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Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Class B (ERIC)
NASDAQ:ERIC

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ERIC) AI Stock Analysis

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ERIC

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

(NASDAQ:ERIC)

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Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
$11.50
▲(3.05% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by recovering financial performance (improved profitability and manageable leverage) and constructive earnings-call takeaways (margin progress, strong net cash, and significant shareholder distributions), supported by strong technical momentum. The main constraints are uneven revenue/cash-flow trends and guidance pointing to a flattish 2026 RAN market with elevated restructuring costs.
Positive Factors
Sustained Margin Expansion
Nine consecutive quarters of EBITA margin expansion to ~18% indicates structural improvements in cost base and operational execution. Durable margin gains increase earnings resilience through industry cycles, fund R&D and shareholder returns, and reduce dependence on top-line swings for profitability.
Strong Net Cash and Cash Generation
A SEK ~61B net cash position and consistent positive free cash flow provide durable financial flexibility. This supports large shareholder returns, buffers cyclical downturns, funds strategic investments or M&A, and reduces refinancing risk—strengthening long-term capital allocation options.
Market Position & Product Traction
High-profile carrier wins, footholds in Japan and scale in fixed wireless access reflect leadership in 5G and differentiated product traction. Durable customer relationships and global scale reinforce Ericsson’s competitive moat and provide recurring revenue opportunities in mission‑critical and enterprise segments.
Negative Factors
Flattish RAN Market Outlook
A flat RAN market constrains core equipment demand and limits revenue growth opportunities over the next 12–24 months. Reliance on incremental share gains or diversification into software/services becomes essential, increasing execution risk and making topline recovery dependent on non‑RAN initiatives.
Elevated Restructuring Costs and Headcount Cuts
Planned elevated restructuring and further headcount reductions will pressure near‑term profitability and create execution risk. While intended to improve structural margins, such programs can disrupt operations, slow delivery on growth projects, and risk loss of critical talent needed for tech leadership.
Material Currency Headwinds
Large negative FX translation (~SEK 13.9B) injects volatility into reported revenue and margins, complicating performance assessment and planning. Persistent currency pressure can erode reported growth, compress margins and cash conversion, and reduce the predictability of capital allocation outcomes.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ERIC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ), together with its subsidiaries, provides communication infrastructure, services, and software solutions to the telecom and other sectors. It operates through four segments: Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and Other. The Networks segment offers radio access network solutions for various network spectrum bands, including integrated high-performing hardware and software. This segment also provides integrated antenna and transport solutions; and a range of service portfolio covering network deployment and support. The Digital Services segment offers software-based solutions for business support systems, operational support systems, communication services, core networks, and cloud infrastructure. The Managed Services segment provides networks and IT managed, network design and optimization, and application development and maintenance services to telecom operators. The Emerging Business and Other segment includes emerging businesses comprising Internet of Things; iconectiv; Cradlepoint that offers wireless edge WAN 4G and 5G enterprise solutions; and Red Bee Media, MediaKind, and other new businesses. It operates in North America, Europe and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, South East Asia, Oceania, India, North East Asia, and internationally. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) was founded in 1876 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
How the Company Makes MoneyEricsson generates revenue through several key streams, primarily focusing on network equipment sales, software, and services. The company's main revenue comes from selling telecommunications infrastructure, including radio access networks (RAN), core networks, and transport networks. Additionally, Ericsson provides managed services, allowing telecom operators to outsource network operations, and offers consulting services to help clients optimize their network performance. The company also earns revenue from software licenses and maintenance agreements. Strategic partnerships with major telecommunications companies worldwide further enhance its revenue potential, and Ericsson's investments in research and development keep it at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in 5G and IoT, driving growth in new market segments.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 23, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 17, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call reported multiple clear operational and financial improvements: sustained margin expansion (nine consecutive quarters), strong adjusted gross margins (~48%), solid organic growth (Q4 organic +6%), improved segment profitability (notably Networks and Cloud Software & Services), a robust net cash position (>SEK 61B) and a sizeable shareholder distribution program (SEK 25B). These positives are tempered by meaningful currency headwinds that reduced reported sales (~‑5%), a year‑on‑year decline in cash flow versus a particularly strong 2024, a flattish RAN market outlook for 2026, elevated restructuring charges and some regional/segment softness (Northeast Asia, Latin America, Enterprise reporting affected by the iconectiv sale). Overall the company conveys disciplined execution, a constructive strategy for new growth areas (mission‑critical, 5G core, enterprise) and confidence in its balance sheet, while acknowledging near‑term headwinds and costs associated with restructuring and market uncertainty.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Profitability and Margin Expansion
Adjusted EBITA margin reached ~18% for Q4 and full year 2025 (18.3% reported in Q4), representing the ninth consecutive quarter of year-on-year EBITA margin expansion and tracking close to the long-term 15%–18% target (18.1% for the full year; 14.9% excluding the ~3 percentage point benefit from the iconectiv gain).
High Adjusted Gross Margin
Adjusted gross margin was 48% in Q4 and 48.1% for the full year, supported by cost-reduction measures and operational excellence, with Networks reaching ~49.6% (Q4) and full-year Networks gross margin ~50%.
Organic Revenue Growth
Organic net sales grew 6% year‑on‑year in Q4 and 2% for the full year 2025, with organic growth across all segments and notable strength in Cloud Software & Services (organic +12% in Q4).
Robust Cash and Cash Generation
Net cash position exceeded SEK 61 billion (SEK 61.2B) at year end, with cash flow before M&A of SEK 14.9 billion in Q4 and SEK 26.8 billion for the full year; cash flow to net sales was 11%, inside the 9%–12% target range.
Segment Operational Improvements
Networks delivered organic sales growth of 4% in Q4 and an adjusted EBITA margin of 22.8% (Q4), while Cloud Software & Services reported organic growth of 12% (Q4), adjusted gross margin of 44.3% and an adjusted EBITA margin of 18.6%—both at multi-quarter highs.
Shareholder Returns and Capital Allocation
Board proposed increased ordinary dividend of SEK 3 per share and a share buyback program of up to SEK 15 billion, totaling ~SEK 25 billion—the largest shareholder distribution in company history—reflecting strong balance sheet capacity.
Cost Reductions and Headcount Actions
Operating expenses (excl. restructuring) fell to SEK 21.4 billion in Q4 (about SEK 2 billion lower YoY) and full-year operating expenses dropped SEK 7.4 billion YoY; the company reduced headcount by ~5,000 over the past year and is pursuing further reductions to improve structural margins.
Market Wins and Product Traction
Meaningful contract activity with front‑runner customers (e.g., Telstra, Vodafone) and strategic inroads in Japan; fixed wireless access reached ~150 million global subscribers in 2025; mission‑critical, 5G core and enterprise use cases are highlighted as growth engines.
Negative Updates
Reported Sales Decline Driven by Currency
Reported net sales decreased ~5% in Q4 and full year 2025, with a significant negative currency impact of SEK 6.8 billion in Q4 and SEK 13.9 billion for the full year.
Year‑on‑Year Cash Flow Reduction vs Prior Year
Cash flow before M&A fell to SEK 26.8 billion for the full year (down ~SEK 13 billion vs prior year), largely due to much stronger working capital reductions in 2024 that are not repeatable.
Flat RAN Market and Regional Headwinds
Management expects a flattish RAN market in 2026; Northeast Asia declined in Q4 and Latin America faces intense price competition, putting pressure on growth in some regions.
Short‑Term Operational Costs and Restructuring
Restructuring charges are expected to be elevated in 2026 with further headcount reductions (including actions in Sweden), which will create near-term costs and program execution risk.
Enterprise & GCP Reported Weakness (iconectiv Impact)
Reported Enterprise sales decreased 25% in Q4 primarily due to the iconectiv divestment and currency; Global Communications Platform reported adjusted EBITA of negative SEK 1.1 billion (though improved slightly YoY).
Currency and Supply‑Chain Pressure
Currency headwinds materially reduced reported results (SEK ~13.9B FY impact) and management flagged supply‑chain noise (memory price concerns), requiring continued supplier/customer collaboration—potential downward pressure on gross margins if sustained.
Lumpiness and Near‑Term Seasonality in Cloud Software & Services
Q1 2026 guidance expects Cloud Software & Services sales growth below the 3‑year quarter‑on‑quarter seasonality (delivery phasing/lumpiness remains a risk to near‑term top‑line consistency).
IPR Contract Timing and Uncertainty
While current IPR run‑rate guidance is SEK 13 billion, management noted contract expirations (e.g., with a Chinese smartphone vendor) and ongoing negotiations that introduce timing and renewal uncertainty for IPR revenue.
Company Guidance
Management's guidance assumes stable exchange rates and no tariff changes and frames 2026 as a flattish RAN market with Networks Q1 sales growth expected to be broadly in line with the 3‑year average quarter‑on‑quarter seasonality, Cloud, Software & Services Q1 growth below that 3‑year average, and Networks adjusted gross margin for Q1 guided to 49–51%; they warned that restructuring charges for full‑year 2026 will be elevated (including proposed Sweden headcount reductions and continued actions across markets) while continuing headcount reductions overall and sustaining investments for technology leadership. The Board proposes increased shareholder distributions (dividend SEK 3/share and a buyback program up to SEK 15 billion, total ~SEK 25 billion), leaving net cash at about SEK 61.2 billion after Q4; management referenced recent performance to set expectations (Q4 net sales SEK 69.3bn, Q4 organic sales +6%, FY net sales SEK 236.7bn, FY organic +2%, Q4 adjusted gross margin ~48% and FY 48.1%, Q4 adjusted EBITA SEK 12.7bn and margin 18.3%, FY adjusted EBITA SEK 42.9bn and margin 18.1% or 14.9% excl. iconectiv, cash flow before M&A Q4 SEK 14.9bn and FY SEK 26.8bn with cash flow/net sales 11% within a 9–12% target).

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability rebounded strongly in 2025 with improved margins, leverage remains manageable, and free cash flow stayed positive with decent cash quality. Offsetting this is uneven performance and visibility: revenue contracted in 2025 and operating/FCF trends softened versus 2024, highlighting cyclicality and variability.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Profitability rebounded meaningfully in 2025 with strong operating and net margins after a very weak 2024 and a loss in 2023, showing the earnings profile can recover. Gross margin also improved versus 2024, supporting the better profit outcome. The key drawback is uneven performance and visibility: revenue contracted in 2025 after modest growth in 2024, and results have swung materially over the last few years, indicating demand and/or cost volatility.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
Leverage looks manageable with debt running well below equity across the period, and equity has been relatively stable, which supports financial flexibility. Returns improved sharply in 2025 following a near-breakeven 2024 and negative 2023, signaling the balance sheet can translate into shareholder returns when operations normalize. The main weakness is earnings-driven variability in returns and some year-to-year movement in leverage, which can pressure perceived stability even if absolute debt levels remain reasonable.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Cash generation is generally solid, with free cash flow consistently positive and typically close to reported earnings, suggesting decent cash quality. However, operating cash flow fell in 2025 versus 2024 and free cash flow declined year over year, pointing to a softer near-term cash trend. Cash flow has also been uneven (notably weak in 2023 versus other years), which adds execution and working-capital risk through the cycle.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue222.48B259.37B249.80B274.27B244.54B
Gross Profit107.11B116.57B99.03B114.63B106.34B
EBITDA45.82B17.15B-9.44B35.45B40.38B
Net Income26.72B20.93M-25.08B18.91B23.89B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets279.23B298.01B309.89B348.07B306.94B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments56.64B56.50B44.74B46.19B66.85B
Total Debt46.04B45.59B54.28B41.43B41.05B
Total Liabilities168.96B204.91B212.56B217.30B200.05B
Stockholders Equity109.54B94.40B98.59B132.25B108.57B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow28.50B45.96B3.68B26.65B37.26B
Operating Cash Flow30.98B48.40B6.81B31.17B41.12B
Investing Cash Flow-10.75B-16.69B-8.26B-34.74B-20.93B
Financing Cash Flow-13.37B-24.97B955.17M-16.09B-9.80B

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price11.16
Price Trends
50DMA
9.99
Positive
100DMA
9.60
Positive
200DMA
8.78
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.38
Negative
RSI
61.64
Neutral
STOCH
55.71
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ERIC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 11.16 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 10.60, above the 50-day MA of 9.99, and above the 200-day MA of 8.78, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.38 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.64 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 55.71 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ERIC.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Risk Analysis

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson disclosed 43 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson reported the most risks in the "Ability to Sell" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$75.52B35.58104.74%1.18%6.17%35.41%
74
Outperform
$337.98B30.0624.34%2.09%8.91%14.53%
74
Outperform
$42.73B48.11136.08%0.49%36.77%102.83%
70
Outperform
$36.34B12.642.51%1.04%
67
Neutral
$31.78B0.23%2.17%14.17%-102.25%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
59
Neutral
$38.64B53.173.20%2.26%5.05%115.92%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ERIC
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
10.97
3.29
42.75%
CSCO
Cisco Systems
75.00
11.67
18.43%
MSI
Motorola Solutions
453.44
20.04
4.62%
NOK
Nokia
6.97
2.09
42.86%
UI
Ubiquiti Networks
706.08
366.44
107.89%
HPE
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
22.20
1.06
5.01%

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Corporate Events

Ericsson Lifts Profitability and Payouts on Strong 2025, Flags Flat RAN Market for 2026
Jan 23, 2026

On January 23, 2026, Ericsson reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, highlighting broad-based organic sales growth in all segments in Q4, including 12% growth in Cloud Software and Services, and improved profitability driven by operational efficiencies, especially in Mobile Networks. Q4 sales rose 6% organically with stronger performance in EMEA and South East Asia/Oceania/India, while reported sales declined year-on-year to SEK 69.3 billion due to currency effects; adjusted gross margin expanded to 48.0%, adjusted EBITA margin climbed to 18.3%, net income nearly doubled to SEK 8.6 billion, and free cash flow before M&A remained strong at SEK 14.9 billion. For the full year 2025, Ericsson delivered 2% organic sales growth and higher profitability, with adjusted gross income up to SEK 113.9 billion, adjusted EBITA rising to SEK 42.9 billion (including a gain from the iconectiv divestment), net income surging to SEK 28.7 billion, and an 11.3% cash-flow-to-sales ratio, leaving net cash at SEK 61.2 billion and return on capital employed at 24.1%. Reflecting confidence in its balance sheet and cash generation, the board plans to propose a higher dividend of SEK 3.00 per share for 2025 and a SEK 15 billion share buyback, while management signaled that in a flat 2026 RAN market the group will lean on growth in mission-critical and enterprise markets and increase investments in defense, while continuing cost optimization to protect margins and cash flow.

The most recent analyst rating on (ERIC) stock is a Buy with a $11.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson stock, see the ERIC Stock Forecast page.

Ericsson Announces Executive Team Change Amid Strategic Transition
Nov 12, 2025

On November 11, 2025, Ericsson announced that Moti Gyamlani will step down from his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Group Function Global Operations on January 12, 2026. Gyamlani, who joined Ericsson in 2019 and became part of the Executive Team in 2022, has been instrumental in digitally transforming the company and streamlining its processes. His departure marks a transition period aimed at simplifying the Group structure and aligning functions closer to the business, which could impact Ericsson’s operational efficiency and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (ERIC) stock is a Buy with a $10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson stock, see the ERIC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 27, 2026