Founded in 1876, Ericsson is a leading provider of communications networks, related services and handset technology platforms. Through our Sony Ericsson joint venture, we are also a major provider of handsets. Our experience building networks in more than 175 countries gives us unique customer and consumer insights, and our extensive portfolio of telecommunication solutions and intellectual property offer a true business advantage. We are committed to working with our customers and partners to expand the borders of telecommunications for the benefit of people everywhere.

We are a leading supplier of systems and services to most of the world's largest mobile and fixed network operators. Ericsson has a long history of innovation and an industry-leading R&D program that focuses on being first to market with new solutions based on open standards.

We had a solid performance in 2008, with robust sales growth and best-in-class margins. Ericsson’s strong financial position enables us to pursue strategic opportunities.

In 2008, sales increased by 11 (4) percent despite financial turmoil

• Operating margin was 11.4 percent excluding restructuring charges and 7.8 percent including restructuring charges.
• Net income attributable to shareholders of the Parent Company was SEK 11.3 billion, and earnings per share (diluted) were SE K 3.52.
• Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 24.0 billion. Cash flow before financing activities was SEK 15.4 billion including acquisitions/divestments (net) of SE K 0.6 billion (cash flow effect).
• A cash conversion rate of 92 percent was achieved, well above the target of at least 70 percent.

Despite the current macro-economic environment, the fundamentals of our industry are sound and the underlying demand drivers remain intact. Today, mobile communication is just as essential to any nation’s infrastructure as water, transportation or electricity.

The socio-economic contributions of mobile communications are well demonstrated with the importance of broadband increasing. Ericsson plays a vital role in bringing the benefits of mobile broadband to the majority of people around the world.

2008 was the year that mobile broadband took off. Data traffic is increasing dramatically  in mobile broadband networks, particularly for operators usin bundled tariffs or a flat fee structure.
Operator networks are well dimensioned but, since traffic is rowing rapidly, there is a need for continued spending to maintain quality of service.

Our vision is to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world.

This means a world in which all people can use voice, data, images and video to share ideas and information whenever and wherever they want.