是说芯语·2026-03-30 06:32Core Viewpoint - The ongoing layoffs at Nokia and Ericsson reflect the significant decline in spending by global telecom operators in the 5G sector, driven by weak demand and unmet expectations for network upgrades [7][8]. Group 1: Nokia's Layoff Plans - Nokia plans to cut 4,100 jobs globally by 2026, reducing its workforce from 74,100 to 70,000, aiming for cost savings of €1.2 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) [1][3]. - Since acquiring Alcatel-Lucent in 2016, Nokia's workforce has decreased from 103,000 to 75,600 by the end of 2024, with a total reduction of nearly 27,500 employees [3]. - The current CEO, Pekka Lundmark, confirmed that the total layoffs will reach 14,000 positions by the end of 2026, aiming to cut costs by 15% of personnel expenses [3][8]. Group 2: Ericsson's Layoff Strategy - Ericsson has also been reducing its workforce, having laid off 5,000 employees in 2025, bringing its total headcount down to below 89,000 from 105,000 in 2020 [5]. - The company plans to continue cost-cutting measures, with an expected 13% reduction in its Swedish workforce by 2026 [5]. Group 3: Industry Context and Financial Performance - Global telecom operators' spending on Radio Access Network (RAN) products dropped from $45 billion in 2022 to $40 billion in 2023, with projections of further declines to $35 billion in 2024 [7]. - Nokia's mobile networks business is facing significant challenges, with a projected operating profit margin of only 2.8% in 2025, down from 8.8% in 2022 [7]. - Despite layoffs, Nokia's profitability remains nearly zero, with R&D spending decreasing by 4% to €2.08 billion (approximately $2.4 billion) in 2025, significantly lower than Ericsson's R&D expenditure of approximately $5.2 billion [8]. Group 4: Strategic Changes and Future Outlook - To address its challenges, Nokia plans to merge its mobile networks, technology, and cloud services into a single Mobile Infrastructure business group, although this move has faced internal dissent [9]. - The ongoing adjustments in the telecom equipment industry are expected to continue, as both Nokia and Ericsson navigate the end of the 5G cycle and the uncertain future of 6G commercialization [9].