–1,433
–5,792

95
–4,244

240
–5,552

A reconciliation between reported tax expense for the year and the 
theoretical tax expense that would arise when applying statutory tax 
rate in Sweden, 22.0%, on the consolidated income before taxes, is 
shown in the table below.

Reconciliation of Swedish income tax rate  
with effective tax rate

Expected tax expense at Swedish  
tax rate 22.0%
Effect of foreign tax rates

Of which joint ventures and 
associated companies

Current income taxes related to prior 
years
Remeasurement of tax loss carry-
forwards
Remeasurement of deductible 
temporary differences
Tax effect of non-deductible expenses
Tax effect of non-taxable income
Tax effect of changes in tax rates
Tax expense

Effective tax rate

2013

2012

2011

–3,762
–935

–2,678
–581

–4,767
–1,126

–

–778

–754

–26

165

86
–620
199
–31
–4,924

28.8%

–241

134

468
–3,430
2,573
–489
–4,244

283

224

81
–768
521
–
–5,552

41.7%

30.6%

72

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2014-03-06   13:43

 
 
 
Changes in deferred taxes, net

Opening balance, net
Recognized in Net income
Recognized in Other comprehensive income
Acquisitions/disposals of subsidiaries
Currency translation differences
Closing balance, net

2013

2012

9,201
–913
–1,056
–663
–116
6,453

10,770
1,697
–422
–2,309
–535
9,201

Tax effects reported directly in Other comprehensive income amount 
to SEK –1,056 (–422) million, of which actuarial gains and losses related 
to pensions constituted SEK –1,231 (–57) million, cash flow hedges 
SEK 179 (–363) million and deferred tax on gains/losses on hedges on 
investments in foreign entities SEK –4 (–2) million.

Deferred tax assets are only recognized in countries where the 

Company expects to be able to generate corresponding taxable income 
in the future to benefit from tax reductions.

Significant tax loss carry-forwards are related to countries with long 
or indefinite periods of utilization, mainly Sweden and Germany. Of the 
total SEK 3,578 (4,239) million recognized deferred tax assets related 
to tax loss carry-forwards, SEK 2,177 (2,840) million relates to Sweden 
with indefinite periods of utilization. Due to the Company’s strong 
current financial position and taxable income during 2013, the Company 
has been able to utilize part of its tax loss carry-forwards during the 
year. The assessment is that the Company will be able to generate 
sufficient income in the coming years to also utilize the remaining part of 
the recognized amounts. 

Tax loss carry-forwards 
Deferred tax assets regarding tax loss carry-forwards are reported 
to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit through future 
taxable profits is probable also when considering the period during 
which these can be utilized, as described below.

As of December 31, 2013, the recognized tax loss carry-forwards 
amounted to SEK 14,093 (17,081) million. The tax value of these tax loss 
carry-forwards is reported as an asset.

The final years in which the recognized loss carry-forwards can be 

utilized are shown in the following table.

Tax loss carry-forwards: year of expiration

Year of expiration

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 or later
Total

Tax loss 
carry-forwards

62
–
10
5
131
13,885
14,093

Tax  
value

23
–
3
1
27
3,524
3,578

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

In addition to the table above there are loss carry-forwards of SEK 3,518 
(4,737) million at a tax value of SEK 1,019 (1,432) million that have not 
been recognized due to judgments of the possibility they will be used 
against future taxable profits in the respective jurisdictions. The majority 
of these loss carry-forwards have an expiration date in excess of five 
years.

C9  
Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per share 2011–2013

Basic
Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company (SEK million)
Average number of shares outstanding, basic (millions)
Earnings per share, basic (SEK)

Diluted
Net income attributable to stockholders of the Parent Company (SEK million)
Average number of shares outstanding, basic (millions)
Dilutive effect for stock purchase plans
Average number of shares outstanding, diluted (millions)
Earnings per share, diluted (SEK)

2013

2012

2011

12,005
3,226
3.72

12,005
3,226
31
3,257
3.69

5,775
3,216
1.80

5,775
3,216
31
3,247
1.78

12,194
3,206
3.80

12,194
3,206
27
3,233
3.77

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

73

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C10  
Intangible Assets

Intangible assets 2013

Cost
Opening balance
Acquisitions/capitalization
Balances regarding acquired/divested 
businesses 1)
Sales/disposals

Reclassification
Translation difference
Closing balance

Accumulated amortization
Opening balance
Amortization 
Sales/disposals
Translation difference
Closing balance
Accumulated impairment losses
Opening balance
Impairment losses 
Closing balance
Net carrying value

Capitalized development expenses

Goodwill

Intellectual property rights (IPR), trade­
marks and other intangible assets

         For internal use

To be 
marketed

Acquired 
costs

Internal 
costs

Total

Total

Trademarks, 
customer 
rel ation ships 
and similar 
rights

Patents and 
acquired 
R&D

9,766
915

–
–

–
–
10,681

–4,027
–1,322
–
–
–5,349

–1,987
–
–1,987
3,345

2,213
–

–
–

–
–
2,213

–2,106
–51
–
–
–2,157

–55
–
–55
1

1,478
–

–
–

–
–
1,478

–1,405
–34
–
–
–1,439

–37
–
–37
2

13,457
915

–
–

–
–
14,372

–7,538
–1,407
–
–
–8,945

–2,079
–
–2,079
3,348

30,422
–

1,646
–302

–
–204
31,562

–
–
–
–
–

–18
–
–18
31,544

18,595
587

200
–113

–
20
19,289

–7,277
–2,322
92
–36
–9,543

–
–
–
9,746

27,416
60

1,351
–

–
–50
28,777

–18,201
–2,199
–
23
–20,377

–5,331
–
–5,331
3,069

Total

46,011
647

1,551
–113

–
–30
48,066

–25,478
–4,521
92
–13
–29,920

–5,331
–
–5,331
12,815

1)  For more information on acquired/divested businesses, see Note C26, “Business combinations”.

Intangible assets 2012

Capitalized development expenses

Goodwill

Intellectual property rights (IPR), trade­
marks and other intangible assets

         For internal use

To be 
marketed

Acquired 
costs

Internal 
costs

Total

Total

Trademarks, 
customer 
rel ation ships 
and similar 
rights

Patents and 
acquired 
R&D

8,125
1,641
–
–

–
–
9,766

–3,187
–840
–
–
–4,027

–1,721
–266
–1,987
3,752

2,213
–
–
–

–
–
2,213

–1,975
–131
–
–
–2,106

–55
–
–55
52

1,478
–
–
–

–
–
1,478

–1,318
–87
–
–
–1,405

–37
–
–37
36

11,816
1,641
–
–

–
–
13,457

–6,480
–1,058
–
–
–7,538

–1,813
–266
–2,079
3,840

27,455
–
4,293
–20

94
–1,400
30,422

1
–
–1
–
–

–18
–
–18
30,404

14,188
538
4,517
–158

–
–490
18,595

–5,502
–2,023
46
202
–7,277

–
–
–
11,318

25,689
103
2,155
–137

–94
–300
27,416

–16,078
–2,413
124
166
–18,201

–5,214
–117
–5,331
3,884

Total

39,877
641
6,672
–295

–94
–790
46,011

–21,580
–4,436
170
368
–25,478

–5,214
–117
–5,331
15,202

Cost
Opening balance
Acquisitions/capitalization
Balances regarding acquired businesses 1)
Sales/disposals

Reclassification
Translation difference
Closing balance
Accumulated amortization
Opening balance
Amortization 
Sales/disposals
Translation difference
Closing balance
Accumulated impairment losses
Opening balance
Impairment losses 
Closing balance
Net carrying value

1)  For more information on acquired businesses, see Note C26, “Business combinations.”

74

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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Goodwill is allocated to the operating segments Networks, at the sum 
of SEK 16.7 (16.2) billion, Global Services, at the sum of SEK 4.5 (4.2) 
billion and Support Solutions, at the sum of SEK 10.3 (10.0) billion. 

The recoverable amounts for cash-generating units are established 
as the present value of expected future cash flows. Estimation of future 
cash flows includes assumptions mainly for the following key financial 
parameters: 
 > Sales growth
 > Development of operating income (based on operating margin or 
cost of goods sold and operating expenses relative to sales)

 > Development of working capital and capital expenditure 

requirements.

The assumptions regarding industry-specific market drivers and market 
growth are approved by Group management and each operating 
segment’s management. These assumptions are based on industry 
sources as input to the projections made within the Company for the 
development 2013–2018 for key industry parameters:
 > The number of global mobile subscriptions is estimated to grow 

from around 6.8 billion by the end of 2013 to around 9 billion by the 
end of 2018. Of these, around 7 billion will be mobile broadband 
subscriptions. Around 850 million of these mobile broadband 
subscriptions will use mobile PC/tablets/mobile routers, but the vast 
majority will still use mobile phones to access the internet.

 > Fixed broadband subscriptions are estimated to grow from around 
650 million by the end of 2013 to around 800 million in 2018. Fixed 
broadband includes Fiber, Cable and xDSL.

 > Mobile data traffic volume is estimated to increase by around seven 

times in the period 2013–2018, while fixed internet traffic is estimated 
to increase around four times over the same timeframe, but from a 
much larger base.

The growth in network equipment is mainly driven by a shift in 
investments from voice to data. The end user requirements for  
“app-coverage” drives deployment of heterogeneous networks and 
small cells.
  The demand for support solutions is driven by the opportunities for 
new types of service offerings enabled by IP technology and high-
speed broadband. There is strong IPTV subscriber growth, plus rapid 
growth in digital viewing and on-demand services. As a consequence, 
service providers and network owners need solutions to make networks 
efficient for video delivery. 

The development and build out of mobile broadband networks and 

increasing number of mobile broadband subscriptions drives growth 
in service introduction and traffic. This puts high demand on plan to 
provision, implementation and systems integration services as well as 
real time payment systems. The Business Support Systems’ growth is 
driven by the introduction of new services, new business models and 
price plans. 

The demand for professional services is also driven by an increasing 

business and technology complexity. Therefore, operators review 
their business models and look for vendor partners that can take on a 
broader responsibility, including the outsourcing of network operations. 
The assumptions are also based upon information gathered in the 
Company’s long-term strategy process, including assessments of new 
technology, the Company’s competitive position and new types of 
business and customers, driven by the continued integration of telecom, 
data and media industries. 

The impairment testing is based on specific estimates for the first five 

years and with a reduction of nominal annual growth rate to an average 
GDP growth of 3% (3%) per year thereafter. The impairment tests for 
goodwill did not result in any impairment.

An after-tax discount rate of 9,5% (8%) has been applied for all 
cash-generating units for the discounting of projected after-tax cash 
flows. In addition, when a higher discount rate has been applied in the 
impairment tests it has not resulted in any impairment. The assumptions 
for 2012 are disclosed in Note C10, “Intangible assets” in the Annual 
Report of 2012. 

The Company’s discounting is based on after-tax future cash flows 
and after-tax discount rates. This discounting is not materially different 
from a discounting based on before-tax future cash flows and before-
tax discount rates, as required by IFRS.

In Note C1, “Significant accounting policies,” and Note C2, “Critical 

accounting estimates and judgments,” further disclosures are given 
regarding goodwill impairment testing.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

75

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C11  
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment 2013

Cost

Opening balance

Additions
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Translation difference
Closing balance

Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance
Depreciation
Balances regarding divested businesses
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Translation difference
Closing balance

Accumulated impairment losses
Opening balance
Impairment losses
Reversals of impairment losses
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Translation difference
Closing balance
Net carrying value

Real estate

Machinery and 
other technical 
assets

Other equipment, 
tools and 
installations

Construction in 
progress and 
advance payments

4,985

975
–29
–185
404
–30
6,120

–2,355
–479
–
399
–75
18
–2,492

–45
–
–
4
–
1
–40
3,588

4,746

175
–564
–341
165
51
4,232

–3,489
–558
450
386
80
–51
–3,182

–124
–7
2
6
1
–1
–123
927

23,033

2,113
315
–1,677
627
–351
24,060

–16,623
–3,190
147
1,493
–5
233
–17,945

–86
–
23
–
–1
2
–62
6,053

1,451

1,240
–19
–598
–1,196
–13
865

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
865

Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment as per December 31, 2013, amounted to SEK 203 (184) million. 

Property, plant and equipment 2012

Cost

Opening balance

Additions
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Translation difference
Closing balance

Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance
Depreciation
Balances regarding divested businesses
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Translation difference
Closing balance

Accumulated impairment losses
Opening balance
Impairment losses
Reversals of impairment losses
Sales/disposals
Translation difference
Closing balance
Net carrying value

Real estate

Machinery and 
other technical 
assets

Other equipment, 
tools and 
installations

Construction in 
progress and 
advance payments

4,641

640
2
–476
381
–203
4,985

–2,165
–354
–
68
7
89
–2,355

–43
–4
–
–
2
–45
2,585

5,235

370
46
–373
–380
–152
4,746

–3,485
–428
–
347
–13
90
–3,489

–148
–8
22
6
4
–124
1,133

20,663

2,521
432
–1,296
1,458
–745
23,033

–15,094
–3,270
3
1,228
6
504
–16,623

–118
–
30
–
2
–86
6,324

1,302

1,898
–
–242
–1,459
–48
1,451

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
1,451

76

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

Total

34,215

4,503
–297
–2,801
–
–343
35,277

–22,467
–4,227
597
2,278
–
200
–23,619

–255
–7
25
10
–
2
–225
11,433

Total

31,841

5,429
480
–2,387
–
–1,148
34,215

–20,744
–4,052
3
1,643
–
683
–22,467

–309
–12
52
6
8
–255
11,493

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C12  
Financial Assets, Non-Current

Equity in joint ventures and associated companies

Opening balance
Share in earnings
Contributions to joint ventures and associated companies
Taxes
OCI
Dividends
Divestments
Reclassification
Closing balance

             Joint ventures
2012

2013

     Associated companies
2012

2013

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

4,663
–8,399 1)
5,029
106
–46
–
–1,353
–
–

2,842
–130
–2
0
–14
–128
–
–

2,568 2)

1,302
3
–
–11
42
–133
–

1,639 3)
2,842 2)

Total
2013

2,842
–130
–2
0
–14
–128
–
–
2,568

Total
2012

5,965
–8,396
5,029
95
–4
–133
–1,353
1,639
2,842

1)  Includes a write-down of ST-Ericsson investment and the Company’s share in ST-Ericsson’s operating loss.
2)  Goodwill, net, amounts to SEK 10.6 (12.2) million.
3)  Reclassification from Other investments in shares and participation.

All companies apply IFRS in the reporting to the Company as issued  
by IASB.

Ericsson’s share of assets, liabilities and income in joint venture 
ST-Ericsson

Ericsson’s share of assets, liabilities and income in associated 
company Rockstar Consortium 

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Percentage in ownership interest

Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net assets (100%)
Company’s share of net assets (50%)
Net sales
Income after financial items
Income taxes
Net income and total comprehensive 
income (100%)
Company’s share of net income and 
other comprehensive income (50%)
Assets pledged as collateral
Contingent liabilities

2013

50%

6
1,435
104
1,204
133
67
3,127
–726
–64

2012

50%

2,194
2,012
740
2,678
788
394
9,090
–5,006
–800

2011

50%

13,710
3,028
794
9,390
6,554
3,277
10,692
–5,460
312

–790

–5,806

–5,148

–395 1)
–
–

–2,903
–
–

–2,574
3
–

1)  Reported losses has not been recognized in the result for the Company, due to IFRS 

principles disclosed in Note C1, “Significant accounting policies.”

The table above consists of amounts considered by the Company when 
applying the equity method in relation to ST-Ericsson.

The joint venture ST-Ericsson, equally owned by the Company 
and STMicroelectronics, is winding down and all business has been 
transferred to parents or divested during 2013. Since December 2012, 
there are no remaining investments related to ST-Ericsson recognized in 
the Company’s balance sheet. The result in ST-Ericsson has therefore 
not been recognized due to losses in 2013 and previous periods, as per 
IFRS principles disclosed in C1 “Significant accounting policies.” For 
more information, see Note C3, “Segment information.”

Percentage in ownership interest

21.26% 21.26%

2013

2012

Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets (100%)

Company’s share of net assets (21.26%)
Net sales
Income after financial items
Net income and total comprehensive income 
(100%)
Company’s share of net income and other 
comprehensive income (21,26%)

6,429
53
6,376

1,356
–
–897

7,342
28
7,314

1,555
–
–376

–897

–376

–191

–80

Rockstar is a patent licensing business based in North America that 
owns and manages a portfolio of more than 4,000 patents developed by 
technology pioneer Nortel Networks. This portfolio consists of patents 
covering a wide range of consumer and enterprise communications 
technologies currently in use or in development in markets worldwide.

Ericsson’s share of assets, liabilities and income in joint venture 
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB

Percentage in ownership interest

Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Net assets (100%)
Company’s share of net assets (50%)
Net sales
Income after financial items
Income taxes
Net income and total comprehensive 
income (100%)
Company’s share of net income and 
other comprehensive income (50%)
Assets pledged as collateral
Contingent liabilities

2013

2012

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

2011

50%

10,080
17,490
570

24,344
2,656
1,328
46,992
–2,190
170

–2,020

–1,010
1
37

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

77

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Other financial assets, non-current

Other investments 
in shares and participations
2012

2013

Customer finance, 
non-current
2012

2013

Cost
Opening balance
Additions
Disposals/repayments/deductions
Change in value in funded pension 
plans 1)

Reclassifications
Revaluation
Translation difference 
Closing balance

Accumulated impairment losses/
allowances
Opening balance
Impairment losses/allowance
Disposals/repayments/deductions
Reclassifications
Translation difference 
Closing balance
Net carrying value

1,758
85
–20

–

–
71
11
1,905

–1,372
–
–14
–
–14
–1,400
505

3,576
45
–63

–

–1,639  2)

–
–161
1,758

–1,377
–51
–
–
56
–1,372
386

1,538
3,070
–3,070

1,661
5,249
–5,331

–

–
–
–54
1,484

–248
9
47
–
2
–190
1,294

–

–
–
–41
1,538

–261
–26
35
–
4
–248
1,290

1) This amount includes asset ceiling. For further information, see Note C17, “Post-employment benefits.”
2) Reclassification to Equity in associated companies.
3) Reclassification to Short-term investments.

Derivatives, 
non-current
2012

Other  
financial assets,                   
non-current
2012

2013

816
–
–

–

–
9
–
825

–
–
–
–
–
–
825

4,414
1,215
–130

951

–
–
–63
6,387

–1,275
–
–12
–
–29
–1,316
5,071

4,633
313
–136

776

–1,018 3)

–
–154
4,414

–1,332
–14
–
26  3)
45
–1,275
3,139

2013

825
–
–30

–

–
–182
–
613

–
–
–
–
–
–
613

C13  
Inventories

Inventories

Raw materials, components, consumables  
and manufacturing work in progress
Finished products and goods for resale
Contract work in progress
Inventories, net

2013

2012

5,747
7,743
9,269
22,759

7,351
10,981
10,470
28,802

Contract work in progress includes amounts related to delivery-type 
contracts and service contracts  with ongoing work in progress.

Reported amounts are net of obsolescence allowances of SEK 

2,496 (3,473) million. 

Movements in obsolescence allowances

Opening balance
Additions, net
Utilization
Translation difference
Balances regarding acquired/ 
divested businesses
Closing balance

2013

2012

3,473
308
–1,308
12

11
2,496

3,343
1,403
–1,140
–133

–
3,473

2011

3,090
918
–683
18

–
3,343

The amount of inventories recognized as expense and included in Cost 
of sales was SEK 56,781 (56,842) million. 

78

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C14  
Trade Receivables and Customer Finance

Trade receivables and customer finance

Trade receivables excluding associated companies and joint ventures
Allowances for impairment
Trade receivables, net
Trade receivables related to associated companies and joint ventures
Trade receivables, total
Customer finance credits 
Allowances for impairment
Customer finance credits, net

    Of which current

Credit commitments for customer finance

Days sales outstanding (DSO) were 97 (86) in December 2013.

Movements in allowances for impairment

Opening balance
Additions
Utilized
Reversal of excess amounts 
Reclassification
Translation difference
Closing balance

Aging analysis as per December 31

2013

2012

71,850
–880
70,970
43
71,013
3,693
–305
3,388
2,094
6,402

64,015
–655 
63,360
300
63,660
5,731
–422
5,309
4,019
5,933

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

          Trade 
          receivables

2013

655
417
–127
–72
42
–35
880

2012

567
229
–116 
–30 
21
–16 
655

         Customer 
         finance
2013

2012

422
38
–13
–136
–
–6
305

426
101
–9 
–112 
–
16
422

2013
Trade receivables, excluding associated companies and joint ventures
Allowances for impairment
Customer finance credits 
Allowances for impairment

2012
Trade receivables, excluding associated companies and joint ventures
Allowances for impairment
Customer finance credits 
Allowances for impairment

Of which  
neither 
impaired  
nor past 
due

Of which  
impaired,  
not past 
due 

Of which past due in 
the following time 
intervals:

less than  
90 days

90 days  
or more

Of which past due and 
impaired in the 
following time intervals:
90 days  
or more

less than  
90 days

66,414
–
2,851
–

57,526 
–
4,549 
–

25
–11
98
–82

25 
–15 
845 
–146 

3,134
–
60
–

2,459 
–
21 
–

1,400
–
459
–

1,431 
–
15 
–

23
–19
149
–139

779 
–70 
70 
–45 

854
–850
76
–84

1,795 
–570 
231 
–231 

Total

71,850
–880
3,693
–305

64,015 
–655 
5,731 
–422 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is divided into three categories: credit risk in trade 
receivables, customer finance risk and financial credit risk: see Note 
C20, “Financial risk management and financial instruments.”

Credit risk in trade receivables
Credit risk in trade receivables is governed by a policy applicable to all 
legal entities in the Company. The purpose of the policy is to:
 > Avoid credit losses through establishing internal standard credit 

approval routines in all the Company’s legal entities

 > Ensure monitoring and risk mitigation of defaulting accounts, i.e. 
events of non-payment and/or delayed payments from customers
 > Ensure efficient credit management within the Company and thereby 

improve Days sales outstanding and Cash flow
 > Ensure payment terms are commercially justifiable

 > Define escalation path and approval process for payment terms and 

customer credit limits. 

The credit worthiness of all customers is regularly assessed and a 
credit limit is set. Through credit management system functionality, 
credit checks are performed every time a sales order or an invoice is 
generated in the source system. These are based on the credit risk set 
on the customer. Credit blocks appear if the credit limit set on customer 
is exceeded or if past due receivables are higher than permitted levels. 
Release of a credit block requires authorization. 

Letters of credits are used as a method for securing payments from 
customers operating in emerging markets, in particular in markets with 
unstable political and/or economic environments. By having banks 
confirming the letters of credit, the political and commercial credit risk 
exposures to the Company are mitigated.

Trade receivables amounted to SEK 71,850 (64,015) million as 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

79

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The effect of risk provisions and reversals for customer finance affecting 
the income statement amounted to a net negative impact of SEK 55 
million in 2013 compared to a negative impact of SEK 33 million in 2012. 
Credit losses amounted to SEK 13 (16) million in 2013.

Security arrangements for customer finance facilities normally 
include pledges of equipment, pledges of certain assets belonging 
to the borrower and pledges of shares in the operating company. If 
available, third-party risk coverage is, as a rule, arranged. “Third-party 
risk coverage” means that a financial payment guarantee covering the 
credit risk has been issued by a bank, an export credit agency or other 
financial institution. A credit risk transfer under a sub-participation 
arrangement with a bank can also be arranged. In this case the entire 
credit risk and the funding is taken care of by the bank for the part that 
they cover. A credit risk cover from a third party may also be issued 
by an insurance company. During 2013, the Company did not take 
possession of any collateral it holds as security or call on any other 
credit enhancement.

Information about guarantees related to customer finance is included 

in Note C24, “Contingent liabilities,” and information about leasing is 
included in Note C27, “Leasing.”

The table below summarizes the Company’s outstanding customer 

finance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Outstanding customer finance

Total customer finance
Accrued interest
Less third-party risk coverage
Ericsson’s risk exposure

2013

3,693
155
 –222
3,626

2012

5,731
96
–187
5,640

Transfers of financial assets
Transfers where the Company has not derecognized the assets 
in their entirety
As per December 31, 2013 there existed certain customer financing 
assets that the Company had transferred to third parties where the 
Company did not derecognize the assets in their entirety. The total 
carrying amount of the original assets transferred was SEK 899 (471) 
million; the amount of the assets that the Company continues to 
recognize was SEK 210 (28) million; and the carrying amount of  
the associated liabilities was SEK 0 (0) million.  

Transfers where the Company has continuing involvement
During 2012, the Company derecognized financial assets where it had 
continuing involvement. A repurchase of these assets would amount to 
SEK 0 (225) million. No assets or liabilities were recognized in relation to 
the continuing involvement.

of December 31, 2013. Provisions for expected losses are regularly 
assessed and amounted to SEK 880 (655) million as of December 
31, 2013. The Company’s nominal credit losses have, however, 
historically been low. The amounts of trade receivables closely follow 
the distribution of the Company’s sales and do not include any major 
concentrations of credit risk by customer or by geography. The five 
largest customers represented 25% (27%) of the total trade receivables 
in 2013.

Customer finance credit risk
All major commitments to finance customers are made only after 
approval by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, according 
to the established credit approval process.

Prior to the approval of new facilities reported as customer finance, 
an internal credit risk assessment is conducted in order to assess the 
credit rating of each transaction (for political and commercial risk). 
The credit risk analysis is made by using an assessment tool, where 
the political risk rating is identical to the rating used by all Export 
credit agencies within the OECD. The commercial risk is assessed by 
analyzing a large number of parameters, which may affect the level 
of the future commercial credit risk exposure. The output from the 
assessment tool for the credit rating also includes an internal pricing 
of the risk. This is expressed as a risk margin per annum over funding 
cost. The reference pricing for political and commercial risk, on which 
the tool is based, is reviewed using information from Export credit 
agencies and prevailing pricing in the bank loan market for structured 
financed deals. The objective is that the internally set risk margin shall 
reflect the assessed risk and that the pricing is as close as possible to 
the current market pricing. A reassessment of the credit rating for each 
customer finance facility is made on a regular basis.

Risk provisions related to customer finance risk exposures are only 

made upon events which occur after the financing arrangement has 
become effective and which are expected to have a significant adverse 
impact on the borrower’s ability and/or willingness to service the 
outstanding debt. These events can be political (normally outside the 
control of the borrower) or commercial, e.g. a borrower’s deteriorated 
creditworthiness.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s total outstanding 

exposure related to customer finance was SEK 3,693, (5,731) million. 
As of December 31, 2013, the Company also had unutilized customer 
finance commitments of SEK 6,402 (5,933) million. Customer finance 
is arranged for infrastructure projects in different geographic markets 
and for a large number of customers. As of December 31, 2013, there 
were a total of 73 (78) customer finance arrangements originated by or 
guaranteed by the Company. The five largest facilities represented 52% 
(57%) of the total credit exposure in 2013. 

Total outstanding customer finance exposure per region 
as of December 31

Percent

2013

2012

North America
Latin America
Northern Europe & Central Asia
Western & Central Europe
Mediterranean
Middle East
Sub-Saharan Africa
India
North East Asia
South East Asia and Oceania
Total

10
3
9
1
11
22
26
5
9
4
100

26
4
8
1
9
17
19
9
7
–
100

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Dividend proposal
The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting 2014 
a dividend of SEK 3.00 per share (SEK 2.75 in 2013 and SEK 2.50 in 
2012).

Additional paid in capital 
This relates to payments made by owners and includes share premiums 
paid.

Retained earnings
Retained earnings, including net income for the year, comprise the 
earned profits of the Parent Company and its share of net income 
in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies. Retained 
earnings also include:  

Remeasurements related to post-employment benefits
Actuarial gains and losses resulting from experience-based events and 
changes in actuarial assumptions, fluctuations in the effect of the asset 
ceiling, and adjustments related to the Swedish special payroll taxes.

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair 
value of available-for-sale financial assets. 

Cash flow hedges
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of 
the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash-flow-hedging 
instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Cumulative translation adjustments
The cumulative translation adjustments comprise all foreign currency 
differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of 
foreign operations and changes regarding revaluation of excess value in 
local currency as well as from the translation of liabilities that hedge the 
Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

C15  
Other Current Receivables 

Other current receivables

Prepaid expenses
Accrued revenues
Advance payments to suppliers
Derivatives with a positive value 1)
Taxes 
Other
Total

2013

2012

2,766
2,846
877
1,532
7,950
1,970
17,941

2,623
2,305
1,060
3,068
7,727
3,282
20,065

1)  See also Note C20, “Financial risk management and financial instruments”.

C16 
Equity and Other Comprehensive Income 

Capital stock 2013 
Capital stock at December 31, 2013, consisted of the following:

Capital stock

Parent Company

Class A shares
Class B shares
Total

Number 
of shares

Capital stock 
(SEK million)

261,755,983
3,043,295,752
3,305,051,735

1,309
15,217
16,526

The capital stock of the Parent Company is divided into two classes: 
Class A shares (quota value SEK 5.00) and Class B shares (quota value 
SEK 5.00). Both classes have the same rights of participation in the net 
assets and earnings. 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. 

At December 31, 2013, the total number of treasury shares was 

73,968,178 (84,798,095 in 2012 and 62,846,503 in 2011) Class B 
shares. Ericsson did not repurchase shares in 2013 in relation to the 
Stock Purchase Plan. 

Reconciliation of number of shares

Number 
of shares

Capital stock 
(SEK million)

Number of shares Jan 1, 2013
Number of shares Dec 31, 2013

3,305,051,735
3,305,051,735

16,526
16,526

For further information about the number of shares, see the chapter 
Share Information.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

81

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C17  
Post-Employment Benefits

Ericsson sponsors a number of post-employment benefit plans 
throughout the Company, which are in line with market practice 
in each country. The year 2013 was characterized by the overall 
increase in discount rates and a positive development of plan assets. 
Consequently, the Company experienced a decrease in the net pension 
liability. During the year, the Swedish payroll tax was reclassified from 
Other liabilities to Pension liability, which contributed to an increased 
pension liability. 
The comparison amounts for 2012 and 2011 have not been 
recalculated. 

Swedish plans
Sweden has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans based 
on collective agreement between the parties in the  Swedish labor 
market:
 > A defined benefit plan, known as ITP 2 (occupational pension 
for salaried employees in manufacturing industries and trade), 
complemented by a defined contribution plan, known as ITPK 
(supplementary retirement benefits). This is a final salary-based plan.

 > A defined contribution plan, known as ITP 1, for employees born in 

1979 or later.

 > A defined contribution plan ITP 1 or alternative ITP, for employees 
earning more than 10 income base amount and who have opted 
out of the defined benefit plan ITP 2, where rules are set by the 
Company and approved by each employee selected to participate.

The Company has by far most of its Swedish pension liabilities under 
defined benefit plans which are funded to 73% (72%) through Ericsson 
Pensionsstiftelse (a Swedish Pension Foundation). The Pensionsstiftelse 
covers the liability up to the value of the defined benefit obligation based 
on Swedish GAAP calculations. There are no funding requirements for 
the Swedish plans. The disability- and survivors’ pension part of the 
ITP-plan is secured through an insurance solution with the company 
Alecta, see section about Multi-employer plans. 

The benefit payments are done from the Company since the liability 
is growing and the necessary surplus therefore is not yet reached. For 
the unfunded plans the Company meets the payment obligation when 
it falls due. The responsibility for governance of the plans and the plan 
assets lies with the Company and the Pensionsstiftelse. The Swedish 
Pensionsstiftelse is managed on the basis of a capital preservation 
strategy and the risk profile is set accordingly. Traditional asset-liability 
matching (ALM) studies are undertaken on a regular basis to allocate 
within different asset classes. 

The plans are exposed to different risks, i.e. a sudden decrease in 
the bond yields, which would lead to an increase in the plan liability. A 
sudden instability in the financial market might also lead to a decrease 
in fair value of plan assets held by the Pensionsstiftelse, as the holdings 
of plan assets partly are exposed to equity markets; however, this may 
be partly offset by higher values in fixed income holdings. Swedish 
plans are linked to inflation and higher inflation will lead to a higher 
liability. For the time being, inflation is a low risk factor to the Swedish 
plans as actual rate of inflation has not reached the ceiling target set by 
the Central Bank of Sweden.

Multi-employer plans
As before, the Company has secured the disability and survivors’ 
pension part of the ITP Plan through an insurance solution with the 
insurance company Alecta. Although this part of the plan is classified 
as a multi-employer defined benefit plan, it is not possible to get 
sufficient information to apply defined benefit accounting, as for most 
of the accrued pension benefits in Alecta, information is missing on 

82

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

the allocation of earnings process between employers. Full vesting is 
instead registered on the last employer. Alecta is not able to calculate a 
breakdown of assets and provisions for each respective employer, and 
therefore, the disability and survivors’ pension portion of the ITP Plan 
has been accounted for as a defined contribution plan. 

Alecta has a collective funding ratio which acts as a buffer for its 
insurance commitments to protect against fluctuations in investment 
return and insurance risks. Alecta’s target ratio is 140% and reflects the 
fair value of Alecta’s plan assets as a percentage of plan commitments, 
then measured in accordance with Alecta’s actuarial assumptions, 
which are different from those in IAS 19R. Alecta’s collective funding 
ratio was 148% (129%) as of December 31, 2013. The Company’s share 
of Alecta’s saving premiums is 0.6%; the total share of active members 
in Alecta are 2.3%. The expected contribution to the plan is SEK 163 
million for 2014.

Contingent liabilities / Assets pledged as collateral
Contingent liabilities include the Company’s mutual responsibility as 
a credit insured company of PRI Pensionsgaranti in Sweden. This 
mutual responsibility can only be imposed in the instance that PRI 
Pensionsgaranti has consumed all of its assets, and it amounts to a 
maximum of 2% of the Company’s pension liability in Sweden. During 
2013 the Company has pledged a business mortgage of SEK 2 billion to 
PRI Pensionsgaranti.

US plans
The Company operates defined benefit pension plans in the US, which 
are a combination of final salary pension plans and contribution-based 
arrangements. The final salary pension plans provide benefits to 
members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. 
The level of benefits provided depends on members’ length of service 
and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. Retirees 
generally do not receive inflationary increases once in payment. 

The other type of plan is a contribution-based pension plan, which 
provides a benefit determined using a “cash balance” approach. The 
balance is credited monthly with interest credits and contribution 
credits, based on a combination of current year salary and length of 
service. 

The majority of benefit payments are from trustee-administered 
funds; however, there are also a number of unfunded plans where the 
Company meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due. In the 
US, the Company’s policy is at least to meet or exceed the funding 
requirements of federal regulations. The funded level in the US Pension 
Plan is above the point at which minimum funding would be required for 
fiscal year 2013. 

Plan assets held in trusts are governed by local regulations and 
practice, as is the nature of the relationship between the Company 
and the trustees (or equivalent) and their composition. Responsibility 
for governance of the plans – including investment decisions and 
contribution schedules – lies with the Plan Administrative Committee 
(PAC). The PAC is composed of representatives from the Company.  
The Company’s plans are exposed to various risks associated with 
pension plans, i.e. a sudden decrease in bond yields would lead to 
an increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation. A 
sudden instability in the financial markets might also lead to a decrease 
in the fair value of plan assets held by the trust. Pension benefits in the 
US are not linked to inflation; however, higher inflation poses the risk 
of increased final salaries being used to determine benefits for active 
employees. There is also a risk that the duration of payments to retirees 
will exceed the life expectancy in mortality tables.

Other plans
The Company also sponsors plans in other countries. The main plans 
are in Brazil, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The plan in Brazil is a 

C17XEN_v101.indd   82

2014-03-06   13:48

 
pension plan  wholly funded with a net surplus of assets. The plans 
in Ireland and the UK are final salary pension plans and are partly or 
wholly funded. The plans are managed by corporate trustees with 
directors appointed partly by the local company and partly by the plan 
members.  The trustees are independent from the local company and 
subject to the specific country’s pension laws.

Amount recognized in the Consolidated balance sheet

Amount recognized in the Consolidated balance sheet

2013
Defined benefit obligation (DBO)
Fair value of plan assets
Deficit/surplus (+/–)
Plans with net surplus, excluding asset ceiling 1)
Provision for post-employment benefits 2)
2012
Defined benefit obligation (DBO)
Fair value of plan assets
Deficit/surplus (+/–)
Unrecognized past service cost
Plans with net surplus, excluding asset ceiling 1)
Provision for post-employment benefits 2)

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Sweden 

US

Other 

Total

23,088
16,818
6,270
–
6,270

21,432
15,375
6,057
–
–
6,057

14,387
16,174
–1,787
2,307
520

16,472
16,263
209
–
738
947

15,444
13,575
1,869
1,166
3,035

14,054
13,004
1,050
–28
1,477
2,499

52,919
46,567
6,352
3,473
9,825

51,958
44,642
7,316
–28
2,215
9,503

1)  Plans with a net surplus, i.e. where plan assets exceed DBO, are reported as Other financial assets, non-current: see Note C12, “Financial assets.” The asset ceiling increased during the year 

by SEK 308 million from SEK 217 million in 2012 to SEK 525 million in 2013.

2)  Plans with net liabilities are reported in the balance sheet as Post-employment benefits, non-current.

Total pension cost recognized in the Consolidated income statement
The costs for post-employment benefits within the Company are distributed between defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans, with a 
trend toward defined contribution plans.

Pension costs for defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans

2013
Pension cost for defined contribution plans
Pension cost for defined benefit plans 
Total
Total pension cost expressed as a percentage of wages and salaries

2012
Pension cost for defined contribution plans
Pension cost for defined benefit plans 
Total
Total pension cost expressed as a percentage of wages and salaries

2011
Pension cost for defined contribution plans
Pension cost for defined benefit plans 
Total
Total pension cost expressed as a percentage of wages and salaries

Sweden 

US

Other

Total

1,088
1,581
2,669

977
936
1,913

2,039
621
2,660

502
85
587

404
–454
–50

360
42
402

778
392
1,170

701
198
899

643
184
827

2,368
2,058
4,426
9.1%

2,082
680
2,762
5.7%

3,042
847
3,889
8.9%

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

83

C17XEN_v101.indd   83

2014-03-06   13:48

Change in the net defined benefit obligation

Change in the net defined benefit obligation

Opening balance

Reclassification 1)
Included in the income statement:

Current service cost
Past service cost and gains and losses on settlements
Interest cost/ income (+/-)
Taxes and administrative expenses
Other

Remeasurements:

Return on plan assets excluding amounts in interest expense/income
Actuarial gains/losses (-/+) arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains/losses (-/+) arising from changes in financial assumptions
Experience-based gains/losses (-/+)

Translation difference
Contributions and payments from employer:

Employers 2)
Plan participants
Payments from plans:
Benefit payments
Settlements

Business combinations and divestments 4)
Closing balance

Present 
value of 
obligation

2013 3)

Fair value 
of plan 
assets
2013

51,958

–44,642

1,799

–

1,351
363
2,046
129
–4
3,885

–
46
–3,629
611
–2,972
–115

–554
55

–1,181
–116
160
52,919

–
–
–1,846
16
3
–1,827

–550
–
–
–
–550
190

–971
–44

1,181
96
–
–46,567

Present 
value of 
obligation
2012

Fair value 
of plan 
assets
2012

36,375

–28,019

–

–

1,280
–353
2,120
–
–72
2,975

–
–
2,104
363
2,467
–1,353

–
–
–2,357
–
42
–2,315

–1,634
–
–
–
–1,634
1,361

–
22

–1,751
–22

–1,478
372
12,578
51,958

1,311
–156
–13,417
–44,642

Total
2013

7,316

1,799

1,351
363
200
145
–1
2,058

–550
46
–3,629
611
–3,522
75

–1,525
11

0
–20
160
6,352

Total
2012

8,356

–

1,280
–353
–237
–
–30
660

–1,634
–
2,104
363
833
8

–1,751
0

–167
216
–839
7,316

1)  The provision for the Swedish special payroll taxes  which was previously included in Other current liabilities, has been re-classified as a pension liability in line with the implementation of the 

revised IAS 19R on January 1, 2013.

2)  The expected contribution to the plan is SEK 550 million during 2014.
3)  The weighted average duration of DBO is 17.9 years.
4)  Business combinations in 2013 are related to the acquisition of Modems. In 2012 business combinations are related to the acquisition of Telcordia. 

Present value of the defined benefit obligation

Sweden 

US

Other

Total

2013
DBO, closing balance

Of which partially or fully funded
Of which unfunded

2012
DBO, closing balance

Of which partially or fully funded
Of which unfunded

Asset allocation by geography

2013

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Investment funds
Assets held by insurance company
Other
Total

Of which real estate occupied by the Company
Of which securities issued by the Company

23,088
22,598
490

21,432
20,916
516

14,387
13,867
520

16,472
15,895
577

15,444
13,396
2,048

14,054
12,064
1,990

Sweden

US

Other 

Total

592
2,112
3,601
1,649
8,864
–
–
16,818
–
25

218
2,081
6,934
–
6,512
–
429
16,174
–
–

261
4,459
6,982
76
414
633
750
13,575
–
–

1,071
8,652
17,517
1,725
15,790
633
1,179
46,567
–
25

52,919
49,861
3,058

51,958
48,875
3,083

Of which 
unquoted

35%
31%
61%
100%
60%
100%
65%

84

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Asset allocation by geography

2012

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Investment funds
Assets held by insurance company
Other
Total

Of which real estate occupied by the Company
Of which securities issued by the Company

Actuarial assumptions

Financial and demographic actuarial assumptions

2013
Financial assumptions
Discount rate
Demographic assumptions
Life expectancy after age 65 in years, 
weighted average

2012
Financial assumptions
Discount rate
Demographic assumptions
Life expectancy after age 65 in years, 
weighted average

Group 1)

4.5%

22

4.1%

22

1)  Weighted average for disclosure purposes only. Country-specific assumptions were used 

for each actuarial calculation.

Sweden

US

Other 

Total

2,159
1,371
4,139
574
7,132
–
–
15,375
–
25

683
5,107
10,040
433
–
–
–
16,263
–
–

197
2,865
7,929
110
849
305
749
13,004
–
–

3,039
9,343
22,108
1,117
7,981
305
749
44,642
–
25

Of which 
unquoted

25%
15%
60%
100%
55%
100%
100%

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Actuarial gains and losses reported directly in Other 
comprehensive income

Cumulative gain/loss (–/+) at beginning of year
Recognized gain/loss (–/+) during the year
Translation difference
Cumulative gain/loss (–/+) at end of year

2013

8,696
–3,522
45
5,219

2012

7,911
833
–48
8,696

Total remeasurements in Other comprehensive income related 
to post-employment benefits

Actuarial gains and losses (+/–)
The effect of asset ceiling
Swedish special payroll taxes 1)
Total
Actuarial gains and losses for joint ventures and 
associated companies

2013

3,128
–308
394
3,214

2012

–833
266
116
–451

–

50

Actuarial assumptions are assessed on a quarterly basis.
See also Notes C1 and C2.

1)  Swedish payroll taxes are included in recognized gain/loss during the year in OCI.

Sensitivity analysis of significant actuarial assumptions

Sweden
The defined benefit obligation has been calculated using a discount rate 
based on yields of covered bonds, which is higher than a discount rate 
based on yields of government bonds. The Swedish covered bonds are 
considered high-quality bonds, mainly AAA-rated, as they are secured 
with assets, and the market for covered bonds is considered deep and 
liquid, thereby meeting the revised IAS 19 requirements.

US
The defined benefit obligation has been calculated using a discount rate 
based on yields of high-quality corporate bonds, where “high-quality” 
has been defined as a rating of AA and above.

Impact on DBO, SEK billion

2013
Discount rate +0.5%
Discount rate –0.5%

Group

–5
+5

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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C18  
Provisions

Provisions

2013

Opening balance
Additions
Reversal of excess amounts

Negative effect on Income Statement

Cash out/utilization
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses

Reclassification
Translation differences
Closing balance

2012
Opening balance
Additions
Reversal of excess amounts

Negative effect on Income Statement

Cash out/utilization
Balances regarding divested/acquired businesses
Reclassification
Translation differences
Closing balance

Warranty

Restruc turing

Other

Total

1,595
924
–588

–948
–2

1
–73
909

1,888
1,088
–157

–1,188
48
1
–85
1,595

1,218
2,439
–237

–2,089
0

–3
17
1,345

1,327
1,234
–150

–1,170
–
11
–34
1,218

5,825
1,336
–736

–2,984
–10

–184
–139
3,108

3,050
4,689
–766

–1,117
92
–34
–89
5,825

8,638
4,699
–1,561
3,138
–6,021
–12

–186
–195
5,362

6,265
7,011
–1,073
5,938
–3,475
140
–22
–208
8,638

Provisions will fluctuate over time depending on business mix, market 
mix and technology shifts. Risk assessment in the ongoing business is 
performed monthly to identify the need for new additions and reversals. 
Management uses its best judgment to estimate provisions based on 
this assessment. In certain circumstances, provisions are no longer 
required due to outcomes being more favorable than anticipated, 
which affect the provisions balance as a reversal. In other cases the 
outcome can be negative, and if so, a charge is recorded in the income 
statement.

For 2013, new or additional provisions amounting to SEK 4.7 billion 
were made, and SEK 1.6 billion of provisions was reversed. The actual 
cash outlays for 2013 were SEK 6.0 billion compared with the estimated 
SEK 7 billion. The main part of the total cash out for 2013 was made up 
of other provisions of SEK 3.0 billion and restructuring provisions of SEK 
2.1 billion. The expected total cash outlays in 2014 are approximately 
SEK 4.2 billion.

Of the total provisions, SEK 222 (211) million is classified as non-
current. For more information, see Note C1, “Significant accounting 
policies” and Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments.”

Warranty provisions
Warranty provisions are based on historic quality rates for established 
products as well as estimates regarding quality rates for new products 
and costs to remedy the various types of faults predicted. Provisions 

amounting to SEK 0.9 billion were made and due to more favorable 
outcomes in certain cases reversals of SEK 0.6 billion were made. 
The actual cash outlays for 2013 were SEK 0.9 billion, in line with the 
expected SEK 1 billion. The cash outlays of warranty provisions during 
year 2014 are estimated to total approximately SEK 0.7 billion. 

Restructuring provisions
In 2013 SEK 2.4 billion in provisions were made and SEK 0.2 billion 
were reversed due to a more favorable outcome than expected. The 
cash outlays were SEK 2.1 billion for the full year. Due to the fact that 
the major part of the cash outlays was related to additional provisions 
during 2013, it deviated from the estimated SEK 1 billion. The cash 
outlays for 2014 are estimated to total approximately SEK 1.1 billion.

Other provisions
Other provisions include provisions for probable contractual penalties, 
tax issues, litigations, supplier claims, and other. During 2013, new 
provisions amounting to SEK 1.3 billion were made and SEK 0.7 billion 
were reversed due to a more favorable outcome. The cash outlays 
were SEK 3.0 billion in 2013 compared to the estimate of SEK 5.4 
billion. The majority of this stemmed from the utilization of the 2012 
ST-Ericsson provision. For 2014, the cash outlays are estimated to total 
approximately SEK 2.4 billion.

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C19  
Interest-Bearing Liabilities

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s outstanding interest-bearing 
liabilities stood at SEK 29.5 (28.7) billion.

Interest-bearing liabilities

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 1,966 (2,671) million.

2013

2012

6,037
1,351
7,388

14,522
7,545
22,067
29,455

3,018
1,751
4,769

16,519
7,379
23,898
28,667

All outstanding notes and bond loans are issued by the Parent 
Company under its Euro Medium-Term Note (EMTN) program or under 
its SEC registered program. Bonds issued at a fixed interest rate are 

Notes, bonds and bilateral loans

normally swapped to a floating interest rate using interest rate swaps 
leaving a maximum of 50% of outstanding loans at fixed interest rates. 
This arrangement resulted in a weighted average interest rate of 4.44% 
(4.69%). These bonds are revalued based on changes in benchmark 
interest rates according to the fair value hedge methodology stipulated 
in IAS 39.

In June 2013, the Company repaid the EUR 313 million bond.
In June the Company signed a new USD 2 billion multi-currency 
revolving credit facility and refinanced its credit facility signed in 2007. 
The new facility has a tenor of five years, with two extension options of 
one year each, and the facility serves for general corporate purposes.

In November 2013, the Company made a full drawdown of USD 684 

million under the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan facility signed 
in October 2012. The loan supports the company’s R&D activities 
to further develop the next generation radio and IP technology that 
supports mobile broadband build-out globally. The loan will mature in 
November 2020. 

In January 2014, the Company repaid the SEK 4 billion EIB loan with 

original maturity July 2015.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Issued–maturing

Notes and bond loans
2007–2014
2007–2017
2009–2016 3)
2010–2020 4)
2012–2022
Total notes and bond loans
Bilateral loans
2008–2015 5)
2012–2019 6)
2012–2021 6)
2013–2020 7)
Total bilateral loans

Nominal  
amount

Coupon

Currency

Book value  
(SEK m.)

Maturity date

Unrealized hedge 
gain/loss (included 
in book value)

0.594%
5.375%

4.125%

220
500
300
170
1,000

4,000
98
98
684

EUR
EUR
USD
USD
USD

SEK
USD
USD
USD

1,966
5,056 2)
1,939
1,112
6,415
16,488

4,000
632
634
4,420
9,686

June 27, 2014 1)
June 27, 2017
June 23, 2016
December 23, 2020
May 15, 2022

July 15, 2015
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2021
November 6, 2020

–616

–616

1)  Next contractual repricing date March 27, 2014 (quarterly).
2)  Interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges.
3)  Private Placement, Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) / Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK).
4)  Private Placement, Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK).
5)  European Investment Bank (EIB), R&D project financing. Full prepayment January 15, 2014.
6)  Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), R&D project financing.
7)  European Investment Bank (EIB), R&D project financing. 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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C20  
Financial Risk Management and 
Financial Instruments

The Company’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 overseeing the capital structure 
and financial management of the Company and approving certain 
matters (such as investments, customer finance commitments, 
guarantees and borrowing) and continuously monitors the exposure to 
financial risks.

Interest rate risk

The Company classifies financial risks as:
 > Foreign exchange risk
 >
 > Credit risk
 > Liquidity and refinancing risk
 > Market price risk in own and other equity instruments.

The Board of Directors has established risk limits for defined exposures 
to foreign exchange and interest rate risks as well as to political risks in 
certain countries. 

For further information about accounting policies, see Note C1, 

The Company defines its managed capital as the total Company 

“Significant accounting policies”.

equity. For the Company, a robust financial position with a strong 
equity ratio, investment grade rating, low leverage and ample liquidity is 
deemed important. This provides financial flexibility and independence 
to operate and manage variations in working capital needs as well as to 
capitalize on business opportunities. 

The Company’s overall capital structure should support the financial 

targets: to grow faster than the market, deliver best-in-class margins 
and generate a healthy cash flow. The capital structure is managed 
by balancing equity, debt financing and liquidity in such a way that 
the Company can secure funding of operations at a reasonable cost 
of capital. Regular borrowings are complemented with committed 
credit facilities to give additional flexibility to manage unforeseen 
funding needs. The Company strives to finance growth, normal capital 
expenditures and dividends to shareholders by generating sufficient 
positive cash flows from operating activities.
The Company’s capital objectives are:
 > To maintain an equity ratio above 40%
 > A cash conversion rate above 70%
 > To maintain a positive net cash position
 > To maintain a solid investment grade rating by Moody’s  

and Standard & Poor’s.

Capital objectives-related information, SEK billion

Capital
Equity ratio
Cash conversion
Positive net cash
Credit rating
Moody’s

Standard & Poor’s

2013

142
53%
79%
37.8

2012

138
50%
116%
38.5

A3, 
negative
BBB+, 
negative

A3,  
stable
BBB+, 
stable

The Company has a treasury function with the principal role to ensure 
that appropriate financing is in place through loans and committed 
credit facilities, actively managing the Company’s liquidity as well as 
financial assets and liabilities, and managing and controling financial 
risk exposures in a manner consistent with underlying business risks 
and financial policies. Hedging activities, cash management and 
insurance management are largely centralized to the treasury function 
in Stockholm. 

The Company also has a customer finance function with the main 
objective to find suitable third-party financing solutions for customers 
and to minimize recourse to the Company. To the extent that 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 commitments.

Foreign exchange risk
The Company is a global company with sales mainly outside Sweden.
Sales and incurred costs are to a large extent denominated in 
currencies other than SEK and therefore the financial results of the 
Company are impacted by currency fluctuations.

The Company reports the financial statements in SEK. Movements 
in exchange rates between currencies that affect these statements are 
impacting the comparability between periods. 

Line items, primarily sales, are impacted by translation exposure 
incurred when converting foreign entities’ financial statements into SEK. 
Line items and profitability, such as operating income are impacted 
by transaction exposure incurred when financial assets and liabilities, 
primarily, trade receivables and trade payables, are initially recognized 
and subsequently remeasured due to change in foreign exchange rates. 
In the table below we present the net exposure for the four largest 
currencies impact on sales and also net transaction exposure of these 
currencies on profitability.

Currency exposure, SEK billion

Exposure  
currency

Sales 
translation 
exposure

Sales 
transaction 
exposure

Sales 
net  
exposure

Incurred 
cost  
transaction 

exposure 1)

Net 
transaction 
exposure

USD
EUR
JPY
CNY

58.2
30.4
11.8
11.8

37.8
11.3
0.0
–0.2

96.0
41.7
11.8
11.6

–15.4
–6.9
5.7
–7.2

22.4
4.4
5.7
–7.4

1) Transactions in foreign currency - internal sales, internal purchases, external purchases.

Translation exposure 
Translation exposure relates to sales and cost incurred in foreign entities 
when converted into SEK upon consolidation. These exposures cannot 
be addressed by hedging, but as the income statement is translated 
using average rate (average rate gives a good approximation), the 
impact of volatility in foreign currency rates is reduced.

Transaction exposure
Transaction exposure relates to sales and cost incurred in non-reporting 
currencies in individual group companies. Foreign exchange risk is as 
far as possible concentrated in Swedish group companies, primarily 
Ericsson AB. Sales to foreign subsidiaries are normally denominated 
in the functional currency of the customers, and so tend to be 
denominated in USD or another foreign currency. In order to limit the 
exposure toward exchange rate fluctuations on future revenues and 
costs, committed and forecasted future sales and purchases in major 
currencies are hedged with 7% of 12-month forecast monthly. This 
corresponds to approximately 5–6 months of an average forecast.

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As disclosed under note C1 Significant Accounting Policies, the 
Company has as per January 1, 2013, discontinued hedge accounting 
for new derivatives hedging forecasted sales and costs incurred as 
from this date. This means that outstanding derivatives contracts, with 
transaction date January 1, 2013 or later  that are hedging future sales 
and costs incurred are revalued against “Other operating income and 
expense”.  The sensitivity in “Other operating income and expense” 
in relation to this revaluation is dependent on changes in foreign 
exchange rates, forecasts, seasonality and hedging policy. USD is 
our largest exposure and at year-end a 5% change in FX-rates would 
impact profit and loss with approximately SEK 0.6 billion. Revaluation 
results of derivatives contracts, with transaction date January 1, 2013 
or later  amounted to SEK 0.5 billion in 2013.  When hedge accounting 
was applied revaluation was recognized in OCI until the underlying 
transaction occurred and then a recycling was made to the related 
items of the income statements, as disclosed in C1.

According to Company policy, transaction exposure in  

subsidiaries’ balance sheets (i.e. trade receivables and payables  
and customer finance receivables) should be fully hedged, except  
for non-tradable currencies. 

Foreign exchange exposures in balance sheet items are hedged 

through offsetting balances or derivatives. 

Translation exposure in net assets
The Company has many subsidiaries operating outside Sweden with 
functional currencies other than SEK. The results and net assets of 
such companies are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, which 
affect the consolidated income statement and balance sheet when 
translated to SEK. Translation risk related to forecasted results from 
foreign operations cannot be hedged, but net assets can be addressed 
by hedging.

Translation exposure in foreign subsidiaries is hedged according to 

the following policy established by the Board of Directors:

Translation risk related to net assets in foreign subsidiaries is hedged 

up to 20% in selected companies. The translation differences reported 
in Other comprehensive income during 2013 were negative, SEK –1.7 
(–3.9) billion, including hedging gain/loss of SEK 0.0 (0.0) billion.

Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through market  
value fluctuations in certain balance sheet items and through  
changes in interest revenues and expenses. The net cash position  
was SEK 37.8 (38.5) billion at the end of 2013, consisting of cash,  
cash equivalents and short-term investments of SEK 77.1 (76.7)  
billion and interest-bearing liabilities and post-employment benefits  
of SEK 39.3 (38.2) billion. 

The Company manages the interest rate risk by i) matching fixed 
and floating interest rates in interest-bearing balance sheet items and 
ii) avoiding significant fixed interest rate exposure in the Company’s 
net cash position. The policy is that interest-bearing assets shall have 
an average interest duration of between 10 and 14 months, taking 
derivative instruments into consideration. Interest-bearing liabilities 
do not have a firm target for the duration, nor a firm target for fixed/
floating interest rate, as duration and interest mix are decided based on 
market conditions when the liabilities are issued. Group Treasury has a 
mandate to deviate from the asset management benchmark given  
by the Board and take foreign exchange positions up to an aggregated 
risk of VaR SEK 45 million given a confidence level of 99% and a  
1-day horizon.

Interest duration, SEK billion

< 3M 3-12M 1-3Y

3-5Y

>5Y

Total

Interest-bearing trading 
Interest-bearing assets
Interest-bearing liabilities

–8.7
65.1
–10.5

10.9
–0.3
–6.8

0.5
7.8
0.0

–2.4
2.1
–4.4

–0.3
0.0
2.4
77.1
–7.8 –29.5

When managing the interest rate exposure, the Company uses 
derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps. Derivative 
instruments used for converting fixed rate debt into floating rate  
debt are designated as fair value hedges.

Fair value hedges
The purpose of fair value hedges is to hedge the variability in the fair 
value of fixed-rate debt (issued bonds) from changes in the relevant 
benchmark yield curve for its entire term by converting fixed interest 
payments to a floating rate (e.g. STIBOR or LIBOR) by using interest  
rate swaps (IRS). The credit risk/spread is not hedged. 

The fixed leg of the IRS is matched against the cash flows of the 

hedged bond. Hereby the fixed-rate bond/debt is converted into a 
floating-rate debt in accordance with the policy. 

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Outstanding derivatives 1)

Fair value

Currency derivatives
Maturity within 3 months
Maturity between 3  
and 12 months
Maturity between 1  
and 3 years
Total

Of which designated in cash 
flow hedge relations
Of which designated in net 
investment hedge relations

Interest rate derivatives
Maturity within 3 months
Maturity between 3  
and 12 months
Maturity between 1  
and 3 years
Maturity between 3  
and 5 years
Maturity of more than 5 years
Total

Of which designated in fair 
value hedge relations

Asset

2013
Liability

2012
Liability

Asset

512

293

8
813

–

–

–

186

382

158

9

0
167

–

–

–

976

611

4
1,591

816

–

–

269

487

688

565

60

10

–
70

6

–

–

285

681

663
101
1,332 2)

163
36
1,156

1,212
38
2,302 2)

739
–
1,705

724

–

969

–

1)  Some of the derivatives hedging non-current liabilities are recognized in the balance sheet 

as non-current derivatives due to hedge accounting.

2)  Of which SEK 613 (825) million is reported as non-current assets.

Sensitivity analysis
The Company uses the VaR methodology to measure foreign exchange 
and interest rate risks in portfolios managed by the Treasury. This 
statistical method expresses the maximum potential loss that can arise 
with a certain degree of probability during a certain period of time. For 
the VaR measurement, the Company has chosen a probability level 
of 99% and a 1-day time horizon. The daily VaR measurement uses 
market volatilities and correlations based on historical daily data (one 
year).

The average VaR calculated for 2013 was SEK 16.3 (9.8) million for 

the combined mandates. No VaR-limits were exceeded during 2013.

Financial credit risk
Financial instruments carry an element of risk in that counterparts may 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

89

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be unable to fulfill their payment obligations. This exposure arises in the 
investments in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and from 
derivative positions with positive unrealized results against banks and  
other counterparties.

The Company mitigates these risks by investing cash primarily 
in well-rated securities such as treasury bills, government bonds, 
commercial papers, and mortgage-covered bonds with short-term 
ratings of at least A-2/P-2 or equivalents, and long-term ratings of 
AAA. 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 2013, SEK 0.0 (0.0) billion, neither on external 
investments nor on derivative positions.

At December 31, 2013, the credit risk in financial cash instruments 

was equal to the instruments’ carrying value. Credit exposure in 
derivative instruments was SEK 2.1 (3.9) billion.

Liquidity risk

The Company minimizes the liquidity risk by maintaining a sufficient 
net cash position, centralized cash management, investments in highly 
liquid interest-bearing securities, and by having sufficient committed 
credit lines in place to meet potential funding needs. For information 
about contractual obligations, please see Note C31, “Contractual 
obligations.” The current cash position is deemed to satisfy all short-
term liquidity requirements as well as non-current borrowings.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

SEK billion

Banks
Type of issuer/counterpart
Governments
Corporates
Mortgage institutes
2013
2012

Remaining time to maturity
< 3  
months

3-12 
months

1–5 
years

>5 
years

37.6

0.3

–

–

0.5
4.4
–
42.5
47.1

4.1
–
–
4.4
4.8

14.6
–
11.9
26.5
24.0

3.7
–
–
3.7
0.8

Total

37.9

22.9
4.4
11.9
77.1
76.7

The instruments are either classified as held for trading or as assets 
available-for-sale with maturity less than one year and are therefore 
short-term investments. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term 
investments are mainly held in SEK unless offset by EUR-funding.

Refinancing risk
Refinancing risk is the risk that the Company is unable to refinance 
outstanding debt under reasonable terms and conditions, or at all, at a 
given point in time.

Repayment schedule of non-current borrowings 1)

Nominal  
amount  
(SEK billion)

Current 
maturities 
of long-term 
debt

Notes 
and bonds 
(non-current)

Liabilities 
to financial 
institutions 
(non-current)

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

2022
Total

6.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
6.0

–
–
2.0
4.4
–
–
1.1
–

6.4
13.9

–
0.8
0.0
0.0
–
0.6
4.4
0.6

–
6.4

Total

6.0
0.8
2.0
4.4
–
0.6
5.5
0.6

6.4
26.3

1)  Excluding finance leases reported in Note C27, “Leasing.”

90

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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 1)

Amount

Utilized

Unutilized

Euro Medium-Term Note program  
(USD million)
SEC Registered program (USD million)
Long-term Committed Credit facility 
(USD million)
Indian Commercial Paper program  
(INR million)

5,000
–

2,000

5,000

1,462
1,000  2)

–

–

3,538
–

2,000

5,000

1)  There are no financial covenants related to these programs.
2)  Program amount indeterminate.

In January 2013 Standard & Poor’s changed the Company’s credit 
rating outlook from BBB+ (stable) to BBB+ (negative) and Moody’s 
changed the credit rating outlook from A3 (stable) to A3 (negative). Both 
credit ratings are considered to be solid investment grade.

Fair valuation of the Company’s financial instruments
The Company´s financial instruments generally meet the requirements 
of level 1 valuation due to the fact that they are based on quoted prices 
in active markets for identical assets.

Exceptions to this relates to:

 > OTC derivatives with an amount of gross SEK 5.2 billion in relation to 
assets and gross SEK 4.4 billion in relation to liabilities were valued 
based on references to other market data as currency or interest 
rates. These valuations fall under level 2 valuation as defined by 
IFRS.
 Ownership in other companies where the Company neither has 
control nor significant influence. The amount recognized in these 
cases was SEK 0.5 (0.4) billion. These assets, classified as level 3 
assets for valuation purposes, have been valued based on value in 
use technique.

 >

Financial instruments carried at other than fair value
The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, recognized 
at fair value, is determined based on quoted market prices or rates. 
In the following tables, carrying amounts and fair values of financial 
instruments that are carried in the financial statements at sums other 
than fair values are presented. Assets valued at fair value through profit 
or loss showed a net gain of SEK 1.2 billion. For further information 
about valuation principles, see Note C1, “Significant accounting 
policies.” 

Financial instruments carried at other than fair value 1)

SEK billion

2013

2012

2013

2012

           Book value

           Fair value

Current part of  
non-current borrowings
Notes and bond loans
Other borrowings non-
current
Total

6.0
14.5

7.5
28.0

3.0
16.5

7.4
26.9

6.0
14.7

7.6
28.3

3.0
17.0

7.6
27.6

1)  Excluding finance leases reported in Note C27, “Leasing.”

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 fair value.

C20XC23XEN_v76.indd   90

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Market price risk in own shares and other listed 
equity investments
Risk related to our own share price 
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in its own share price through 
stock purchase plans for employees and synthetic share-based 
compensations to the Board of Directors. 

Stock purchase plans for employees
The obligation to deliver shares under the stock purchase plan is 
covered by holding Ericsson Class B shares as treasury stock. A 
change in the share price will result in a change in social security 
charges, which represents a risk to the income statement. The cash 
flow exposure is fully hedged through the holding of Ericsson Class B 
shares as treasury stock to be sold to generate funds, which also cover 
social security payments. 

Synthetic share-based compensations to the Board of Directors
In the case of these plans, the Company is exposed to risks in relation 
to own share price, both with regards to compensation expenses and 

social security charges. The obligation to pay compensation amounts 
under the synthetic share-based compensations to the Board of 
Directors is covered by a liability in the balance sheet. 

For further information about the stock purchase plan and synthetic 

share-based compensations to the Board of Directors, see note C28, 
“Information regarding members of the Board of Directors, the Group 
management and employees.”

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities 
As required by IFRS, the Company has off set financial instruments 
under ISDA agreements. The related assets amounted to SEK 5.2 
billion, prior to offsetting of SEK 3.1, with a net amount of SEK 2.1 billion 
recognized in the balance sheet. The related liabilities amounted to SEK 
4.4 billion, prior to offsetting of SEK 3.1, with a net amount of SEK 1.3 
billion recognized in the balance sheet.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Financial instruments, book value

SEK billion

Note
Assets at fair value  
through profit or loss
Loans and receivables
Financial liabilities at  
amortized cost
Total

Customer 
finance

Trade 
receiv-
ables

Short-term 
invest-
ments

Cash 
equiva-
lents

Borrow-
ings

Trade 
payables

Other 
financial 
assets 

Other 
current 
receiv-
ables

Other 
current 
liabilities

C14

–
3.4

–
3.4

C14

–
71.0

–
71.0

C19

C22

C12

C15

35.0
–

–
35.0

11.1
2.4

–
13.5

–
–

–
–

–29.5
–29.5

–20.5
–20.5

0.6
5.1

–
5.7

1.5
–

–
1.5

C21

–1.3
–

–
–1.3

2013

2012

46.9
81.9

–50.0
78.8

46.3
74.3

–51.8
68.8

C21  
Other Current Liabilities 

Other current liabilities

Income tax liabilities
Advances from customers
Liabilities to associated companies  
and joint ventures
Accrued interest
Accrued expenses, of which

Employee-related
Supplier-related
Other 1)

Deferred revenues
Derivatives with a negative value 2)
Other 3)
Total

2013

2,805
5,471

–
208
32,810
11,532
11,478
9,800
9,887
1,323
5,810
58,314

2012

3,878
4,754

–
259
32,353
11,166
11,440
9,747
11,658
1,775
6,431
61,108

1)  Major balance relates to accrued expenses for customer projects.
2)  See Note C20, “Financial risk management and financial instruments.”
3)  Includes items such as VAT and withholding tax payables and other payroll deductions, 
and liabilities for goods received where the related invoice has not yet been received.

C22  
Trade Payables 

Trade payables

Payables to associated  
companies and joint ventures
Other
Total

C23  
Assets Pledged as Collateral 

Assets pledged as collateral

Chattel mortgages 1)
Bank deposits
Total

1)  See also Note C17, “Post-Employment benefits”. 

2013

2012

333
20,169
20,502

81
23,019
23,100

2013

2,177
379
2,556

2012

185
335
520

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

91

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C24  
Contingent Liabilities

Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities
Total

2013

657
657

2012

613
613

Contingent liabilities assumed by Ericsson include guarantees of loans 
to other companies of SEK 23 (24) million. Ericsson has SEK 37 (59) 
million issued to guarantee the performance of a third party.  
All ongoing legal and tax proceedings have been evaluated, their 
potential economic outflows and probability estimated and necessary 
provisions made. In Note C2, “Critical Accounting Estimates and 
Judgments.” further disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources 
of estimation uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to 
accounting policies applied.

Financial guarantees for third parties amounted to SEK 116 (286) 
million as of December 31, 2013. The maturity date for the majority of 
the issued guarantees occurs in 2014 at the latest.

C25  
Statement of Cash Flows

Interest paid in 2013 was SEK 1,233 million (SEK 1,650 million in 2012 
and SEK 1,422 million in 2011) and interest received in 2013 was SEK 
1,266 million (SEK 1,883 million in 2012 and SEK 2,632 million in 2011). 
Taxes paid, including withholding tax, were SEK 6,537 million in 2013 
(SEK 5,750 million in 2012 and SEK 4,393 million in 2011). 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash of SEK 28,618 (30,358) 
million and temporary investments of SEK 13,477 (14,324) million. 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 and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013, include 
SEK 4.9 billion (3.8) in countries where there exist significant cross-
border conversion restrictions due to hard currency shortage or strict 
government controls.  

This amount is therefore not considered available for general use by 

the Parent Company.

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

Property, plant and equipment
Depreciation
Impairment losses/reversals  
of impairments
Total 
Intangible assets
Amortization
Capitalized development expenses
Intellectual Property Rights, brands  
and other intangible assets
Total amortization
Impairments
Capitalized development expenses
Intellectual Property Rights, brands  
and other intangible assets
Total 
Total depreciation, amortization 
and impairment losses on property, 
plant and equipment and intangible 
assets 
Taxes
Dividends from joint ventures/ 
associated companies 1)
Undistributed earnings in joint  
ventures/associated companies 1)
Gains/losses on sales of investments 
and operations, intangible assets  
and PP&E, net 2)
Other non-cash items 3)
Total adjustments to reconcile  
net income to cash

2013

2012

2011

4,227

4,052

3,499

–18
4,209

–40
4,012

47
3,546

1,407

1,058

995

4,521
5,928

4,436
5,494

4,470
5,465

–

266

7

–
5,928

117
5,877

18
5,490

10,137
–1,323

9,889
–1,140

9,036
1,994

128

133

177

130

11,636

3,533

976
–220

–8,087
646

–159
–1,968

9,828

13,077

12,613

1) See Note C12, “Financial assets, non-current.”
2) See Note C26, “Business combinations.”
3) Refers mainly to unrealized foreign exchange, gains/losses on financial instruments.

Acquisitions/divestments of subsidiaries and other operations

Acquisitions Divestments

2013

Cash flow from business combinations 1)
Acquisitions/divestments of other 
investments
Total

2012

Cash flow from business combinations 1)
Acquisitions/divestments of other 
investments
Total

2011

Cash flow from business combinations 1)
Acquisitions/divestments of other 
investments
Total

1)  Also see Note C26, “Business combinations.”

–3,054

–93
–3,147

448

17
465

–11,575

9,502

46
–11,529

–50
9,452

–1,232

–1,949
–3,181

–28

81
53

92

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C26  
Business Combinations

Acquisitions and divestments
Acquisitions

Acquisitions 2011–2013

Total consideration, including cash

2013

3,176

2012

2011

12,564 1)

1,162

Acquisition-related costs 2)

101

150

77

Net assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures and 
associated companies
Other assets
Provisions, including post-employment 
benefits
Other liabilities
Total identifiable net assets

Operating expenses

223
597
1,551

–
850

1,139
480
6,672

–
2,105

–463
–1,705
1,053

714
–3,214
7,896

410

–

7
259
382

120
140

–23
–37
848

–

54
Non-controlling interest
260
Goodwill
1,162
Total
1) The cash transaction includes payment of external loan of SEK 6.2 billion and investment 

375
4,293
12,564

67
1,646
3,176

in subsidiary of SEK 2.5 billion.

2) Acquisition-related costs are included in Selling and administrative expenses in the 

consolidated income statement.

In 2013, Ericsson made acquisitions with a negative cash flow effect 
amounting to SEK 3,054 (11,575) million. These acquisitions consist 
primarily of: 
 > Airvana: On September 5, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the 
shares in Airvana Network Solutions Inc. Airvana Network Solutions 
is a Massachusetts-based company and supplier of EVDO software 
to Ericsson. EVDO software enables data transmission in a CDMA 
wireless network and is an important part of the CDMA ecosystem. 
A one-time charge related to the acquisition impacted the operating 
expenses negatively by SEK –0.4 billion. Balances to facilitate the 
Purchase price allocation are preliminary.

 > Devoteam: On April 30, 2013, the Company acquired Devoteam’s 

Telecom & Media operations in France. The transaction was 
structured as a stock purchase, where 100% of the shares in a 
company holding Devoteam’s Telecom & Media operations were 
acquired. Acquiring the activities of Devoteam adds unique expertise 
in complex, strategic and technical consulting engagements that 
will enable us to immediately enhance the value that we bring to our 
customers. Balances to facilitate the Purchase price allocation are 
final.

 > Mediaroom: On September 5, 2013, the Company acquired the 
TV solution Mediaroom business from Microsoft in an asset deal. 
Mediaroom is the leading platform for video distribution deployed with 
the world’s largest IPTV operators. This strategic acquisition positions 
Ericsson as an industry leader thanks to the skills and experiences 
of the talented people of Mediaroom combined with Ericsson’s end-
to-end service capabilities. Balances to facilitate the Purchase price 
allocation are preliminary. 

 > Modems: On August 5, 2013 Ericsson and STMicroelectronics 
announced the closing of the transaction for the split up of ST-
Ericsson. This follows the announcement the companies made 

on March 18, 2013 on the chosen strategic option for the future 
of the joint venture. Effective August 2, 2013 Ericsson has taken 
on the design, development and sales of the LTE multimode thin 
modem solutions, including 2G, 3G and 4G interoperability. In 
total, approximately 1,800 employees and contractors have joined 
Ericsson. Balances to facilitate the Purchase price allocation are 
preliminary. 

 > Telcocell: On September 2, 2013, the Company acquired assets 
from Telcocell, a Canadian consulting and systems integration 
company specializing in Business Support Systems (BSS). The 
acquisition complements Ericsson’s consulting and systems 
integration offering to telecom and cable customers in North America, 
Western Europe and Latin America. Balances to facilitate the 
Purchase price allocation are preliminary.

In order to finalize a Purchase price allocation all relevant information 
needs to be gathered. Examples of such information include final 
consideration and final opening balances. Balances may remain 
preliminary for up to a year due to, for example, working capital 
adjustments, tax items or decisions from local authorities.

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Divestments

Divestments 2011–2013

Proceeds

Net assets disposed of
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in joint ventures and 
associated companies 
Other assets 
Other liabilities

Net gains/losses from divestments
Less Cash and cash equivalents
Cash flow effect

2013

655

2012

9,502

2011

–39

297

–

1

–
1,326
–127
1,496

–841
–207
448

1,353
296
–483
1,166

8,336
–
9,502

10
38
–224
–175

158
–11
–28

In 2013, the Company made divestments with a cash flow effect 
amounting to SEK 448 (9,502) million.
 > Power cables operation: On May 3, 2013, Ericsson announced an 
agreement with the Danish company NKT Cables to divest its power 
cables operation. As a result of the agreement approximately 320 
employees and consultants were transferred to NKT Cables. The 
transaction was closed on July 1, 2013 and resulted in a loss of SEK 
–0.1 billion. 

 > Applied Communication Sciences (ACS): On May 15, 2013, 
Ericsson completed the sale of ACS, the former research and 
engineering arm of Telcordia Technologies. It resulted in a loss of 
SEK –0.3 billion.

 > Ericsson’s telecom cable business in Hudiksvall: On December 

1, 2013, Ericsson finalized the divestment of its telecom cable 
business in Hudiksvall, Sweden, to Hexatronic. The transaction 
resulted in a loss of SEK –0.5 billion. The divestment was made as a 
business transfer and the new company within the Hexatronic Group 
will be named Hexatronic Cables & Interconnect Systems AB. 85 
former Ericsson employees were transferred to Hexatronic.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

93

C26XEN_v46.indd   93

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Description

Transaction date

Acquisitions 2011–2013

Company

Airvana

Mediaroom

Telcocell

Modems

Devoteam

ConceptWave

Technicolor

BelAir
Ericsson-LG
Telcordia

GDNT

A Massachusetts-based company and supplier of EVDO software to Ericsson. 

The leading platform for video distribution deployed with the world’s largest IPTV operators. 

A consulting and systems integration company specializing in Business Support Systems (BSS). 

Ericsson has taken on the design, development and sales of the LTE multimode thin modem 
solutions, including 2G, 3G and 4G interoperability.

A leader in Information and Communications Technology consulting with 5,000 employees in 
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

A Canadian OSS/BSS company. The purchase price was CAD 55 million. 

A technology company in the media and entertainment sector. The purchase price was EUR 20 
million. 
A telecom-grade Wi-Fi company based in Canada. The purchase price was USD 250 million.
Increase of ownership from 50% plus one share, to 75%.
A US company developing software and services for OSS/BSS. The purchase price was USD 1.15 
billion.
An asset purchase agreement of certain assets. Enhances the Company’s existing R&D, 
manufacturing and services capabilities in the China region. The purchase price was RMB 357 million.

Nortel Multiservice Switch 
business (MSS)

An asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Nortel’s MSS. The purchase price was 
USD 53 million.

Divestments 2011–2013

Company

Description

Telecom cable business

Power cables operation

Divestment of the telecom cable business in Hudiksvall, Sweden, to Hexatronic. It resulted in a loss 
of SEK –0.5 billion.

Divestment of the power cables operation to NKT Cables. The transaction resulted in a loss of SEK 
–0.1 billion.

Applied Communication 
Sciences 

Sale of Applied Communication Sciences (ACS), the former research and engineering arm  
of Telcordia Technologies. This resulted in a loss of SEK –0.3 billion.

IPX
EDA 1500 GPON
Sony Ericsson

Sale of IPX to Gemalto, with a positive cash flow effect of SEK 260 million.
Capital asset sale of EDA 1500 GPON portfolio with a positive cash flow effect of SEK 80 million.
Sale of the Company’s share in Sony Ericsson (50%) to Sony, with a positive cash flow effect  
of SEK 9.1 billion.

Sep, 2013

Sep, 2013

Sep, 2013

Aug, 2013

Apr, 2013

Sep, 2012

Jul, 2012

Apr, 2012
Mar, 2012
Jan, 2012

May, 2011

Mar, 2011

Transaction date

Dec , 2013

Jul, 2013

May, 2013

Sep, 2012
Aug, 2012
Feb, 2012

94

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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C27  
Leasing 

Leasing with the Company as lessee 
Assets under finance leases, recorded as property, plant and 
equipment, consist of: 

Finance leases

Cost
Real estate
Machinery

Accumulated depreciation
Real estate
Machinery

Accumulated impairment losses
Real estate

Net carrying value

2013

2012

1,774
3
1,777

–610
–3
–613

–25
–25
1,139

1,538
3
1,541

–601
–3
–604

–35
–35
902

As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payment obligations 
were distributed as follows: 

Future minimum lease payment obligations

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and later
Total
Future finance charges 1)
Present value of finance lease liabilities
1)  Average effective interest rate on lease payables is 5.25%.

Finance 
leases 

Operating 
leases

109
109
109
108
101
720
1,256
–291
965

2,089
1,766
1,425
881
626
2,406
9,193
n/a
9,193

Expenses in 2013 for leasing of assets were SEK 2,517 (3,172) million, 
of which variable expenses comprised SEK 18 (20) million. The leasing 
contracts vary in length from 1 to 17 years.

The Company’s lease agreements normally do not include any 
contingent rents. In the few cases they occur, they relate to charges 
for heating linked to the oil price index. Most of the leases of real estate 
contain terms of renewal, giving the Company 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.

Leases with the Company as lessor 
Leasing income relates to subleasing of real estate as well as equipment 
provided to customers under leasing arrangements. These leasing 
contracts vary in length from 1 to 11 years. 

At December 31, 2013, future minimum payment receivables were 

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

distributed as follows: 

Future minimum payment receivables

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and later
Total
Unearned financial income
Uncollectible lease payments
Net investments in financial leases

Leasing income in 2013 was SEK 165 (236) million.

Finance 
leases 

Operating 
leases

27
24
2
2
–
–
55
n/a
n/a
n/a

112
90
23
6
4
1
236
n/a
n/a
n/a

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

95

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C28  
Information Regarding Members  
of the Board of Directors, the Group 
Management and Employees

Remuneration to the Board of Directors

Remuneration to members of the Board of Directors

SEK

Board fees

Board member
Leif Johansson
Sverker Martin-Löf
Jacob Wallenberg
Roxanne S. Austin
Sir Peter L. Bonfield
Nora Denzel
Börje Ekholm
Alexander Izosimov
Ulf J. Johansson
Kristin Skogen Lund
Hans Vestberg
Pär Östberg

Employee Representatives
Pehr Claesson
Kristina Davidsson
Karin Åberg
Rickard Fredriksson
Karin Lennartsson
Roger Svensson
Total
Total 

3,850,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
–
900,000

13,500
13,500
12,000
13,500
13,500
13,500
12,929,500
12,929,500

Value at grant 
date of 
synthetic 
shares 
allocated in 
2013

Number of 
previously 
allocated 
synthetic shares 
outstanding

Number of 
synthetic 
shares/portion 
of Board fee

Net change  
in value of  

synthetic shares  1) 

Committee  
fees

Total 
fees paid 

in cash 2)  

Total 
remuner­
ation 2013   

A

–
–
224,945
224,945
–
–
674,996
224,945
–
224,945
–
–

0/0%
0/0%
2,804/25%
2,804/25% 
0/0%
0/0%
8,414/75%
2,804/25%
0/0%
2,804/25%
–
0/0%

–
–
–
–
–
–
19,630
19,630

–
–
–
–
–
–
1,574,776
1,574,776

B

–
–
150,147
716,010
259,051
–
762,740
51,565
481,454
–4,831
–
–

C

(A+B+C) 

400,000
175,000
175,000
175,000
250,000
–
175,000
–
350,000
–
–
250,000

4,250,000 3)
1,075,000 4)
850,000
850,000
1,150,000
900,000
400,000
675,000 5)
1,250,000 6)
675,000
–
1,150,000

4,250,000
1,075,000
1,225,092
1,790,955
1,409,051
900,000
1,837,736
951,510
1,731,454
895,114
–
1,150,000

–
–
–
–
–
–
 2,416,136
3,071,949 8) 9)

–
–
–
–
–
–

13,500
13,500
12,000
13,500
13,500
13,500
1,950,000 13,304,500
1,950,000 13,304,500

13,500
13,500
12,000
13,500
13,500
13,500
17,295,412 7)
17,951,225 7) 

–
–
9,246
28,492
10,660
–
31,984
3,492
14,720
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
98,594
117,312 8)

1)   The difference in value as of the time for payment, compared to December 31, 2012, for synthetic shares allocated in 2008 (for which payment was made in 2013). 

The difference in value as of December 31, 2013, compared to December 31, 2012, for synthetic shares allocated in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. 
The difference in value as of December 31, 2013, compared to grant date for synthetic shares allocated in 2013. 
The value of synthetic shares allocated in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 includes respectively SEK 2.00, SEK 2.25, SEK 2.50 and SEK 2.75 per share in compensation for dividends resolved by 
the Annual General Meetings 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the value of the synthetic shares allocated in 2008 includes dividend compensation for dividends resolved in 2009, 2010, 2011 
and 2012.

2)   Committee fee and cash portion of the Board fee.
3)  In addition, an amount corresponding to statutory social charges in respect of the part of the fee that has been invoiced through a company was paid, amounting to SEK 1,335,350. 
4)  In addition, an amount corresponding to statutory social charges in respect of the part of the fee that has been invoiced through a company was paid, amounting to SEK 109,758.
5)  In addition, an amount corresponding to statutory social charges in respect of the part of the fee that has been invoiced through a company was paid, amounting to SEK 212,085.
6)     In addition, an amount corresponding to statutory social charges in respect of the part of the fee that has been invoiced through a company was paid, amounting to SEK 127,625.
7)     Excluding social security charges to the amount of SEK 4,746,168.
8)  Including synthetic shares previously allocated to the former Directors Nancy McKinstry and Michelangelo Volpi.
9)  Including synthetic shares previously allocated to the former Director Carl-Henric Svanberg, where the difference in value is the difference as of the time for payment, compared to December 

31, 2012.

Comments to the table 
 > The Chairman of the Board was entitled to a Board fee of  

SEK 3,850,000 and a fee of SEK 200,000 for each Board Committee  
on which he served as Chairman. 

 > The other Directors elected by the Annual General Meeting were 

entitled to a fee of SEK 900,000 each. In addition, the Chairman of the 
Audit Committee was entitled to a fee of SEK 350,000 and the other 
non-employee members of the Audit Committee were entitled to a fee 
of SEK 250,000 each. The Chairmen of the Finance and Remuneration 
Committees were entitled to a fee of SEK 200,000 each and the 
other non-employee members of the Finance and the Remuneration 
Committees were entitled to a fee of SEK 175,000 each. 

 > Members of the Board, who are not employees of the Company, 
have not received any remuneration other than the fees and 
synthetic shares as above. None of the Directors have entered into a 

service contract with the Parent Company or any of its subsidiaries, 
providing for termination benefits.

 > Members and deputy members of the Board who are Ericsson 

employees received no remuneration or benefits other than their 
entitlements as employees and a fee to the employee representatives 
and their deputies of SEK 1,500 per attended Board meeting. 

 > Board members invoicing for the amount of the Board and 

Committee fee through a company may add to the invoice an amount 
corresponding to social charges. The social charges thus included 
in the invoiced amount are not higher than the general payroll tax 
that would otherwise have been paid by the Company. The entire 
amount, i.e. the cash portion of the Board fee and the Committee fee, 
including social charges, constitutes the invoiced Board fee.
 > The Annual General Meeting 2013 resolved that non-employee 
Directors may choose to receive the Board fee (i.e. exclusive of 

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Committee fee) as follows: i) 25% of the Board fee in cash and 75% 
in the form of synthetic shares, with a value corresponding to 75% of 
the Board fee at the time of allocation, ii) 50% in cash and 50% in the 
form of synthetic shares, or iii) 75% in cash and 25% in the form of 
synthetic shares. Directors may also choose not to participate in the 
synthetic share program and receive 100% of the Board fee in cash. 
Committee fees are always paid in cash.  
  The number of synthetic shares allocated is based on a volume-
weighed average of the market price of Ericsson Class B shares on 
the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm exchange during the five trading days 
immediately following the publication of Ericsson’s interim report for 
the first quarter 2013: SEK 80.223. The number of synthetic shares 
is rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares. 
  The synthetic shares are vested during the Directors’ term of 
office and the right to receive payment with regard to the allocated 
synthetic shares occurs after the publication of the Company’s year-
end financial statement during the fifth year following the Annual 
General Meeting which resolved on the synthetic share program, i.e. 
in 2018. The amount payable shall be determined based on the  
volume-weighed average price for shares of Class B during the  
five trading days immediately following the publication of the year-
end financial statement. 
  Synthetic shares were allocated to members of the Board for the 
first time in 2008 and have been allocated annually since then on 
equal terms and conditions. Payment based on synthetic shares, 
under the main rule, occurred for the first time in 2013 with respect 
to the synthetic shares allocated in 2008. In 2013, advance payment 
was also made to the former Director Carl-Henric Svanberg with 
respect to his synthetic shares, all in accordance with the terms 
and conditions for the synthetic shares. The amounts paid in 2013 
under the synthetic share programs were determined based on 
the volume-weighed average price for shares of Class B during 
the five trading days immediately following the publication of the 
year-end financial statements for 2012: SEK 77.05 and totalled SEK 
3,562,958, excluding social security charges. The payments made 
do not constitute a cost for the Company in 2013. The Company’s 

costs for the synthetic shares have been disclosed each year and 
the net change in value of the synthetic shares for which payment 
was made in 2013, is disclosed in the table “Remuneration to 
members of the Board of Directors” on page 96.  
    The value of all outstanding synthetic shares fluctuates in line 
with the market value of Ericsson’s Class B share and may differ 
from year to year compared to the original value on their respective 
grant dates. The change in value of the outstanding synthetic 
shares is established each year and affects the total recognized 
costs that year. As of December 31, 2013, the total outstanding 
number of synthetic shares under the programs is 136,942 and the 
total accounted debt is SEK 11,494,790 (including synthetic shares 
previously allocated to the former Directors Nancy McKinstry and 
Michelangelo Volpi). In accordance with the terms and conditions 
for the synthetic shares, the time for payment to the former Director 
Michelangelo Volpi has, on his request, been advanced, to occur 
after the publication of the year-end financial statements for 2013.  

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Remuneration to the Group management
The Company’s costs for remuneration to the Group management are 
the costs recognized in the Income statement during the fiscal year. 
These costs are disclosed under “Remuneration costs” below.

Costs recognized during a fiscal year in the Income statement are 
not fully paid by the Company at the end of the fiscal year. The unpaid 
amounts that the Company has in relation to the Group management 
are disclosed under “Outstanding balances.”

Remuneration costs 
The total remuneration to the President and CEO and to other members 
of the Group management, consisting of the Executive Leadership 
Team (ELT), includes fixed salary, short-term and long-term variable 
compensation, pension and other benefits. These remuneration 
elements are based on the guidelines for remuneration to Group 
management as approved by the Annual General Meeting held in 2013: 
see the approved guidelines in section “Guidelines for remuneration to 
Group management 2013.” 

Remuneration costs for the President and CEO and other members of Executive Leadership Team (ELT)

SEK

Salary
Costs for annual variable remuneration  
earned in 2013 to be paid in 2014
Long-term variable compensation provision
Pension costs

Other benefits
Social charges and taxes
Total 

The Pres ident 
and CEO 2013

The President 
and CEO 2012

Other members  
of ELT 2013

Other members  
of ELT 2012

Total 2013

Total 2012

13,177,080

12,573,233

90,320,536

76,973,215

103,497,616

89,546,448

3,256,151
8,184,603
6,847,596

68,704
9,368,485
40,902,620

3,972,247
6,439,873
6,491,713

123,612
9,114,641
38,715,319

22,880,144
9,066,127
22,971,876

5,370,876
26,838,704
177,448,263

21,877,700
6,472,215
22,865,674

4,431,160
22,877,888
155,497,852

26,136,295
17,250,731
29,819,473

5,439,579
36,207,190
218,350,883

25,849,947
12,912,088
29,357,387

4,554,772
31,992,529
194,213,171

Comments to the table
 > During 2013 there were three Executive Vice Presidents, who have 
been appointed by the Board of Directors. None of them has acted 
as deputy to the President and CEO during the year. The Executive 
Vice Presidents are included in the group “Other members of ELT.”
 > The group “Other members of ELT” comprises the following persons: 
Per Borgklint, Bina Chaurasia, Ulf Ewaldsson, Jan Frykhammar, 
Douglas L. Gilstrap, Nina Macpherson, Magnus Mandersson, Helena 
Norrman, Mats H. Olsson, Rima Qureshi, Angel Ruiz, Anders Thulin 
(from October 1), Johan Wibergh and Jan Wäreby.

 > The salary stated in the table for the President and CEO and other 

members of the ELT includes vacation pay paid during 2013 as well 
as other contracted compensation expensed in 2013.

 >

“Long-term variable compensation provision” refers to the 
compensation costs during 2013 for all outstanding share- 
based plans. 

 > For a description of compensation cost, including accounting 
treatment, see Note C1, “Significant accounting policies,”  
section Share-based compensation to employees and the  
Board of Directors.

 > For the President and CEO and other members of the ELT employed 
in Sweden before 2011, a supplementary plan is applied in addition 
to the occupational pension plan for salaried staff on the Swedish 
labor market (ITP) with pension payable from the age of 60 years. 
These pension plans are not conditional upon future employment at 
Ericsson.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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Outstanding balances
The Company has recognized the following liabilities relating to unpaid 
remunerations in the Balance sheet:
 > Ericsson’s commitments for defined benefit based pensions as 

of December 31, 2013 under IAS 19 amounted to SEK 5,232,263 
for the President and CEO which includes ITP plan and temporary 
disability and survivor’s pension. For other members of the ELT 
the Company’s commitments amounted to SEK 26,593,686 of 
which SEK 19,250,106 refers to the ITP plan and the remaining SEK 
7,343,579 to temporary disability and survivor’s pensions.
 > For previous Presidents and CEOs, the Company has made 

provisions for defined benefit pension plans in connection with their 
active service periods within the Company.

 > Deferred salary, earned in 2013 or earlier, to be paid 12 months after 

period end or later, amounts to SEK 17,476,898.

Maximum outstanding matching rights 

As of December 31, 2013 
Number of Class B shares

The  President 
and CEO

Other members  
of the ELT

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 where practicable, which is 
consistent with industry practice and with our ways of working. For the 
2013 plan, employees are able to save up to 7.5% of their gross fixed 
salary (President and CEO can save up to 10% of their gross fixed 
salary and short-term variable remuneration) for purchase of Class B 
contribution shares at market price on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm or 
American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on NASDAQ New York (contribution 
shares) during a 12-month period (contribution period). If the contribution 
shares are retained by the employee for three years after the investment 
and their 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 ADSs free of consideration. Employees in 
100 countries participate in the plans. 

The table below shows the contribution periods and participation 

details for ongoing plans as of December 31, 2013.

Stock purchase plans

Stock Purchase Plans 2010, 2011, 
2012 and 2013 and Executive 
Performance Stock Plans 
2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

482,927

566,509

Plan

Comments to the table
 > For the definition of matching rights, see the description in section 

“Long-term variable compensation”. 

 > Matching result of 100% is included for the 2010 plan.
 > Cash conversion target for 2012 and 2013 was reached, but not 

reached in 2011.

 > During 2013, the President and CEO received 88,002 matching 
shares and other members of the ELT 149,646 matching shares.

Stock Purchase 
plan 2010
Stock Purchase 
plan 2011
Stock Purchase 
plan 2012
Stock Purchase 
plan 2013

Contribution 
period

August 2010
–  July 2011
August 2011 
–  July 2012
August 2012 
–  July 2013
August 2013 
–  July 2014

Number of 
participants  
at launch

Take-up rate  
– percent of eligible 
employees

22,000

24,000

27,000

29,000

27%

30%

28%

29%

Participants save each month, beginning with the August payroll, 
towards quarterly investments. These investments (in November, 
February, May and August) are matched on the third anniversary of 
each such investment, subject to continued employment, and hence 
the matching spans over two financial years and two tax years.

The Key Contributor Retention Plan
The Key Contributor Retention Plan is part of Ericsson’s talent 
management strategy and is designed to give recognition for 
performance, critical skills and potential as well as to encourage 
retention of key employees. Under the program, up to 10% of 
employees (2013 plan: up to 9,300 employees) are selected through a 
nomination process that identifies individuals according to performance, 
critical skills and potential. Participants selected 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 
12-month period. 

Guidelines for remuneration to Group management 2013
For Group Management consisting of the Executive Leadership Team, 
including the President and CEO, total remuneration consists of fixed 
salary, short- and long-term variable compensation, pension and other 
benefits. 

The following guidelines apply for the remuneration to the Executive 

Leadership Team:
 > Variable remuneration is through cash and stock-based programs 
awarded against specific business targets derived from the long-
term business plan approved by the Board of Directors. Targets may 
include financial targets at either Group or unit level, operational 
targets, employee engagement targets and customer satisfaction 
targets.

 > All benefits, including pension benefits, follow the competitive 

practice in the home country taking total compensation into account. 
The retirement age is normally 60 to 65 years of age.

 > By way of exception, additional arrangements can be made when 

deemed necessary. An additional arrangement can be renewed but 
each such arrangement shall be limited in time and shall not exceed 
a period of 36 months and twice the remuneration that the individual 
would have received had no additional arrangement been made.
 > The mutual notice period may be no more than six 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 that in a determining manner affect the 
content of work or the conditions for the position, is equated with 
notice of termination served by the Company.

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Executive Performance Stock Plans

Executive Performance Stock Plan targets

Base year EPS 2)
Target average annual 
EPS growth range 3)
Matching share vesting 
range 4)

Maximum opportunity 
as percentage of fixed 
salary 5)

Executive Performance Stock Plan

2013 1)

2012

2011

0.67 to 4
1 to 6
1.5 to 9
30%
45%
162%

0.67 to 4
1 to 6
1.5 to 9

0.67 to 4
1 to 6
1.5 to 9

30%
45%
162%

30%
45%
162%

2010

1.14

 5% to  
15%
0.67 to 4
1 to 6
1.5 to 9

30%
45%
162%

1)  Targets for Executive Performance Stock Plans 2011 to 2013 are described in the next 

table.

2)  For 2010 plan the sum of four quarters up to December 31, 2010.
3)  EPS range determined by average EPS of the 12 quarters to the end of the performance 

period and corresponding growth targets. 

4)  Corresponding to EPS range (no Performance Share Plan matching below this range). 
Matching shares per contribution share invested in addition to Stock Purchase Plan 
matching according to program of up to 4, 6 or 9 matching shares.

5)  At full investment, full vesting and constant share price. Excludes Stock Purchase  

Plan matching.

Executive Performance Stock Plan targets

Base year value  
SEK billion

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

2013

Growth (Net sales 
growth)

Margin (Operating 
income growth) 1)
Cash Flow (Cash 
conversion)

2012

Growth (Net sales 
growth

Margin (Operating 
income growth) 
Cash Flow (Cash 
conversion)

227.8 Compound annual growth rate of 
2 –8%
Compound annual growth of 
5–15%
≥70%

≥70%

≥70%

18.5

-

226.9 Compound annual growth rate of 
2 –8%
Compound annual growth of 
5–15%
≥70%

≥70%

≥70%

17.9

–

Base year value  
SEK billion

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

203.3 Compound annual growth rate of 
4 –10%
Compound annual growth of 
5–15%
≥70%

≥70%

≥70%

23.7

–

2011

Growth (Net sales 
growth)

Margin (Operating 
income growth) 2)
Cash Flow (Cash 
conversion)

2) Base year 2010 excludes restructuring charges

R
e
s
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t
s

The Executive Performance Stock Plan
The Executive Performance Stock Plan is designed to focus 
management on driving earnings and provide competitive remuneration. 
Senior managers, including ELT, are selected to obtain up to four or six 
extra shares (performance matching shares) in addition to the ordinary 
one matching share for each contribution share purchased under the 
Stock Purchase Plan. Up to 0.5% of employees (2013 plan: up to 400 
executives) are offered participation in the plan. The President and 
CEO can save up to 10% of gross fixed salary and short-term variable 
compensation, and may obtain up to nine performance-matching 
shares in addition to the Stock Purchase Plan matching share for each 
contribution share. 
The performance matching for the 2010 plan is subject to the fulfillment 
of a performance target of average annual Earnings per Share (EPS) 
growth. The performance targets changed from EPS targets to targets 
linked to the business strategy as from 2011.

The tables above show all Executive Performance Stock Plans as of 

December 31, 2013.

1) Base year 2012 excludes a non-cash charge for ST-Ericsson

Shares for all plans

Plan (million shares)

Originally designated 
Outstanding beginning of 2013
Awarded during 2013
Exercised/matched during 2013
Forfeited/expired during 2013
Outstanding end of 2013 1)
Compensation costs charged during 2013 (SEK million)

A
B
C
D
E
F=B+C–D–E
G

Stock Purchase Plan, Key Contributor Retention Plan  
and Executive Performance Stock Plans

2013

26.6
0.0
3.2
0.0
0.0
3.2

6 2)

2012

2011

2010

2009

Total

26.2
4.4
9.0
0.4
0.5
12.5
108 2)

19.4
13.5
0.0
0.5
0.6
12.4
124 2)

19.4
9.2
0.0
2.8
0.4
6.0
124 2)

22.4
6.0
0.0
5.9
0.1
0.0
26 2)

114.0
33.1
12.2
9.6
1.6
34.1
388 3)

1)   Shares under the Executive Performance Stock Plans were based on the fact that the 2009 plan lapsed and that the 2010 plan was fully vested. For the other ongoing plans, full vesting is 

estimated.

2)  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. Fair value is also adjusted for participants failing to keep hold of their contribution shares during the vesting period. For shares under the 
Executive Performance Stock Plans, the company makes a forecast for the fulfillment of the financial targets for all ongoing plans except for 2009 and 2010 plans as disclosed under 1) when 
calculating the compensation cost. Fair value of the Class B share at each investment date during 2013 was: February 15 SEK 70.50, May 15 SEK 74.42, August 15 SEK 70.99 and November 15 
SEK 73.93.

3)  Total compensation costs charged during 2012: SEK 405 million, 2011: SEK 413 million.

Shares for all plans
All plans are funded with treasury stock and are equity settled. 
Treasury stock for all plans has been issued in directed cash issues 
of Class C shares at the quotient value and purchased under a public 
offering at the subscription price plus a premium corresponding to the 
subscribers’ financing costs, and then converted to Class B shares. 

financing of social security expenses. Treasury stock is sold on the 
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm to cover social security payments when 
arising due to matching of shares. During 2013, 1,121,900 shares  
were sold at an average price of SEK 80.19. Sales of shares are  
recognized directly in equity.

If, as of December 31, 2013, all shares allocated for future 

For all plans, additional shares have been allocated for  

matching under the Stock Purchase Plan were transferred, and shares 

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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designated to cover social security payments were disposed of as a 
result of the exercise and the matching, approximately 64 million Class 
B shares would be transferred, corresponding to 2.0% of the total 
number of shares outstanding, or 3,231 million not including treasury 
stock. As of December 31, 2013, 74 million Class B shares were held as 
treasury stock.

The table on page 99 shows how shares (representing matching 
rights but excluding shares for social security expenses) are being used 
for all outstanding plans. From up to down the table includes (A) the 
number of shares originally approved by the Annual General Meeting; 
(B) the number of originally designated shares that were outstanding 
at the beginning of 2013; (C) the number of shares awards that were 

granted during 2013; (D) the number of shares matched during 2013; 
(E) the number of shares forfeited by participants or expired under 
the plan rules during 2013; and (F) the balance left as outstanding at 
the end of 2013, having added new awards to the shares outstanding 
at the beginning of the year and deducted the shares related to 
awards matched, forfeited and expired. The final row (G) shows the 
compensation costs charged to the accounts during 2013 for each 
plan, calculated as fair value in SEK.

For a description of compensation cost, including accounting 
treatment, see Note C1, “Significant accounting policies,” section 
Share-based compensation to employees and the Board of Directors.

Employee numbers, wages and salaries
Employee numbers

Average number of employees

North America
Latin America 
Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)
Western & Central Europe 2)
Mediterranean 2)
Middle East 
Sub-Saharan Africa 
India 
North East Asia 
South East Asia & Oceania 
Total

1)  Of which in Sweden
2)  Of which in EU

Women

3,234
2,216
5,523
3,802
2,865
566
364
2,586
4,308
1,061
26,525
4,118
11,703

2013

Men

12,060
9,562
15,519
8,263
9,793
4,820
1,704
15,042
10,108
3,234
90,105
12,972
31,729

Total

Women

15,294
11,778
21,042
12,065
12,658
5,386
2,068
17,628
14,416
4,295
116,630
17,090
43,432

3,479
2,137
5,746
1,790
2,966
617
548
2,137
4,191
1,175
24,786
4,232
9,911

2012

Men

12,607
9,230
15,351
9,463
10,064
4,603
1,672
11,924
9,584
3,474
87,972
13,337
33,581

Total

16,086
11,367
21,097
11,253
13,030
5,220
2,220
14,061
13,775
4,649
112,758
17,569
43,492

Number of employees by region at year-end

Employee movements 

North America
Latin America 
Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)
Western & Central Europe 2)
Mediterranean 2)
Middle East 
Sub-Saharan Africa 
India 
North East Asia 
South East Asia & Oceania 
Total

1)  Of which in Sweden
2)  Of which in EU

2013

2012

14,931
11,445
21,892
11,530
12,314
3,752
2,084
17,622
14,503
4,267
114,340
17,858
43,421

15,501
11,219
21,211
11,257
12,205
3,992
2,014
14,303
14,157
4,396
110,255
17,712
42,872

Number of employees by gender and age at year-end 2013 

Under 25 years old
25–35 years old
36–45 years old
46–55 years old
Over 55 years old
Percent of total

Women

Men

1,737
9,634
7,781
4,133
1,298
21%

3,285
34,966
29,895
16,830
4,781
79%

Percent 
of total

5%
39%
33%
18%
5%
100%

100

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

Head count at year-end
Employees who have left the Company
Employees who have joined the Company
Temporary employees

2013

2012

114,340
13,025
17,110
493

110,255
12,280
18,010
766

Employee wages and salaries

Wages and salaries and social security expenses 

(SEK million)

Wages and salaries
Social security expenses
Of which pension costs

2013

2012

48,533
16,531
4,426

48,428
15,672
2,762

Amounts related to the President and CEO and the Executive 
Leadership Team are included.

Remuneration to Board members and Presidents 
in subsidiaries

(SEK million)

Salary and other remuneration

Of which annual variable remuneration 

Pension costs

2013

2012

294
40
23

243
33
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2014-03-06   13:56

 
Board members, Presidents and Group management  
by gender at year end

C30  
Fees to Auditors 

      2013

       2012

Women

Men Women

Men

Fees to auditors

Parent Company
Board members and President 
Group Management 
Subsidiaries
Board members and Presidents

25%
29%

75%
71%

27%
29%

73%
71%

27%

73%

12%

88%

C29  
Related Party Transactions

During 2013, various related party transactions were executed pursuant 
to contracts based on terms customary in the industry and negotiated 
on an arm’s length basis. For information regarding equity and 
Ericsson’s share of assets, liabilities and income in joint ventures and 
associated companies, see Note C12, “Financial assets, non-current.” 
For information regarding transactions with senior management, see 
Note C28, “Information regarding members of the Board of Directors, 
the Group management and employees.”

ST-Ericsson
ST-Ericsson was formed in 2009 as a joint venture, equally owned by 
Ericsson and STMicroelectronics. In early 2013 the parents agreed 
to split up and close the joint venture. The company ST-Ericsson is 
winding down and all business has been transferred to parents or 
divested during 2013. Ericsson has taken over assets and liabilities in 
the design, development and sales of the thin LTE multi-mode modem 
solution with a net value of SEK 1.1 billion. The Purchase price allocation 
related to this acquisition is preliminary. The acquired business is now 
consolidated into Ericsson in the new segment Modems. For further 
information, see Note C3, “Segment information” and Note C26 
“Business combinations.”

During 2013 Ericsson had no sales and purchases in the course 
of ordinary business, only transactions related to the winding down 
described above. Therefore, the descriptions below refers to the years 
2011 and 2012. The major transactions in 2011 and 2012 were as 
follows: 
 > Sales: Ericsson provides ST-Ericsson with services in the areas  

of R&D, HR, IT and facilities.

2013
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

2012
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

2011
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

PwC

Others

Total

75
12
12
15
114

82
15
16
10
123

77
10
20
16
123

7
–
3
1
11

5
–
3
10
18

9
–
3
–
12

82
12
15
16
125

87
15
19
20
141

86
10
23
16
135

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

During the period 2011–2013, in addition to audit services, PwC 
provided certain audit-related services, tax and other services to the 
Company. The audit-related services include quarterly reviews, ISO 
audits, SSAE 16 reviews and services in connection with the issuing 
of certificates and opinions and consultation on financial accounting. 
The tax services include general expatriate services and corporate tax 
compliance work. Other services include, work related to acquisitions, 
operational effectiveness and assessments of internal control.

Audit fees to other auditors largely consist of local statutory audits.

C31  
Contractual obligations

Contractual obligations 2013

         Payment due by period

<1  
year

1–3  
years

3–5 
years

>5  
years

 > Purchases: A major part of Ericsson’s purchases from ST-Ericsson 

SEK billion

consists of chipsets and R&D services.

ST-Ericsson

Related party transactions
Sales
Purchases

Related party balances
Receivables
Liabilities

1)  See text above for further information.

 2013  1)

2012

2011

–
–

–
–

138
634

127
–

182
781

51
24

Ericsson does not have any contingent liabilities, assets pledged as 
collateral or guarantees towards ST-Ericsson. 

Long-term debt 1) 2)
Finance lease obligations 3)
Operating leases 3)
Other non-current liabilities
Purchase obligations 4)
Trade payables
Commitments for customer 
finance 5)
Total

6.5
0.1
2.1
0.1
5.4
20.5

6.4
41.1

3.1
0.2
3.2
0.2
–
–

–
6.7

5.6
0.3
1.5
0.1
–
–

–
7.5

13.5
0.7
2.4
1.1
–
–

–
17.7

1)  Including interest payments.
2)  See Note C20, “Financial risk management and financial instruments.” 
3)  See Note C27, “Leasing.”
4)  The amounts of purchase obligations are gross, before deduction of any related 

provisions.

5)  See also Note C14, “Trade receivables and customer finance.”

Total

28.7
1.3
9.2
1.5
5.4
20.5

6.4
73.0

For information about financial guarantees, see Note C24,  
“Contingent liabilities.”

Except for those transactions described in this report, the Company 
has not been a party to any material contracts over the past three years 
other than those entered into during the ordinary course of business.

  NOTES TO THE Consolidated financial statements

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results

Parent company FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AND NOTES TO THE parent company 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Contents

Parent Company financial statements
Parent Company Income statement  
and Statement of comprehensive income 
Parent Company Balance sheet 
Parent Company Statement of cash flows 
Parent Company Statement of changes in stockholders’ equity 

Intangible assets  

Investments   
Inventories 

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements
P1  Significant accounting policies  
P2  Other operating income and expenses  
P3  Financial income and expenses  
P4  Taxes  
P5 
P6  Property, plant and equipment 
P7  Financial assets  
P8 
P9 
P10  Trade receivables and customer finance 
P11  Receivables and liabilities – subsidiary companies  
P12  Other current receivables  
P13  Equity and other comprehensive income 
P14  Untaxed reserves 
P15  Post-employment benefits  
P16  Other provisions  
P17  Interest-bearing liabilities 
P18  Financial risk management and financial instruments 
P19  Other current liabilities 
P20  Trade payables 
P21  Assets pledged as collateral  
P22  Contingent liabilities  
P23  Statement of cash flows  
P24  Leasing  
P25  Information regarding employees 
P26  Related party transactions 
P27  Fees to auditors 

103
104
106
107

108
108
109
109
110
110
111
112
113
113
114
115
115
116
116
117
117
118
119
119
119
119
120
120
120
121
121

102

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Parent company FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Parent company income statement

January – December, SEK million 

Notes

2013

2012

2011 1)

Net sales 
Cost of sales
Gross income

Selling expenses 
Administrative expenses
Operating expenses

Other operating income and expenses 
Operating income

Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Income after financial items

Transfers to (–)/from untaxed reserves

 Changes in depreciation in excess of plan
Contributions from subsidiaries, net

Taxes 
Net income

1)  Restated for contributions to/from subsidiaries.

Parent Company Statement of comprehensive income

January – December, SEK million 

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the period
Adjustments for amounts transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items

Revaluation of other investments in shares and participations

Fair value remeasurement

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income

P2

P3
P3

P14
P14

P4

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

–
–
–

–210
–1,170
–1,380

2,768
1,388

8,321
–2,465
7,244

288
–430
7,102

–247
6,855

–
–
–

–241
–690
–931

2,534
1,603

11,932
–18,392
–4,858

388
–2,034
–6,504

–289
–6,793

–
–
–

–609
–1,512
– 2,121

3,184
1,063

8,072
–2,765
6,370

339
–1,979
4,730

–103
4,627

2013

6,855

2012

–6,793

2011

4,627

–
–

69
69
6,924

–64
–139

–
–203
–6,996

203
–

–
203
4,830

  PARENT COMPANY financial statements

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results

Parent company FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
CONTINUED

Parent Company Balance Sheet

December 31, SEK million 

Notes

2013

2012

Assets
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 
Tangible assets 
Financial assets
Investments

Subsidiaries 
Joint ventures and associated companies 
Other investments 

Receivables from subsidiaries 
Customer finance, non-current 
Deferred tax assets 
Other financial assets, non-current 

Current assets
Inventories 
Receivables

Trade receivables
Customer finance, current
Receivables from subsidiaries 
Current income taxes
Other current receivables 

Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

P5
P6

646
571

849
535

P7, P8
P7, P8
P7
P7, P11
P7, P10
P4
P7

P9

P10
P10
P11

P12
P18
P18

80,756
337
410
11,024
1,064
233
917
95,958

80,839
337
267
15,737
999
198
1,153
100,914

7

55

34
901
13,833
123
2,356
34,520
23,954
75,728

35
1,020
16,195
134
4,310
31,491
25,946
79,186

171,686

180,100

104

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Parent Company Balance Sheet (continued)

 December 31, SEK million 

Stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities
Stockholders’ equity 

Capital stock
Revaluation reserve
Statutory reserve

Restricted equity

Retained earnings
Net income
Other comprehensive income

Non-restricted equity

Untaxed reserves

Provisions
Post-employment benefits
Other provisions 

Non-current liabilities 
Notes and bond loans 
Other borrowings, non-current
Liabilities to subsidiaries 
Other non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Borrowings, current
Trade payables 
Liabilities to subsidiaries 
Other current liabilities 

Total stockholders’ equity, provisions and liabilities

Assets pledged as collateral 
Contingent liabilities 

Notes

2013

2012

P13

P14

P15
P16

P17
P17
P11

P17
P20
P11
P19

P21
P22

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

16,526
20
31,472
48,018

16,874
6,855
69
23,798
71,816

16,526
20
31,472
48,018

32,620
–6,793
–203
25,624
73,642

–

288

407
1,690
2,097

14,522
5,686
24,034
249
44,491

6,005
611
44,444
2,222
53,282

386
3,709
4,095

16,519
5,273
26,732
239
48,763

2,671
555
46,959
3,127
53,312

171,686

180,100

553
15,999

520
16,719

  PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

105

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results

Parent company FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
CONTINUED

Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows

January –  December, SEK million 

Operating activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

Changes in operating net assets
Inventories
Customer finance, current and non-current
Trade receivables
Trade payables 
Provisions and post-employment benefits
Other operating assets and liabilities, net

Notes

2013

2012

2011

P23

6,855
956
7,811

48
54
–2,662
279
–1,803
901
–3,183

–6,793
14,436
7,643

6
201
–39
–261
–91
–2,837
–3,021

4,627
3,163
7,790

–4
286
35
–133
–309
2,379
2,254

Cash flow from operating activities

4,628

4,622

10,044

Investing activities
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Sales of property, plant and equipment
Investments in shares and other investments
Divestments of shares and other investments
Lending, net
Other investing activities 
Short-term investments
Cash flow from investing activities

Cash flow before financing activities

Financing activities
Changes in current liabilities to subsidiaries
Proceeds from issuance of borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Stock issue
Sale/repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
Settled contributions from/to (–) subsidiaries
Other financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities

Effect from remeasurement in cash

Net change in cash

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

–245
–
–898
300
9,047
–
–2,537
5,667

–224
–
–1,807
9,792
–2,668
1
5,043
10,137

–148
16
–3,718
7
–3,074
–1,730
16,357
7,710

10,295

14,759

17,754

–2,547
4,436
–2,916
–
90
–8,863
–2,673
–1,324
–13,797

2,795
8,132
–7,296
159
–93
–8,033
–543
–158
–5,037

–9,361
–
–
–
92
–7,207
409
288
–15,779

1,510

–1,064

–126

–1,992

8,658

1,849

25,946

17,288

15,439

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 

P18

23,954

25,946

17,288

106

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Parent Company Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

SEK million

January 1, 2013
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale of own shares
Stock purchase plans
Repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
December 31, 2013

January 1, 2012
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale of own shares
Stock purchase plans
Repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
December 31, 2012

Capital  
stock

Revaluation 
reserve

Statutory 
reserve

Total 
restricted 
equity

Disposition 
reserve

Fair value 
reserves

Other 
retained 
earnings

Non-
restricted 
equity

16,526
–

–
–
–
–
–
16,526

16,367
–

159
–
–
–
–
16,526

20
–

–
–
–
–
–
20

20
–

–
–
–
–
–
20

31,472
–

–
–
–
–
–
31,472

31,472
–

–
–
–
–
–
31,472

48,018
–

–
–
–
–
–
48,018

47,859
–

159
–
–
–
–
48,018

100
–

–
–
–
–
–
100

100
–

–
–
–
–
–
100

–
69

–
–
–
–
–
69

203
–203

–
–
–
–
–
–

25,524
6,855

–
90
23
–
–8,863
23,629

40,417
–6,793

–
66
26
–159
–8,033
25,524

25,624
6,924

–
90
23
–
–8,863
23,798

40,720
–6,996

–
66
26
–159
–8,033
25,624

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Total

73,642
6,924

–
90
23
–
–8,863
71,816

88,579
–6,996

159
66
26
–159
–8,033
73,642

  PARENT COMPANY financial statements

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results

notes to the Parent Company 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Borrowing costs
All borrowing costs in relation to qualifying assets are expensed  
as incurred.

Business combinations
Transaction costs attributable to the acquisition are included in the  
cost of acquisition in the parent company statements compared to 
Group Statements where these costs are expensed as incurred.

Critical accounting estimates and judgments
See Notes to the consolidated financial statements – Note C2,  
“Critical accounting estimates and judgments.” Major critical accounting 
estimates and judgments applicable to the Parent Company include 
“Trade and customer finance receivables” and “Acquired intellectual 
property rights and other intangible assets, excluding goodwill.”

P2  
Other Operating Income  
and Expenses

Other operating income and expenses

License revenues and other  
operating revenues

Subsidiary companies
Other

Net gains/losses (–) on sales of  
tangible assets
Total

2013

2012

2011

2,639
135

–6
2,768

2,488
49

–3
2,534

2,704
479

1
3,184

P1  
Significant Accounting Policies 

The financial statements of the Parent Company, Telefonaktiebolaget 
LM Ericsson, have been prepared in accordance with the Annual 
Accounts Act and RFR 2 “Reporting in separate financial statements.” 
RFR 2 requires the Parent Company to use the same accounting 
principles as for the Group, i.e. IFRS, to the extent allowed by RFR 2. 
The main deviations between accounting policies adopted for the 

Group 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. 

Contributions to/from subsidiaries and shareholders’ contributions 
are accounted for according to RFR 2. Contributions from/to Swedish 
subsidiaries are reported as untaxed reserves, net in the income 
statement. 

Shareholders’ contributions increase the Parent Company’s 

investments.

Classification and measurement of financial instruments
IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement  
is adopted, except regarding financial guarantees where the  
exception allowed in RFR 2 is chosen. Financial guarantees are 
included in Contingent liabilities.

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 financial statements.

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 
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 standalone 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 SRS RedR 4 “Accounting for pension liability and pension cost”  
from the Institute for the Accountancy Profession in Sweden. According  
to RFR 2, IAS 19R shall be adopted regarding supplementary 
disclosures when applicable.

108

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P3  
Financial Income and Expenses

P4  
Taxes 

Financial income and expenses

2013

2012

2011

Income taxes recognized in the income statement
The following items are included in Taxes: 

Financial income
Result from participations  
in subsidiary companies

Dividends
Net gains on sales

Result from participations in joint  
ventures and associated companies

Dividends
Net gains on sales

Result from other securities and  
receivables accounted for as fixed 
assets

Net gains on sales

Other interest income and  
similar profit/loss items
Subsidiary companies
Other 

Total
Financial expenses 
Losses on sales of participations  
in subsidiary companies
Write-down of investments  
in subsidiary companies
Net loss from joint ventures and 
associated companies
Write-down of participations 
in other companies
Interest expenses and  
similar profit/loss items
Subsidiary companies
Other

Other financial expenses
Total
Financial net

Taxes

7,054
8

5,031
61

5,198
6

126
195

132
4,768

154
–

Other current income taxes for the year 
Current income taxes related to prior 
years
Deferred tax income/expense (–)  
related to temporary differences
Taxes

2013

–100

2012

–125

2011

–125

–183

–112

74

36
–247

–52
–289

–52
–103

6

62

1

357
575
8,321

472
1,406
11,932

280
2,433
8,072

–137

–36

–1

–500

–

–1,330

–

–

–16,972

–47

–

–

–154
–977
–697
–2,465
5,856

–189
–1,089
–59
–18,392
–6,460

–304
–1,109
–21
–2,765
5,307

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

A reconciliation between actual tax expense for the year and the 
theoretical tax expense that would arise when applying the statutory 
tax rate in Sweden, 22.0% (26.3% in 2012 and 2011), on income before 
taxes is shown in the table below.

Reconciliation of actual income tax rate to the actual income 
tax rate

Tax rate in Sweden (22.0%)
Current income taxes related  
to prior years
Tax effect of non-deductible  
expenses
Tax effect of non-taxable  
income
Tax effect related to write-downs of  
investments in subsidiary companies
Tax effect of change in deferred tax rate
Actual tax cost (–)

2013

2012

2011

–1,567

1,711

–1,244

–183

–112

–23

–29

74

–14

1,636

2,655

1,429

–110
–
–247

–4,476
–38
–289

–348
–
–103

Deferred tax balances 
Tax effects of temporary differences have resulted in deferred tax 
assets as follows: 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets

2013

233

2012

198

Deferred tax assets refer mainly to costs related to customer finance 
and provisions for restructuring costs.

Interest expenses on pension liabilities are included in the interest expenses shown above. 

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

109

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P5  
Intangible Assets 

Patents, licenses, trademarks and similar rights

Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance
Acquisitions
Sales/disposals
Closing balance
Accumulated amortization
Opening balance
Amortization
Sales/disposals
Closing balance
Accumulated impairment losses
Opening balance
Impairment losses
Closing balance
Net carrying value

2013

2012

4,146
15
–
4,161

–2,352
–218
–
–2,570

–945
–
–945
646

4,167
–
–21
4,146

–2,134
–218
–
–2,352

–945
–
–945
849

The balances relate mainly to the Marconi trademark acquired during 
2006. The useful life and amortization period for this trademark has 
been set to 10 years.

P6  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment

2013
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance
Additions
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Closing balance
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance
Depreciation
Sales/disposals
Closing balance
Net carrying value
2012
Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance
Additions
Sales/disposals
Reclassifications
Closing balance
Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance
Depreciation
Sales/disposals
Closing balance
Net carrying value

Land and
buildings

Other
 equipment 
and installations

Construction 
in process and
advance payments

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

1,267
15
–77
277
1,482

–941
–203
71
–1,073
409

1,225
37
–53
58
1,267

–814
–177
50
–941
326

209
230
–
–277
162

–
–
–
–
162

80
187
–
–58
209

–
–
–
–
209

Total

1,476
245
–77
–
1,644

–941
–203
71
–1,073
571

1,305
224
–53
–
1,476

–814
–177
50
–941
535

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P7  
Financial Assets 

Investments in subsidiary companies, joint ventures and associated companies

Opening balance
Acquisitions and stock issues
Shareholders’ contribution
Reclassifications
Repayment of shareholders’ contribution
Write-downs
Disposals

Closing balance

Other financial assets

Accumulated acquisition costs
Opening balance
Additions
Disposals/repayments/deductions
Reclassifications/revaluation
Translation difference 
Closing balance

Accumulated write-downs/allowances
Opening balance
Write-downs/allowances
Disposals/repayments/deductions
Reclassifications
Translation difference 
Closing balance
Net carrying value

Subsidiary companies

2013

80,839
282
518
–
–
–500
–383

80,756

2012

79,511
1,682
191
–
–
–
–545

80,839

Joint ventures
2013

Associated companies

2012

2013

2012

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

12,736
–
–
5,029
–
–13,629
–4,136

–

337
–
–
–
–
–
–

337

330
–
–
7
–
–
–

337

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Other
investments in shares 
and participations
2012

2013

Receivables
from subsidiaries,
non-current
2012

2013

Customer finance,
non-current
2012

2013

Other financial
assets, non-current
2012
2013

323
74
–
69
–
466

–56
–
–
–
–
–56
410

288
45
–3
–7
–
323

–9
–47
–
–
–
–56
267

15,737
1,405
–6,000
–630
512
11,024

–
–
–
–
–
–
11,024

8,017
9,725
–1,301
–93
–611
15,737

–
–
–
–
–
–
15,737

1,065
345
–49
–226
–16
1,119

–66
–
6
3
2
–55
1,064

1,379
547
–516
–328
–17
1,065

–42
–57
10
20
3
–66
999

1,153
42
–66
–212
–
917

–
–
–
–
–
–
917

1,203
20
–78
8
–
1,153

–
–
–
–
–
–
1,153

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

111

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P8  
Investments 

The following listing shows certain shareholdings owned directly  
and indirectly by the Parent Company as of December 31, 2013.  
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 Reporting, 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 million

I
I
I
II
I
I
II
I
II
I
II

I
I
I
II

II
I
I
I
I

II
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Subsidiary companies
I
I
I
II
III

Ericsson AB
Ericsson Shared Services AB
Netwise AB
AB Aulis
Ericsson Credit AB
Other (Sweden)
Ericsson Austria GmbH
Ericsson Danmark A/S
Oy LM Ericsson Ab
Ericsson Participations France SAS
Ericsson Germany GmbH
Ericsson Hungary Ltd.
LM Ericsson Holdings Ltd.
Ericsson Telecomunicazioni S.p.A.
Ericsson Holding International B.V.
Ericsson A/S
Ericsson Television AS

Ericsson Corporatia AO
Ericsson España S.A.
Ericsson AG
Ericsson Holdings Ltd.
Other (Europe, excluding Sweden)
Ericsson Holding II Inc.
Companía Ericsson S.A.C.I.
Ericsson Canada Inc.
Belair Networks
Ericsson Telecom S.A. de C.V.
Other (United States, Latin America)
Teleric Pty Ltd.
Ericsson Ltd.
Ericsson (China) Company Ltd.
Ericsson India Private Ltd.
Ericsson India Global Services PVT. Ltd
Ericsson-LG CO Ltd.
Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Ericsson Telecommunications Pte. Ltd.
Ericsson South Africa PTY. Ltd
Ericsson Taiwan Ltd.
Ericsson (Thailand) Ltd.
Other countries (the rest of the world)
Total

Joint ventures and associated companies
II
I
I

ST-Ericsson SA
Rockstar Consortium Group
Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.
Total

Key to type of company 
I  Manufacturing, distribution and development companies
II  Holding companies
III Finance companies

556056-6258
556251-3266
556404-4286
556030-9899
556326-0552

Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden

Austria
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
The Netherlands
Norway
Norway

Russia
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom

United States
Argentina
Canada
Canada
Mexico

Australia
China
China
India
India
Korea
Malaysia
Singapore
South Africa
Taiwan
Thailand

Switzerland
Canada
Croatia

100
100
100
100
100
–
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
–
100

95  1)

100
100
100
–
100
100
100
100
100
75
70
100
100
90
49  2)
–

50
21
49

50
361
2
14
5
–
4
90
13
26
–
1,301
2
44
222
75
161

5
43
–
328
–
2,830
41
–
170
n/a
–
20
2
65
725
389
150
2
2
–
270
90
–

137
1
65

20,731
2,216
306
6
5
1,847
65
216
196
524
4,232
120
15
5,357
3,200
114
1,788

5
170
–
4,094
395
29,006
178
51
170
1,050
67
100
2
475
147
64
3,285
4
1
128
36
17
373
80,756

–
7
330
337

1)  Through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of Compania Ericsson S.A.C.I. 
2)  Through subsidiary holdings, total holdings amount to 100% of Ericsson (Thailand) Ltd.

112

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Shares owned by subsidiary companies 

Type Company

Reg. No.

Domicile

Percentage 
of ownership

Subsidiary companies
II
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Ericsson Cables Holding AB
Ericsson France SAS
Ericsson Telekommunikation GmbH 1)
LM Ericsson Ltd.
Ericsson Telecommunicatie B.V.
Ericsson Telekomunikasyon A.S.
Ericsson Ltd.
Ericsson Inc.
Ericsson Wifi Inc.
Drutt Corporation Inc.
Optimi  Corporation

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Redback Networks Inc.
Telcordia Technologies Inc.
Ericsson Telecomunicações S.A.
Ericsson Australia Pty. Ltd.
Ericsson (China) Communications Co. Ltd.
Nanjing Ericsson Panda Communication Co. Ltd.
Ericsson Japan K.K.
Ericsson Communication Solutions Pte Ltd.

Key to type of company 
I  Manufacturing, distribution and development companies
II  Holding companies

556044-9489

Sweden
France
Germany
Ireland
The Netherlands
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
United States
United States
United States

United States
United States
Brazil
Australia
China
China
Japan
Singapore

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
51
100
100

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

1)  Disclosures Pursuant to Section 264b of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)
  Applying Section 264b HGB, Ericsson Holding GmbH  and Ericsson Telekommunikation GmbH, located in Frankfurt am 

Main/Germany, are exempted from the obligation to prepare, have audited and disclose financial statements and a 
management report in accordance with the legal requirements being applicable for German corporations.

P9  
Inventories 

Inventories

Finished products and goods for resale
Inventories

2013

2012

7
7

55
55

P10  
Trade Receivables  
and Customer Finance
Credit risk management is governed on a Group level. 
For further information, see Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Note C14, “Trade receivables and customer finance”  
and Note C20, “Financial risk management and financial instruments.”

Trade receivables and customer finance

Movements in allowances for impairment 

Trade receivables excluding associated  
companies and joint ventures
Allowances for impairment
Trade receivables, net
Trade receivables related to associated  
companies and joint ventures
Trade receivables, total
Customer finance 
Allowances for impairment
Customer finance, net

2013

2012

54
–22
32

2
34
2,040
–75
1,965

57
–23
34

1
35
2,116
–97
2,019

Opening balance
Additions
Utilization
Reversal of excess 
amounts
Translation difference
Closing balance

Trade receivables
2012
2013

Customer finance
2012
2013

23
–
–

–
–
23

23
–
–

–
–
23

97
3
–

–27
2
75

65
62
–9

–20
–1
97

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

113

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Aging analysis as per December 31

2013
Neither impaired nor past due
Impaired, not past due
Past due in less than 90 days
Past due in 90 days or more
Past due and impaired in less than 90 days
Past due and impaired in 90 days or more
Total

2012
Neither impaired nor past due
Impaired, not past due
Past due in less than 90 days
Past due in 90 days or more
Past due and impaired in less than 90 days
Past due and impaired in 90 days or more
Total

Outstanding customer finance

On-balance sheet customer finance
Financial guarantees for third parties
Total customer finance
Accrued interest
Less third-party risk coverage
Parent Company’s risk exposure
On-balance sheet credits, net carrying value

Of which current

Credit commitments for customer finance

Trade receivables 
excluding associated 
companies  
and joint ventures

Allowances for 
impairment of 
receivables

Trade receivables 
related to associated  
companies  
and joint ventures

Customer finance

Allowances for 
impairment of 
customer finance

24
–
1
8
–
23
56

25
–
5
2
–
25
57

–
–
–
–
–
–23
–23

–
–
–
–
–
–23
–23

2
–
–
–
–
–
2

1
–
–
–
–
–
1

1,404
80
58
448
18
32
2,040

1,516
474
21
14
70
21
2,116

–
–63
–
–
–9
–3
–75

–
–48
–
–
–44
–5
–97

2013

2,040
178
2,218
115
–213
2,120
1,965
901
456

2012

2,116
258
2,374
56
–177
2,253
2,019
1,020
543

P11  
Receivables and Liabilities – Subsidiary 
Companies 

Receivables and liabilities – subsidiary companies

Payment due by period

< 1
year

1–5
years

>5
years

Total
2013

Total
2012

Non-current  
receivables 1)
Financial receivables
Current receivables
Trade receivables
Financial receivables
Total
Non-current  
liabilities 1)
Financial liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade payables
Financial liabilities
Total

34

10,990

3,573
10,260
13,833

–

502
43,942
44,444

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

11,024

15,737

3,573
10,260
13,833

896
15,299
16,195

24,034

24,034

26,732

–
–
–

502
43,942
44,444

277
46,682
46,959

1)  Including non-interest-bearing receivables and liabilities, net, amounting  

to SEK –24,034 million in 2013 (SEK –20,732 million in 2012).  

During 2013 the Parent Company transferred certain customer finance 
assets to third parties, and continues to recognize a part of such assets 
corresponding to the extent of its continuing involvement. The total 
carrying amount of the original assets transferred was SEK 428 (471) 
million, the amount of the assets that the Parent Company continues 
to recognize was SEK 188 (28) million, and the carrying amount of the 
associated liabilities was SEK 0 (0) million. 

114

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R
e
s
u
l
t
s

P12  
Other Current Receivables 

P13  
Equity and other comprehensive income 

Other current receivables

Prepaid expenses
Accrued revenues
Derivatives with a positive value
Other
Total

2013

506
126
1,527
197
2,356

2012

446
75
3,520
269
4,310

Capital stock 2013
Capital stock at December 31, 2013, consisted of the following: 

Capital stock

Class A shares 1)
Class B shares 1)
Total

Number
of shares

261,755,983
3,043,295,752
3,305,051,735

Capital
stock

1,309
15,217
16,526

1)  Class A shares (quotient value SEK 5.00) and Class B shares (quotient value SEK 5.00).

Equity and other comprehensive income 2013

January 1, 2013
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Revaluation of other investments in shares and 
participations

Fair value remeasurement

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale of own shares
Stock Purchase Plans
Repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
December 31, 2013

Capital 
stock

16,526
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
16,526

Equity and other comprehensive income 2012

January 1, 2012
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Cash flow hedges

Gains/losses arising during the period

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Transactions with owners
Stock issue
Sale of own shares
Stock Purchase Plans
Repurchase of own shares
Dividends paid
December 31, 2012

Capital 
stock

16,367
–

–
–
–

159
–
–
–
–
16,526

Revalua-
tion 
reserve

Statutory 
reserve

Total 
restricted 
equity

Disposi-
tion
reserve

Fair
value
reserves

Other 
retained 
earnings

Non-
restricted 
equity

20
–

31,472
–

48,018
–

100
–

–
–

25,524
6,855

25,624
6,855

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
20

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
31,472

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
48,018

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
100

69
69
69

–
–
–
–
–
69

–
–
–

–
90
23
–
–8,863
23,629

69
69
69

–
90
23
–
–8,863
23,798

Revalua-
tion 
reserve

Statutory 
reserve

Total 
restricted 
equity

Disposi-
tion
reserve

Fair
value
reserves

Other 
retained 
earnings

Non-
restricted 
equity

20
–

31,472
–

47,859
–

100
–

203
–

40,417
–6,793

40,720
–6,793

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
20

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
31,472

–
–
–

159
–
–
–
–
48,018

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
100

–203
–203
–203

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–6,793

–
66
26
–159
–8,033
25,524

–203
–203
–6,996

–
66
26
–159
–8,033
25,624

Total

73,642
6,855

69
69
69

–
90
23
–
–8,863
71,816

Total

88,579
–6,793

–203
–203
–6,996

159
66
26
–159
–8,033
73,642

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

115

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2013

2012

33
119
203
93
499
947
1

123
78
235
32
405
873
1

2013

2012

386
–23
–17

126

–65

–51
51
407

376
–58
24

100

–56

–59
59
386

Change in the defined benefit obligation 

Opening balance 
Payment to pension trust
Payment to pension trust, reclassified
Pension costs, excluding taxes, related to 
defined benefit obligations accounted for  
in the income statement

Pension payments

Return on plan assets
Return on plan assets not accounted for 
Closing balance provision for pensions

Estimated pension payments for 2014 are SEK 65 million.

Total pension cost and income recognized 
in the Income statement

Defined benefit obligations
Costs excluding interest and taxes
Interest cost
Credit insurance premium
Total cost defined benefit plans  
excluding taxes
Defined contribution plans
Pension insurance premium
Total cost defined contribution plans  
excluding taxes
Return on plan assets
Total pension cost, net excluding 
taxes

2013

2012

2011

87
40
1

61
39
1

128

101

73

73
–

59

59
–

201

160

55
43
–1

97

123

123
–25

195

Of the total pension cost, SEK 161 million (SEK 121 million in 2012 and 
SEK 177 million in 2011) is included in operating expenses and SEK 
40 million (SEK 39 million in 2012 and SEK 18 million in 2011) in the 
financial net.

P14  
Untaxed Reserves

Untaxed reserves

2013

Accumulated depreciation  
in excess of plan
Total accumulated depreciation 
in excess of plan

Jan 1

Additions/
withdrawals (–)

Dec 31

Plan assets allocation

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Investment funds
Total

288

–288

–

Of which Ericsson securities

The company has decided to dissolve the accumulated accelerated 
depreciation. Deferred tax liability on untaxed reserves, not accounted 
for in deferred taxes, therefore amounts to SEK 0 million (SEK 64 million 
in 2012). 

Contributions to Swedish subsidiaries amount to SEK 430 million 
(SEK 6,570 million in 2012). There were no contributions from Swedish 
subsidiaries in 2013 (SEK 4,536 million in 2012).

P15  
Post-employment benefits 

The Parent Company has two types of pension plans:
 > Defined contribution plans: post-employment benefit plans  

where the Parent Company pays fixed contributions into separate 
entities and has 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 ITP2 plan 
for the Parent Company is partly funded. ITP2 is a supplementary 
pension plan for salaried employees born before 1979. Pension 
obligations are calculated annually, on the balance sheet date, 
based on actuarial assumptions.

Defined benefit obligation – amount recognized in the 
Balance sheet

Present value of wholly or partially  
funded pension plans 1)
Fair value of plan assets
Unfunded/net surplus (–) of funded pension plans
Present value of unfunded pension plans
Excess from plan assets not accounted for
Payment to pension trust, reclassified
Closing balance provision for pensions

2013

2012

754
–947
–193
407
185
8
407

713
–873
–160
386
136
24
386

1)  The ITP2 obligation is covered by the Swedish law on safeguarding of pension 

commitments and amounts to SEK 737 million (SEK 709 million in 2012).

The defined benefit obligations are calculated based on the actual 
salary levels at year-end and based on a discount rate of 3.4%.

Weighted average life expectancy after the age of 65 is 25 years for 

women and 23 years for men.

In 2005, SEK 524 million was transferred into the Swedish pension 

trust. From 2009–2013 additional transfers of SEK 175 million have 
been made. 

The Parent Company utilizes no assets held by the pension trust. 

Return on plan assets was 5.8% (7.3% in 2012).  

116

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Restruc turing

Customer 
finance

71
170
–
–82
–
159

160
16
–1
–106
2
71

84
5
–
–
–
89

87
–
–3
–
–
84

Other

3,554
218
–195
–2,135
–
1,442

28
3,548
–200
–22
200
3,554

Total other 
provisions 1)

3,709
393
–195
–2,217
–
1,690

275
3,564
–204
–128
202
3,709

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

P16  
Other Provisions 

Other provisions

2013
Opening balance
Additions
Reversal of excess amounts
Cash out/utilization
Reclassifications
Closing balance

2012
Opening balance
Additions
Reversal of excess amounts
Cash out/utilization
Reclassifications
Closing balance

1)  Of which SEK 1,540 million (SEK 3,591 million in 2012) is expected to be utilized within one year. 

P17  
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
As per December 31, 2013, the Parent Company’s outstanding  
interest-bearing liabilities, excluding liabilities to subsidiaries, stood at  
SEK 26.2 billion.

Interest-bearing liabilities

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 1,966 (2,671) million.

2013

2012

5,966
39
6,005

14,522
5,686
20,208
26,213

2,671
–
2,671

16,519
5,273
21,792
24,463

Notes and bond loans

Issued–maturing

Notes and bond loans
2007–2014
2007–2017
2009–2016 3)
2010–2020 4)
2012–2022
Total notes and bond loans
Bilateral loans
2008–2015 5)
2012–2019 6)
2012–2021 6)
2013–2020 7)
Total bilateral loans

Nominal  
amount

Coupon

Currency

Book value  
(SEK million)

Maturity date

Unrealized hedge 
gain/loss (included 
in book value)

0.594%
5.375%

4.125%

220
500
300
170
1,000

4,000
98
98
684

EUR
EUR
USD
USD
USD

SEK
USD
USD
USD

1,966
5,056 2)
1,939
1,112
6,415
16,488

4,000
632
634
4,420
9,686

June 27, 2014 1)
June 27, 2017
June 23, 2016
December 23, 2020
May 15, 2022

July 15, 2015
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2021
November 6, 2020

–616

–616

1)  Next contractual repricing date March 27, 2013 (quarterly).
2)  Interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges.
3)  Private Placement, Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) / Swedish 

5)  European Investment Bank (EIB), R&D project financing. 
6)  Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), R&D project financing.
7)  European Investment Bank (EIB), R&D project financing.

Export Credit Corporation (SEK).

4)  Private Placement, Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK).

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

117

PCXP17XP29XEN_v74.indd   117

2014-03-06   14:01

 
All outstanding notes and bond loans are issued under the Euro 
medium-term note (EMTN) program or under its SEC Registered 
program. Bonds issued at a fixed interest rate are normally swapped 
to a floating interest rate using interest rate swaps leaving a maximum 
of 50% of outstanding loans at fixed interest rates. This resulted in 
weighted average interest rate of 4.44% (4.69%). These bonds are 
revalued based on changes in benchmark interest rates according to 
the fair value hedge methodology stipulated in IAS 39. 

In June 2013 the Company repaid the EUR 313 million bond. 
In June the Company signed a new USD 2 billion multi-currency 
revolving credit facility and refinanced its credit facility signed in 2007. 
The new facility has a tenor of five years, with two extension options of 
one year each, and the facility serves for general corporate purposes. 

In November 2013 the Company made a full drawdown of USD 684 

million under the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan facility signed 
in October 2012. The loan supports the company’s R&D activities 
to further develop the next generation radio and IP technology that 
supports mobile broadband build-out globally. The loan will mature in 
November 2020. 

In January 2014 the Company repaid the SEK 4 billion EIB loan with 

original maturity July 2015.

P18  
Financial Risk Management  
and Financial Instruments

Financial risk management
Ericsson’s financial risk management is governed on a Group level. For 
further information see Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements,  
Note C20, “Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments.”

Outstanding derivatives 1)

Fair value

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

2013

2012

Currency derivatives
Maturity within 3 months
Maturity between 3  
and 12 months
Maturity 1 to 3 years
Total

Of which internal
Of which designated in 
cash flow hedge relations

Interest rate derivatives
Maturity within 3 months
Maturity between  
3 and 12 months
Maturity 1 to 3 years
Maturity 3 to 5 years
Maturity more than 5 years
Total

Of which designated in 
fair value hedge relations

604

1,016

848

523

290
8
821
23

–

–

266
–
870
720

–

–

186
382
663
101
1,332 2)

269
688
163
36
1,156

611
4
1,630
32

–

–

487
565
1,212
38
2,302 2)

462
–
1,311
1,247

–

–

285
681
738
–
1,705

724

–

969

–

1)  Some of the derivatives hedging non-current liabilities are recognized in the balance sheet 

as non-current due to hedge accounting. 

2) Of which SEK 613 million (SEK 825 million in 2012) is reported as non-current assets.

118

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

SEK billion

Bank deposits
Type of issuer/counterpart
Governments
Banks
Corporates
Mortgage institutes
Total 

Remaining time to maturity
> 5
years

3–12 
months

1–5
years

< 3
months

12.8

–

–

–

0.4
6.7
4.4
–
24.3

4.0
–
–
–
4.0

14.7
–
–
11.8
26.5

3.7
–
–
–
3.7

2013

12.8

22.8
6.7
4.4
11.8
58.5

The instruments are classified as held for trading and are therefore 
short-term investments. 

During 2013, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 

increased by SEK 1.1 billion to SEK 58.5 billion.

Repayment schedule of non-current borrowings

Nominal amount
(SEK billion)

Current maturities  
of long-term debt

Borrowings
(non-current)

2014 
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and later
Total

2.0
4.0
–
–
–
–
6.0

–
–
1.9
4.4
–
13.2
19.5

Total

2.0
4.0
1.9
4.4
–
13.2
25.5

Debt financing is mainly carried out through borrowing in the Swedish 
and international debt capital markets.

Funding programs 1)

Amount

Utilized Unutilized

Euro Medium-Term Note program 
(USD million)
SEC Registred program (USD Million)
Long-Term Committed Credit facility  
(USD million) 

5,000

– 2)

1,462
1,000

3,538
–

2,000 

–

2,000 

1)  There are no financial covenants related to these programs.
2) Program amount not determined.

In January 2013 Standard & Poor’s changed the Company’s credit 
rating outlook from BBB+ (stable) to BBB+ (negative) and Moody’s 
changed the credit rating outlook A3 (stable) to A3 (negative). Both 
credit ratings are considered to be solid investment grade.

Fair valuation of the Company’s financial instruments
The Company´s financial instruments generally meet the requirements 
of level 1 valuation due to the fact that these assets are valued based 
on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Exceptions to this relate to:

 > OTC derivatives with an amount of gross SEK 5.2 billion in relation to 
assets and gross SEK 4.4 billion in relation to liabilities were valued 
based on references to other market data as currency or interest 
rates. These valuations fall under level 2 valuation as defined by IFRS.

 > Ownership in other companies where the Company neither has 

control nor significant influence. The amount recognized in these 
cases was SEK 0.5 (0.4) billion. These assets, classified as level 3 
assets for valuation purposes, have been valued based on the value 
in use technique.

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  

PCXP17XP29XEN_v74.indd   118

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and loss had a net gain of SEK 0.5 billion. For further information  
about valuation principles, see Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements, Note C1, “Significant accounting policies.”

Financial instruments, book value 

Trade
receiv-
ables

Short-term
invest-
ments

Receiv-
ables and 
liabili ties 
subsidia-
ries

Borrow-
ings

Trade
payables

Cash 
equival-
ents

P10

–

2.0
–

–
2.0

P11

P17

P20

–

24.9
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–68.5
–43.6

–26.2
–26.2

–0.4
–0.4

34.5

–
–

–
34.5

11.1

–
–

–
11.1

Other
current
receiv-
ables

P12

1.5

–
–

–
1.5

Other
current
liabilities

Other 
non-
current 
assets

2013

2012

P19

–1.3

–
–

–
–1.3

0.6

–
–

–
0.6

46.4

26.9
–

45.8

33.9
–

–95.1
–21.8

–98.8
–19.1

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

SEK billion

Note

Assets at fair value  
through profit or loss

Loans and receivables
Available for sale assets
Financial liabilities at  
amortized cost
Total

P21  
Assets Pledged as Collateral 

Assets pledged as collateral

Bank deposits
Total

2013

553
553

2012

520
520

The major item in bank deposits is the internal bank’s clearing and 
settlement commitments of SEK 376 million (SEK 335 million in 2012).

P22  
Contingent Liabilities 

Contingent liabilities

Total contingent liabilities

2013

2012

15,999

16,719

Contingent liabilities include pension commitments of SEK 14,362 
million (SEK 14,953 million in 2012).

In accordance with standard industry practice, the Company enters 
into commercial contract guarantees related to contracts for the supply 
of telecommunication equipment and services. The total amount for 
2013 was SEK 16,595 million (SEK 18,473 million in 2012). Potential 
payments due under these bonds are related to the Company’s 
performance under applicable contracts.

For information about financial guarantees, see Note P10,  

“Trade Receivables and Customer Finance.”

Financial instruments carried at other than fair value

SEK billion

Current part of  
non-current borrowings

Notes and bond loans
Borrowings non-current
Total

Book value
2012

2013

6.0

14.5
5.7
26.2

2.7

16.5
5.3
24.5

Fair value
2012

2.7

17.0
5.5
25.2

2013

6.0

14.7
5.7
26.4

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 book value is considered to represent a reasonable 
estimate of a fair value.

P19  
Other Current Liabilities 

Other current liabilities

Accrued interest
Accrued expenses, of which

Employee related
Other

Deferred revenues
Derivatives with a negative value
Other current liabilities
Total

P20  
Trade Payables

Trade payables

Trade payables excluding associated  
companies and joint ventures
Associated companies and joint 
ventures
Total

All trade payables fall due within 90 days.

2013

189
633
299
334
15
1,305
80
2,222

2012

254
392
302
90
7
2,214
260
3,127

2013

2012

407

204
611

555

–
555

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

119

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P23  
Statement of Cash Flows 

Interest paid in 2013 amounted to SEK 1,022 million (SEK 1,218 million 
in 2012 and SEK 1,258 in 2011) and interest received was SEK 1,203 
million (SEK 1,536 million in 2012 and SEK 2,532 in 2011). Income taxes 
paid were SEK 255 million (income taxes received were SEK 133 million 
in 2012 and SEK 147 million in 2011). 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash

2013

2012

2011

203
203

218
–
218

421
–7

177
177

218
–
218

395
421

168
168

237
–
237

405
250

434

12,167

1,326

–288
430
–
–34

–388
2,034
–
–193

–339
1,979
–70
–388

956

14,436

3,163

Property, plant and equipment
Depreciation
Total 
Intangible assets
Amortization
Impairment losses
Total 
Total depreciation and amortization  
on tangible and intangible assets 
Taxes
Write-downs and capital gains (–)/ 
losses on sale of fixed assets,  
excluding customer finance, net
Additions to/withdrawals from (–)  
untaxed reserves
Unsettled group contributions
Unsettled dividends
Other non-cash items 
Total adjustments to reconcile net  
income to cash

P24  
Leasing

Leasing with the Parent Company as lessor
At December 31, 2013, future minimum payment receivables  
were distributed as follows:

Future minimum payment receivables

2014 
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and later
Total

Operating leases

11
5
4
1
1
–
22

The operating lease income is mainly income from the subleasing  
of real estate. See Notes to the consolidated financial statements,  
Note C27, “Leasing.”

P25  
Information Regarding Employees

Average number of employees

2013

2012

Men Women

Total

Men Women

Total

189
217
406
189
189

168
27
195
168
168

357
244
601
357
357

200
238
438
200
200

169
29
198
169
169

369
267
636
369
369

Northern Europe & 
Central Asia 1) 2)
Middle East 
Total
1)  Of which in Sweden
2)  Of which in EU

Remuneration 

Wages and salaries and social security expenses 

Leasing with the Parent Company as lessee
At December 31, 2013, future payment obligations for leases  
were distributed as follows: 

Future payment obligations for leases

Wages and salaries
Social security expenses
Of which pension costs

Operating leases

Wages and salaries per geographical area

2014 
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and later
Total

710
552
424
387
272
1,366
3,711

Northern Europe & Central Asia 1) 2)
Middle East
Total
1)  Of which in Sweden
2)  Of which in the EU

2013

2012

644
380
246

648
355
190

2013

2012

410
234
644
410
410

416
232
648
416
416

Remuneration in foreign currency has been translated to SEK at average exchange rates for 
the year. 

Remuneration to the Board of Directors and the  
President and CEO
See Notes to the consolidated financial statements, Note C28, 
“Information Regarding members of the Board of Directors,  
the Group management and employees.”

Long-term variable remuneration
The Stock Purchase Plan
Compensation costs for all employees of the Parent Company 
amounted to SEK 22.1 million in 2013 (SEK 19.2 million in 2012).

120

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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P27  
Fees to Auditors 

Fees to auditors

2013
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

2012
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

2011
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax services fees
Other fees
Total

PwC

22
8
1
10
41

23
11
1
5
40

18
8
–
12
38

R
e
s
u
l
t
s

The allocation of fees to the auditors is based on the requirements in the Swedish Annual  
Accounts Act. 

During the period 2011–2013, in addition to audit services, PwC 
provided certain audit-related services, tax and other services to 
the Parent Company. The audit-related services include quarterly 
reviews, SSAE 16 reviews and services in connection with the issuing 
of certificates and opinions and consultation on financial accounting. 
The tax services include general expatriate services and corporate 
tax compliance work. Other services include services related to 
acquisitions, operational effectiveness and assessments of internal 
control.

P26  
Related Party Transactions

During 2013, various transactions were executed pursuant to  
contracts based on terms customary in the industry and negotiated  
on an arm’s length basis.

Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.
Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. is a company providing the design, sales 
and service of telecommunications systems and equipment and an 
associated member of the Ericsson Group. Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d. is 
located  
in Zagreb, Croatia. The Parent Company holds 49.07% of the shares. 

For the Parent Company, the major transactions are license 
revenues for Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.’s usage of trademarks and 
received dividends.

Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.

Related party transactions
License revenues
Dividends
Related party balances
Receivables

2013

2012

12
128

2

8
133

1

The Parent Company does not have any contingent liabilities, assets 
pledged as collateral or guarantees toward Ericsson Nikola Tesla d.d.

ST-Ericsson
ST-Ericsson was formed in 2009 as a joint venture, equally owned by 
Ericsson and STMicroelectronics. 

In early 2013 the parents agreed to split up and close the joint 
venture. The company ST-Ericsson is winding down and all business 
has been transferred to parents or divested during 2013. In 2013, the 
Parent Company acquired the remaining shares in ST-Ericsson AT SA 
which is now a fully owned subsidiary.

The Parent Company does not have any contingent liabilities,  

assets pledged as collateral or guarantees towards ST-Ericsson.

ST-Ericsson

Related party transactions
License revenues
Dividends/Other current assets
Related party balances
Receivables
Payables

2013

2012

–
23

–
204

–
–

–
–

Other related parties
For information regarding the remuneration of management,  
see Notes to the consolidated financial statements, Note C28, 
“Information regarding members of the Board of Directors,  
the Group management and employees.”

  NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY financial statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

121

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Results

risk factors

You should carefully consider all the information in this Annual 
Report and in particular the risks and uncertainties outlined 
below. Based on the information currently known to us, we 
believe that the following information identifies the most 
significant risk factors affecting our business. Any of the 
factors described below, or any other risk factors discussed 
elsewhere in this report, could have a material negative effect 
on our business, revenues, operating and after-tax results, 
financial condition, cash flow, liquidity, credit rating, 
marketshare, reputation, brand and/or our share price. 
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us 
or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also 
materially adversely affect our business. Furthermore, our 
operating results may have a greater variability than in the 
past and we may have difficulties in accurately predicting 
future developments. See also “Forward-Looking 
Statements.”

Market, Technology and Business Risks

Challenging global economic conditions may adversely impact the 
demand and pricing for our products and services as well as limit 
our ability to grow. 
Challenging global economic conditions could have adverse, 
wide-ranging effects on demand for our products and for 
the products of our customers. Adverse global economic 
conditions could cause operators and other customers to 
postpone investments or initiate other cost-cutting initiatives to 
improve their financial position. This could result in significantly 
reduced expenditures for network infrastructure and services, 
in which case our operating results would suffer. If demand for 
our products and services were to fall in the future, we could 
experience material adverse effects on our revenues, cash 
flow, capital employed and value of our assets and we could 
incur operating losses. Furthermore, if demand is significantly 
weaker or more volatile than expected, our credit rating, 
borrowing opportunities and costs as well as the trading price 
of our shares could be adversely impacted. When deemed 
necessary, we undertake specific restructuring or cost-saving 
initiatives; however, there are no guarantees that such initiatives 
will be sufficient, successful or executed in time to deliver any 
improvements in our earnings.

Should global economic conditions fail to improve, or worsen, 

other business risks we face could intensify and could also 
negatively impact the business prospects of operators and other 
customers. Some operators and other customers, in particular 
in markets with weak currencies, may incur borrowing difficulties 
and slower traffic development, which may negatively affect 
their investment plans and cause them to purchase less of our 
products and services.
The potential adverse effects of an economic downturn include:
 > Reduced demand for products and services, resulting in 

increased price competition or deferrals of purchases, with 
lower revenues not fully compensated through reduced costs

122

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

Contents

Market, technology and business risks 
Regulatory, compliance and corporate  
governance risks 
Risks associated with owning Ericsson shares 

122

127
129

 > Risks of excess and obsolete inventories and excess  

manufacturing capacity

 > Risk of financial difficulties or failures among our suppliers
Increased demand for customer finance, difficulties in 
 >
collection of accounts receivable and increased risk of counter 
party failures

 > Risk of impairment losses related to our intangible assets as a 

 >

result of lower forecasted sales of certain products
Increased difficulties in forecasting sales and financial results  
as well as increased volatility in our reported results
 > A decline in the value in our pension plan assets and/or 

increased pension liabilities due to discount rate changes or 
other accounting or regulatory changes

 > End user demand could also be adversely affected by reduced 
consumer spending on technology, changed operator pricing, 
security breaches and trust issues. 

The telecommunications industry fluctuates and is affected by 
many factors, including the economic environment, and decisions 
made by operators and other customers regarding their 
deployment of technology and their timing of purchases. 
The telecommunications industry has experienced downturns 
in the past in which operators substantially reduced their capital 
spending on new equipment. While we expect the network 
service provider equipment market and telecommunications 
services market to grow in the coming years, the uncertainty 
surrounding the global economic recovery may materially harm 
actual market conditions. Moreover, market conditions are 
subject to substantial fluctuation, and could vary geographically 
and across technologies. Even if global conditions improve, 
conditions in the specific industry segments in which we 
participate may be weaker than in other segments. In that case, 
our operating results, may be adversely affected. 

If capital expenditures by operators and other customers is 
weaker than we anticipate, our revenues and profitability may 
be adversely affected. The level of demand from operators and 
other customers who buy our products and services can change 
quickly and can vary over short periods of time, including from 
month to month. Due to the uncertainty and variations in the 
telecommunications industry, accurately forecasting revenues, 
results, and cash flow remains difficult. 

RISKXFACTORS_v45.indd   122

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R
e
s
u
l
t
s

Sales volumes and gross margin levels are affected by the 
variation and short order time of our products and services. 
Our sales to operators and other customers represent a mix 
of equipment, software and services, which normally generate 
different gross margins. We sell our own products as well as third 
party products, which normally have lower margins than our own 
products. As a consequence, our reported gross margin in a 
specific period will be affected by the overall mix of products and 
services as well as the relative content of third party products. 
Further, network expansions and upgrades have much shorter 
lead times for delivery than initial network build outs. Orders for 
such network expansions and upgrades are normally placed at 
short notice by customers, often less than a month in advance, 
and consequently variations in demand are difficult to forecast. 
As a result, changes in our product and service mix and the 
short order time for certain of our products may affect our ability 
to accurately forecast sales and margins or detect in advance 
whether actual results will deviate from market consensus. 
Short-term variation could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, operating results, financial condition and cash flow.

We may not be able to properly respond to market trends in the 
industries in which we operate, including the ongoing convergence 
of the telecom, data and media industries, which may harm our 
market position relative to our competitors.
We are affected by market conditions and trends within the 
industries in which we operate, including the convergence 
of the telecom, data and media industries. Convergence is 
largely driven by technological development related to IP-based 
communications. This has changed the competitive landscape 
and affects our objective-setting, risk assessment and strategies. 
Competitors new to our business may enter this new business 
context and negatively impact our market share in selected 
areas. If we fail to understand the market development, or fail 
to acquire the necessary competencies to develop and sell 
products, services and solutions that are competitive in this 
changing business environment, our business, operating results 
and financial condition will suffer. 

Our business depends upon the continued growth of mobile 
communications and the acceptance of new services. If growth 
slows or new services do not succeed, operators’ investment in 
networks may slow or stop, harming our business. 
A substantial portion of our business depends on the continued 
growth of mobile communications in terms of both the number 
of subscriptions and usage per subscriber, which in turn drives 
the continued deployment and expansion of network systems 
by our customers. If operators fail to increase the number of 
subscribers and/or stimulate increased usage, our business and 
operating results could be materially adversely affected. Also, 
if operators fail to monetize new services, fail to introduce new 
business models or experience a decline in operator revenues 
or profitability, their willingness to further invest in their network 
systems may decrease which will reduce their demand for 
our products and services and have an adverse effect on our 
business, operating results and financial condition.

Fixed and mobile networks converge and new technologies, 
such as IP and broadband, enable operators to deliver a range 
of new types of services in both fixed and mobile networks. We 
are dependent upon market acceptance of such services and 
the outcome of regulatory and standardization activities in this 
field, such as spectrum allocation. If delays in standardization, 
regulation, or market acceptance occur, this could adversely affect 
our business, operational results and financial condition.

We face intense competition from our existing competitors as well 
as new entrants, including IT companies entering the 
telecommunications market, and this could materially adversely 
affect our results. 
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive in terms 
of price, functionality, service quality, customization, timing of 
development, and the introduction of new products and services. 
We face intense competition from significant competitors, many 
of which are very large, with substantial technological and 
financial resources and established relationships with operators. 
Further, certain competitors, Chinese companies in particular, 
have become relatively stronger in recent years. We may also 
encounter increased competition from new market entrants, 
alternative technologies or due to evolving industry standards. 
In particular, we may face competition from large IT companies 
entering the telecommunications market who benefit from 
economies of scale due to being active in several industries. 
We cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully 
with these companies. Our competitors may implement new 
technologies before we do, offer more attractively priced or 
enhanced products, services or solutions, or they may offer other 
incentives that we do not provide. Some of our competitors may 
also have greater resources in certain business segments or 
geographic markets than we do. Increased competition could 
result in reduced profit margins, loss of market share, increased 
research and development costs as well as increased sales and 
marketing expenses. Traffic development on cellular networks 
could be affected if more traffic is offloaded to Wi-Fi networks. 
Further, alternative services provided over-the-top have profound 
effects on operator voice/ SMS revenues with possible reduced 
capital expenses consequences.

Additionally, we operate in markets characterized by rapidly 
changing technology. This results in continuous price erosion and 
increased price competition for our products and services. If our 
counter measures, including enhanced products and business 
models or cost reductions cannot be achieved or do not occur 
in a timely manner, there could be adverse impacts on our 
business, operating results, financial condition and market share. 

Vendor consolidation may lead to stronger competitors who are 
able to benefit from integration, scale and greater resources.
Industry convergence and consolidation among equipment and 
services suppliers could potentially result in stronger competitors 
that are competing as end-to-end suppliers as well as 
competitors more specialized in particular areas. Consolidation 
may also result in competitors with greater resources than we 
have or in reduction of our current scale advantages. This could 
have a materially adverse effect on our business, operating 
results, financial condition and market share.

A significant portion of our revenue is currently generated from a 
limited number of key customers, and operator consolidation may 
increase our dependence on key customers.
We derive most of our business from large, multi-year agreements 
with a limited number of significant customers. Many of these 
agreements are opened up on a yearly basis to renegotiate the 
price for our products and services and do not contain committed 
purchase volumes. Although no single customer represents more 
than 8% of our sales in 2013, our ten largest customers accounted 
for 44% of our sales in 2013. A loss of or a reduced role with a key 
customer could have a significant adverse impact on sales, profit 
and market share for an extended period. 

In recent years, network operators have undergone significant 
consolidation, resulting in fewer operators with activities in several 

  Risk factors

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

123

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Results

Risk factors CONTINUED

countries. This trend is expected to continue, and intra-country 
consolidation is likely to accelerate as a result of competitive 
pressure. A market with fewer and larger operators will increase 
our reliance on key customers and may negatively impact 
our bargaining position and profit margins. Moreover, if the 
combined companies operate in the same geographic market, 
networks may be shared and less network equipment and fewer 
associated services may be required. Network investments 
could be delayed by the consolidation process, which may 
include, among others, actions relating to merger or acquisition 
agreements, securing necessary regulatory approvals, or 
integration of businesses. Network operators have started to 
share parts of their network infrastructure through cooperation 
agreements rather than legal consolidations, which may 
adversely affect demand for network equipment. Accordingly, 
operator consolidation may have a material adverse effect on our 
business, operating results and financial condition. 

Certain long-term agreements with customers still include 
commitments to future price reductions, requiring us to constantly 
manage and control our cost base.
Long-term agreements with our customers are typically awarded 
on a competitive bidding basis. In some cases, such agreements 
also include a commitment to future price reductions. In order 
to maintain our gross margin with such price reductions, we 
continuously strive to reduce the costs of our products through 
design improvements, negotiation of better purchase prices from 
our suppliers, allocation of more production to low-cost countries 
and increased productivity in our own production. However, 
there can be no assurance that our actions to reduce costs will 
be sufficient or quick enough to maintain our gross margin in 
such contracts, which may have a material adverse effect on our 
business, operating results and financial condition.

Growth of our managed services business is difficult to predict, 
and requires taking significant contractual risks.
Operators increasingly outsource parts of their operations 
to reduce cost and focus on new services. To address this 
opportunity, we offer operators various services in which we 
manage their networks. The growth rate in the managed services 
market is difficult to forecast and each new contract carries 
a risk that transformation and integration of the operations 
will not be as fast or smooth as planned. Additionally, early 
contract margins are generally low and the mix of new and old 
contracts may negatively affect reported results in a given period. 
Contracts for such services normally cover several years and 
generate recurring revenues. However, contracts have been, 
and may in the future be, terminated or reduced in scope, which 
has negative impacts on sales and earnings. While we believe 
we have a strong position in the managed services market, 
competition in this area is increasing, which may have adverse 
effects on our future growth and profitability.

We depend upon the development of new products and 
enhancements to our existing products, and the success of our 
substantial research and development investments is uncertain.
Rapid technological and market changes in our industry require 
us to make significant investments in technological innovation. 
We invest significantly in new technology, products and solutions. 
In order for us to be successful, those technologies, products 
and solutions must be accepted by relevant standardization 
bodies and by the industry as a whole. The failure of our research 
and development efforts to be technically or commercially 
successful, could have adverse effects on our business, 
operating results and financial condition. If we invest in the 
development of technologies, products and solutions that do not 
function as expected, are not adopted by the industry, are not 
ready in time, or are not successful in the marketplace, our sales 
and earnings may materially suffer. Additionally, it is common for 
research and development projects to encounter delays due to 
unforeseen problems. Delays in production may increase the  
cost of research and development efforts and put us at  
a disadvantage against our competition. This could have a 
material adverse effect upon our business, operating results a 
nd financial condition.

We engage in acquisitions and divestments which may be 
disruptive and require us to incur significant expenses. 
In addition to in-house innovation efforts, we make strategic 
acquisitions in order to obtain various benefits such as reduced 
time-to-market, access to technology and competence, 
increased scale or to broaden our product portfolio or customer 
base. Future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of 
contingent liabilities and an increase in amortization expenses 
related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have 
a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results, 
financial condition and liquidity. 
Risks we could face with respect to acquisitions include:
 > Difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, 

products and personnel of the acquired company

 > Risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited  

prior experience

 > Potential loss of employees
 > Diversion of management’s attention away from other  

business concerns

 > Expenses of any undisclosed or potential legal liabilities of the 

acquired company.

From time to time we also divest parts of our business to optimize  
our product portfolio or operations. Any decision to dispose of or 
otherwise exit businesses may result in the recording of special  
charges, such as workforce reduction costs and industry- and 
technology-related write-offs. We cannot assure that we will be 
successful in consummating future acquisitions or divestments 
on favorable terms or at all. The risks associated with such 
acquisitions and divestments could have a material adverse 
effect upon our business, operating results, financial condition 
and liquidity.

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We are in, and may enter into new,  JV arrangements and have, 
and may have new, partnerships which may not be successful and 
expose us to future costs.
Our JV and partnering arrangements may fail to perform as 
expected for various reasons, including an incorrect assessment 
of our needs, our inability to take action without the approval 
of our partners or the capabilities or financial stability of our 
strategic partners. Our ability to work with these partners or 
develop new products and solutions may become constrained, 
which could harm our competitive position in the market. 

Additionally, our share of any losses from or commitments to 
contribute additional capital to such partnerships may adversely 
affect our business, operating results, financial condition and 
cash flow.

We rely on a limited number of suppliers of components, 
production capacity and R&D and IT services, which exposes  
us to supply disruptions and cost increases.
Our ability to deliver according to market demands and 
contractual commitments depends significantly on obtaining a 
timely and adequate supply of materials, components, production 
capacity and other vital services on competitive terms. Although 
we strive to avoid single-source supplier solutions, this is not 
always possible. Accordingly, there is a risk that we will be unable 
to obtain key supplies we need to produce our products and 
provide our services on commercially reasonable terms, or at 
all. Failure by any of our suppliers could interrupt our product 
or services supply or operations and significantly limit sales or 
increase our costs. To find an alternative supplier or redesign 
products to replace components may take significant time 
which could cause significant delays or interruptions in the 
delivery of our products and services. We have from time to time 
experienced interruptions of supply and we may experience such 
interruptions in the future. 

Furthermore, our procurement of supplies requires us  
to predict future customer demands. If we fail to anticipate  
customer demand properly, an over or under supply of  
components and production capacity could occur. In many  
cases, some of our competitors utilize the same manufacturers  
and if they have purchased capacity ahead of us we could  
be blocked from acquiring the needed products. This factor  
could limit our ability to supply our customers or could increase  
costs. At the same time, we commit to certain capacity levels  
or component quantities, which, if unused, will result in charges 
for unused capacity or scrapping costs. We are also exposed  
to financial counterpart risks to suppliers when we pay in 
advance for supplies. Such supply disruptions and cost 
increases may negatively affect our business, operating  
results and financial condition.

Product or service quality issues could lead to reduced  
revenue and gross margins and declining sales to existing  
and new customers.
Sales contracts normally include warranty undertakings for faulty 
products and often include provisions regarding penalties and/
or termination rights in the event of a failure to deliver ordered 
products or services on time or with required quality. Although 
we undertake a number of quality assurance measures to 
reduce such risks, product quality or service performance issues 
may negatively affect our reputation, operating results and 
financial condition. If significant warranty obligations arise due 
to reliability or quality issues, our operating results and financial 
position could be negatively impacted by costs associated with 
fixing software or hardware defects, high service and warranty 

expenses, high inventory obsolescence expense, delays in 
collecting accounts receivable or declining sales to existing and 
new customers. 

Due to having a significant portion of our costs in SEK and 
revenues in other currencies, our business is exposed to foreign 
exchange fluctuations that could negatively impact our revenues 
and operating results.
We incur a significant portion of our expenses in SEK. As a 
result of our international operations, we generate, and expect 
to continue to generate, a significant portion of our revenue in 
currencies other than SEK. To the extent we are unable to match 
revenue received in foreign currencies with costs paid in the same 
currency, exchange rate fluctuations could have a negative impact 
on our consolidated income statement, balance sheet and cash 
flows when foreign currencies are exchanged or translated to 
SEK, which increases volatility in reported results.

As market prices are predominantly established in USD 
or EUR, we presently have a net revenue exposure in foreign 
currencies which means that a stronger SEK exchange rate 
would generally have a negative effect on our reported results. 
Our attempts to reduce the effects of exchange rate fluctuations 
through a variety of hedging activities may not be sufficient or 
successful, resulting in an adverse impact on our results and 
financial condition.

Our ability to benefit from intellectual property rights (IPR) which 
are critical to our business may be limited by changes in regulation 
limiting patents, inability to prevent infringement, the loss of 
licenses from third parties, infringement claims brought against us 
by competitors and others and changes in the area of open 
standards, especially  in light of recent attention on licensing of 
open standard patents.
Although  we have a large number of patents, there can be 
no assurance that they will not be challenged, invalidated, or 
circumvented, or that any rights granted in relation to our patents 
will in fact provide us with competitive advantages.

We utilize a combination of trade secrets, confidentiality 
policies, nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements in 
addition to relying on patent, copyright and trademark laws to 
protect our intellectual property rights. However, these measures 
may not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other 
misappropriation. In addition, we rely on many software patents, 
and limitations on the patentability of software may materially 
affect our business.

Moreover, we may not be able to detect unauthorized use 
or take appropriate and timely steps to establish and enforce 
our proprietary rights. In fact, existing legal systems of some 
countries in which we conduct business offer only limited 
protection of intellectual property rights, if at all. Our solutions 
may also require us to license technologies from third parties. 
It may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses 
and there can be no assurance that they would be available 
on acceptable terms, or at all. Moreover, the inclusion in our 
products of software or other intellectual property licensed from 
third parties on a non-exclusive basis could limit our ability to 
protect proprietary rights in our products.

Many key aspects of telecommunications and data network 
technology are governed by industry-wide standards usable by 
all market participants. As the number of market entrants and the 
complexity of technology increases, the possibility of functional 
overlap and inadvertent infringement of intellectual property rights 
also increases. Third parties have asserted, and may assert in 
the future, claims, directly against us or against our customers, 

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alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. 
Defending such claims may be expensive, time-consuming and 
divert the efforts of our management and/or technical personnel. 
As a result of litigation, we could be required to pay damages and 
other compensation directly or to indemnify our customers for 
such damages and other compensation, develop non-infringing 
products/technology or enter into royalty or licensing agreements. 
However, we cannot be certain that such licenses will be available 
to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all, and such 
judgments could have a materially adverse effect on our business, 
reputation, operating results and financial condition.

Recent attention on licensing of patents necessary to 
conduct an open standard (e.g. 2G, 3G and 4G technology), 
investigations held by antitrust authorities and legislative change 
could potentially affect Ericsson’s ability to benefit from its patent 
portfolio in the area of such open standards, which could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, operating 
results and financial condition. Ericsson holds a leading patent 
portfolio in open standards and possible changes regarding such 
a portfolio may materially affect our business.

We are involved in lawsuits and investigations which, if determined 
against us, could require us to pay substantial damages, fines 
and/or penalties. 
In the normal course of our business we are involved in legal 
proceedings. These lawsuits include such matters as commercial  
disputes, claims regarding intellectual property, antitrust, tax  
and labour disputes. Litigation can be expensive, lengthy and 
disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results  
of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. An 
unfavorable resolution of a particular lawsuit could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, operating results, 
financial condition and reputation.

As a publicly listed company, Ericsson may be exposed 
to lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that the Company or its 
officers have failed to comply with securities laws, stock market 
regulations or other laws, regulations or requirements. Whether or 
not there is merit to such claims, the time and costs incurred to 
defend the Company and its officers and the potential settlement 
or compensation to the plaintiffs could have significant impact 
on our reported results and reputation. For additional information 
regarding certain of the lawsuits in which we are involved, see 
“Legal Proceedings” in the Board of Directors’ Report.

Our operations are complex and several critical operations are 
centralized in a single location. Any disruption of our operations, 
whether due to natural or man-made events, may be highly 
damaging to the operation of our business. 
Our business operations rely on complex operations and 
communications networks, which are vulnerable to damage 
or disturbance from a variety of sources. Having outsourced 
a significant portion of our IT operations, we depend partly 
on security and reliability measures of external companies. 
Regardless of protection measures, our systems and 
communications networks are susceptible to disruption due to 

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failure, vandalism, computer viruses, security breaches, natural 
disasters, power outages and other events. We also have a 
concentration of operations on certain sites, including R&D, 
production, network operation centers, and logistic centers 
and shared services centers, where business interruptions 
could cause material damage and costs. The delivery of goods 
from suppliers, and to customers, could also be hampered for 
the reasons stated above. Interruptions to our systems and 
communications may have an adverse effect on our operations 
and financial condition.

Cyber security incidents affecting our business may have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
reputation and brand.
Ericsson’s business operations involve areas that are particularly 
vulnerable to cyber security incidents such as data breaches, 
intrusions, espionage, know-how and data privacy infringements, 
leakage and general malfeasance. Examples of these areas 
include, among others, research and development, managed 
services, usage of cloud solutions, software development, 
lawful interception and product engineering. Any cyber security 
incident including unintended use, involving our operations, 
product development, services, our third party providers or 
installed product base, could cause severe harm to Ericsson and 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, reputation and brand. 
  Ericsson relies heavily on third parties to whom we have 
outsourced significant aspects of our IT infrastructure, product 
development and engineering services. While we have taken 
precautions relating to the selection, integration and ongoing 
management of these third parties, any event or attack that is 
caused as a result of vulnerabilities in their operations or products 
supplied to us could have a material adverse effect upon Ericsson, 
our business, financial condition, reputation and brand, potentially 
slowing operations, leaking valuable intellectual property or
damaging our products which have been installed in  
our customers’ networks.

We must continue to attract and retain highly qualified employees 
to remain competitive.
We believe that our future success largely depends on our 
continued ability to hire, develop, motivate and retain engineers 
and other qualified personnel needed to develop successful 
new products, support our existing product range and provide 
services to our customers. 

Competition for skilled personnel and highly qualified 

managers in the telecommunications industry remains intense. 
We are continuously developing our corporate culture, 
remuneration, promotion and benefits policies as well as other 
measures aimed at empowering our employees and reducing 
employee turnover. However, there are no guarantees that 
we will be successful in attracting and retaining employees 
with appropriate skills in the future, and failure in retention and 
recruiting could have a material adverse effect on our business 
and brand.

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If our customers’ financial conditions decline, we will be exposed 
to increased credit and commercial risks.
After completing sales to customers, we may encounter difficulty 
collecting accounts receivables and could be exposed to risks 
associated with uncollectable accounts receivable. We regularly 
assess the credit worthiness of our customers and based on that 
we determine a credit limit for each one of them. Challenging 
economic conditions have impacted some of our customers’ 
ability to pay their accounts receivables. Although our credit 
losses have historically been low and we have policies and 
procedures for managing customer finance credit risk we may 
be unable to avoid future losses on our trade receivables. We 
have also experienced demands for customer financing, and in 
adverse financial markets or more competitive environments, 
those demands may increase. Upon the financial failure of a 
customer, we may experience losses on credit extended and 
loans made to such customer, losses relating to our commercial 
risk exposure, and the loss of the customer’s ongoing business. If 
customers fail to meet their obligations to us, we may experience 
reduced cash flows and losses in excess of reserves, which 
could materially adversely impact our operating results and 
financial condition.

We rely on various capital sources for short-term and long-term 
capital for the funding of our business. Should such capital 
become unavailable or available in insufficient amounts or 
unreasonable terms, our business, financial condition and 
cashflow may materially suffer.
If we do not generate sufficient amounts of capital to support 
our operations, service our debt and continue our research and 
development and customer finance programs, or if we cannot 
raise sufficient amounts of capital at the required times and on 
the set terms, our business is likely to be adversely affected. 
Access to funding may decrease or become more expensive 
as a result of our operational and financial condition, market 
conditions, including financial conditions in the Eurozone, or due 
to deterioration in our credit rating. There can be no assurance 
that additional sources of funds that we may need from time 
to time, will be available or available on reasonable terms. If 
we cannot access capital on a commercially viable basis, our 
business, financial condition and cashflow could materially suffer.

Impairment of goodwill may negatively impact financial condition.
An impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets could 
adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. 
We have a significant amount of goodwill and intangible assets; 
for example, patents, customer relations, trademarks and 
software. Goodwill is the only intangible asset the company has 
recognized to have indefinite useful life. 

Other intangible assets are mainly amortized on a straight-
line basis over their estimated useful lives, but for no more than 
ten years, and are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
such as product discontinuances, product dispositions or other 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may 
not be wholly recoverable. Those not yet in use are tested for 
impairment annually.

Historically, we have recognized impairment charges related 

to intangible assets mainly due to restructuring. Additional 
impairment charges may be incurred in the future that could be 
significant due to various reasons, including restructuring actions 
or adverse market conditions that are either specific to us or the 
broader telecommunications industry or more general in nature 
and that could have an adverse effect on our operating results 
and financial condition. 

Negative deviations in actual cash flows compared to 
estimated cash flows as well as new estimates that indicate 
lower future cash flows might result in recognition of impairment 
charges. Estimates require management judgment as well as 
the definition of cash-generating units for impairment testing 
purposes. Other judgments might result in significantly  
different results and may differ from the actual financial  
condition in the future.

Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate 
Governance Risks
Our business may suffer as a result of changes in laws or 
regulations which could subject us to liability, increase costs,  
or reduce product demand.
Telecommunications is an industry which is subject to 
regulations. Changes to these regulations may adversely affect 
both our customers’ and our own operations. For example, 
regulations imposing more stringent, time-consuming or costly 
planning and zoning requirements or building approvals for 
radio base stations and other network infrastructure could 
adversely affect the timing and costs of network construction or 
expansion, and ultimately the commercial launch and success 
of these networks. Similarly, tariff and roaming regulations or 
rules on network neutrality could also affect operators’ ability or 
willingness to invest in network infrastructure, which in turn could 
affect the sales of our systems and services. Additionally, delay 
in radio frequency spectrum allocation, and allocation between 
different types of usage may adversely affect operator spending 
or force us to develop new products to be able to compete. 
Further, we develop many of our products and services 

based on existing regulations and technical standards. 
Changes to existing regulations and technical standards, or 
the implementation of new regulations and technical standards 
relating to products and services not previously regulated, 
could adversely affect our development efforts by increasing 
compliance costs and causing delay. Demand for those products 
and services could also decline. Regulatory changes in license 
fees, environmental, health and safety, privacy and other 
regulatory areas may increase costs and restrict our operations 
or the operations of network operators and service providers. 
Also indirect impacts of such changes and regulatory changes in 
other fields, such as pricing regulations, could have an adverse 
impact on our business even though the specific regulations may 
not apply directly to our products or us. 

Ericsson may fail or be unable to comply with laws or 

regulations and could experience adverse rulings in enforcement 
or other proceedings, which could have a material adverse 
impact on our business, financial condition and brand. 

Our substantial international operations are subject to 
uncertainties which could affect our operating results.
We conduct business throughout the world and are subject 
to the effects of general global economic conditions as well 
as conditions unique to specific countries or regions. We 
have customers in more than 180 countries, with a significant 
proportion of our sales to emerging markets in the Asia 
Pacific region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle 
East and Africa. 

Our extensive operations are subject to numerous 

additional risks, including civil disturbances, economic and 
political instability, the imposition of exchange controls, 
economies which are subject to significant fluctuations, 
nationalization of private assets or other governmental actions 

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affecting the flow of goods and currency, and difficulty of 
enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through 
local legal systems. Further, in certain markets in which we 
operate, there is a risk of protectionist governmental measures 
implemented to assist domestic market participants at the 
expense of foreign competitors. The implementation of such 
measures could adversely affect our sales or our ability to 
purchase critical components. 

We must always comply with relevant export control 

regulations and sanctions or other trade embargoes in force, 
not only at the time of sale but also at the time of delivery. 
The political situation in parts of the world, particularly in the 
Middle East, remains uncertain and the level of sanctions are 
still high. A universal element of these sanctions is the financial 
restrictions with respect to individuals and/or legal entities, but 
sanctions can also restrict certain exports and ultimately lead 
to a complete trade embargo towards a country. In particular, 
the sanctions towards Iran are still significant in scope, although 
in part temporarily and conditionally recently relieved. The 
EU exemption for certain standard telecom equipment is still 
maintained. Even so, there is a risk in many of these countries of 
unexpected changes in  regulatory requirements, tariffs and other 
trade barriers, price or exchange controls, or other governmental 
policies which could limit our operations and decrease our 
profitability. Further export control regulations, sanctions or 
other forms of trade restrictions imposed on countries in which 
we are active may result in a reduction of commitment in those 
countries. The need to terminate activities as a result of further 
trade restrictions may also expose us to customer claims 
and other actions. Although we seek to comply with all such 
regulations, there can be no assurance that we are, or will be 
in the future, compliant with all relevant regulations and such 
violations, even unintentional violations, could have material 
adverse effects on our business, operating results, reputation 
and brand.

There has been a growing concern reported by media 
and others, that certain countries may use features of their 
telecommunications systems in violation of human rights. This 
may adversely affect the telecommunications business and may 
have a negative impact on our reputation and brand. 

As a result of the credit crisis in Europe, concerns persist 

regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their 
ability to meet future financial obligations, the overall stability of 
the euro and the suitability of the euro as a single currency given 
the diverse economic and political circumstances in individual 
member states. These and other concerns could in worst case 
lead to the re-introduction of individual currencies in one or more 
member states, or, in more extreme circumstances, the possible 
dissolution of the euro entirely. These potential developments, or 
market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could 
adversely affect our operations and have a material adverse 
effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. 

We may fail to comply with our corporate governance standards 
which could negatively affect our business, operating results, 
financial condition, reputation and our brand.
We are subject to corporate governance laws and regulations 
and are also committed to several corporate responsibility 
and sustainability initiatives. In some of the countries where 
we operate, corruption risks are high. In addition, there is 
higher focus on anticorruption, with changed legislation in 
many countries. To ensure that our operations are executed in 
accordance with applicable requirements, our management 
system includes a Code of Business Ethics, a Code of Conduct 
and a Sustainability Policy, as well as other policies and directives 
to govern our processes and operations. Our commitment 
to apply the UN Global Compact principles, the UN Guiding 
Principles for Business and Human Rights and principles of the 
Partnering Against Corruption Initiative to our operation cannot 
fully prevent unintended or unlawful use of our technology by 
non-democratic regimes, corruption or violations of our Code of 
Conduct in the supply chain. While we attempt to monitor and 
audit internal compliance with the policies and directives as well 
as our suppliers’ adherence to our Code of Conduct and strive 
for continuous improvements, we cannot provide any assurances 
that violations will not occur which could have material adverse 
effects on our business, operating results, reputation and brand. 

Failure to comply with environmental, health and safety regulations 
in many jurisdictions may expose us to significant penalties and 
other sanctions. 
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. While we believe 
that we are in compliance with all material laws and regulations 
related to the environment, health, and safety, we can provide 
no assurance that we have been, are, or will in the future be 
compliant with these regulations. If we have failed or fail to 
comply with these regulations, we could be subject to significant 
penalties and other sanctions that could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, 
reputation and brand. Additionally, there is a risk that we may 
have to incur expenditures to cover environmental and health 
liabilities to maintain compliance with current or future laws and 
regulations or to undertake any necessary remediation. It is 
difficult to reasonably estimate the future impact of environmental 
matters, such as climate change and weather events, including 
potential liabilities. This is due to several factors, particularly the 
length of time often involved in resolving such matters. Adverse 
future events, regulations, or judgments could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial 
condition, reputation and brand.

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Potential health risks related to electromagnetic fields may  
subject us to various product liability claims and result in 
regulatory changes.
The mobile telecommunications industry is subject to claims that 
mobile handsets and other devices that generate electromagnetic 
fields expose users to health risks. At present, a substantial 
number of scientific studies conducted by various independent 
research bodies have indicated that electromagnetic fields, at 
levels within the limits prescribed by public health authority safety 
standards and recommendations, cause no adverse effects to 
human health. However, any perceived risk or new scientific 
findings of adverse health effects from mobile communication 
devices and equipment could adversely affect us through a 
reduction in sales or through liability claims. Although Ericsson’s 
products are designed to comply with all current safety standards 
and recommendations regarding applicable electromagnetic 
fields, we cannot guarantee that we will not become the subject 
of product liability claims or be held liable for such claims or be 
required to comply with future regulatory changes that may have 
an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial 
condition, reputation and brand.

Regulations related to “conflict minerals” may cause us to 
incur additional expenses, and may make our supply chain 
more complex.
In 2012, the US Securities and Exchange Commission ( the 
“SEC”) adopted a new rule requiring disclosures beginning in 
2014 of specified minerals (“conflict minerals”) that are necessary 
to the functionality or production of products manufactured or 
contracted to be manufactured by companies registered with 
the SEC, whether or not these products or their components are 
manufactured by third parties. While we believe that we will be 
able to fulfill these requirements without materially affecting our 
costs or access to materials we can provide no assurance that 
there will not be material costs associated with complying with 
the disclosure requirements.

While we work and strive to be able to sufficiently verify the 
origins of these minerals, our supply chain is complex, and we 
may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins of the relevant 
minerals used in our products through the due diligence 
procedures that we implement, which may harm our reputation. 
In addition we may encounter challenges if customers require 
that all of the components of our products be certified as conflict-
free. These new disclosure requirements may negatively affect 
our business, operating results, financial condition, reputation 
and brand.

Risks associated with owning  
Ericsson shares
Our share price has been and may continue to be volatile, 
especially as technology companies, securities and markets as a 
whole remain volatile. 
Our share price has been volatile due to various factors, including 
our operating performance as well as the high volatility in the 
securities markets generally and volatility in telecommunications 
and technology companies’ securities in particular. Our share 
price is also likely to be affected by future developments in our 
market, our reported financial results and the expectations of 
financial analysts, as well as statements and market speculation 
regarding our future prospects or the timing or content of any 
public communications, including reports of operating results, by 
us or our competitors.

Factors other than our financial results that may affect our 

share price include, but are not limited to:
 > A weakening of our brand name or other circumstances with 

adverse effects on our reputation

 > Announcements by our customers, competitors or us 
regarding capital spending plans of our customers

 > Financial difficulties for our customers
 > Awards of large supply or service contracts
 > Speculation in the press or investment community about the 
business level or growth in the telecommunications market

 > Technical problems, in particular those relating to the 

introduction and viability of new network systems, including 
LTE/4G and new platforms such as the RBS 6000 (multi-
standard radio base station) platform

 > Actual or expected results of ongoing or potential litigation
 > Announcements concerning bankruptcy or investigations 
into the accounting procedures of ourselves or other 
telecommunications companies

 > Our ability to forecast and communicate our future results in a 

manner consistent with investor expectations.

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect share value  
or value of dividends.
Because our shares are quoted in SEK on NASDAQ OMX 
Stockholm (our primary stock exchange), but in USD on NASDAQ 
New York (ADSs), fluctuations in exchange rates between SEK 
and USD may affect the value of our shareholders’ investments. 
In addition, because we pay cash dividends in SEK, fluctuations 
in exchange rates may affect the value of distributions when 
converted into other currencies. An increasing part of the trade 
in our shares is carried out on alternative exchanges or markets, 
which may lead to less accurate share price information on 
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm or NASDAQ New York. 

  Risk factors

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Auditor’s report

To the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders  
of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ),  
Corporate Identity Number 556016-0680

Report on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
We have audited the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) for the year 2013. (The annual 
accounts and consolidated accounts of the company are included in the 
printed version of this document on pages 36–129.)

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO for 
the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
The Board of Directors and the President and CEO are responsible 
for the preparation and fair presentation of these annual accounts 
and consolidated accounts in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards, as adopted by the EU, and the Annual Accounts 
Act, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors and the 
President and CEO determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
annual accounts and consolidated accounts that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these annual accounts 
and consolidated accounts based on our audit. We conducted our audit 
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and generally 
accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Those standards require that 
we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual accounts and 
consolidated accounts are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 

about the amounts and disclosures in the annual accounts and 
consolidated accounts. The procedures selected depend on the 
auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, 
whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the 
auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s preparation 
and fair presentation of the annual accounts and consolidated 
accounts in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes 
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Board of Directors 
and the President and CEO, as well as evaluating the overall presentation 
of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinions
In our opinion, the annual accounts have been prepared in accordance 
with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, 
the financial position of the Parent Company as of 31 December 2013 
and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then 
ended in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act. The consolidated 
accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts 
Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 

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the group as of 31 December 2013 and of their financial performance 
and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the EU, and the Annual 
Accounts Act. The statutory administration report is consistent with the 
other parts of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts.

We therefore recommend that the annual meeting of shareholders 
adopt the income statement and balance sheet for the parent company 
and the group.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
In addition to our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated 
accounts, we have also audited the proposed appropriations of the 
company’s profit or loss and the administration of the Board of Directors 
and the President and CEO of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) for 
the year 2013.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and the President  
and CEO
The Board of Directors is responsible for the proposal for appropriations 
of the company’s profit or loss, and the Board of Directors and the 
President and CEO are responsible for administration under the 
Companies Act.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion with reasonable assurance 
on the proposed appropriations of the company’s profit or loss and 
on the administration based on our audit. We conducted the audit in 
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden.
As a basis for our opinion on the Board of Directors’ proposed 
appropriations of the company’s profit or loss, we examined the Board 
of Directors’ reasoned statement and a selection of supporting evidence 
in order to be able to assess whether the proposal is in accordance with 
the Companies Act. 

As a basis for our opinion concerning discharge from liability, in 

addition to our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, 
we examined significant decisions, actions taken and circumstances of 
the company in order to determine whether any member of the Board 
of Directors or the President and CEO is liable to the company. We 
also examined whether any member of the Board of Directors or the 
President and CEO has, in any other way, acted in contravention of the 
Companies Act, the Annual Accounts Act or the Articles of Association. 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Opinions
We recommend to the annual meeting of shareholders that the profit 
be appropriated in accordance with the proposal in the statutory 
administration report and that the members of the Board of Directors and 
the President and CEO be discharged from liability for the financial year.

Stockholm, March 5, 2014  
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Peter Nyllinge 
Authorized Public Accountant 

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Forward-looking 
statements

R
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s
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This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements, 
including statements reflecting management’s current views 
relating to the growth of the market, future market conditions, 
future events and expected operational and financial 
performance.  The words “believe,” “expect,” “foresee,” 
“anticipate,” “assume,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “plan,” “estimate,” 
“forecast,” “will,” “should,” “predict,” “aim,” “ambition,” “target,” 
“might,” or, in each case, their negative, and similar words  
are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. 

 > Our business depends upon the continued growth of 
mobile communications and the acceptance of new 
services. If growth slows or new services do not succeed, 
operators’ investment in networks may slow or stop, 
harming our business. 

 > We face intense competition from our existing competitors 
as well as new entrants, including IT companies entering 
the telecommunications market, and this could materially 
adversely affect our results. 

Forward-looking statements may be found throughout this 

document, and include statements regarding: 
 > Our goals, strategies and operational or financial performance 

 > Vendor consolidation may lead to stronger competitors  
who are able to benefit from integration, scale and  
greater resources.

expectations

 > Development of corporate governance standards, stock 

market regulations and related legislation

 > The future characteristics of the markets in which we operate
 > Projections and other characterizations of future events
 > Our liquidity, capital resources, capital expenditures, our credit  
ratings and the development in the capital markets, affecting  
our industry or us

 > The expected demand for our existing as well as new products  

and services

 > The expected operational or financial performance of joint 

ventures and other strategic cooperation activities

 > The time until acquired entities will be accretive to income
 > Technology and industry trends including regulatory 

and standardization environment, competition and our 
customer structure

 > Our plans for new products and services including research 

and development expenditures.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these 
and other forward-looking statements are reasonable, we 
cannot assure you that these expectations will materialize. 
Because forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, 
judgments and estimates, and are subject to risks and 
uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those 
described or implied herein. 

Important factors that could affect whether and to what extent 
any of our forward-looking statements materialize include, but are 
not limited to: 
 > Challenging global economic conditions may adversely impact 
the demand and pricing for our products and services as well 
as limit our ability to grow. 

 > The telecommunications industry fluctuates and is affected 
by many factors, including the economic environment, and 
decisions made by operators and other customers regarding 
their deployment of technology and their timing of purchases. 

 > Sales volumes and gross margin levels are affected by the 

variation and short order time of our products and services. 

 > We may not be able to properly respond to market trends 

in the industries in which we operate, including the ongoing 
convergence of the telecom, data and media industries, which 
may harm our market position relative to our competitors.

 > A significant portion of our revenue is currently generated from 
a limited number of key customers, and operator consolidation 
may increase our dependence on key customers.

 > Certain long-term agreements with customers still include 
commitments to future price reductions, requiring us to 
constantly manage and control our cost base.

 > Growth of our managed services business is difficult to 
predict, and requires taking significant contractual risks.
 > We depend upon the development of new products and 
enhancements to our existing products, and the success 
of our substantial research and development investments is 
uncertain.

 > We engage in acquisitions and divestments which may be 
disruptive and require us to incur significant expenses. 

 > We are in, and may enter into new JV arrangements and have, 
and may have new, partnerships which may not be successful 
and expose us to future costs.

 > We rely on a limited number of suppliers of components, 

production capacity and R&D and IT services, which exposes 
us to supply disruptions and cost increases.

 > Product or service quality issues could lead to reduced 

revenue and gross margins and declining sales to existing and 
new customers.

 > Due to having a significant portion of our costs in SEK and 
revenues in other currencies, our business is exposed to 
foreign exchange fluctuations that could negatively impact our 
revenues and operating results.

 > Our ability to benefit from intellectual property rights (IPR) 

which are critical to our business may be limited by changes in 
regulation limiting patents, inability to prevent infringement, the 
loss of licenses from third parties, infringement claims brought 
against us by competitors and others and changes in the area 
of open standards, especially  in light of recent attention on 
licensing of open standard patents. 

 > We are involved in lawsuits and investigations which, if 

determined against us, could require us to pay substantial 
damages, fines and/or penalties. 

 > Our operations are complex and several critical operations 
are centralized in a single location. Any disruption of our 
operations, whether due to natural or man-made events, may 
be highly damaging to the operation of our business. 

  Forward-looking statements

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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results

Forward-looking statements CONTINUED

 > Cyber security incidents affecting our business may have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
reputation and brand.

 > We must continue to attract and retain highly qualified 

 >

employees to remain competitive.
If our customers’ financial conditions decline, we will be 
exposed to increased credit and commercial risks.

 > We rely on various capital sources for short-term and long-
term capital for the funding of our business. Should such 
capital become unavailable or available in insufficient amounts 
or unreasonable terms, our business, financial condition and 
cashflow may materially suffer.
Impairment of goodwill may negatively impact  
financial condition.

 >

 > Our business may suffer as a result of changes in laws or 

regulations which could subject us to liability, increase costs, 
or reduce product demand.

 > Our substantial international operations are subject to 
uncertainties which could affect our operating results.
 > We may fail to comply with our corporate governance 
standards which could negatively affect our business, 
operating results, financial condition, reputation and 
our brand.

 > Failure to comply with environmental, health and safety 

regulations in many jurisdictions may expose us to significant 
penalties and other sanctions. 

 > Potential health risks related to electromagnetic fields may 
subject us to various product liability claims and result in 
regulatory changes.

 > Regulations related to “conflict minerals” may cause us to 

incur additional expenses, and may make our supply chain 
more complex

 > Our share price has been and may continue to be volatile, 

especially as technology companies, securities and markets 
as a whole remain volatile. 

 > Currency fluctuations may adversely affect share value  

or value of dividends.

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 
exchange regulation.

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Working 
life in the 
networked 
society

Working life is changing. Globalization and 
other powerful trends are transforming the 
workplace into a global arena where virtual 
teams operate across organizational and 
geographic boundaries.  At the same time, 
social media and communication services are 
eroding the borders between private and 
professional lives. Open innovation and crowd 
involvement are also changing the mechanics 
of business development.

Digitalization and information flows are 

enabling organizations to work in new 
ways. This continues to create fundamental 
changes in working life and the activities we 
engage in. Communication services 
provide us with constant access to work 
networks.The removal of restrictions of time 
and location enable people to perform 
effectively and conveniently in a global 
working environment.

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Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

133

Corporate 
governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
REPORT 2013

Corporate governance describes how rights and 
responsibilities are distributed among corporate bodies 
according to applicable laws, rules and internal processes. 
Corporate governance also defines the decision-making 
systems and structure through which owners directly or 
indirectly control a company.

Building trust, both within an organization and in 
relation to external stakeholders, is a key factor 
for successful business operations. Good 
corporate governance forms the basis for 
building a robust corporate culture throughout a 
global organization. Ericsson’s corporate 
governance work focuses both on establishing 
efficient and reliable controls and procedures 
and on establishing a global business culture 
where business is conducted with integrity, 
applying Ericsson’s core values: 
professionalism, respect and perseverence. 
One of the Board of Directors’ tasks is to 
support Group management and to exercise 
critical review of its work. As Chairman of the 
Board, I therefore work to enable an open and 
meaningful dialogue between the Board and 
the Group management. I believe that this 
dialogue is crucial to allow the Board to 
adequately set Ericsson’s strategy and to add 
value to and exercise due control of Ericsson’s 
business operations.

I am confident that the continuous corporate 

governance focus within Ericsson builds trust, 
which in turn generates shareholder value.

Leif Johansson
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Contents

135
136
136
137
138
139

Regulation and compliance 
Governance structure 
Shareholders 
General Meetings of Shareholders 
Nomination Committee 
Board of Directors 
Committees of the Board 
142
of Directors 
145
Remuneration to Board members 
Members of the Board of Directors  146
Management 
150
Members of the Executive 
Leadership Team 
Auditor 
Internal control over 
financial reporting 2013 
Auditor’s report on the Corporate 
Governance Report 

154
157

160

157

This Corporate Governance Report is 
rendered as a separate report added to the 
Annual Report in accordance with the Annual 
Accounts Act ((SFS 1995:1554) Chapter 6, 
Sections 6 and 8) and the Swedish 
Corporate Governance Code. 
The report has been reviewed by Ericsson’s 
auditor in accordance with the Annual 
Accounts Act. A report from the auditor is 
appended hereto.

KEY EVENTS IN 2013

>  Election of Nora 

Denzel, Kristin Skogen 
Lund and Pär Östberg 
as new members of 
the Board of Directors

> Establishment of 
Group Function 
Business Excellence 
and Common 
Functions

> Further improvement 
of Board training 
through introducing 
bi-annual Board 
Strategic Days

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REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE
External rules 
As a Swedish public limited liability company with 
securities quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm 
as well as on NASDAQ New York, Ericsson is 
subject to a variety of rules that affect its 
governance. Major external rules include:
 > The Swedish Companies Act
 > The Rule Book for issuers of NASDAQ  

OMX Stockholm

 > The Swedish Corporate Governance Code 

Compliance with the Swedish Corporate 
Governance Code
Ericsson is committed to complying with 
best-practice corporate governance on a global 
level wherever possible. This includes continued 
compliance with the Code. Ericsson does not 
report any deviations from the rules of the Code 
in 2013. The Code is published on the website 
of the Swedish Corporate Governance Board 
which administrates the Code:
www.corporategovernanceboard.se.

(the “Code”) 

 > NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, including 
applicable NASDAQ New York corporate 
governance requirements (subject to certain 
exemptions principally reflecting mandatory 
Swedish legal requirements)

The Code of Business Ethics can be 

 > Applicable requirements of the US Securities 

found on Ericsson’s website.

and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Internal rules 
In addition, to ensure compliance with legal and 
regulatory requirements and the high standards 
that we set for ourselves, Ericsson has adopted 
internal rules that include:
 > A Code of Business Ethics
 > Group Steering Documents, including Group 

policies and directives, instructions and 
business processes for approval, control  
and risk management

 > A Code of Conduct, to be applied in 

product development, production, supply 
and support of Ericsson products and 
services worldwide.

The articles of association and the work 
procedure for the Board of Directors also 
include internal corporate governance rules. 

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Compliance with applicable stock  
exchange rules
In 2013, there has been no infringement of 
applicable stock exchange rules and no breach 
of good practice on the securities market 
reported by the stock exchange’s disciplinary 
committee or the Swedish Securities Council. 

Code of Business Ethics
Ericsson’s Code of Business Ethics summarizes 
the Group’s basic policies and directives and 
contains rules to ensure that business is 
conducted with a strong sense of integrity. This 
is critical to maintain trust and credibility with 
Ericsson’s customers, partners, employees, 
shareholders and other stakeholders. 
    The Code of Business Ethics has been 
translated into 30 languages. This ensures  
that it is accessible to everyone working for 
Ericsson. During recruitment, employees 
acknowledge that they are aware of the 
principles of the Code of Business Ethics. This 
procedure is repeated during the term of 
employment. Through this process, Ericsson 
strives to raise awareness throughout its 
global operations.

Everyone working for Ericsson has an 

individual responsibility to ensure that 
business practices adhere to the Code of 
Business Ethics.

Professionalism

Respect

Perseverance

Ericsson’s core values
Our values are the foundation of our culture. 
They guide us in our daily work, in how we relate 
to each other and the world around us and in 
the way we do business.

  Corporate Governance report

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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Corporate 
governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2013 CONTINUED

Shareholders
Ownership percentage (voting rights)

  Swedish institutions: 
Of which: 
– Investor AB:  
– AB Industrivärden:  
(together with SHB  
  Pensionsstiftelse and  
  Pensionskassan SHB 
  Försäkringsförening)

  Foreign institutions: 

  Swedish retail investors: 

  Other: 

Source: King Worldwide

56.73% 

21.50% 
19.96% 

25.38%

4.98%

12.91%

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE 
Shareholders may exercise their decision-
making rights in the Company at General 
Meetings of shareholders.

A Nomination Committee is appointed each 
year by the major shareholders in accordance 
with the Instruction for the Nomination 
Commit-tee adopted by the Annual General 
Meeting of shareholders. The tasks of the 
Nomination Committee include the proposal of 
an external auditor and Board members for 
election by the Annual General Meeting of 
shareholders and proposals of Board member 
and auditor remuneration.

In addition to the Board members elected by 

shareholders, the Board of Directors consists  
of employee representatives and their deputies, 
which the unions have the right to appoint 
under Swedish law. The Board of Directors is 
ultimately responsible for the strategy and the 
organization of Ericsson and the management 
of its operations. 

The President and CEO, appointed by the 
Board of Directors, is responsible for handling 
the day-to-day management of Ericsson in 
accordance with instructions from the Board. 
The President and CEO is supported by the 
Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

The external auditor of Ericsson is elected  

by the General Meeting of shareholders.

Governance structure

General Meetings of shareholders
Annual General Meeting/
Extraordinary General Meeting

Unions

Board of Directors
12 Directors elected by the General Meetings of shareholders
3 Directors and 3 Deputies appointed by the Unions

Audit 
Committee

Finance 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination
Committee

External
Auditor

President and CEO

Management

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Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

SHAREHOLDERS 
Ownership structure
As of December 31, 2013, Telefonaktiebolaget 
LM Ericsson (the “Parent Company”) had 
516,922 registered shareholders, of which 
503,668 were resident or located in Sweden 
(according to the share register kept by 
Euroclear Sweden AB). Swedish institutions held 
almost 57% of the votes. The largest 
shareholders as of December 31, 2013 were 
Investor AB, with 21.50% of the votes, and AB 
Industrivärden, with 19.96% of the votes 
(together with Svenska Handelsbankens 
Pensionsstiftelse and Pensionskassan SHB 
Försäkringsförening). 

A significant number of the shares held by 
foreign investors are nominee-registered, i.e. 
held off-record by banks, brokers and/or 
nominees. This means that the actual 
shareholder is not displayed in the share register 
or included in the shareholding statistics. 

More information on Ericsson’s shareholders 
can be found in the chapter “Share Information” 
in the Annual Report.

Shares and voting rights
The share capital of the Parent Company 
consists of two classes of listed shares: A and  
B shares. Each Class A share carries one vote 
and each Class B share carries one tenth of  
one vote. Class A and B shares entitle the 
holder to the same proportion of assets and 
earnings and carry equal rights to dividends.

The Parent Company may also issue Class  

C shares, which shares are used to create 
treasury stock to finance and hedge long-term 
variable remuneration programs resolved by the  
General Meeting of shareholders. Class  
C shares are converted into Class B shares  
before they are used for long-term variable 
remuneration programs. 

In the United States, the Ericsson Class B 
share is listed on NASDAQ New York in the form 
of American Depositary Shares (ADS) evidenced 
by American Depositary Receipts (ADR). Each 
ADS represents one Class B share. 

The members of the Board of Directors and 
the Executive Leadership Team have the same 
voting rights on shares as other shareholders 
holding the same class of shares. 

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GENERAL MEETINGs OF 
SHAREHOLDERS
Decision-making at General Meetings
The decision-making rights of Ericsson’s 
shareholders are exercised at General Meetings 
of shareholders. Most resolutions at General 
Meetings are passed by a simple majority. 
However, the Swedish Companies Act requires 
qualified majorities in certain cases, for example 
in case of:
 > Amendment of the Articles of Association
 > Resolution to transfer treasury stock to 

employees participating in long-term variable 
remuneration programs.

The Annual General Meeting of shareholders
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders 
(AGM) is held in Stockholm. The date and venue 
for the meeting is announced on the Ericsson 
website no later than at the time of release of 
the third-quarter interim financial report.

Shareholders who cannot participate in 
person may be represented by proxy. Only 
shareholders registered in the share register have 
voting rights. Nominee-registered shareholders 
who wish to vote must request to be entered into 
the share register by the record date for the AGM.

The AGM is held in Swedish and is 
simultaneously interpreted into English. All 
documentation provided by the Company is 
available in both Swedish and English. 

The AGM gives shareholders the opportunity 

to raise questions relating to the operations of 
the Group. Normally, the majority of the 
members of the Board of Directors and the 
Executive Leadership Team is present to answer 
such questions. Shareholders and other 
interested parties may also correspond in 
writing with the Company at any time.

The external auditor is always present at  

the AGM.

Ericsson’s Annual General Meeting 2013
Including shareholders represented by proxy, 
2,885 shareholders were represented at the 
AGM held on April 9, 2013, making up 
approximately 69% of the votes. 

The meeting was also attended by members 

of the Board of Directors, members of the 
Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the 
external auditor.

Decisions of the AGM 2013 included:

 > Payment of a dividend of SEK 2.75 per share 
 > Re-election of Leif Johansson as Chairman  

of the Board of Directors

 > Re-election of members of the Board of 

Directors: Roxanne S. Austin, Sir Peter L. 
Bonfield, Börje Ekholm, Alexander Izosimov, 
Ulf J. Johansson, Sverker Martin-Löf, Hans 
Vestberg and Jacob Wallenberg

 > Election of Nora Denzel, Kristin Skogen Lund 
and Pär Östberg as new members of the 
Board of Directors

 > Board of Directors’ fees:

 – Chairman: SEK 3,850,000 (previously SEK 

3,750,000)

 – Other non-employee Board members: SEK 
900,000 each (previously SEK 875,000)

 – Chairman of the Audit Committee:  

SEK 350,000 (unchanged)

 – Other non-employee members of the Audit 
Committee: SEK 250,000 each (unchanged)
 – Chairmen of the Finance and Remuneration 

Committees: SEK 200,000 each 
(unchanged)

 – Other non-employee members of the 

Finance and Remuneration Committees: 
SEK 175,000 each (unchanged)

 > Approval for part of the Directors’ fees to  
be paid in the form of synthetic shares
 > Approval of Guidelines for remuneration  

 >

to Group Management
Implementation of a Long-Term Variable 
Remuneration Program 2013.

The minutes from the AGM 2013 are available  
on Ericsson’s website.

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CONTACT THE BOARD  
OF DIRECTORS
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
The Board of Directors Secretariat
SE-164 83 Stockholm
Sweden
boardsecretariat@ericsson.com

Annual general meeting 2014

Ericsson’s AGM 2014 will take place on April 11, 2014 at Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre in Stockholm. 
Further information is available on Ericsson’s website.

  Corporate Governance report

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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Corporate 
governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2013 CONTINUED

NOMINATION COMMITTEE 
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders 
has adopted an Instruction for the Nomination 
Committee that includes the tasks of the 
Nomination Committee and the procedure for 
appointing its members. The instruction applies 
until the General Meeting of shareholders 
resolve otherwise. Under the instruction, the 
Nomination Committee shall consist of:
 > Representatives of the four largest 

shareholders by voting power by the end  
of the month in which the AGM was held, and 

 > The Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The Committee may also include additional 
members following a request by a shareholder. 
The request must be justified by changes in the 
shareholder’s ownership of shares and be 
received by the Nomination Committee no later 
than December 31. No fees are paid to the 
members of the Nomination Committee. 

Members of the Nomination Committee
The current Nomination Committee consists of 
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leif 
Johansson, and of representatives appointed by 
the four shareholders with the largest voting 
power as of April 30, 2013. The current 
Nomination Committee members are: 
 > Carl-Olof By (AB Industrivärden, Svenska 

Handelsbankens Pensionsstiftelse), Chairman 
of the Nomination Committee 

 > Leif Johansson, Chairman of the Board  

of Directors

 > Petra Hedengran (Investor AB) 
 > Johan Held (AFA Försäkring)
 > Marianne Nilsson (Swedbank Robur Fonder).

The tasks of the Nomination Committee
The main task of the Committee is to propose 
Board members for election by the AGM. The 
Committee must orient itself on the 

CONTACT THE 
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
The Nomination Committee
c/o General Counsel’s Office
SE-164 83 Stockholm
Sweden
nomination.committee@ericsson.
com

PROPOSALS TO THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Shareholders may submit proposals to the Nomination Committee at any time, but should do 
so in due time before the AGM to ensure that the proposals can be considered by the 
Committee. Further information is available on Ericsson’s website.

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Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

Company’s strategy and future challenges to 
be able to assess the competence and 
experience that is required by the Board. In 
addition, the Committee must consider 
independence rules applicable to the Board of 
Directors and its committees.

The Nomination Committee also makes the 
following proposals, for resolution by the AGM:
 > Proposal for remuneration to non-employee 

Directors elected by the AGM and 
remuneration to the auditor

 > Proposal for election of auditor, whereby 

candidates are selected in cooperation with 
the Audit Committee of the Board
 > Proposal for election of Chairman at  

the AGM.

Work of the Nomination Committee  
for the AGM 2014 
The Nomination Committee started its work  
by going through a checklist of all its duties 
according to the Code and the Instruction for 
the Nomination Committee and by setting a time 
plan for its work ahead. A good understanding 
of Ericsson’s business and strategy is important 
for the members of the Committee. Therefore, 
the President and CEO was invited to, together 
with the Chairman of the Board, present their 
views on the Company’s position and strategy. 
The Committee was thoroughly informed of 
the results of the evaluation of the Board work 
and procedures, including the performance of 
the Chairman of the Board. On this basis, the 
Committee was able to assess the competence 
and experience required by Board members. In 
proposing Board members, the Nomination 
Committee considered, among other things, 
necessary experience and competence, as well 
as the value of diversity, renewal and gender 
balance. The Committee also considered 
whether the proposed Directors have the 
capability to devote necessary time and care to 
the Board work.

In addition, the Committee acquainted itself 

with the assessments made by the Company 
and the Audit Committee of the quality and 
efficiency of external auditor work, and received 
recommendations on external auditor  
and audit fees. 

As of March 5, 2014 the Nomination 

Committee has held six meetings.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible 
for the organization of Ericsson and the 
management of Ericsson’s operations. The 
Board appoints the President and CEO who is 
responsible for managing the day-to-day 
operations in accordance with guidelines from 
the Board. The President and CEO ensures that 
the Board is updated regularly on issues of 
importance to Ericsson. This includes updates 
on business development, results, financial 
position and liquidity.

Directors serve from the close of one AGM to 
the close of the next, but can serve any number 
of consecutive terms.

The President and CEO may be elected a 
Director of the Board, but, under the Swedish 
Companies Act, the President of a public 
company may not be elected Chairman of  
the Board.

Conflicts of interest
Ericsson maintains rules and regulations 
regarding conflicts of interest. Directors  
are disqualified from participating in any 
decision regarding agreements between 
themselves and Ericsson. The same applies  
to agreements between Ericsson and any  
third party or legal entity in which the Board 
member has an interest that may be contrary to 
the interests of Ericsson. 

The Audit Committee has implemented a 
procedure for related-party transactions and  
a pre-approval process for non-audit services 
carried out by the external auditor. 

only Board member who was also a member of 
Ericsson’s management during 2013. 

Work procedure
Pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act,  
the Board of Directors has adopted a work 
procedure that outlines rules for the distribution 
of tasks between the Board and its Committees 
as well as between the Board, its Committees 
and the President and CEO. This complements 
rules in the Swedish Companies Act and in the 
Articles of Association of the Company. The 
work procedure is reviewed, evaluated and 
adopted by the Board as required and at least 
once a year.

Independence
The Board of Directors and its Committees are 
subject to a variety of independence rules under 
applicable Swedish law, the Code and 
applicable US securities laws, SEC rules and 
the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. However, 
Ericsson can rely on exemptions from certain 
US requirements.

The composition of the Board of Directors 

meets all applicable independence criteria.  
The Nomination Committee concluded  
before the AGM 2013 that, for purposes of  
the Code, at least seven of the nominated 
Directors were independent of Ericsson, its 
senior management and its major shareholders. 
These were Roxanne S. Austin, Sir Peter L. 
Bonfield, Nora Denzel, Alexander Izosimov, Leif 
Johansson, Ulf J. Johansson and Kristin 
Skogen Lund.

Composition of the Board of Directors
The current Board of Directors consists of 12 
Directors elected by the shareholders at the 
AGM 2013 for the period until the close of the 
AGM 2014. It also consists of three employee 
representatives, each with a deputy, appointed 
by the trade unions for the same period of time. 
The President and CEO, Hans Vestberg, is the 

Structure of the work of the Board of 
Directors 
The work of the Board follows a yearly cycle. 
This enables the Board to appropriately address 
each of its duties and to keep strategy, risk 
assessment and value creation high on the 
agenda. In addition to Board meetings, the 
annual work cycle of the Board includes two 

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Board Strategic Days held in connection with 
Board meetings. The Board Strategic Days are 
described below under Training and Board 
Strategic Days.
    As the Board is responsible for financial 
oversight, financial information is presented and 
evaluated at each Board meeting. Furthermore, 
the Chairmen of each Committee, generally 
report on Committee work at each Board 
meeting and minutes from Committee meetings 
are distributed to all Directors prior to 
the Board meetings. 

 > Main strategy meeting 

Various strategic issues are addressed at 
most Board meetings and, in accordance 
with the annual cycle for the strategy 
process, a main strategy Board meeting is 
held, in essence dedicated to short- and 
long-term strategies of the Group. Following 
the Board’s input on, and approval of, the 
overall strategy, the strategy is cascaded 
throughout the entire organization, starting at 
the Global Leadership Summit with 
Ericsson’s top 250 leaders.

At every Board meeting, the President and 

 > Second interim report meeting  

CEO reports on business and market 
developments as well as on the financial 
performance of the Group. Strategic issues and 
risks are also addressed at most Board 
meetings. The Board is regularly informed of 
developments in legal and regulatory matters  
of importance. 

The annual work cycle of the Board:

 > Statutory meeting  

The yearly cycle starts with the statutory 
Board meeting which is held in connection 
with the AGM. At this meeting, members  
of each of the three Board Committees  
are appointed and the Board resolves  
on signatory power. 

 > First interim report meeting 

At the next ordinary meeting, the Board 
handles the interim financial report for the 
first quarter of the year. 

At the second interim report meeting, the 
Board handles the interim financial report  
for the second quarter of the year.

 > Follow-up strategy and risk  

management meeting 
Following the summer, a meeting is held to 
address particular strategy matters in further 
detail and to finally confirm the Group 
strategy. The meeting also addresses the 
overall risk management of the Group. 

 > Board Strategic Day 

A Board Strategic Day, focusing on 
deepening Board member knowledge of 
matters of strategic importance for Ericsson, 
is held in connection with a Board meeting in 
the fall.

 > Third interim report meeting 

A Board meeting is held to handle the interim 
financial report for the third quarter of the 
year. At this meeting, the results of the Board 
evaluation are presented to and discussed by 
the Board.

The Board’s annual work cycle

Budget and financial outlook meeting

Fourth-quarter and full-year financial results meeting
 > Financial result of the entire year

The annual cycle applied to the 
Board’s work allows the Board 
to appropriately address its 
duties during the year. It also 
facilitates the organization in 
aligning its global processes  
to allow appropriate Board 
involvement. This is particularly 
relevant for the Group’s 
strategy process and risk 
management. 

Third interim report meeting
 > Q3 Financial report
 > Board work evaluation

Board Strategic Day 

Q4

Nov

Dec

Jan

Oct

Sep

Board meetings
– annual cycle

Q1

Feb

Mar

Apr

Follow-up strategy and 
risk management meeting

Aug

Q3

Jul

Jun

May

Q2

Board Strategic Day

Annual Report meeting
 > Board signs the annual report

Statutory meeting (in connection with AGM)
 > Appointment of Committee Members
 > Authorization to sign for the Company

First interim report meeting
 > Q1 Financial report

Second interim report meeting
 > Q2 Financial report

Main strategy meeting

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 > Budget and financial outlook meeting 

A meeting is held for the Board to address 
the budget and financial outlook as well as to 
further analyze internal and external risks.
 > Fourth-quarter and full-year financial 

results meeting 
Following the end of the calendar year, the 
Board holds a meeting which focuses on the 
financial results of the entire year and handles 
the fourth-quarter financial report. 

 > Board Strategic Day 

A Board Strategic Day, focusing on 
deepening Board member knowledge of 
matters of strategic importance for Ericsson, 
is held in connection with a Board meeting in 
the spring.

 > Annual Report meeting 

The Annual Report meeting closes the  
yearly cycle of work of the Board of  
Directors. At this meeting the Board 
approves the Annual Report. 

Training and Board Strategic Days
All new Directors receive comprehensive 
training tailored to their individual needs. 
Introductory training typically includes 
meetings with the heads of the business units 
and Group functions, as well as training 
arranged by NASDAQ OMX Stockholm on 
listing issues and insider rules. In addition, the 
company arranges training for Board members 
at regular intervals.

During 2013, Ericsson took steps to further 

improve the recurring Board training by 
instituting bi-annual Board Strategic Days. The 
Board Strategic Days are arranged for Board 
members in conjunction with the ordinary Board 
meetings, and normally span one full day in the 
spring and one full day in the fall. The Board 
Strategic Days focus on combining strategy 
issues with making deep dives into issues of 
importance for the Ericsson Group. The 
purpose of the Board Strategic Days is to 
ensure that members of the Board have 
knowledge and understanding of the business 
activities of the Group, the business 

environment and of the Group’s strategic 
options and challenges. Directors’ knowledge in 
these fields is crucial to allow well-founded 
Board resolutions, and to ensure that the 
Company take due advantage of the different 
compentences of the Directors.

As a rule, the Board Strategic Days also 

include Sustainability and Corporate 
Responsibility training for the Board members. 

Auditor involvement
The Board meets with Ericsson’s external 
auditor in closed sessions at least once a  
year to receive and consider the auditor’s 
observations. The auditor reports to 
management on the accounting and financial 
reporting practices of the Group.

The Audit Committee also meets with the 
auditor to receive and consider observations  
on the interim reports and the Annual 
Report. The auditor has been instructed to 
report on whether the accounts, the 
management of funds and the general 
financial position of the Group are presented 
fairly in all material respects.

In addition, the Board reviews and assesses 

the process for financial reporting, as 
described later in “Internal control over 
financial reporting 2013”. Combined with 
internal controls, the Board’s and the auditor’s 
review of interim and annual reports are 
deemed to give reasonable assurance on the 
internal controls over financial reporting.

Work of the Board of Directors in 2013 
In 2013, nine Board meetings were held. For 
attendance at Board meetings, see the table on 
page 145. Among the matters addressed by the 
Board this year (apart from regular matters in 
the annual Board work cycle) were: 
 > A number of acquisitions, including the 

Devoteam Telecom & Media operations in 
France, Microsoft Mediaroom, TelcoCell, Red 
Bee Media (the completion of the acquisition 
of Red Bee Media is still subject to approval 
by the UK Competition Commission after 

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Organization of the Board work

Audit
Committee
(4 Directors)

>  Oversight of financial 

reporting

>  Oversight of internal control

>  Oversight of auditing

Board of Directors
15 Directors

Finance
Committee
(4 Directors)

> Financing
> Investing
> Customer credits

Remuneration
Committee
(4 Directors)

>  Guidelines for remuneration 

to Group management

>  Long-Term Variable  

Remuneration

>  Executive remuneration

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referral to the Competition Commission by 
The Office of Fair Trading in the UK) and the 
EVDO business of Airvana Network Solutions
 > Completion of the transaction to split up the 

joint venture ST-Ericsson

 > Refinancing of Ericsson’s USD 2 billion 

revolving credit facility

 > A number of divestments, including the 
power cable operations and part of the 
telecom cable operations, and the former 
research and engineering arm of Telcordia 
Technologies, ACS (Applied 
Communication Sciences)

 > Continued strong focus on risk management, 

strategy and the competitive market 
development, as well as on sustainability and 
corporate responsibility matters.

Board work evaluation 
A key objective of the Board evaluation is to 
ensure that the Board work is functioning well. 
This includes gaining an understanding of the 
issues that the Board thinks warrant greater 
focus, as well as determining areas where 
additional competence is needed within the 
Board. The evaluation also serves as guidance 
for the work of the Nomination Committee.

Each year, the Chairman of the Board initiates 

and leads the evaluation of the Board and 
Committee work and procedures. Evaluation 
tools include detailed questionnaires and 
discussions. The services of an external 
corporate advisory firm have been retained by 
the Company to assist in developing 
questionnaires, carrying out surveys and 
summarizing responses. As part of the 

evaluation process, the Chairman of the Board 
also had individual discussions with each  
of the Directors.

In 2013, all Directors responded to written 
questionnaires, covering the Director’s individual 
performance, Board work in general, Committee 
work and the Chairman’s performance. The 
Chairman was not involved in the development 
or compilation of the questionnaire which 
related to his performance, nor was he present 
when his performance was evaluated. The 
evaluations were thoroughly discussed and an 
action plan was developed in order to further 
improve the work of the Board.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has established three 
Committees: the Audit Committee, the Finance 
Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 
Members of each Committee are appointed  
for one year from amongst the Board members.
The task of the Committees is mainly to 
prepare matters for resolution by the Board. 
However, the Board has authorized each 
Committee to determine certain issues in limited 
areas. It may also on occasion provide extended 
authorization for the Committees to determine 
specific matters.

If deemed appropriate, the Board of Directors 

and each Committee have the right to engage 
independent external expertise, either in general 
or with respect to specific matters.

Prior to the Board meetings, each Committee 

submits the minutes from Committee meetings 

Members of the Committees

Members of the Committees of the Board of Directors 2013

Audit
Committee

>  Ulf J Johansson 

(Chairman)

>  Sir Peter L. Bonfield

> Kristina Davidsson

> Pär Östberg

Finance
Committee

>  Leif Johansson 

(Chairman)

> Pehr Claesson

> Sverker Martin-Löf

> Jacob Wallenberg

Remuneration
Committee

>  Leif Johansson 

(Chairman)

> Börje Ekholm

> Roxanne S. Austin

> Karin Åberg

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to the Board. The Chairman of the Committee 
also reports on the Committee work at each 
Board meeting.

Audit Committee
On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee 
monitors the following:
 > The scope and correctness of the financial 

statements

 > Compliance with legal and regulatory 

requirements
Internal control over financial reporting

 >
 > Risk management
 > The effectiveness and appropriateness of the 

Group’s anti-corruption program.

The Audit Committee also reviews the annual 
and interim financial reports and oversees the 
external audit process, including audit fees.  
This involves:
 > Reviewing, with management and the 

external auditor, the financial statements 
(including their conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles)
 > Reviewing, with management, the 

reasonableness of significant estimates and 
judgments made in preparing the financial 
statements, as well as the quality of the 
disclosures in the financial statements
 > Reviewing matters arising from reviews  

and audits performed. 

The Audit Committee itself does not perform 
audit work. Ericsson has an internal audit 
function which reports directly to the Audit 
Committee. Ericsson also has an external 
auditor elected by the AGM.

The Committee is involved in the 

preparatory work of proposing an auditor for 
election by the AGM. It also monitors Group 
transactions and the ongoing performance 
and independence of the auditor with the aim 
to avoid conflicts of interest. 

In order to ensure the auditor’s 

independence, the Audit Committee has 
established pre-approval policies and 
procedures for non-audit related services to be 
performed by the external auditor. Pre-approval 
authority may not be delegated to management. 
The Audit Committee also oversees:
 > The process for reviewing transactions  

with related parties

 > The whistleblower procedure for the 

reporting of alleged violations of laws or the 
Code of Business Ethics that (i) are 
conducted by Group or local management, 
and (ii) relate to corruption, questionable 
accounting or auditing matters or otherwise 
seriously affect vital interests of the Group or 
personal health and safety.

Violations reported through the whistleblower 
procedure are handled by Ericsson’s Group 
Compliance Forum, consisting of 
representatives from Ericsson’s internal audit 

function, Group Function Legal Affairs, Group 
Security, and Group Function Human 
Resources. Information regarding any incident is 
reported to the Audit Committee. Reports 
include measures taken, details of the 
responsible Group function and the status  
of any investigation.

Members of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of four Board 
members appointed by the Board. The Audit 
Committee members appointed by the Board in 
connection with the AGM 2013 are Ulf J. 
Johansson (Chairman of the Committee), 
Sir Peter L. Bonfield, Kristina Davidsson and 
Pär Östberg. 

The composition of the Audit Committee 

meets all applicable independence 
requirements. The Board of Directors has 
determined that each of Ulf J. Johansson, Sir 
Peter L. Bonfield and Pär Östberg is an audit 
committee financial expert, as defined under the 
SEC rules. Each of them is considered 
independent under applicable US securities 
laws, SEC rules and NASDAQ Stock Market 
Rules and each of them is financially literate and 
familiar with the accounting practices of an 
international company, such as Ericsson.

Work of the Audit Committee in 2013 
The Audit Committee held seven meetings in 
2013. Directors’ attendance is reflected in the 
table on page 145. During the year, the Audit 
Committee reviewed the scope and results of 
external financial audits and the independence 
of the external auditor. It also monitored the 
external audit fees and approved non-audit 
services performed by the external auditor in 
accordance with the Committee’s pre-approval 
policies and procedures.

The Committee approved the annual audit 
plan for the internal audit function and reviewed 
its reports. Prior to publishing it, the Committee 
also reviewed and discussed each interim report 
and the annual report with the external auditor.
The Committee monitored the continued 
compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as  
well as the internal control and risk 
management process. It also reviewed certain 
related-party transactions in accordance with 
its established process. 

The Committee reviewed and evaluated  

the effectiveness and appropriateness of  
the Group’s anti-corruption program. 

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is primarily  
responsible for:
 > Handling matters related to acquisitions  

and divestments

 > Handling capital contributions to companies 

inside and outside the Ericsson Group

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 > Raising loans, issuing guarantees and similar 

undertakings, and approving financial 
support to customers and suppliers

 > Continuously monitoring the Group’s financial 

risk exposure.

The Finance Committee is authorized  
to determine matters such as: 
 > Direct or indirect financing
 > Provision of credits
 > Granting of guarantees and  

similar undertakings 

 > Certain investments, divestments and 

financial commitments.

Members of the Finance Committee
The Finance Committee consists of four 
Board members appointed by the Board. 
The Finance Committee members appointed 
by the Board in connection with the AGM 
2013 are: Leif Johansson (Chairman of the 
Committee), Pehr Claesson, Sverker 
Martin-Löf and Jacob Wallenberg.

Work of the Finance Committee in 2013
The Finance Committee held nine meetings in 
2013. Directors’ attendance is reflected in the 
table on page 145. During the year, the Finance 
Committee approved numerous customer 
finance credit arrangements and reviewed a 
number of potential mergers and acquisitions 
and real estate investments. The Finance 
Committee spent significant time discussing 
and securing an adequate capital structure, as 
well as examining cash flow and working capital 
performance. It has also continuously monitored 
Ericsson’s financial position, foreign exchange 
and credit exposures.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee’s main 
responsibilities include:
 > Reviewing and preparing for resolution by  
the Board, proposals on salary and other 
remuneration, including retirement 
compensation, for the President and CEO
 > Reviewing and preparing for resolution by the 
Board, proposals to the AGM on guidelines 
for remuneration to the ELT

 > Approving proposals on salary and other 

remuneration, including retirement 
compensation, for the Executive Vice 
Presidents and other CEO direct reports
 > Reviewing and preparing for resolution by  
the Board, proposals to the AGM on the 

Long-Term Variable Remuneration Program  
and similar equity arrangements.

In its work, the Remuneration Committee 
considers trends in remuneration, legislative 
changes, disclosure rules and the general global 
executive remuneration environment. The 
Committee reviews salary survey data before 
approving any salary adjustment for CEO direct 
reports and before preparing salary adjustments 
for the President and CEO for resolution by  
the Board.

Members of the Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee consists of four 
Board members appointed by the Board. The 
Remuneration Committee members appointed 
by the Board in connection with the AGM 2013 
are: Leif Johansson (Chairman of the 
Committee), Börje Ekholm, Roxanne S. Austin 
and Karin Åberg.

An independent expert advisor, Piia Pilv, has 

been appointed by the Remuneration 
Committee to advise and assist the Committee. 

Work of the Remuneration Committee in 2013 
The Remuneration Committee held six meetings 
in 2013. Directors’ attendance is reflected in the 
table on page 145.

The Committee reviewed and prepared a 
proposal for the LTV 2013 for resolution by the 
Board. This was approved by the AGM 2013. 
The Committee further resolved on salaries and 
Short-Term Variable remuneration (STV) for 2013 
for certain CEO direct reports and prepared 
proposals regarding remuneration to the 
President and CEO, for resolution by the Board. 
The Committee also prepared guidelines for 
remuneration to the ELT, for resolution by the 
Board, which were subsequently referred by the 
Board to the AGM for approval.

The Remuneration Committee additionally 

concluded its analysis of the current LTV 
structure and executive remuneration. The 
resulting proposals on LTV and guidelines for 
remuneration to the ELT will be referred to the 
AGM 2014 for resolution.

For further information on fixed and variable 

remuneration, please see Notes to the 
consolidated financial statements – Note C28 
“Information regarding members of the Board  
of Directors, the Group management and 
employees” and the “Remuneration Report” 
included in the Annual Report. 

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Directors’ attendance and fees 2013

                                         Fees resolved by the AGM 2013

Number of Board/Committee meetings attended in 2013

Board fees, 

SEK 1)

Committee fees, 
SEK

Board

Audit  
Committee

Finance  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Board member

Leif Johansson

Sverker Martin-Löf 2) 3)
Jacob Wallenberg

Roxanne S. Austin 4)
Sir Peter L. Bonfield
Nora Denzel 5)
Börje Ekholm
Alexander Izosimov
Ulf J. Johansson
Anders Nyrén 6)
Nancy McKinstry 6)
Kristin Skogen Lund 5)

Hans Vestberg
Michelangelo Volpi 6)

Pär Östberg 5) 7)
Pehr Claesson
Kristina Davidsson
Karin Åberg
Rickard Fredriksson 
Karin Lennartsson
Roger Svensson
Total number of meetings

400,000

175,000
175,000

175,000
250,000

175,000

350,000

3,850,000

900,000
900,000

900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
900,000
–
–
900,000

–
–

900,000

250,000

13,500 8)
13,500 8)
12,000 8)
13,500 8)
13,500 8)
13,500 8)

9

9 
9

9
8
7
9
9
9
2
2
7

9
1

7
9
9
8
9
9
9
9

2

6

7

5

7

7

9

7
9

2

9

9

1)  Non-employee Directors can choose to receive part of their Board fee (exclusive of Committee fees) in the form of synthetic shares.
2)  Member of the Finance Committee since April 9, 2013.
3)   Resigned from the Audit Committee as of April 9, 2013.
4)    Member of the Remuneration Committee since April 9, 2013.
5)   Elected Board member as of April 9, 2013.
6)  Resigned as Board member as of April 9, 2013.
7)  Member of the Audit Committee since April 9, 2013.
8)  Employee representative Board members and their deputies are not entitled to a Board fee but compensation in the amount of SEK 1,500 per attended Board meeting.

6

5

6

1

6

6

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following the General Meeting that resolved on 
the allocation of the synthetic shares. The 
purpose of paying part of the Board of Directors’ 
fee in the form of synthetic shares is to further 
align the Directors’ interests with shareholder 
interests. For more information on the terms and 
conditions of the synthetic shares, please refer 
to the notice convening the AGM 2013 and to 
the minutes from the AGM 2013, which are 
available at Ericsson’s website. 

REMUNERATION TO BOARD 
MEMBERS
Remuneration to Board members not employed 
by the Company is proposed by the Nomination 
Committee for resolution by the AGM.

The AGM 2013 approved the Nomination 

Committee’s proposal for fees to the non-
employee Board members for Board and 
Committee work. For further information on 
Board of Directors’ fees 2013, please refer to 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
– Note C28 “Information regarding members of 
the Board of Directors, the Group management  
and employees” in the Annual Report. 
The AGM 2013 also approved the 

Nomination Committee’s proposal that Board 
members may be paid part of their Board fee in 
the form of synthetic shares. 

A synthetic share gives the right to receive  

a future cash payment of an amount which 
corresponds to the market value of a Class B 
share in Ericsson at the time of payment. The 
Director’s right to receive payment with regard  
to allocated synthetic shares occurs, as a main 
rule, after the publication of the Company’s 
year-end financial statement during the fifth year 

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Corporate 
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Members of the board of directors

Board members elected by the AGM 2013

Leif Johansson 
(first elected 2011) 
Chairman of the Board of 
Directors, Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee and of 
the Finance Committee

Born 1951. Master of Science in 
Engineering, Chalmers University of 
Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. 
Board Chairman: Astra Zeneca PLC, 
European Round Table of 
Industrialists and the  
International Advisory Board  
of the Nobel Foundation. 
Board Member: Svenska Cellulosa 
Aktiebolaget SCA and Ecolean AB. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
41,933 Class B shares 1), and
12,000 Class B shares held via 
endowment insurance 2) .
Principal work experience and other 
information: President of the Royal 
Swedish Academy of Engineering 
Sciences since 2012. President and 
CEO of AB Volvo 1997-2011. 
Executive Vice President of AB 
Electrolux 1988-1991, President 
1991-1994 and President and CEO 
of AB Electrolux 1994-1997. Holds 
honorary Doctorates at Blekinge 
Institute of Technology, the University  
of Gothenburg and Chalmers 
University of Technology. Awarded 
the Large Gold Medal of the Royal 
Swedish Academy of Engineering 
Sciences in 2011.

Sverker Martin-Löf 
(first elected 1993) 
Deputy Chairman of the Board 
of Directors, Member of the 
Finance Committee

Jacob Wallenberg 
(first elected 2011) 
Deputy Chairman of the Board  
of Directors, Member of the  
Finance Committee

Roxanne S. Austin 
(first elected 2008) 
Member of the Remuneration 
Committee

Born 1943. Doctor of Technology 
and Master of Engineering, KTH 
Royal Institute of Technology, 
Stockholm, Sweden.
Board Chairman: Svenska Cellulosa 
Aktiebolaget SCA, SSAB and AB 
Industrivärden. 
Deputy Board Chairman: Svenska 
Handelsbanken AB.
Board Member: Skanska AB.
Holdings in Ericsson:  
10,400 Class B shares 1)
Principal work experience and other 
information: President and CEO of 
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA 
1990–2002, where he was 
employed 1977–1983 and 1986–
2002. Previous positions at Sunds 
Defibrator and Mo och Domsjö AB.

Born 1956. Bachelor of Science in 
Economics and Master of 
Business Administration, Wharton 
School, University of Pennsylvania, 
USA. Officer of the Reserve, 
Swedish Navy. 
Board Chairman: Investor AB. 
Deputy Board Chairman: SAS AB 
and SEB Skandinaviska Enskilda 
Banken AB (SEB). 
Board Member: ABB Ltd, The 
Coca-Cola Company, The Knut and 
Alice Wallenberg Foundation and 
Stockholm School of Economics. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
2,413 Class B shares 1), and
12,050 synthetic shares 3) .
Principal work experience and other 
information: Chairman of the Board 
of Investor AB since 2005. President 
and CEO of SEB in 1997 and 
Chairman of SEB’s Board of 
Directors 1998–2005. Executive Vice 
President and CFO of Investor AB 
1990–1993. Honorary Chairman of 
IBLAC (Mayor of Shanghai’s 
International Business Leaders 
Advisory Council) and member  
of The European Round Table  
of Industrialists.

Born 1961. Bachelor of 
Business Administration in 
Accounting, University of Texas, 
San Antonio, USA. 
Board Member: Abbott 
Laboratories, AbbVie Inc., Teledyne 
Technologies Inc. and Target 
Corporation. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
3,000 Class B shares 1), and 31,296 
synthetic shares 3).
Principal work experience and 
other information: President of 
Austin Investment Advisors since 
2004. President and CEO of Move 
Networks Inc. 2009–2010. 
President and COO of DirecTV 
2001–2003. Corporate Senior 
Vice President and CFO of 
Hughes Electronics Corporation 
1997–2000, which she joined in 
1993. Previously a partner at 
Deloitte & Touche. Member of the 
California State Society of 
Certified Public Accountants and 
the American Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants.

The Board memberships and holdings in Ericsson reported above are as of December 31, 2013.
1)  The number of shares includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 
2)  Shares held via endowment insurance include shares held under an insurance under which the insurance holder may make investment decisions with respect to the shares (Sw: 

“kapitalförsäkring” or “depåförsäkring”) and include holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of ADS, if applicable. 

3)  Since 2008, the AGM has each year resolved that part of the Board fee may be received in the form of synthetic shares. A synthetic share is a right to receive in the future a 

payment corresponding to the value of the Class B share in Ericsson at the time of payment. Please see page 145, for further information.

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Sir Peter L. Bonfield 
(first elected 2002)
Member of the Audit Committee

Nora Denzel 
(first elected 2013) 

Börje Ekholm 
(first elected 2006)
Member of the Remuneration 
Committee

Alexander Izosimov
(first elected 2012)

Born 1944. Honors degree in 
Engineering, Loughborough 
University, Leicestershire, UK. 
Board Chairman: NXP 
Semiconductors N.V.  
Board Member: Mentor Graphics 
Inc., Sony Corporation and Taiwan 
Semiconductor Manufacturing 
Company, Ltd. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
4,400 Class B shares 1), and
10,660 synthetic shares 3).
Principal work experience and other 
information: CEO and Chairman of 
the Executive Committee of British 
Telecommunications plc 1996–2002. 
Chairman and CEO of ICL plc 
1985–1996. Positions with STC plc 
and Texas Instruments Inc. Member 
of the Advisory Boards of New 
Venture Partners LLP and the 
Longreach Group. Board Mentor of 
CMi. Senior Advisor, Rothschild, 
London. Chair of Council and Senior 
Pro-Chancellor, Loughborough 
University, UK. Fellow of the Royal 
Academy of Engineering. 

Born 1962. Master of Science in 
Business Administration, Santa Clara 
University, USA. Bachelor of Science 
in Computer Science, State 
University of New York, USA.
Board Member: Outerwall, Inc. and 
Saba Software.
Holdings in Ericsson: None 1).
Principal work experience and other 
information: Intuit Software 
(2008– 2012) – Senior Vice President 
Big Data, Marketing and Social 
Product Design and General 
Manager QuickBooks Payroll 
Division. Previous positions include 
Senior Vice President and General 
Manager of HP’s Global Software, 
Storage and Consulting Divisions 
(2000-2006), Senior Vice President 
Product Operations Legato Systems 
(bought by EMC) and various 
engineering, marketing and 
executive positions at IBM. Board 
member of YWCA of Silicon Valley 
and the Anita Borg Institute.

Born 1963. Master of Science in 
Electrical Engineering, KTH Royal 
Institute of Technology, Stockholm, 
Sweden. Master of Business 
Administration, INSEAD, France.
Board Chairman: KTH Royal Institute 
of Technology, Stockholm and 
NASDAQ OMX Group Inc.
Board Member: Investor AB,  
AB Chalmersinvest and EQT 
Partners AB. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
30,760 Class B shares 1), and 40,398 
synthetic shares 3).
Principal work experience and other 
information: President and CEO of 
Investor AB since 2005. Formerly 
Head of Investor Growth Capital Inc.
and New Investments. Previous 
positions at Novare Kapital AB and 
McKinsey & Co Inc.

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Born 1964. Master of Business 
Administration, INSEAD, France 
and Master of Science in 
Production Management 
Systems and Computer Science, 
Moscow Aviation Institute, 
Russian Federation. 
Board Member: East Capital AB, 
Modern Times Group MTG AB, 
EVRAZ Group S.A., Dynasty 
Foundation, Transcom WorldWide 
SA and International Chamber of 
Commerce (ICC). 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
1,600 Class B shares 1), 50,000 
Class B shares held via 
endowment insurance 2) , and 
6,296 synthetic shares 3).
Principal work experience and other 
information: CEO and President of 
VimpelCom 2003-2011. Previous 
positions with Mars Inc., including 
Member of the Global Executive 
Board and Regional President for 
CIS, Central Europe and Nordics. 
Earlier positions with McKinsey & Co 
as consultant in the Stockholm and 
London offices. Served as GSMA 
Board member 2005–2008 and 
Chairman of GSMA 2008–2010.

The Board memberships and holdings in Ericsson reported above are as of December 31, 2013.
1)  The number of shares includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 
2)  Shares held via endowment insurance include shares held under an insurance under which the insurance holder may make investment decisions with respect to the shares (Sw: 

“kapitalförsäkring” or “depåförsäkring”) and include holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of ADS, if applicable. 

3)  Since 2008, the AGM has each year resolved that part of the Board fee may be received in the form of synthetic shares. A synthetic share is a right to receive in the future a 

payment corresponding to the value of the Class B share in Ericsson at the time of payment. Please see page 145, for further information.

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Corporate 
governance

Members of the board of directors CONTINUED

Board members elected by the AGM 2013

Ulf J. Johansson 
(first elected 2005) 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Kristin Skogen Lund
(first elected 2013) 

Hans Vestberg 
(first elected 2010)

Pär Östberg
(first elected 2013)
Member of the Audit Committee

Born 1945. Doctor of Technology 
and Master of Science in Electrical 
Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of 
Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. 
Board Chairman: Acando AB, 
Eurostep Group AB and Trimble 
Navigation Ltd.
Board Member:  European Institute 
of Innovation and Technology.
Holdings in Ericsson:  
6,435 Class B shares 1), and 14,720 
synthetic shares 2).
Principal work experience and other 
information: Founder of Europolitan 
Vodafone AB, where he was the 
Chairman of the Board 1990–2005. 
Previous positions at Spectra-
Physics AB as President and CEO 
and at Ericsson Radio Systems AB. 
Member of the Royal Academy of 
Engineering Sciences.

Born 1966. Master of Business 
Administration, INSEAD, France. 
Bachelor in International Studies and 
Business Administration, University 
of Oregon, USA.
Board Member:  None
Holdings in Ericsson:  
2,804 synthetic shares 2).
Principal work experience and other 
information: Director General of the 
Confederation of Norwegian 
Enterprise (NHO) since 2012. 
Executive Vice President and Head 
of Digital Services and Broadcast 
and Executive Vice President and 
Head of Nordic Region, Group 
Executive Management at Telenor 
2010–2012. Previous positions 
include Chief Executive Officer and 
Commercial Director at Aftenposten, 
Chief Executive Officer at Scanpix, 
Managing Director and Editor  
in Chief at Scandinavia Online,  
and several positions at the 
Coca-Cola Company, Unilever  
and Norges Eksportråd.

Born 1962. Master of Business 
Administration, Gothenburg 
School of Economics, 
Gothenburg, Sweden.
Board Member: Skanska AB  
and SSAB.
Holdings in Ericsson: None .
Principal work experience and other 
information: Executive Vice President 
of AB Industrivärden since 2012. 
Executive Vice President at Volvo 
Group Truck Joint Ventures between 
January 2012 and October 2012. 
Several senior managerial positions 
within the Volvo group including 
Senior Vice President and President 
Trucks Asia at AB Volvo, Chairman 
of the Board of VE Commercial 
Vehicles Ltd, Senior Vice President 
and CFO at AB Volvo, CFO at Volvo 
Trucks France and senior positions 
at Volvo Treasury Asia Ltd, 
Singapore and Volvo Treasury 
Europe AB. Previous positions also 
include Senior Vice President, CFO 
at Renault Trucks and positions 
within Renault Crédit International 
(RCI) and Renault SA.

Born 1965. Bachelor of Business 
Administration and Economics, 
University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Board Chairman: Svenska 
Handbollförbundet.
Board Member: Thernlunds AB. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
217,185 Class B shares 1).
Principal work experience and other 
information: President and CEO of 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 
since January 1, 2010. Previously, 
First Executive Vice President, CFO 
and Head of Group Function 
Finance and Executive Vice 
President and Head of Business Unit 
Global Services. Various positions in 
the Group since 1988, including Vice 
President and Head of Market Unit 
Mexico and Head of Finance and 
Control in USA, Brazil and Chile. 
International advisor to the Governor 
of Guangdong, China and co-
chairman of the Russian-Swedish 
Business Council. Founding 
member of the Broadband 
Commission for Digital Development, 
and heading the Commission’s task 
group on the post 2015 
development agenda. Member of 
the Leadership Council of the United 
Nations Sustainable Development 
Solutions Network.

The Board memberships and holdings in Ericsson reported above are as of December 31, 2013.
1)  The number of shares reflects ownership as of December 31, 2013 and includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 
2)  Since 2008, the AGM has each year resolved that part of the Board fee may be received in the form of synthetic shares. A synthetic share is a right to receive in the future a 

payment corresponding to the value of the Class B share in Ericsson at the time of payment. Please see page 145, for further information..

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Board members and deputies appointed by the unions

Pehr Claesson 
(first appointed 2008)
Employee representative, Member of  
the Finance Committee 

Kristina Davidsson 
(first appointed 2006)
Employee representative, Member of  
the Audit Committee

Karin Åberg 
(first appointed 2007)
Employee representative, Member of 
the Remuneration Committee

Born 1966. Appointed by the union 
The Swedish Association of 
Graduate Engineers. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
1,319 Class B shares 1).
Employed since 1997. Working  
with marketing and communication 
for Consulting and Systems 
Integration within Business Unit 
Global Services.

Born 1955. Appointed by the union 
IF Metall. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
1,856 Class B shares 1). 
Employed since 1995. Previously 
working as a repairer within 
Business Unit Networks and 
currently working full time as  
union representative. 

Born 1959. Appointed by the union 
Unionen. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
3,156 Class B shares 1).
Employed since 1995. Working as  
a Service Engineer within the  
IT organization.

Rickard Fredriksson 
(first appointed 2012)
Deputy employee representative

Karin Lennartsson 
(first appointed 2010)
Deputy employee representative

Roger Svensson 
(first appointed 2011)
Deputy employee representative 

Born 1969. Appointed by the union 
IF Metall. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
1,249 Class B shares 1).
Employed since 2000. Previously 
working as machine operator 
within Business Unit Networks 
and currently working full time as 
union representative. 

Born 1957. Appointed by the union 
Unionen. 
Holdings in Ericsson:  
571 Class B shares 1).
Employed since 1976. Working as 
Process Expert within Group 
Function Business Excellence & 
Common Functions. 

Born 1971. Appointed by the union 
The Swedish Association of 
Graduate Engineers.
Holdings in Ericsson:  
9,724 Class B shares 1).
Employed since 1999. Working as 
Senior Specialist within Business 
Unit Networks. 

Hans Vestberg was the only Director who held an 
operational management position at Ericsson in 2013. 
No Director has been elected pursuant to an 
arrangement or understanding with any major 
shareholder, customer, supplier or other person.

At the Annual General Meeting 2013, Nora Denzel, Kristin 
Skogen Lund and Pär Östberg were elected new 
members of the Board of Directors, replacing Nancy 
McKinstry, Anders Nyrén and Michelangelo Volpi. 

1)  The number of shares reflects ownership as of December 31, 2013 and includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as 

well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 

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Corporate 
governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2013 CONTINUED

MANAGEMENT
The President/CEO and the Executive 
Leadership Team
The Board of Directors appoints the President 
and CEO and the Executive Vice Presidents. 
The President and CEO is responsible for the 
management of day-to-day operations and is 
supported by the Executive Leadership Team 
(the “ELT”). The ELT members as of December 
31, 2013, are presented on page 154. 
The role of the ELT is to:
 > Establish a strong corporate culture, a 

long-term vision and Group strategies and 
policies, all based on objectives stated by 
the Board

 > Determine targets for operational  

units, allocate resources and monitor  
unit performance

 > Secure operational excellence and realize 

global synergies through efficient 
organization of the Group.

Remuneration to the Executive 
Leadership Team
Guidelines for remuneration to the ELT were 
approved by the AGM 2013. For further 
information on fixed and variable remuneration, 
see the Remuneration Report and Notes to the 
consolidated financial statements – Note C28, 
“Information regarding members of the Board  
of Directors, the Group management and 
employees” in the Annual Report.

The Ericsson Group Management System
Ericsson has one global management system, 
known as the “Ericsson Group Management 
System” (EGMS) to drive corporate culture and 
to ensure that the business is managed:
 > To fulfill the objectives of Ericsson’s  
major stakeholders (customers,  
shareholders, employees)

 > Within established risk limits and with reliable 

 >

internal control
In compliance with relevant applicable laws, 
listing requirements, governance codes and 
corporate social responsibilities.

The EGMS is a framework consisting of rules 
and requirements for Ericsson’s business, 
specified through process and organization 
descriptions, policies, directives and 
instructions. The management system is applied 
in all Ericsson’s operations globally, and its 
consistency and global reach is designed to 
build trust in the way Ericsson works. The 
EGMS is founded on ISO 9001 (international 
standard for quality management systems) but 
is designed as a dynamic governance system, 
enabling Ericsson to adapt the system to 
evolving demands and expectations, including 
new legislation as well as customers’ and other 
stakeholders’ requirements. Ericsson does not 
implement external requirements without 
analyzing them and putting them into the 
Ericsson context. 

Ericsson Group Management System

Customers
Key Stakeholders
Business Environment

Demands  
 and Expectations

Objectives
Strategies

Performance
Improvement

Management and Control
Policies 

Directives

Vision 

Satisfaction through  
Value Deliverables

Results

Performance
Evaluation

The Ericsson Business Processes

Organization and Resources 
Corporate Culture

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The EGMS comprises three elements:

 > Management and control
 > Ericsson business processes
 > Organization and resources.

Management and control
Ericsson’s strategy and target-setting processes 
consider the demands and expectations of 
customers as well as other key stakeholders. 
Ericsson uses balanced scorecards as tools for 
translating strategic objectives into a set of 
performance indicators for its operational units. 
Based on annual strategy work, these 
scorecards are updated with targets for each 
unit for the next year and are communicated 
throughout the organization. 

Group-wide policies and directives govern 

how the organization works and are core 
elements in managing and controlling 
Ericsson. The Group Policies and Directives 
include, among other things, a Code of 
Business Ethics, a Code of Conduct and 
accounting and reporting directives to fulfill 
external reporting requirements.

The Group Steering Documents Committee 
works to ensure that the policies and directives 
cover relevant issues; that they are aligned and 
consistent with Group strategies, values and 
structures; and that they are not in conflict with 
legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, 
the Group Steering Documents Committee 
works to ensure that the said strategies, values 
and structures are implemented by the 
responsible function.

Ericsson business processes
As a market leader, Ericsson utilizes the 
competitive advantages that are gained through 
global scale and has implemented common 
processes and IT tools across all operational 
units worldwide. Customer requirements are 
identified, clarified and formalized in Ericsson 
Business Processes where requirements 
transform from theory to practice. Ericsson 
attempts to reduce costs with efficient and 
effective process flows and with standardized 
internal controls and performance indicators.

Organization and resources
Ericsson is operated in two dimensions: one 
operational structure and one legal structure. 
The operational structure aligns accountability 
and authority regardless of country borders 
and supports the process flow with cross-
country operations. In the operational 
structure, Ericsson is organized in group 
functions, business units and regions. The 
legal structure is the basis for legal 
requirements and responsibility as well as for 
tax and statutory reporting purposes. There 
are more than 200 legal entities within the 
Ericsson Group with representation (via legal 
entities, branch and representative offices) in 
more than 150 countries. 

Chief Compliance Officer
Ericsson has a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) 
whose primary focus is to further develop 
Ericsson’s anti-corruption compliance program. 
Attention from senior-management level on 
anti-corruption and compliance is crucial, as is 
ensuring that these matters are addressed from 
a cross-functional perspective. Ericsson’s 
anti-corruption compliance program is 
reviewed and evaluated by the Audit 
Committee at least annually. 

Audits, assessments and certification
The purpose of audits and assessments is to 
determine levels of compliance and to provide 
valuable information for understanding, 
analyzing and continually improving 
performance. Management monitors 
compliance with policies, directives and 
processes through internal self-assessment 
within all units. This is complemented by internal 
and external audits. 

Due to demands and requirements from 
customers and other external stakeholders, 
Ericsson sometimes needs to take decisions on 
certification in order to stay competitive in the 
market. Certification means that Ericsson’s 
interpretation of standards or requirements are 
confirmed by a third party assessment.

As the EGMS is a global system, group-wide 

certificates are issued by a third party 
certification body proving that the system is 
efficient throughout the whole organization. 
Ericsson is currently globally certified to ISO 
9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and 
OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety). Selected 
Ericsson units are also certified to additional 
standards, for example ISO 27001 (Information 
Security) and TL 9000 (telecom-specific 
standard). EGMS is also audited within the 
scope of the audit plan of Ericsson’s internal 
audit fuction. 

Ericsson’s external financial audits are 
performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and 
ISO/management system audits by Intertek. 
Internal audits are performed by the company’s 
internal audit function which reports to the 
Audit Committee. 

Ericsson conducts audits of suppliers in 
order to secure compliance with Ericsson’s 
Code of Conduct, which includes rules that 
suppliers to the Ericsson Group must 
comply with.

Risk management 
Ericsson’s risk management is integrated into 
the operational processes of the business, and 
is a part of the EGMS to ensure accountability, 
effectiveness, efficiency, business continuity 
and compliance with corporate governance, 
legal and other requirements. The Board of 
Directors is also actively engaged in the 
Company’s risk management. Risks related to  
long-term objectives are discussed and 

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Corporate 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2013 CONTINUED

strategies are formally approved by the Board 
as part of the annual strategy process. Risks 
related to annual targets for the Company are 
also reviewed by the Board and then monitored 
continuously during the year. Certain 
transactional risks require specific Board 
approval, e.g. acquisitions, management 
remuneration, borrowing or customer finance  
in excess of pre-defined limits. 

Strategic and tactical risks
Strategic risks constitute the highest risk to the 
Company if not managed properly as they could 
have a long-term impact. Ericsson therefore 
reviews its long-term objectives, main strategies 
and business scope on an annual basis and 
continuously works on its tactics to reach these 
objectives and to mitigate any risks identified.
In the annual strategy and target setting 
process, objectives are set for the next three to 
five years. Risks and opportunities are assessed 
and strategies are developed to achieve the 
objectives. The strategy process in the 
Company is well established and involves 
regions, business units and Group functions. 
The strategy is summarized and discussed in a 
yearly Leadership Summit with approximately 
250 leaders from all parts of the business. By 
involving all parts of the business in the process, 
potential risks are identified early and mitigating 

actions can be incorporated in the strategy and 
in the annual target-setting process following 
the finalization of the strategy. 

Key components in the evaluation of risk 

related to Ericsson’s long-term objectives. 
include technology development, industry and 
market fundamentals, the development of the 
economy and laws and regulations. 

The outcome of the strategy process forms 
the basis for the annual target-setting process, 
which involves regions, business units and Group 
functions. Risks related to the targets are 
identified as part of this process together with 
actions to mitigate the identified risks. Follow-up 
of targets, risks and mitigating actions are 
reported and discussed continuously in business 
unit and region steering groups and are reviewed 
by the Board of Directors. 

Ericsson continuously strives to improve its 

risk management and believes that it is 
important that the entire global organization 
takes part in the risk management and strategy 
work. The risk management framework 
implemented during 2012 has been further 
developed and qualified during 2013. For more 
information on risks related to Ericsson’s 
business, see the chapter “Risk factors” in the 
Annual Report.

Strategy, target-setting and risk management cycle

The annual strategy, target-
setting and risk management 
cycle is part of Ericsson’s 
strategy process, which is 
well-established within the 
Group and involves regions, 
business units and Group 
functions.

Board Target Approval
Review of one-year risks

Group Management Strategy Direction
Quantitative and qualitative situation analysis

Target Setting 
Related risk identification and 
 mitigation (12-month horizon)

Region &
Account Planning

Board Strategy Approval
Review of long-term risks

Q4

Nov

Oct

Sep

Dec

Jan

New Business
Development

Q1

Feb

Mar

Apr

Aug

Q3

Jul

Jun

May

Q2

Group Strategy Development
(five-year perspective)

Business unit & Group
function strategy planning
Strategic risk identification and mitigation

  Board quarterly risk monitoring

Leadership Summit on Strategy

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 Operational and financial risks
Operational risks are owned and managed  
by operational units. Risk management is 
embedded in various process controls, such as 
decision tollgates and approvals. Certain 
cross-process risks are centrally coordinated, 
such as information security, IT security, 
corporate responsibility and business continuity 
and insurable risks. Financial risk management 
is governed by a Group policy and carried out 
by the Treasury and Customer Finance 
functions, both supervised by the Finance 
Committee. The policy governs risk exposures 
related to foreign exchange, liquidity/financing, 
interest rates, credit risk and market price risk in 
equity instruments. For further information on 
financial risk management, see Notes to the 
consolidated financial statements – Note C14, 
“Trade receivables and customer finance,” Note 
C19, “Interest-bearing liabilities” and Note C20, 
“Financial risk management and financial 
instruments” in the Annual Report. 

Compliance risks
Ericsson has implemented Group policies and 
directives in order to comply with applicable 

laws and regulations, including a Code of 
Business Ethics and a Code of Conduct. Risk 
management is integrated in the Company’s 
business processes. Policies and controls are 
implemented to comply with financial reporting 
standards and stock market regulations.

Risk mitigation
Significant ongoing activities in order to mitigate 
risks include:
 > Establishing flexibility to cost-effectively 

accommodate to fluctuations in customer 
demand

 > Conducting regular supplier Code of 

Conduct audits

 > Continuously assessing and managing  

CR risks

 > Conducting business continuity management 

in an efficient way

 > Conducting corporate governance training  

as needed

 > Continuously monitoring information systems 

to guard against data breaches

 > Reviewing top risks and mitigating actions  
at various internal governance meetings.

Process to identify and manage strategic and tactical risks for regions, business units and Group functions

Leadership Team meeting and workshop

Preparations

Establish gross list

Prioritize risks

Assign responsibility

Manage risks

Compile input:

>  Business unit plan, region 
plan, functional strategy 
including SWOT analysis

>  Preparatory meetings/ 

workshop

Consider the four risk 
categories:

>  Industry and market risks

>  Commercial risks

>  Operational risks

>  Compliance risks

>  Rank the risks based on 
business impact and 
probability

>  Document risk heat map 
in relation with strategic 
objectives (up to 5 years) 
and with short-term 
targets (1 year) 

>  Define management 

response; accept, reduce, 
eliminate

>  Assign responsibility for 
managing each top risk

>  Agree on cooperation 

between units.

>  Develop mitigation actions

>  Secure risk reviews in 
business reports and 
governance meetings

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Example of risk heat  
map document
Risk heat maps are generated 
by business units, regions and 
Group functions in four risk 
categories:
 >
 > Commercial risk
 > Operational risk
 > Compliance risk

Industry and market risk

RiSk hEat Map (illustration only)
Time horizon 1–5 years

Management response:   

 Accept   

 Reduce   

 Eliminate

Industry & Market 

Commercial 

Operational 

Compliance

2

3

4

5

1

)

h
g
H

i

,

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m
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e
M

,

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o
L

(

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i
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i

b
a
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P

Impact (Low, Medium, High)

Impact (Low, Medium, High)

Impact (Low, Medium, High)

Impact (Low, Medium, High)

Risk description

Mitigating action

1
2
3
4
5

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Corporate 
governance

Members of the executive leadership team

Nina Macpherson

angel Ruiz

Bina Chaurasia

Jan Frykhammar

Mats h. Olsson

Johan Wibergh

helena Norrman

Douglas L. Gilstrap 

per Borgklint

Jan Wäreby

hans Vestberg

Rima Qureshi

Ulf Ewaldsson 

anders thulin

Magnus Mandersson

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per Borgklint

Hans Vestberg
President and CEO (since 2010)
Born 1965. Bachelor of Business Administration and 
Economics, University of Uppsala, Sweden.  
Board Chairman: Svenska Handbollförbundet.
Board Member: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and 
Thernlunds AB.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 217,185 Class B shares. 
Background: Previously, First Executive Vice President, 
CFO and Head of Group Function Finance and Executive 
Vice President and Head of Business Unit Global 
Services. Various positions in the Group since 1988, 
including Vice President and Head of Market Unit Mexico 
and Head of Finance and Control in USA, Brazil and 
Chile. International advisor to the Governor of 
Guangdong, China and co-chairman of the Russian-
Swedish Business Council. Founding member of the 
Broadband Commission for Digital Development, and 
heading the Commission’s task group on the post-2015 
development agenda. Member of the Leadership 
Council of the United Nations Sustainable Development 
Solutions Network.

Jan Frykhammar
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 
Head of Group Function Finance (since 2009)
Born 1965. Bachelor of Business Administration and 
Economics, University of Uppsala, Sweden. 
Board Member: The Swedish International Chamber of 
Commerce.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 22,985 Class B shares.
Background: Previously Senior Vice President and Head 
of Business Unit Global Services. Various positions 
within Ericsson including Sales and Business Control in 
Business Unit Global Services, CFO in North America 
and Vice President, Finance and Commercial within the 
Global Customer Account Vodafone.

Magnus Mandersson
Executive Vice President (since 2011) and Head of 
Business Unit Global Services (since 2010)
Born 1959. Bachelor of Business Administration, 
University of Lund, Sweden.
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 33,504 Class B shares.
Background: Previously Head of Business Unit CDMA, 
Market Unit Northern Europe, Global Customer Account 
Deutsche Telekom AG and Product Area Managed 
Services. Has also been President and CEO of SEC/
Tele2 Europe and COO of Millicom International  
Cellular S.A.

Johan Wibergh
Executive Vice President (since 2010) and Head  
of Business Unit Networks (since 2008)
Born 1963. Master of Computer Science, Linköping 
Institute of Technology, Sweden. 
Board Member: Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, 
KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Teknikföretagen.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 55,012 Class B shares.
Background: Previously President of Ericsson 

Brazil, President of Market Unit Nordic and Baltics 
and Vice President and Head of Sales at Business 
Unit Global Services.

Per Borgklint
Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit 
Support Solutions (since 2011)
Born 1972. Master of Science in Business Administration, 
Jönköping International Business School, Sweden.
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 5,000 Class B shares.
Background: Previously CEO of Net1 (Ice.net), Canal Plus 
Nordic and Versatel. Has also held several leading 
positions at Tele2.

Bina Chaurasia
Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources 
Officer and Head of Group Function Human Resources 
(since 2010)
Born 1962. Master of Science in Management and 
Human Resources, Ohio State University, USA, 
and Master of Arts in Philosophy, University of 
Wisconsin, USA.
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 22,677 Class B shares.
Background: Joined Ericsson from Hewlett Packard, 
where she was Vice President of Global Talent 
Management. Has held senior HR leadership roles  
at Gap, Sun Microsystems and PepsiCo/Yum.

Ulf Ewaldsson 
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer 
and Head of Group Function Technology (since 2012) 
Born 1965. Master of Science in Engineering and 
Business Management, Linköping Institute of 
Technology, Sweden.
Board Member: Lund University.
Holdings in Ericsson 1):  22,177 Class B shares.
Background: Previously Head of Product Area Radio 
within Business Unit Networks. Has held various 
managerial positions within Ericsson since 1990. Member 
of the European Cloud Partnership Steering Board.

Douglas L. Gilstrap 
Senior Vice President and Head of Group Function 
Strategy (since 2009) and Chairman of Business Unit 
Modems (since 2013)
Born 1963. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 
University of Richmond, USA, and Master of Business 
Administration, Emory University, Atlanta, USA. Executive 
program at INSEAD, France.
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 22,727 Class B shares.
Background: Has held various global managerial 
positions within the telecommunications sector for more 
than 18 years. 

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1)  The number of shares includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 

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Corporate 
governance

Members of the executive  
leadership team CONTINUED

Nina Macpherson
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Group 
Function Legal Affairs and secretary to the Board of 
Directors (since 2011)
Born 1958. Master of Laws, LL.M., University of 
Stockholm, Sweden.
Board Member: The Association for Swedish Listed 
Companies and the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm 
Chamber of Commerce (SCC).
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 11,560 Class B shares.
Background: Previously Vice President and Deputy Head 
of Group Function Legal Affairs at Ericsson. Previous 
positions also include private practice and in-house 
attorney. Member of the Swedish Securities Council.

Helena Norrman
Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer 
and Head of Group Function Communications 
(since 2011)
Born 1970. Master of International Business 
Administration, Linköping University, Sweden.
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 12,621 Class B shares.
Background: Previously Vice President, Communications 
Operations at Group Function Communications at 
Ericsson. Has held various positions within Ericsson’s 
global communications organization since 1998. 
Previous positions as communications consultant.

Mats H. Olsson
Senior Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific (since 
January 2013) 
Born 1954. Master of Business Administration, 
Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden.
Board Member: None. 
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 75,754 Class B shares.
Background: International economic advisor to a number 
of Chinese provincial and municipal governments. Head 
of Region North East Asia, 2010–2012. Has held various 
executive positions across the Asia-Pacific region for 
more than 25 years, including Head of Market Unit 
Greater China and Head of Market Unit South East Asia. 

Rima Qureshi
Senior Vice President Strategic Projects (since 
January 2013)
Born 1965. Bachelor of Information Systems and 
Master of Business Administration, McGill University, 
Montreal, Canada. 
Board Member: MasterCard Incorporated.

Holdings in Ericsson 1): 6,076 Class B shares.
Background: Also serves as Head of Ericsson 
Response. Head of Business Unit CDMA Mobile 
Systems 2010–2012. Previously Vice President of 
Strategic Improvement Program and Vice President 
Product Area Customer Support. Has held various 
positions within Ericsson since 1993.

Angel Ruiz
Head of Region North America (since 2010)
Born 1956. Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, University 
of Central Florida, USA, and Master of Management 
Science and Information Systems, Johns Hopkins 
University, USA.
Board Member: CTIA.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 59,933 Class B shares. 
Background: Joined Ericsson in 1990 and has held a 
variety of technical, sales and managerial positions within 
the Company, including heading up the global account 
teams for Cingular/SBC/BellSouth (now AT&T). Was 
appointed President of Ericsson North America in 2001. 
Member of National Security Telecommunications 
Advisory Committee (NSTAC).

Anders Thulin
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and 
Head of Group Function Business Excellence and 
Common Functions (since October 2013) 
Born 1963. Degree in Economics and Business 
Administration from Stockholm School of Economics, 
Sweden, including MBA studies at the Western 
University, Ivey Business School, Canada. 
Board Member: None.
Holdings in Ericsson 1): None. 
Background: Joined Ericsson from McKinsey & Co 
where he was senior partner. Has more than 20 years of 
experience in implementing business excellence across 
diverse industries, including IT and telecom.

Jan Wäreby
Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing 
(since 2011)
Born 1956. Master of Science, Chalmers University, 
Gothenburg, Sweden. 
Board Member: None. 
Holdings in Ericsson 1): 82,286 Class B shares.
Background: Senior Vice President and Head of 
Business Unit Multimedia and Executive Vice President 
and Head of Sales and Marketing for Sony Ericsson 
Mobile Communications.

The Board memberships and Ericsson holdings reported above are as of December 31, 2013.
1)  The number of shares includes holdings by related natural and legal persons, as well as holdings of any ADS, if applicable. 

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AUDITOR
According to the Articles of Association, the 
Parent Company shall have no less than one 
and no more than three registered public 
accounting firms as external independent 
auditor. Ericsson’s auditor is currently elected 
each year at the AGM pursuant to the 
Swedish Companies Act, which provides that 
the mandate period of an auditor shall be one 
year, unless the Articles of Association 
provide for a longer mandate period of up to 
four years. The auditor reports to the 
shareholders at General Meetings.

The duties of the auditor include:

 > Updating the Board of Directors regarding 
the planning, scope and content of the 
annual audit work

 > Reviewing the interim reports for the third 
and fourth quarters and the year-end 
financial statements to assess that the 
financial statements are presented fairly in 
all material respects

 > Advising the Board of Directors of non-

audit services performed, the consideration 
paid and other issues that determine the 
auditor’s independence. 

For further information on the contacts between 
the Board and the auditor, please see “Work of 
the Board of Directors” earlier in this Corporate 
Governance Report. 
     Auditing work is carried out by the auditor 
continuously throughout the year. The auditor 
signs review opinions over Ericsson’s interim 
financial reports for the third and fourth 
quarters and signs an audit opinion over the 
Annual Report.

Current auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB was elected 
auditor at the AGM 2013 for a period of one 
year, i.e. until the close of the AGM 2014.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AB has appointed 
Peter Nyllinge, Authorized Public Accountant,  
to serve as auditor in charge. 

Fees to the auditor
Ericsson paid the fees (including expenses)  
for audit-related and other services listed in the 
table in Notes to the consolidated financial 
statements – Note C30, “Fees to auditors”  
in the Annual Report.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER 
FINANCIAL REPORTING 2013
This section has been prepared in accordance 
with the Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish 
Corporate Governance Code and is limited to 
internal control over financial reporting. 

Since Ericsson is listed in the United States, 
the requirements outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act (SOX) apply. These regulate the 
establishment and maintenance of internal 
controls over financial reporting as well as 

management’s assessment of the effectiveness 
of the controls.

In order to support high quality reporting 

and to meet the requirement of SOX, the 
Company has implemented detailed 
documented controls and testing and reporting 
procedures based on the internationally 
established COSO framework for internal 
control. The COSO framework is issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (COSO).

Management’s internal control report 

according to SOX will be included in Ericsson’s 
Annual Report on Form 20-F and filed with the 
SEC in the United States.

During 2013, the Company has included 

operations of acquired entities as well as 
continued to improve the design and execution 
of its financial reporting controls.

Disclosure policies
Ericsson’s financial disclosure policies aim to 
ensure transparent, relevant and consistent 
communication with equity and debt investors 
on a timely, fair and equal basis. This will 
support a fair market value for Ericsson 
securities. Ericsson wants current and potential 
investors to have a good understanding of how 
the Company works, including operational 
performance, prospects and potential risks.  
To achieve these objectives, financial 

reporting and disclosure must be:
 > Transparent – enhancing understanding of 
the economic drivers and operational 
performance of the business, building trust 
and credibility

 > Consistent – comparable in scope and level 
of detail to facilitate comparison between 
reporting periods

 > Simple – to support understanding of 

business operations and performance and  
to avoid misinterpretations

 > Relevant – with focus on what is relevant  
to Ericsson’s stakeholders or required by 
regulation or listing agreements, to avoid 
information overload

 > Timely – with regular scheduled disclosures 
as well as ad-hoc information, such as press 
releases on important events, performed in a 
timely manner

 > Fair and equal – where all material information 
is published via press releases to ensure that 
the whole investor community receives the 
information at the same time

 > Complete, free from material errors and a 
reflection of best practice – disclosure is 
compliant with applicable financial reporting 
standards and listing requirements and in line 
with industry norms. 

Ericsson’s website comprises comprehensive 
information on the Group, including:
 > An archive of annual and interim reports
 > Access to recent news. 

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Corporate 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2013 CONTINUED

Disclosure controls and procedures 
Ericsson has controls and procedures in place 
to allow for timely information disclosure under 
applicable laws and regulations, including the 
US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and under 
agreements with NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and 
NASDAQ New York. These procedures also 
require that such information is provided to 
management, including the CEO and CFO,  
so timely decisions can be made regarding 
required disclosure.

The Disclosure Committee comprises 
members with various expertise. It assists the 
management  in fulfilling their responsibility 
regarding disclosures made to the shareholders 
and the investment community. One of the 
main tasks of the committee is to monitor the 
integrity and effectiveness of the disclosure 
controls and procedures.

Ericsson has investments in certain entities 
that the Company does not control or manage. 
With respect to such entities, disclosure 
controls and procedures are substantially 
more limited than those maintained with 
respect to subsidiaries. 

Ericsson’s President and CEO and the 
CFO evaluated the Company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures and concluded 
that they were effective at a reasonable 
assurance level as of December 31, 2013. 
Any controls and procedures, no matter 
how well designed and operated, can 
provide only reasonable assurance of 
achieving the desired control objectives.

Internal control over financial reporting
Ericsson has integrated risk management 
and internal control into its business 
processes. As defined in the COSO 
framework, internal control is an 
aggregation of components such as a 
control environment, risk assessment, 
control activities, information and 
communication and monitoring.

During the period covered by the Annual 
Report 2013, there were no changes to the 
internal control over financial reporting that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to 
materially affect, the internal control over 
financial reporting. 

Control environment
The Company’s internal control structure is 
based on the division of tasks between the 
Board of Directors and its Committees and  
the President and CEO. The Company has 

implemented a management system that is 
based on: 
 > Steering documents, such as policies, 

directives and a Code of Business Ethics

 > A strong corporate culture
 > The Company’s organization and mode  
of operations, with well-defined roles and 
responsibilities and delegations of authority
 > Several well-defined Group-wide processes 

for planning, operations and support.
The most essential parts of the control 
environment relative to financial reporting are 
included in steering documents and processes 
for accounting and financial reporting. These 
steering documents are updated regularly to 
include, among other things:
 > Changes to laws
 > Financial reporting standards and listing 
requirements, such as IFRS and SOX.

The processes include specific controls to be 
performed to ensure high quality financial 
reports. The management of each reporting 
legal entity, region and business unit is 
supported by a financial controller function with 
execution of controls related to transactions and 
reporting. The financial controller functions are 
organized in a number of Company Control 
Hubs, each supporting a number of legal 
entities within a geographical area. A financial 
controller function is also established on Group 
level, reporting to the CFO. 

Risk assessment
Risks of material misstatements in financial 
reporting may exist in relation to recognition and 
measurement of assets, liabilities, revenue and 
cost or insufficient disclosure. Other risks 
related to financial reporting include fraud, loss 
or embezzlement of assets and undue favorable 
treatment of counterparties at the expense of 
the Company. 

Policies and directives regarding accounting 
and financial reporting cover areas of particular 
significance to support correct, complete and 
timely accounting, reporting and disclosure.
Identified types of risks are mitigated 

through well-defined business processes with 
integrated risk management activities, 
segregation of duties and appropriate 
delegation of authority. This requires specific 
approval of material transactions and ensures 
adequate asset management. 

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Control activities
The Company’s business processes include 
financial controls regarding the approval and 
accounting of business transactions. The 
financial closing and reporting process has 
controls regarding recognition, measurement 
and disclosure. These include the application  
of critical accounting policies and estimates,  
in individual subsidiaries as well as in the 
consolidated accounts. 

Regular analyses of the financial results for 
each subsidiary, region and business unit cover 
the significant elements of assets, liabilities, 
revenues, costs and cash flow. Together with 
further analysis of the consolidated financial 
statements performed at Group level, these 
procedures are designed to produce financial 
reports without material errors.

For external financial reporting purposes,  
the Disclosure Committee performs additional 
control procedures to review whether the 
disclosure requirements are fulfilled. 

The Company has implemented controls  
to ensure that financial reports are prepared  
in accordance with its internal accounting and 
reporting policies and IFRS as well as with 
relevant listing regulations. It maintains detailed 
documentation on internal controls related to 
accounting and financial reporting. It also keeps 
records on the monitoring of the execution and 
results of such controls. This allows the 
President and CEO and the CFO to assess the 
effectiveness of the controls in a way that is 
compliant with SOX.

Entity-wide controls, focusing on the control 

environment and compliance with financial 
reporting policies and directives, are 
implemented in all subsidiaries. Detailed 
process controls and documentation of controls 
performed are also implemented in almost all 
subsidiaries, covering the items with significant 
materiality and risk.

In order to secure compliance, governance 
and risk management in the areas of legal entity 
accounting and taxation, as well as securing 
funding and equity levels, the Company 
operates through a Company Control hub 
structure, covering subsidiaries in each 
respective geographical area.

Based on a common IT platform, a common 

chart of account and common master data,  
the hubs and shared services centers perform 
accounting and financial reporting services  
for most subsidiaries.

information and communication
The Company’s information and communication 
channels support complete, correct and timely 
financial reporting by making all relevant internal 
process instructions and policies accessible to 
all the employees concerned. Regular updates 
and briefing documents regarding changes in 
accounting policies, reporting and disclosure 
requirements are also supplied.

Subsidiaries and operating units prepare 
regular financial and management reports  
for internal steering groups and Company 
management. These include analysis and 
comments on financial performance and risks. 
The Board of Directors receives financial reports 
monthly. Ericsson has established a 
whistleblower procedure for the reporting of 
alleged violations that (i) are conducted by 
Group or local management, and (ii) relate to 
corruption, questionable accounting or auditing 
matters or otherwise seriously affect vital 
interests of the Group or personal health  
and safety.

Monitoring
The Company’s process for financial reporting  
is reviewed annually by the management. This 
forms a basis for evaluating the internal 
management system and internal steering 
documents to ensure that they cover all 
significant areas related to financial reporting. 
The shared service center and company control 
hub management continuously monitor 
accounting quality through a set of performance 
indicators. Compliance with policies and 
directives is monitored through annual self-
assessments and representation letters from 
heads and company controllers in all subsidiaries 
as well as in business units and regions. 

The Company’s financial performance  
is also reviewed at each Board meeting.  
The Committees of the Board fulfill important 
monitoring functions regarding remuneration, 
borrowing, investments, customer finance, cash 
management, financial reporting and internal 
control. The Audit Committee and the Board of 
Directors review all interim and annual financial 
reports before they are released to the market. 
The Company’s internal audit function reports 
directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit 
Committee also receives regular reports from 
the external auditor. The Audit Committee 
follows up on any actions taken to improve or 
modify controls.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stockholm, March 5, 2014
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Org. no. 556016–0680

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Corporate 
governance

Auditor’s report on the corporate 
governance report

To the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders in Telefonaktiebolaget 
LM Ericsson (publ), Corporate Identity Number 556016-0680.

It is the Board of Directors who is responsible 
for the corporate governance report for the year 
2013 and that it has been prepared in 
accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
We have read the corporate governance 

report and based on that reading and our 
knowledge of the company and the group 
we believe that we have a sufficient basis for 
our opinions. This means that our statutory 
examination of the corporate governance 

report is different and substantially less in 
scope than an audit conducted in 
accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing and generally accepted auditing 
standards in Sweden.

In our opinion, the corporate governance 

report has been prepared and its statutory 
content is consistent with the annual accounts 
and the consolidated accounts.

Stockholm March 5, 2014
           PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

                                                                       Peter Nyllinge 
                                                     Authorized Public Accountant 

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Play, pause, 
resume 
elsewhere

With the rise in streaming services on tablets 
and smartphones, consumers can now view 
the content of their choice from any device. 
As a result, people are increasingly changing 
the locations where they watch TV to suit 
their daily lives. 

They might start viewing a show at home, 

pause it, and resume watching during their 
commute to work. When moving between 
locations, it can also make sense to switch 
device. We might start watching an episode 
of our favorite show on a laptop, stop it 
midway through, continue on a smartphone 
and catch the end on a tablet.

19%

19% of streamed time is spent on phones  

or tablets.

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161

Corporate 
governance

REMUNERATION REPORT

INTRODUCTION
This report outlines how the remuneration policy is implemented 
throughout Ericsson in line with corporate governance best 
practice, with specific references to Group management.  
The work of the Remuneration Committee in 2013 and the 
remuneration policy are explained at the beginning of the  
report, followed by descriptions of plans and their outcome. 
More details of the remuneration of Group management  
and Board members’ fees can be found in the Notes to the 
Consolidated financial statements – Note C28, “Information 
regarding members of the Board of Directors, the Group 
management and employees.” 

Board member remuneration is resolved annually by the 

Annual General Meeting.

THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee advises the Board of Directors on 
a regular basis on the remuneration to the Group management, 
consisting of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This includes 
fixed salaries, pensions, other benefits and short-term and 
long-term variable compensation, all in the context of pay and 
employment conditions throughout Ericsson. The Remuneration 
Committee reviews and prepares for resolution by the Board: 
 > Proposals on salary and other remuneration, including 
retirement compensation, for the President and CEO

 > Proposals on targets for the short-term variable compensation 

for the President and CEO

 > Proposals to the Annual General Meeting on guidelines for 

remuneration to the ELT

 > Proposals to the Annual General Meeting on long-term variable 

compensation and similar equity arrangements

The responsibility of the Remuneration Committee is also to:
 > Approve proposals on salary and other remuneration, 

including retirement compensation, for the Executive Vice 
Presidents and other ELT members.

 > Approve pay out of the short-term variable compensation for 

the ELT, based on achievements and performance.

The Remuneration Committee’s work forms the foundation for the 
governance of Ericsson’s remuneration processes, together with 
Ericsson’s internal systems and audit controls. The Committee  
is chaired by Leif Johansson and its other members are Börje 
Ekholm, Roxanne S. Austin, and Karin Åberg. All the members 
are non-executive directors, independent (except for the 
employee representative) as required by the Swedish Corporate 
Governance Code and have relevant knowledge and experience 
of remuneration matters. 

The Company’s General Counsel acts as secretary to the 
Committee. The President and CEO, the Senior Vice President, 
Head of Human Resources and the Vice President, Head of Total 
Rewards attend Remuneration Committee meetings by invitation 
and assist the Committee in its considerations, except when 
issues relating to their own remuneration are being discussed.

The Remuneration Committee has appointed an independent 
expert advisor, Piia Pilv, to assist and advise the Committee. The 
independent advisor provided no other services to the Company 
during 2013. The Remuneration Committee is also furnished with 
national and international pay data collected from external survey 
providers and can call on other independent expertise, should it 
so require. The Chairman continues to ensure that contact is 
maintained, as necessary and appropriate, with shareholders 
regarding remuneration.

The purpose and function of the Remuneration Committee 
and its responsibilities can be found in the Corporate Governance 
Report. These responsibilities, together with the Guidelines for 
remuneration to Group management (ELT) and the Long-Term 
Variable compensation (LTV) program is reviewed and evaluated 
annually in light of matters such as changes to corporate 
governance best practice or changes to accounting, legislation, 
political opinion or business practices among peers. This helps to 
ensure that the policy continues to provide Ericsson with a 
competitive remuneration strategy. 

 > Approve proposals on targets for the short-term variable 

The Guidelines for remuneration to Group management are, in 

compensation for the Executive Vice Presidents and other  
ELT members.

accordance with Swedish law, brought to shareholders annually 
for approval.

Remuneration policy

Remuneration at Ericsson is based on the principles of 
performance, competitiveness and fairness. The 
remuneration policy, together with the mix of remuneration 
elements, is designed to reflect these principles by 
creating a balanced remuneration package. The 
Guidelines for remuneration to Group management 2013, 
approved by the AGM, can be found in Note C28. The 
auditor’s report regarding whether the company has 
complied with the guidelines for compensation to the ELT 
during 2013 is posted on the Ericsson website.

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The Remuneration Committee met six times during the  

year 2013. 

The winter meetings focused on following up on results from 

the 2012 variable compensation programs and preparing 
proposals to shareholders for the 2013 Annual General Meeting 
(AGM). During the spring the committee determined the 
relocation package for a member of the ELT and proposed to the 
Board of Directors to approve the LTV 2010 vesting result. In the 
fall, the committee reviewed the Guidelines for remuneration to 
Group management and decided to continue the LTV program 
without any material changes and the STV plans with an 
increased weighting on functional targets for 2014. The 
committee based its considerations on the business needs, 
analyses and reviews of the global market trends and feedback 
from shareholders and institutions. Supported by the 
independent advisor, the Committee also reviewed the 
competitiveness of the ELT remuneration in the global market. 

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REMUNERATION REPORT

Evaluation of  the Guidelines for remuneration to Group 
management and of the LTV program 

The Remuneration Committee supports the Board with the 
review and evaluation of the Guidelines for remuneration to Group 
management and Ericsson’s application of these guidelines. The 
Committee and the Board has concluded that the guidelines 
remain valid and right for Ericsson and that the guidelines should 
not be materially changed for 2014. 

Furthermore, the Remuneration Committee is of the opinion 
that the LTV program fulfills the defined objectives to promote 
“One Ericsson” and to align the interests of employees with those 
of shareholders. The number of participants as of December 1, 
2013 was approximately 29,000 employees, compared to 27,000 
employees as of December 1, 2012. The evaluation also confirms 
that the Key Contributor Retention Plan meets the purpose of 
retaining our key employees. The voluntary attrition rate among 
Key Contributors is about two-thirds compared to the attrition 
rate in the total number of employees. 

TOTAL REMUNERATION
When considering the remuneration of an individual, it is  
the total remuneration that matters. First, the total annual cash 
compensation is defined, consisting of the target level of short-
term variable compensation plus fixed salary. Thereafter, target 
long-term variable compensation may be added to get to the 
total target compensation and, finally, pension and other benefits 
may be added to arrive at the total remuneration. 

For the ELT, remuneration consists of fixed salary, short-term 

and long-term variable compensation, pension and other 
benefits. If the size of any one of these elements is increased or 
decreased when setting the remuneration, at least one other 
element has to change if the competitive position is to remain 
unchanged. 

The remuneration costs for the CEO and the ELT are reported 

in Note C28. 

Fixed salary
When setting fixed salaries, the Remuneration Committee 
considers the impact on total remuneration, including pensions 
and associated costs. The absolute levels are determined based 
on the size and complexity of the position and the year-to-year 
performance of the individual. Together with other elements of 
remuneration, ELT salaries are subject to an annual review by the 
Remuneration Committee, which considers external pay data  
to ensure that levels of pay remain competitive and appropriate  
to the remuneration policy. 

Variable compensation

Ericsson strongly believes that, where possible, variable 
compensation should be encouraged as an integral part of total 
remuneration. First and foremost, this aligns employees with clear 
and relevant targets, but it also enables more flexible payroll 
costs and emphasizes the link between performance and pay. 
All variable compensation plans have maximum award and 
vesting limits. Short-term variable compensation is to a greater 
extent dependent on the performance of the specific unit or 
function, while long-term variable compensation is dependent on 
the achievements of the Ericsson Group.

As described in the section “Our Performance,” Ericsson 
measures business performance according to five categories of 
measurements derived from the overall strategy: growing sales 
faster than market, best-in-class operating margin, strong cash 
conversion, customer satisfaction and employee engagement. 
These categories form the basis for our short- and long-term 
variable compensation programs and set the framework of what 
measurements shall be used for variable compensation.

Short-term variable compensation
Annual variable compensation is delivered through cash-based 
programs. Specific business targets are derived from the annual 
business plan approved by the Board of Directors and, in turn, 
defined by the Company’s long-term strategy. Ericsson strives  
to grow faster than the market with best-in-class margins and 
strong cash conversion and therefore the starting point is to  
have three core targets:
 > Net sales growth
 > Operating income
 > Cash flow.
For the ELT, targets are thus predominantly financial at either 
Group level (for Heads of Group functions) or at the individual  
unit level (for Heads of regions or business units) and may also 
include operational targets like customer satisfaction and 
employee engagement. 

The chart below illustrates how payouts to the ELT have  

varied with performance over the past five years.

The Board of Directors and the Remuneration Committee 
decide on all targets for Group management which are cascaded 
to unit-related targets throughout the Company, always subject  
to a two-level management approval process. The Remuneration 
Committee monitors the appropriateness and fairness of Group 
target levels throughout the performance year and has the 
authority to revise them should they cease to be relevant or 
stretching or to enhance shareholder value. 

During 2013, approximately 77,000 employees participated  

in short-term variable compensation plans. 

C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

Short-term variable compensation payouts  
as percentage of opportunity

Fixed salary, short-term and long-term variable  
compensation as percentage of total target compensation

%
2
.
0
8

%
4
.
4
6

%
8
.
6
5

%
4
.
9
4

100

80

60

40

20

0

%
0
.
9
4

%
6
.
0
4

%
9
.
9
3

%
1
.
0
3

%
5
.
6
% 4
1
.
1
3

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

  Remuneration report

CEO

46.1%

18.4%

35.5%

 CEO

  Average ELT excl. 
CEO

Average 
ELT excl. 
CEO

60.1%

21.9%

18.0%

0

20

40

60

80

100

  Fixed salary 2013

  Short-Term Variable  
Target 2013

  Long-Term Variable 
at half of max 2013

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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Corporate 
governance

REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Summaries of 2013 short- and long-term variable compensation

What we call it

What is it?

What is the objective?

Who participates?

How is it earned?

Short-term: Compensation delivered over twelve months or less

Fixed salary

Fixed compensation 
paid at set times 

Short-Term Variable 
compensation (STV)

A variable plan that is 
measured and paid 
over a single year

Attract and retain employees, 
delivering part of annual 
compensation in a 
predictable format

Align employees with clear and 
relevant targets, providing an 
earnings opportunity in return for 
performance, and flexible cost

All employees

Enrolled employees, 
including Executive 
Leadership Team. 
Approximately 75,000  
in 2013

Market appropriate levels set 
according to position and evaluated 
according to individual performance

Achievements against set targets. 
Reward can increase to up to twice 
the target level and decrease to zero, 
depending on performance

Sales Incentive Plans 

Tailored versions of  
the STV 

As for STV, tailored for local  
or business requirements, such  
as sales

Employees in sales.  
Approximately 2,000  
in 2013

Similar to STV. All plans have 
maximum award and vesting limits

Long-term: Compensation delivered over three years or more

Stock Purchase Plan (SPP) All-employee 

stock-based plan

Key Contributor Retention 
Plan (KC)

Share-based plan for 
selected individuals 

Executive Performance 
Stock Plan (EPSP)

Share-based plan for 
senior managers

Reinforce a “One Ericsson” 
mentality and align employees’ 
interests with those of shareholders

Recognize, retain and motivate key 
contributors for performance, 
critical skills and potential
Compensation for long-term 
commitment and value creation

All employees are eligible

Up to 10% of employees

Buy one share and it will be  
matched by one share after three 
years if still employed

If selected, get one more matching 
share in addition to the SPP one 

Senior managers,  
including Executive 
Leadership Team

Get up to four, six or, for CEO,  
nine further shares matched  
to each SPP share for long- 
term performance

Long-term variable compensation
Share-based long-term variable compensation plans are 
submitted each year for approval by shareholders at the AGM. All 
long-term variable compensation plans are designed to form part 
of a well-balanced total remuneration package and to span over 
a minimum of three years. As these are variable plans, outcomes 
are unknown and rewards depend on long-term personal 
investment, corporate performance and resulting share price 
performance. During 2013, share-based compensation was 
made up of three different but linked plans: the all-employee 
Stock Purchase Plan, the Key Contributor Retention Plan and the 
Executive Performance Stock Plan.

The Stock Purchase Plan 
The all-employee Stock Purchase Plan is designed to offer, 
where practicable, an incentive for all employees to participate. 
This reinforces “One Ericsson,” aligned with shareholder 
interests. Employees can save up to 7.5% of gross fixed salary 
(the President and CEO can save up to 10% of gross fixed salary 
and short-term variable compensation) for purchase of Class B 
shares at market price on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm or ADSs on 
NASDAQ New York (contribution shares) over a 12-month period. 
If the contribution shares are retained by the employee  
for three years after the investment and 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 ADSs, as applicable. The plan was introduced in 2002 
and employees in 71 countries participated during its first year. In 
December 2013, the number of participants was over 29,000, or 
approximately 29% of eligible employees in 100 countries.

Participants save each month, beginning with the August 
payroll, towards quarterly investments. These investments (in 
November, February, May and August) are matched on the third 
anniversary of each such investment and hence the matching 
spans over two financial years and two tax years. 

The Key Contributor Retention Plan
The Key Contributor Retention Plan is part of Ericsson’s talent 
management strategy. It is designed to recognize individuals for 
performance, critical skills and potential as well as to encourage 
retention of key employees. 

Under the program, operating units around the world can 

nominate up to 10% of employees worldwide. Each unit 
nominates individuals that have been identified according to 
performance, critical skills and potential. The nominations are 
calibrated in management teams locally and are reviewed by  
both local and corporate Human Resources to ensure that there 
is a minimum of bias and a strong belief in the system. 

Participants selected obtain one extra matching share in 
addition to the one matching share for each contribution share 
purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan during a 12-month 
investment period. The plan was introduced in 2004.

164

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Short-term variable compensation structure

Short-term variable compensation 
as percentage of fixed salary

Percentage of short-term variable 
compensation maximal opportunity

Target 
level 

40%
40%
36%
37%

Maximum
level 

Actual paid
for 2012

Group financial
targets

Unit/functional
financial targets

Non-financial
targets

80%
80%
72%
74%

32%
25%
37%
36%

90%
100%
49%
53%

0%
0%
27%
25%

10%
0%
24%
22%

CEO 2012
CEO 2013
Average ELT 2012 1)
Average ELT 2013 1)

1) Excludes CEO – differences in target and maximum levels from year to year are due to changes in the composition of the ELT.

The Executive Performance Stock Plan
The Executive Performance Stock Plan was first introduced in 
2004. The plan is designed to focus management on driving 
long-term financial performance and to provide market-
competitive remuneration. Senior managers, including the ELT, 
are selected to obtain up to four or six extra shares 
(performance-matching shares). This is in addition to the one 
matching share for each contribution share purchased under the 
all-employee Stock Purchase Plan. Performance matching is 
subject to the fulfillment of performance targets. Since 2010, the 
President and CEO may obtain up to nine performance-matching 
shares in addition to the Stock Purchase Plan matching share for 
each contribution share. 

For the President and CEO and other members of the ELT 
employed in Sweden before 2011, a supplementary pension plan 
is applied in addition to the occupational pension plan for salaried 
staff on the Swedish labor market (ITP). The retirement age for 
these ELT members is normally 60 years.

The ELT members employed in Sweden from 2011 are 
normally covered by the defined contribution plan under  
the ITP1 scheme, with a retirement age of 65 years. 

For members of the ELT who are not employed in Sweden, 

local market competitive pension arrangements apply.

Other benefits, such as company cars and medical insurance, 

are also set to be competitive in the local market. The ELT 
members may not receive loans from the Company. 

In the 2004 to 2010 plans, the performance targets were 

The ELT members locally employed in Sweden have a mutual 

C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

notice period of up to six months. Upon termination of 
employment by the Company, severance pay can amount to  
up to 18 months’ fixed salary. For other ELT members, different 
notice periods and severance pay agreements apply; however,  
no agreement exceeds the notice period of six months or  
the severance pay period of 18 months.

REMUNERATION policy in practice
Ericsson has taken a number of measures since 2011 to enhance 
the understanding of how the company translates remuneration 
principles and policy into practice. The first step was the launch 
of an internal remuneration website in January 2011. The site 
contains e-learning and training programs targeted at line 
managers. It supports more informed decisions and better 
communication to the wider employee population. The next  
step in this development was the implementation of an Integrated 
Human Resources IT tool in 2012. The first phase was launched 
to all managers in Ericsson in November 2012 and covered 
performance management, talent planning, variable 
compensation and annual salary review. The second 
implementation phase of this IT tool, with enhancements and 
increased scope, was launched at the end of 2013.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) targets. 

To support the long-term strategy and value creation of the 
Company, new targets have been in place since the 2011 plan. At 
the AGM 2013, the following targets for the 2013 Executive 
Performance Stock Plan were resolved on proposal by the Board: 
 > Net Sales Growth: Up to one-third of the award will vest if the 
compound annual growth rate of consolidated net sales is 
between 2 and 8% comparing 2015 financial results to 2012
 > Operating Income Growth: Up to one-third of the award will 
vest if the compound annual growth rate of consolidated 
operating income is between 5 and 15% comparing 2015 
financial results to 2012

 > Cash Conversion: Up to one third of the award will vest if cash 

conversion is at or above 70% during each of the years 
2013-2015 and vesting one ninth of the total award for each 
year the target is achieved.

Before the number of performance shares to be matched are 
finally determined, the Board of Directors shall examine whether 
the performance matching is reasonable considering the 
Company’s financial results and position, conditions on the stock 
market and other circumstances, and if not, as determined by the 
Board of Directors, reduce the number of performance shares to 
be matched to the lower number of shares deemed appropriate 
by the Board of Directors. When undertaking its evaluation of 
performance, the Board of Directors will consider, in particular, 
the impact of larger acquisitions, divestitures, the creation of joint 
ventures and any other significant capital event on the three 
targets on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits and terms of employment
Pension benefits follow the competitive practice in the employee’s 
home country and may contain various supplementary plans,  
in addition to any national system for social security. Where 
possible, pension plans are operated on a defined contribution 
basis. Under these plans, Ericsson pays in contributions but does 
not guarantee the ultimate benefit, unless local regulations or 
legislation prescribe that defined benefit plans  
that do give such guarantees have to be offered. 

  Remuneration report

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

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SHAREHOLDERS

SHARE INFORMATION

Stock exchange trading
The Ericsson Class A and Class B shares are listed on NASDAQ 
OMX Stockholm. In the United States, the Class B shares are 
listed on NASDAQ New York in the form of American Depositary 
Shares (ADS) evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADR) 
under the symbol ERIC. Each ADS represents one Class B share. 
In 2013, approximately 2.0 (2.4) billion shares were traded on 
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and about 1.0 (1.1) billion shares were 
traded on NASDAQ New York. A total of 3.0 (3.5) billion Ericsson 
shares were thus traded on the exchanges where we are listed. 
Trading volume in Ericsson shares decreased by approximately 
17% on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and by approximately 12%  
on NASDAQ New York compared to 2012.

The Ericsson share is also traded on other venues such as 

BATS Europe, Burgundy, and Chi-X Europe.

Changes in number of shares and capital stock 2008–2013

2008

2008

2008

2009

2009

2010

2011

2012

2012

2013

June 2, reverse split 1:5

July 23, new issue (Class C shares, later converted to Class B) 

December 31

June 8, new issue (Class C shares, later converted to Class B) 

December 31

December 31

December 31
June 29, new issue (Class C shares, later converted to Class B) 1)
December 31

December 31

Share performance indicators

The Ericsson share

Share listings

NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

NASDAQ New York

Share data

Total number of shares in issue

of which Class A shares, each carrying one vote 1)
of which Class B shares, each carrying one tenth of 
one vote 1)

Ericsson treasury shares, Class B

Quotient value

3,305,051,735

261,755,983

3,043,295,752

73,968,178

SEK 5.00

Market capitalization, December 31, 2013

approx. SEK 258 b.

ICB (Industry Classification Benchmark)

9500

Ticker codes

NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

NASDAQ New York

ERIC A/ERIC B

ERIC

Bloomberg NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

ERICA SS/ERICB SS

Bloomberg NASDAQ

Reuters NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

ERIC US

ERICa.ST/ERICb.ST

Reuters NASDAQ
1)  Both classes of shares have the same rights of participation in the net assets and earnings.

ERIC.O

Number of shares

Share capital 

3,226,451,735

16,132,258,678

19,900,000

99,500,000

3,246,351,735

16,231,758,678

27,000,000

3,273,351,735

3,273,351,735

3,273,351,735

31,700,000

3,305,051,735

3,305,051,735

135,000,000

16,366,758,678

16,366,758,678

16,366,758,678

158,500,000

16,525,258,678

16,525,258,678

Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) 1)
Earnings per share, diluted non-IFRS (SEK) 2)
Operating income per share (SEK) 3) 4)
Cash flow from operating activities per share (SEK) 3)
Stockholders’ equity per share, basic, end of period (SEK) 5)
P/E ratio

Total shareholder return (%)
Dividend per share (SEK) 6) 
1)  Calculated on average number of shares outstanding, diluted.
2)  EPS, diluted, excluding restructuring charges, amortizations and write-downs of acquired 

intangible assets, SEK.

3)  Calculated on average number of shares outstanding, basic.

2013

3.69

5.62

5.53

5.39

2012

1.78

2.74

3.25

6.85

2011

3.77

4.72

5.58

3.11

2010

3.46

4.80

7.42

8.31

2009

1.14

2.87

5.8

7.67

43.39

42.51

44.57

45.34

43.79

21

25

36

–3

2.75
4)  For 2010 and 2009 excluding restructuring charges. 
5)  Calculated on number of shares, end of period. 
6)  For 2013 as proposed by the Board of Directors.

3.00

19

–7

2.50

22

22

2.25

57

15

2,00

For definitions of the financial terms used, see Glossary, Financial Terminology and Exchange Rates.

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Share trend
In 2013, Ericsson’s total market capitalization increased by about 20% to  
SEK 258 billion, compared to a decrease by 7% reaching SEK 215 billion  
in 2012. The OMX Stockholm Index on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm increased  
by 23% and the NASDAQ composite index increased by 38%. The S&P 500  
Index increased by 30%.

Share turnover and price trend, NASDAQ OMX Stockholm
Class A shares, SEK m

Dividend per share
SEK

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Jan-Dec, 2009

Jan-Dec, 2010

Jan-Dec, 2011

Jan-Dec, 2012

Jan-Dec, 2013

Class B shares, SEK m

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

Jan-Dec, 2009

Jan-Dec, 2010

Jan-Dec, 2011

Jan-Dec, 2012

Jan-Dec, 2013

180

150

120

90

60

30

0

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

3.00

2.75

2.50

2.25

3.00

2.50

2.00

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013 1)

1) For 2013 as proposed by the Board of Directors.

Earnings per share, diluted
SEK

4.80

4.72

3.46

3.77

5.62

3.69

2.74

1.78

6.0

4.5

3.0

1.5

0

2.87

1.14

 Turnover, SEK million

— Price, SEK

— NASDAQ OMX Stockholm (indexed to share price)

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Volumes reflect trading on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm only.  

Source: Nasdaq OMX Stockholm

Share turnover and price trend, US market
ADS, USD m

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Jan-Dec, 2009

Jan-Dec, 2010

Jan-Dec, 2011

Jan-Dec, 2012

Jan-Dec, 2013

 Turnover, USD million

— Price, USD

— S&P 500 (indexed to share price)

Volumes reflect trading on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm only. 

Source: Nasdaq New York

 Earnings per share, diluted
 Earnings per share, diluted (non-IFRS) 1)

1)  EPS, diluted, excl. restructuring charges, amortizations and write-downs 
of acquired intangible assets, SEK.

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

Stockholders’ equity per share, basic
SEK

50

40

30

20

10

0

43.79

45.34

44.57

42.51

43.39

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

  SHARE INFOrmation

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

167

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SHAREHOLDERS

Share information CONTINUED

Share and ADS PRICES 
Principal trading market – NASDAQ OMX Stockholm  
– share prices
The table below states the high and low share prices for our 
Class A and Class B shares as reported by NASDAQ OMX 
Stockholm for the last five years. Trading on the exchange 
generally continues until 5:30 p.m. (CET) each business day. In 
addition to trading on the exchange, there is trading off the 
exchange and on alternative venues during trading hours and 
also after 5:30 p.m. (CET).

NASDAQ OMX Stockholm 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 recorded trades of the day. The Official Price List  
of Shares reflects price and volume information for trades 
completed by the members. The equity securities listed on the 
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Official Price List of Shares currently 
comprise the shares of 256 companies.

Host market NASDAQ New York – ADS prices 
The table below states the high and low share prices quoted  
for our ADSs on NASDAQ New York for the last five years. The 
NASDAQ New York quotations represent prices between dealers, 
not including retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and do 
not necessarily represent actual transactions.

Share prices on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and NASDAQ New York

Share prices on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm 

(SEK)

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Class A at last day of trading

Class A high  
(September 16, 2013)

Class A low 
(November 14, 2013)

Class B at last day of trading

Class B high 
(September 16, 2013)

Class B low 
(January 9, 2013)

Source: NASDAQ OMX Stockholm.

74.50

86.95

63.90

72.00

69.55

93.60

74.00

88.40

65.00

78.80

50.00

55.55

59.05

65.20

55.40

78.50

90.95

65.10

71.90

70.40

96.65

78.15

90.45

65.90

79.60

64.50

55.90

61.70

65.90

55.50

Share prices on NASDAQ New York

(USD)

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

ADS at last day of trading

ADS high (September 19, 2013)

ADS low (January 9, 2013)

Source: NASDAQ New York.

12.24

14.22

9.78

10.10

10.60

8.23

10.13

15.44

8.83

11.53

12.39

9.40

9.19

10.92

6.60

Period
Annual high and low

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Quarterly high and low 

2012 First Quarter

2012 Second Quarter

2012 Third Quarter

2012 Fourth Quarter

2013 First Quarter

2013 Second Quarter

2013 Third Quarter

2013 Fourth Quarter

Monthly high and low

August 2013

September 2013

October 2013

November 2013

December 2013

January 2014
1)  One ADS = 1 Class B share.  

                 NASDAQ OMX Stockholm

                   SEK per Class A share
Low

High

                  SEK per Class B share 
Low

High

78.80

88.40

93.60

72.00

86.95

72.00

69.70

67.00

64.90

84.55

80.20

86.95

82.75

77.15

86.95

82.75

80.00

77.50

78.45

55.40

65.20

59.05

55.55

50.00

59.25

58.75

55.95

55.55

62.90

69.65

71.00

50.00

73.85

74.30

72.15

50.00

71.95

71.55

79.60

90.45

96.65

71.90

90.95

71.90

69.95

67.80

66.85

86.40

83.15

90.95

87.10

80.75

90.95

87.10

83.75

81.90

82.50

55.50

65.90

61.70

55.90

64.50

58.15

59.60

55.90

56.60

64.50

72.40

74.10

76.05

76.75

78.15

76.50

76.85

76.05

75.05

                  NASDAQ New York
                     USD per ADS 1)

High

10.92

12.39

15.44

10.60

14.22

10.53

10.60

10.05

10.21

13.46

12.60

14.22

13.71

12.36

14.22

13.71

12.64

12.45

12.58

Low

6.60

9.40

8.83

8.23

9.78

8.58

8.23

8.23

8.31

9.78

10.67

11.26

11.59

11.71

12.36

11.82

11.84

11.59

11.52

Source: NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

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Shareholders
As of December 31, 2013, the Parent Company had 516,922 
shareholders registered at Euroclear Sweden AB (the Central 
Securities Depository – CSD), of which 1,008 holders had a US 
address. According to information provided by our depositary, 
Citibank, there were 201,138,791 ADSs outstanding as of 
December 31, 2013, and 4,310 registered holders of such ADSs. 
A significant number of Ericsson ADSs are held by banks, 
brokers and/or nominees for the accounts of their customers.  
As of January 3, 2014, the total number of bank, broker and/or 
nominee accounts holding Ericsson ADSs was 165,678. 
According to information known at year-end 2013, 

approximately 81% of our Class A and Class B shares were 
owned by institutions, Swedish and international. 

Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights 
than other shareholders holding the same classes of shares. 

As far as we know, the Company is not directly or indirectly 

owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign 
government or by any other natural or legal person(s) separately 
or jointly. 

Geographical ownership breakdown of share capital including 
retail shareholders and treasury shares
Percent of capital

 Sweden 

 United States 

 United Kingdom 

 Norway 

 Netherlands 

2013 

38.65% 

21.67% 

10.15% 

3.26% 

1.49% 

2012

43.22%

20.59%

9.44%

3.70%

1.44%

 Other countries 

24.80% 

21.61%

Source: King Worldwide

The table shows the total number of shares in the Parent 
Company owned by the Executive Leadership Team and Board 
members (including Deputy employee representatives) as a 
group as of December 31, 2013.

The Executive Leadership Team and Board members, ownership

Number of
Class A shares

Number of
Class B shares

Voting  
rights,
percent

The Executive Leadership Team 
and Board members as a group 
(32 persons)

0

828,323

0,01%

Includes shares held via endowment insurance, for more info see page 146 note 2
For individual holdings, see Corporate Governance Report.

The following table shows share information, as of December 31, 2013, with respect to our 15 largest shareholders, ranked by voting 
rights, as well as their percentage of voting rights as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. 

Largest shareholders, December 31, 2013 and percentage of voting rights, December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

Number  
of Class A 
shares

Of total  
Class A shares, 
percent

Number  
of Class B  
shares

Of total  
Class B shares, 
percent

2013  
Voting rights, 
percent

2012  
Voting rights, 
percent

2011  
Voting rights, 
percent

Identity of person or group 1)

Investor AB (Investment Management)

AB Industrivärden (Investment Management)

Handelsbankens Pensionsstiftelse

Swedbank Robur Fonder AB

AFA Försäkring AB

BlackRock Fund Advisors

Dodge & Cox, Inc.

AMF Pensionsförsäkring AB

Skandia Liv

Norges Bank Investment Management

115,762,803

86,052,615

20,465,220

16,795

11,423,000

0

0

0

6,406,801

0

Pensionskassan SHB Försäkringsföreningen

6,381,570

OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

Handelsbanken Fonder AB

State Street Global Advisors

Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd.

Others

Total
1)  Source: King Worldwide

0

290,578

22,824

0

14,933,777

261,755,983

44.23

32.88

7.82

0.01

4.36

0.00

0.00

0.00

2.45

0.00

2.44

0.00

0.11

0.01

0.00

5.71

100

59,284,545

500,000

0

122,129,103

4,465,519

82,330,468

77,028,778

75,764,586

10,549,642

65,175,818

0

61,829,103

44,974,450

43,108,269

40,461,909

2,355,693,562

3,043,295,752

1.95

0.02

0.00

4.01

0.15

2.71

2.53

2.49

0.35

2.14

0.00

2.03

1.48

1.42

1.33

77.41

100

21.50

15.21

3.62

2.16

2.10

1.45

1.36

1.34

1.32

1.15

1.13

1.09

0.85

0.77

0.71

44.25

100

21.37

14.96

3.72

2.71

2.18

1.37

1.14

1.26

1.31

1.36

1.13

1.10

1.07

0.07

1.16

44.10

100

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21.48

14.34

4.20

2.79

2.31

1.46

0.96

1.34

1.36

1.24

1.39

1.20

0.96

0.05

1.05

43.87

100

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Smart 
metering

Using the Ericsson Smart Metering 
solution, the Swedish energy company 
E.ON has gained more efficient 
management of the energy grid and the 
possibility to supply its customers with 
accurate and up-to-date information on 
energy consumption. 

The solution gathers data from more 
than 600,000 metering points in Sweden 
on a daily basis and provides the 
collected information to E.ON’s internal  
IT environment. 

The smart meter technology opens 

up new possibilities, allowing 
improvements in transparency, data 
quality, load management and 
reductions in process costs.

In the Nordic region, Sweden has 
spearheaded the development of smart 
metering, and the technology is now 
spreading across Europe. Additionally, 
Ericsson is currently supplying clients in 
Canada and Australia with solutions and 
services for smart metering, providing 
valuable experience ranging from managed 
services to field support. 

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Glossary

2G
The first digital generation of 
mobile systems. Includes GSM, 
TDMA, PDC and cdmaOne.

3G
Third generation mobile system. 
Includes WCDMA/HSPA, 
CDMA2000 and TD-SCDMA.

4G
See LTE.

All-IP
A single, common IP infrastructure 
that can handle all network 
services, including fixed and 
mobile communications, for voice 
and data services as well as video 
services such as TV.

Backhaul
Transmission between radio base 
stations and the core network.

BSS
Business support systems.

Cloud
When data and applications reside 
in the network. 

EDGE
An enhancement of GSM. Enables 
the transmission of data at speeds 
up to 250 kbps (Evolved EDGE up 
to 1 Mbps.)

GDP
Gross Domestic Product. The total 
annual cost of all finished goods 
and services produced within a 
country.

GSM
Global System for Mobile 
Communications. A first digital 
generation mobile system.

CO2e 
The amount of a particular 
greenhouse gas, expressed as the 
amount of carbon dioxide that 
gives the same greenhouse effect.

CAGR
Compound Annual Growth Rate.

EPC
Evolved Packet Core. The core 
network of the LTE system.

IMS
IP Multimedia Subsystem.  
A standard for voice and 
multimedia services over mobile 
and fixed networks using IP.

IP
Internet Protocol. 
Defines how information travels 
between network elements across 
the internet.

IPR
Intellectual Property Rights.

IPTV
IP Television. 
A technology that delivers digital 
television via fixed broadband 
access.

JV
Joint Venture.  

LTE
Long-Term Evolution. 
4G; the evolutionary step of mobile 
technology beyond HSPA, allowing 
data rate above 100 Mbps.

Capex
Capital expenditure.

Carrier grade
(Also telecom grade) refers to a 
system, or a hardware or software 
component, with at least “five 
nines”, i.e. 99.999%,  availability.

CDMA
Code Division Multiple Access. 
A radio technology on which the 
cdmaOne (2G) and CDMA2000 
(3G) mobile communication 
standards are both based.

Heterogeneous network
Densification and enhancement of 
a network to increase capacity.

HSPA
High Speed Packet Access. 
Enhancement of 3G/WCDMA that 
enables mobile broadband. 

ICT
Information and Communication 
Technology.

M-commerce
Mobile commerce.

M2M
Machine-to-machine 
communication.

Managed services
Management of operator networks 
and/or hosting of their services.

Mobile broadband
Wireless high-speed internet 
access using the HSPA, LTE and 
CDMA2000EV-DO technologies.

Networked Society
Ericsson’s vision of what will 
happen when everything that can 
benefit from being connected is 
connected, empowering people, 
business and society.

OSS
Operations Support Systems.

Penetration
The number of subscriptions  
divided by the population in  
a geographical area.

Psi 
is a solution for mobile broadband 
(3G) coverage. The name reflects 
the shape of the solution with just 
one radio connected to three 
antennas.

RAN
Radio Access Network. 

SDN
Software-Defined Network.

WCDMA
Wideband Code Division  
Multiple Access. A 3G mobile 
communication standard. WCDMA 
builds on the same core network 
infrastructure as GSM. 

xDSL 
Digital Subscriber Line 
technologies for broadband 
multimedia communications in 
fixed-line networks. Examples: 
IP-DSL, ADSL and VDSL.

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The terms “Ericsson,” “the Company,” “the Group,” “us,”  
“we,” and “our” all refer to Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and 
its subsidiaries.

  Financial terminology

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Other 
information

Financial terminology

Capital employed
Total assets less non-interest-
bearing provisions and liabilities. 
(which includes: non-current 
provisions; deferred tax liabilities; 
other non-current liabilities; current 
provisions; trade payables; other 
current liabilities). 

the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during 
the period. Diluted earnings per 
share: the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding are 
adjusted for the effects of all 
dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Capital turnover
Net sales divided by average  
capital employed.

Cash conversion
Cash flow from operating 
activities divided by the sum of 
net income and adjustments to 
reconcile net income to cash, 
expressed as percent.

Cash dividends per share
Dividends paid divided by average 
number of basic shares.

Compound annual growth 
rate (CAGR)
The year-over-year growth rate 
over a specified period of time.

Days sales outstanding 
(DSO)
Trade receivables balance at 
quarter end divided by net sales in 
the quarter and multiplied by 90 
days. If the amount of trade 
receivables is larger than last 
quarter’s sales, the excess amount 
is divided by net sales in the 
previous quarter and multiplied by 
90 days, and total DSO are the 90 
days of the most current quarter 
plus the additional days from the 
previous quarter.

Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic earnings per share: profit or 
loss attributable to stockholders of 
the Parent Company divided by 

EPS (non-IFRS)
EPS, diluted, excluding 
amortizations and write-down of 
acquired intangible assets and 
including restructuring charges.

EBITA margin
Earnings before interest, taxes, 
amortization and write-downs of 
acquired intangibles (intellectual 
property rights, trademarks and 
other intangible assets; see Note 
C10 “Intangible assets”) as a 
percentage of net sales.

Equity ratio
Equity, expressed as a percentage 
of total assets.

Gross cash
Cash and cash equivalents plus 
short-term investments.

Inventory turnover days  
(ITO days)
365 divided by inventory 
turnover, calculated as total cost 
of sales divided by the average 
inventories for the year (net of 
advances from customers).

Net cash
Cash and cash equivalents plus 
short-term investments less 
interest-bearing liabilities (which 
include: non-current borrowings 
and current borrowings) and 
post-employment benefits.

P/E ratio
The P/E ratio is calculated as the 
price of a Class B share at last day 
of trading divided by Earnings per 
basic share.

Stockholders’ equity per 
share
Stockholders’ equity divided by 
the number of shares outstanding 
at end of period, basic.

Payable days
The average balance of trade 
payables at the beginning and at 
the end of the year divided by cost 
of sales for the year, and multiplied 
by 365 days.

Payment readiness
Cash and cash equivalents and 
short-term investments less 
short-term borrowings plus 
long-term unused credit 
commitments. Payment readiness 
is also shown as a percentage of 
net sales.

Return on capital employed
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).

Return on equity
Net income attributable to 
stockholders of the Parent  
Company as a percentage of 
average Stockholders’ equity 
(based on the amounts at January 
1 and December 31).

Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR)
The increase or decrease in 
Class B share price during the 
period, adjusted for dividends 
paid, expressed as a percentage 
of the share price at the start of 
the period.

Trade receivables turnover 
Net sales divided by average trade 
receivables.

Value at Risk (VaR)
A statistical method that expresses 
the maximum potential loss that 
can arise with a certain degree of 
probability during a certain period  
of time.

Working capital
Current assets less current  
non-interest-bearing provisions  
and liabilities (which include: 
current provisions; trade payables; 
other current liabilities).

Exchange rates

Exchange rates used in the consolidation

SEK/EUR

Average rate
Closing rate

SEK/USD

Average rate
Closing rate

January–December
2012

2013

8.67
8.90

6.52
6.46

8.70
8.58

6.73
6.51

172

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FOR PRINTED 
PUBLICATIONS
A printed copy of the Annual Report 

is provided on request. 

Strömberg Distribution 

SE-120 88 Stockholm, Sweden 

Phone: +46 8 449 89 57  

Email: ericsson@strd.se 

IN THE UNITED STATES: 
Ericsson’s Transfer Agent  

Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Bank 

Shareholder Services 

American Stock Transfer & Trust 

Company 

Registered holders:  

Toll-free number: +1 (800) 937-5449 

Interested investors:  

Direct dial: +1 (718) 921-8124   

Email:  

DB@amstock.com 

Ordering a hard copy  

of the Annual Report:

+1 888 301 2504 

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s 
shareholders are invited to participate in the 
Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, 
April 11, 2014, at 3 p.m. at Stockholm 
Waterfront Congress Centre,  Nils Ericsons 
Plan 4, Stockholm, Sweden. 

Registration and notice of attendance 
Shareholders who wish to attend the Annual 
General Meeting must: 
 > Be recorded in the share register kept by 

Euroclear Sweden AB (the Swedish 
Securities Registry) on Saturday, April 5, 
2014; and 

 > Give notice of attendance to the Company  
at the latest on Monday April 7, 2014. Notice 
of attendance can be given by telephone: 
+46 8 402 90 54 on weekdays between 
10a.m. and 4p.m., or on Ericsson’s website: 
www.ericsson.com.

Notice of attendance may also be given  
in writing to:
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
General Meeting of Shareholders
Box 7835, SE-103 98 Stockholm, Sweden 
When giving notice of attendance, please state 
name, date of birth or registration number, 
address, telephone number and number of 
assistants, if any. 

The meeting will be conducted in Swedish 

and simultaneously interpreted into English. 

Shares registered in the name of a nominee 
In addition to giving notice of attendance, 
share holders having their shares registered  
in the name of a nominee, must request the 
nominee to temporarily enter the shareholder into 
the share register as per Saturday, April 5, 2014, 
in order to be entitled to attend the meeting. 
Since the record day for attending the meeting is 
a Saturday, the shareholder should inform the 
nominee to that effect well before Friday, April 4. 

Proxy 
Shareholders represented by proxy shall issue 
and submit to the Company a power of attorney 
for the representative. A power of attorney 
issued by a legal entity must be accompanied 
by a copy of the entity’s certificate of 
registration, or if no such certificate exists, a 
corresponding document of authority. Such 
documents must not be older than one year 
unless the power of attorney explicitly provides 
that it is valid for a longer period, up to a 
maximum of five years. In order to facilitate the 
registration at the Annual General Meeting, the 
original power of attorney, certificates of 
registration and other documents of authority 
should be sent to the Company in advance to  
the address above for receipt by Thursday, April 
10 , 2014. Forms of power of attorney in 
Swedish and English are available on Ericsson’s 
website: www.ericsson.com/investors. 

Dividend 
The Board of Directors has decided to propose 
the Annual General Meeting to resolve on a 
dividend of SEK 3.00 per share for the year 
2013 and that Wednesday, April 16, 2014 will be 
the record date for dividend.

Financial information from Ericsson
Interim reports 2014:
 > Q1, April 23, 2014
 > Q2, July 18, 2014
 > Q3, October 24, 2014
 > Q4, January 27, 2015

Annual Report 2014:  
March 2015

2013 Form 20-F for the US market:  
April 2014

WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE

Information about Ericsson and 
its development is available on 
our website:  
www.ericsson.com.
Annual and interim reports and 
other relevant shareholder 
information can be found at:
www.ericsson.com/investors

Ericsson headquarters
Torshamnsgatan 21 
Kista, Stockholm, Sweden

Registered office
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
SE–164 83 Stockholm, Sweden

Investor relations
For questions on the Company, 
please contact Investor 
Relations:
Telephone: +46 10 719 00 00 
Email: investor.relations@
ericsson.com.

Ericsson Annual 
Report 2013:

Project management: 

Ericsson Investor Relations 

Design and production: 

Addison Group and Paues Media 

Group Management, Board of Directors 

photography: Per Myrehed AB 

Reprographics and printing: 

Trosa Tryckeri AB 2014

  SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Ericsson  |  Annual Report 2013

173

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LIVING in the 
networked 
society

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

138th year of operations

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
SE-164 83 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com

Printed on UPM Sol Matt och Munken Lynx  
– chlorine free paper that meets international  
environmental standards
EN/LZT 138 1292  R1A
ISSN  1100-8962
© Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 2013