UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of April 2019

 

Commission File Number 001-16429

 

ABB Ltd

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

Affolternstrasse 44, CH-8050, Zurich, Switzerland

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F

Form 40-F

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

 

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

 

Indication by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

 

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes

No

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

This Form 6-K consists of the following:

 

1.              Press release issued by ABB Ltd dated April 17, 2019 titled “Resilient growth”.

2.              Q1 2019 Financial Information.

3.             Press release issued by ABB Ltd dated April 17, 2019 titled “ABB names Peter Voser as interim CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer steps down”.

4.             Announcements regarding transactions in ABB Ltd’s Securities made by the directors or the members of the Executive Committee.

 

The information provided by Item 2 above is hereby incorporated by reference into the Registration Statements on Form F-3 of ABB Ltd and ABB Finance (USA) Inc. (File Nos. 333-223907 and 333-223907-01) and registration statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-190180, 333-181583, 333-179472, 333-171971 and 333-129271) each of which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2 

  

 

 


 

 

 

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, APRIL 17, 2019: FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Resilient growth

 

        Total orders +3%1, order backlog +6%

        Base orders +6%, higher in all divisions and regions

        Revenues +4%, book-to-bill2 1.11x

        Operational EBITA margin2 11.2%, impacted 100 basis points by GEIS dilution and a further 100 basis points by stranded costs

        Net income $535 million, -6%

        Operational EPS2 $0.31, +5%3

        Cash flow from operating activities -$256 million; solid cash delivery expected for the full year

        Global software partnership agreement with Dassault Systèmes announced

We delivered another quarter of solid orders and revenue growth demonstrating the quality and resilience of our portfolio despite the softening we have seen in some of our end-markets, particularly in discrete manufacturing and the automotive sector,” said ABB CFO Timo Ihamuotila.

“We remain firmly focused on operational performance and the integration of GEIS; excluding the GEIS impact, our operational margin improved. We are well on track with the Power Grids separation and our four new leading businesses started operations on April 1 as planned.”

Key figures

 

 

ChangE

$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated

Q1 2019

Q1 2018

US $

Comparable1

Orders

7,613

7,555

+1%

+3%

Revenues

6,847

6,441

+6%

+4%

Income from operations

590

626

-6%

 

Operational EBITA2

766

752

+2%

+10%4

as % of operational revenues

11.2%

11.7%

-0.5pts

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

415

414

+0%

 

Net income attributable to ABB

535

572

-6%

 

Basic EPS ($)

0.25

0.27

-6%3

 

Operational EPS  ($)2

0.31

0.31

-3%3

+5%3

Cash flow from operating activities5

-256

-518

+51%

 

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced an agreed sale of its Power Grids division. Consequently, the results of the Power Grids business are presented as discontinued operations. The company’s results for all periods have been adjusted accordingly.

Short-term outlook

Macroeconomic signs are mixed in Europe with growth expected to continue in the US and China. The overall global market is growing, with rising geopolitical uncertainties in various parts of the world. Oil prices and foreign exchange translation effects are expected to continue to influence the company’s results.

______

1  Growth rates for orders, order backlog and revenues are on a comparable basis (local currency adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures).

2  For non-GAAP measures, see the “Supplemental Financial Information” attachment to the press release.

3  EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts. Comparable operational earnings per share is in constant currency (2014 exchange rates not adjusted for changes in the business portfolio).

4  Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).

5 Amount represents total for both continuing and discontinued operations.

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

1/7

 


 

 

Q1 2019 Group results

Orders

Total orders were up 3 percent (1 percent in US dollars), led by order growth in the Electrification Products and Robotics and Motion divisions. Orders were well-supported by positive base order momentum. Third-party base orders were up 6 percent (8 percent in US dollars); all divisions and regions were up during the quarter. Large orders were below the prior year period and represented 3 percent of total orders, down from 10 percent. The order backlog was up 6 percent (2 percent in US dollars) compared to a year ago, ending the quarter at $13.9 billion.

Service orders were up 6 percent (6 percent in US dollars). Service orders represent 20 percent of total orders, up from 19 percent last year.

Changes in the business portfolio including impacts from the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions (“GEIS”) and from the establishment of the Linxon Joint Venture resulted in a net positive impact of 4 percent on total orders. Foreign exchange translation effects had a net negative impact of 6 percent on total orders.

Market overview

Performance on a regional basis was balanced during the quarter:

–    Total orders from Europe were 3 percent lower (8 percent in US dollars), driven mainly by lower large orders. Positive contributions from Denmark, France and Italy were outweighed by declines in Germany, Norway and Sweden. Base orders grew 6 percent in Europe.

–    Total orders from the Americas increased 9 percent (28 percent in US dollars). Orders from the United States rose 7 percent (33 percent in US dollars) and good growth was also evident in Canada and several South American countries including Chile. Base orders were up 7 percent in the Americas.

–    In Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), total orders were up 5 percent (7 percent lower in US dollars), with strong growth from Singapore, Japan, Australia, South Korea and China more than offsetting slower performance from countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa and India. In China, orders increased 6 percent (5 percent in US dollars). Base orders were 4 percent higher in the AMEA region.

 

Demand was mixed across ABB’s key customer segments:

–    In industries, order momentum continued to be strong in select process industries such as from pulp and paper and mining customers, reflecting increased maintenance spend alongside a supportive commodity price environment. This benefited particularly ABB’s motion and industrial automation orders intake, including healthy demand for services offerings and ABB Ability™ solutions. Discrete manufacturing and automotive sector activity slowed during the quarter, while 3C activity remained subdued.

–    Transport and infrastructure demand was healthy, with continued investments in rail and specialty marine vessels. Orders for ABB’s e-mobility offering and for data center infrastructure grew strongly. Construction demand was robust, with ongoing investment in commercial buildings such as hospitals and resorts.

Revenues

Revenues improved 4 percent (6 percent in US dollars) with strong growth in Electrification Products and Robotics and Motion, and a steady performance in Industrial Automation.

Service revenues were up 6 percent (6 percent in US dollars). Services represented 19 percent of total revenues, the same level as in the prior year period.

Business portfolio changes including impacts from the acquisition of GEIS and from the establishment of the Linxon JV contributed a net positive of 9 percent to reported revenues. Changes in exchange rates resulted in a negative translation impact on reported revenues of 7 percent.

The book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 1.11x compared to 1.17x in the previous year period.

RESILIENT GROWTH

2/7

 

 


 

 

Operational EBITA

Operational EBITA of $766 million was up 2 percent in US dollars (10 percent in local currencies) compared to the prior year period. The operational EBITA margin stood at 11.2 percent and was 50 basis points lower year-on-year.

In the first quarter period, the impact of GEIS’ integration on the operational EBITA margin was approximately 100 basis points while stranded costs weighed a further 100 basis points. Stranded costs are services provided by the group to Power Grids that do not qualify to be reported as discontinued operations and which the group expects to be predominantly transferred to Power Grids or eliminated by the closing of the transaction, which is expected by first half of 2020. Stranded costs of $67 million were recognized in the Corporate and Other operational EBITA result, $9 million lower than the previous year.

Net income, basic and operational earnings per share

Net income from continuing operations was $415 million. Discontinued operations realized $149 million net income. Group net income attributable to ABB was $535 million, 6 percent lower year on year. Basic earnings per share was $0.25, 6 percent lower year on year. Operational earnings per share of $0.31 was 3 percent lower and up 5 percent in constant currency terms3.

Cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from operating activities of -$256 million compares to -$518 million in the first quarter of 2018. Compared to the prior year quarter, cash flow from operating activities in continuing operations strengthened to -$97 million from -$365 million, while cash flow from discontinued operations of

-$159 million was steady versus the prior year period.  

In the first quarter 2019, cash flow from continuing operating activities benefited from the delayed payment of employee incentives and strong milestone payment collection from ongoing projects, which outweighed high payments for inventory. ABB expects solid cash delivery for the full year, weighted to the second half.

Net working capital as a percentage of revenues was 11.2 percent, from 12.9 percent in the prior year period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

3/7

 

 

 

 


 

 

Q1 divisional performance

 ($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders

Change

3rd party base orders

Change

Revenues

Change

Op EBITA %

CHANGE

US$

Comparable1

US$

Comparable1

US$

Comparable1

Electrification Products

3,363

+21%

+6%

3,227

+22%

+5%

3,057

+23%

+5%

12.4%

-2.8pts

Industrial Automation

1,884

-11%

-5%

1,796

+1%

+7%

1,738

-7%

+0%

13.0%

-1.1pts

Robotics and Motion

2,545

-1%

+5%

2,273

-2%

+4%

2,229

+1%

+7%

15.1%

-0.2pts

Corporate & Other

(179)

 

 

8

 

 

(177)

 

 

(174)

 

ABB Group

7,613

+1%

+3%

7,304

+8%

+6%

6,847

+6%

+4%

11.2%

-0.5pts

Effective October 1, 2018, the Power Grids division was moved from continuing to discontinued operations. All previously reported amounts have been restated consistent with these portfolio changes. Corporate & Other result is inclusive of inter-division eliminations.

Electrification Products

Total orders were up 6 percent (21 percent in US dollars) and third-party base orders were up 5 percent (22 percent in US dollars). All business areas grew, with strength evident in systems and low voltage products, especially in data centers and EV charging. On a regional basis, orders grew across all geographies. Revenues improved 5 percent (23 percent in US dollars). Operational EBITA margin was 280 basis points lower year-on-year at 12.4 percent, mainly reflecting 270 basis points dilution from GEIS which, prior to being acquired by ABB, in Q1 and Q2 2018 also exhibited relative margin weakness. Excluding GEIS, margins benefited from positive volumes offset by mix effects.

Industrial Automation

Total orders were 5 percent lower (11 percent in US dollars), weighed by a tough comparative base for large orders, particularly in the European region. Third-party base orders advanced well, up 7 percent (1 percent in US dollars), evidencing strong demand from process industries and in marine. The order backlog was up 2 percent (5 percent lower in US dollars) at quarter end compared to the prior year period. Revenues were steady in comparable terms (7 percent lower in US dollars). The operational EBITA margin at 13.0 percent reflects mainly negative mix effects and investments in growth.

Robotics and Motion

Total orders were up 5 percent (steady in US dollars), despite a tough comparative base and a more challenging market environment. Order growth was strong for drives and motors, reflecting continued growth in process industries. In robotics, order growth was steady, with higher awards of solutions orders. On a regional basis, order growth was led by AMEA. The order backlog ended the quarter up 9 percent (2 percent in US dollars). Revenues improved 7 percent (1 percent in US dollars) while the operational EBITA margin at 15.1 percent was 20 basis points lower compared to the prior year period, primarily due to mix effects in robotics.

 

 

 

 

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

4/7

 

 

 

 


 

 

A leader focused in digital industries

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced fundamental actions to focus, simplify and lead in digital industries for enhanced customer value and shareholder returns. For further information please see ABB.com/writing-the-future. On February 28, 2019, ABB presented its Strategy, including details of its four leading businesses to the investor and analyst community at a Strategy update event. For further information please see ABB.com/strategy-update-2019.

ABB’s management team has established two clear priorities for 2019: running the business and managing the transformation.

Business highlights

During the first quarter, a continued focus on profitable growth delivered another solid quarter of revenue growth demonstrating the quality in the new ABB portfolio. ABB announced on March 26, 2019, that it had been awarded a contract to supply a comprehensive power and propulsion package, including ABB Ability™ solutions, for the construction of China’s first domestically built cruise ship.

GEIS’ business unit integration with existing Electrification Products’ business lines continued apace. ABB remains on track to deliver the expected ~$200 million of annual cost synergies during 2022.

A significant global software partnership agreement with Dassault Systèmes was announced February 28, 2019, adding to ABB’s strong partner network for industrial digitalization, including Microsoft Azure and HPE. With this partnership, ABB will develop and provide customers with advanced digital twins, enabling customers to run ABB Ability™ solutions and their operations with improved efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

ABB strengthened its relationship with Ericsson, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on April 1, 2019. The two companies will collaborate in the research of wireless automation technologies, focusing on “factory of the future” opportunities enabled by 5G connectivity.

Transformation update

Several of ABB’s transformation milestones were achieved during the first quarter. An experienced management team is now in place to lead the Power Grids’ carve-out process and the separation of the business is on track. The implementation of ABB’s new operating model, ABB-OS™, is underway. A strong project team to oversee the simplification program for ABB-OS™ has been in place since the start of the first quarter. During the quarter, a new, business-led board that will govern ABB’s Global Business Services efforts was established and the sales organization was transferred to the businesses. Effective April 1, 2019, ABB’s four leading businesses became operational.

ABB expects a total of ~$500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group with $150-200 million run-rate targeted during 2019 and the full run-rate targeted during 2021. ABB-OS™ savings in 2019 will be achieved mainly through the streamlining of group functions and country organizations as they move to the businesses and the establishment of a new leaner Corporate structure.

Short- and long-term outlook

Macroeconomic signs are mixed in Europe with growth expected to continue in the US and China. The overall global market is growing, with rising geopolitical uncertainties in various parts of the world. Oil prices and foreign exchange translation effects are expected to continue to influence the company’s results.

ABB’s four new businesses are either the global #1 or #2 player in attractive markets with strong secular drivers. The company’s addressable market for its new businesses Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics and Discrete Automation is expected to grow long term by 3.5-4 percent per annum.

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

5/7

 

 

 

 


 

 

More information

The Q1 results press release and presentation slides are  available  on the ABB News  Center at  www.abb.com/news and on the  Investor  Relations homepage at  www.abb.com/investorrelations.  

ABB will host a media call today starting at 09:00 a.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST) (08:00 a.m. BST, 03:00 a.m. EDT). The event will be accessible by conference call. The media conference call dial-in numbers are:
UK +44 207 107 0613
Sweden +46 8 5051 0031
Rest of Europe, +41 58 310 5000
US and Canada +1
866 291 4166 (toll-free) or +1  631  570 5613 (long-distance charges)
Lines will be open 10-15 minutes before the start of the call.

A conference call  and webcast for analysts and investors is scheduled to begin today at 2:00 p.m. CEST (1:00 p.m. BST, 08:00 a.m. EDT). The webcast will be accessible  on  the ABB website at:  new.abb.com/investorrelations/. The analyst and investor conference call dial-in numbers are:
UK +44 207 107 0613
Sweden +46 8 5051 0031
Rest of Europe +41 58 310 5000
US and Canada +1
866 291 4166 (toll-free) or +1  631  570 5613 (long-distance charges) 

A recorded session will be available  as a webcast one hour  after  the  end of the conference  call. 

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s market‑leading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com

 

 

Investor calendar 2019

Annual General Meeting

May 2, 2019

Ex-dividend

May 7, 2019*

Second Quarter 2019 results

July 25, 2019

Third Quarter 2019 results

October 23, 2019

*assuming shareholders approve the dividend at ABB’s AGM

Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements as well as other statements concerning the outlook  for  our  business,  including those in the sections of this release titled “Short-term outlook”, “Operational EBITA”, “Cash flow from operating activities”, “Transformation update” and “Short and long-term outlook”. These statements are based on  current expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may affect our future performance, including global economic conditions, the economic conditions of  the regions and industries that are major  markets for ABB Ltd. These expectations,  estimates and projections are  generally identifiable by  statements containing words such as “anticipates”, “aims”, “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,”  “plans,” “is likely”, “intends” or similar  expressions. However, there are  many risks and uncertainties, many of which are  beyond our control, that could cause  our  actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information and statements made in this press release and which could affect our ability to achieve any or all of our stated  targets. The important factors that could cause  such differences include, among others, business risks associated with the volatile global economic environment and political conditions, costs associated with compliance activities, market acceptance of  new  products  and services, changes in governmental regulations and currency  exchange  rates and such other factors as may be discussed from time  to  time  in ABB Ltd’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on  Form 20-F. Although ABB Ltd believes that its expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statement are based upon reasonable  assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will be achieved.  

Zurich, April 17, 2019

Timo Ihamuotila, CFO

 

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

6/7

 

 


 

 


For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: media.relations@ch.abb.com

Investor Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: investor.relations@ch.abb.com

ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland

 

 

 

 

 

RESILIENT GROWTH

7/7

 


 

  

 

 

1              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

  

2              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Key Figures

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Q1 2019

Q1 2018

US$

Comparable(1)

 

Orders

7,613

7,555

1%

3%

 

Order backlog (end March)

13,853

13,624

2%

6%

 

Revenues

6,847

6,441

6%

4%

 

Income from operations

590

626

-6%

 

 

Operational EBITA(1)

766

752

2%

10%(2)

 

 

as % of operational revenues(1)

11.2%

11.7%

-0.5 pts

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

415

414

0%

 

 

Net income attributable to ABB

535

572

-6%

 

 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations ($)

0.19

0.19

0%(3)

 

 

Basic earnings per share ($)

0.25

0.27

-6%(3)

 

 

Operational earnings per share(1) ($)

0.31

0.31

-3%(3)

5%(3)

 

Cash flow from operating activities(4)

(256)

(518)

 

 

   

(1)  For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures see “Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions” on page 33.

(2)  Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).

(3) Earnings per share growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts. Comparable Operational earnings per share growth is in constant currency (2014 foreign exchange rates and not adjusted for changes in the business portfolio).

(4) Cash flow from operating activities includes both continuing and discontinued operations.

3              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Q1 2019

Q1 2018

US$

Local

Comparable

 

Orders

ABB Group

7,613

7,555

1%

7%

3%

 

 

Electrification Products

3,363

2,786

21%

28%

6%

 

 

Industrial Automation

1,884

2,117

-11%

-5%

-5%

 

 

Robotics and Motion

2,545

2,579

-1%

5%

5%

 

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(179)

73

 

Third-party base orders

ABB Group

7,304

6,759

8%

15%

6%

 

 

Electrification Products

3,227

2,647

22%

29%

5%

 

 

Industrial Automation

1,796

1,787

1%

7%

7%

 

 

Robotics and Motion

2,273

2,313

-2%

4%

4%

 

 

Corporate and Other

8

12

 

 

 

 

Order backlog (end March)

ABB Group

13,853

13,624

2%

9%

6%

 

 

Electrification Products

4,394

3,441

28%

36%

6%

 

 

Industrial Automation

5,297

5,595

-5%

2%

2%

 

 

Robotics and Motion

4,341

4,261

2%

9%

9%

 

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(179)

327

 

Revenues

ABB Group

6,847

6,441

6%

13%

4%

 

 

Electrification Products

3,057

2,494

23%

30%

5%

 

 

Industrial Automation

1,738

1,859

-7%

0%

0%

 

 

Robotics and Motion

2,229

2,209

1%

7%

7%

 

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(177)

(121)

 

Income from operations

ABB Group

590

626

 

 

 

 

 

Electrification Products

297

325

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Automation

198

237

 

 

 

 

 

Robotics and Motion

325

313

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(230)

(249)

 

Income from operations %

ABB Group

8.6%

9.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Electrification Products

9.7%

13.0%

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Automation

11.4%

12.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Robotics and Motion

14.6%

14.2%

 

 

 

 

Operational EBITA

ABB Group

766

752

2%

10%

 

 

 

Electrification Products

377

377

0%

8%

 

 

 

Industrial Automation

226

262

-14%

-8%

 

 

 

Robotics and Motion

337

338

0%

6%

 

 

 

Corporate and Other(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(174)

(225)

 

 

 

 

Operational EBITA %

ABB Group

11.2%

11.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Electrification Products

12.4%

15.2%

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Automation

13.0%

14.1%

 

 

 

 

 

Robotics and Motion

15.1%

15.3%

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operating activities

ABB Group

(256)

(518)

 

 

 

 

 

Electrification Products

(2)

81

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Automation

40

79

 

 

 

 

 

Robotics and Motion

175

73

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(incl. inter-division eliminations)

(310)

(598)

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

(159)

(153)

 

 

 

 

(1) Corporate and Other includes Stranded corporate costs of $67 million and $76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

4              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Operational EBITA

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

ABB

Products

Automation

and Motion

 

 

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

 

Revenues

6,847

6,441

3,057

2,494

1,738

1,859

2,229

2,209

 

FX/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in total revenues

(11)

(1)

(5)

(6)

(1)

(1)

(4)

1

 

Operational revenues

6,836

6,440

3,052

2,488

1,737

1,858

2,225

2,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

590

626

297

325

198

237

325

313

 

Acquisition-related amortization

68

63

29

20

20

23

14

16

 

Restructuring, related and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

implementation costs

68

7

40

4

5

2

3

4

 

Changes in obligations related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

divested businesses

3

7

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

1

6

1

3

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and integration costs

24

25

22

24

1

 

Certain other non-operational items

33

5

1

(2)

2

3

1

 

FX/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in income from operations

(21)

13

(13)

6

1

(4)

(8)

4

 

Operational EBITA

766

752

377

377

226

262

337

338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational EBITA margin (%)

11.2%

11.7%

12.4%

15.2%

13.0%

14.1%

15.1%

15.3%



Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

 

($ in millions)

ABB

Products

Automation

and Motion

 

 

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

Q1 19

Q1 18

 

Depreciation

144

141

65

52

17

17

34

35

 

Amortization

87

75

37

23

21

24

16

17

 

including total acquisition-related amortization of:

68

63

29

20

20

23

14

16



Orders received and revenues by region

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders received

CHANGE

Revenues

CHANGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Com-

 

 

 

 

Com-

 

Q1 19

Q1 18

US$

Local

parable

Q1 19

Q1 18

US$

Local

parable

 

Europe

2,781

3,026

-8%

0%

-3%

2,447

2,476

-1%

8%

4%

 

The Americas

2,232

1,746

28%

31%

9%

2,198

1,719

28%

31%

6%

 

Asia, Middle East and Africa

2,541

2,720

-7%

-2%

5%

2,149

2,187

-2%

4%

2%

 

Intersegment orders/revenues(1)

59

63

 

 

 

53

59

 

 

 

 

ABB Group

7,613

7,555

1%

7%

3%

6,847

6,441

6%

13%

4%

 

(1)  Intersegment orders/revenues include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and are not eliminated from Total orders/revenues.

5              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

  

 

 

ABB Ltd Interim Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions, except per share data in $)

 

 

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

 

Sales of products

 

 

5,560

5,227

 

Sales of services and other

 

 

1,287

1,214

 

Total revenues

 

 

6,847

6,441

 

Cost of sales of products

 

 

(3,877)

(3,598)

 

Cost of services and other

 

 

(761)

(716)

 

Total cost of sales

 

 

(4,638)

(4,314)

 

Gross profit

 

 

2,209

2,127

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(1,355)

(1,245)

 

Non-order related research and development expenses

 

 

(285)

(273)

 

Other income (expense), net

 

 

21

17

 

Income from operations

 

 

590

626

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

19

22

 

Interest and other finance expense

 

 

(62)

(89)

 

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

 

 

23

27

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

 

 

570

586

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

(155)

(172)

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

415

414

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

149

186

 

Net income

 

 

564

600

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(29)

(28)

 

Net income attributable to ABB

 

 

535

572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

397

399

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

138

173

 

Net income

 

 

535

572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

0.19

0.19

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.06

0.08

 

Net income

 

 

0.25

0.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

0.19

0.19

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.06

0.08

 

Net income

 

 

0.25

0.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders

 

 

2,132

2,134

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders

 

 

2,134

2,145

 

Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

 

 

6              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABB Ltd Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive

 

Income (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions)

 

 

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

 

Total comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

562

792

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

 

 

(35)

(44)

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to ABB shareholders, net of tax

 

 

527

748

 

Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

 

 

7              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

ABB Ltd Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions, except share data)

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

 

Cash and equivalents

2,734

3,445

 

Marketable securities and short-term investments

833

712

 

Receivables, net

6,499

6,386

 

Contract assets

1,094

1,082

 

Inventories, net

4,459

4,284

 

Prepaid expenses

252

176

 

Other current assets

631

616

 

Current assets held for sale

5,305

5,164

 

Total current assets

21,807

21,865

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

4,082

4,133

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

1,103

 

Goodwill

10,765

10,764

 

Other intangible assets, net

2,527

2,607

 

Prepaid pension and other employee benefits

82

83

 

Investments in equity-accounted companies

92

87

 

Deferred taxes

994

1,006

 

Other non-current assets

473

469

 

Non-current assets held for sale

3,677

3,427

 

Total assets

45,602

44,441

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

4,081

4,424

 

Contract liabilities

1,690

1,707

 

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

1,468

2,031

 

Current operating leases

323

 

Provisions for warranties

937

948

 

Other provisions

1,370

1,372

 

Other current liabilities

3,896

3,780

 

Current liabilities held for sale

4,018

4,185

 

Total current liabilities

17,783

18,447

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

7,050

6,587

 

Non-current operating leases

795

 

Pension and other employee benefits

1,754

1,828

 

Deferred taxes

896

927

 

Other non-current liabilities

1,644

1,689

 

Non-current liabilities held for sale

578

429

 

Total liabilities

30,500

29,907

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value

 

 

 

(2,168,148,264 issued shares at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018)

188

188

 

Additional paid-in capital

70

56

 

Retained earnings

20,411

19,839

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(5,355)

(5,311)

 

Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

(36,128,111 and 36,185,858 shares at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively)

(819)

(820)

 

Total ABB stockholders’ equity

14,495

13,952

 

Noncontrolling interests

607

582

 

Total stockholders’ equity

15,102

14,534

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

45,602

44,441

 

Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

8              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

ABB Ltd Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions)

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income

564

600

 

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

(149)

(186)

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

231

216

 

Deferred taxes

(29)

(4)

 

Net loss (gain) from derivatives and foreign exchange

(26)

61

 

Net loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment

(34)

(26)

 

Net loss (gain) from sale of businesses

1

6

 

Share-based payment arrangements

11

10

 

Other

(26)

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Trade receivables, net

(85)

(9)

 

Contract assets and liabilities

(28)

(144)

 

Inventories, net

(213)

(246)

 

Accounts payable, trade

(307)

(94)

 

Accrued liabilities

154

(224)

 

Provisions, net

(18)

(93)

 

Income taxes payable and receivable

11

(32)

 

Other assets and liabilities, net

(154)

(200)

 

Net cash used in operating activities – continuing operations

(97)

(365)

 

Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations

(159)

(153)

 

Net cash used in operating activities

(256)

(518)

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of investments

(530)

(17)

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(207)

(191)

 

Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies

(2)

(4)

 

Proceeds from investments

420

277

 

Proceeds from maturity of investments

124

 

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

48

24

 

Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) and cost- and

 

 

 

equity-accounted companies

(21)

(10)

 

Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives

2

5

 

Other investing activities

(8)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities – continuing operations

(290)

200

 

Net cash used in investing activities – discontinued operations

(44)

(45)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(334)

155

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

Net changes in debt with original maturities of 90 days or less

456

213

 

Increase in debt

861

4

 

Repayment of debt

(1,440)

(40)

 

Delivery of shares

2

 

Purchase of treasury stock

(250)

 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders

(2)

(5)

 

Other financing activities

16

15

 

Net cash used in financing activities – continuing operations

(109)

(61)

 

Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations

(24)

(3)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

(133)

(64)

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

12

63

 

Net change in cash and equivalents

(711)

(364)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, beginning of period

3,445

4,526

 

Cash and equivalents, end of period

2,734

4,162

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

Interest paid

58

62

 

Income taxes paid

226

294

 

Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

9              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABB Ltd Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

Common stock

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated

other comprehensive loss

Treasury stock

Total ABB

stockholders’ equity

Non-

controlling interests

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

188

29

19,594

(4,345)

(647)

14,819

530

15,349

 

Cumulative effect of changes in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting principles

 

 

(192)

(9)

 

(201)

 

(201)

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

572

 

 

572

28

600

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments, net of tax of $(1)

 

 

 

180

 

180

16

196

 

Effect of change in fair value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

available-for-sale securities,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of tax of $(1)

 

 

 

(4)

 

(4)

 

(4)

 

Unrecognized income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to pensions and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

postretirement plans,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of tax of $(3)

 

 

 

10

 

10

 

10

 

Change in derivatives qualifying as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(3)

 

 

 

(10)

 

(10)

 

(10)

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

748

44

792

 

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

(18)

(18)

 

Dividends to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

(7)

(7)

 

Dividends payable to shareholders

 

 

(1,735)

 

 

(1,735)

 

(1,735)

 

Share-based payment arrangements

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

12

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

(249)

(249)

 

(249)

 

Delivery of shares

 

(1)

 

 

3

2

 

2

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

188

39

18,239

(4,178)

(893)

13,395

549

13,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2019

188

56

19,839

(5,311)

(820)

13,952

582

14,534

 

Adoption of accounting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

standard update

 

 

36

(36)

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

535

 

 

535

29

564

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments, net of tax of $0

 

 

 

(51)

 

(51)

6

(45)

 

Effect of change in fair value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

available-for-sale securities,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of tax of $1

 

 

 

6

 

6

 

6

 

Unrecognized income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related to pensions and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

postretirement plans,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of tax of $17

 

 

 

33

 

33

 

33

 

Change in derivatives qualifying as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash flow hedges, net of tax of $0

 

 

 

4

 

4

 

4

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

527

35

562

 

Changes in noncontrolling interests

 

1

 

 

 

1

(2)

(1)

 

Dividends to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

(7)

(7)

 

Share-based payment arrangements

 

13

 

 

 

13

 

13

 

Delivery of shares

 

(1)

 

 

1

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

188

70

20,411

(5,355)

(819)

14,495

607

15,102

 

Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

10              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Note 1

The Company and basis of presentation

 

ABB Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) together form a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. ABB is a leader in digital industries with customer-focused, globally leading businesses.

 

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Information is prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial reporting. As such, the Consolidated Financial Information does not include all the information and notes required under U.S. GAAP for annual consolidated financial statements. Therefore, such financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

The preparation of financial information in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Information. The most significant, difficult and subjective of such accounting assumptions and estimates include:

·           estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations,

·           assumptions used in the determination of corporate costs directly attributable to discontinued operations,

·           assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value,

·           estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with restructuring programs,

·           assumptions and projections, principally related to future material, labor and project related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage of completion on projects,  as well as the amount of variable consideration the Company expects to be entitled to,

·           estimates of loss contingencies associated with litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self-insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings,

·           assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair value of pension plan assets,

·           estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions,

·           growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of long lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, and

·           assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

The actual results and outcomes may differ from the Company’s estimates and assumptions.

 

A portion of the Company’s activities (primarily long-term construction activities) has an operating cycle that exceeds one year. For classification of current assets and liabilities related to such activities, the Company elected to use the duration of the individual contracts as its operating cycle. Accordingly, there are accounts receivable, contract assets, inventories and provisions related to these contracts which will not be realized within one year that have been classified as current.

 

Basis of presentation

In the opinion of management, the unaudited Consolidated Financial Information contains all necessary adjustments to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the reported periods. Management considers all such adjustments to be of a normal recurring nature.

 

The Company has retained obligations (primarily for environmental and taxes) related to businesses disposed or otherwise exited that qualified as discontinued operations. Changes to these retained obligations are recorded in income/loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.

 

The Consolidated Financial Information is presented in United States dollars ($) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented in the Consolidated Financial Information may not add to the totals provided.

 

Discontinued operations and reclassifications

In December 2018, the Company announced an agreement to divest its Power Grids business to Hitachi Corp. (Japan) (See Note 3 for additional information and relevant disclosures). As a result, this business along with certain real estate assets previously included in Corporate and Other, have been reported as discontinued operations. Financial information and disclosures for prior periods have been retroactively recast to give effect to the discontinued operations presentation.

11              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 



Note 2

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

Applicable for current periods

Leases

In January 2019, the Company adopted a new accounting standard that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months with several practical expedients. The new accounting standard continues to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. It also requires additional disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities. The Company has elected to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms of less than twelve months and to not separate lease and non‑lease components for leases other than real estate.

 

The Company has adopted the standard on a modified retrospective basis and has therefore recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2019. It has elected to apply the package of practical expedients which permits the Company to not reassess under the new standard prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. While the adoption of this standard only had an insignificant impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows, total assets and total liabilities increased by $1,344 million and $1,360 million, respectively, of which $148 million and $153 million, respectively, relate to assets and liabilities held for sale. Comparable information has not been restated to reflect the adoption of this new standard and continues to be measured and reported under the accounting standard in effect for those period presented.

 

Derivatives and Hedging—Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities

In January 2019, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness.  This update was applied on a modified retrospective basis for cash flow and net investment hedges and prospectively for the amended presentation and disclosure guidance but did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income

In January 2019, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to retained earnings. The updated guidance was applied in the period of adoption and resulted in a reclassification of $36 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

 

Applicable for future periods

Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments

In June 2016, an accounting standard update was issued which replaces the existing incurred loss impairment methodology for most financial assets with a new “current expected credit loss” model. The new model will result in the immediate recognition of the estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of financial assets such as trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP, except that the losses will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct write-down of the security.

 

This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Customer’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract

In August 2018, an accounting standard update was issued which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption in any interim period permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Disclosure Framework — Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement

In August 2018, an accounting standard update was issued which modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The update eliminates the requirements to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the timing of transfers between levels and the Level 3 valuation process, while expanding the Level 3 disclosures to include the range and weighted‑average used to develop significant unobservable inputs and the changes in unrealized gains and losses on recurring fair value measurements. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted.  The changes and modifications to the Level 3 disclosures are to be applied prospectively, while all other amendments are to be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its disclosures but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

12              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Note 3

Discontinued operations

 

Held for sale and discontinued operations

The Company reports a disposal, or planned disposal, of a component or a group of components as a discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. A strategic shift could include a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business or other major parts of the Company. A component may be a reportable segment or an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group.

 

Assets and liabilities of a component reported as a discontinued operation are presented as held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Interest that is not directly attributable to or related to the Company’s continuing business or discontinued business is allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets to be sold less debt that is required to be paid as a result of the planned disposal transaction to the sum of total net assets of the Company plus consolidated debt. General corporate overhead is not allocated to discontinued operations.

 

On December 17, 2018, the Company announced an agreement to divest 80.1 percent of its Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd. (Hitachi) valuing the business at $11 billion. The business also includes certain real estate properties which were previously reported within Corporate and Other as the Company primarily manages real estate assets centrally as corporate assets. As a result, this business, along with the related real estate assets previously included in Corporate and Other, have been reported as discontinued operations. The divestment is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020, following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals as well as the completion of certain legal entity reorganizations expected to be completed before the sale. Assets and liabilities in the discontinued operation have maintained their existing classification as current or non-current as the sale is not expected to be completed for more than 12 months.

 

As this planned divestment represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the results of operations for this business have been presented as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities are reflected as held-for-sale for all periods presented. Financial information and disclosures previously reported as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018, have been retroactively recast to give effect to the discontinued operations presentation. In addition, amounts relating to stranded corporate costs have been excluded from discontinued operations and are now included as a component of Corporate and Other. Stranded costs represent overhead and other management costs which were previously able to be included in the measure of segment profit (Operational EBITA) for the former Power Grids operating segment but are not directly attributable to the discontinued operation and thus do not qualify to be recorded as part of income from discontinued operations.

 

Operating results of the discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

  

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions)

 

 

Mar. 31, 2019

Mar. 31, 2018

 

Total revenues

 

 

2,129

2,385

 

Total cost of sales

 

 

(1,590)

(1,772)

 

Gross profit

 

 

539

613

 

Expenses

 

 

(330)

(350)

 

Income from operations

 

 

209

263

 

Net interest and other finance expense

 

 

(14)

(18)

 

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

 

 

3

3

 

Income from discontinued operations before taxes

 

 

198

248

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

(49)

(62)

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

149

186

 

Of the total Income from discontinued operations before taxes in the table above, $186 million and $232 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are attributable to the Company, while the remainder is attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

Income from discontinued operations before taxes excludes stranded costs which were previously able to be allocated to the Power Grids operating segment. As a result, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, $67 million and $76 million, respectively, of allocated overhead and other management costs, which were previously able to be included in the measure of segment profit for the Power Grids operating segment are now reported as part of Corporate and Other. In the table above, Net interest and other finance expense in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, includes $13 million and $9 million, respectively,  of interest expense which has been recorded on an allocated basis in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election. In addition, as required by U.S. GAAP, subsequent to December 17, 2018, the Company has not recorded depreciation or amortization on the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets reported as discontinued operations and as a result, a total of $51 million of depreciation and amortization expense was not recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Included in the reported Total revenues of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, are revenues from the Company’s operating segments to the Power Grids business of $53 million and $59 million, respectively, which represent intercompany transactions that, prior to Power Grids being classified as a discontinued operation, were eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Information (see Note 16).

 

13              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

The major components of assets and liabilities held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:

  

 

($ in millions)

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

 

Receivables, net

2,389

2,377

 

Contract assets

1,268

1,236

 

Inventories, net

1,541

1,457

 

Other current assets

107

94

 

Current assets held for sale

5,305

5,164

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,551

1,477

 

Goodwill

1,621

1,620

 

Other non-current assets

505

330

 

Non-current assets held for sale

3,677

3,427

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

1,601

1,732

 

Contract liabilities

1,015

998

 

Other current liabilities

1,402

1,455

 

Current liabilities held for sale

4,018

4,185

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other employee benefits

264

268

 

Other non-current liabilities

314

161

 

Non-current liabilities held for sale

578

429



Note 4

Acquisitions and divestments

  

Acquisitions

On June 30, 2018, the Company acquired through numerous share and asset purchases substantially all the assets, liabilities and business activities of GE Industrial Solutions (GEIS), GE’s global electrification solutions business. GEIS, headquartered in Atlanta, United States, provides technologies that distribute and control electricity and support the commercial, data center, health care, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, water and telecommunications sectors. The resulting cash outflows for the Company amounted to $2,622 million (net of cash acquired of $192 million). The acquisition strengthens the Company’s global position in electrification and expands its access to the North American market through strong customer relationships, a large installed base and extensive distribution networks. Consequently, the goodwill acquired represents expected operating synergies and cost savings as well as intangible assets that are not separable such as employee know-how and expertise.

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the purchase price allocation for acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition date and is subject to refinement as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities becomes available. Given the timing and complexity of the acquisition of GEIS, the purchase price allocation in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Information has not yet been finalized, primarily relating to amounts allocated to net working capital, pension obligations, current and deferred income taxes as well as intangible assets. Changes in allocated amounts could also affect the amount attributable to the noncontrolling interest. At March 31, 2019, the Company is still gathering, analyzing and evaluating relevant information, including certain inputs required for the valuation of intangibles. As a result, amounts recorded in the preliminary purchase price allocation may still change in the second quarter of 2019. The final purchase price adjustments as well as the final fair value determinations could result in material adjustments to the values presented in the preliminary purchase price allocation table below.

 

14              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

The aggregate preliminary allocation (including measurement period adjustments) of the purchase consideration for GEIS, is as follows:

  

 

 

Preliminary

Weighted-average

 

 

($ in millions)

allocated amounts

useful life

 

 

Technology

87

7 years

 

 

Customer relationships

214

14 years

 

 

Trade names

122

13 years

 

 

Supply agreement

34

13 years

 

 

Intangible assets

457

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

379

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

(110)

 

 

 

Inventories

426

 

 

 

Other assets and liabilities, net(1)

101

 

 

 

Goodwill(2)

1,476

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

(107)

 

 

 

Total consideration (net of cash acquired)(3)

2,622

 

 

(1) Gross receivables totaled $658 million; the fair value of which was $624 million after adjusting for contractual cash flows not expected to be collected.

(2) The Company expects that goodwill recorded in certain jurisdictions will be tax deductible. The amount is subject to the finalization of the purchase price allocation in 2019.

(3) Cash acquired totaled $192 million.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined pro forma results of the Company and GEIS for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as if GEIS had been acquired on January 1, 2017.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

March 31, 2018

 

Total revenues

 

 

 

7,054

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

 

422

 

The pro forma results are for information purposes only and do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of GEIS. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company.

 

The unaudited pro forma results above include certain adjustments related to the GEIS acquisition. The table below summarizes the adjustments necessary to present the pro forma financial information of the combined entity as if GEIS had been acquired on January 1, 2017.

  

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

($ in millions)

 

March 31, 2018

 

Impact on cost of sales from additional amortization of intangible assets

 

(5)

 

Impact on cost of sales from additional depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

(2)

 

Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from additional amortization of intangible assets

 

(2)

 

Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from acquisition-related costs

 

10

 

Impact on interest from financing costs

 

(14)

 

Taxation adjustments

 

4

 

Total pro forma adjustments

 

(9)

 

Goodwill

Changes in total goodwill were as follows:

  

 

($ in millions)

 

 

Total Goodwill

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

 

 

9,536

 

Goodwill acquired during the year(1)

 

 

1,472

 

Goodwill allocated to disposals

 

 

(31)

 

Exchange rate differences and other

 

 

(213)

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

 

10,764

 

Measurement period adjustments to goodwill acquired in previous periods

 

 

34

 

Exchange rate differences and other

 

 

(33)

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

 

10,765

 

(1) Includes primarily goodwill in respect of GEIS, acquired in June 2018, which has been allocated to the Electrification Products operating segment.



15              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Note 5

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments

 

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments consisted of the following:

  

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

securities

 

 

 

 

unrealized

unrealized

 

Cash and

and short-term

 

($ in millions)

Cost basis

gains

losses

Fair value

equivalents

investments

 

Changes in fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

recorded in net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

1,780

1,780

1,780

 

Time deposits

955

955

954

1

 

Equity securities

495

9

504

504

 

 

3,230

9

3,239

2,734

505

 

Changes in fair value recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations

249

2

(2)

249

249

 

 

Corporate

77

2

79

79

 

 

326

4

(2)

328

328

 

Total

3,556

13

(2)

3,567

2,734

833

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

securities

 

 

 

 

unrealized

unrealized

 

Cash and

and short-term

 

($ in millions)

Cost basis

gains

losses

Fair value

equivalents

investments

 

Changes in fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

recorded in net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

1,983

1,983

1,983

 

Time deposits

1,463

1,463

1,462

1

 

Other short-term investments

206

206

206

 

Equity securities

206

(3)

203

203

 

 

3,858

(3)

3,855

3,445

410

 

Changes in fair value recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government obligations

217

(3)

214

214

 

 

Corporate

90

(2)

88

88

 

 

307

(5)

302

302

 

Total

4,165

(8)

4,157

3,445

712

 

Other short-term investments at December 31, 2018 were receivables of $206 million, representing reverse repurchase agreements.



Note 6

Derivatives financial instruments

 

The Company is exposed to certain currency, commodity, interest rate and equity risks arising from its global operating, financing and investing activities. The Company uses derivative instruments to reduce and manage the economic impact of these exposures.

 

Currency risk

Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, many of its subsidiaries are exposed to currency risk in their operating activities from entering into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency. To manage such currency risks, the Company’s policies require its subsidiaries to hedge their foreign currency exposures from binding sales and purchase contracts denominated in foreign currencies. For forecasted foreign currency denominated sales of standard products and the related foreign currency denominated purchases, the Company’s policy is to hedge up to a maximum of 100 percent of the forecasted foreign currency denominated exposures, depending on the length of the forecasted exposures. Forecasted exposures greater than 12 months are not hedged. Forward foreign exchange contracts are the main instrument used to protect the Company against the volatility of future cash flows (caused by changes in exchange rates) of contracted and

16              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

forecasted sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, within its treasury operations, the Company primarily uses foreign exchange swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency and timing mismatches arising in its liquidity management activities.

 

Commodity risk

Various commodity products are used in the Company’s manufacturing activities. Consequently it is exposed to volatility in future cash flows arising from changes in commodity prices. To manage the price risk of commodities, the Company’s policies require that its subsidiaries hedge the commodity price risk exposures from binding contracts, as well as at least 50 percent (up to a maximum of 100 percent) of the forecasted commodity exposure over the next 12 months or longer (up to a maximum of 18 months). Primarily swap contracts are used to manage the associated price risks of commodities.

 

Interest rate risk

The Company has issued bonds at fixed rates. Interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate risk associated with certain debt and generally such swaps are designated as fair value hedges. In addition, from time to time, the Company uses instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, bond futures or forward rate agreements to manage interest rate risk arising from the Company’s balance sheet structure but does not designate such instruments as hedges.

 

Equity risk

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the fair value of its warrant appreciation rights (WARs) issued under its management incentive plan. A WAR gives its holder the right to receive cash equal to the market price of an equivalent listed warrant on the date of exercise. To eliminate such risk, the Company has purchased cash-settled call options, indexed to the shares of the Company, which entitle the Company to receive amounts equivalent to its obligations under the outstanding WARs.

 

Volume of derivative activity

In general, while the Company’s primary objective in its use of derivatives is to minimize exposures arising from its business, certain derivatives are designated and qualify for hedge accounting treatment while others either are not designated or do not qualify for hedge accounting.

 

Foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives

The gross notional amounts of outstanding foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives (whether designated as hedges or not) were as follows:

  

 

Type of derivative

Total notional amounts at

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2018

 

Foreign exchange contracts

12,837

13,612

15,303

 

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

766

733

951

 

Interest rate contracts

3,703

3,300

5,276

 

Derivative commodity contracts

The Company uses derivatives to hedge its direct or indirect exposure to the movement in the prices of commodities which are primarily copper, silver and aluminum. The following table shows the notional amounts of outstanding derivatives (whether designated as hedges or not), on a net basis, to reflect the Company’s requirements for these commodities:

  

 

Type of derivative

Unit

Total notional amounts at

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2018

 

Copper swaps

metric tonnes

45,365

46,143

32,238

 

Silver swaps

ounces

2,513,033

2,861,294

2,293,832

 

Aluminum swaps

metric tonnes

9,347

9,491

1,961

 

Equity derivatives

At March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and March 31, 2018, the Company held 40 million, 41 million and 35 million cash-settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5:1) with a total fair value of $4 million, $6 million and $20 million, respectively.

 

Cash flow hedges

As noted above, the Company mainly uses forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk of its operations, commodity swaps to manage its commodity risks and cash-settled call options to hedge its WAR liabilities. Where such instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in their fair value is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same line item and in the same period as the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings.

 

At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” included net unrealized losses of $13 million and $16 million, respectively, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Of the amount at March 31, 2019, net losses of $2 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings in the following 12 months. At March 31, 2019, the longest maturity of a derivative classified as a cash flow hedge was 58 months.

 

The amount of gains or losses, net of tax, reclassified into earnings due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting and the amount of ineffectiveness in cash flow hedge relationships directly recognized in earnings were not significant in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

17              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

The pre-tax effects of derivative instruments, designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, on “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (OCI) and the Consolidated Income Statements were not significant.

  

Fair value hedges

To reduce its interest rate exposure arising primarily from its debt issuance activities, the Company uses interest rate swaps. Where such instruments are designated as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments, as well as the changes in the fair value of the risk component of the underlying debt being hedged, are recorded as offsetting gains and losses in “Interest and other finance expense”. Hedge ineffectiveness of instruments designated as fair value hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, was not significant.

 

The effect of interest rate contracts, designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, on the Consolidated Income Statements was as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions)

2019

2018

 

Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense:

 

 

 

 - on derivatives designated as fair value hedges

26

(25)

 

 - on hedged item

(26)

26

 

Derivatives not designated in hedge relationships

Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or do not qualify as either cash flow or fair value hedges are economic hedges used for risk management purposes. Gains and losses from changes in the fair values of such derivatives are recognized in the same line in the income statement as the economically hedged transaction.

 

Furthermore, under certain circumstances, the Company is required to split and account separately for foreign currency derivatives that are embedded within certain binding sales or purchase contracts denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the subsidiary and the counterparty.

 

The gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Income Statements on derivatives not designated in hedging relationships were as follows:

  

 

Type of derivative not

Gains (losses) recognized in income

 

designated as a hedge

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions)

Location

2019

2018

 

Foreign exchange contracts

Total revenues

3

10

 

 

Total cost of sales

(37)

9

 

 

SG&A expenses(1)

(3)

(8)

 

 

Non-order related research and development

(1)

 

 

Interest and other finance expense

(20)

25

 

Embedded foreign exchange contracts

Total revenues

(2)

4

 

 

Total cost of sales

1

 

 

SG&A expenses(1)

1

 

Commodity contracts

Total cost of sales

18

(16)

 

 

Interest and other finance expense

1

 

Other

Interest and other finance expense

2

 

Total

 

(41)

28

 

(1) SG&A  expenses  represent  “Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses”.

 

The fair values of derivatives included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

  

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

Derivative assets

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

Current in

Non-current in

 

Current in

Non-current in

 

 

“Other current

“Other non-current

 

“Other current

“Other non-current

 

($ in millions)

assets”

assets”

 

liabilities”

liabilities”

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

2

4

 

Commodity contracts

1

 

 

Interest rate contracts

59

 

 

Cash-settled call options

2

2

 

 

Total

3

61

 

2

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

92

13

 

149

24

 

Commodity contracts

16

1

 

5

 

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

21

2

 

11

2

 

Total

129

16

 

165

26

 

Total fair value

132

77

 

167

30



 

18              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Derivative assets

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

Current in

Non-current in

 

Current in

Non-current in

 

 

“Other current

“Other non-current

 

“Other current

“Other non-current

 

($ in millions)

assets”

assets”

 

liabilities”

liabilities”

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

1

4

 

Commodity contracts

 

2

 

Interest rate contracts

35

 

1

 

Cash-settled call options

3

3

 

 

Total

3

38

 

3

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

117

14

 

160

30

 

Commodity contracts

8

1

 

21

1

 

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

15

10

 

8

1

 

Total

140

25

 

189

32

 

Total fair value

143

63

 

192

37

 

Close-out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some or all outstanding transactions between two counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre-defined trigger events.

 

Although the Company is party to close-out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties, the fair values in the tables above and in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, have been presented on a gross basis.

 

The Company’s netting agreements and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows:

  

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

 

 

Gross amount

Derivative liabilities

Cash

Non-cash

 

 

Type of agreement or

of recognized

eligible for set-off

collateral

collateral

Net asset

 

similar arrangement

assets

in case of default

received

received

exposure

 

Derivatives

186

(102)

84

 

Total

186

(102)

84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

 

 

Gross amount

Derivative liabilities

Cash

Non-cash

 

 

Type of agreement or

 of recognized

eligible for set-off

collateral

collateral

Net liability

 

similar arrangement

liabilities

in case of default

pledged

pledged

exposure

 

Derivatives

184

(102)

82

 

Total

184

(102)

82

 

 

($ in millions)

December 31, 2018

 

 

Gross amount

Derivative liabilities

Cash

Non-cash

 

 

Type of agreement or

 of recognized

eligible for set-off

collateral

collateral

Net asset

 

similar arrangement

 assets 

in case of default

received

received

exposure

 

Derivatives

181

(121)

60

 

Reverse repurchase agreements

206

(206)

 

Total

387

(121)

(206)

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

December 31, 2018

 

 

Gross amount

Derivative liabilities

Cash

Non-cash

 

 

Type of agreement or

 of recognized

eligible for set-off

collateral

 collateral 

Net liability

 

similar arrangement

liabilities

 in case of default

pledged

pledged

exposure

 

Derivatives

220

(121)

99

 

Total

220

(121)

99



19              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Note 7

Fair values

 

The Company uses fair value measurement principles to record certain financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis and, when necessary, to record certain non‑financial assets at fair value on a non‑recurring basis, as well as to determine fair value disclosures for certain financial instruments carried at amortized cost in the financial statements. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include foreign currency, commodity and interest rate derivatives, as well as cash‑settled call options and available‑for‑sale securities. Non‑financial assets recorded at fair value on a non‑recurring basis include long‑lived assets that are reduced to their estimated fair value due to impairments.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation techniques including the market approach (using observable market data for identical or similar assets and liabilities), the income approach (discounted cash flow models) and the cost approach (using costs a market participant would incur to develop a comparable asset). Inputs used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities are defined by a three‑level hierarchy, depending on the nature of those inputs. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities and non‑financial assets measured at fair value within this hierarchy based on whether the inputs to the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. An observable input is based on market data obtained from independent sources, while an unobservable input reflects the Company’s assumptions about market data.

 

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1:  Valuation inputs consist of quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities (observable quoted prices). Assets and liabilities valued using Level 1 inputs include certain actively traded debt securities.

Level 2:  Valuation inputs consist of observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as actively quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in inactive markets and inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, or inputs derived from other observable data by interpolation, correlation, regression or other means. The adjustments applied to quoted prices or the inputs used in valuation models may be both observable and unobservable. In these cases, the fair value measurement is classified as Level 2 unless the unobservable portion of the adjustment or the unobservable input to the valuation model is significant, in which case the fair value measurement would be classified as Level 3. Assets and liabilities valued or disclosed using Level 2 inputs include investments in certain funds, reverse repurchase agreements, certain debt securities that are not actively traded, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cash‑settled call options, forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swaps and forward rate agreements, time deposits, as well as financing receivables and debt.

Level 3:  Valuation inputs are based on the Company’s assumptions of relevant market data (unobservable input).

 

Whenever quoted prices involve bid‑ask spreads, the Company ordinarily determines fair values based on mid‑market quotes. However, for the purpose of determining the fair value of cash‑settled call options serving as hedges of the Company’s management incentive plan, bid prices are used.

 

When determining fair values based on quoted prices in an active market, the Company considers if the level of transaction activity for the financial instrument has significantly decreased, or would not be considered orderly. In such cases, the resulting changes in valuation techniques would be disclosed. If the market is considered disorderly or if quoted prices are not available, the Company is required to use another valuation technique, such as an income approach.

 

Recurring fair value measures

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

  

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

504

504

 

Debt securities—U.S. government obligations

249

249

 

Debt securities—Corporate

79

79

 

Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets”

132

132

 

Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets”

77

77

 

Total

249

792

1,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities”

167

167

 

Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities”

30

30

 

Total

197

197



 

20              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

203

203

 

Debt securities—U.S. government obligations

214

214

 

Debt securities—Corporate

88

88

 

Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets”

143

143

 

Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets”

63

63

 

Total

214

497

711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities”

192

192

 

Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities”

37

37

 

Total

229

229

 

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

·           Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: If quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are available, these are considered Level 1 inputs; however, when markets are not active, these inputs are considered Level 2. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using market prices for similar assets or present value techniques, applying an appropriate risk-free interest rate adjusted for nonperformance risk. The inputs used in present value techniques are observable and fall into the Level 2 category.

 

·           Derivatives: The fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices of identical instruments from an active market, if available (Level 1). If quoted prices are not available, price quotes for similar instruments, appropriately adjusted, or present value techniques, based on available market data, or option pricing models are used. Cash-settled call options hedging the Company’s WAR liability are valued based on bid prices of the equivalent listed warrant. The fair values obtained using price quotes for similar instruments or valuation techniques represent a Level 2 input unless significant unobservable inputs are used.

 

Non-recurring fair value measures

There were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis

The fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis were as follows:

  

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

($ in millions)

Carrying value

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maturities up to 3 months):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

1,780

 

1,780

1,780

 

Time deposits

954

 

954

954

 

Marketable securities and short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(excluding securities):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time deposits

1

 

1

1

 

Other non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans granted

31

 

33

33

 

Restricted time deposits

36

 

36

36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(excluding capital lease obligations)

1,437

 

97

1,340

1,437

 

Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations)

6,899

 

6,400

711

7,111



 

21              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

($ in millions)

Carrying value

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maturities up to 3 months):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

1,983

 

1,983

1,983

 

Time deposits

1,462

 

1,462

1,462

 

Marketable securities and short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(excluding securities):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time deposits

1

 

1

1

 

Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements

206

 

206

206

 

Other non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans granted

30

 

31

31

 

Restricted time deposits

39

 

39

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(excluding capital lease obligations)

2,008

 

1,480

528

2,008

 

Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations)

6,457

 

5,839

707

6,546

 

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis:

 

·           Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months), and Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short-term in nature.

·           Other non-current assets: Includes (i) loans granted whose fair values are based on the carrying amount adjusted using a present value technique to reflect a premium or discount based on current market interest rates (Level 2 inputs), and (ii) restricted time deposits whose fair values approximate the carrying amounts (Level 1 inputs).

·           Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations): Short-term debt includes commercial paper, bank borrowings and overdrafts. The carrying amounts of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, approximate their fair values.

·           Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations): Fair values of bonds are determined using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), if available. For bonds without available quoted market prices and other long-term debt, the fair values are determined using a discounted cash flow methodology based upon borrowing rates of similar debt instruments and reflecting appropriate adjustments for non-performance risk (Level 2 inputs).



Note 8

Commitments and contingencies

  

Contingencies—Regulatory, Compliance and Legal

Regulatory

In April 2014, the European Commission announced its decision regarding its investigation of anticompetitive practices in the cables industry and granted the Company full immunity from fines under its leniency program.

 

In February 2019, the Brazilian Antitrust Authority (CADE) announced its decision regarding its investigation of anticompetitive practices in certain power businesses of the Company, including flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) and power transformers, and granted the Company full immunity from fines under its leniency program.

 

As a result of an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the United States as well as to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the United Kingdom concerning certain of its past dealings with Unaoil and its subsidiaries, including alleged improper payments made by these entities to third parties. The SFO has commenced an investigation into this matter. The Company is cooperating fully with the authorities. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the outcome of these matters.

 

Based on findings during an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the SEC and the DoJ, to various authorities in South Africa and other countries as well as to certain multilateral financial institutions potential suspect payments and other compliance concerns in connection with some of the Company’s dealings with Eskom and related persons. Many of those parties have expressed an interest in, or commenced an investigation into, these matters and the Company is cooperating fully with them. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the outcome of these matters.

 

General

The Company is aware of proceedings, or the threat of proceedings, against it and others in respect of private claims by customers and other third parties with regard to certain actual or alleged anticompetitive practices. Also, the Company is subject to other claims and legal proceedings, as well as investigations carried out by various law enforcement authorities. With respect to the above-mentioned claims, regulatory matters, and any related proceedings, the Company will bear the related costs, including costs necessary to resolve them.

 

22              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Liabilities recognized

At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had aggregate liabilities of $217 million and $221 million, respectively, included in “Other provisions” and “Other non‑current liabilities”, for the above regulatory, compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual liabilities recognized was significant. As it is not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably predict, the outcome of certain matters and as it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, to estimate the maximum potential liability on other matters, there could be material adverse outcomes beyond the amounts accrued.

 

Guarantees

General

The following table provides quantitative data regarding the Company’s third-party guarantees. The maximum potential payments represent a “worst‑case scenario”, and do not reflect management’s expected outcomes.

 

 

Maximum potential payments ($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Performance guarantees

1,567

1,584

 

Financial guarantees

8

10

 

Indemnification guarantees

65

64

 

Total(1)

1,640

1,658

 

(1) Maximum potential payments include amounts in both continuing and discontinued operations.

 

The carrying amount of liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflects the Company’s best estimate of future payments, which it may incur as part of fulfilling its guarantee obligations. In respect of the above guarantees, the carrying amounts of liabilities at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, were not significant.

 

The Company is party to various guarantees providing financial or performance assurances to certain third parties. These guarantees, which have various maturities up to 2027, mainly consist of performance guarantees whereby (i) the Company guarantees the performance of a third party’s product or service according to the terms of a contract and (ii) as member of a consortium/joint-venture that includes third parties, the Company guarantees not only its own performance but also the work of third parties. Such guarantees may include guarantees that a project will be completed within a specified time. If the third party does not fulfill the obligation, the Company will compensate the guaranteed party in cash or in kind. The original maturity dates for the majority of these performance guarantees range from one to eight years.

 

In conjunction with the divestment of the high-voltage cable and cables accessories businesses, the Company has entered into various performance guarantees with other parties with respect to certain liabilities of the divested business. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the maximum potential payable under these guarantees amounts to $755 million and $771 million, respectively, and these guarantees have various maturities ranging from one to ten years.

 

Commercial commitments

In addition, in the normal course of bidding for and executing certain projects, the Company has entered into standby letters of credit, bid/performance bonds and surety bonds (collectively “performance bonds”) with various financial institutions. Customers can draw on such performance bonds in the event that the Company does not fulfill its contractual obligations. The Company would then have an obligation to reimburse the financial institution for amounts paid under the performance bonds. At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to $7.2 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively, of which $4.1 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, relate to discontinued operations. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of arrangements in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Product and order-related contingencies

The Company calculates its provision for product warranties based on historical claims experience and specific review of certain contracts.

The reconciliation of the “Provisions for warranties”, including guarantees of product performance, was as follows:

  

 

($ in millions)

2019

2018

 

Balance at January 1,

948

909

 

Net change in warranties due to acquisitions and divestments(1)

14

 

Claims paid in cash or in kind

(68)

(58)

 

Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired

51

40

 

Exchange rate differences

(8)

21

 

Balance at March 31,

937

912

 

(1) Includes adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation recorded during the measurement period

  



Note 9

Contract assets and liabilities

 

The following table provides information about Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities:

 

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2018

 

Contract assets

1,094

1,082

1,213

 

Contract liabilities

1,690

1,707

1,742

 

23              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s right to receive consideration for work completed but for which no invoice has been issued at the reporting date. Contract assets are transferred to receivables when rights to receive payment become unconditional.

 

Contract liabilities primarily relate to up-front advances received on orders from customers as well as amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenues recognized predominantly on long-term projects. Contract liabilities are reduced as work is performed and as revenues are recognized.

 

The significant changes in the Contract assets and Contract liabilities balances were as follows:

  

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Contract

 

Contract

 

Contract

 

Contract

 

($ in millions)

assets

 

liabilities

 

assets

 

liabilities

 

Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018

 

(420)

 

 

(490)

 

Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period

 

406

 

 

426

 

Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract asset balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018

(311)

 

 

(332)

 

 

At March 31, 2019, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling $13,853 million and, of this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 69 percent of the obligations in 2019, approximately 19 percent of the obligations in 2020 and the balance thereafter.



Note 10

Debt

 

The Company’s total debt at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, amounted to $8,518 million and $8,618 million, respectively.

 

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

The Company’s “Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt” consisted of the following:

  

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Short-term debt

1,423

561

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

45

1,470

 

Total

1,468

2,031

 

Short-term debt primarily represented issued commercial paper and short-term loans from various banks. At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, $753 million and $292 million, respectively, was outstanding under the $2 billion commercial paper program in the United States. In addition, at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, $505 million and $172 million was outstanding under the $2 billion Euro-commercial paper program.

 

In March 2019, the Company repaid at maturity its EUR 1,250 million 2.625% Instruments, equivalent to $1,414 million at date of payment.

 

Long-term debt

The Company’s long-term debt at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, amounted to $7,050 million and $6,587 million, respectively.

 

Outstanding bonds (including maturities within the next 12 months) were as follows:

  

 

 

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

(in millions)

Nominal outstanding

 Carrying value(1)

Nominal outstanding

 Carrying value(1)

 

Bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.625% EUR Instruments, due 2019

 

 

 

 

EUR

1,250

$

1,431

 

2.8% USD Notes, due 2020

USD

300

$

299

USD

300

$

299

 

4.0% USD Notes, due 2021

USD

650

$

646

USD

650

$

646

 

2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021

CHF

350

$

368

CHF

350

$

373

 

5.625% USD Notes, due 2021

USD

250

$

264

USD

250

$

265

 

2.875% USD Notes, due 2022

USD

1,250

$

1,252

USD

1,250

$

1,242

 

3.375% USD Notes, due 2023

USD

450

$

448

USD

450

$

448

 

0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023

EUR

700

$

798

EUR

700

$

807

 

0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024

EUR

750

$

856

EUR

750

$

862

 

0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024

CHF

280

$

281

 

 

 

 

3.8% USD Notes, due 2028

USD

750

$

746

USD

750

$

746

 

1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029

CHF

170

$

170

 

 

 

 

4.375% USD Notes, due 2042

USD

750

$

724

USD

750

$

723

 

Total  

 

 

$

6,852

 

 

$

7,842

 

24              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

(1) USD carrying values include unamortized debt issuance costs, bond discounts or premiums, as well as adjustments for fair value hedge accounting, where appropriate.

 

In February 2019, the Company issued the following notes with a principal of:

·           CHF 280 million, due 2024, paying interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 0.3 percent per annum, and

·           CHF 170 million, due 2029, paying interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 1.0 percent per annum.

The aggregate net proceeds of these bond issues, after underwriting discount and other fees, amounted to CHF 449 million (equivalent to approximately $449 million on date of issuance).

 

Subsequent events

In April 2019, the Company issued 18-month floating rate notes with an aggregate principal of EUR 1,000 million, due in October 2020. These notes pay interest quarterly in arrears at a variable interest rate of 35 basis points above the 3-month EURIBOR, with a floor rate of zero. The aggregate net proceeds amounted to EUR 1,002 million (equivalent to approximately $1,129 million on date of issuance).



Note 11

Employee benefits

 

The Company operates defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, and termination indemnity plans, in accordance with local regulations and practices. These plans cover a large portion of the Company’s employees and provide benefits to employees in the event of death, disability, retirement, or termination of employment. Certain of these plans are multi-employer plans. The Company also operates other postretirement benefit plans including postretirement health care benefits, and other employee-related benefits for active employees including long-service award plans. The measurement date used for the Company’s employee benefit plans is December 31. The funding policies of the Company’s plans are consistent with the local government and tax requirements.

 

The following tables include amounts relating to defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits for both continuing and discontinued operations.

 

Net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following:

  

 

($ in millions)

Defined pension benefits

 

Other postretirement

 

 

Switzerland

International

 

benefits

 

Three months ended March 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

 

2019

2018

 

Operational pension cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

19

23

28

34

 

 

Operational pension cost

19

23

28

34

 

 

Non-operational pension cost (credit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

4

8

44

51

 

1

1

 

Expected return on plan assets

(28)

(30)

(70)

(79)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

(4)

(4)

1

 

(1)

(1)

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

27

24

 

(1)

 

Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits

1

 

 

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

(28)

(26)

3

(4)

 

(1)

 

Net periodic benefit cost

(9)

(3)

31

30

 

(1)

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in the line “Non-operational pension (cost) credit” in the income statement. Net periodic benefit cost includes $10 million and $11 million, for the three months end March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to discontinued operations.

 

Employer contributions were as follows:

  

 

($ in millions)

Defined pension benefits

 

Other postretirement

 

 

Switzerland

International

 

benefits

 

Three months ended March 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

 

2019

2018

 

Total contributions to defined benefit pension and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other postretirement benefit plans

23

23

24

23

 

2

2

 

The Company expects to make contributions totaling approximately $200 million and $11 million to its defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively, for the full year 2019.

25              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Note 12

Stockholder's equity

In February 2019, the Company announced that a proposal will be put to the 2019 AGM for approval by the shareholders to distribute 0.80 Swiss francs per share to shareholders.



Note 13

Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call options, and outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions under the Company’s share-based payment arrangements.

  

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions, except per share data in $)

 

 

2019

2018

 

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

397

399

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

138

173

 

Net income

 

 

535

572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

 

 

2,132

2,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

0.19

0.19

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.06

0.08

 

Net income

 

 

0.25

0.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions, except per share data in $)

 

 

2019

2018

 

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

397

399

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

138

173

 

Net income

 

 

535

572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

 

 

2,132

2,134

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Call options and shares

 

 

2

11

 

Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

 

 

2,134

2,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

 

 

0.19

0.19

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

0.06

0.08

 

Net income

 

 

0.25

0.27



26              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Note 14

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

The following table shows changes in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (OCI) attributable to ABB, by component, net of tax:

  

 

 

 

Unrealized gains

Pension and

Unrealized gains

 

 

 

Foreign currency

(losses) on

other

(losses) of cash

 

 

 

translation

available-for-sale

postretirement

flow hedge

 

 

($ in millions)

adjustments

securities

plan adjustments

derivatives

Total OCI

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

(2,693)

8

(1,672)

12

(4,345)

 

Cumulative effect of changes in

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting principles(1)

(9)

(9)

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

before reclassifications

210

(4)

(4)

(21)

181

 

Amounts reclassified from OCI

14

11

25

 

Changes attributable to divestments

(14)

(14)

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

196

(4)

10

(10)

192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests

16

16

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

(2,513)

(5)

(1,662)

2

(4,178)



 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains

Pension and

Unrealized gains

 

 

 

Foreign currency

(losses) on

other

(losses) of cash

 

 

 

translation

available-for-sale

postretirement

flow hedge

 

 

($ in millions)

adjustments

securities

plan adjustments

derivatives

Total OCI

 

Balance at January 1, 2019

(3,324)

(4)

(1,967)

(16)

(5,311)

 

Adoption of accounting standard update(2)

(36)

(36)

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

before reclassifications

(45)

4

18

(23)

 

Amounts reclassified from OCI

2

15

4

21

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(45)

6

33

4

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interests

6

6

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

(3,375)

2

(1,970)

(12)

(5,355)

 

(1) Amounts relate to the adoption of two accounting standard updates in 2018 regarding the Recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities.

(2) Amounts relate to the adoption of an accounting standard update in 2019 regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. See “Applicable for current period” section of Note 2 for more details.

 

The following table reflects amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:

  

 

($ in millions)

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

Details about OCI components

Location of (gains) losses reclassified from OCI

2019

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1)

(4)

(5)

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1)

26

24

 

Total before tax

 

22

19

 

Tax

Provision for taxes

(7)

(5)

 

Amounts reclassified from OCI

 

15

14

 

(1) Amounts include a total of $3 million, for both the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations (see Note 3).

 

The amounts in respect of Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives were not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

27              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 



Note 15

Restructuring and related expenses

  

OS program

In December 2018, the Company announced a two-year restructuring program with the objective of simplifying its business model and structure through the implementation of a new organizational structure driven by its businesses. The program includes the elimination of the country and regional structures within the current matrix organization, including the elimination of the three regional Executive Committee roles. The operating businesses will each be responsible for both their customer-facing activities and business support functions, while the remaining Group-level corporate activities will primarily focus on Group strategy, portfolio and performance management, capital allocation, core technologies and the ABB Ability platform. The program is expected to be performed over two years and incur restructuring expenses of $350 million.

 

The following table outlines the costs incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2019, the cumulative costs incurred up to March 31, 2019, and the total amount of costs expected to be incurred under the program per operating segment:

  

 

 

 

Cost incurred

Cumulative net

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

cost incurred up to

Total

 

($ in millions)

 

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2019

Expected Costs

 

Electrification Products

 

(2)

30

40

 

Industrial Automation

 

21

60

 

Robotics and Motion

 

1

50

 

Corporate and Other

 

1

12

200

 

Total

 

(1)

64

350

 

Of the total expected costs of $350 million the majority is related to employee severance costs.

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2019, restructuring expenses (income) recorded for this program relate to employee severance costs and are included in “Total cost of sales”. Liabilities associated with this program at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, amount to $64 million and $65 million, respectively, and are primarily included in “Other provisions”.

 

Other restructuring-related activities

In the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company executed various other restructuring related activities and incurred expenses of $50 million and $12 million, respectively. These amounts relate mainly to employee severance costs and are included in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions)

 

 

2019

2018

 

Total cost of sales

 

 

21

7

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

11

1

 

Non-order related research and development expenses

 

 

 

Other income (expenses), net

 

 

18

4

 

Total

 

 

50

12



Note 16

Operating segment data

 

The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using the information outlined below. The Company is organized into operating segments based on products and services and these operating segments consist of Electrification Products, Industrial Automation, and Robotics and Motion. The remaining operations of the Company are included in Corporate and Other. Following the announcement in December 2018, to sell its Powers Grids business, the Company reclassified the results of operations for this business and certain related amounts previously included in Corporate and Other to discontinued operations (See Note 3). The segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2018, has been recast to reflect these changes.

 

A description of the types of products and services provided by each reportable segment is as follows:

 

·           Electrification Products: manufactures and sells products and solutions which are designed to provide smarter and safer electrical flow from the substation to the socket. The portfolio of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboard and panelboards, switchgear, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems and intelligent home and building solutions, designed to integrate and automate lighting, heating, ventilation, security and data communication networks.

 

28              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

·           Industrial Automation: develops and sells integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, such as process and discrete control solutions, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation and solutions, electric ship propulsion systems, as well as solutions for modern machine and factory automation and large turbochargers. In addition, the division offers a comprehensive range of services ranging from repair to advanced services such as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance and cybersecurity services.

 

·           Robotics and Motion: manufactures and sells robotics, motors, generators, drives, wind converters, components and systems for railways and related services and digital solutions for a wide range of applications in industry, transportation and infrastructure, and utilities.

 

·           Corporate and Other: includes  headquarters, central research and development, the Company’s real estate activities, Group Treasury Operations, historical operating activities of certain divested businesses and other non-core operating activities.

 

The primary measure of profitability on which the operating segments are evaluated is Operational EBITA, which represents income from operations excluding:

 

·           amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions (acquisition-related amortization),

·           restructuring, related and implementation costs,

·           changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),

·           changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates),

·           gains and losses from sale of businesses,

·           acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,

·           certain other non-operational items, as well as

·           foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities).

 

Certain other non-operational items generally includes: certain regulatory, compliance and legal costs, certain asset write downs/impairments as well as other items which are determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

 

The CODM primarily reviews the results of each segment on a basis that is before the elimination of profits made on inventory sales between segments. Segment results below are presented before these eliminations, with a total deduction for intersegment profits to arrive at the Company’s consolidated Operational EBITA. Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for as if the sales and transfers were to third parties, at current market prices.

 

The following tables present disaggregated segment revenues from contracts with customers, Operational EBITA, and the reconciliations of consolidated Operational EBITA to Income from continuing operations before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, as well as total assets at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Corporate

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

and Other

Total

 

Geographical markets 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

983

754

694

16

2,447

 

The Americas

 

1,106

392

700

2,198

 

Asia, Middle East and Africa

 

865

557

705

22

2,149

 

 

 

2,954

1,703

2,099

38

6,794

 

End Customer Markets 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilities

 

460

250

149

3

862

 

Industry

 

1,151

1,105

1,608

27

3,891

 

Transport & infrastructure

 

1,343

348

342

8

2,041

 

 

 

2,954

1,703

2,099

38

6,794

 

Product type 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

2,577

568

1,531

39

4,715

 

Systems

 

140

417

236

(1)

792

 

Services and other

 

237

718

332

1,287

 

 

 

2,954

1,703

2,099

38

6,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third-party revenues

 

2,954

1,703

2,099

38

6,794

 

Intersegment revenues(1)

 

103

35

130

(215)

53

 

Total Revenues

 

3,057

1,738

2,229

(177)

6,847

 

29              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Corporate

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

and Other

Total

 

Geographical markets 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

937

808

709

22

2,476

 

The Americas

 

648

377

684

10

1,719

 

Asia, Middle East and Africa

 

800

639

692

56

2,187

 

 

 

2,385

1,824

2,085

88

6,382

 

End Customer Markets 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilities

 

573

296

167

62

1,098

 

Industry

 

1,051

1,077

1,622

13

3,763

 

Transport & infrastructure

 

761

451

296

13

1,521

 

 

 

2,385

1,824

2,085

88

6,382

 

Product type 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

2,085

639

1,511

16

4,251

 

Systems

 

137

464

244

72

917

 

Services and other

 

163

721

330

1,214

 

 

 

2,385

1,824

2,085

88

6,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third-party revenues

 

2,385

1,824

2,085

88

6,382

 

Intersegment revenues(1)

 

109

35

124

(209)

59

 

Total Revenues

 

2,494

1,859

2,209

(121)

6,441

 

(1) Intersegment revenues include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and are not eliminated from Total revenues.

  

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

($ in millions)

2019

2018

 

Operational EBITA:

 

 

 

Electrification Products

377

377

 

Industrial Automation

226

262

 

Robotics and Motion

337

338

 

Corporate and Other(1)

(174)

(225)

 

Consolidated Operational EBITA

766

752

 

Acquisition-related amortization

(68)

(63)

 

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(2)

(68)

(7)

 

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

(3)

(7)

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(1)

(6)

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

(24)

(25)

 

Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives)

6

(13)

 

Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized

(1)

9

 

Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities)

16

(9)

 

Certain other non-operational items:

 

 

 

Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids

(20)

 

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

(8)

(3)

 

Division transformation costs

(3)

(2)

 

Losses and other (costs) recoveries on Korea fraud

1

(3)

 

Other non-operational items

(3)

3

 

Income from operations

590

626

 

Interest and dividend income

19

22

 

Interest and other finance expense

(62)

(89)

 

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

23

27

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

570

586

 

(1) Corporate and Other includes Stranded corporate costs of $67 million and $76 million at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(2) Amounts in 2019 include $19 million of implementation costs in relation to the OS program.

  

 

30              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

Total assets(1), (2)

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Electrification Products

12,404

12,049

 

Industrial Automation

6,811

6,669

 

Robotics and Motion

8,595

8,397

 

Corporate and Other

17,792

17,326

 

Consolidated

45,602

44,441

 

(1) Total assets are after intersegment eliminations and therefore reflect third-party assets only.

(2) Assets held for sale of $8,982 million and $8,591 million are included in Corporate and Other at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively (see Note 3).

  

 

2019 Realignment of segments

 

On December 17, 2018, the Company announced a reorganization of its operating segments into four customer-focused, entrepreneurial businesses. Effective April 1, 2019:

 

·           the Electrification Products segment was renamed the Electrification segment,

 

·           the Industrial Automation segment remains unchanged except that it now excludes the Machine and Factory Automation business, which has been transferred to the new Robotics and Discrete Automation segment,

 

·           the new Robotics and Discrete Automation segment includes the combined businesses of the Machine and Factory Automation business, previously included in the Industrial Automation segment, and the Robotics business from the former Robotics and Motion segment, and

 

·           the new Motion segment contains the remaining businesses of the former Robotics and Motion segment.

  

 

31              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

  

32              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions

 

 

 

 

The following reconciliations and definitions include measures which ABB uses to supplement its Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited) which is prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Certain of these financial measures are, or may be, considered non-GAAP financial measures as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

While ABB’s management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures herein are useful in evaluating ABB’s operating results, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore these measures should not be viewed in isolation but considered together with the Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited) prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted a new accounting standard, Revenue from contracts with customers, and consistent with the method of adoption elected, comparative information for 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards previously in effect for that period (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Information). In addition, on January 1, 2019, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for lease accounting. Consistent with the method of adoption elected, comparable information has not been restated to reflect the adoption of this new standard and continues to be measured and reported under the accounting standard in effect for those period presented.

 

Comparable growth rates

 

Growth rates for certain key figures may be presented and discussed on a “comparable” basis. The comparable growth rate measures growth on a constant currency basis. Since we are a global company, the comparability of our operating results reported in U.S. dollars is affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We calculate the impacts from foreign currency fluctuations by translating the current-year periods’ reported key figures into U.S. dollar amounts using the exchange rates in effect for the comparable periods in the previous year.

 

Comparable growth rates are also adjusted for changes in our business portfolio. Adjustments to our business portfolio occur due to acquisitions, divestments, or by exiting specific business activities or customer markets. The adjustment for portfolio changes is calculated as follows: where the results of any business acquired or divested have not been consolidated and reported for the entire duration of both the current and comparable periods, the reported key figures of such business are adjusted to exclude the relevant key figures of any corresponding quarters which are not comparable when computing the comparable growth rate. Certain portfolio changes which do not qualify as divestments under U.S. GAAP have been treated in a similar manner to divestments. Changes in our portfolio where we have exited certain business activities or customer markets are adjusted as if the relevant business was divested in the period when the decision to cease business activities was taken. We do not adjust for portfolio changes where the relevant business has annualized revenues of less than $50 million.

 

The following tables provide reconciliations of reported growth rates of certain key figures to their respective comparable growth rate.

 

Divisional comparable growth rate reconciliation

 

 

Q1 2019 compared to Q1 2018

 

 

Order growth rate

 

Revenue growth rate

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

Division

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

Electrification Products

21%

7%

-22%

6%

 

23%

7%

-25%

5%

 

Industrial Automation

-11%

6%

0%

-5%

 

-7%

7%

0%

0%

 

Robotics and Motion

-1%

6%

0%

5%

 

1%

6%

0%

7%

 

ABB Group

1%

6%

-4%

3%

 

6%

7%

-9%

4%



Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation

 

 

Q1 2019 compared to Q1 2018

 

 

Order growth rate

 

Revenue growth rate

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

Region

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

Europe

-8%

8%

-3%

-3%

 

-1%

9%

-4%

4%

 

The Americas

28%

3%

-22%

9%

 

28%

3%

-25%

6%

 

Asia, Middle East and Africa

-7%

5%

7%

5%

 

-2%

6%

-2%

2%

 

ABB Group

1%

6%

-4%

3%

 

6%

7%

-9%

4%



33              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Order backlog growth rate reconciliation

 

 

March 31, 2019 compared to March 31, 2018

 

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

 

Division

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

 

Electrification Products

28%

8%

-30%

6%

 

 

Industrial Automation

-5%

7%

0%

2%

 

 

Robotics and Motion

2%

7%

0%

9%

 

 

ABB Group

2%

7%

-3%

6%

 



Other growth rate reconciliations

 

 

Q1 2019 compared to Q1 2018

 

 

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large orders

-66%

2%

22%

-42%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base orders

8%

7%

-9%

6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service orders

6%

7%

-7%

6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service revenues

6%

7%

-7%

6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following information presents a reconciliation of growth rates of orders and revenues for 2018 compared with 2017 on a continuing operations basis.

 

Divisional comparable growth rate reconciliation

 

 

Q1 2018 compared to Q1 2017

 

 

Order growth rate

 

Revenue growth rate

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

US$

Foreign

 

 

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

(as

exchange

Portfolio

 

 

Division

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

 

Electrification Products

10%

-7%

0%

3%

 

9%

-7%

0%

2%

 

Industrial Automation

26%

-9%

-13%

4%

 

23%

-9%

-14%

0%

 

Robotics and Motion

18%

-7%

0%

11%

 

15%

-7%

0%

8%

 

ABB Group

21%

-9%

-4%

8%

 

13%

-8%

-2%

3%

34              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Operational EBITA margin

 

Definition

Operational EBITA margin

Operational EBITA margin is Operational EBITA as a percentage of Operational revenues.

 

Operational EBITA

Operational earnings before interest, taxes and acquisition-related amortization (Operational EBITA) represents Income from operations excluding:

·           acquisition-related amortization (as defined below),

·           restructuring, related and implementation costs,

·           changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),

·           changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates),

·           gains and losses from sale of businesses,

·           acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,

·           certain other non-operational items, as well as

·           foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities).

 

Certain other non-operational items generally includes: certain regulatory, compliance and legal costs, certain asset write downs/impairments as well as other items which are determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

 

Operational EBITA is our measure of segment profit but is also used by management to evaluate the profitability of the Company as a whole.

 

Acquisition-related amortization

Amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions.

 

Restructuring, related and implementation costs

Restructuring, related and implementation costs consists of restructuring and other related expenses, as well as internal and external costs relating to the implementation of group-wide restructuring programs.

 

Operational revenues

The Company presents Operational revenues solely for the purpose of allowing the computation of Operational EBITA margin. Operational revenues are total revenues adjusted for foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in total revenues of: (i) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, (ii) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (iii) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables (and related assets). Operational revenues are not intended to be an alternative measure to Total Revenues, which represent our revenues measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

Reconciliation

The following tables provide reconciliations of consolidated Operational EBITA to Net Income and Operational EBITA Margin by division.

 

Reconciliation of consolidated Operational EBITA to Net Income

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions)

2019

2018

 

Operational EBITA

766

752

 

Acquisition-related amortization

(68)

(63)

 

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

(68)

(7)

 

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

(3)

(7)

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(1)

(6)

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

(24)

(25)

 

Certain other non-operational items

(33)

(5)

 

FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations

21

(13)

 

Income from operations

590

626

 

Interest and dividend income

19

22

 

Interest and other finance expense

(62)

(89)

 

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

23

27

 

Income from continuing operations before taxes

570

586

 

Provision for taxes

(155)

(172)

 

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

415

414

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

149

186

 

Net income

564

600

 

(1) Amounts in 2019 include $19 million of implementation costs in relation to the OS program.

35              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Reconciliation of Operational EBITA margin by division

  

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other and

 

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Intersegment

 

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

elimination

Consolidated

 

Total revenues

 

3,057

1,738

2,229

(177)

6,847

 

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in total revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on derivatives

 

(1)

(2)

(3)

 

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where the underlying hedged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transaction has not yet been realized

 

(4)

(1)

1

(4)

 

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on receivables (and related assets)

 

(4)

3

(1)

(2)

(4)

 

Operational revenues

 

3,052

1,737

2,225

(178)

6,836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

297

198

325

(230)

590

 

Acquisition-related amortization

 

29

20

14

5

68

 

Restructuring, related and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

implementation costs

 

40

5

3

20

68

 

Changes in obligations related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

divested businesses

 

3

3

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

 

1

1

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and integration costs

 

22

2

24

 

Certain other non-operational items

 

1

2

3

27

33

 

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in income from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(foreign exchange, commodities,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives)

 

(7)

4

(5)

2

(6)

 

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where the underlying hedged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transaction has not yet been realized

 

2

(1)

(1)

1

1

 

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on receivables/payables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(and related assets/liabilities)

 

(8)

(2)

(2)

(4)

(16)

 

Operational EBITA

 

377

226

337

(174)

766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational EBITA margin (%)

 

12.4%

13.0%

15.1%

n.a.

11.2%

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2019, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

  

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Corporate

 

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

and Other

Consolidated

 

Certain other non-operational items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids

 

20

20

 

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

 

8

8

 

Division transformation costs

 

3

3

 

Losses and other costs (recoveries)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on Korea fraud

 

(1)

(1)

 

Other non-operational items

 

1

2

3

 

Total

 

1

2

3

27

33

 

36              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other and

 

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Intersegment

 

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

elimination

Consolidated

 

Total revenues

 

2,494

1,859

2,209

(121)

6,441

 

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in total revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on derivatives

 

(4)

(4)

4

8

4

 

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where the underlying hedged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transaction has not yet been realized

 

3

(11)

(8)

 

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on receivables (and related assets)

 

(2)

(3)

8

3

 

Operational revenues

 

2,488

1,858

2,210

(116)

6,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

325

237

313

(249)

626

 

Acquisition-related amortization

 

20

23

16

4

63

 

Restructuring, related and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

implementation costs

 

4

2

4

(3)

7

 

Changes in obligations related to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

divested businesses

 

7

7

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

 

3

3

6

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and integration costs

 

24

1

25

 

Certain other non-operational items

 

(2)

1

6

5

 

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

differences in income from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(foreign exchange, commodities,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

embedded derivatives)

 

6

(8)

2

13

13

 

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where the underlying hedged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

transaction has not yet been realized

 

2

(11)

(9)

 

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on receivables/payables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(and related assets/liabilities)

 

2

2

5

9

 

Operational EBITA

 

377

262

338

(225)

752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational EBITA margin (%)

 

15.2%

14.1%

15.3%

n.a.

11.7%

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2018, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

  

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

Electrification

Industrial

Robotics

Corporate

 

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Products

Automation

and Motion

and Other

Consolidated

 

Certain other non-operational items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

 

3

3

 

Division transformation costs

 

1

1

2

 

Losses and other costs (recoveries)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on Korea fraud

 

3

3

 

Other non-operational items

 

(2)

(1)

(3)

 

Total

 

(2)

1

6

5

37              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Operational EPS

 

Definition

Operational EPS

Operational EPS is calculated as Operational net income divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding used in determining basic earnings per share.

 

Operational net income

Operational net income is calculated as Net income attributable to ABB adjusted for the following:

(i)        acquisition-related amortization,

(ii)       restructuring, related and implementation costs

(iii)      non-operational pension cost (credit),

(iv)      changes in obligations related to divested businesses,

(v)       changes in pre-acquisition estimates,

(vi)      gains and losses from sale of businesses,

(vii)    acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,

(viii)   certain other non-operational items,

(ix)      foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities), and

(x)       The amount of income tax on operational adjustments either estimated using the Adjusted Group effective tax rate or in certain specific cases, computed using the actual income tax effects of the relevant item in (i) to (ix) above.

 

Acquisition-related amortization

Amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions.

 

Restructuring, related and implementation costs

Restructuring, related and implementation costs consists of restructuring and other related expenses, as well as internal and external costs relating to the implementation of group-wide restructuring programs.

 

Adjusted Group effective tax rate

The Adjusted Group effective tax rate is computed by dividing an adjusted provision for taxes by an adjusted income from continuing operations before taxes. Certain amounts recorded in income from continuing operations before taxes and the related provision for taxes (primarily gains and losses from sale of businesses) are excluded from the computation.

 

Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment and Operational EPS growth rate (constant currency)

In connection with ABB’s 2015-2020 targets, Operational EPS growth is measured assuming 2014 as the base year and uses constant exchange rates. We compute the constant currency operational net income for all periods using the relevant monthly exchange rates which were in effect during 2014 and any difference in computed Operational net income is divided by the relevant weighted-average number of shares outstanding to identify the constant currency Operational EPS adjustment.

 

Reconciliation

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

($ in millions, except per share data in $)

2019

2018

Growth(3)

 

Net income (attributable to ABB)

535

572

 

 

Operational adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Acquisition-related amortization

68

63

 

 

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

68

7

 

 

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

(23)

(27)

 

 

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

3

7

 

 

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

1

6

 

 

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

24

25

 

 

Certain other non-operational items

33

5

 

 

FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations

(21)

13

 

 

Operational adjustments in discontinued operations

6

36

 

 

Tax on operational adjustments(2)

(42)

(38)

 

 

Operational net income

652

669

-3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,132

2,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational EPS

0.31

0.31

-3%

 

Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment

0.05

0.04

 

 

Operational EPS (constant currency basis - 2014 exchange rates)

0.36

0.35

5%

 

(1) Amounts in 2019 include $19 million of implementation costs in relation to the OS program.

(2) Tax amount is computed by applying the Adjusted Group effective tax rate to the operational adjustments, except for gains and losses from sale of businesses for which the actual provision for taxes resulting from the gain or loss has been computed.

(3) Growth is computed using unrounded EPS amounts.

 

38              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Net debt

 

Definition

Net debt

Net debt is defined as Total debt less Cash and marketable securities.

 

Total debt

Total debt is the sum of Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, and Long-term debt.

 

Cash and marketable securities

Cash and marketable securities is the sum of Cash and equivalents, and Marketable securities and short-term investments.

 

Reconciliation

 

($ in millions)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

1,468

2,031

 

Long-term debt

7,050

6,587

 

Total debt

8,518

8,618

 

Cash and equivalents

2,734

3,445

 

Marketable securities and short-term investments

833

712

 

Cash and marketable securities

3,567

4,157

 

Net debt

4,951

4,461



Net working capital as a percentage of revenues

 

Definition

Net working capital as a percentage of revenues

Net working capital as a percentage of revenues is calculated as Net working capital divided by Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months.

 

Net working capital

Net working capital is the sum of (i) receivables, net, (ii) contract assets, (iii) inventories, net, and (iv) prepaid expenses; less (v) accounts payable, trade, (vi) contract liabilities, and (vii) other current liabilities (excluding primarily: (a) income taxes payable, (b) current derivative liabilities, and (c) pension and other employee benefits); and including the amounts related to these accounts which have been presented as either assets or liabilities held for sale but excluding any amounts included in discontinued operations.

 

Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months

Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months includes total revenues recorded by ABB in the twelve months preceding the relevant balance sheet date adjusted to eliminate revenues of divested businesses and the estimated impact of annualizing revenues of certain acquisitions which were completed in the same trailing twelve-month period.

 

Reconciliation

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2018

 

Net working capital:

 

 

 

Receivables, net

6,499

6,027

 

Contract assets

1,094

1,213

 

Inventories, net

4,459

4,085

 

Prepaid expenses

252

282

 

Accounts payable, trade

(4,081)

(3,710)

 

Contract liabilities

(1,690)

(1,742)

 

Other current liabilities(1)

(3,323)

(2,805)

 

Net working capital

3,210

3,350

 

Total revenues for the three months ended:

 

 

 

March 31, 2019 / 2018

6,847

6,441

 

December 31, 2018 / 2017

7,395

6,804

 

September 30, 2018 / 2017

7,095

6,486

 

June 30, 2018 / 2017

6,731

6,187

 

Adjustment to annualize/eliminate revenues of certain acquisitions/divestments

495

95

 

Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months

28,563

26,013

 

Net working capital as a percentage of revenues (%)

11.2%

12.9%

 

(1)  Amounts exclude $568 million and $540 million at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related primarily to (a) income taxes payable, (b) current derivative liabilities, and (c) pension and other employee benefits.

39              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Free cash flow conversion to net income

 

Definition

Free cash flow conversion to net income

Free cash flow conversion to net income is calculated as adjusted free cash flow divided by Net income attributable to ABB.

 

Adjusted free cash flow

Adjusted free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for: (i) purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, (ii) proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment, and (iii) changes in financing and other non-current receivables, net (included in other investing activities).

 

Free cash flow for the trailing twelve months

Free cash flow for the trailing twelve months includes adjusted free cash flow recorded by ABB in the twelve months preceding the relevant balance sheet date.

 

Net income for the trailing twelve months

Net income for the trailing twelve months includes net income recorded by ABB in the twelve months preceding the relevant balance sheet date.

 

Free cash flow conversion to net income

 

 

Twelve months to

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

3,186

2,924

 

Adjusted for the effects of:

 

 

 

Continuing operations:

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(788)

(772)

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

96

72

 

Changes in financing receivables and other non-current receivables

(5)

(8)

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(197)

(201)

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

6

8

 

Changes in financing receivables and other non-current receivables

1

1

 

Adjusted free cash flow

2,299

2,024

 

Net income attributable to ABB

2,136

2,173

 

Free cash flow conversion to net income

108%

93%



Reconciliation of the trailing twelve months to March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

Continuing operations

 

Discontinued operations

Net income attributable

to ABB

 

($ in millions)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Proceeds

from sale of property, plant and equipment

Changes in financing receivables

and other

non-current receivables

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Proceeds

from sale of property, plant and equipment

Changes in

financing

receivables

and other

non-current

receivables

 

Q2 2018

1,010

(154)

18

 

(43)

1

1

681

 

Q3 2018

565

(192)

7

(6)

 

(47)

1

603

 

Q4 2018

1,867

(235)

23

(1)

 

(64)

4

317

 

Q1 2019

(256)

(207)

48

2

 

(43)

535

 

Total for the trailing twelve months

to March 31, 2019

3,186

(788)

96

(5)

 

(197)

6

1

2,136



Finance net

 

Definition

Finance net is calculated as Interest and dividend income less Interest and other finance expense.

 

Reconciliation

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions)

2019

2018

 

Interest and dividend income

19

22

 

Interest and other finance expense

(62)

(89)

 

Finance net

(43)

(67)



40              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

Book-to-bill ratio

 

Definition

Book-to-bill ratio is calculated as Orders received divided by Total revenues.

 

Reconciliation

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

2019

2018

 

Orders received

7,613

7,555

 

Total revenues

6,847

6,441

 

Book-to-bill ratio

1.11

1.17

41              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABB  Ltd

Corporate Communications

P.O.  Box  8131

8050 Zurich 

Switzerland

Tel:        +41  (0)43  317  71  11

Fax:       +41  (0)43  317  79  58

 

www.abb.com     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

42              Q1 2019 Financial Information 


 

 

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, APRIL 17, 2019

ABB names Peter Voser as interim CEO
Ulrich Spiesshofer steps down

The Board of Directors of ABB and its CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer (55) have mutually agreed for him to step down from his role, which he has held since 2013. The Chairman of the Board, Peter Voser (61), will become interim CEO in addition to his current role, with immediate effect. An official search to find a new CEO has been initiated.

Peter Voser: “On behalf of the Board and the employees of ABB, I would like to personally thank Ulrich for his dedication and commitment to ABB’s customers and employees not only as CEO but also in other executive roles at ABB since 2005. Under his leadership, ABB has been transformed into a global technology leader focused in digital industries. He strategically repositioned the company and built up growth momentum across all businesses. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”

Voser added: “We will continue to focus on implementing ABB’s strategy and delivering value to all our stakeholders. To achieve our key financial targets, we will proceed with the divestment of ABB’s Power Grids business as planned, simplify the organizational structure of the group and deliver cost savings. Finally, our four new leading businesses will be fully dedicated to meet our customer needs for digitalization, electrification, automation and robotics.”

Ulrich Spiesshofer: “After 14 years of “all in” dedication and commitment to all our employees and customers, I hand over to Peter a trimmed ABB ship that is on a clear course and gaining speed. I would like to warmly thank our colleagues around the world, customers and partners as well as the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve this fine company for nearly one and a half decades in different roles in the Executive Committee and as CEO. I will now take some time out before deciding on the next chapter of my professional life. From the bottom of my heart, I wish ABB’s global team all the very best for its future.”

Peter Voser, a Swiss citizen, has been Chairman of ABB since April 2015. Prior to this, he was CEO of Royal Dutch Shell from 2009-2013, and CFO between 2004-2009. Between 2002 and October 2004, he was CFO of ABB and a key leader behind the successful turnaround of the company. Voser also brings a wealth of experience in board positions in leading companies such as a Roche, IBM, Catalyst, Temasek Holdings and PSA International in Singapore.

ABB will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2019, in Zurich, as planned.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s marketleading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com

This information is information that ABB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 6.45 a.m. CEST on April 17, 2019.

 

1/2

 

 

 


 

 


For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: media.relations@ch.abb.com

Investor Relations
Jessica Mitchell
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: investor.relations@ch.abb.com

ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABB NAMES PETER VOSER AS INTERIM CEO

2/2

 


 

January — April 2019 — Q1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABB Ltd announces that the following members of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors of ABB have purchased, sold or been granted ABB’s registered shares, call options and warrant appreciation rights (“WARs”), in the following amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Date

 

Description

 

Received *

 

Purchased

 

Sold

 

Price

Timo Ihamuotila

 

April 02, 2019

 

Share

 

42,572

 

 

 

 

 

CHF

19.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Received instruments were delivered as part of the ABB Ltd Director’s or Executive Committee Member’s compensation

 


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

ABB LTD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: April 17, 2019.

By:

/s/ Jessica Mitchell

 

 

Name:

Jessica Mitchell

 

 

Title:

Group Senior Vice President and
Head of Investor Relations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: April 17, 2019.

By:

/s/ Richard A. Brown

 

 

Name:

Richard A. Brown

 

 

Title:

Group Senior Vice President and
Chief Counsel Corporate & Finance