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ABB Ltd

Earnings Release Feb 3, 2022

803_10-q_2022-02-03_cd488bef-5721-4cf0-853c-1e2015687253.pdf

Earnings Release

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Ad hoc Announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, OCTOBER 21, 2021

Q3 2021 results Strong demand, supply chain constraints impacting revenues

  • Orders \$7.9 billion, +29%; comparable1 +26%
  • Revenues \$7.0 billion, +7%; comparable +4%
  • Income from operations \$852 million; margin 12.1%
  • Operational EBITA1 \$1,062 million; margin1 15.1%
  • Basic EPS \$0.33; -85%2
  • Cash flow from operating activities was \$1,104 million and from operating activities in continuing operations it was \$1,119 million
KEY FIGURES
-- -------------

CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable1 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable1
Orders 7,866 6,109 29% 26% 23,611 19,509 21% 16%
Revenues 7,028 6,582 7% 4% 21,378 18,952 13% 8%
Gross Profit 2,294 1,834 25% 7,070 5,731 23%
as % of revenues 32.6% 27.9% +4.7 pts 33.1% 30.2% +2.9 pts
Income from operations 852 71 n.a. 2,743 1,015 170%
Operational EBITA1 1,062 787 35% 32%3 3,134 2,074 51% 43%3
as % of operational revenues1 15.1% 12.0% +3.1 pts 14.6% 10.9% +3.7 pts
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net
of tax 687 (503) n.a. 2,027 218 830%
Net income attributable to ABB 652 4,530 -86% 1,906 5,225 -64%
Basic earnings per share (\$) 0.33 2.14 -85%2 0.95 2.45 -61%2
Cash flow from operating activities4 1,104 408 171% 2,310 511 352%
Cash flow from operating activities in
continuing operations 1,119 398 181% 2,305 650 255%

1 For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, see "supplemental reconciliations and definitions" in the attached Q3 2021 Financial Information.

2 EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts.

3 Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).

4 Amount represents total for both continuing and discontinued operations.

"In the face of a difficult supply chain environment, I am pleased that we achieved a good margin this quarter. Our cash generation was very strong, leaving ample headroom on our balance sheet to support both organic growth and acquisitions as well as rewarding shareholders."

Björn Rosengren, CEO

CEO summary

Q3 painted a mixed picture, containing on one hand a high level of demand driving strong order growth, while on the other hand the tight supply chain impacted our revenues more than anticipated. Still, we improved both the underlying operational earnings and margin, delivered strong cash flows, made progress with portfolio adjustments, as well as delivered some important product launches.

Orders increased by 29% (26% comparable), year-onyear. We make conscious efforts to screen that orders we accept are backed up by real demand, but in the current environment of a strained supply chain it is only fair to assume it includes a certain element of customers putting through safety-orders to secure future deliveries. All business areas contributed with double-digit growth rates and all segments and regions noted positive developments. In sequential terms, the underlying customer activity increased somewhat in the Americas, declined in Europe and remained stable in China.

Revenues were hampered by supply chain constraints delaying customer deliveries. This was primarily related to semiconductors and imbalances in the overall supply chain, with the impact most tangible in Electrification and Robotics & Discrete Automation. Revenues increased by 7% (4% comparable).

Operational EBITA increased by 35% year-on-year, and margin expanded by 310 basis points, to 15.1%. This improvement however benefited from the adverse temporary items in last year's results, good development in most business areas and unusually low corporate costs in the current quarter.

I am pleased we delivered another quarter with strong cash flow, which more than doubled from last year to USD 1.1 billion. Our balance sheet is strong with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 0.5.

In line with our active portfolio management strategy, we announced both a divestment and an acquisition in the period. We agreed to divest the Mechanical Power Transmission division (Dodge) for \$2.9 billion in cash

and we expect completion of the deal before the end of this year. Robotics and Discrete Automation acquired ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI), a leading global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer. This deal will support us in capturing the potential in areas such as logistics and warehouse automation. We are also making good progress with the other portfolio activities.

I was pleased to see the E-mobility business launch the Terra 360, the world's fastest electric car charger. It is the only charger in the market designed to simultaneously charge up to four vehicles with dynamic power distribution. It has a maximum output of 360 kW and is capable of fully charging any electric car in 15 minutes or less. This will further cement our leading position in the EV-charging space.

On a similar topic but with focus on the mining industry, Process Automation launched the ABB Ability™ eMine comprising a portfolio of technologies facilitating the all-electric mine, including monitoring and optimizing energy usage. From 2022, it will also include ABB Ability™ eMine FastCharge which provides high-power electric charging for haul trucks. It also incorporates the ABB Ability™ eMine Trolley System which can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90%.

We were also acknowledged for our sustainability efforts as we once again were included in the FTSE4Good Index Series with an overall score of 4.2 on a scale from 0 to 5 (5 is the best score). We are ranked among the best performers in the index globally and above sector average.

Björn Rosengren CEO

Outlook

In the fourth quarter of 2021, ABB anticipates a continued tight supply chain to impact customer deliveries. Comparable revenue growth is estimated to be broadly similar to the third quarter.

In line with recent historical pattern, the Operational EBITA margin in the fourth quarter is expected to decline, sequentially.

ABB anticipates comparable revenue growth of 6%-8% (update from just below 10%) for full-year 2021, hampered by supply constraints towards the end of the year.

In 2021, ABB expects a strong pace of improvement from 2020 toward the 2023 operational EBITA margin target of the upper half of the 13%-16% range.

Orders and revenues

Demand was strong in the third quarter, with order intake amounting to \$7,866 million, corresponding to a year-onyear increase of 29% (26% comparable) with virtually all divisions growing at a double-digit pace. The strength was broad based, supported by both short-cycle product and the process-related businesses. Service orders increased by 20% (18% comparable).

Orders grew strongly in the machine builders and food & beverage segments as well as in general industries overall. Orders in the automotive segment increased, driven primarily by high customer activity in China.

In transport and infrastructure, there was a very strong order development across the renewables and e-mobility segments as well as in the buildings segment with a positive development for both the residential and nonresidential segments. The marine segment recovered, including a slight positive development in the cruise segment with customers initiating service spend in anticipation of upcoming cruising activities.

The process-related business improved across the customer segments, including in the oil & gas segment as gas-related activity remained stable at a high level and oilrelated demand improved. Process Automation secured a large order amounting to approximately \$120 million to power the Jansz-Io Compression project in Australia. Customer activity in power generation remained stable.

From a geographical perspective, all three regions reported at least 25% growth (20% comparable), with the strongest growth of 31% in the United States outpacing China which improved by a more modest 16% (9% comparable) and showed a steady sequential pattern.

Revenues were dampened by extended lead times in customer deliveries due to a tight value chain, including component constraints, tight job market and covid restrictions. A tangible impact from insufficient supply of semi-conductors affected the ability to deliver.

Growth

Q3
Orders Revenues
26% 4%
2% 3%
1% 0%
29% 7%
Q3

Orders by region

(\$ in millions,
unless otherwise
CHANGE
indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable
Europe 2,663 2,068 29% 27%
The Americas 2,580 1,938 33% 31%
Asia, Middle East
and Africa
2,623 2,103 25% 20%
ABB Group 7,866 6,109 29% 26%

Revenues by region

(\$ in millions,
unless otherwise
CHANGE
indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable
Europe 2,525 2,410 5% 3%
The Americas 2,161 1,927 12% 11%
Asia, Middle East
and Africa
2,342 2,245 4% 1%
ABB Group 7,028 6,582 7% 4%

Revenues

Earnings

Gross profit

Gross margin increased to 32.6%, up 470 basis points year-on-year. Gross margins were higher in two out of four business areas, led by Process Automation. There were also fewer one-time items. Gross profit improved by 25% and amounted to \$2,294 million.

Income from operations

Income from operations amounted to \$852 million, a solid improvement from last year's \$71 million. Key drivers were improved operational performance as well as the absence of approximately \$500 million in total charges related to the goodwill write-down and changes in obligations to divested businesses, which adversely impacted last year's results. Results include restructuring and restructuring-related expenses of \$28 million.

Operational EBITA

Gross profit & Gross margin

Operational EBITA of \$1,062 million was 35% higher (32% constant currency) year-on-year, with the increased profit in Process Automation as the key driver, including the absence of last year's charge related to the Kusile project. The margin improved by 310 basis points to 15.1%. Three out of four business areas reported stable or improved margin. Overall, the positive year-on-year development was supported by higher volumes, stringent cost controls and also due to abnormally low costs for Corporate & Other in the period. Corporate and Other Operational EBITA improved by \$115 million to -\$37 million year-on-year, primarily due to the reduction of losses incurred in non-

Net finance expenses1 amounted to \$6 million, primarily reflecting significantly lower interest costs compared with last year. Net finance expenses for the full year of 2021 are now expected at around \$100 million. Income tax Income tax expense was \$201 million with a tax rate of 22.6%. The low rate reflects certain tax benefits recognized from internal reorganizations. The tax rate

Net income and earnings per share

for 2021 is still estimated at 26%5

aforementioned positive items.

Net finance expenses

Net income attributable to ABB was \$652 million and decreased significantly from last year's level which included the book gain related to the divestment of Power Grids. Basic earnings per share was \$0.33 and decreased from last year's high level of \$2.14 which included book gain impacts.

.

core businesses. Additionally, corporate costs were lower due to certain tax-related charges incurred in the previous year period and some positive non-repeating items in the current quarter, including a credit related to a review of a software license scope. Sequentially, the Corporate and Other Operational EBITA improved primarily due to higher real estate income, and the

Balance sheet & Cash flow

Net working capital

Net working capital amounted to \$2,920 million, declining both year-on-year from \$3,236 million and sequentially from \$3,251 million. The sequential decline was primarily driven by receivables, partially offset by a slight increase in inventories and lower other accrued liabilities. Net working capital as a percentage of revenues1 was 10.2%.

Capital expenditures

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to \$166 million.

Net debt

Net debt1 totalled \$1,898 million, representing an increase from last year's net cash position of \$935 million which reflected the timing of the divestment of Power Grids. Sequentially, net debt was reduced from \$2,259 million. The sequential decrease primarily reflects the impacts of strong cash flow in the third quarter. The net debt to EBITDA ratio1 increased year-on-year to 0.5 from -0.4, and declined sequentially from 0.7.

(\$ millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
Sep. 30
2021
Sep. 30
2020
Dec. 31
2020
Short term debt and current
maturities of long-term debt
2,414 2,354 1,293
Long-term debt 4,270 6,319 4,828
Total debt 6,684 8,673 6,121
Cash & equivalents 3,709 3,178 3,278
Restricted cash - current 31 860 323
Marketable securities and
short-term investments
746 5,270 2,108
Restricted cash - non-current 300 300 300
Cash and marketable securities 4,786 9,608 6,009
Net debt/(cash)* 1,898 (935) 112
Net debt/(cash)* to EBITDA ratio 0.5 (0.4) 0.04
Net debt/(cash)* to Equity ratio 0.13 (0.05) 0.01

* net debt excludes net pension liabilities \$871 million

Cash flow from operating activities in continuing

Cash flows

operations was \$1,119 million, a significant improvement of \$721 million compared with the corresponding period last year. Three out of four business areas increased cash flow primarily from improved earnings. However, the largest year-on-year effect came from Corporate and Other, reflecting the payments in 2020 related to certain pension plan restructurings in connection with the optimization of our capital structure.

Share buyback program

The previously announced follow-up share buyback program of up to \$4.3 billion was launched in early April. This follow-up program is part of the plan to return \$7.8 billion of cash proceeds from the Power Grids divestment to shareholders. Under the initial program a total of 128,620,589 shares were repurchased for an amount of approximately \$3.5 billion. Since the launch of the follow-up program on April 9 and through the end of the quarter a total of 25,842,600 shares were repurchased, including 10,908,500 shares in the third quarter. Shares were repurchased on the second trading line. The total number of ABB Ltd's issued shares is 2,053,148,264.

\$ in millions

Cash flow from operating activities

Net Cash (Net Debt) position

Free cash flow conversion to net income¹, R12M

Electrification

Orders and revenues

There was a mixed picture in the third quarter, with strong broad-based growth in orders while revenues were challenged by supply constraints limiting the ability to convert orders into actual deliveries. Consequently, the order backlog increased to \$5,246 million. In total, orders increased to the high level of \$3,519 million, an increase of 19% (17% comparable) and revenues reached \$3,196 million, up by 5% (4% comparable).

  • Strong comparable order growth represents a doubledigit growth rate in almost all divisions. Although difficult to exactly assess, it is fair to assume some positive impact from customers ordering safety stock in the wake of a generally tight supply chain.
  • Demand improved in the buildings segment, with a positive development for both residential and nonresidential business. Customer activity was also high for the data centers, food & beverage, rail and emobility segments. Activity increased moderately in oil & gas.

Growth

Q3 Q3
Change year-on-year Orders Revenues
Comparable 17% 4%
FX 2% 1%
Portfolio changes 0% 0%
Total 19% 5%
  • Orders increased in all regions, with strong double-digit growth rates in the Americas and Europe outpacing AMEA, including a mid-single-digit growth rate in China.
  • Shortages in the supply chain are expected to impact customer deliveries also in the coming quarter.

Profit

As a headline number, the Operational EBITA margin declined year-on-year to 15.9%. However, when excluding the non-repeating positive impacts of about 100 basis points in the year-earlier period, the underlying operational margin improved by approximately 60 basis points.

• The underlying operational margin improvement was supported by slightly higher volumes, active price management and efficiency measures, which more than offset the impact from increasing raw materials costs and general cost inflation emphasized by the tight supply situation.

CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable
Orders 3,519 2,952 19% 17% 10,743 8,810 22% 18%
Order backlog 5,246 4,471 17% 17% 5,246 4,471 17% 17%
Revenues 3,196 3,031 5% 4% 9,742 8,568 14% 10%
Operational EBITA 511 493 4% 1,614 1,159 39%
as % of operational revenues 15.9% 16.3% -0.4 pts 16.5% 13.5% +3 pts
Cash flow from operating activities 636 460 38% 1,466 875 68%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.) 51,100 51,100 0%

Motion

Orders and revenues

Demand was strong across all divisions, and total orders increased significantly at 24% (22% comparable) year-on-year and amounted to \$1,909 million. On the back of a generally tight supply chain, revenues were somewhat hampered and increased by 4% (2% comparable).

  • Customer activity improved in all segments supported by the short-cycle product business and service, as well as improving project demand.
  • Orders increased at a double-digit rate in all three regions, with Europe outperforming the Americas and AMEA, including a slight growth in China.
  • Revenues were impacted by the strained value chain, including component shortages as well as a tight labor market in the US, which in some cases triggered customers to delay acceptance of product deliveries.
  • Some impact on deliveries is expected to remain also in the coming quarter.

Growth

Q3 Q3
Change year-on-year Orders Revenues
Comparable 22% 2%
FX 2% 2%
Portfolio changes 0% 0%
Total 24% 4%

Profit

On largely stable revenues year-on-year, the Operational EBITA margin remained unchanged at 17.4%, despite cost inflation triggered by tight supply chain and increasing raw material costs.

• Profitability was primarily supported by a slight volume increase, active price management and a positive divisional mix, which in combination offset increasing raw material costs and cost inflation.

The divestment of the Mechanical Power Transmission division (Dodge) for \$2.9 billion in cash was announced, with completion of the deal expected before the end of the year. The closing of the divestment will trigger a non-operational pre-tax book gain of approximately \$2.2 billion. The transaction related cash tax outflows are estimated at approximately \$400 million.

CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable
Orders 1,909 1,535 24% 22% 5,773 5,022 15% 10%
Order backlog 3,717 3,349 11% 11% 3,717 3,349 11% 11%
Revenues 1,673 1,611 4% 2% 5,190 4,704 10% 6%
Operational EBITA 291 281 4% 905 790 15%
as % of operational revenues 17.4% 17.4% 0 pts 17.4% 16.8% +0.6 pts
Cash flow from operating activities 399 379 5% 946 859 10%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.) 21,300 20,700 3%

Process Automation

Orders and revenues

Orders amounted to \$1,670 million and grew by 43% (40% comparable) from last year's easy comparable, including a large order of approximately \$120 million received. Order-backlog was built up to a high level of \$6 billion.

  • Orders for both products and service business increased at a double-digit pace, year-on-year, with support from improvements across the processrelated markets.
  • Customer activity increased in most segments except for a stable development in power generation. Worth noting was the positive trend in the marine service business.
  • A large order was secured, amounting to approximately \$120 million to supply the overall Electrical Power System (EPS) for the Jansz-Io Compression (J-IC) natural gas project in Australia.

Growth

Q3 Q3
Change year-on-year Orders Revenues
Comparable 40% 5%
FX 3% 2%
Portfolio changes 0% 0%
Total 43% 7%

• The increase in revenues reflects execution of a backlog with long lead times and a broad-based recovery in demand with most divisions reporting stable to positive growth.

Profit

Operational EBITA amounted to \$207 million resulting in a margin of 13.7%. The sharp improvement from last year's margin of 6.4% was 330 basis points when excluding the adverse impact of approximately 400 basis points related to the Kusile project, which weighed on last year's earnings.

  • All divisions improved their Operational EBITA and margin, year-on-year.
  • The result was supported by positive volume development, improved business mix and strong project execution.
CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable
Orders 1,670 1,164 43% 40% 4,881 4,226 15% 10%
Order backlog 6,021 5,152 17% 16% 6,021 5,152 17% 16%
Revenues 1,507 1,403 7% 5% 4,454 4,247 5% 0%
Operational EBITA 207 89 133% 554 348 59%
as % of operational revenues 13.7% 6.4% +7.3 pts 12.4% 8.2% +4.2 pts
Cash flow from operating activities 231 164 41% 692 258 168%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.) 22,000 22,600 -3%

Robotics & Discrete Automation

Orders and revenues

Order growth was strong at 30% (comparable 26%) and amounted to \$935 million. Revenues amounted to \$813 million with growth limited to 1% (comparable -3%) adversely impacted by component shortages and reduced automotive systems business.

  • Both the Robotics and Machine Automation divisions increased orders strongly at >20% year-on-year.
  • Customer activity increased in all segments, with the strongest order increase in the machine automation, followed by the general industry as well as consumer and service robotic segments.
  • All regions improved at a double-digit rate, with the Americas and Europe outpacing the AMEA region, including China orders increasing by 17% (10% comparable) year-on-year.
  • The decline in comparable revenues was the combined impact from Machine Automation facing delayed customer deliveries on the back of component shortages and Robotics' stable development due to the conscious effort to support long-term profitability by reducing

Growth

Q3 Q3
Change year-on-year Orders Revenues
Comparable 26% -3%
FX 3% 3%
Portfolio changes 1% 1%
Total 30% 1%

exposure to the automotive systems business for which the order backlog is now shrinking.

The acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI) was closed. It is a leading global autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) manufacturer. The deal adds solutions to deliver a unique automation portfolio and expand into new segments.

Profit

Operational EBITA increased by 18% year-on-year and the margin increased by 160 basis points to 11.1% driven by the Robotics division.

  • Despite the lack of comparable growth, the Operational EBITA margin improved, supported by improved mix through reduced automotive systems sales, increased share of service business and efficiency measures.
  • Profitability improved in the Robotics division, more than offsetting the adverse development in Machine Automation, which was hampered by delayed deliveries and cost inflation in a strained supply chain.
CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable
Orders 935 720 30% 26% 2,744 2,169 27% 20%
Order backlog 1,619 1,442 12% 11% 1,619 1,442 12% 11%
Revenues 813 806 1% -3% 2,498 2,106 19% 12%
Operational EBITA 90 76 18% 291 178 63%
as % of operational revenues 11.1% 9.5% +1.6 pts 11.7% 8.5% +3.2 pts
Cash flow from operating activities 56 110 -49% 245 244 0%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.) 10,700 10,300 3%

Sustainability

Quarterly highlights

  • ABB launched the world's fastest Electric Vehicle (EV) charger - Terra 360 - which can simultaneously charge up to four vehicles with dynamic power distribution. The new charger has a maximum output of 360kW and is capable of fully charging any electric car in 15 minutes or less.
  • ABB launched ABB Ability™ eMine, a portfolio of solutions that will help accelerate the move towards a zero-carbon mine. eMine™ can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% while haul trucks are on an electric trolley system.
  • Zero production waste to landfill has been achieved at ABB Smart Power's manufacturing unit in Frosinone, Italy — 14 years ahead of the European Union's Circular Economy Package target of no more than 10% landfilling by 2035.
  • ABB has been selected for inclusion 21 years consecutively in the FTSE4Good Index Series. With an overall score of 4.2 on a scale from 0 to 5 (5 is the best score).
  • As part of the WEF's Sustainable Impact Summit, ABB's Chief Communications and Sustainability

Q3 outcome

  • 7% reduction of CO₂ emissions in own operations mainly due to continued implementation of Green energy contracts
  • 21% year-on-year decline in LTIFR from the unusually high level in the previous year period

Officer Theodor Swedjemark discussed changing the way we talk about climate change.

Story of the quarter

ABB will deliver automation, electrification, quality control systems, motors and drives for Renewcell's new industrial textile recycling production line in Sundsvall, Sweden. Renewcell is a Swedish company specializing in textile-to-textile recycling. A paper mill will be transformed into the world's first commercial-scale recycling plant for cellulosic textiles – created by dissolving natural materials such as cellulose which is then regenerated to create a wide range of fabrics. Renewcell is already working with several fashion manufacturers, and in 2020, the company and H&M Group entered a multi-year partnership to replace virgin fibers with recycled textiles in clothing. According to Renewcell's preliminary calculations, textile fibers made from its recycled raw material use approximately 50 liters of fresh water per kg in production, compared to around 1,600 liters for cotton and 90 liters for noncotton cellulosic material viscose.

Q3 2021 Q3 2020 CHANGE 12M ROLLING
CO2e own operations emissions,
kt scope 1 and 21 78 84 -7% 87
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR),
frequency / 200,000 working hours 0.137 0.173 -21% 0.136
Share of females in senior management
positions, % 15.0 13.4 +1.6 pts 14.2

1 From energy use, previous quarter

Scope 1&2 CO2

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate

Significant events

During Q3 2021

  • On July 20, ABB announced the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group to drive the next generation of flexible automation with Autonomous Mobile Robots. ASTI is a global leader in the high growth Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) market with a broad portfolio of vehicles and software. The acquisition adds to RA's solutions to deliver a unique automation portfolio further expanding into new industry segments. Since 2015, the company has enjoyed close to 30% annual growth and is targeting approximately \$50 million in revenue in 2021.
  • On July 26, ABB announced it had signed a definitive agreement to divest its Mechanical Power Transmission division (Dodge) to RBC Bearings Incorporated (Nasdaq: ROLL), for \$2.9 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. ABB expects to book a non-operational pre-tax book gain of approximately \$2.2 billion on the sale of Dodge. ABB also expects the transaction related cash tax outflows to be approximately \$400 million.

First nine months 2021

In the first nine months of 2021, demand for ABB's products increased strongly from the low level in the previous year period when the adverse business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was significant. Orders amounted to \$23,611 million and improved by 21% (16% comparable) and revenues amounted to \$21,378 million, up by 13% (8% comparable), with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.10. The recovery was initially driven by the short-cycle business as from the first quarter, and the processrelated business predominantly picked up later in the period. Demand increased in both the product and the service business. Additionally, exchange rates had a positive impact on order intake and revenues.

Income from operations amounted to \$2,743 million and more than doubled from the year-earlier period driven primarily by stronger Operational EBITA. Results include restructuring activities that are progressing according to plan with restructuring and restructuring-related expenses of \$81 million.

Operational EBITA improved by 51% year-on-year to \$3,134 million and the Operational EBITA margin increased by 370 basis points to 14.6%. Performance was driven by increased revenues in combination with an improved gross margin, the impact from earlier implemented cost measures and general stringent cost control. While revenues increased by 13%, the expenses related to selling, general and administrative (SG&A) increased by a more limited 5%, driven by higher sales expenses. The ratio in relation to revenues declined to 17.8%, from 19.1% in the year-earlier period. R&D expenses increased by 13%. Corporate and Other Operational EBITA improved by \$171 million to -\$230 million.

Net finance expenses amounted to -\$71 million. Income tax expense was -\$775 million with a tax rate of 27.7%. Net income attributable to ABB was \$1,906 million and decreased from last year's level which includes the book gain related to the divestment of Power Grids. Basic earnings per share was \$0.95.

Cash flow from operating activities in continuing operations amounted to \$2,305 million, up from \$650 million in the year-earlier period.

Acquisitions and divestments, last twelve months

Acquisitions Company/unit Closing date Revenues, \$ million1 No. of employees
2020
Robotics & Discrete Automation Codian Robotics B.V. 1-Oct 9 16
2021
Electrification Enervalis (majority stake) 26-Apr 1 22
Robotics & Discrete Automation ASTI Mobile Robotics Group 2-Aug 36 300
Divestments Company/unit Closing date Revenues, \$ million1 No. of employees
2021

Note: comparable growth calculation includes acquisitions and divestments with revenues of greater than \$50 million.

1 Represents the estimated annual revenues for the period prior to the announcement of the respective acquisition/divestment.

Additional figures

ABB Group Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 FY 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021
EBITDA, \$ in million 600 799 302 807 2,508 1,024 1,324 1,072
Return on Capital Employed, % n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 10.3% n.a. n.a. n.a.
Net debt/Equity 0.52 0.61 (0.05) 0.01 0.01 0.09 0.16 0.13
Net debt/ EBITDA 12M rolling 2.3 2.5 (0.4) 0.04 0.04 0.4 0.7 0.5
Net working capital, % of 12M rolling
revenues 12.3% 12.6% 12.5% 10.5% 10.5% 10.8% 11.6% 10.2%
Earnings per share, basic, \$ 0.18 0.15 2.14 (0.04) 2.44 0.25 0.37 0.33
Earnings per share, diluted, \$ 0.18 0.15 2.14 (0.04) 2.43 0.25 0.37 0.32
Dividend per share, CHF n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 0.80 n.a. n.a. n.a.
Share price at the end of period, CHF 17.01 21.33 23.45 24.71 24.71 28.56 31.39 31.39
Share price at the end of period, \$ 17.26 22.56 25.45 27.96 27.96 30.47 33.99 33.36
Number of employees (FTE equivalents) 143,320 142,310 106,420 105,520 105,520 105,330 106,370 106,080
No. of shares outstanding at end of period
(in millions) 2,134 2,135 2,092 2,031 2,031 2,024 2,006 1,993

Additional 2021 guidance

(\$ in millions, unless otherwise stated) FY 2021 Q4 2021
~(340) 1 ~(110)
Corporate and Other Operational costs from ~(400)
Non-operating items
~(150) ~(70)
Restructuring and restructuring related unchanged
~(25) ~(5)
GEIS integration costs from ~(20)
Separation costs2 ~(130) ~(80)
unchanged
~(255) ~(65)
PPA-related amortization unchanged
Certain other income and expenses ~(40) ~(10)
related to PG divestment3 unchanged
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise stated) FY 2021 Q4 2021
~(100) 1 ~(30)
Net finance expenses from ~(130)
Non-operational pension ~180 ~50
(cost) / credit unchanged
Effective tax rate4 ~26% <20%
unchanged
~(700) ~(250)
Capital Expenditures from ~(750)

1 Excluding two main operational exposures that are ongoing in the non-core business and for which exit timing is dependent on circumstances beyond ABB's control such as legal proceedings.

2 Costs relating to the announced exits and the potential E-mobility listing.

3 Excluding share of net income from JV.

4 Excludes impact of acquisitions or divestments or any significant non-operational items.

Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements as well as other statements concerning the outlook for our business, including those in the sections of this release titled "Outlook", "Share buyback program", "Sustainability" and "Significant events". These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may affect our future performance, including global economic conditions, the economic conditions of the regions and industries that are major markets for ABB. These expectations, estimates and projections are generally identifiable by statements containing words such as "intends," "anticipates," "expects," "believes," "estimates," "plans," "targets" or similar expressions. However, there are many risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forwardlooking information and statements made in this press

release and which could affect our ability to achieve any or all of our stated targets. The important factors that could cause such differences

include, among others, business risks associated with the volatile global economic environment and political conditions, costs associated with compliance activities, market acceptance of new products and services, changes in governmental regulations and currency exchange rates and such other factors as may be discussed from time to time in ABB Ltd's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on Form 20-F. Although ABB Ltd believes that its expectations reflected in any such forwardlooking statement are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will be achieved.

Q3 results presentation on October 21, 2021

The Q3 2021 results press release and presentation slides are available on the ABB News Center at www.abb.com/news and on the Investor Relations homepage at www.abb.com/investorrelations.

A conference call and webcast for analysts and investors is scheduled to begin today at 10:00 a.m. CEST.

To pre-register for the conference call or to join the webcast, please refer to the ABB website: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

The recorded session will be available after the event on ABB's website.

Financial calendar

2021

December 7 ABB Group CMD in Zurich

2022

February 3 Q4 results
March 1 – 2 ABB Motion CMD in Helsinki
March 3 ABB Process Automation CMD in Helsinki
March 24 Annual General Meeting

For additional information please contact:

Media Relations Phone: +41 43 317 71 11 Email: [email protected] Investor Relations Phone: +41 43 317 71 11 Email: [email protected] ABB Ltd Affolternstrasse 44 8050 Zurich Switzerland

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.

October 21, 2021

Q3 2021 Financial information

— Financial Information Contents

03 ─ 07 Key Figures
08 ─
38
Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)
39 ─
51
Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions

Key Figures

CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Comparable(1)
Orders 7,866 6,109 29% 26%
Order backlog (end September) 16,012 13,878 15% 15%
Revenues 7,028 6,582 7% 4%
Gross Profit 2,294 1,834 25%
as % of revenues 32.6% 27.9% +4.7 pts
Income from operations 852 71 n.a.
Operational EBITA(1) 1,062 787 35% 32%(2)
as % of operational revenues(1) 15.1% 12.0% +3.1 pts
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 687 (503) n.a.
Net income attributable to ABB 652 4,530 -86%
Basic earnings per share (\$) 0.33 2.14 -85%(3)
Cash flow from operating activities(4) 1,104 408 171%
Cash flow from operating activities in continuing operations 1,119 398 181%
CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Comparable(1)
Orders 23,611 19,509 21% 16%
Revenues 21,378 18,952 13% 8%
Gross Profit 7,070 5,731 23%
as % of revenues 33.1% 30.2% +2.9 pts
Income from operations 2,743 1,015 170%
Operational EBITA(1) 3,134 2,074 51% 43%(2)
as % of operational revenues(1) 14.6% 10.9% +3.7 pts
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2,027 218 830%
Net income attributable to ABB 1,906 5,225 -64%
Basic earnings per share (\$) 0.95 2.45 -61%(3)
Cash flow from operating activities(4) 2,310 511 352%
Cash flow from operating activities in continuing operations 2,305 650 255%

(1) For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures see "Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions" on page 39.

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

(3) EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts.

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

CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 2021 Q3 2020 US\$ Local Comparable
Orders ABB Group 7,866 6,109 29% 27% 26%
Electrification 3,519 2,952 19% 17% 17%
Motion 1,909 1,535 24% 22% 22%
Process Automation 1,670 1,164 43% 40% 40%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 935 720 30% 27% 26%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (167) (262)
Order backlog (end September) ABB Group 16,012 13,878 15% 15% 15%
Electrification 5,246 4,471 17% 17% 17%
Motion 3,717 3,349 11% 11% 11%
Process Automation 6,021 5,152 17% 16% 16%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 1,619 1,442 12% 11% 11%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (591) (536)
Revenues ABB Group 7,028 6,582 7% 4% 4%
Electrification 3,196 3,031 5% 4% 4%
Motion 1,673 1,611 4% 2% 2%
Process Automation 1,507 1,403 7% 5% 5%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 813 806 1% -2% -3%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (161) (269)
Income from operations ABB Group 852 71
Electrification 434 387
Motion 244 256
Process Automation 183 75
Robotics & Discrete Automation 68 (236)
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (77) (411)
Income from operations % ABB Group 12.1% 1.1%
Electrification 13.6% 12.8%
Motion 14.6% 15.9%
Process Automation 12.1% 5.3%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 8.4% (29.3)%
Operational EBITA ABB Group 1,062 787 35% 32%
Electrification 511 493 4% 1%
Motion 291 281 4% 2%
Process Automation 207 89 133% 128%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 90 76 18% 16%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (37) (152)
Operational EBITA % ABB Group 15.1% 12.0%
Electrification 15.9% 16.3%
Motion 17.4% 17.4%
Process Automation 13.7% 6.4%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 11.1% 9.5%
Cash flow from operating activities(1) ABB Group 1,104 408
Electrification 636 460
Motion 399 379
Process Automation 231 164
Robotics & Discrete Automation 56 110
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (203) (715)
Discontinued operations (15) 10

(1) Commencing Q1 2021, depreciation relating to certain real estate assets, previously reported in Corporate and Other, has been reallocated to the individual operating segments utilizing these assets. Comparatives have been restated.

CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 9M 2021 9M 2020 US\$ Local Comparable
Orders ABB Group 23,611 19,509 21% 16% 16%
Electrification 10,743 8,810 22% 17% 18%
Motion 5,773 5,022 15% 10% 10%
Process Automation 4,881 4,226 15% 10% 10%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 2,744 2,169 27% 20% 20%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (530) (718)
Order backlog (end September) ABB Group 16,012 13,878 15% 15% 15%
Electrification 5,246 4,471 17% 17% 17%
Motion 3,717 3,349 11% 11% 11%
Process Automation 6,021 5,152 17% 16% 16%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 1,619 1,442 12% 11% 11%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (591) (536)
Revenues ABB Group 21,378 18,952 13% 8% 8%
Electrification 9,742 8,568 14% 9% 10%
Motion 5,190 4,704 10% 6% 6%
Process Automation 4,454 4,247 5% 0% 0%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 2,498 2,106 19% 12% 12%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (506) (673)
Income from operations ABB Group 2,743 1,015
Electrification 1,423 891
Motion 812 731
Process Automation 520 316
Robotics & Discrete Automation 224 (186)
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (236) (737)
Income from operations % ABB Group 12.8% 5.4%
Electrification 14.6% 10.4%
Motion 15.6% 15.5%
Process Automation 11.7% 7.4%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 9.0% -8.8%
Operational EBITA ABB Group 3,134 2,074 51% 43%
Electrification 1,614 1,159 39% 30%
Motion 905 790 15% 9%
Process Automation 554 348 59% 49%
Robotics & Discrete Automation
(1)
291 178 63% 53%
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (230) (401)
Operational EBITA % ABB Group 14.6% 10.9%
Electrification 16.5% 13.5%
Motion 17.4% 16.8%
Process Automation 12.4% 8.2%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 11.7% 8.5%
Cash flow from operating activities(2) ABB Group 2,310 511
Electrification 1,466 875
Motion 946 859
Process Automation 692 258
Robotics & Discrete Automation 245 244
Corporate and Other
(incl. intersegment eliminations) (1,044) (1,586)
Discontinued operations 5 (139)

(1) Corporate and Other includes Stranded corporate costs of \$40 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

(2) Commencing Q1 2021, depreciation relating to certain real estate assets, previously reported in Corporate and Other, has been reallocated to the individual operating segments utilizing these assets. Comparatives have been restated.

Operational EBITA

Process Robotics & Discrete
ABB Electrification Motion Automation Automation
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20
Revenues 7,028 6,582 3,196 3,031 1,673 1,611 1,507 1,403 813 806
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues 23 (13) 11 (8) 4 4 9 (6) (1) (5)
Operational revenues 7,051 6,569 3,207 3,023 1,677 1,615 1,516 1,397 812 801
Income from operations 852 71 434 387 244 256 183 75 68 (236)
Acquisition-related amortization 62 67 30 29 10 13 1 1 21 20
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 28 83 11 39 13 9 2 21 1 3
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 10 203 15
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (14) 11 (14) 11
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (1) 1
Fair value adjustment on assets and
liabilities held for sale 14 14
Acquisition- and divestment-related
expenses and integration costs 44 16 18 13 12 13 1 1
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 15 15
Certain other non-operational items 17 331 2 2 4 1 291
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations 48 (23) 30 (18) 12 (1) 7 (9) (1) (2)
Operational EBITA 1,062 787 511 493 291 281 207 89 90 76
Operational EBITA margin (%) 15.1% 12.0% 15.9% 16.3% 17.4% 17.4% 13.7% 6.4% 11.1% 9.5%
Process Robotics & Discrete
ABB
Electrification
Motion
Automation Automation
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20
Revenues 21,378 18,952 9,742 8,568 5,190 4,704 4,454 4,247 2,498 2,106
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues 43 (4) 23 2 12 (3) 10 (7) (2) (3)
Operational revenues 21,421 18,948 9,765 8,570 5,202 4,701 4,464 4,240 2,496 2,103
Income (loss) from operations 2,743 1,015 1,423 891 812 731 520 316 224 (186)
Acquisition-related amortization 191 197 88 86 36 39 3 3 62 58
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 81 190 32 83 18 20 15 37 6 14
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 16 204 15
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (6) 11 (6) 11
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (9) 4 4 6 (1) (13)
Fair value adjustment on assets and
liabilities held for sale 33 33
Acquisition- and divestment-related
expenses and integration costs 74 43 36 40 19 17 1 1
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 34 15
Certain other non-operational items (58) 378 (13) (5) 1 13 3 1 293
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations 68 (16) 50 (1) 20 (13) 9 (10) (2) (1)
Operational EBITA 3,134 2,074 1,614 1,159 905 790 554 348 291 178
Operational EBITA margin (%) 14.6% 10.9% 16.5% 13.5% 17.4% 16.8% 12.4% 8.2% 11.7% 8.5%

Depreciation and Amortization

Process Robotics & Discrete
ABB Electrification
Motion
Automation Automation
(\$ in millions) Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20 Q3 21 Q3 20
Depreciation(1) 142 147 70 67 30 32 21 18 15 13
Amortization 78 84 37 37 11 14 3 3 22 21
including total acquisition-related amortization of: 62 67 30 29 10 13 1 1 21 20
Process Robotics & Discrete
ABB Electrification Motion Automation Automation
(\$ in millions) 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20 9M 21 9M 20
Depreciation(1) 434 439 202 206 94 95 59 52 43 37
Amortization 243 247 113 105 40 41 9 8 64 60
including total acquisition-related amortization of: 191 197 88 86 36 39 3 3 62 58

(1) Commencing Q1 2021, depreciation related to certain real estate assets, previously reported in Corporate and Other, has been reallocated to the individual operating segments utilizing these assets. Comparatives have been restated.

Orders received and revenues by region

(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Orders received CHANGE Revenues CHANGE
Com- Com
Q3 21 Q3 20 US\$ Local parable Q3 21 Q3 20 US\$ Local parable
Europe 2,663 2,068 29% 28% 27% 2,525 2,410 5% 4% 3%
The Americas 2,580 1,938 33% 32% 31% 2,161 1,927 12% 11% 11%
of which United States 1,934 1,475 31% 31% 31% 1,610 1,443 12% 12% 12%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 2,623 2,103 25% 20% 20% 2,342 2,245 4% 1% 1%
of which China 1,260 1,089 16% 9% 9% 1,210 1,182 2% -4% -4%
Intersegment orders/revenues(1)
ABB Group 7,866 6,109 29% 27% 26% 7,028 6,582 7% 4% 4%
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Orders received CHANGE Revenues CHANGE
Com- Com
9M 21 9M 20 US\$ Local parable 9M 21 9M 20 US\$ Local parable
Europe 8,719 7,062 23% 17% 17% 7,773 6,998 11% 5% 5%
The Americas 7,300 5,936 23% 21% 21% 6,488 5,891 10% 9% 9%
of which United States 5,459 4,512 21% 21% 21% 4,818 4,522 7% 6% 7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 7,592 6,389 19% 12% 12% 7,117 5,955 20% 13% 14%
of which China 3,781 3,036 25% 15% 15% 3,699 2,860 29% 20% 21%
Intersegment orders/revenues(1) 122 108
ABB Group 23,611 19,509 21% 16% 16% 21,378 18,952 13% 8% 8%

(1) Intersegment orders/revenues during the six months ended 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.

— Consolidated Financial Information

ABB Ltd Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)

Nine months ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020 Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020
Sales of products 17,644 15,391 5,770 5,363
Sales of services and other 3,734 3,561 1,258 1,219
Total revenues 21,378 18,952 7,028 6,582
Cost of sales of products (12,089) (11,047) (3,981) (4,008)
Cost of services and other (2,219) (2,174) (753) (740)
Total cost of sales (14,308) (13,221) (4,734) (4,748)
Gross profit 7,070 5,731 2,294 1,834
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,808) (3,624) (1,231) (1,192)
Non-order related research and development expenses (897) (791) (296) (270)
Impairment of goodwill (311) (311)
Other income (expense), net 378 10 85 10
Income from operations 2,743 1,015 852 71
Interest and dividend income 37 39 11 12
Interest and other finance expense (108) (191) (17) (79)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 130 (272) 42 (343)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 2,802 591 888 (339)
Income tax expense (775) (373) (201) (164)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 2,027 218 687 (503)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,043 (9) 5,038
Net income 1,982 5,261 678 4,535
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (76) (36) (26) (5)
Net income attributable to ABB 1,906 5,225 652 4,530
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 1,951 190 661 (513)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,035 (9) 5,043
Net income 1,906 5,225 652 4,530
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.97 0.09 0.33 (0.24)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.02) 2.36 0.00 2.38
Net income 0.95 2.45 0.33 2.14
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.96 0.09 0.33 (0.24)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.02) 2.36 0.00 2.38
Net income 0.94 2.45 0.32 2.14
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders 2,011 2,129 2,001 2,119
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders 2,028 2,135 2,019 2,119

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

ABB Ltd Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

Nine months ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020 Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020
Total comprehensive income, net of tax 1,722 6,244 516 5,760
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (81) (58) (26) (31)
Total comprehensive income attributable to ABB shareholders, net of tax 1,641 6,186 490 5,729

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

ABB Ltd Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(\$ in millions) Sep. 30, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020
Cash and equivalents 3,709 3,278
Restricted cash 31 323
Marketable securities and short-term investments 746 2,108
Receivables, net 6,728 6,820
Contract assets 1,139 985
Inventories, net 4,864 4,469
Prepaid expenses 217 201
Other current assets 511 760
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 1,048 282
Total current assets 18,993 19,226
Restricted cash, non-current 300 300
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,910 4,174
Operating lease right-of-use assets 931 969
Investments in equity-accounted companies 1,683 1,784
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits 423 360
Intangible assets, net 1,627 2,078
Goodwill 10,524 10,850
Deferred taxes 888 843
Other non-current assets 549 504
Total assets 39,828 41,088
Accounts payable, trade 4,642 4,571
Contract liabilities 1,940 1,903
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 2,414 1,293
Current operating leases 206 270
Provisions for warranties 1,014 1,035
Other provisions 1,384 1,519
Other current liabilities 4,233 4,181
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 817 644
Total current liabilities 16,650 15,416
Long-term debt 4,270 4,828
Non-current operating leases 753 731
Pension and other employee benefits 1,066 1,231
Deferred taxes 770 661
Other non-current liabilities 1,934 2,025
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 76 197
Total liabilities 25,519 25,089
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value
(2,053 million and 2,168 million shares issued at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively) 178 188
Additional paid-in capital 16 83
Retained earnings 19,837 22,946
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,266) (4,002)
Treasury stock, at cost
(61 million and 137 million shares at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively) (1,814) (3,530)
Total ABB stockholders' equity 13,951 15,685
Noncontrolling interests 358 314
Total stockholders' equity 14,309 15,999
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 39,828 41,088

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

ABB Ltd Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Nine months ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020 Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020
Operating activities:
Net income 1,982 5,261 678 4,535
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax 45 (5,043) 9 (5,038)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 677 686 220 231
Impairment of goodwill 311 311
Changes in fair values of investments (114) (86) (1) (25)
Pension and other employee benefits (159) (27) (65) 55
Deferred taxes 82 (159) (27) (158)
Net loss (gain) from derivatives and foreign exchange 99 29 55 4
Net loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment (22) (24) (7) (20)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale 33 14
Other 144 114 58 50
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net (182) (37) 232 (103)
Contract assets and liabilities (73) 41 74 128
Inventories, net (692) (201) (399) (2)
Accounts payable, trade 361 (98) 52 102
Accrued liabilities 336 (58) 283 (50)
Provisions, net (79) 96 (19) 156
Income taxes payable and receivable (92) (78) (36) 79
Other assets and liabilities, net (8) (110) 12 129
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations 2,305 650 1,119 398
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations 5 (139) (15) 10
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,310 511 1,104 408
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments (414) (5,982) (67) (4,368)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (459) (432) (166) (129)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)
and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies (227) (99) (199) (19)
Proceeds from sales of investments 1,639 1,288 318 833
Proceeds from maturity of investments 80 1 1
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 36 68 13 41
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs
and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies 93 (133) 46 9
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives (75) 94 (3) 170
Other investing activities (25) 11 (11) 25
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities – continuing operations 648 (5,184) (69) (3,437)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities – discontinued operations (83) 9,091 (13) 9,201
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 565 3,907 (82) 5,764
Financing activities:
Net changes in debt with original maturities of 90 days or less 213 (525) (61) (4,107)
Increase in debt 1,378 360 374 45
Repayment of debt (763) (663) (13) (95)
Delivery of shares 786 383 20 383
Purchase of treasury stock (2,441) (1,270) (470) (1,270)
Dividends paid (1,726) (1,736)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders (91) (82) 1 (11)
Other financing activities (17) (67) (23) 37
Net cash used in financing activities – continuing operations (2,661) (3,600) (172) (5,018)
Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations 31 14
Net cash used in financing activities (2,661) (3,569) (172) (5,004)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents and restricted cash (75) (55) (41) 43
Adjustment for the net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash
in discontinued operations 609
Net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash 139 794 809 1,820
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 3,901 3,544 3,231 2,518
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, end of period 4,040 4,338 4,040 4,338
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid 75 111 17 9
Income taxes paid 793 689 250 227

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

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

Accumulated
(\$ in millions) Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury
stock
Total ABB
stockholders'
equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
stockholders'
equity
Balance at January 1, 2020
Adoption of accounting
188 73 19,640 (5,590) (785) 13,526 454 13,980
standard update (82) (82) (9) (91)
Comprehensive income:
Net income 5,225 5,225 36 5,261
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax of \$4 600 600 22 622
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities,
net of tax of \$4 9 9 9
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans,
net of tax of \$114 351 351 351
Change in derivative instruments
and hedges, net of tax of \$(2) 1 1 1
Total comprehensive income 6,186 58 6,244
Changes in noncontrolling interests (16) (16) 19 3
Change in noncontrolling interests
in connection with divestments (138) (138)
Dividends to
noncontrolling shareholders (98) (98)
Dividends to shareholders (1,758) (1,758) (1,758)
Share-based payment arrangements 40 40 40
Purchase of treasury stock (1,533) (1,533) (1,533)
Delivery of shares (17) 400 383 383
Call options (1) (1) (1)
Balance at September 30, 2020 188 79 23,025 (4,629) (1,919) 16,744 286 17,030
Balance at January 1, 2021 188 83 22,946 (4,002) (3,530) 15,685 314 15,999
Comprehensive income:
Net income 1,906 1,906 76 1,982
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax of \$2 (366) (366) 5 (361)
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities,
net of tax of \$(3) (10) (10) (10)
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans,
net of tax of \$10 114 114 114
Change in derivative instruments
and hedges, net of tax of \$0 (3) (3) (3)
Total comprehensive income 1,641 81 1,722
Changes in noncontrolling interests (37) (20) (57) 55 (2)
Dividends to
noncontrolling shareholders (92) (92)
Dividends to shareholders (1,730) (1,730) (1,730)
Cancellation of treasury shares (10) (17) (3,130) 3,157
Share-based payment arrangements 48 48 48
Purchase of treasury stock (2,430) (2,430) (2,430)
Delivery of shares (68) (136) 990 786 786
Other 6 6 6
Balance at September 30, 2021 178 16 19,837 (4,266) (1,814) 13,951 358 14,309

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

See Notes to the Consolidated 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, 2020.

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 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,
  • estimates related to credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of financial assets such as trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments,
  • 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 reallocation of certain real estate assets, previously reported within Corporate and Other, into the operating segments which utilize the assets.

─ Note 2 Recent accounting pronouncements

Applicable for current periods

Simplifying the accounting for income taxes

In January 2021, the Company adopted a new accounting standard update, 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. Depending on the amendment, the adoption was applied on either a retrospective, modified retrospective, or prospective basis. This update does not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Applicable for future periods

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. This update, along with clarifications outlined in a subsequent update issued in January 2021, 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.

─ Note 3 Discontinued operations and assets held for sale

Divestment of the Power Grids business

On July 1, 2020, the Company completed the sale of 80.1 percent of its Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd (Hitachi). The transaction was executed through the sale of 80.1 percent of the shares of Hitachi Energy Ltd, formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd ("Hitachi ABB PG"). 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 initially was estimated to be \$1,808 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). This fair value was subsequently remeasured to \$1,779 million in the three months ended December 31, 2020.

In connection with the divestment, the Company recorded liabilities 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 Hitachi ABB PG, costs incurred by the Company for the direct benefit of Hitachi ABB PG, 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 September 30, 2021, \$116 million of these liabilities had been paid and are reported as reductions in the cash consideration received, of which \$83 million and \$13 million was paid during the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2021, the remaining amount recorded was \$380 million.

As a result of the Power Grids sale, the Company recognized an initial net gain of \$5,320 million, net of transaction costs, for the sale of the entire Power Grids business, which was included in Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020. Included in the initial calculation of the net gain was a cumulative translation loss relating to the Power Grids business of \$439 million which was reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (see Note 16). Certain amounts included in the net gain were estimated or otherwise subject to change in value and the Company has recorded adjustments to the gain in periods subsequent to divestment. The net gain was reduced by \$179 million in the three months ended December 31, 2020. In addition, in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021, these further adjustments have decreased the net gain by \$32 million and \$5 million, respectively. Certain obligations relating to the divestment continue to be subject to uncertainty and will be adjusted in future periods but these adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company 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 the 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 pending completion of the transfer process. At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, current restricted cash includes \$12 million and \$302 million, respectively, relating to these proceeds.

The Company has recognized liabilities in discontinued operations in connection with the divestment for certain indemnities (see Note 11 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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company has recognized within its continuing operations, general and administrative expenses incurred to perform the TSA, offset by \$127 million and \$39 million, respectively, in TSA related income for such services that is reported in Other income (expense). In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, Other income (expense) included \$42 million of TSA related income for such services.

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.

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

Nine months ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020 Sep. 30, 2021 Sep. 30, 2020
Total revenues 4,008
Total cost of sales (3,058)
Gross profit 950
Expenses (13) (804) (4) (23)
Change to net gain recognized on sale of the Power Grids business (32) 5,320 (5) 5,320
Income (loss) from operations (45) 5,466 (9) 5,297
Net interest and other finance expense (5)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit (94)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes (45) 5,367 (9) 5,297
Income tax (324) (259)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,043 (9) 5,038

Of the total Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes in the table above, \$(45) million and \$5,355 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and \$(9) million and \$5,300 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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 Power Grids operating segment. As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, \$40 million of allocated overhead and other management costs, which were previously included in the measure of segment profit for the Power Grids operating segment are reported as part of Corporate and Other. In the table above, Net interest and other finance expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, included \$20 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, subsequent to December 17, 2018, (the date of the original agreement to sell the Power Grids business) the Company has not recorded 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020, are revenues for sales from the Company's operating segments to the Power Grids business of \$108 million, which represent intercompany transactions that, prior to Power Grids being classified as a discontinued operation, were eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements (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 (loss) 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) Sep. 30, 2021(1) Dec. 31, 2020(1)
Receivables, net 163 280
Inventories, net 2 1
Other current assets 1 1
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 166 282
Accounts payable, trade 107 188
Other liabilities 505 456
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 612 644
Other non-current liabilities 76 197
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 76 197

(1) At September 30, 2021, and 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.

Planned business divestments classified as held for sale

The Company classifies its long-lived assets or disposal groups to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the held for sale criteria are met. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any resulting loss is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met, while gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset or disposal group until the date of sale. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset or disposal group less any costs to sell at each reporting period and until the asset or disposal group is no longer classified as held for sale.

In July 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to divest its Mechanical Power Transmission Division (Dodge) to RBC Bearings Inc. for cash proceeds of \$2.9 billion. The Dodge business is part of the Company's Motion operating segment and the divestment is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021.

As this planned divestment does not qualify as a discontinued operation, the results of operations for this business are included in the Company's continuing operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of this business are shown as assets and liabilities held for sale in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2021. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale relating to this planned divestment are as follows:

(\$ in millions) Sep. 30, 2021
Assets
Receivables, net 79
Inventories, net 121
Property, plant and equipment, net 113
Other intangible assets, net 216
Goodwill 335
Other assets 18
Current assets held for sale 882
Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade 72
Deferred taxes 33
Other liabilities 100
Current liabilities held for sale 205

In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021, Income from continuing operations before taxes includes income of \$106 million and \$35 million, respectively, from the Dodge business. In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, income of \$71 million and \$22 million, respectively, from this business were included in Income from continuing operations before taxes.

─ Note 4 Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies

Acquisitions

Acquisitions were as follows:

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)(1) 216 60 190 -
Aggregate excess of purchase price
over fair value of net assets acquired(2) 159 69 148 2
Number of acquired businesses 2 2 1 -

(1) Excluding changes in cost- and equity-accounted companies

(2) Recorded as goodwill. For all periods presented, amounts include adjustments arising during the measurement period of acquisitions.

In the table above, the "Purchase price for acquisitions" and "Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired" amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, relate primarily to the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI).

Acquisitions of controlling interests have been accounted for under the acquisition method and have been included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition.

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the purchase price allocation for acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition date and is subject to refinement as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about the fair values of the assets and liabilities becomes available.

On August 2, 2021, the Company acquired the shares of ASTI. ASTI is headquartered in Burgos, Spain and is a global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer. The resulting cash outflows for the Company amounted to \$190 million (net of cash acquired of \$7 million). The acquisition expands the Company's robotics and automation offering in its Robotics and Discrete Automation operating segment.

There were no significant business acquisitions for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020.

Investments in equity-accounted companies

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 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-adjusted weighted-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 \$8,570 million (\$1,705 million for the Company's 19.9% ownership), which are allocated as follows:

Allocated Weighted-average
(\$ in millions) Amount useful life
Inventories 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 6,026
Less: Amount attributed to noncontrolling interest (451)
Basis difference 8,570

(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) Intangible assets include 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 September 30, 2021, the Company determined that no impairment of its equity-accounted 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 %) September 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Hitachi Energy Ltd 19.9% 1,620 1,710
Others 63 74
Total 1,683 1,784

In the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded its share of the earnings of investees accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Other income (expense), net, as follows:

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Income from equity-accounted companies, net of taxes 11 12 7 8
Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit) (94) (52) (33) (52)
Loss from equity-accounted companies (83) (40) (26) (44)

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 ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a loss of \$421 million, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020, a loss of \$33 million was included in "Other income (expense), net" for changes in fair value of this business of which \$14 million was recorded in the three months. 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.

Including the above loss of \$33 million, in the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2020, Income from continuing operations before taxes includes net losses of \$63 million and \$30 million, respectively, from the solar inverters business prior to its sale.

─ Note 5 Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments

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

September 30, 2021
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 2,053 2,053 2,053
Time deposits 1,988 1,988 1,987 1
Equity securities 394 15 409 409
4,435 15 4,450 4,040 410
Changes in fair value recorded
in other comprehensive income
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. government obligations 198 12 (2) 208 208
European government obligations 58 (1) 57 57
Corporate 69 3 (1) 71 71
325 15 (4) 336 336
Total 4,760 30 (4) 4,786 4,040 746
Of which:
Restricted cash, current 31
Restricted cash, non-current 300
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

─ 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 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 and cross-currency interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate and foreign currency 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) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020
Foreign exchange contracts 9,401 12,610 14,316
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 881 1,134 1,013
Cross-currency interest rate swaps 926
Interest rate contracts 3,102 3,227 4,128

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
September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020
Copper swaps metric tonnes 34,615 39,390 37,245
Silver swaps ounces 2,593,338 1,966,677 1,916,958
Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 6,700 8,112 8,418

Equity derivatives

At September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, the Company held 11 million, 22 million and 27 million cash-settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5:1) with a total fair value of \$25 million, \$21 million and \$22 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. The Company applies cash flow hedge accounting in only limited cases. In these cases, the effective portion of the changes in their fair value is recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same line item and in the same period as the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. For the nine and three months ended September, 30, 2021 and 2020, there were no significant amounts recorded for cash flow hedge accounting activities.

Fair value hedges

To reduce its interest rate exposure arising primarily from its debt issuance activities, the Company uses interest rate swaps and cross-currency 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 derivative instruments, designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, on the Consolidated Income Statements was as follows:

Type of derivative designated Nine months ended September 30, 2021
as a fair value hedge Gains (losses) recognized in income on Gains (losses) recognized in income
derivatives designated as fair value hedges on hedged item
(\$ in millions) Location Location
Interest rate contracts Interest and other finance expense (40) Interest and other finance expense 41
Cross-currency interest rate swaps Interest and other finance expense (27) Interest and other finance expense 25
Total (67) 66
Type of derivative designated Nine months ended September 30, 2020
as a fair value hedge Gains (losses) recognized in income on Gains (losses) recognized in income
derivatives designated as fair value hedges on hedged item
(\$ in millions) Location Location
Interest rate contracts Interest and other finance expense 21 Interest and other finance expense (20)
Total 21 (20)
Type of derivative designated Three months ended September 30, 2021
as a fair value hedge Gains (losses) recognized in income on Gains (losses) recognized in income
derivatives designated as fair value hedges on hedged item
(\$ in millions) Location Location
Interest rate contracts Interest and other finance expense (13) Interest and other finance expense 13
Cross-currency interest rate swaps Interest and other finance expense (2) Interest and other finance expense 1
Total (15) 14
Type of derivative designated Three months ended September 30, 2020
as a fair value hedge Gains (losses) recognized in income on Gains (losses) recognized in income
derivatives designated as fair value hedges on hedged item
(\$ in millions) Location Location
Interest rate contracts Interest and other finance expense (5) Interest and other finance expense 7
Total (5) 7

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 Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) Location 2021 2020 2021 2020
Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues (49) (37) (39) 30
Total cost of sales (24) 53 10
SG&A expenses(1) 6 (2) 7 (6)
Non-order related research
and development (2) (1) (1)
Interest and other finance expense (121) 107 (2) 139
Embedded foreign exchange Total revenues (14) (4) (1) (10)
contracts Total cost of sales (3) (2) (1)
Commodity contracts Total cost of sales 47 12 (16) 24
Other Interest and other finance expense 1 (1)
Total (160) 127 (54) 187

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

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

September 30, 2021
Derivative assets Derivative liabilities
Current in Non-current in Current in Non-current in
"Other current "Other non-current "Other current "Other non-current
(\$ in millions) assets" assets" liabilities" liabilities"
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 1 2 2
Interest rate contracts 16 27
Cross-currency interest rate swaps 80
Cash-settled call options 25
Total 41 28 2 82
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 81 9 105 9
Commodity contracts 20 18
Interest rate contracts 1 3
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 4 3 15 4
Total 106 12 141 13
Total fair value 147 40 143 95
December 31, 2020
Derivative assets Derivative liabilities
Current in Non-current in Current in Non-current in
"Other current "Other non-current "Other current "Other non-current
(\$ in millions) assets" assets" liabilities" liabilities"
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 1 2 4
Interest rate contracts 6 78
Cash-settled call options 10 11
Total 16 90 2 4
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 221 22 106 26
Commodity contracts 59 7
Interest rate contracts 2 2
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 10 2 28 16
Total 292 24 143 42
Total fair value 308 114 145 46

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 September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, have been presented on a gross basis.

The Company's netting agreements and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows:

(\$ in millions) September 30, 2021
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 180 (103) 77
Total 180 (103) 77
(\$ in millions) September 30, 2021
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 219 (103) 116
Total 219 (103) 116
(\$ 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

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 exchange‑traded equity securities, listed derivatives which are actively traded such as commodity futures, interest rate futures and 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, cross-currency 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:

September 30, 2021
(\$ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments":
Equity securities 409 409
Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 208 208
Debt securities—European government obligations 57 57
Debt securities—Corporate 71 71
Securities in "Other non-current assets":
Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 80 80
Derivative assets—current in "Other current assets" 147 147
Derivative assets—non-current in "Other non-current assets" 40 40
Total 345 667 1,012
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities—current in "Other current liabilities" 143 143
Derivative liabilities—non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" 95 95
Total 238 238
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

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

  • Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments" and "Other non-current assets": 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 non-performance 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized, in Other income (expense), net fair value gains of \$106 million and \$72 million, respectively, related to certain of its private equity investments based on observable market price changes for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer, of which a net loss of \$3 million and a net gain of \$14 million was recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair values of these investments at September 30, 2021 and 2020, totaled \$160 million and \$97 million, respectively, and were determined using level 2 inputs.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a \$33 million fair value adjustment, of which \$14 million was recorded in the three months ended September 30,2020, for the solar inverters business which met the criteria to be classified as held for sale in June 2019 and was sold in February 2020 (see Note 4 for details).

In the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of \$311 million. 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 9 for additional information including further detailed information related to these charges and significant unobservable inputs)

Apart from the transactions above, there were no additional significant non-recurring fair value measurements during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis

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

September 30, 2021
(\$ in millions) Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original
maturities up to 3 months):
Cash 1,722 1,722 1,722
Time deposits 1,987 1,987 1,987
Restricted cash 31 31 31
Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding finance lease obligations) 2,391 1,662 729 2,391
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,116 4,322 73 4,395
December 31, 2020
(\$ in millions) Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original
maturities up to 3 months):
Cash 1,765 1,765 1,765
Time deposits 1,513 1,513 1,513
Restricted cash 323 323 323
Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding finance lease obligations) 1,266 497 769 1,266
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,668 4,909 89 4,998

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, current and non-current, and Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short-term in nature or, for cash held in banks, are equal to the deposit amount.

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

Long-term debt (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 Contract assets and liabilities

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

(\$ in millions) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020
Contract assets 1,139 985 1,100
Contract liabilities 1,940 1,903 1,828

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:

Nine months ended September 30,
2021 2020
Contract Contract Contract Contract
(\$ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities
Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2021/2020 (939) (746)
Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 1,032 867
Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract asset balance at Jan 1, 2021/2020 (502) (448)

At September 30, 2021, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling \$16,012 million and, of this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 36 percent of the obligations in 2021, approximately 45 percent of the obligations in 2022 and the balance thereafter.

─ Note 9 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, which for the Company is determined to be one level below its 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.

Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total
Balance at January 1, 2020 4,372 2,436 1,615 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 20 24 116 244
Balance at December 31, 2020(1) 4,527 2,456 1,639 2,228 10,850
Goodwill acquired during the period 11 148 159
Goodwill allocated to disposals (7) (7)
Goodwill allocated to assets
held for sale (335) (335)
Exchange rate differences and other (54) (4) (15) (70) (143)
Balance at September 30, 2021(1) 4,484 2,117 1,617 2,306 10,524

The changes in "Goodwill" were as follows:

(1) At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, gross goodwill amounted to \$10,809 million and \$11,152 million, respectively, and accumulated impairment charges, relating to the Robotics & Discrete Automation segment, amounted to \$285 million and \$302 million, respectively.

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 Process 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 were 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. The remaining goodwill for the Machine Automation reporting unit was \$554 million as of December 31, 2020.

─ Note 10 Debt

The Company's total debt at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, amounted to \$6,684 million and \$6,121 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) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Short-term debt 715 153
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,699 1,140
Total 2,414 1,293

Short-term debt primarily represented issued commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings from various banks. At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, \$304 million and \$32 million, respectively, was outstanding under the \$2 billion commercial paper program in the United States. At September 30, 2021, \$347 million was outstanding under the \$2 billion Euro-commercial paper program. No amount was outstanding under this program at December 31, 2020.

On June 15, 2021, the Company repaid at maturity its USD 650 million 4.0% Notes.

Long-term debt

The Company's long-term debt at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, amounted to \$4,270 million and \$4,828 million, respectively. Outstanding bonds (including maturities within the next 12 months) were as follows:

September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
(in millions) Nominal outstanding Carrying value(1) Nominal outstanding Carrying value(1)
Bonds:
4.0% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 650 \$ 649
2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021 CHF 350 \$
375
CHF 350 \$ 403
2.875% USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 \$
1,264
USD 1,250 \$ 1,280
0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 \$
819
EUR 700 \$ 875
0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 \$
884
EUR 750 \$ 946
0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024 CHF 280 \$
299
CHF 280 \$ 317
3.8% USD Notes, due 2028(2) USD 383 \$
381
USD 383 \$ 381
1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029 CHF 170 \$
181
CHF 170 \$ 192
0% EUR Notes, due 2030 EUR 800 \$
891
4.375% USD Notes, due 2042 (2) USD 609 \$
589
USD 609 \$ 589
Total \$
5,683
\$ 5,632

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

(2) Prior to completing a cash tender offer in November 2020, the original principal amount outstanding, on each of the 3.8% USD Notes, due 2028, and the 4.375% USD

Notes, due 2042, was USD750 million.

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). In line with the Company's policy of reducing its currency and interest rate exposures, cross-currency interest rate swaps have been used to modify the characteristics of the EUR 800 million Notes, due 2030. After considering the impact of these cross-currency interest rate swaps, the EUR Notes, due 2030, effectively became a floating rate U.S. dollar obligation.

Subsequent events

On October 11, 2021, the Company repaid at maturity its CHF 350 million 2.25 percent% Bonds, equivalent to \$378 million on date of repayment.

─ Note 11 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 September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had aggregate liabilities of \$98 million and \$100 million, respectively, included in "Other provisions" and "Other non‑current liabilities", for the above regulatory, compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual liabilities recognized was significant. As it is not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably predict, the outcome of certain matters and as it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, to estimate the maximum potential liability on other matters, there could be adverse outcomes beyond the amounts accrued.

Guarantees

General

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

Maximum potential payments (\$ in millions) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Performance guarantees 5,413 6,726
Financial guarantees 54 339
Indemnification guarantees(1) 127 177
Total(2) 5,594 7,242

(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 September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, amounted to \$148 million and \$135 million, respectively, the majority of which is included in discontinued operations.

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 September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the maximum potential payable under these guarantees amounts to \$933 million and \$994 million, respectively, and these guarantees have various maturities ranging from five 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 at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, are approximately \$4.1 billion and \$5.5 billion, respectively, and the carrying amounts of liabilities (recorded in discontinued operations) at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, amounted to \$127 million and \$135 million, respectively.

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 September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to \$3.6 billion and \$4.3 billion, respectively, of which \$0.3 billion and \$0.3 billion, respectively, relate to discontinued operations. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of arrangements in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

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) 2021 2020
Balance at January 1, 1,035 816
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale 8
Claims paid in cash or in kind (176) (153)
Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 190 284
Exchange rate differences (35) 11
Balance at September 30, 1,014 966

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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2020. The corresponding increase was included in Cost of sales of products and resulted in a decrease in earnings per share (basic and diluted) of \$0.07 for both the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020. 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.

Note 12 Income taxes

In calculating income tax expense, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstance known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changed facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the year and each interim period thereafter.

The effective tax rate of 27.7 percent in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was lower than the effective tax rate of 63.1 percent in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily because 2020 includes impacts of non-deductible goodwill impairment (see Note 9), the non-deductibility of the non-operational pension costs due to certain settlements in 2020 (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 11). In addition, the rate in 2020 reflects a net benefit from 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.

During the nine and three months ended September 30, 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 \$273 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020, and incurred non-operational pension costs of \$379 million which are included in curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits in the table below. The Company also recorded \$101 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, for a similar 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 Other postretirement
Switzerland
International
benefits
Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operational pension cost:
Service cost 45 60 31 66
Operational pension cost 45 60 31 66
Non-operational pension cost (credit):
Interest cost (3) 3 52 91 1 2
Expected return on plan assets (88) (93) (133) (196)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (6) (10) (2) 1 (1) (2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 6 53 79 (2) (2)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits(1) (1) 487
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (97) (94) (31) 462 (2) (2)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) (52) (34) 528 (2) (2)
(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Three months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operational pension cost:
Service cost 15 15 9 16
Operational pension cost 15 15 9 16
Non-operational pension cost (credit):
Interest cost (1) 2 15 31 1
Expected return on plan assets (30) (28) (42) (63)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) (3) (1) (1)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 1 18 24 (1)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 1 379
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (32) (28) (9) 371 (1)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) (17) (13) 387 (1)

(1) In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, amounts include \$101 million in discontinued operations for the settlement of the pension plan in Sweden.

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 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to discontinued operations.

Employer contributions were as follows:

(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland
International
benefits
Nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans 46 216 42 478 8 9
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit
pension plans 152 11 416
(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Three months ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans 15 168 29 288 5 6
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit
pension plans 152 20 273

During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, total contributions included non-cash contributions of marketable debt securities having a fair value at the contribution date of \$152 million, contributed to one of the Company's pension plans in Switzerland.

The Company expects to make contributions totaling approximately \$172 million and \$8 million to its defined pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively, for the full year 2021.

─ Note 14 Stockholder's equity

At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on March 25, 2021, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute 0.80 Swiss francs per share to shareholders. The declared dividend amounted to \$1,730 million, with the Company disbursing a portion in March and the remaining amounts in April.

In March 2021, the Company completed its initial share buyback program which was launched in July 2020. The share buyback program was executed on a second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Through this buyback program, the Company purchased a total of approximately 129 million shares for approximately \$3.5 billion, of which 20 million shares were purchased in the first quarter of 2021 (resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of \$628 million). At the AGM on March 25, 2021, shareholders approved the cancellation of 115 million of the shares purchased under this buyback program and the cancellation was completed in the second quarter of 2021, resulting in a decrease in Treasury stock of \$3,157 million and a corresponding total decrease in Capital stock, Additional paid-in capital and Retained earnings.

Also in March 2021, the Company announced a follow-up share buyback program of up to \$4.3 billion. This buyback program, which was launched in April 2021, is being executed on a second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and is planned to run until the Company's AGM in March 2022. Through this follow-up buyback program, the Company purchased, in the second and third quarters of 2021, approximately 26 million shares, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of \$887 million. At the March 2022 AGM, the Company intends to request shareholder approval to cancel the shares purchased through this follow-up share buyback program as well as those shares purchased under the initial share buyback program that were not proposed for cancellation at the Company's AGM in March 2021.

In addition to the share buyback programs, the Company purchased 29 million of its own shares on the open market in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, mainly for use in connection with its employee share plans, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of \$915 million.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company delivered, out of treasury stock, 36 million shares 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

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 1,951 190 661 (513)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,035 (9) 5,043
Net income 1,906 5,225 652 4,530
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,011 2,129 2,001 2,119
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.97 0.09 0.33 (0.24)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.02) 2.36 0.00 2.38
Net income 0.95 2.45 0.33 2.14

Diluted earnings per share

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 1,951 190 661 (513)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,035 (9) 5,043
Net income 1,906 5,225 652 4,530
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,011 2,129 2,001 2,119
Effect of dilutive securities:
Call options and shares 17 6 18
Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,028 2,135 2,019 2,119
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax 0.96 0.09 0.33 (0.24)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.02) 2.36 0.00 2.38
Net income 0.94 2.45 0.32 2.14

─ 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
Foreign currency (losses) on other Derivative
translation available-for-sale postretirement instruments
(\$ in millions) adjustments securities plan adjustments and hedges Total OCI
Balance at January 1, 2020 (3,450) 10 (2,145) (5) (5,590)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications 84 21 (136) 1 (30)
Amounts reclassified from OCI 538 (12) 487 1,013
Total other comprehensive (loss) income 622 9 351 1 983
Less:
Amounts attributable to
noncontrolling interests 22 22
Balance at September 30, 2020 (2,850) 19 (1,794) (4) (4,629)
Unrealized gains Pension and
Foreign currency (losses) on other Derivative
translation available-for-sale postretirement instruments
(\$ in millions) adjustments securities plan adjustments and hedges Total OCI
Balance at January 1, 2021 (2,460) 17 (1,556) (3) (4,002)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications (361) (10) 64 6 (301)
Amounts reclassified from OCI 50 (9) 41
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (361) (10) 114 (3) (260)
Less:
Amounts attributable to
noncontrolling interests 5 5
Balance at September 30, 2021(1) (2,825) 7 (1,442) (6) (4,266)

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

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

Nine months ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Location of (gains) losses September 30, September 30,
Details about OCI components reclassified from OCI 2021 2020 2021 2020
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Currency translation loss (gain): Income from discontinued
- Divestment of Power Grids business (see Note 3) operations, net of tax 439 439
Currency translation loss:
- Divestment of solar inverters business (see Note 4) Other income (expense), net 99
Amounts reclassified from OCI 538 439
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) (9) (7) (2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) 51 83 17 25
Net gain (loss) from pension settlements and curtailments Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) (1) 487 1 379
Reclassification of OCI relating to pensions on Income from discontinued
divestment of the Power Grids business operations, net of tax 86 86
Total before tax 41 649 16 490
Tax Income tax expense 9 (127) (3) (91)
Reclassification of OCI relating to tax on pensions on Income from discontinued
divestment of the Power Grids business operations, net of tax (35) (35)
Amounts reclassified from OCI 50 487 13 364

(1) Amounts include total credits of \$94 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations.

The amounts in respect of Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and Derivative instruments and hedges were not significant for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

─ Note 17 Restructuring and related expenses

OS program

From December 2018 to December 2020, the Company executed a two-year restructuring program with the objective to simplify the Company's 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.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had incurred substantially all costs related to the OS program.

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 September 30, 2021, 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
Expenses 11 2 13
Cash payments (58) (3) (61)
Change in estimates (8) (8)
Exchange rate differences (5) (5)
Liability at September 30, 2021 61 1 62

The following table outlines the costs incurred in the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, and the cumulative net costs incurred to December 31, 2020:

Net cost incurred Cumulative net
Nine months ended Three months ended cost incurred up to
(\$ in millions) September 30, 2020 September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020
Electrification 33 15 85
Motion 10 5 25
Process Automation (1) 7 1 61
Robotics & Discrete Automation 9 2 18
Corporate and Other 27 6 114
Total 86 29 303

(1) Formerly named the Industrial Automation operating segment.

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

Cumulative costs
Nine months ended Three months ended incurred up to
(\$ in millions) September 30, 2020(1) September 30, 2020(2) December 31, 2020
Employee severance costs 54 18 255
Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 13 9 18
Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 19 2 30
Total 86 29 303

(1) Of which \$23 million was recorded in Total cost of sales and \$53 million in Other Income (expense), net.

(2) Of which \$12 million was recorded in Total cost of sales and \$14 million in Other Income (expense), net.

Other restructuring-related activities

In addition, during 2021 and 2020, the Company executed various other restructuring-related activities and incurred the following charges, net of changes in estimates:

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Employee severance costs 44 37 11 31
Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 15 16 3 4
Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 17 4 15 2
Total 76 57 29 37

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

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Total cost of sales 36 13 12 11
Selling, general and administrative expenses 10 16 5 8
Non-order related research and development expenses 1 1
Other income (expense), net 30 27 12 17
Total 76 57 29 37

At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, \$185 million and \$233 million, respectively, were recorded for other restructuring-related liabilities and were included primarily in Other provisions.

─ 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, Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics & Discrete Automation. The remaining operations of the Company are included in Corporate and Other.

Effective January 1, 2021, the Industrial Automation segment was renamed the Process Automation segment. In addition, the Company changed its method of allocating real estate assets to its operating segments whereby these assets are now accounted for directly in the individual operating segment which utilizes the asset rather than as a cost recharged to the operating segment from Corporate and Other. As a result, while this change had no impact on segment revenues or profits (Operational EBITA), certain real estate assets previously reported within Corporate and Other have been allocated to the total segment assets of each individual operating segment. Total assets at December 31, 2020, has been recast to reflect this allocation change.

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 six operating Divisions: Distribution Solutions, Smart Power, Smart Buildings, E-mobility, Installation Products and Power Conversion.
  • 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.
  • Process Automation: develops and sells a broad range of industry-specific, integrated automation, electrification and digital systems and solutions, as well as lifecycle services, advanced industrial analytics and artificial intelligence applications and suites for the process, marine and hybrid industries. Products and solutions include control technologies, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation, marine propulsion systems and 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, emission monitoring and cybersecurity services. The products, systems and services are delivered through five operating Divisions: Energy Industries, Process Industries, Marine & Ports, Turbocharging, and Measurement & Analytics.
  • 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, the Company's corporate 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.

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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, as well as total assets at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

Nine months ended September 30, 2021
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 3,357 1,483 1,716 1,201 16 7,773
The Americas 3,312 1,832 1,010 331 3 6,488
of which: United States 2,465 1,540 577 236 4,818
Asia, Middle East and Africa 2,905 1,554 1,694 957 7 7,117
of which: China 1,577 861 547 714 3,699
9,574 4,869 4,420 2,489 26 21,378
Product type
Products 8,106 4,202 1,254 1,639 15 15,216
Systems 824 1,101 492 11 2,428
Services and other 644 667 2,065 358 3,734
9,574 4,869 4,420 2,489 26 21,378
Third-party revenues 9,574 4,869 4,420 2,489 26 21,378
Intersegment revenues 168 321 34 9 (532)
Total revenues(2) 9,742 5,190 4,454 2,498 (506) 21,378
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 2,852 1,396 1,705 1,031 14 6,998
The Americas 2,966 1,646 987 289 3 5,891
of which: United States 2,296 1,404 616 203 3 4,522
Asia, Middle East and Africa 2,452 1,285 1,460 733 25 5,955
of which: China 1,270 658 433 498 1 2,860
8,270 4,327 4,152 2,053 42 18,844
Product type
Products 7,075 3,702 864 1,200 49 12,890
Systems 583 1,266 551 (7) 2,393
Services and other 612 625 2,022 302 3,561
8,270 4,327 4,152 2,053 42 18,844
Third-party revenues 8,270 4,327 4,152 2,053 42 18,844
Intersegment revenues(1) 298 377 95 53 (715) 108
Total revenues(2) 8,568 4,704 4,247 2,106 (673) 18,952
Three months ended September 30, 2021
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 1,091 463 574 387 10 2,525
The Americas 1,091 609 352 107 2 2,161
of which: United States 810 511 214 75 1,610
Asia, Middle East and Africa 955 507 569 315 (4) 2,342
of which: China 524 284 171 231 1,210
3,137 1,579 1,495 809 8 7,028
Product type
Products 2,549 1,357 454 581 5 4,946
Systems 374 341 106 3 824
Services and other 214 222 700 122 1,258
3,137 1,579 1,495 809 8 7,028
Third-party revenues 3,137 1,579 1,495 809 8 7,028
Intersegment revenues 59 94 12 4 (169)
Total revenues(2) 3,196 1,673 1,507 813 (161) 7,028
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 1,010 459 579 379 (17) 2,410
The Americas 995 531 298 102 1 1,927
of which: United States 746 449 171 75 2 1,443
Asia, Middle East and Africa 939 488 501 305 12 2,245
of which: China 509 288 165 219 2 1,182
2,944 1,478 1,378 786 (4) 6,582
Product type
Products 2,439 1,258 230 446 8 4,381
Systems 294 466 234 (12) 982
Services and other 211 220 682 106 1,219
2,944 1,478 1,378 786 (4) 6,582
Third-party revenues 2,944 1,478 1,378 786 (4) 6,582
Intersegment revenues(1) 87 133 25 20 (265)
Total revenues(2) 3,031 1,611 1,403 806 (269) 6,582

(1) Intersegment revenues until June 30, 2020, include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and therefore these sales are not eliminated from total revenues.

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

Nine months ended Three months ended
September 30, September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operational EBITA:
Electrification 1,614 1,159 511 493
Motion 905 790 291 281
Process Automation 554 348 207 89
Robotics & Discrete Automation 291 178 90 76
Corporate and Other
‒ Non-core and divested businesses (39) (107) (10) (88)
‒ Stranded corporate costs (40)
‒ Corporate costs and Other Intersegment elimination (191) (254) (27) (64)
Total 3,134 2,074 1,062 787
Acquisition-related amortization (191) (197) (62) (67)
Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1) (81) (190) (28) (83)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (16) (204) (10) (203)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 (11) 14 (11)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 9 (4) 1
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale (33) (14)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs (74) (43) (44) (16)
Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture (34) (15) (15) (15)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange,
commodities, embedded derivatives) (106) 22 (49) 15
Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 5 10 (4) 13
Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and
related assets/liabilities) 33 (16) 5 (5)
Certain other non-operational items:
Costs for divestment of Power Grids (110) (11)
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs (3) (6) (1) (6)
Business transformation costs(2) (59) (19) (20) (7)
Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment 5 8 5
Certain other fair value changes, including asset impairments(3) 118 (240) 4 (298)
Other non-operational items (3) (11) (5) (9)
Income from operations 2,743 1,015 852 71
Interest and dividend income 37 39 11 12
Interest and other finance expense (108) (191) (17) (79)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 130 (272) 42 (343)
Income from continuing operations before taxes 2,802 591 888 (339)

(1) Amount includes implementation costs in relation to the OS program of \$47 million and \$17 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

(2) Amount includes ABB Way process transformation costs of \$52 million and \$19 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.

(3) Amount in 2020 includes goodwill impairment charges of \$311 million.

Total assets(1)
(\$ in millions) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Electrification 12,943 12,800
Motion(2) 6,678 6,495
Process Automation 4,928 5,008
Robotics & Discrete Automation 5,010 4,794
Corporate and Other(3) 10,269 11,991
Consolidated 39,828 41,088

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

(2) At September 30, 2021, Motion includes \$882 million of assets held for sale in relation to the planned sale of its Mechanical Power Transmission Division (see Note 3). (3) At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, Corporate and Other includes \$166 million and \$282 million of assets in the Power Grids business which is reported as discontinued operations (see Note 3), In addition, at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, Corporate and Other includes \$1,620 million and \$1,710 million, respectively, related to the equity investment in Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd (see Note 4).

— 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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2021.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting update for the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. 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 Area

Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Business Area reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification 19% -2% 0% 17% 5% -1% 0% 4%
Motion 24% -2% 0% 22% 4% -2% 0% 2%
Process Automation 43% -3% 0% 40% 7% -2% 0% 5%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 30% -3% -1% 26% 1% -3% -1% -3%
ABB Group 29% -2% -1% 26% 7% -3% 0% 4%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Business Area reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification 22% -4% 0% 18% 14% -5% 1% 10%
Motion 15% -5% 0% 10% 10% -4% 0% 6%
Process Automation 15% -5% 0% 10% 5% -5% 0% 0%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 27% -7% 0% 20% 19% -7% 0% 12%
ABB Group 21% -5% 0% 16% 13% -5% 0% 8%

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation for ABB Group - Quarter

Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 29% -1% -1% 27% 5% -1% -1% 3%
The Americas 33% -1% -1% 31% 12% -1% 0% 11%
of which: United States 31% 0% 0% 31% 12% 0% 0% 12%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 25% -5% 0% 20% 4% -3% 0% 1%
of which: China 16% -7% 0% 9% 2% -6% 0% -4%
ABB Group 29% -2% -1% 26% 7% -3% 0% 4%

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation by Business Area - Quarter

Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 18% -1% 0% 17% 5% 0% 0% 5%
The Americas 29% -1% 0% 28% 9% 0% 0% 9%
of which: United States 29% 0% 0% 29% 8% 0% 0% 8%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 10% -5% 0% 5% 1% -4% 0% -3%
of which: China 11% -6% 0% 5% 3% -7% 0% -4%
Electrification 19% -2% 0% 17% 5% -1% 0% 4%
Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 32% -1% 0% 31% -4% 0% 0% -4%
The Americas 15% -1% 0% 14% 15% -1% 0% 14%
of which: United States 14% -1% 0% 13% 14% 0% 0% 14%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 30% -6% 0% 24% 1% -4% 0% -3%
of which: China 9% -7% 0% 2% -4% -6% 0% -10%
Motion 24% -2% 0% 22% 4% -2% 0% 2%
Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 12% -2% 0% 10% -3% -2% 0% -5%
The Americas 90% -1% 0% 89% 19% -1% 0% 18%
of which: United States 117% 0% 0% 117% 26% -1% 0% 25%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 51% -4% 0% 47% 14% -4% 0% 10%
of which: China 49% -8% 0% 41% 4% -6% 0% -2%
Process Automation 43% -3% 0% 40% 7% -2% 0% 5%
Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Order growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 37% -2% -2% 33% -1% -1% -2% -4%
The Americas 40% -4% 0% 36% 4% -2% 0% 2%
of which: United States 30% 0% 0% 30% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 19% -5% 0% 14% 2% -5% 0% -3%
of which: China 17% -7% 0% 10% 5% -7% 0% -2%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 30% -3% -1% 26% 1% -3% -1% -3%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 23% -6% 0% 17% 11% -6% 0% 5%
The Americas 23% -2% 0% 21% 10% -1% 0% 9%
of which: United States 21% 0% 0% 21% 7% -1% 1% 7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 19% -7% 0% 12% 20% -7% 1% 14%
of which: China 25% -10% 0% 15% 29% -9% 1% 21%
ABB Group 21% -5% 0% 16% 13% -5% 0% 8%

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation by Business Area – Year to date

9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 23% -6% 0% 17% 14% -5% 0% 9%
The Americas 25% -1% 0% 24% 11% -1% 1% 11%
of which: United States 22% 0% 0% 22% 7% 0% 0% 7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 17% -7% 1% 11% 16% -7% 2% 11%
of which: China 26% -9% 0% 17% 23% -9% 0% 14%
Electrification 22% -4% 0% 18% 14% -5% 1% 10%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 14% -6% 0% 8% 2% -5% 0% -3%
The Americas 19% -2% 0% 17% 11% -1% 0% 10%
of which: United States 17% 0% 0% 17% 9% 0% 0% 9%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 13% -7% 0% 6% 19% -7% 0% 12%
of which: China 17% -8% 0% 9% 29% -10% 0% 19%
Motion 15% -5% 0% 10% 10% -4% 0% 6%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 12% -8% 0% 4% -2% -6% 0% -8%
The Americas 17% -2% 0% 15% 2% -2% 0% 0%
of which: United States 21% -1% 0% 20% -6% -1% 0% -7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 18% -6% 0% 12% 15% -6% 0% 9%
of which: China 25% -9% 0% 16% 26% -8% 0% 18%
Process Automation 15% -5% 0% 10% 5% -5% 0% 0%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Region reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Europe 29% -7% -1% 21% 13% -7% 0% 6%
The Americas 32% -2% 0% 30% 14% -2% 0% 12%
of which: United States 29% 0% 0% 29% 16% 0% 0% 16%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 21% -8% 0% 13% 29% -8% 0% 21%
of which: China 20% -9% 0% 11% 43% -11% 0% 32%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 27% -7% 0% 20% 19% -7% 0% 12%

Order backlog growth rate reconciliation

September 30, 2021 compared to September 30, 2020
US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio
Business Area reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification 17% 0% 0% 17%
Motion 11% 0% 0% 11%
Process Automation 17% -1% 0% 16%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 12% -1% 0% 11%
ABB Group 15% 0% 0% 15%

Other growth rate reconciliations

Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020
Service orders growth rate Services revenues growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Business Area reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification 23% -1% 0% 22% 1% -1% 0% 0%
Motion 5% -2% 0% 3% 1% -2% 0% -1%
Process Automation 25% -2% 0% 23% 3% -2% 0% 1%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 19% -1% 0% 18% 16% -1% 0% 15%
ABB Group 20% -2% 0% 18% 3% -1% 0% 2%
9M 2021 compared to 9M 2020
Service orders growth rate Services revenues growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Business Area reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification 12% -4% 0% 8% 5% -3% 0% 2%
Motion 9% -4% 0% 5% 7% -5% 0% 2%
Process Automation 14% -5% 0% 9% 2% -4% 0% -2%
Robotics & Discrete Automation 28% -5% 0% 23% 19% -5% 0% 14%
ABB Group 14% -5% 0% 9% 5% -5% 0% 0%

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-related amortization (as defined below),
  • restructuring, related and implementation costs,
  • changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),
  • changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates),
  • gains and losses from sale of businesses (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 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.

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

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operational EBITA 3,134 2,074 1,062 787
Acquisition-related amortization (191) (197) (62) (67)
Restructuring, related and implementation costs(1) (81) (190) (28) (83)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (16) (204) (10) (203)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 (11) 14 (11)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 9 (4) 1
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale (33) (14)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs (74) (43) (44) (16)
Other income/expense relating to the Power Grids joint venture (34) (15) (15) (15)
Certain other non-operational items(2) 58 (378) (17) (331)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations (68) 16 (48) 23
Income from operations 2,743 1,015 852 71
Interest and dividend income 37 39 11 12
Interest and other finance expense (108) (191) (17) (79)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 130 (272) 42 (343)
Income from continuing operations before taxes 2,802 591 888 (339)
Income tax expense (775) (373) (201) (164)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2,027 218 687 (503)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (45) 5,043 (9) 5,038
Net income 1,982 5,261 678 4,535

(1) Amounts include implementation costs in relation to the OS program of \$47 million and \$17 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. (2) Amounts include goodwill impairment charges of \$311 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020

Three months ended September 30, 2021
Corporate and
Robotics & Other and
Process Discrete Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 3,196 1,673 1,507 813 (161) 7,028
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 15 4 5 (1) 23
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 3 1 5 (1) 8
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (7) (1) (1) (1) 2 (8)
Operational revenues 3,207 1,677 1,516 812 (161) 7,051
Income (loss) from operations 434 244 183 68 (77) 852
Acquisition-related amortization 30 10 1 21 62
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 11 13 2 1 1 28
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 10 10
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (14) (14)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 18 12 13 1 44
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 15 15
Certain other non-operational items 2 1 14 17
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 34 14 5 (4) 49
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 1 (1) 2 2 4
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) (5) (1) (1) 2 (5)
Operational EBITA 511 291 207 90 (37) 1,062
Operational EBITA margin (%) 15.9% 17.4% 13.7% 11.1% n.a. 15.1%

In the three months ended September 30, 2021, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Three months ended September 30, 2021
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 1 1
Certain other fair values changes,
including asset impairments 3 (7) (4)
Business transformation costs(1) 3 17 20
Favorable resolution of an uncertain
purchase price adjustment (5) (5)
Other non-operational items 1 1 3 5
Total 2 1 14 17

(1) Amounts include ABB Way process transformation costs of \$19 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Three months ended September 30, 2020
Corporate and
Robotics & Other and
Process Discrete Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 3,031 1,611 1,403 806 (269) 6,582
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives (1) 6 7 (4) 2 10
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (1) (12) 1 (4) (16)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (6) (2) (1) (2) 4 (7)
Operational revenues 3,023 1,615 1,397 801 (267) 6,569
Income (loss) from operations 387 256 75 (236) (411) 71
Acquisition-related amortization 29 13 1 20 4 67
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 39 9 21 3 11 83
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 15 188 203
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 11 11
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 1 (2) (1)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities
held for sale 14 14
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 13 1 2 16
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 15 15
Certain other non-operational items 2 4 291 34 331
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) (21) (1) 3 (2) 6 (15)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 1 (11) 1 (4) (13)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) 2 (1) (1) 5 5
Operational EBITA 493 281 89 76 (152) 787
Operational EBITA margin (%) 16.3% 17.4% 6.4% 9.5% n.a. 12.0%

In the three months ended September 30, 2020, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Three months ended September 30, 2020
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids 11 11
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 6 6
Certain other fair values changes,
including asset impairments 290 8 298
Business transformation costs 2 3 1 1 7
Other non-operational items 1 8 9
Total 2 4 291 34 331
Nine months ended September 30, 2021
Corporate and
Robotics & Other and
Process Discrete Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 9,742 5,190 4,454 2,498 (506) 21,378
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 37 17 19 5 3 81
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 2 1 (2) (1) (2) (2)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (16) (6) (7) (6) (1) (36)
Operational revenues 9,765 5,202 4,464 2,496 (506) 21,421
Income (loss) from operations 1,423 812 520 224 (236) 2,743
Acquisition-related amortization 88 36 3 62 2 191
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 32 18 15 6 10 81
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 16 16
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (6) (6)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 4 (1) (13) 1 (9)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 36 19 17 1 1 74
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 34 34
Certain other non-operational items (13) 1 3 (49) (58)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 63 26 17 1 (1) 106
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (1) (1) (3) (5)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) (13) (6) (7) (2) (5) (33)
Operational EBITA 1,614 905 554 291 (230) 3,134
Operational EBITA margin (%) 16.5% 17.4% 12.4% 11.7% n.a. 14.6%

In the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Nine months ended September 30, 2021
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 3 3
Certain other fair values changes,
including asset impairments (16) (102) (118)
Business transformation costs(1) 7 52 59
Favorable resolution of an uncertain
purchase price adjustment (5) (5)
Other non-operational items 1 1 3 (2) 3
Total (13) 1 3 (49) (58)

(1) Amounts include ABB Way process transformation costs of \$52 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Corporate and
Robotics & Other and
Process Discrete Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 8,568 4,704 4,247 2,106 (673) 18,952
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 14 3 6 (1) 4 26
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (5) 2 (6) (9)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (12) (6) (8) (4) 9 (21)
Operational revenues 8,570 4,701 4,240 2,103 (666) 18,948
Income (loss) from operations 891 731 316 (186) (737) 1,015
Acquisition-related amortization 86 39 3 58 11 197
Restructuring, related and
implementation costs 83 20 37 14 36 190
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 15 189 204
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 11 11
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 6 (2) 4
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities
held for sale 33 33
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 40 1 2 43
Other income/expense relating to the
Power Grids joint venture 15 15
Certain other non-operational items (5) 13 1 293 76 378
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) (9) (12) (2) (2) 3 (22)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (5) 2 (7) (10)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) 8 (1) (3) (1) 13 16
Operational EBITA 1,159 790 348 178 (401) 2,074
Operational EBITA margin (%) 13.5% 16.8% 8.2% 8.5% n.a. 10.9%

In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Certain other non-operational items in the table above includes the following:

Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Robotics &
Process Discrete Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids 110 110
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 6 6
Certain other fair values changes,
including asset impairments 290 (50) 240
Business transformation costs 3 12 3 1 19
Favorable resolution of an uncertain
purchase price adjustment (8) (8)
Other non-operational items 1 1 9 11
Total (5) 13 1 293 76 378

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

(\$ in millions) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 2,414 1,293
Long-term debt 4,270 4,828
Total debt (gross debt) 6,684 6,121
Cash and equivalents 3,709 3,278
Restricted cash - current 31 323
Marketable securities and short-term investments 746 2,108
Restricted cash - non-current 300 300
Cash and marketable securities 4,786 6,009
Net debt 1,898 112

Net debt/Equity ratio

Definition

Net debt/Equity ratio

Net debt/Equity ratio is defined as Net debt divided by Equity.

Equity Equity is defined as Total stockholders' equity.

Reconciliation
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Total stockholders' equity 14,309 15,999
Net debt (as defined above) 1,898 112

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

Definition

Net debt/EBITDA ratio Net debt/EBITDA ratio 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.

Net debt / Equity ratio 0.13 0.01

Reconciliation

(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020
Income from operations for the three months ended:
September 30, 2021/2020 852 71
June 30, 2021/2020 1,094 571
March 31, 2021/2020 797 373
December 31, 2020/2019 578 648
Depreciation and Amortization for the three months ended:
September 30, 2021/2020 220 231
June 30, 2021/2020 230 228
March 31, 2021/2020 227 227
December 31, 2020/2019 229 246
EBITDA 4,227 2,595
Net debt / (Net Cash) (as defined above) 1,898 (935)
Net debt / (Net Cash) / EBITDA ratio 0.5 -0.4

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

(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020
Net working capital:
Receivables, net 6,728 6,638
Contract assets 1,139 1,100
Inventories, net 4,864 4,642
Prepaid expenses 217 233
Accounts payable, trade (4,642) (4,323)
Contract liabilities (1,940) (1,828)
Other current liabilities(1) (3,514) (3,226)
Net working capital in assets and liabilities held for sale 68
Net working capital 2,920 3,236
Total revenues for the three months ended:
September 30, 2021 / 2020 7,028 6,582
June 30, 2021 / 2020 7,449 6,154
March 31, 2021 / 2020 6,901 6,216
December 31, 2020 / 2019 7,182 7,068
Adjustment to annualize/eliminate revenues of certain acquisitions/divestments 40 (169)
Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months 28,600 25,851
Net working capital as a percentage of revenues (%) 10.2% 12.5%

(1) Amounts exclude \$719 million and \$1,026 million at September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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.

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 for the trailing twelve months

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

Net income for the trailing twelve months

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

Free cash flow conversion to net income

Twelve months to
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations 3,530 1,875
Adjusted for the effects of continuing operations:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (721) (694)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 82 114
Free cash flow from continuing operations 2,891 1,295
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations (38) (182)
Adjusted for the effects of discontinued operations:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (15) (108)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1
Free cash flow 2,838 1,006
Adjusted net income attributable to ABB(1) 2,200 478
Free cash flow conversion to net income 129% 210%

(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.

Reconciliation of the trailing twelve months to September 30, 2021

Continuing operations Discontinued operations
(\$ in millions) Net cash
provided by
continuing
operating
activities
Purchases of
property, plant
and equipment
and intangible
assets
Proceeds
from sale of
property, plant
and equipment
Net cash
provided by
(used in)
discontinued
operating
activities
Purchases of
property, plant
and equipment
and intangible
assets
Proceeds
from sale of
property, plant
and equipment
Adjusted net
income
attributable
to ABB(1)
Q4 2020 1,225 (262) 46 (43) (15) 262
Q1 2021 523 (142) 20 20 526
Q2 2021 663 (151) 3 755
Q3 2021 1,119 (166) 13 (15) 657
Total for the trailing
twelve months to
September 30, 2021 3,530 (721) 82 (38) (15) 2,200

(1) Adjusted net income attributable to ABB for Q4 2020 is adjusted to exclude the loss from extinguishment of debt of \$162 million and a reduction to the gain on the sale of Power Grids of \$179 million. Also in Q1, Q2 and Q3 2021, Adjusted net income attributable to ABB is adjusted to exclude further reductions to the gain on the sale of Power Grids, of \$24 million, \$3 million and \$5 million, respectively.

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

Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30,
(\$ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020
Interest and dividend income 37 39 11 12
Interest and other finance expense (108) (191) (17) (79)
Net finance expenses (71) (152) (6) (67)

Book-to-bill ratio

Definition

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

Reconciliation

Nine months ended September 30,
2021 2020
(\$ in millions, except Book-to-bill presented as a ratio) Orders Revenues Book-to-bill Orders Revenues Book-to-bill
Electrification 10,743 9,742 1.10 8,810 8,568 1.03
Motion 5,773 5,190 1.11 5,022 4,704 1.07
Process Automation 4,881 4,454 1.10 4,226 4,247 1.00
Robotics & Discrete Automation 2,744 2,498 1.10 2,169 2,106 1.03
Corporate and Other (incl. intersegment eliminations) (530) (506) n.a. (718) (673) n.a.
ABB Group 23,611 21,378 1.10 19,509 18,952 1.03
Three months ended September 30,
2021 2020
(\$ in millions, except Book-to-bill presented as a ratio) Orders Revenues Book-to-bill Orders Revenues Book-to-bill
Electrification 3,519 3,196 1.10 2,952 3,031 0.97
Motion 1,909 1,673 1.14 1,535 1,611 0.95
Process Automation 1,670 1,507 1.11 1,164 1,403 0.83
Robotics & Discrete Automation 935 813 1.15 720 806 0.89
Corporate and Other (incl. intersegment eliminations) (167) (161) n.a. (262) (269) n.a.
ABB Group 7,866 7,028 1.12 6,109 6,582 0.93

Corporate Communications P.O. Box 8131 8050 Zurich Switzerland Tel: +41 (0)43 317 71 11

www.abb.com

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