Ericsson Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates Despite Lower Revenues

Core Insights - Ericsson reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, although sales were impacted by weakness in North East Asia and the Americas [2][5][9] Financial Performance - Net income for the fourth quarter was SEK 8.6 billion ($0.91 billion), or SEK 2.57 (27 cents) per share, compared to SEK 4.9 billion or SEK 1.44 per share in the prior-year quarter, driven by lower selling and administrative expenses and research and development costs [3][4] - For the full year 2025, net income reached SEK 28.7 billion or SEK 8.51 per share, a significant increase from SEK 0.4 billion or SEK 0.01 per share in 2024, aided by capital gains from divestitures and reduced operating expenses [4] Revenue Analysis - Total revenues for the fourth quarter were SEK 69.3 billion ($7.36 billion), a 5% decline year over year, but a 6% increase on an organic basis, with sales growth hindered by challenges in North East Asia and the Americas [5][9] - For 2025, total revenues were reported at SEK 236.7 billion, also down 5% year over year [5] Segment Performance - The Networks segment generated SEK 44.2 billion ($4.69 billion), down 6% from the previous year, but the adjusted gross margin improved to 49.6% due to cost reductions and operational efficiency [6][9] - Cloud Software and Services revenues increased by 3% year over year to SEK 20 billion ($2.12 billion), with an improved adjusted gross margin of 44.3% [7] - The Enterprise segment saw revenues decline by 25% to SEK 4.6 billion ($489 million), attributed to falling sales in the Global Communication Platform and divestiture of iconective [7] Regional Performance - Revenues from South-East Asia, Oceania, and India increased to SEK 8.98 billion ($955 million), while North East Asia revenues decreased to SEK 5.2 billion ($553 million) [8] - The Americas reported net sales of SEK 22.9 billion ($2.44 billion), down 11% year over year [8] Other Financial Metrics - Gross income, excluding restructuring charges, slightly declined to SEK 33.2 billion ($3.53 billion) from SEK 33.7 billion in the previous year, with an adjusted gross margin of 48% [11] - Cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter was SEK 16.5 billion ($1.75 billion), with total cash from operations for 2025 at SEK 33 billion, down from SEK 46.3 billion in 2024 [12] Future Outlook - For Q1 2026, revenues from the Networks segment are expected to align with three-year average seasonality, while revenues from Cloud Software and Services are anticipated to fall below the three-year average [13]