Is Ericsson (ERIC) A Cheap NASDAQ Stock To Invest In Now?

Ericsson (ERIC), a leading provider of mobile connectivity solutions, has seen its stock price surge post-earnings, driven by strong expansion in Networks and improved EBIT and EBITDA figures. The company's Q3 2024 results demonstrate progress, with strong gross margin expansion and free cash flow, benefiting from commercial discipline and operational efficiency actions. Despite a year-on-year revenue decline, CEO Börje Ekholm highlighted the company's progress and expectations for Networks sales to stabilize year-on-year during Q4.

However, the question remains: is ERIC a cheap stock to invest in now? To answer this, we need to analyze the company's valuation, financial performance, and market position.

**Valuation Metrics**

ERIC's current valuation metrics indicate a relatively cheap stock compared to its historical averages and industry peers. Its P/E ratio of 15.52 is below its 5-year average of 17.73, and its EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.10 is lower than its 5-year average of 12.44. Additionally, its EV/Revenue of 1.07 is lower than the industry average of 1.48. These metrics suggest that ERIC may be undervalued, presenting an attractive investment opportunity.

**Financial Performance**

ERIC's financial performance has been mixed, with sales declining by -1% YoY and adjusted EBITA margin expanding to 12.6%. While the company has seen strong growth in North America, it faces pressure in other market areas. However, ERIC's gross margin expansion and free cash flow improvement indicate operational efficiency. Compared to competitors like Nokia (NOK) and Qualcomm (QCOM), ERIC's revenue growth (-1% vs. 9% for NOK, 11% for QCOM) and adjusted EBITA margin (12.6% vs. 14.5% for NOK, 29% for QCOM) lag behind. However, ERIC's free cash flow margin (0.68% vs. 0.33% for NOK, 0.07% for QCOM) is higher, suggesting better cash generation.

**Market Position**

ERIC's market position is strong, with a leading role in 5G technology and strategic partnerships with major telecom operators. The company's focus on 5G, IoT, and cloud technologies positions it well for future growth. Additionally, ERIC's dividend yield of 3.29% and shareholder yield of 3.24% indicate that the company is returning value to shareholders.

**Risks and Challenges**

Despite its attractive valuation and strong market position, ERIC faces several risks and challenges. The global telecom market is highly competitive, with major players like Nokia and Huawei. ERIC's market share has been declining, and it must innovate and execute effectively to maintain its position. Additionally, the transition to 5G networks requires significant investment in R&D and infrastructure, which could impact short-term profitability. Geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, could disrupt supply chains and impact ERIC's operations.

**Conclusion**

Based on its attractive valuation, strong financial performance, and robust market position, ERIC appears to be a cheap stock to invest in now. However, investors should monitor the company's earnings, market share, and progress in addressing the identified risks and challenges. With careful analysis and a balanced perspective, investors can make informed decisions about investing in ERIC and other technology stocks.