Ericsson’s operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes Custom Essay

Ericsson’s operational and financial risk factors and uncertainties along with our strategies and tactics to mitigate risk exposures or limit unfavorable outcomes are described in our Annual Report 2011. Compared to the risks described in the Annual Report 2011, no material, new or changed risk factors or uncertainties have been identified in the quarter.
Risk factors and uncertainties in focus short-term for the Parent Company and the Ericsson Group include:

• Potential negative effects on operators’ willingness to invest in network development due to uncertainty in the financial markets and a weak economic business environment, or reduced consumer telecom spending, or increased pressure on us to provide financing;
• Uncertainty regarding the financial stability of suppliers, for example due to lack of financing;
• Effects on gross margins and/or working capital of the product mix in the Networks segment between sales of upgrades and expansions (mainly software) and new build-outs of coverage (mainly hardware);
• Effects on gross margins of the product mix in the Global Services segment including proportion of new network build-outs and share of new managed services deals with initial transition costs;
• A continued volatile sales pattern in the Support Solutions segment or variability in our overall sales seasonality could make it more difficult to forecast future sales;
• Effects of the ongoing industry consolidation among our customers as well as between our largest competitors, e.g. with postponed investments and intensified price competition as a consequence;
• Execution of the business plan and related capital need of our joint venture ST-Ericsson;
• Changes in foreign exchange rates, in particular USD and EUR;
• Political unrest or instability in certain markets;
• Effects on production and sales from restrictions with respect to timely and adequate supply of materials, components and production capacity and other vital services on competitive terms;
• Natural disasters and other events, affecting business, production, supply and transportation.
Ericsson stringently monitors the compliance with all relevant trade regulations and trade embargos applicable to dealings with customers operating in countries where there are trade restrictions or trade restrictions are discussed. Moreover, Ericsson operates globally in accordance with Group policies and directives for business ethics and conduct.