Paris-based telecom equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent reported Q4 results on Feb. 4 that were slighty better than forecast. However,  it posted a $6.2 billion loss for 2008  after writing off $6 billion in assets, and is still predicting a 8% to 12% decline in profits in 2009. "We understand what we have to do," CEO Ben Verwaayen, said in a press conference. "We have a plan in place."  Verwaayen  said the company's cost reduction plan is on track, emphasized the progress the company has made in executing its new strategic plan and mentioned how well positioned the company is to win 3G mobile contracts in China.