February 4, 2021

Q4 2020

Financial information

-

Financial Information

Contents

03 ─ 08

Key Figures

08 ─

39

Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

40 ─

55

Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions

-

Key Figures

CHANGE

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Q4 2020

Q4 2019

US$

Comparable(1)

Orders

7,003

6,886

2%

-1%

Order backlog (end December)

14,303

13,324

7%

5%

Revenues

7,182

7,068

2%

0%

Income from operations

578

648

-11%

Operational EBITA(1)

825

710

16%

12%(2)

as % of operational revenues(1)

11.5%

10.1%

+1.4 pts

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

127

307

-59%

Net income (loss) attributable to ABB

(79)

325

n.a

Basic earnings per share ($)

(0.04)

0.15

n.a

Operational earnings per share(1) ($)

0.26

0.27

-6%(3)

-10%(3)

Cash flow from operating activities(4)

1,182

1,911

-38%

CHANGE

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

FY 2020

FY 2019

US$

Comparable(1)

Orders

26,512

28,588

-7%

-6%

Revenues

26,134

27,978

-7%

-5%

Income from operations

1,593

1,938

-18%

Operational EBITA(1)

2,899

3,107

-7%

-8%(2)

as % of operational revenues(1)

11.1%

11.1%

0 pts

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

345

1,090

-68%

Net income attributable to ABB

5,146

1,439

258%

Basic earnings per share ($)

2.44

0.67

261%(3)

Operational earnings per share(1) ($)

0.98

1.24

-21%(3)

-22%(3)

Cash flow from operating activities(4)

1,693

2,325

-27%

  1. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures see "Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions" on page 40.
  2. Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).
  3. EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts. Comparable operational earnings per share is in constant currency (2019 exchange rates not adjusted for changes in the business portfolio).
  4. Cash flow from operating activities includes both continuing and discontinued operations.

3 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CHANGE

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Q4 2020

Q4 2019

US$

Local

Comparable

Orders

ABB Group

7,003

6,886

2%

-1%

-1%

Electrification

3,074

3,160

-3%

-5%

-2%

Industrial Automation

1,918

1,706

12%

9%

9%

Motion

1,552

1,602

-3%

-5%

-5%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

699

701

0%

-5%

-5%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(240)

(283)

Order backlog (end December)

ABB Group

14,303

13,324

7%

3%

5%

Electrification

4,358

4,488

-3%

-5%

-1%

Industrial Automation

5,805

5,077

14%

9%

9%

Motion

3,320

2,967

12%

6%

6%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

1,403

1,356

3%

-2%

-2%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(583)

(564)

Revenues

ABB Group

7,182

7,068

2%

-1%

0%

Electrification

3,356

3,238

4%

1%

5%

Industrial Automation

1,545

1,683

-8%

-11%

-11%

Motion

1,705

1,657

3%

0%

0%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

801

787

2%

-3%

-3%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(225)

(297)

Income from operations

ABB Group

578

648

Electrification

444

478

Industrial Automation

28

194

Motion

258

245

Robotics & Discrete Automation

23

62

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(175)

(331)

Income from operations %

ABB Group

8.0%

9.2%

Electrification

13.2%

14.8%

Industrial Automation

1.8%

11.5%

Motion

15.1%

14.8%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

2.9%

7.9%

Operational EBITA

ABB Group

825

710

16%

12%

Electrification

522

421

24%

19%

Industrial Automation

103

202

-49%

-50%

Motion

285

254

12%

7%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

59

86

-31%

-33%

Corporate and Other(1)

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(144)

(253)

Operational EBITA %

ABB Group

11.5%

10.1%

Electrification

15.6%

13.1%

Industrial Automation

6.8%

12.1%

Motion

16.8%

15.4%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

7.3%

11.0%

Cash flow from operating activities(2)

ABB Group

1,182

1,911

Electrification

874

969

Industrial Automation

192

338

Motion

420

410

Robotics & Discrete Automation

133

141

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(394)

(404)

Discontinued operations

(43)

457

  1. Corporate and Other includes Stranded corporate costs of $40 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.
  2. Commencing Q3 2020, taxes and interest previously allocated to each individual operating segment are now fully allocated to Corporate and other and the comparatives restated.

4 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CHANGE

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

FY 2020

FY 2019

US$

Local

Comparable

Orders

ABB Group

26,512

28,588

-7%

-7%

-6%

Electrification

11,884

13,050

-9%

-9%

-6%

Industrial Automation

6,144

6,432

-4%

-4%

-4%

Motion

6,574

6,782

-3%

-2%

-2%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

2,868

3,260

-12%

-12%

-12%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(958)

(936)

Order backlog (end December)

ABB Group

14,303

13,324

7%

3%

5%

Electrification

4,358

4,488

-3%

-5%

-1%

Industrial Automation

5,805

5,077

14%

9%

9%

Motion

3,320

2,967

12%

6%

6%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

1,403

1,356

3%

-2%

-2%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(583)

(564)

Revenues

ABB Group

26,134

27,978

-7%

-6%

-5%

Electrification

11,924

12,728

-6%

-6%

-3%

Industrial Automation

5,792

6,273

-8%

-7%

-7%

Motion

6,409

6,533

-2%

-2%

-2%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

2,907

3,314

-12%

-13%

-13%

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(898)

(870)

Income from operations

ABB Group

1,593

1,938

Electrification

1,335

1,049

Industrial Automation

344

700

Motion

989

1,009

Robotics & Discrete Automation

(163)

298

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(912)

(1,118)

Income from operations %

ABB Group

6.1%

6.9%

Electrification

11.2%

8.2%

Industrial Automation

5.9%

11.2%

Motion

15.4%

15.4%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

(5.6)%

9.0%

Operational EBITA

ABB Group

2,899

3,107

-7%

-8%

Electrification

1,681

1,688

0%

-1%

Industrial Automation

451

732

-38%

-39%

Motion

1,075

1,082

-1%

-1%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

237

393

-40%

-40%

Corporate and Other(1)

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(545)

(788)

Operational EBITA %

ABB Group

11.1%

11.1%

Electrification

14.1%

13.3%

Industrial Automation

7.8%

11.7%

Motion

16.8%

16.6%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

8.2%

11.9%

Cash flow from operating activities(2)

ABB Group

1,693

2,325

Electrification

1,727

1,827

Industrial Automation

437

675

Motion

1,269

1,143

Robotics & Discrete Automation

373

343

Corporate and Other

(incl. intersegment eliminations)

(1,931)

(2,089)

Discontinued operations

(182)

426

  1. Corporate and Other includes Stranded corporate costs of $40 million and $225 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
  2. Commencing Q3 2020, taxes and interest previously allocated to each individual operating segment are now fully allocated to Corporate and other and the comparatives restated.

5 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Operational EBITA

Industrial

Robotics & Discrete

ABB

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Revenues

7,182

7,068

3,356

3,238

1,545

1,683

1,705

1,657

801

787

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues

(37)

(29)

(15)

(12)

(23)

(12)

(4)

(4)

3

(4)

Operational revenues

7,145

7,039

3,341

3,226

1,522

1,671

1,701

1,653

804

783

Income from operations

578

648

444

478

28

194

258

245

23

62

Acquisition-related amortization

66

60

29

28

1

1

13

13

20

19

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

220

99

62

51

88

7

24

2

12

4

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

14

5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

-

9

-

9

-

-

-

-

-

-

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(2)

(47)

(2)

(41)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fair value adjustment on assets and

liabilities held for sale

-

(45)

-

(45)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Acquisition- and divestment-related

expenses and integration costs

31

49

31

50

1

-

-

-

-

-

Other income/expense relating to the

Power Grids joint venture

5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Certain other non-operational items

(43)

(42)

(22)

(91)

-

-

4

6

2

2

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations

(44)

(26)

(20)

(18)

(15)

-

(14)

(12)

2

(1)

Operational EBITA

825

710

522

421

103

202

285

254

59

86

Operational EBITA margin (%)

11.5%

10.1%

15.6%

13.1%

6.8%

12.1%

16.8%

15.4%

7.3%

11.0%

Industrial

Robotics & Discrete

ABB

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

Revenues

26,134

27,978

11,924

12,728

5,792

6,273

6,409

6,533

2,907

3,314

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues

(41)

(17)

(13)

(11)

(30)

(4)

(7)

-

-

(2)

Operational revenues

26,093

27,961

11,911

12,717

5,762

6,269

6,402

6,533

2,907

3,312

Income (loss) from operations

1,593

1,938

1,335

1,049

344

700

989

1,009

(163)

298

Acquisition-related amortization

263

265

115

115

4

4

52

53

78

77

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

410

300

145

112

125

21

44

12

26

12

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

218

36

15

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

11

22

11

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

2

(55)

4

(42)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fair value adjustment on assets and

liabilities held for sale

33

421

33

421

-

-

-

-

-

-

Acquisition- and divestment-related

expenses and integration costs

74

121

71

119

2

-

-

-

-

1

Other income/expense relating to the

Power Grids joint venture

20

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Certain other non-operational items

335

80

(27)

(89)

1

2

17

14

295

4

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations

(60)

(21)

(21)

(19)

(25)

5

(27)

(6)

1

1

Operational EBITA

2,899

3,107

1,681

1,688

451

732

1,075

1,082

237

393

Operational EBITA margin (%)

11.1%

11.1%

14.1%

13.3%

7.8%

11.7%

16.8%

16.6%

8.2%

11.9%

6 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Depreciation and Amortization

Industrial

Robotics & Discrete

ABB

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

($ in millions)

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Q4 20

Q4 19

Depreciation

147

166

59

80

13

12

28

29

11

11

Amortization

82

80

33

33

3

2

14

14

21

20

including total acquisition-related amortization of:

66

60

29

28

1

1

13

13

20

19

Industrial

Robotics & Discrete

ABB

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

($ in millions)

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

FY 20

FY 19

Depreciation

586

616

243

271

52

47

113

113

45

44

Amortization

329

345

138

143

11

8

55

56

81

80

including total acquisition-related amortization of:

263

265

115

115

4

4

52

53

78

77

Orders received and revenues by region

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders received

CHANGE

Revenues

CHANGE

Com-

Com-

Q4 20

Q4 19

US$

Local

parable

Q4 20

Q4 19

US$

Local

parable

Europe

2,497

2,719

-8%

-13%

-12%

2,710

2,573

5%

1%

1%

The Americas

2,002

2,160

-7%

-6%

-6%

2,045

2,160

-5%

-5%

-4%

of which United States

1,450

1,647

-12%

-12%

-12%

1,497

1,617

-7%

-8%

-7%

Asia, Middle East and Africa

2,504

1,956

28%

24%

23%

2,427

2,279

6%

2%

4%

of which China

1,071

870

23%

15%

21%

1,231

1,011

22%

14%

17%

Intersegment orders/revenues(1)

-

51

-

56

ABB Group

7,003

6,886

2%

-1%

-1%

7,182

7,068

2%

-1%

0%

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders received

CHANGE

Revenues

CHANGE

Com-

Com-

FY 20

FY 19

US$

Local

parable

FY 20

FY 19

US$

Local

parable

Europe

9,559

10,424

-8%

-8%

-7%

9,708

10,004

-3%

-4%

-3%

The Americas

7,938

9,018

-12%

-11%

-10%

7,936

8,919

-11%

-9%

-9%

of which United States

5,962

6,780

-12%

-12%

-11%

6,019

6,735

-11%

-11%

-11%

Asia, Middle East and Africa

8,893

8,940

-1%

-1%

1%

8,382

8,842

-5%

-5%

-3%

of which China

4,107

4,107

0%

0%

3%

4,091

4,039

1%

1%

3%

Intersegment orders/revenues(1)

122

206

108

213

ABB Group

26,512

28,588

-7%

-7%

-6%

26,134

27,978

-7%

-6%

-5%

  1. Intersegment orders/revenues until June 30, 2020, include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and thus these sales are not eliminated from Total orders/revenues.

7 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

Consolidated Financial Information

ABB Ltd Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)

Year ended

Three months ended

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

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Sales of products

21,214

22,554

5,823

5,597

Sales of services and other

4,920

5,424

1,359

1,471

Total revenues

26,134

27,978

7,182

7,068

Cost of sales of products

(15,229)

(15,811)

(4,182)

(3,960)

Cost of services and other

(3,027)

(3,261)

(853)

(901)

Total cost of sales

(18,256)

(19,072)

(5,035)

(4,861)

Gross profit

7,878

8,906

2,147

2,207

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(4,895)

(5,447)

(1,271)

(1,365)

Non-order related research and development expenses

(1,127)

(1,198)

(336)

(332)

Impairment of goodwill

(311)

-

-

-

Other income (expense), net

48

(323)

38

138

Income from operations

1,593

1,938

578

648

Interest and dividend income

51

67

12

10

Interest and other finance expense

(240)

(215)

(49)

(36)

Losses from extinguishment of debt

(162)

-

(162)

-

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

(401)

72

(129)

5

Income from continuing operations before taxes

841

1,862

250

627

Income tax expense

(496)

(772)

(123)

(320)

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

345

1,090

127

307

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,860

438

(183)

50

Net income (loss)

5,205

1,528

(56)

357

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(59)

(89)

(23)

(32)

Net income (loss) attributable to ABB

5,146

1,439

(79)

325

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

294

1,043

104

291

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,852

396

(183)

34

Net income (loss)

5,146

1,439

(79)

325

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

0.14

0.49

0.05

0.14

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

2.30

0.19

(0.09)

0.02

Net income (loss)

2.44

0.67

(0.04)

0.15

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

0.14

0.49

0.05

0.14

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

2.29

0.19

(0.09)

0.02

Net income (loss)

2.43

0.67

(0.04)

0.15

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

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders

2,111

2,133

2,059

2,133

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders

2,119

2,135

2,071

2,137

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

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

8 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

ABB Ltd Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive

Income (unaudited)

Year ended

Three months ended

($ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Total comprehensive income, net of tax

6,820

1,279

576

315

Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

(86)

(83)

(28)

(36)

Total comprehensive income attributable to ABB shareholders, net of tax

6,734

1,196

548

279

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

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

9 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

ABB Ltd Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

($ in millions, except share data)

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Cash and equivalents

3,278

3,508

Restricted cash

323

36

Marketable securities and short-term investments

2,108

566

Receivables, net

6,820

6,434

Contract assets

985

1,025

Inventories, net

4,469

4,184

Prepaid expenses

201

191

Other current assets

760

674

Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations

282

9,840

Total current assets

19,226

26,458

Restricted cash, non-current

300

-

Property, plant and equipment, net

4,174

3,972

Operating lease right-of-use assets

969

994

Investments in equity-accounted companies

1,784

33

Prepaid pension and other employee benefits

360

133

Intangible assets, net

2,078

2,252

Goodwill

10,850

10,825

Deferred taxes

843

910

Other non-current assets

504

531

Total assets

41,088

46,108

Accounts payable, trade

4,571

4,353

Contract liabilities

1,903

1,719

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

1,293

2,287

Current operating leases

270

305

Provisions for warranties

1,035

816

Other provisions

1,519

1,375

Other current liabilities

4,181

3,761

Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations

644

5,650

Total current liabilities

15,416

20,266

Long-term debt

4,828

6,772

Non-current operating leases

731

717

Pension and other employee benefits

1,231

1,793

Deferred taxes

661

911

Other non-current liabilities

2,025

1,669

Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations

197

-

Total liabilities

25,089

32,128

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' equity:

Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value

(2,168,148,264 issued shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019)

188

188

Additional paid-in capital

83

73

Retained earnings

22,946

19,640

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(4,002)

(5,590)

Treasury stock, at cost

(137,314,095 and 34,647,153 shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively)

(3,530)

(785)

Total ABB stockholders' equity

15,685

13,526

Noncontrolling interests

314

454

Total stockholders' equity

15,999

13,980

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

41,088

46,108

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

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

10

Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

ABB Ltd Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Year ended

Three months ended

($ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Operating activities:

Net income (loss)

5,205

1,528

(56)

357

Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax

(4,860)

(438)

183

(50)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to

net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

915

961

229

246

Impairment of goodwill

311

-

-

-

Pension and other employee benefits

50

(102)

77

(27)

Deferred taxes

(280)

(83)

(121)

35

Losses from extinguishment of debt

162

-

162

-

Net loss (gain) from derivatives and foreign exchange

(2)

1

(31)

(9)

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

(37)

(51)

(13)

(3)

Net loss (gain) from sale of businesses

2

(55)

(2)

(47)

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale

33

421

-

(45)

Share-based payment arrangements

44

46

14

15

Other

(20)

43

(14)

23

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Trade receivables, net

(100)

(202)

(63)

30

Contract assets and liabilities

186

128

145

182

Inventories, net

196

(182)

397

229

Accounts payable, trade

(13)

130

85

292

Accrued liabilities

(92)

(76)

(34)

12

Provisions, net

243

(36)

147

32

Income taxes payable and receivable

(76)

(3)

2

84

Other assets and liabilities, net

8

(131)

118

98

Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations

1,875

1,899

1,225

1,454

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations

(182)

426

(43)

457

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,693

2,325

1,182

1,911

Investing activities:

Purchases of investments

(5,933)

(748)

49

(32)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(694)

(762)

(262)

(234)

Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)

and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies

(121)

(22)

(22)

(9)

Proceeds from sales of investments

4,341

749

3,053

31

Proceeds from maturity of investments

11

80

10

-

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

114

82

46

15

Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs

and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies

(136)

69

(3)

47

Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives

138

(76)

44

(10)

Other investing activities

8

(23)

(3)

(21)

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

(2,272)

(651)

2,912

(213)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations

9,032

(164)

(59)

(44)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

6,760

(815)

2,853

(257)

Financing activities:

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

(587)

164

(62)

(731)

Increase in debt

343

2,406

(17)

171

Repayment of debt

(3,459)

(2,156)

(2,796)

(144)

Delivery of shares

412

10

29

10

Purchase of treasury stock

(3,048)

-

(1,778)

-

Dividends paid

(1,736)

(1,675)

-

-

Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders

(82)

(90)

-

(15)

Other financing activities

(49)

13

18

(12)

Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations

(8,206)

(1,328)

(4,606)

(721)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - discontinued operations

31

(55)

-

(1)

Net cash used in financing activities

(8,175)

(1,383)

(4,606)

(722)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents and restricted cash

79

(28)

134

33

Net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash

357

99

(437)

965

Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

3,544

3,445

4,338

2,579

Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

3,901

3,544

3,901

3,544

Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:

Interest paid

189

284

78

96

Income taxes paid

905

1,005

216

236

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

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

11

Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

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

Accumulated

Additional

other

Total ABB

Non-

Total

Common

paid-in

Retained

comprehensive

Treasury

stockholders'

controlling

stockholders'

($ in millions)

stock

capital

earnings

loss

stock

equity

interests

equity

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

1,439

1,439

89

1,528

Foreign currency translation

adjustments, net of tax of $0

(126)

(126)

(6)

(132)

Effect of change in fair value of

available-for-sale securities,

net of tax of $3

14

14

14

Unrecognized income (expense)

related to pensions and other

postretirement plans,

net of tax of $(36)

(142)

(142)

(142)

Change in derivatives qualifying as

cash flow hedges, net of tax of $0

11

11

11

Total comprehensive income

1,196

83

1,279

Changes in noncontrolling interests

(17)

(17)

12

(5)

Fair value adjustment to

noncontrolling interests recognized

in business combination

-

(44)

(44)

Change in noncontrolling interests

in connection with divestments

-

(55)

(55)

Dividends to

noncontrolling shareholders

-

(122)

(122)

Dividends paid to shareholders

(1,675)

(1,675)

(1,675)

Share-based payment arrangements

55

55

55

Delivery of shares

(24)

34

10

10

Call options

4

4

4

Balance at December 31, 2019

188

73

19,640

(5,590)

(785)

13,526

454

13,980

Balance at January 1, 2020

188

73

19,640

(5,590)

(785)

13,526

454

13,980

Adoption of accounting

standard update

(82)

(82)

(9)

(91)

Comprehensive income:

Net income

5,146

5,146

59

5,205

Foreign currency translation

adjustments, net of tax of $2

990

990

27

1,017

Effect of change in fair value of

available-for-sale securities,

net of tax of $3

7

7

7

Unrecognized income (expense)

related to pensions and other

postretirement plans,

net of tax of $161

589

589

589

Change in derivatives qualifying as

cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(2)

2

2

2

Total comprehensive income

6,734

86

6,820

Changes in noncontrolling interests

(16)

(16)

19

3

Changes in noncontrolling interests

in connection with divestments

-

(138)

(138)

Dividends to

noncontrolling shareholders

-

(98)

(98)

Dividends paid to shareholders

(1,758)

(1,758)

(1,758)

Share-based payment arrangements

54

54

54

Purchase of treasury stock

(3,181)

(3,181)

(3,181)

Delivery of shares

(24)

436

412

412

Other

(3)

(3)

(3)

Balance at December 31, 2020

188

83

22,946

(4,002)

(3,530)

15,685

314

15,999

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

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Information

12

Q4 2020 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 leading global technology company, connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio to drive performance to new levels.

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, 2019.

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. These accounting assumptions and estimates include:

  • growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of long-lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment,
  • estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded for unrecognized tax benefits,
  • assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value,
  • estimates and judgements used to measure credit losses,
  • estimates and assumptions used in determining the initial fair value of retained noncontrolling interest and certain obligations in connection with divestments,
  • 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,
  • 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,
  • estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with restructuring programs,
  • assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair value of pension plan assets, and
  • 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.

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 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.

Certain amounts reported in the Interim Consolidated Financial Information for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. These changes primarily relate to the separate presentation of Restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Adjustment related to prior periods

In the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company corrected certain liabilities which were extinguished as part of the finalization of the purchase price of GEIS. The price agreement was reached in 2019 but the impact on these liabilities was not originally identified at that time by the Company. As a result, a gain of $28 million was recorded in the Interim Consolidated Income Statements for the three months ended December 31, 2020. As this gain results from the favorable resolution of a purchase price uncertainty with respect to the acquisition of GEIS, this amount has been excluded from the measure of segment performance, Operational EBITA (see Note 18) for the Electrification operating segment. The Company evaluated the impact of the correction on both a quantitative and qualitative basis under the guidance of ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, and determined that there were no material impacts on the trend of net income, cash flows or liquidity for previously issued annual financial statements.

13 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 2

Recent accounting pronouncements

Applicable for current periods

Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments

In January 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting standard update, along with additional related updates containing targeted improvements and clarifications, that replaces the previous incurred loss impairment methodology for most financial assets with a new "current expected credit loss" model. The new model requires 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. Measurement of expected credit losses is now based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The update also requires additional disclosures related to estimates and judgments used to measure credit losses. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities are now measured in a manner similar to the loss impairment methodology, except that the losses are recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct write-down of the security.

The Company has adopted these updates on a modified retrospective basis and has therefore recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of

$91 million to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2020, relating to an increase in the allowance for credit losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost. This adjustment consisted primarily of an impact on the opening balance of trade receivables of $98 million (excluding an offsetting amount for deferred tax), of which $56 million related to continuing operations and $42 million related to the Power Grids business, which is included in discontinued operations.

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

In January 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting standard update which modified 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 was applied prospectively for the changes and modifications to the Level 3 disclosures, while all other amendments were applied retrospectively. The update does not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Applicable for future periods

Simplifying the accounting for income taxes

In December 2019, an accounting standard update was issued which enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance related to intraperiod tax allocations, ownership changes in investments, and certain aspects of interim period tax accounting. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2021. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective basis. The Company does not expect the update to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting

In March 2020, an accounting standard update was issued which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The update can be adopted and applied no later than December 31, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this optional guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

14 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 3

Discontinued operations

Divestment of the Power Grids business

On July 1, 2020, the Company completed the sale of 80.1 percent of its Powers Grids business to Hitachi Ltd (Hitachi). The transaction was executed through the sale of 80.1 percent of the shares of Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd ("Hitachi ABB PG" or "HAPG"). Cash consideration received at the closing date was $9,241 million net of cash disposed. Further, for accounting purposes, the 19.9 percent ownership interest retained by the Company is deemed to have been both divested and reacquired at its fair value on July 1, 2020. The Company also obtained a put option, exercisable commencing in April 2023, allowing the Company to require Hitachi to purchase the remaining interest for fair value, subject to a minimum floor price equivalent to a 10 percent discount compared to the price paid for the initial 80.1 percent. The combined fair value of the retained investment and the related put option, which amounted to $1,779 million, was recorded at fair value on July 1, 2020, and was accounted for as part of the proceeds for the sale of the entire Power Grids business (see Note 4). The Company also recorded a liability in discontinued operations for estimated future costs and other cash payments of $487 million for various contractual items relating to the sale of the business including required future cost reimbursements payable to HAPG, costs incurred by the Company for the direct benefit of HAPG, and an amount due to Hitachi Ltd in connection with the expected purchase price finalization of the closing debt and working capital balances. From the date of the disposal through December 31, 2020, $33 million of these liabilities had been paid and are reported as reductions in the cash consideration received, all of which was paid during the three months ended December 31, 2020.

As a result of the Power Grids sale, the Company has recognized a net gain of $5,141 million, net of transaction costs, for the sale of the entire Power Grids business which is included in Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the year ended December 31, 2020. Included in the net gain was a cumulative translation loss relating to the Power Grids business of $420 million which was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (see Note 16). Certain amounts included in the net gain are estimated or otherwise subject to change in value and, as a result, the Company may record additional adjustments to the gain in future periods which are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In the three months ended December 31, 2020, these adjustments decreased the net gain by $179 million and are included in the $5,141 million above. In the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company has also recorded $262 million in Income tax expense within discontinued operations in connection with the reorganization of the legal entity structure of the Power Grids business required to facilitate its sale.

Certain entities of the Power Grids business for which the legal process or other regulatory delays resulted in the Company not yet having transferred legal titles to Hitachi have been accounted for as being sold since control of the business as well as all risks and rewards of the business have been fully transferred to Hitachi ABB PG. The proceeds for these entities are included in the cash proceeds described above and certain funds have been placed in escrow and are reflected as current restricted cash of $302 million at December 31, 2020. All entities are expected to be transferred by the first quarter of 2021.

The Company has recognized liabilities in discontinued operations in connection with the divestment for certain indemnities (see Note 9 for additional information). The Company has also recorded an initial liability of $258 million representing the fair value of the right granted to Hitachi ABB PG for the use of the ABB brand for up to 8 years.

Upon closing of the sale, the Company entered into various transition services agreements (TSAs). Pursuant to these TSAs, the Company and Hitachi ABB PG provide to each other, on an interim, transitional basis, various services. The services provided by the Company primarily include finance, information technology, human resources and certain other administrative services. Under the current terms, the TSAs will continue for up to 3 years, and can only be extended on an exceptional basis for business-critical services for an additional period which is reasonably necessary to avoid a material adverse impact on the business. In the year and three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company has recognized within its continuing operations, general and administrative expenses incurred to perform the TSA, offset by $91 million and

$49 million, respectively, in TSA-related income for such services that is reported in Other income and expense, net.

Discontinued operations

As a result of the sale of the Power Grids business, substantially all Power Grids-related assets and liabilities have been sold. As this divestment represented a strategic shift that would 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 presented as held for sale and in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Certain of the business contracts in the Power Grids business continue to be executed by subsidiaries of the Company for the benefit/risk of Hitachi ABB PG. Assets and liabilities relating to, as well as the net financial results of, these contracts will continue to be included in discontinued operations until they have been completed or otherwise transferred to Hitachi ABB PG.

Prior to the divestment, interest expense that was not directly attributable to or related to the Company's continuing business or discontinued business was allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets to be sold less debt that was 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 was not allocated to discontinued operations.

15 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Operating results of the discontinued operations, are summarized as follows:

Year ended

Three months ended

($ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Total revenues

4,008

9,037

-

2,524

Total cost of sales

(3,058)

(6,983)

-

(1,974)

Gross profit

950

2,054

-

550

Expenses

(808)

(1,394)

(6)

(434)

Net gain recognized on sale of the Power Grids business

5,141

-

(179)

-

Income (loss) from operations

5,282

660

(185)

115

Net interest and other finance expense

(5)

(61)

-

(31)

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

(94)

5

-

(4)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes

5,182

605

(185)

81

Income tax

(322)

(167)

2

(31)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,860

438

(183)

50

Of the total Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes in the table above, $5,170 million and $566 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $(185) million and $66 million in the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are attributable to the Company, while the remainder is attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Until the date of the divestment, Income from discontinued operations before taxes excluded stranded costs which were previously able to be allocated to the former Power Grids operating segment. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, $40 million and $225 million, respectively, and in the three months ended December 31, 2019, $40 million 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 were reported as part of Corporate and Other. In the table above, Net interest and other finance expense in the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, included $20 million and

$44 million, respectively, and in the three months ended December 31, 2019, included $9 million of interest expense which was recorded on an allocated basis in accordance with the Company's accounting policy election until the divestment date. In addition, as required by U.S. GAAP, the Company did not record depreciation or amortization on the property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets reported as discontinued operations.

Included in the reported Total revenues of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, are revenues from the Company's operating segments' sales to the Power Grids business of $108 million and $213 million, respectively, and for the three months ended December 31, 2019, $56 million, 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 18). Subsequent to the divestment, sales to Hitachi ABB PG are reported as third-party revenues.

In addition, the Company also has retained obligations (primarily for environmental and taxes) related to other businesses disposed or otherwise exited that qualified as discontinued operations. Changes to these retained obligations are also included in Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, above.

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

($ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2020(1)

Dec. 31, 2019

Receivables, net

280

2,541

Contract assets

-

1,243

Inventories, net

1

1,667

Property, plant and equipment, net

-

1,754

Goodwill

-

1,631

Other current assets

1

1,004

Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations

282

9,840

Accounts payable, trade

188

1,722

Contract liabilities

-

1,121

Pension and other employee benefits

-

419

Other liabilities

456

1,984

Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations

644

5,246

Other non-current liabilities

197

-

Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations

197

-

  1. At December 31, 2020, the balances reported as held for sale and in discontinued operations pertain to Power Grids activities and other obligations which will remain with the Company until such time as the obligation is settled or the activities are fully wound down.

16 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 4

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

In connection with the divestment of its Power Grids business to Hitachi (see Note 3), the Company retained a 19.9 percent interest in the business. For accounting purposes, the 19.9 percent interest is deemed to have been both divested and reacquired, with a fair value at the transaction date of $1,661 million. The fair value was based on a discounted cash flow model considering the expected results of the future business operations of Hitachi ABB PG and using relevant market inputs including a risk-adjustedweighted-average cost of capital. The Company also obtained a right to require Hitachi to purchase this investment (see Note 3) with a floor price equivalent to a 10 percent discount compared to the price paid for the initial 80.1 percent. This option was valued at $118 million using a standard option pricing model with inputs considering the nature of the investment and the expected period until option exercise. As this option is not separable from the investment the value has been combined with the value of the underlying investment and is accounted for together.

The Company has concluded that based on its continuing involvement with the Power Grids business, including membership in its governing board of directors, it has significant influence over Hitachi ABB PG. As a result, the investment (including the value of the option) is accounted for using the equity method.

The difference between the initial carrying value of the Company's investment in Hitachi ABB PG at fair value and its proportionate share of the underlying net assets, created basis differences of $8,503 million ($1,692 million for the Company's 19.9 percent ownership), which are allocated as follows:

Allocated

Weighted-average

($ in millions)

Amount

useful life

Inventory

169

5 months

Order backlog

727

2 years

Property, plant and equipment(1)

1,016

Intangible assets(2)

1,731

9 years

Other contractual rights

251

2 years

Other assets

43

Deferred tax liabilities

(942)

Goodwill

5,959

Less: Amount attributed to noncontrolling interest

(451)

Basis difference

8,503

  1. Property, plant and equipment includes assets subject to amortization having an initial fair value difference of $686 million and a weighted-average useful life of 14 years.
  2. Intangibles assets includes brand license agreement, technology and customer relationships.

For assets subject to depreciation or amortization, the Company amortizes these basis differences over the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets that gave rise to this difference, recording the amortization, net of related deferred tax benefit, as a reduction of income from equity accounted companies. Certain other assets are recorded as an expense as the benefits from the assets are realized. As of December 31, 2020, the Company determined that no impairment of its equity method investments existed.

The carrying value of the Company's investments in equity-accounted companies and respective percentage of ownership is as follows:

Ownership as of

Carrying value at

($ in millions, expect ownership share in %)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd

19.9%

1,710

-

Others

74

33

Total

1,784

33

In the year and three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded losses of $66 million and $26 million, respectively, in Other income (expense), net, representing the Company's share of the earnings of investees accounted for under the equity method of accounting, the components of which are as follows:

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Income (loss) from equity accounted companies, net of taxes

29

8

17

3

Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit)

(95)

-

(43)

-

Income (loss) from equity accounted companies

(66)

8

(26)

3

17 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Divestment of the solar inverters business

In February 2020, the Company completed the sale of its solar inverters business for no consideration. Under the agreement, which was reached in July 2019, the Company was required to transfer $143 million of cash to the buyer on the closing date. In addition, payments totaling

EUR 132 million ($145 million) are required to be transferred to the buyer from 2020 through 2025. In the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a loss of $421 million and a gain of $45 million, respectively, representing the excess of the carrying value, which includes a loss of $99 million arising from the cumulative translation adjustment, over the estimated fair value of this business. During the year ended December 31, 2020, a loss of $33 million was in "Other income (expense), net" for changes in fair value of this business. The loss in 2020 includes the $99 million reclassification from other comprehensive income of the currency translation adjustment related to the business.

The fair value was based on the estimated current market values using Level 3 inputs, considering the agreed-upon sale terms with the buyer. The solar inverters business, which includes the solar inverters business acquired as part of the Power-One acquisition in 2013, was part of the Company's Electrification segment.

As this divestment does not qualify as a discontinued operation, the results of operations for this business prior to its disposal are included in the Company's continuing operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of this business were shown as assets and liabilities held for sale in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019, and at that date, the carrying amounts of the major classes of these assets and liabilities held for sale were as follows:

($ in millions)

December 31, 2019

Assets

Receivables, net

70

Inventories, net

127

Property, plant and equipment, net

69

Other intangible assets, net

27

Other assets

26

Valuation allowance on assets held for sale

(319)

Current assets held for sale

-

Liabilities

Accounts payable, trade

86

Contract liabilities

59

Provisions for warranties

108

Other liabilities

49

Fair value adjustment on disposal group

102

Current liabilities held for sale

404

Including the above loss of $33 million, in the year ended December 31, 2020, Income from continuing operations before taxes includes net losses of $63 million from the solar inverters business prior to its sale. In the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, and including the

$421 million and gain of $45 million above, Income from continuing operations before taxes includes net losses of $490 million and $24 million, respectively, from this business.

18 Q4 2020 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:

December 31, 2020

Cash and

Marketable

Gross

Gross

equivalents

securities

unrealized

unrealized

and restricted

and short-term

($ in millions)

Cost basis

gains

losses

Fair value

cash

investments

Changes in fair value

recorded in net income

Cash

2,388

2,388

2,388

Time deposits

1,513

1,513

1,513

Equity securities

1,704

12

1,716

1,716

5,605

12

-

5,617

3,901

1,716

Changes in fair value recorded

in other comprehensive income

Debt securities available-for-sale:

U.S. government obligations

274

19

293

293

European government obligations

24

24

24

Corporate

69

6

75

75

367

25

-

392

-

392

Total

5,972

37

-

6,009

3,901

2,108

Of which:

Restricted cash, current

323

Restricted cash, non-current

300

December 31, 2019

Cash and

Marketable

Gross

Gross

equivalents

securities

unrealized

unrealized

and restricted

and short-term

($ in millions)

Cost basis

gains

losses

Fair value

cash

investments

Changes in fair value

recorded in net income

Cash

2,111

2,111

2,111

Time deposits

1,433

1,433

1,433

Equity securities

294

10

304

304

3,838

10

-

3,848

3,544

304

Changes in fair value recorded

in other comprehensive income

Debt securities available-for-sale:

U.S. government obligations

191

7

(1)

197

197

Corporate

61

4

65

65

252

11

(1)

262

-

262

Total

4,090

21

(1)

4,110

3,544

566

Of which:

Restricted cash, current

36

Note 6

Derivative 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

19 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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 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)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Foreign exchange contracts

12,610

15,015

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

1,134

924

Interest rate contracts

3,227

5,188

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

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Copper swaps

metric tonnes

39,390

42,494

Silver swaps

ounces

1,966,677

2,508,770

Aluminum swaps

metric tonnes

8,112

8,388

Equity derivatives

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company held 22 million and 40 million cash-settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5:1) with a total fair value of $21 million and $26 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 change 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" included net unrealized losses of $3 million and $5 million, respectively, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Of the amount at December 31, 2020, net losses of $1 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings in the following 12 months. At December 31, 2020, the longest maturity of a derivative classified as a cash flow hedge was 49 months.

The amount of gains or losses, net of tax, reclassified into earnings due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting were not significant in the year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

20 Q4 2020 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".

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

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

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

- on derivatives designated as fair value hedges

11

38

(10)

(20)

- on hedged item

(11)

(38)

9

20

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

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

Location

2020

2019

2020

2019

Foreign exchange contracts

Total revenues

94

(7)

131

53

Total cost of sales

-

(64)

(53)

(22)

SG&A expenses(1)

(11)

2

(9)

(4)

Non-order related research

and development

(2)

1

(1)

-

Interest and other finance expense

207

(122)

100

(62)

Embedded foreign exchange

Total revenues

(34)

17

(30)

4

contracts

Total cost of sales

(1)

(6)

1

1

Commodity contracts

Total cost of sales

56

12

44

16

Other

Interest and other finance expense

1

-

-

1

Total

310

(167)

183

(13)

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

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

December 31, 2020

Derivative assets

Current in

Non-current in

"Other current

"Other non-current

($ in millions)

assets"

assets"

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts

-

1

Interest rate contracts

6

78

Cash-settled call options

10

11

Total

16

90

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts

221

22

Commodity contracts

59

-

Interest rate contracts

2

-

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

10

2

Total

292

24

Total fair value

308

114

Derivative liabilities

Current in

Non-current in

"Other current

"Other non-current

liabilities"

liabilities"

2

4

-

-

-

-

2

4

106

26

7

-

2

-

28

16

143

42

145

46

21 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2019

Derivative assets

Current in

Non-current in

"Other current

"Other non-current

($ in millions)

assets"

assets"

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts

-

-

Interest rate contracts

-

72

Cash-settled call options

11

14

Total

11

86

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts

85

14

Commodity contracts

17

-

Cash-settled call options

-

1

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives

7

3

Total

109

18

Total fair value

120

104

Derivative liabilities

Current in

Non-current in

"Other current

"Other non-current

liabilities"

liabilities"

2

6

-

-

-

-

2

6

127

14

2

-

-

-

12

3

141

17

143

23

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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, have been presented on a gross basis.

The Company's netting agreements and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows:

($ in millions)

December 31, 2020

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

410

(106)

-

-

304

Total

410

(106)

-

-

304

($ in millions)

December 31, 2020

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

147

(106)

-

-

41

Total

147

(106)

-

-

41

($ in millions)

December 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

214

(102)

-

-

112

Total

214

(102)

-

-

112

($ in millions)

December 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

151

(102)

-

-

49

Total

151

(102)

-

-

49

22 Q4 2020 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, 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:

December 31, 2020

($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

Assets

Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments":

Equity securities

1,716

1,716

Debt securities-U.S. government obligations

293

293

Debt securities-European government obligations

24

24

Debt securities-Corporate

75

75

Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"

308

308

Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"

114

114

Total

317

2,213

-

2,530

Liabilities

Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"

145

145

Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"

46

46

Total

-

191

-

191

23 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2019

($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair value

Assets

Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments":

Equity securities

304

304

Debt securities-U.S. government obligations

197

197

Debt securities-Corporate

65

65

Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"

120

120

Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"

104

104

Total

197

593

-

790

Liabilities

Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"

143

143

Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"

23

23

Total

-

166

-

166

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-terminvestments": 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 inputs). 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

The Company elects to record private equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, adjusted by observable price changes. The Company reassesses at each reporting period whether these investments continue to qualify for this treatment. In the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized net increases in fair value of $73 million related to certain of its private equity investments based on observable market price changes for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. At December 31, 2020, the fair values of these investments totaled $105 million and were determined using level 2 inputs.

Based on valuations at July 1, 2020, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $311 million in the third quarter of 2020. The fair value measurements used in the analyses were calculated using the income approach (discounted cash flow method). The discounted cash flow models were calculated using unobservable inputs, which classified the fair value measurement as Level 3 (see Note 8 for additional information including further detailed information related to these charges and significant unobservable inputs).

In June 2019, upon meeting the criteria as held for sale, the Company adjusted the carrying value of the solar inverters business which was sold in February 2020 (see Note 4 for details). Apart from the transactions above, there were no additional significant non-recurring fair value measurements during the year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis

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

December 31, 2020

($ in millions)

Carrying value

Assets

Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original

maturities up to 3 months):

Cash

1,765

Time deposits

1,513

Restricted cash

323

Marketable securities and short-term investments

(excluding securities):

Restricted cash non-current

300

Liabilities

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

(excluding finance lease obligations)

1,266

Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)

4,668

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Total fair value

1,765

1,765

1,513

1,513

323

323

300

300

497

769

1,266

4,909

89

4,998

24 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

December 31, 2019

($ in millions)

Carrying value

Assets

Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original

maturities up to 3 months):

Cash

2,075

Time deposits

1,433

Restricted cash

36

Liabilities

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

(excluding finance lease obligations)

2,270

Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)

6,618

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Total fair value

2,075

2,075

1,433

1,433

36

36

1,534

736

2,270

6,267

692

6,959

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), Restricted cash, and Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short-termin nature or, for cash held in banks, are equal to the deposit amount.
  • Short-termdebt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations): Short-termdebt includes commercial paper, bank borrowings and overdrafts. The carrying amounts of short-termdebt and current maturities of long-termdebt, excluding finance lease obligations, approximate their fair values.
  • Long-termdebt (excluding finance 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

Goodwill

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. For the annual impairment review performed in 2020, the reporting units were determined to be one level below the operating segments.

When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company uses either a qualitative or quantitative assessment method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves determining, based on an evaluation of qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined to be more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test (described below) is performed, otherwise no further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed.

When performing a quantitative impairment test, the Company calculates the fair value of a reporting unit using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows, applying a discount rate that represents the reporting unit's weighted-average cost of capital, and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference, provided that the loss recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The changes in "Goodwill" were as follows:

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Total

Balance at January 1, 2019

4,276

1,616

2,441

2,410

21

10,764

Goodwill acquired during the year(1)

92

-

-

-

-

92

Goodwill allocated to disposals

(18)

-

-

-

-

(18)

Exchange rate differences and other

22

(1)

(5)

(29)

-

(13)

Balance at December 31, 2019

4,372

1,615

2,436

2,381

21

10,825

Goodwill acquired during the year

71

-

-

21

-

92

Impairment of Goodwill

-

-

-

(290)

(21)

(311)

Exchange rate differences and other

84

24

20

116

-

244

Balance at December 31, 2020(2)

4,527

1,639

2,456

2,228

-

10,850

  1. Amount consists of adjustments arising during the twelve-month measurement period subsequent to the respective acquisition date (see Note 4).
  2. At December 31, 2020, the gross goodwill amounted to $11,152 million. The accumulated impairment charges amounted to $302 million and relates to the Robotics & Discrete Automation segment.

25 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company adopted a new operating model on July 1, 2020, which resulted in a change to the identification of the goodwill reporting units. Previously, the reporting units were the same as the operating segments for Electrification, Motion and Robotics & Discrete Automation, while for the Industrial Automation operating segment the reporting units were determined to be at the Division level, which is one level below the operating segment. The new operating model provides the Divisions with full ownership and accountability for their respective strategies, performance and resources and based on these changes, the Company concluded that the reporting units would change and be the respective Divisions within each operating segment. This change resulted only in an allocation of goodwill within the operating segments and thus there is no change to segment level goodwill in the table above.

As a result of the new allocation of goodwill, an interim quantitative impairment test was conducted both before and after the changes which were effective July 1, 2020. In the "before" test, it was concluded that the fair value of the Company's reporting units exceeded the carrying value under the historical reporting unit structure.

The impairment test was performed for the new reporting units and the fair value of each was determined using a discounted cash flow fair value estimate based on objective information available at the measurement date. The significant assumptions used to develop the estimates of fair value for each reporting unit included management's best estimates of the expected future results and discount rates specific to the reporting unit. The fair value estimates were based on assumptions that the Company believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and thus, actual results may differ from those estimates. The fair values for each of the individual reporting units and their associated goodwill are determined using Level 3 measurements.

The interim quantitative impairment test indicated that the estimated fair values of the reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying value for all reporting units except for the Machine Automation reporting unit within the Robotics & Discrete Automation operating segment. The contraction of the global economy in 2020, particularly in end-customer industries related to this reporting unit and considerable uncertainty around the continued pace of macroeconomic recovery generally led to a reduction in the fair values of the reporting units, thus affecting this reporting unit. Also, at the division level, this reporting unit does not benefit from shared cash flows generated within an entire operating segment. In addition, the book value of the Machine Automation Division includes a significant amount of intangible assets recognized in past acquisitions, resulting in a proportionately higher book value than the other reporting unit within the Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. With the fair value of the reporting unit lower due to the economic conditions, the existing book value of the intangible assets combined with the newly allocated reporting unit goodwill led to the carrying value of the Machine Automation reporting unit exceeding its fair value. During 2020, a goodwill impairment charge of $290 million was recorded to reduce the carrying value of this reporting unit to its implied fair value. At December 31, 2020, the remaining goodwill for the Machine Automation reporting unit was $554 million.

The Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 1, 2020 using a qualitative assessment method for each reporting unit and determined it was not more likely than not that any reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value.

Note 9

Commitments and contingencies

Contingencies-Regulatory, Compliance and Legal

Regulatory

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. In May 2020, the SFO closed its investigation, which it originally announced in February 2017, as the case did not meet the relevant test for prosecution. The Company continues to cooperate with the U.S. authorities as requested. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the outcome of this matter.

Based on findings during an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the SEC and the DoJ, in the United States, to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa as well as to various authorities in other countries 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. The Company paid $104 million to Eskom in December 2020 as part of a full and final settlement with Eskom and the Special Investigating Unit relating to improper payments and other compliance issues associated with the Controls and Instrumentation Contract, and its Variation Orders for Units 1 and 2 at Kusile. The Company continues to cooperate fully with the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa as well as other authorities in their review of the Kusile project. Although the Company believes that there could be an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these ongoing reviews, at this time it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the possible financial impact.

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.

Liabilities recognized

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had aggregate liabilities of $100 million and $157 million, respectively, included in "Other provisions" and "Other noncurrent 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 adverse outcomes beyond the amounts accrued.

26 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Performance guarantees

6,726

1,860

Financial guarantees

339

10

Indemnification guarantees(1)

177

64

Total(2)

7,242

1,934

  1. Certain indemnifications provided to Hitachi in connection with the divestment of Power Grids are without limit.
  2. 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 December 31, 2020, amounted to $135 million, which is included in discontinued operations, while at December 31, 2019, balances 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 2035, 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 ten 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, the maximum potential payable under these guarantees amounts to $994 million and $898 million, respectively, and these guarantees have various maturities ranging from one to ten years.

The Company retained obligations for financial, performance and indemnification guarantees related to the Power Grids business sold on July 1, 2020 (see Note 3 for details). The performance and financial guarantees have been indemnified by Hitachi, at the same proportion of its ownership in Hitachi ABB Power Grids (80.1 percent). These guarantees, which have various maturities up to 2035, primarily consist of bank guarantees, standby letters of credit, business performance guarantees and other trade-related guarantees, the majority of which have original maturity dates ranging from one to ten years. The maximum amount payable under the guarantees is approximately $5.5 billion and the carrying amounts of liabilities (recorded in discontinued operations) at December 31, 2020 amounted to $135 million.

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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to $4.3 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively, of which $0.3 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively, relate to discontinued operations. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of arrangements in the year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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)

2020

2019

Balance at January 1,

816

948

Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale(1)

8

(88)

Claims paid in cash or in kind

(209)

(310)

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

369

276

Exchange rate differences

51

(10)

Balance at December 31,

1,035

816

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

During 2020, the Company recorded changes in a previously estimated amount for a product warranty relating to a divested business, increasing the related liability by $143 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The corresponding increase was included in Cost of sales of products and as these costs relate to a divested business, they have been excluded from the Company's primary measure of segment performance, Operational EBITA (see Note 18). The warranty liability has been recorded based on the information currently available and is subject to change in the future.

27 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 10

Contract assets and liabilities

The following table provides information about Contract assets and Contract liabilities:

($ in millions)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Contract assets

985

1,025

1,082

Contract liabilities

1,903

1,719

1,707

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, primarily for 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:

Year ended December 31,

2020

2019

Contract

Contract

Contract

Contract

($ in millions)

assets

liabilities

assets

liabilities

Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2020/2019

(1,011)

(1,158)

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

1,129

1,255

Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract asset balance at Jan 1, 2020/2019

(680)

(786)

At December 31, 2020, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling $14,303 million and, of this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 73 percent of the obligations in 2021, approximately 15 percent of the obligations in 2022 and the balance thereafter.

Note 11

Debt

The Company's total debt at December 31, 2020 and 2019, amounted to $6,121 million and $9,059 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)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Short-term debt

153

838

Current maturities of long-term debt

1,140

1,449

Total

1,293

2,287

Short-term debt primarily represented issued commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings from various banks. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, $32 million and $708 million, respectively, was outstanding under the $2 billion commercial paper program in the United States. No amount was outstanding under the $2 billion Euro-commercial paper program at December 31, 2020, or December 31, 2019.

On March 25, 2020, the Company entered into a bank-fundedshort-term EUR 2 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Agreement"). Outstanding amounts were subject to interest at the rate of EURIBOR plus a margin of 0.25 percent. The Company requested the full amount to be borrowed and the proceeds were received on March 31, 2020, amounting to $2,183 million, net of issuance costs. The Agreement required that all outstanding amounts be repaid within 15 days after the completion of the sale of the Power Grids business and the remaining EUR 1.2 billion outstanding (equivalent to $1,354 million on the date of payment) was repaid on July 8, 2020. The Agreement was terminated after the final repayment.

At December 31, 2020, the Company continues to have access to the full amount under its existing $2 billion revolving credit facility.

In April 2020, the Company repaid at maturity its USD 300 million 2.8% Notes.

In October 2020, the Company repaid at maturity its EUR 1,000 million floating rate notes, equivalent to $1,180 million on date of repayment.

Long-term debt

The Company's long-term debt at December 31, 2020 and 2019, amounted to $4,828 million and $6,772 million, respectively.

28 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

(in millions)

Nominal outstanding

Carrying value(1)

Nominal outstanding

Carrying value(1)

Bonds:

2.8% USD Notes, due 2020

-

USD

300

$

300

Floating EUR Notes, due 2020

-

EUR

1,000

$

1,122

4.0% USD Notes, due 2021

USD

650

$

649

USD

650

$

648

2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021

CHF

350

$

403

CHF

350

$

373

5.625% USD Notes, due 2021

-

USD

250

$

260

2.875% USD Notes, due 2022

USD

1,250

$

1,280

USD

1,250

$

1,267

3.375% USD Notes, due 2023

-

USD

450

$

448

0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023

EUR

700

$

875

EUR

700

$

799

0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024

EUR

750

$

946

EUR

750

$

859

0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024

CHF

280

$

317

CHF

280

$

288

3.8% USD Notes, due 2028

USD

383

$

381

USD

750

$

746

1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029

CHF

170

$

192

CHF

170

$

175

4.375% USD Notes, due 2042

USD

609

$

589

USD

750

$

724

Total

$

5,632

$

8,009

  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 November 2020, the Company completed a cash tender offer on its 3.8% USD Notes due 2028, and 4.375% USD Notes due 2042. As a result of this tender offer the Company redeemed principal amounts of $367 million of the 3.8% USD Notes due 2028 and $141 million of the 4.375% USD Notes due 2042 for a total cash payment of $629 million. The Company recognized losses from extinguishment of debt of $123 million for these two transactions, representing the premium associated with the early redemption, as well as the remaining unamortized issuance discounts and costs.

In December 2020, the Company redeemed in full its 5.625% USD Notes due 2021 and its 3.375% USD Notes due April 2023. Both USD Notes paid interest semi-annually in arrears. In connection with the redemption the Company recognized losses from extinguishment of debt of $39 million representing the premium associated with the early redemption, as well as the relevant remaining unamortized premium or discount and issuance costs.

Subsequent events

In January 2021, the Company issued zero percent notes having a principal amount of EUR 800 million and due in 2030. The Company recorded net proceeds (after underwriting fees) of EUR 791 million (equivalent to $960 million on the date of issuance).

Note 12

Income taxes

The effective tax rate of 59.0 percent in 2020 was higher than the effective tax rate of 41.5 percent in 2019, due to significant impacts to both periods. In 2019, the effective rate reflects the impact of the non-tax-deductible loss relating to the divestment of the solar inverters business (see Note 4). In 2020, the effective rate reflects the non-deductible goodwill impairment (see Note 8), the non-deductibility of non-operational pension costs due to certain settlements (see Note 13) as well as the impact of no tax benefit being recorded for the charge recorded in connection with changes in estimated warranty provisions relating to a divested business (see Note 9). The effective rate in 2020 was also higher as no tax benefit was recorded for amounts recorded as losses on extinguishment of debt. In addition, the rate in 2020 was also impacted by a favorable resolution of an uncertain tax position during the first quarter as well as increases to the valuation allowance in certain countries.

Note 13

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.

29 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

During the year and three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company took steps to transfer certain defined benefit pension risks in three International countries to external financial institutions and thus settle these obligations for accounting purposes. In connection with these transactions the Company made net payments of $36 million in the three months ended December 31, 2020, and incurred non-operationalpension costs of $141 million which are included in curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits in the table below. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made net payments of $309 million and incurred non-operationalpension costs of $520 million for similar settlements of pension obligations. The Company also made cash payments of $143 million and recorded non-operationalpension charges of $101 million in 2020 for the settlement of pension obligations in 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

Switzerland

International

Year ended December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Operational pension cost:

Service cost

74

76

92

113

Operational pension cost

74

76

92

113

Non-operational pension cost (credit):

Interest cost

6

15

111

174

Expected return on plan assets

(123)

(112)

(253)

(276)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

(11)

(14)

2

2

Amortization of net actuarial loss

7

-

109

108

Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits

6

11

644

27

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

(115)

(100)

613

35

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

(41)

(24)

705

148

Other postretirement

benefits

2020

2019

1

1

1

1

3

4

-

-

(2)

(5)

(3)

(3)

-

(10)

(2)

(14)

  1. (13)

($ in millions)

Defined pension benefits

Switzerland

International

Three months ended December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Operational pension cost:

Service cost

14

20

26

31

Operational pension cost

14

20

26

31

Non-operational pension cost (credit):

Interest cost

3

4

20

44

Expected return on plan assets

(30)

(28)

(57)

(78)

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

(1)

(3)

1

-

Amortization of net actuarial loss

1

-

30

28

Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits

6

11

157

20

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

(21)

(16)

151

14

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

(7)

4

177

45

Other postretirement

benefits

2020

2019

1

-

1

-

1

1

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

(1)

-

-

-

(1)

1

(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 $121 million and $47 million, for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively and $18 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, related to discontinued operations.

Employer contributions were as follows:

($ in millions)

Defined pension benefits

Other postretirement

Switzerland

International

benefits

Year ended December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total contributions to defined benefit pension and

other postretirement benefit plans

228

91

611

115

12

10

Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit

pension plans

152

2

520

8

-

-

($ in millions)

Defined pension benefits

Other postretirement

Switzerland

International

benefits

Three months ended December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total contributions to defined benefit pension and

other postretirement benefit plans

12

21

133

41

3

6

Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit

pension plans

-

-

104

8

-

-

30 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

During the year and three months ended December 31, 2020, total contributions included non-cash contributions of marketable debt securities having a fair value at the contribution date of $224 million and $72 million, respectively. These non-cash contributions were made to certain of the Company's pension plans in Germany and the United Kingdom during the three months ended December 31, 2020, and to Switzerland in the previous quarter. During the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, total contributions included non-cash contributions of marketable debt securities having a fair value at the contribution date of $13 million, contributed to certain of the Company's pension plans in Germany and the United Kingdom.

Note 14

Stockholder's equity

At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on March 26, 2020, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute 0.80 Swiss francs per share to shareholders. The declared dividend amounted to $1,758 million and was paid in April 2020.

In July 2020, the Company announced it initially intends to buy 10 percent of its share capital (which at the time of the announcement represented a maximum of 180 million shares, in addition to those already held in treasury) through the share buyback program that started on July 23, 2020. The share buyback program is executed on a second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and is planned to run until the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 25, 2021. At the AGM, the Company intends to request shareholder approval to cancel the shares purchased through this program. In 2020, under this program, the Company purchased 109 million shares for cancellation, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of $2,835 million.

In addition to the ongoing share buyback program, in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company purchased 13 million of its own shares on the open market mainly for use in connection with its employee share plans, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of $346 million.

During 2020, the Company delivered, out of treasury stock, 17 million shares for options exercised in connection with its Management Incentive Plan.

Note 15

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

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

2020

2019

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

294

1,043

104

291

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,852

396

(183)

34

Net income (loss)

5,146

1,439

(79)

325

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,111

2,133

2,059

2,133

Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

0.14

0.49

0.05

0.14

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

2.30

0.19

(0.09)

0.02

Net income (loss)

2.44

0.67

(0.04)

0.15

31 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Diluted earnings per share

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

2020

2019

Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

294

1,043

104

291

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,852

396

(183)

34

Net income (loss)

5,146

1,439

(79)

325

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,111

2,133

2,059

2,133

Effect of dilutive securities:

Call options and shares

8

2

12

4

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

2,119

2,135

2,071

2,137

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

0.14

0.49

0.05

0.14

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

2.29

0.19

(0.09)

0.02

Net income (loss)

2.43

0.67

(0.04)

0.15

Note 16

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, 2019

(3,324)

(4)

(1,967)

(16)

(5,311)

Adoption of accounting standard update(1)

-

-

(36)

-

(36)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Other comprehensive (loss) income

before reclassifications

(130)

14

(214)

20

(310)

Amounts reclassified from OCI

(2)

-

72

(9)

61

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(132)

14

(142)

11

(249)

Less:

Amounts attributable to

noncontrolling interests

(6)

-

-

-

(6)

Balance at December 31, 2019

(3,450)

10

(2,145)

(5)

(5,590)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Other comprehensive (loss) income

before reclassifications

498

24

(157)

2

367

Amounts reclassified from OCI

519

(17)

746

-

1,248

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

1,017

7

589

2

1,615

Less:

Amounts attributable to

noncontrolling interests

27

-

-

-

27

Balance at December 31, 2020

(2,460)

17

(1,556)

(3)

(4,002)

  1. Amount relates to the adoption of an accounting standard update in 2019 regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

32 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

Year ended

Three months ended

($ in millions)

Location of (gains) losses

December 31,

December 31,

Details about OCI components

reclassified from OCI

2020

2019

2020

2019

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Currency translation loss (gain):

Income from discontinued

- Divestment of Power Grids business (see Note 3)

operations, net of tax

420

-

(19)

-

Currency translation loss:

- Divestment of solar inverters business (see Note 4)

Other income (expense), net

99

-

-

-

Currency translation gain:

- Divestment of other businesses

Other income (expense), net

-

(2)

-

(2)

Amounts reclassified from OCI

519

(2)

(19)

(2)

Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1)

(11)

(25)

(4)

(12)

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1)

113

99

30

27

Net loss from pension settlements and curtailments

Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1)

650

38

163

37

Reclassification of OCI relating to pensions on

Income from discontinued

divestment of the Power Grids business

operations, net of tax

186

-

100

-

Total before tax

938

112

289

52

Tax

Income tax expense

(157)

(40)

(30)

(25)

Reclassification of OCI relating to tax on pensions on

Income from discontinued

divestment of the Power Grids business

operations, net of tax

(35)

-

-

-

Amounts reclassified from OCI

746

72

259

27

  1. Amounts include a total of $94 million and $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations.

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 year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Note 17

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 resulted in the elimination of the country and regional structures within the previous matrix organization, including the elimination of the three regional Executive Committee roles. The operating businesses are now responsible for both their customer-facing activities and business support functions, while the remaining Group-level corporate activities primarily focus on Group strategy, portfolio and performance management and capital allocation.

During 2020, the total program costs, originally estimated to be $350 million, were reduced by $41 million to $309 million, mainly due to reductions in both estimated costs and number of projects planned. As of December 31, 2020, the OS program is substantially completed, and the Company had incurred substantially all costs related to the OS program.

The following table outlines the costs incurred in the year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the cumulative costs incurred up to December 31, 2020, and the total amount of costs expected to be incurred under the program per operating segment:

Cost incurred

Cumulative net

Total

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

cost incurred up to

expected

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

December 31, 2020

costs

Electrification

35

18

2

20

85

85

Industrial Automation

37

3

30

2

61

61

Motion

18

6

8

5

25

25

Robotics & Discrete Automation

10

8

1

1

18

18

Corporate and Other

49

54

22

10

114

120

Total

149

89

63

38

303

309

33 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company recorded the following expenses, net of changes in estimates, under this program:

Year ended

Three months ended

Cumulative costs

December 31,

December 31,

incurred up to

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

December 31, 2020

Employee severance costs

109

81

55

36

255

Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs

17

1

4

1

18

Inventory and long-lived asset impairments

23

7

4

1

30

Total

149

89

63

38

303

Expenses, net of changes in estimates, associated with this program are recorded in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements:

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total cost of sales

38

8

15

1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

37

46

27

22

Non-order related research and development expenses

4

1

4

-

Other income (expense), net

70

34

17

15

Total

149

89

63

38

Liabilities associated with the OS program are included primarily in Other provisions. The following table shows the activity from the beginning of the program to December 31, 2020, by expense type:

Employee

Contract settlement,

($ in millions)

severance costs

loss order and other costs

Total

Liability at January 1, 2018

-

-

-

Expenses

65

-

65

Liability at December 31, 2018

65

-

65

Expenses

111

1

112

Cash payments

(44)

(1)

(45)

Change in estimates

(30)

-

(30)

Exchange rate differences

(3)

-

(3)

Liability at December 31, 2019

99

-

99

Expenses

119

17

136

Cash payments

(91)

(15)

(106)

Change in estimates

(10)

-

(10)

Exchange rate differences

4

-

4

Liability at December 31, 2020

121

2

123

Other restructuring-related activities

In addition, during 2020 and 2019, the Company executed various other restructuring-related activities and incurred the following charges, net of changes in estimates:

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Employee severance costs

164

55

127

9

Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs

18

37

2

15

Inventory and long-lived asset impairments

12

22

8

11

Total

194

114

137

35

Expenses associated with these activities are recorded in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements:

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total cost of sales

95

46

82

2

Selling, general and administrative expenses

50

4

34

5

Non-order related research and development expenses

10

-

9

1

Other income (expenses), net

39

64

12

27

Total

194

114

137

35

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, $233 million and $189 million, respectively, were recorded for other restructuring-related liabilities and were included primarily in Other provisions.

34 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 18

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 the following segments, based on products and services: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation. The remaining operations of the Company are included in Corporate and Other.

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

  • Electrification: manufactures and sells electrical products and solutions which are designed to provide safe, smart and sustainable electrical flow from the substation to the socket. The portfolio of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable 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. The products and services are delivered through five operating Divisions: Distribution Solutions, Smart Power, Smart Buildings, Installation Products and Power Conversion.
  • Industrial Automation: develops and sells a broad range of industry-specific, integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, as well as digital solutions, lifecycle services and artificial intelligence applications for the process and hybrid industries. Products and solutions include process and discrete control technologies, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation, electric ship propulsion systems and large turbochargers. In addition, the Business Area offers a comprehensive range of services ranging from repair to advanced services such as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, asset performance management and cybersecurity services. The products and services are delivered through five operating Divisions: Energy Industries, Process Industries, Marine & Ports, Turbocharging, and Measurement & Analytics.
  • Motion: manufactures and sells drives, motors, generators, traction converters and mechanical power transmission products that are driving the low-carbon future for industries, cities, infrastructure and transportation. These products, digital technology and related services enable industrial customers to increase energy efficiency, improve safety and reliability, and achieve precise control of their processes. Building on over 130 years of cumulative experience in electric powertrains, the Business Area combines domain expertise and technology to deliver the optimum solution for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. In addition, the Business Area, along with partners, has an unmatched global service presence. These products and services are delivered through eight operating Divisions: Large Motors and Generators, IEC LV Motors, NEMA Motors, Drive Products, System Drives, Service, Traction and Mechanical Power Transmission.
  • Robotics & Discrete Automation: delivers its products, solutions and services through two operating Divisions: Robotics and Machine
    Automation. Robotics includes: industrial robots, software, robotic solutions and systems, field services, spare parts, and digital services. Machine Automation specializes in solutions based on its programmable logic controllers (PLC), industrial PCs (IPC), servo motion, transport systems and machine vision. Both Divisions offer engineering and simulation software as well as a comprehensive range of digital solutions.

Corporate and Other: includes headquarters, central research and development, the Company's real estate activities, Corporate 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 acquisition (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 (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale),
  • acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  • other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture,
  • 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 (including impairment of goodwill) and certain other fair value changes, as well as other items which are determined by management on a case- by-case basis.

35 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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 year and three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, as well as total assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Year ended December 31, 2020

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Total

Geographical markets

Europe

4,008

2,322

1,934

1,429

15

9,708

The Americas

4,050

1,321

2,173

385

7

7,936

of which: United States

3,093

805

1,846

270

5

6,019

Asia, Middle East and Africa

3,506

2,038

1,807

1,024

7

8,382

of which: China

1,820

628

926

714

3

4,091

11,564

5,681

5,914

2,838

29

26,026

Product type

Products

9,951

1,263

5,040

1,635

53

17,942

Systems

743

1,665

-

780

(24)

3,164

Services and other

870

2,753

874

423

-

4,920

11,564

5,681

5,914

2,838

29

26,026

Third-party revenues

11,564

5,681

5,914

2,838

29

26,026

Intersegment revenues(1)

360

111

495

69

(927)

108

Total Revenues(2)

11,924

5,792

6,409

2,907

(898)

26,134

Year ended December 31, 2019

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Total

Geographical markets

Europe

4,039

2,416

1,879

1,634

36

10,004

The Americas

4,568

1,582

2,315

453

1

8,919

of which: United States

3,522

948

1,972

290

3

6,735

Asia, Middle East and Africa

3,665

2,153

1,827

1,157

40

8,842

of which: China

1,729

608

876

825

1

4,039

12,272

6,151

6,021

3,244

77

27,765

Product type

Products

10,315

1,439

5,152

1,785

65

18,756

Systems

958

1,648

-

968

12

3,586

Services and other

999

3,064

869

491

-

5,423

12,272

6,151

6,021

3,244

77

27,765

Third-party revenues

12,272

6,151

6,021

3,244

77

27,765

Intersegment revenues(1)

456

122

512

70

(947)

213

Total Revenues(2)

12,728

6,273

6,533

3,314

(870)

27,978

36 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Three months ended December 31, 2020

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Total

Geographical markets

Europe

1,156

617

538

398

1

2,710

The Americas

1,084

334

527

96

4

2,045

of which: United States

797

189

442

67

2

1,497

Asia, Middle East and Africa

1,054

578

522

291

(18)

2,427

of which: China

550

195

268

216

2

1,231

3,294

1,529

1,587

785

(13)

7,182

Product type

Products

2,876

399

1,338

435

4

5,052

Systems

160

399

-

229

(17)

771

Services and other

258

731

249

121

-

1,359

3,294

1,529

1,587

785

(13)

7,182

Third-party revenues

3,294

1,529

1,587

785

(13)

7,182

Intersegment revenues

62

16

118

16

(212)

-

Total Revenues(2)

3,356

1,545

1,705

801

(225)

7,182

Three months ended December 31, 2019

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Total

Geographical markets

Europe

1,064

640

500

384

(15)

2,573

The Americas

1,086

422

545

108

(1)

2,160

of which: United States

832

248

464

71

2

1,617

Asia, Middle East and Africa

965

594

473

273

(26)

2,279

of which: China

446

162

223

179

1

1,011

3,115

1,656

1,518

765

(42)

7,012

Product type

Products

2,317

332

1,283

409

(22)

4,319

Systems

534

477

-

232

(20)

1,223

Services and other

264

847

235

124

-

1,470

3,115

1,656

1,518

765

(42)

7,012

Third-party revenues

3,115

1,656

1,518

765

(42)

7,012

Intersegment revenues(1)

123

27

139

22

(255)

56

Total Revenues(2)

3,238

1,683

1,657

787

(297)

7,068

  1. Intersegment revenues until June 30, 2020, include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and thus these sales are not eliminated from total revenues.
  2. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

37 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Year ended

Three months ended

December 31,

December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Operational EBITA:

Electrification

1,681

1,688

522

421

Industrial Automation

451

732

103

202

Motion

1,075

1,082

285

254

Robotics & Discrete Automation

237

393

59

86

Corporate and Other

‒ Non-core and divested businesses

(133)

(145)

(26)

(79)

‒ Stranded corporate costs

(40)

(225)

-

(40)

‒ Corporate costs and Other Intersegment elimination

(372)

(418)

(118)

(134)

Total

2,899

3,107

825

710

Acquisition-related amortization

(263)

(265)

(66)

(60)

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

(410)

(300)

(220)

(99)

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

(218)

(36)

(14)

(5)

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

(11)

(22)

-

(9)

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(2)

55

2

47

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale

(33)

(421)

-

45

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

(74)

(121)

(31)

(49)

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture

(20)

-

(5)

-

Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange,

commodities, embedded derivatives)

67

20

45

41

Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

26

8

16

2

Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and

related assets/liabilities)

(33)

(7)

(17)

(17)

Certain other non-operational items:

Costs for divestment of Power Grids

(86)

(141)

24

(39)

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

(7)

(7)

(1)

2

Business transformation costs

(31)

(19)

(12)

(6)

Executive Committee transition costs

(1)

(14)

(2)

(2)

Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment

36

92

28

92

Gain on sale of investments

-

15

-

-

Asset write downs/impairments & certain other fair value changes(2)

(239)

(4)

1

(4)

Other non-operational items

(7)

(2)

5

(1)

Income from operations

1,593

1,938

578

648

Interest and dividend income

51

67

12

10

Interest and other finance expense

(240)

(215)

(49)

(36)

Losses from extinguishment of debt

(162)

-

(162)

-

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

(401)

72

(129)

5

Income from continuing operations before taxes

841

1,862

250

627

  1. Amounts include implementation costs in relation to the OS program of $67 million and $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $20 million and $26 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
  2. Amounts include goodwill impairment charges of $311 million for the year ended December 31. 2020.

Total assets(1), (2)

($ in millions)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Electrification

12,098

11,671

Industrial Automation

4,624

4,559

Motion

6,248

6,149

Robotics & Discrete Automation

4,660

4,661

Corporate and Other

13,458

19,068

Consolidated

41,088

46,108

  1. Total assets are after intersegment eliminations and therefore reflect third-party assets only.
  2. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, Corporate and Other includes $282 million and $9,840 million of assets in the Power Grids business which is reported as discontinued operations (see Note 3). In addition, at December 31, 2020, Corporate and Other includes $1,710 million related to the equity investment in Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd, (see Note 4).

38 Q4 2020 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 year and three months ended December 31, 2020.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for lease accounting and on January 1, 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting update for the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Information). Consistent with the method of adoption elected, comparable information has not been restated to reflect the adoption of this new standard and accounting update and continues to be measured and reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods 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.

Comparable growth rate reconciliation by business

Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019

Order growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

Business

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Electrification

-3%

-2%

3%

-2%

Industrial Automation

12%

-3%

0%

9%

Motion

-3%

-2%

0%

-5%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

0%

-5%

0%

-5%

ABB Group

2%

-3%

0%

-1%

Revenue growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

4%

-2%

3%

5%

-8%

-3%

0%

-11%

3%

-3%

0%

0%

2%

-5%

0%

-3%

2%

-3%

1%

0%

FY 2020 compared to FY 2019

Order growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

Business

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Electrification

-9%

0%

3%

-6%

Industrial Automation

-4%

0%

0%

-4%

Motion

-3%

1%

0%

-2%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

-12%

0%

0%

-12%

ABB Group

-7%

0%

1%

-6%

Revenue growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

-6%

0%

3%

-3%

-8%

1%

0%

-7%

-2%

0%

0%

-2%

-12%

-1%

0%

-13%

-7%

1%

1%

-5%

40 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation

Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019

Order growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

Region

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Europe

-8%

-5%

1%

-12%

The Americas

-7%

1%

0%

-6%

Asia, Middle East and Africa

28%

-4%

-1%

23%

ABB Group

2%

-3%

0%

-1%

Revenue growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

5%

-4%

0%

1%

-5%

0%

1%

-4%

6%

-4%

2%

4%

2%

-3%

1%

0%

FY 2020 compared to FY 2019

Order growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

Region

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Europe

-8%

0%

1%

-7%

The Americas

-12%

1%

1%

-10%

Asia, Middle East and Africa

-1%

0%

2%

1%

ABB Group

-7%

0%

1%

-6%

Revenue growth rate

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

-3%

-1%

1%

-3%

-11%

2%

0%

-9%

-5%

0%

2%

-3%

-7%

1%

1%

-5%

Order backlog growth rate reconciliation

December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

Business

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Electrification

-3%

-2%

4%

-1%

Industrial Automation

14%

-5%

0%

9%

Motion

12%

-6%

0%

6%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

3%

-5%

0%

-2%

ABB Group

7%

-4%

2%

5%

Other growth rate reconciliations

Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019

FY 2020 compared to FY 2019

US$

Foreign

US$

Foreign

(as

exchange

Portfolio

(as

exchange

Portfolio

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

reported)

impact

changes

Comparable

Service orders

-13%

-2%

0%

-15%

-15%

1%

0%

-14%

Service revenues

-8%

-2%

0%

-10%

-9%

0%

0%

-9%

41 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Operational EBITA as % of operational revenues (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-relatedamortization (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 (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale),
  • acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  • other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture,
  • 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 (including impairment of goodwill) and certain other fair value changes, 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.

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture consists of amounts recorded in Income from continuing operations before taxes relating to the divested Power Grids business including the income/loss under the equity method for the investment in Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd. (Hitachi ABB PG), amortization of deferred brand income as well as changes in value of other obligations relating to the divestment.

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.

42 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Reconciliation

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

Reconciliation of consolidated Operational EBITA to Net Income

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Operational EBITA

2,899

3,107

825

710

Acquisition-related amortization

(263)

(265)

(66)

(60)

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

(410)

(300)

(220)

(99)

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

(218)

(36)

(14)

(5)

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

(11)

(22)

-

(9)

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(2)

55

2

47

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale

(33)

(421)

-

45

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

(74)

(121)

(31)

(49)

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture

(20)

-

(5)

-

Certain other non-operational items(2)

(335)

(80)

43

42

Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations

60

21

44

26

Income from operations

1,593

1,938

578

648

Interest and dividend income

51

67

12

10

Interest and other finance expense

(240)

(215)

(49)

(36)

Losses on extinguishment of debt

(162)

-

(162)

-

Non-operational pension (cost) credit

(401)

72

(129)

5

Income from continuing operations before taxes

841

1,862

250

627

Income tax expense

(496)

(772)

(123)

(320)

Income from continuing operations, net of tax

345

1,090

127

307

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

4,860

438

(183)

50

Net income (loss)

5,205

1,528

(56)

357

  1. Amounts include implementation costs in relation to the OS program of $67 million and $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $20 million and $26 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
  2. Amounts include goodwill impairment charges of $311 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

43 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Reconciliation of Operational EBITA margin by business

Three months ended December 31, 2020

Corporate and

Robotics &

Other and

Industrial

Discrete

Intersegment

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

elimination

Consolidated

Total revenues

3,356

1,545

1,705

801

(225)

7,182

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues:

Unrealized gains and losses

on derivatives

(25)

(21)

(8)

(2)

-

(56)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

(2)

(15)

-

(1)

(2)

(20)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables (and related assets)

12

13

4

6

4

39

Operational revenues

3,341

1,522

1,701

804

(223)

7,145

Income (loss) from operations

444

28

258

23

(175)

578

Acquisition-related amortization

29

1

13

20

3

66

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

62

88

24

12

34

220

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

-

-

-

-

14

14

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(2)

-

-

-

-

(2)

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

and integration costs

31

1

-

-

(1)

31

Other income/expense relating to the

Power Grids joint venture

-

-

-

-

5

5

Certain other non-operational items

(22)

-

4

2

(27)

(43)

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations:

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

(foreign exchange, commodities,

embedded derivatives)

(22)

(12)

(16)

(1)

6

(45)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

(2)

(11)

-

(1)

(2)

(16)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables/payables

(and related assets/liabilities)

4

8

2

4

(1)

17

Operational EBITA

522

103

285

59

(144)

825

Operational EBITA margin (%)

15.6%

6.8%

16.8%

7.3%

n.a.

11.5%

In the three months ended December 31, 2020, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Three months ended December 31, 2020

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Consolidated

Certain other non-operational items:

Costs for divestment of Power Grids

-

-

-

-

(24)

(24)

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

-

-

-

-

1

1

Asset write downs/impairments and

certain other fair value changes

-

-

-

-

(1)

(1)

Business transformation costs

4

-

4

2

2

12

Executive Committee transition costs

-

-

-

-

2

2

Favorable resolution of an uncertain

purchase price adjustment

(28)

-

-

-

-

(28)

Other non-operational items

2

-

-

-

(7)

(5)

Total

(22)

-

4

2

(27)

(43)

44 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Three months ended December 31, 2019

Corporate and

Robotics &

Other and

Industrial

Discrete

Intersegment

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

elimination

Consolidated

Total revenues

3,238

1,683

1,657

787

(297)

7,068

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues:

Unrealized gains and losses

on derivatives

(20)

(6)

(8)

(6)

(2)

(42)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

-

(12)

-

(1)

3

(10)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables (and related assets)

8

6

4

3

2

23

Operational revenues

3,226

1,671

1,653

783

(294)

7,039

Income (loss) from operations

478

194

245

62

(331)

648

Acquisition-related amortization

28

1

13

19

(1)

60

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

51

7

2

4

35

99

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

-

-

-

-

5

5

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

9

-

-

-

-

9

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(41)

-

-

-

(6)

(47)

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities

held for sale

(45)

-

-

-

-

(45)

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

and integration costs

50

-

-

-

(1)

49

Certain other non-operational items

(91)

-

6

2

41

(42)

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations:

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

(foreign exchange, commodities,

embedded derivatives)

(27)

-

(15)

-

1

(41)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

-

(3)

-

(1)

2

(2)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables/payables

(and related assets/liabilities)

9

3

3

-

2

17

Operational EBITA

421

202

254

86

(253)

710

Operational EBITA margin (%)

13.1%

12.1%

15.4%

11.0%

n.a.

10.1%

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

45 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Year ended December 31, 2020

Corporate and

Robotics &

Other and

Industrial

Discrete

Intersegment

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

elimination

Consolidated

Total revenues

11,924

5,792

6,409

2,907

(898)

26,134

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues:

Unrealized gains and losses

on derivatives

(11)

(15)

(5)

(3)

4

(30)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

(2)

(20)

-

1

(8)

(29)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables (and related assets)

-

5

(2)

2

13

18

Operational revenues

11,911

5,762

6,402

2,907

(889)

26,093

Income (loss) from operations

1,335

344

989

(163)

(912)

1,593

Acquisition-related amortization

115

4

52

78

14

263

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

145

125

44

26

70

410

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

15

-

-

-

203

218

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

11

-

-

-

-

11

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

4

-

-

-

(2)

2

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities

held for sale

33

-

-

-

-

33

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

and integration costs

71

2

-

-

1

74

Other income/expense relating to the

Power Grids joint venture

-

-

-

-

20

20

Certain other non-operational items

(27)

1

17

295

49

335

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations:

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

(foreign exchange, commodities,

embedded derivatives)

(31)

(14)

(28)

(3)

9

(67)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

(2)

(16)

-

1

(9)

(26)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables/payables

(and related assets/liabilities)

12

5

1

3

12

33

Operational EBITA

1,681

451

1,075

237

(545)

2,899

Operational EBITA margin (%)

14.1%

7.8%

16.8%

8.2%

n.a.

11.1%

In the year ended December 31, 2020, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Year ended December 31, 2020

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Consolidated

Certain other non-operational items:

Costs for divestment of Power Grids

-

-

-

-

86

86

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

-

-

-

-

7

7

Asset write downs/impairments and

certain other fair value changes

-

-

-

290

(51)

239

Business transformation costs

7

-

16

5

3

31

Executive Committee transition costs

-

-

-

-

1

1

Favorable resolution of an uncertain

purchase price adjustment

(36)

-

-

-

-

(36)

Other non-operational items

2

1

1

-

3

7

Total

(27)

1

17

295

49

335

46

Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Year ended December 31, 2019

Corporate and

Robotics &

Other and

Industrial

Discrete

Intersegment

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

elimination

Consolidated

Total revenues

12,728

6,273

6,533

3,314

(870)

27,978

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in total revenues:

Unrealized gains and losses

on derivatives

(13)

1

(3)

(2)

(2)

(19)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

-

(12)

-

(1)

(5)

(18)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables (and related assets)

2

7

3

1

7

20

Operational revenues

12,717

6,269

6,533

3,312

(870)

27,961

Income (loss) from operations

1,049

700

1,009

298

(1,118)

1,938

Acquisition-related amortization

115

4

53

77

16

265

Restructuring, related and

implementation costs

112

21

12

12

143

300

Changes in obligations related to

divested businesses

-

-

-

-

36

36

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

22

-

-

-

-

22

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(42)

-

-

-

(13)

(55)

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities

held for sale

421

-

-

-

-

421

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses

and integration costs

119

-

-

1

1

121

Certain other non-operational items

(89)

2

14

4

149

80

Foreign exchange/commodity timing

differences in income from operations:

Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

(foreign exchange, commodities,

embedded derivatives)

(23)

9

(7)

2

(1)

(20)

Realized gains and losses on derivatives

where the underlying hedged

transaction has not yet been realized

3

(3)

-

(1)

(7)

(8)

Unrealized foreign exchange movements

on receivables/payables

(and related assets/liabilities)

1

(1)

1

-

6

7

Operational EBITA

1,688

732

1,082

393

(788)

3,107

Operational EBITA margin (%)

13.3%

11.7%

16.6%

11.9%

n.a.

11.1%

In the year ended December 31, 2019, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Year ended December 31, 2019

Robotics &

Industrial

Discrete

Corporate

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Electrification

Automation

Motion

Automation

and Other

Consolidated

Certain other non-operational items:

Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids

-

-

-

-

141

141

Regulatory, compliance and legal costs

-

-

-

-

7

7

Asset write downs/impairments and

certain other fair value changes

-

-

-

-

4

4

Business transformation costs

1

-

14

4

-

19

Executive Committee transition costs

-

-

-

-

14

14

Favorable resolution of an uncertain

purchase price adjustment

(92)

-

-

-

-

(92)

Gain on sale of investments

-

-

-

-

(15)

(15)

Other non-operational items

2

2

-

-

(2)

2

Total

(89)

2

14

4

149

80

47 Q4 2020 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:

  1. acquisition-relatedamortization,
  2. restructuring, related and implementation costs
  3. non-operationalpension cost (credit),
  4. gains/losses from extinguishment of debt,
  5. changes in obligations related to divested businesses,
  6. changes in pre-acquisition estimates,
  7. gains and losses from sale of businesses (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale),
  8. acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  9. other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture
  10. certain other non-operational items,
  11. 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),
  12. 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 (xi) above, and
  13. Certain other non-operational amounts recorded within Income tax expense.

Adjustment for certain non-operational amounts recorded within Income tax expense

Adjustments are made for certain amounts recorded within Income tax expense primarily when the amount recorded has no corresponding underlying transaction recorded within income from continuing or discontinued operations before taxes. This would include the amounts recorded in connection with internal reorganizations of the corporate structure of the Company.

Adjusted Group effective tax rate

The Adjusted Group effective tax rate is computed by dividing a combined adjusted income tax expense (for both continuing and discontinued operations) by a combined adjusted pre-tax income (from both continuing and discontinued operations). Certain amounts recorded in income before taxes and the related income tax expense (primarily gains and losses from sale of businesses) are excluded to arrive at the computation. Amounts recorded in income tax expense for certain non-operational items and quantified in the table below are also excluded from the computation of the Adjusted Group effective tax rate.

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

We compute the constant currency operational net income using the relevant monthly exchange rates which were in effect during 2019 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.

48 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

Growth(3)

Net income (attributable to ABB)

5,146

1,439

258%

Non-operational adjustments:

Acquisition-related amortization

263

265

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

410

300

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

402

(72)

Gains/losses from extinguishment of debt

162

-

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

218

36

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

11

22

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

2

(55)

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale

33

421

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

74

121

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture

20

-

Certain other non-operational items

335

80

FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations

(60)

(21)

Non-operational adjustments in discontinued operations

(4,949)

218

Tax on non-operational adjustments(2)

36

(228)

Adjustment for non-operational amounts in Income tax expense

(28)

124

Operational net income

2,075

2,650

-22%

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,111

2,133

Operational EPS

0.98

1.24

-21%

Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment

(0.01)

-

Operational EPS (constant currency basis)

0.97

1.24

-22%

Year ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

Net income from discontinued operations (attributable to ABB)

4,852

396

Non-operational adjustments in discontinued operations

(4,949)

218

Tax on non-operational adjustments(2)

238

(64)

Operational net income from discontinued operations

141

550

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,111

2,133

Operational EPS from discontinued operations

0.07

0.26

Operational EPS from continuing operations

0.92

0.98

Operational EPS

0.98

1.24

49 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Three months ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

Growth(3)

Net income (loss) (attributable to ABB)

(79)

325

-124%

Non-operational adjustments:

Acquisition-related amortization

66

60

Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1)

220

99

Non-operational pension cost (credit)

130

(4)

Gains/losses from extinguishment of debt

162

-

Changes in obligations related to divested businesses

14

5

Changes in pre-acquisition estimates

-

9

Gains and losses from sale of businesses

(2)

(47)

Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale

-

(45)

Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs

31

49

Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture

5

-

Certain other non-operational items

(43)

(42)

Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations

(44)

(26)

Non-operational adjustments in discontinued operations

169

116

Tax on non-operational adjustments(2)

(103)

(43)

Adjustment for non-operational amounts in Income tax expense

-

124

Operational net income

526

580

-9%

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,059

2,133

Operational EPS

0.26

0.27

-6%

Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment

(0.02)

-

Operational EPS (constant currency basis)

0.24

0.27

-10%

Three months ended December 31,

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

2020

2019

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (attributable to ABB)

(183)

34

Non-operational adjustments in discontinued operations

169

116

Tax on non-operational adjustments(2)

2

(37)

Operational net income (loss) from discontinued operations

(12)

113

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)

2,059

2,133

Operational EPS from discontinued operations

(0.01)

0.05

Operational EPS from continuing operations

0.26

0.22

Operational EPS

0.26

0.27

  1. Amounts include implementation costs in relation to the OS program of $67 million and $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $20 million and $26 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
  2. Tax amount is computed by applying the Adjusted Group effective tax rate to the non-operational adjustments, except for certain costs for the divestment of the Power Grids business, gains and losses from sale of businesses (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale), certain changes in obligations related to divested businesses, certain non-operational pension costs and debt extinguishment costs, for which the actual income tax expense resulting from the gain or loss has been computed.
  3. Growth is computed using unrounded EPS amounts.

50 Q4 2020 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, Restricted cash (current and non-current) and Marketable securities and short-term investments.

Reconciliation

December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2018

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

1,293

2,287

2,031

Long-term debt

4,828

6,772

6,587

Total debt

6,121

9,059

8,618

Cash and equivalents

3,278

3,508

3,422

Restricted cash - current

323

36

23

Marketable securities and short-term investments

2,108

566

712

Restricted cash - non-current

300

-

-

Cash and marketable securities

6,009

4,110

4,157

Net debt

112

4,949

4,461

Net debt/EBITDA Ratio

Definition

Net debt/EBITDA

Net debt/EBITDA is defined as Net debt divided by EBITDA.

EBITDA

EBITDA is defined as Income from operations for the trailing twelve months preceding the balance sheet date before depreciation and amortization for the same trailing twelve-month period.

Reconciliation

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Income from operations

1,593

1,938

Depreciation and Amortization

915

961

EBITDA

2,508

2,899

Net debt (as defined above)

112

4,949

Net debt / EBITDA

0.04

1.7

51 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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, (c) pension and other employee benefits), (d) payables under the share buyback program and (e) liabilities related to the divestment of the Power Grids business; 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

December 31,

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

2020

2019

2018

Net working capital:

Receivables, net

6,820

6,434

6,386

Contract assets

985

1,025

1,082

Inventories, net

4,469

4,184

4,284

Prepaid expenses

201

191

176

Accounts payable, trade

(4,571)

(4,353)

(4,424)

Contract liabilities

(1,903)

(1,719)

(1,707)

Other current liabilities(1)

(3,283)

(3,069)

(3,213)

Net working capital in assets and liabilities held for sale

-

(34)

-

Net working capital

2,718

2,659

2,584

Total revenues for the twelve months ended

26,134

27,978

27,662

Adjustment to annualize/eliminate revenues of certain acquisitions/divestments

(167)

(113)

1,030

Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months

25,967

27,865

28,692

Net working capital as a percentage of revenues (%)

10.5%

9.5%

9.0%

  1. Amounts exclude $898 million, $692 million and $567 million at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related primarily to (a) income taxes payable,
    (b) current derivative liabilities, (c) pension and other employee benefits, (d) payables under the share buyback program and (e) liabilities related to the divestment of the Power Grids business.

52 Q4 2020 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 free cash flow divided by Adjusted net income attributable to ABB.

Adjusted net income attributable to ABB

Adjusted net income attributable to ABB is calculated as net income attributable to ABB adjusted for: (i) impairment of goodwill, (ii) losses from extinguishment of debt, and (iii) gain on the sale of the Power Grids business included in discontinued operations.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for: (i) purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and (ii) proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment.

Free cash flow conversion to net income

Twelve months to

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations

1,875

1,899

Adjusted for the effects of continuing operations:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(694)

(762)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

114

82

Free cash flow from continuing operations

1,295

1,219

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations

(182)

426

Adjusted for the effects of discontinued operations:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(108)

(167)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

1

8

Free cash flow

1,006

1,486

Adjusted net income attributable to ABB(1)

478

1,439

Free cash flow conversion to net income

210%

103%

  1. Adjusted net income attributable to ABB for the year ended December 31, 2020, is adjusted to exclude goodwill impairment charges of $311 million, loss from extinguishment of debt of $162 million and the gain on the sale of the Power Grids business included in discontinued operations of $5,141 million.

53 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Net finance expenses

Definition

Net finance expenses is calculated as Interest and dividend income less Interest and other finance expense and losses from extinguishment of debt.

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,

Three months ended December 31,

($ in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Interest and dividend income

51

67

12

10

Interest and other finance expense

(240)

(215)

(49)

(36)

Losses on extinguishment of debt

(162)

-

(162)

-

Net finance expenses

(351)

(148)

(199)

(26)

Book-to-bill ratio

Definition

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

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,

2020

2019

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders

Revenues

Book-to-bill

Orders

Revenues

Book-to-bill

Electrification

11,884

11,924

1.00

13,050

12,728

1.03

Industrial Automation

6,144

5,792

1.06

6,432

6,273

1.03

Motion

6,574

6,409

1.03

6,782

6,533

1.04

Robotics & Discrete Automation

2,868

2,907

0.99

3,260

3,314

0.98

Corporate and Other (incl. intersegment eliminations)

(958)

(898)

n.a.

(936)

(870)

n.a.

ABB Group

26,512

26,134

1.01

28,588

27,978

1.02

Three months ended December 31,

2020

2019

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

Orders

Revenues

Book-to-bill

Orders

Revenues

Book-to-bill

Electrification

3,074

3,356

0.92

3,160

3,238

0.98

Industrial Automation

1,918

1,545

1.24

1,706

1,683

1.01

Motion

1,552

1,705

0.91

1,602

1,657

0.97

Robotics & Discrete Automation

699

801

0.87

701

787

0.89

Corporate and Other (incl. intersegment eliminations)

(240)

(225)

n.a.

(283)

(297)

n.a.

ABB Group

7,003

7,182

0.98

6,886

7,068

0.97

54 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Return on Capital employed (ROCE)

Definition

Return on Capital employed (ROCE)

Return on Capital employed is calculated as Operational EBITA after tax, divided by the average of the period's opening and closing Capital employed, adjusted to reflect impacts from significant acquisitions/divestments occurring during the same period.

Capital employed

Capital employed is calculated as the sum of Adjusted total fixed assets and Net working capital (as defined above).

Adjusted total fixed assets

Adjusted total fixed assets is the sum of (i) property, plant and equipment, net, (ii) goodwill, (iii) other intangible assets, net,

  1. investments in equity-accounted companies, and (v) operating lease right-of-use assets, less (vi) deferred tax liabilities recognized in certain acquisitions.

Notional tax on Operational EBITA

The Notional tax on Operational EBITA is computed using an adjusted group effective tax rate applicable to continuing operations. The rate applied is computed as described above in Operational EPS and excludes any impacts from discontinued operations.

Reconciliation

December 31,

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)

2020

2019

2018

Adjusted total fixed assets:

Property, plant and equipment, net

4,174

3,972

4,133

Goodwill

10,850

10,825

10,764

Other intangible assets, net

2,078

2,252

2,607

Investments in equity-accounted companies

1,784

33

87

Operating lease right-of-use assets

969

994

1,196

Fixed assets included in assets held for sale(1)

-

69

-

Total fixed assets

19,855

18,145

18,787

Less: Deferred taxes recognized in certain acquisitions(2)

(597)

(663)

(765)

Adjusted total fixed assets

19,258

17,482

18,022

Net working capital - (as defined above)

2,718

2,659

2,584

Capital employed

21,976

20,141

20,606

Average Capital employed:

Capital employed at the end of the previous year

20,141

20,606

Capital employed at the end of the current year

21,976

20,141

Average Capital employed

21,059

20,374

Operational EBITA for the year ended

2,899

3,107

Notional tax on Operational EBITA

(731)

(848)

Operational EBITA after tax

2,168

2,259

Return on capital employed (ROCE)

10.3%

11.1%

  1. Held for sale: In 2020 and 2019 the Power Grids business is reported as a discontinued operation. In addition, for 2019, the solar inverters business has been presented as held for sale.
  2. Amount relates to GEIS acquired in 2018, B&R acquired in 2017, Power-One acquired in 2013, Thomas & Betts acquired in 2012 and Baldor acquired in 2011.

55 Q4 2020 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

-

ABB Ltd

Corporate Communications

P.O. Box 8131

8050 Zurich

Switzerland

Tel:

+41 (0)43 317 71 11

www.abb.com

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ABB Ltd. published this content on 04 February 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 04 February 2021 09:07:03 UTC.