Ericsson Capital Markets Day 2018
On November 8, 2018, Ericsson held its Capital Markets Day giving an overview of its turnaround, strategy and plans for future growth as well as details
about its business segments and the market trends. Further, the presentations included updated net sales ambitions for 2020 and financial targets for 2020 and 2022.
SEC and DOJ inquiries
As previously disclosed, Ericsson
has been voluntarily cooperating since 2013 with an investigation by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, since 2015, with an investigation by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) into Ericssons compliance
with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The discussions with these authorities continue. While the length of these discussions cannot be determined, the companys previous assessment, that the resolution of these matters will likely
result in monetary and other measures, the magnitude of which at this time cannot be reliably estimated but may be material, remains. Ericsson continues its efforts to improve on its compliance program.
POST-CLOSING EVENTS
Provisions in fourth quarter
related to reshaping BSS business
On January 10, 2019, Ericsson announced that the focus on simplifying and stabilizing the business has resulted
in stronger gross margins and a stabilizing topline. While there has been solid progress in most portfolio areas, the Business Support Systems area in segment Digital Services is not showing satisfactory progress, jeopardizing the segment Digital
Services overall profitability target for 2020.
The companys past strategy has not been successful. It included pursuing large transformation
projects based on
pre-integrated
solutions and development of a next-generation BSS platform. Consequently, at the Capital Markets Day on Nov. 8, 2018, Ericsson presented a revised BSS strategy, with increased
investments in the established platform and a refocus of the next-generation BSS platform to fulfilling existing customer commitments only.
The company
has now decided to pursue additional measures to speed up the restructuring of the BSS business. Provisions for the cost of executing on these measures, together with necessary contract loss provisions, negatively impacted operating income by SEK
6.1 b. in Q4, 2018, mainly impacting gross margin. SEK 3.1 b. of this amount is treated as restructuring charges. Further restructuring charges, estimated to be SEK 1.5 b, are anticipated for 2019. The vast majority of the provision amount will
impact cash flow, starting in 2019 and continuing over several years.
Ericsson announced changes to Executive Team
On January 16, 2019, Ericsson announced that Helena Norrman, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Head of Marketing and
Corporate Relations, has decided to leave Ericsson to pursue opportunities outside the company. Helena Norrman has been with the company since 1998 and has served on Ericssons Executive Team since 2010. Helena will leave her position effective
no later than June 30, 2019.