LM Ericsson Telephone Company (ERIC) reported earnings per share of 16 cents for the third quarter of 2009, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 12 cents per share. Net sales in the third quarter were SEK 46.4 billion ($6.6 billion). Sales in the quarter decreased 4% year-over-year for comparable units, i.e. excluding Ericsson Mobile Platforms, and decreased 12% adjusted for currency exchange rate effects and hedging. The third quarter last year was comparatively strong with no normal seasonality. Sequential sales decreased 11%, negatively impacted by currency exchange rate effects, seasonality and a reduced scope of the renewed managed services agreement in Italy. Network sales in the third quarter declined year-over-year by 8%. Even though the comparison is tough with last year's strong third quarter, the market was weaker. The markets are fairly strong in the world's leading economies, while demand is weaker in several emerging ...