Ericsson's third — quarter core profit falls less than expected

STOCKHOLM, Oct 15 (Reuters) — Telecom equipment maker Ericsson on Thursday reported a smaller than expected drop in third quarter core profit and said the RAN market is flat, geopolitical uncertainty remains elevated and component costs are a headwind to gross margin next year. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik) ((anna.ringstrom@thomsonreuters.com)