Ericsson sees Q3 EBITDA margin in line or slightly higher than Q2

The company said, “For Q3 we expect similar market mix and trends as in Q2. In addition, Q3 will benefit from an early impact of our strong focus on cost-out execution. Overall, we thus expect Q3 EBITA margin(2) to be in line with or slightly higher than Q2, followed by a seasonally stronger Q4. As we look ahead, a fundamental driver of network capex is the continued rapid data traffic growth. Average smartphone usage is expected to exceed 20 GB/month in 2023 with strong growth. 240 operators have launched 5G, bringing new revenue growth with pricing model innovation. We forecast 5G subscriptions to top 1.5 billion by end-2023 and reach 4.6 billion by 2028. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) also grows quickly, driving further traffic growth. Traffic growth and operators’ desire to meet expectations for network quality with cost and energy efficiency, will stimulate investments. We estimate 75% of all base station sites outside China are not yet updated with 5G mid-band, and migration to 5G standalone will continue in order to deliver on 5G’s full potential. We are confident that the market will recover as a consequence of these fa4ctors, and Ericsson is well positioned to benefit from increased investments. The exact timing of these increased network investments is, of course, in the hands of our customers, but we expect that the market will see a gradual recovery in late 2023 and improve in 2024. Our technology leadership, solid performance and growth potential, position us well for the future. We are navigating the current environment with discipline and focus, and we tackle areas within our control. We execute on the Cloud Software and Services turnaround, portfolio adjustments, enhanced R&D productivity, IPR growth and cost reductions. Based on the expected recovery of the mobile networks market towards the end of the year, we remain focused on reaching the lower end of the 15-18% EBITA margin(2) long-term target range in 2024.”