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ABB Ltd Earnings Release 2018

Feb 28, 2019

803_10-k_2019-02-28_046e34e0-1f20-4dc4-9343-20ccc15c63db.pdf

Earnings Release

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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Solid growth

FULL YEAR 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

  • – Total orders +8%1 , up in all divisions and regions
  • Revenues +4%, strong growth in Robotics and Motion
  • – Order backlog +6% at end of year, book-to-bill ratio2 at 1.03x
  • ABB Ability™ drives growth across all divisions
  • Operational EBITA margin 10.9%2 , impacted by a combined 250 basis points due to stranded costs, charges for legacy non-core projects and GEIS dilution
  • Reported net income at \$2,173 million, -2%
  • Cash flow from operating activities at approx. \$3 billion
  • New ABB announced
  • Focus of portfolio on digital industries through divestment of Power Grids
  • Simplification of business model and structure
  • Shape four leading businesses aligned with customer patterns
  • Acquisition of GEIS completed on June 30, 2018
  • CHF 0.80 per share dividend proposed

FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Total orders +7%, higher in all divisions and regions
  • Revenues +5%
  • Operational EBITA margin 7.9%, impacted by a combined 400 basis points due to stranded costs, legacy non-core charges and GEIS dilution
  • Solid cash flow from operating activities at approx. \$1.9 billion
  • Sylvia Hill to succeed Jean-Christophe Deslarzes as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2019

KEY FIGURES CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q4
2018
Q4 2017
Recast
US\$ Compa
rable1
FY
2018
FY 2017
Recast
US\$ Compa
rable1
Orders 6,985 6,328 +10% +7% 28,590 25,034 +14% +8%
Revenues 7,395 6,804 +9% +5% 27,662 25,196 +10% +4%
Income from operations 275 324 -15% 2,226 2,230 0%
Operational EBITA2 584 664 -12% -10%3 3,005 2,817 +7% +5%3
as % of operational revenues 7.9% 9.7% -1.8pts 10.9% 11.2% -0.3pts
Income from continuing operations,
net of tax
210 214 -2% 1,575 1,519 4%
Net income attributable to ABB 317 393 -19% 2,173 2,213 -2%
Basic EPS (\$) 0.15 0.18 -19%4 1.02 1.04 -2%4
Operational EPS (\$)2 0.30 0.33 -9%4 -6%4 1.33 1.25 +7%4 +8%4
Cash flow from operating activities 1,867 1,869 0% 2,924 3,799 -23%

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced an agreed sale of its Power Grids division. Consequently, the results of the Power Grids business are

presented as discontinued operations. The company's results for all periods have been adjusted accordingly.

3 Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes). 4 EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts. Comparable operational earnings per share is in constant currency (2014 exchange rates not adjusted for changes in the business portfolio).

1 Growth rates for orders, third-party base orders and revenues are on a comparable basis (local currency adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures). US\$ growth rates are presented in Key Figures table. 2 For non-GAAP measures, see the "Supplemental Financial Information" attachment to the press release.

"In 2018, we brought the company back to growth and delivered solid order and revenue growth. We drove topline momentum with our leading Robotics and Motion offering and played a strong role in the ongoing recovery of process industries with our industrial automation business and ABB Ability™ digital solutions. We will continue to drive the operational improvements in Electrification Products and our company overall", said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.

"At the end of 2018, we set the course for a new ABB as a pioneering technology leader in digital industries. We announced three transformational actions to focus our portfolio, simplify and fundamentally reset our business model as well as strengthen the leading business positions of our company. Our confidence in ABB's future is reflected in the proposed 10th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 0.80."

Short-term outlook

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

Full-year 2018 Group results

ABB delivered strong order and revenue performance in 2018. The group's digital solutions offering, ABB Ability™, continued to build its leading market position. Total orders were 8 percent higher (14 percent in US dollars) with strong positive contributions from Robotics and Motion and Industrial Automation as well as solid performance from Electrification Products. Total orders exhibited similar growth trends across all regions. Base orders (classified as orders below \$15 million) improved 6 percent (14 percent in US dollars) in 2018, rising in all divisions and regions. Large orders increased 45 percent (20 percent in US dollars), albeit off a low comparative base, and represented 7 percent of total orders, compared to 6 percent in the prior year. Service orders were 7 percent higher (12 percent in US dollars) and now stand at 19 percent of total orders.

Revenues improved 4 percent (10 percent in US dollars) to \$27,662 million. Revenues grew across all divisions, with strong performance from Robotics and Motion and robust contributions from Electrification Products and Industrial Automation. Service revenues were up 7 percent (11 percent in US dollars) to 19 percent of group revenues. The book-to-bill ratio stood at 1.03x in 2018 compared with 0.99x in the previous year.

ABB continued to shift its center of gravity, de-risking the portfolio and improving organic growth prospects. The exit from EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) activities progressed as ABB transferred its turnkey AC Substation business to Linxon, a new joint-venture with SNC Lavalin. ABB continues to unwind the remaining legacy EPC contracts, which impacted results reported through the period for the non-core business unit in Corporate and other. ABB strengthened the competitiveness of its Electrification Products division through the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions ("GEIS") on June 30, 2018. Integration efforts are well underway. GEIS' performance in the second half of 2018 has been in line with managements expectations.

SOLID GROWTH 2/8 ABB announced fundamental actions to focus, simplify and lead in digital industries on December 17, 2018. The group's actions included the divestment of the Power Grids business. As a consequence of the announced sale, the results of the Power Grids business are now presented as discontinued operations and the group has reflected stranded costs in its operational EBITA result for both the 2017 and 2018 periods, in line with the guidance provided as part of the announcement on December 17, 2018. Stranded costs are services provided by the group to Power Grids that do not qualify to be reported as discontinued operations. These services include real estate, IT, and other shared corporate services. The company expects the vast majority of these costs to either be transferred to Power Grids or eliminated by the closing of the transaction, which is anticipated in the first half of 2020.

The company's operational EBITA in 2018 reached \$3,005 million, an increase of 7 percent in US dollars (5 percent in local currencies), including stranded costs of \$297 million. The operational EBITA margin was 10.9%, including 110 basis points related to stranded costs as well as an 100 basis point charge related to legacy non-core business activities, and 40 basis points dilution from GEIS.

Net income attributable to ABB of \$2,173 million was 2 percent lower compared to 2017. Basic EPS was 2 percent lower at \$1.02. Operational EPS2 was \$1.33, up 8 percent in constant currency2 .

Cash flow from operating activities5 of \$2,924 million for the full year was 23 percent lower year on year. This is mainly due to lower cash from discontinued operations as well as less favorable timing of tax payments. Net working capital of \$2,584 million stood at 9 percent of revenues at the end of 2018, compared to 10 percent at the end of the prior year period. Capital expenditures for the group were \$772 million during the year, at the same level as in 2017. Adjusted free cash flow2 of \$2,024 million was 31 percent below the prior year.

Dividend

ABB's board has proposed an ordinary dividend of 0.80 Swiss francs per share for 2018, subject to shareholder approval at the company's annual general meeting on May 2, 2019. The proposal is in line with ABB's dividend policy to pay a rising, sustainable dividend over time. The ex-dividend and payout dates in Switzerland are expected to be in May 2019. Further information will be available on ABB's website.

Q4 2018 Group results

Orders

Total orders rose 7 percent (10 percent in US dollars), up in all divisions and regions compared to a year ago. Base orders increased 5 percent (11 percent in US dollars), higher in all divisions during the quarter. Large orders represented 5 percent of total orders, steady compared to the prior year period. The order backlog rose 6 percent (5 percent in US dollars) compared to a year ago, improving in all divisions, to end the year at \$13.1 billion.

Service orders were up 5 percent (7 percent in US dollars). Service orders represent 20 percent of total orders, compared to 21 percent in the prior year period.

Changes in the business portfolio, including the acquisition of GEIS resulted in a net positive impact of 8 percent on total reported orders. Foreign exchange translation effects had a 5 percent negative impact on reported orders.

Market overview

ABB saw positive order trends across its three regions in the quarter:

  • Total orders from Europe rose 4 percent (5 percent in US dollars), with positive contributions from Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and France outpacing lower contributions from Germany, Norway and Spain. Base orders rose 2 percent (2 percent in US dollars).
  • Total orders from the Americas increased 11 percent (32 percent in US dollars). Orders from the United States rose 8 percent (38 percent in US dollars) and also improved in Mexico and Brazil. Base orders from the Americas increased 13 percent (37 percent in US dollars).
  • In Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), total orders grew 7 percent (steady in US dollars), supported by growth in China, India and Japan. In China, demand was softer in select end-markets, but remained positive, with total orders rising 6 percent (6 percent in US dollars). Base orders for AMEA were steady (1 percent lower in US dollars).

5 Cash flow from operating activities is presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cashflows and includes both cash flows from continuing and discontinued operations.

Demand was supportive across the majority of ABB's key customer segments:

  • ABB saw healthy demand from process industries, including oil and gas, mining, and pulp and paper, with customers continuing to invest in automation and digital solutions.
  • Demand across discrete industries remained solid, including continued growth from the food & beverage sector. Demand was strong in the automotive market, with customers seeking robotics solutions for both ICE and EV assembly lines, more than offsetting softer investments from customers in the consumer electronics sector.
  • Transport and infrastructure demand was healthy. Demand from construction and buildings related customers was robust. Data center growth continued with customer demand focused on combined automation and distribution solutions. ABB saw further activity in cruise ships and from rail customers.

Revenues

Revenues improved 5 percent to \$7,395 million (9 percent in US dollars), with strong growth in Robotics and Motion, robust performance from Electrification Products and a steady result from Industrial Automation. Service revenues were up 4 percent (8 percent in US dollars), enhanced by ABB's leading digital portfolio, ABB Ability™ solutions. Services represented 20 percent of total revenues, steady versus the prior year period.

Business portfolio changes, including the acquisition of GEIS, contributed a net positive of 8 percent to reported revenues. Changes in exchange rates resulted in a negative translation impact on reported revenues of 4 percent.

The book-to-bill ratio stood at 0.94x in the quarter compared with 0.93x in the previous year's period.

Operational EBITA

Operational EBITA of \$584 million in the fourth quarter was 12 percent lower in US dollars (10 percent in local currencies) compared to the prior year period. The operational EBITA margin of 7.9 percent, included \$72 million, or a 100-basis point impact from stranded costs. As well, operational EBITA reflects 260 basis points impact from charges for legacy non-core activities, mainly related to substations, and a 40 basis points impact due to the acquisition of GEIS.

Net income, basic and operational earnings per share

Net income was \$317 million, 19 percent lower year on year. Basic earnings per share of \$0.15 also moved the same amount in percentage terms. Operational earnings per share of \$0.30 was 9 percent lower, and 6 percent in constant currency4.

Cash flow from operating activities

The group delivered solid cash flow from operating activities of \$1,867 million, steady compared to the similarly strong cash flow delivered in the prior year period. Continued focus on working capital had a positive impact compared to the same period last year, offset by less favorable timing of tax payments and a lower contribution from discontinued operations.

Q4 divisional performance

CHANGE 3rd party CHANGE CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless
otherwise indicated)
Orders US\$ Compa
rable1
base
orders
US\$ Compa
rable1
Revenues US\$ Compa
rable1
Op
EBITA %
CHANGE
Electrification
Products
3,139 +23% +2% 3,032 +27% +3% 3,320 +23% +3% 11.7% -3.0pts
Industrial
Automation
1,866 +4% +8% 1,639 +0% +4% 1,938 -4% +0% 12.9% -2.0pts
Robotics and
Motion
2,175 +7% +11% 1,872 +2% +6% 2,341 +7% +11% 15.0% +1.2pts
Corporate & Other (195) 11 (204)
ABB Group 6,985 +10% +7% 6,554 +11% +5% 7,395 +9% +5% 7.9% -1.8pts

Effective January 1, 2018, management responsibility and oversight of certain remaining engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business, previously included in the Industrial Automation and Robotics and Motion operating segments and the former Power Grids business, were transferred to a new non-core operating business within Corporate and Other. The Power Grids division was moved from continuing to discontinued operations. All previously reported amounts have been adjusted consistent with these portfolio changes.

Electrification Products

Total orders rose 2 percent (23 percent in US dollars) and third-party base orders increased 3 percent (27 percent in US dollars). Good demand for products was dampened by a lower order volume for systems. Revenues improved 3 percent (23 percent in US dollars), driven by growth in our short-cycle businesses. Operational EBITA margin was 300 basis points lower year-on-year at 11.7 percent. The integration of GEIS diluted margins by 210 basis points, in line with expectations. Excluding GEIS, operating margins were impacted by negative contractual charges amounting to approximately 90 basis points, which outweighed positive mix, cost savings and pricing actions during the quarter.

Industrial Automation

Compared to the prior year period, total orders improved 8 percent (4 percent in US dollars), boosted by selective large order activity, while third-party base orders were up by 4 percent (steady in US dollars). Order activity for cruise ships and in process industries including mining and pulp and paper was strong during the quarter. Revenues were steady (4 percent lower in US dollars). The operational EBITA margin of 12.9 percent reflects change in the business mix as well as a one-time charge due to payment default by a customer that impacted the divisional margin by approximately 80 basis points.

Robotics and Motion

The division saw continued order momentum with total orders up 11 percent (7 percent in US dollars) and third-party base orders up 6 percent (2 percent in US dollars). Order growth was achieved across all regions, supported by large orders from automotive and rail customers and continued demand from process industries. Revenues increased 11 percent (7 percent in US dollars). Operational EBITA margin at 15.0 percent expanded 120 basis points year-on-year, driven by positive volumes and continued cost management.

2018 Highlights

During 2018, ABB recorded strong order momentum across all divisions and regions. The company's pioneering technology leadership in digital industries advanced, with ABB Ability™ recognized by industry analysts as #1 globally in Distributed Control Systems and Enterprise Asset Management software. ABB Ability™ was launched in 2017 and offers more than 220 digital solutions, which enable enterprises to increase productivity and safety at lower costs. For example, ABB and Helsinki City Transport held at the end of 2018 a groundbreaking trial of a remotely operated passenger ferry, which was retrofitted with ABB's new dynamic positioning system, ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, and steered from a control center in Helsinki.

ABB continues to invest in its future. During 2018, the group announced a €100 million investment to build a cutting-edge R&D campus in Austria, and a \$150 million investment to build a state-of-the-art flexible robotics manufacturing site, also including an Artificial Intelligence center of excellence, in Shanghai, China.

The acquisition of GEIS completed on June 30, 2018, strengthened the competitiveness of Electrification Products, particularly in the attractive North American market. ABB targets \$200 million per annum synergies from GEIS by 2022.

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced the agreed sale of its Power Grids business, expanding its existing partnership with Hitachi. Alongside, ABB announced its intention to simplify the business structure and to shape four new leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics and Discrete Automation. ABB expects a total of \$500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group over the medium-term. Approximately \$500 million of related non-operational restructuring and implementation charges are expected to be taken through 2020. ABB is targeting a medium-term group operational EBITA margin target of 13-16 percent. New margin targets for the four businesses are available today at ABB̕s strategy update (further details can be found under www.abb.com).

Management changes

ABB announced today the appointment of Sylvia Hill (59) as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2019. She succeeds Jean-Christophe Deslarzes (55), who has decided to step down to pursue a non-executive career. Sylvia Hill joined ABB's Human Resources (HR) team in 1993 and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the HR function, including Head of HR for the Robotics and Motion division, country HR manager for France and the Czech Republic, and Head of HR of the Mediterranean Region. Currently, she is Group Function Head of Global HR Services and HR Transformation.

"Sylvia brings a wealth of experience in HR, change management and talent management to the role," said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. "I am delighted to welcome Sylvia to the Executive Committee. I would like to thank JC Deslarzes for his outstanding contribution as Chief Human Resources Officer over the past five years. Under his leadership, ABB has developed a world-class talent management and people development strategy for the digital era, and significantly improved its attractiveness to young talent."

Deslarzes will continue to support ABB's transformation until beginning of 2020 and report directly to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. He will remain non-executive Chairman of ABB India.

In December 2018, ABB announced the appointment of Morten Wierod, currently Managing Director Business Unit Drives, as business leader for the newly created Motion business. He will become a member of the Executive Committee effective April 1, 2019.

Short- and long-term outlook

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

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

More information

The Q4 2018 results press release and financial information documents are available on the ABB News Center at www.abb.com/news and on the Investor Relations homepage at www.abb.com/investorrelations.

ABB will host a press conference today starting at 9:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET) (8:00 a.m. BST, 3:00 a.m. EST). The event will be accessible by webcast on https://new.abb.com/media/media-event---strategy-update-2019.

ABB will host an analyst and investor conference today starting at 12:00 p.m. CET (11:00 a.m. GMT, 6:00 a.m. EST). The event will be webcast for approximately 90 minutes, covering Q4 and FY18 results and the group's Strategy update presentation. The webcast and related materials will be accessible from 11:00 a.m. CET at: go.abb/strategy-update-2019

A recorded session will be available as a webcast following the end of the conference call.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com

INVESTOR CALENDAR 2019

May 2, 2019 Annual General Meeting
May 2, 2019 First quarter 2019 results
July 25, 2019 Second quarter 2019 results
October 23, 2019 Third quarter 2019 results

Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements as well as other statements concerning the outlook for our business, including those in the sections of this release titled "Short-term outlook", "Full-year 2018 Group Results", "2018 Highlights" and "Short- and longterm outlook". These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may affect our future performance, including global economic conditions, the economic conditions of the regions and industries that are major markets for ABB Ltd. These expectations, estimates and projections are generally identifiable by statements containing words such as "expects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "intends", "aims" or similar expressions. However, there are many risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information and statements made in this press release and which could affect our ability to achieve any or all of our stated targets. The important factors that could cause such differences include, among others, business risks associated with the volatile global economic environment and political conditions, costs associated with compliance activities, market acceptance of new products and services, changes in governmental regulations and currency exchange rates and such other factors as may be discussed from time to time in ABB Ltd's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on Form 20-F. Although ABB Ltd believes that its expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statement are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will be achieved.

Zurich, February 28, 2019

Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO

For more information, please contact:

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

February 28, 2019

Q4 2018 Financial information

— Financial Information Contents


03
07
Key
Figures

08
40
Consolidated
Financial
Information
(unaudited)
41

53
Supplemental
Reconciliations
and
Definitions

Key Figures

CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q4 2018 Q4 2017 US\$ Comparable(1)
Orders 6,985 6,328 10% 7%
Order backlog (end December) 13,084 12,491 5% 6%
Revenues 7,395 6,804 9% 5%
Income from operations 275 324 -15%
Operational EBITA(1) 584 664 -12% -10%(2)
as % of operational revenues(1) 7.9% 9.7% -1.8 pts
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 210 214 -2%
Net income attributable to ABB 317 393 -19%
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (\$) 0.10 0.10 0%(3)
Basic earnings per share (\$) 0.15 0.18 -19%(3)
Operational earnings per share(1) (\$) 0.30 0.33 -9%(3) -6%(3)
Cash flow from operating activities 1,867 1,869 0%
CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
as % of operational revenues(1)
FY 2018 FY 2017 US\$ Comparable(1)
Orders 28,590 25,034 14% 8%
Revenues 27,662 25,196 10% 4%
Income from operations 2,226 2,230 0%
Operational EBITA(1) 3,005 2,817 7% 5%(2)
10.9% 11.2% -0.3 pts
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,575 1,519 4%
Net income attributable to ABB 2,173 2,213 -2%
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (\$) 0.71 0.67 5%(3)
Basic earnings per share (\$) 1.02 1.04 -2%(3)
Operational earnings per share(1) (\$) 1.33 1.25 7%(3) 8%(3)
Cash flow from operating activities 2,924 3,799 -23%

(1) For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures see "Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions" on page 41.

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

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

CHANGE
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Q4 2018 Q4 2017 US\$ Local Comparable
Orders ABB Group 6,985 6,328 10% 15% 7%
Electrification Products 3,139 2,556 23% 27% 2%
Industrial Automation 1,866 1,795 4% 8% 8%
Robotics and Motion 2,175 2,039 7% 11% 11%
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations) (195) (62)
Third-party base orders ABB Group 6,554 5,904 11% 16% 5%
Electrification Products 3,032 2,394 27% 31% 3%
Industrial Automation 1,639 1,642 0% 4% 4%
Robotics and Motion 1,872 1,837 2% 6% 6%
Corporate and Other 11 31
Order backlog (end December) ABB Group 13,084 12,491 5% 10% 6%
Electrification Products 4,113 3,098 33% 39% 7%
Industrial Automation 5,148 5,301 -3% 2% 2%
Robotics and Motion 4,016 3,823 5% 10% 10%
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations) (193) 269
Revenues ABB Group 7,395 6,804 9% 13% 5%
Electrification Products 3,320 2,696 23% 28% 3%
Industrial Automation 1,938 2,011 -4% 0% 0%
Robotics and Motion 2,341 2,197 7% 11% 11%
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations) (204) (100)
Income from operations ABB Group 275 324
Electrification Products 221 318
Industrial Automation 204 214
Robotics and Motion 326 247
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations) (476) (455)
Income from operations % ABB Group 3.7% 4.8%
Electrification Products 6.7% 11.8%
Industrial Automation 10.5% 10.6%
Robotics and Motion 13.9% 11.2%
Operational EBITA ABB Group 584 664 -12% -10%
Electrification Products 388 398 -3% 2%
Industrial Automation 251 299 -16% -14%
Robotics and Motion 349 303 15% 20%
Corporate and Other
Non-core and divested businesses (194) (138)
Stranded corporate costs (72) (73)
Corporate and inter-division elim. (138) (125)
Operational EBITA % ABB Group 7.9% 9.7%
Electrification Products 11.7% 14.7%
Industrial Automation 12.9% 14.9%
Robotics and Motion 15.0% 13.8%
Cash flow from operating activities ABB Group 1,867 1,869
Electrification Products 636 590
Industrial Automation 372 356
Robotics and Motion 476 388
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
(78) (9)
461 544
Discontinued operations
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2018
FY 2017
US\$
Local
Comparable
Orders
ABB Group
28,590
25,034
14%
14%
8%
Electrification Products
11,867
10,143
17%
16%
4%
Industrial Automation
7,631
6,553
16%
15%
8%
Robotics and Motion
9,570
8,465
13%
12%
12%
Corporate and Other
(478)
(127)
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
Third-party base orders
ABB Group
26,448
23,189
14%
13%
6%
Electrification Products
11,240
9,559
18%
17%
4%
Industrial Automation
6,592
5,840
13%
12%
4%
Robotics and Motion
8,560
7,651
12%
11%
11%
56
139
Corporate and Other
Order backlog (end December)
ABB Group
13,084
12,491
5%
10%
6%
Electrification Products
4,113
3,098
33%
39%
7%
Industrial Automation
5,148
5,301
-3%
2%
2%
Robotics and Motion
4,016
3,823
5%
10%
10%
Corporate and Other
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
(193)
269
Revenues
ABB Group
27,662
25,196
10%
9%
4%
Electrification Products
11,686
10,094
16%
16%
3%
Industrial Automation
7,394
6,879
7%
7%
1%
Robotics and Motion
9,147
8,396
9%
8%
8%
Corporate and Other
(565)
(173)
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
Income from operations
ABB Group
2,226
2,230
Electrification Products
1,290
1,352
Industrial Automation
887
798
Robotics and Motion
1,346
1,126
Corporate and Other
(1,297)
(1,046)
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
Income from operations %
ABB Group
8.0%
8.9%
Electrification Products
11.0%
13.4%
Industrial Automation
12.0%
11.6%
Robotics and Motion
14.7%
13.4%
Operational EBITA
ABB Group
3,005
2,817
7%
5%
Electrification Products
1,626
1,510
8%
6%
Industrial Automation
1,019
953
7%
7%
Robotics and Motion
1,447
1,260
15%
14%
Corporate and Other
(291)
(163)
Non-core and divested businesses
(297)
(286)
Stranded corporate costs
(499)
(457)
Corporate and inter-division elim.
Operational EBITA %
ABB Group
10.9%
11.2%
Electrification Products
13.9%
15.0%
Industrial Automation
13.8%
13.9%
Robotics and Motion
15.8%
15.0%
Cash flow from operating activities
ABB Group
2,924
3,799
Electrification Products
1,389
1,358
Industrial Automation
833
865
Robotics and Motion
1,200
1,119
Corporate and Other
(1,070)
(754)
(incl. inter-division eliminations)
CHANGE
Discontinued operations 572 1,211

Operational EBITA

Electrification Industrial Robotics
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) ABB Products Automation and Motion
Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17
Revenues 7,395 6,804 3,320 2,696 1,938 2,011 2,341 2,197
FX/commodity timing
differences in total revenues (7) 47 4 16 7 (2) (17) 6
Operational revenues 7,388 6,851 3,324 2,712 1,945 2,009 2,324 2,203
Income from operations 275 324 221 318 204 214 326 247
Acquisition-related amortization 75 65 35 22 20 22 15 16
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses(1) 129 108 76 17 31 36 8 35
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 14
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 8 17 8 (11)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 4 78 4
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 56 41 40 12 1 27 1 2
Certain other non-operational items 25 28 8 2 4
FX/commodity timing
differences in income from operations 12 (1) 13 4 (9) 3
Operational EBITA 584 664 388 398 251 299 349 303
Operational EBITA margin (%) 7.9% 9.7% 11.7% 14.7% 12.9% 14.9% 15.0% 13.8%
Electrification Industrial Robotics
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) ABB Products Automation and Motion
FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17
Revenues 27,662 25,196 11,686 10,094 7,394 6,879 9,147 8,396
FX/commodity timing
differences in total revenues (2) (15) 18 (11) (32) (10) 3
Operational revenues 27,660 25,181 11,704 10,083 7,394 6,847 9,137 8,399
Income from operations 2,226 2,230 1,290 1,352 887 798 1,346 1,126
Acquisition-related amortization 273 229 106 98 86 47 63 66
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses(1) 172 300 98 28 35 85 21 64
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 106 94
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 8 8 19 8 (11)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (57) (252) (81) 3 (2) 4
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 204 81 168 23 4 52 2 2
Certain other non-operational items 40 161 (2) 21 3 1 11
FX/commodity timing
differences in income from operations 33 (34) 28 (20) 12 (28) 2
Operational EBITA 3,005 2,817 1,626 1,510 1,019 953 1,447 1,260
Operational EBITA margin (%) 10.9% 11.2% 13.9% 15.0% 13.8% 13.9% 15.8% 15.0%

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

Depreciation and Amortization

Electrification Industrial Robotics
(\$ in millions) ABB
Products
Automation
and Motion
Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17 Q4 18 Q4 17
Depreciation 149 145 64 53 17 18 34 36
Amortization 95 80 41 25 22 24 17 18
including total acquisition-related amortization of: 75 65 35 22 20 22 15 16
Electrification Industrial Robotics
(\$ in millions) ABB Products Automation and Motion
FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17 FY 18 FY 17
Depreciation 578 549 229 205 69 59 139 139
Amortization 338 287 126 110 91 53 69 77
including total acquisition-related amortization of: 273 229 106 98 86 47 63 66

Orders received and revenues by region

(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Orders received CHANGE Revenues CHANGE
Com- Com
Q4 18 Q4 17 US\$ Local parable Q4 18 Q4 17 US\$ Local parable
Europe 2,423 2,318 5% 9% 4% 2,650 2,512 5% 10% 7%
The Americas 2,358 1,793 32% 35% 12% 2,244 1,758 28% 31% 6%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 2,146 2,137 0% 5% 7% 2,439 2,453 -1% 3% 3%
Intersegment orders/revenues(1) 58 80 62 81
ABB Group 6,985 6,328 10% 15% 7% 7,395 6,804 9% 13% 5%
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Orders received CHANGE Revenues CHANGE
Com- Com
FY 18 FY 17 US\$ Local parable FY 18 FY 17 US\$ Local parable
Europe 10,617 9,090 17% 14% 10% 10,013 9,032 11% 9% 4%
The Americas 8,205 6,964 18% 19% 7% 8,003 6,831 17% 19% 7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 9,523 8,716 9% 8% 6% 9,403 9,070 4% 4% 4%
Intersegment orders/revenues(1) 245 264 243 263
ABB Group 28,590 25,034 14% 14% 8% 27,662 25,196 10% 9% 4%

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

Consolidated Financial Information

ABB Ltd Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Sales of products 22,366 20,438 5,888 5,411
Sales of services and other 5,296 4,758 1,507 1,393
Total revenues 27,662 25,196 7,395 6,804
Cost of sales of products (15,961) (14,485) (4,388) (3,938)
Cost of services and other (3,157) (2,865) (920) (864)
Total cost of sales (19,118) (17,350) (5,308) (4,802)
Gross profit 8,544 7,846 2,087 2,002
Selling, general and administrative expenses (5,295) (4,765) (1,459) (1,303)
Non-order related research and development expenses (1,147) (1,013) (331) (297)
Other income (expense), net 124 162 (22) (78)
Income from operations 2,226 2,230 275 324
Interest and dividend income 72 73 11 20
Interest and other finance expense (262) (234) (66) (45)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 83 33 6 4
Income from continuing operations before taxes 2,119 2,102 226 303
Provision for taxes (544) (583) (16) (89)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,575 1,519 210 214
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 723 846 135 209
Net income 2,298 2,365 345 423
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (125) (152) (28) (30)
Net income attributable to ABB 2,173 2,213 317 393
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,514 1,441 204 204
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 659 772 113 189
Net income 2,173 2,213 317 393
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.71 0.67 0.10 0.10
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.31 0.36 0.05 0.09
Net income 1.02 1.04 0.15 0.18
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.71 0.67 0.10 0.09
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.31 0.36 0.05 0.09
Net income 1.02 1.03 0.15 0.18
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders 2,132 2,138 2,132 2,136
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders 2,139 2,148 2,134 2,150

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

ABB Ltd Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1,326 3,232 (132) 505
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax (110) (177) (36) (38)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to ABB shareholders, net of tax 1,216 3,055 (168) 467
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

ABB Ltd Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(\$ in millions, except share data) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and equivalents 3,445 4,526
Marketable securities and short-term investments 712 1,083
Receivables, net 6,386 5,861
Contract assets 1,082 1,141
Inventories, net 4,284 3,737
Prepaid expenses 176 159
Other current assets 616 585
Current assets held for sale 5,164 5,043
Total current assets 21,865 22,135
Property, plant and equipment, net 4,133 3,804
Goodwill 10,764 9,536
Other intangible assets, net 2,607 2,425
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits 83 143
Investments in equity-accounted companies 87 72
Deferred taxes 1,006 1,212
Other non-current assets 469 571
Non-current assets held for sale 3,427 3,560
Total assets 44,441 43,458
Accounts payable, trade 4,424 3,736
Contract liabilities 1,707 1,792
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 2,031 726
Provisions for warranties 948 909
Other provisions 1,372 1,277
Other current liabilities 3,780 3,509
Current liabilities held for sale 4,185 4,520
Total current liabilities 18,447 16,469
Long-term debt 6,587 6,682
Pension and other employee benefits 1,828 1,589
Deferred taxes 927 1,050
Other non-current liabilities 1,689 1,849
Non-current liabilities held for sale 429 470
Total liabilities 29,907 28,109
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value
(2,168,148,264 issued shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017) 188 188
Additional paid-in capital 56 29
Retained earnings 19,839 19,594
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,311) (4,345)
Treasury stock, at cost
(36,185,858 and 29,541,775 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively) (820) (647)
Total ABB stockholders' equity 13,952 14,819
Noncontrolling interests 582 530
Total stockholders' equity 14,534 15,349
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 44,441 43,458
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.

ABB Ltd Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities:
Net income 2,298 2,365 345 423
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (723) (846) (135) (209)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 916 836 244 225
Deferred taxes (146) (204) (185) (246)
Net loss (gain) from derivatives and foreign exchange 93 29 14 27
Net loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment (57) (37) (14)
Net loss (gain) from sale of businesses (57) (252) 4 78
Share-based payment arrangements 50 49 18 15
Other (72) 9 (3) (7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net (144) (178) 114 112
Contract assets and liabilities (18) 6 78 46
Inventories, net (336) (66) 125 142
Accounts payable, trade 454 474 306 204
Accrued liabilities 252 99 89 (4)
Provisions, net 87 (4) 111 55
Income taxes payable and receivable (102) 202 (6) 151
Other assets and liabilities, net (143) 106 287 327
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations 2,352 2,588 1,406 1,325
Net cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations 572 1,211 461 544
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,924 3,799 1,867 1,869
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments (322) (666) (13) (254)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (772) (752) (235) (248)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)
and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies (2,664) (2,011) (5) (11)
Proceeds from investments 567 1,443 199 45
Proceeds from maturity of investments 160 100
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 72 61 23 15
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs
and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies 113 607 (14) (57)
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives (30) 63 9 (29)
Other investing activities (32) 37 (4) 10
Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations (2,908) (1,118) (40) (529)
Net cash used in investing activities – discontinued operations (177) (332) (44) (85)
Net cash used in investing activities (3,085) (1,450) (84) (614)
Financing activities:
Net changes in debt with original maturities of 90 days or less 221 204 (345) (157)
Increase in debt 1,914 920 20
Repayment of debt (830) (1,000) (492) (349)
Delivery of shares 42 163 77
Purchase of treasury stock (250) (251)
Dividends paid (1,717) (1,635)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders (86) (83) (3) (6)
Other financing activities (35) (6) (76) 8
Net cash used in financing activities – continuing operations (741) (1,688) (916) (407)
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations (48) (47)
Net cash used in financing activities (789) (1,735) (916) (407)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents (131) 268 (26) 29
Net change in cash and equivalents (1,081) 882 841 877
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period 4,526 3,644 2,604 3,649
Cash and equivalents, end of period 3,445 4,526 3,445 4,526
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid 243 205 95 66
Income taxes paid 1,026 894 245 243

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

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

(\$ in millions) Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury
stock
Total ABB
stockholders'
equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
stockholders'
equity
Balance at January 1, 2017 192 24 19,925 (5,187) (1,559) 13,395 502 13,897
Comprehensive income:
Net income 2,213 2,213 152 2,365
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax of \$(1) 899 899 25 924
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities,
net of tax of \$0 1 1 1
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans,
net of tax of \$(16) (71) (71) (71)
Change in derivatives qualifying as
cash flow hedges, net of tax of \$2 13 13 13
Total comprehensive income 3,055 177 3,232
Changes in noncontrolling interests 17 17 (14) 3
Dividends to
noncontrolling shareholders (134) (134)
Dividends paid to shareholders (1,622) (1,622) (1,622)
Share-based payment arrangements 58 58 58
Cancellation of treasury shares (4) (27) (922) 953
Purchase of treasury stock (251) (251) (251)
Delivery of shares (46) 209 163 163
Call options 4 4 4
Balance at December 31, 2017 188 29 19,594 (4,345) (647) 14,819 530 15,349
Balance at January 1, 2018 188 29 19,594 (4,345) (647) 14,819 530 15,349
Cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles (192) (9) (201) (201)
Comprehensive income:
Net income 2,173 2,173 125 2,298
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax of \$(14) (631) (631) (15) (646)
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities,
net of tax of \$(1) (3) (3) (3)
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans,
net of tax of \$(32) (295) (295) (295)
Change in derivatives qualifying as
cash flow hedges, net of tax of \$(3) (28) (28) (28)
Total comprehensive income 1,216 110 1,326
Changes in noncontrolling interests (4) (4) (19) (23)
Noncontrolling interests recognized in
connection with business combination 107 107
Dividends to
noncontrolling shareholders (146) (146)
Dividends paid to shareholders (1,736) (1,736) (1,736)
Share-based payment arrangements 60 60 60
Purchase of treasury stock (249) (249) (249)
Delivery of shares (35) 77 42 42
Call options 5 5 5

Balance at December 31, 2018 188 56 19,839 (5,311) (820) 13,952 582 14,534

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 pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally.

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, 2017.

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

  • estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations,
  • assumptions used in the determination of corporate costs directly attributable to discontinued operations,
  • assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value,
  • estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with restructuring programs,
  • assumptions and projections, principally related to future material, labor and project related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage of completion on projects,
  • estimates of loss contingencies associated with litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self-insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings,
  • assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair value of pension plan assets,
  • estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions,
  • growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of long lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, and
  • assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

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

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

Basis of presentation

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

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

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

Discontinued operations and reclassifications

In December 2018, the Company announced an agreement to divest its Power Grids business to Hitachi Corp. (Japan) (See Note 3 for additional information and relevant disclosures). As a result, this business along with certain real estate assets previously included in Corporate and Other, have been reported as discontinued operations. Financial information and disclosures for prior periods have been retroactively recast to give effect to the discontinued operations presentation. In addition, amounts relating to stranded corporate costs have been separately disclosed as a component of Corporate and Other (see Note 15).

In addition, certain amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Information for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. These changes primarily relate to:

  • the reorganization of the Company's operating segments (see Note 15), and
  • as a result of the adoption of a number of accounting pronouncements (see Note 2):
    • (i) the reclassification of Unbilled receivables from Receivables to Contract assets,
    • (ii) the reclassification of Billings in excess of sales, Advances from customers, certain advances to customers previously reported as a reduction in Inventories, and deferred revenues previously reported in Other current liabilities, to Contract liabilities, and (iii) the reclassification of certain net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costs/credits from Total cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative expenses and Non-order related research and development expenses to Non-operational pension (cost) credit.

─ Note 2 Recent accounting pronouncements

Applicable for current periods

Revenue from contracts with customers

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for recognizing revenues from contracts with customers on a modified retrospective basis, applying it to contracts which were not completed at the date of initial application and utilizing the practical expedient for contract modifications. The new standard, which supersedes substantially all previously existing revenue recognition guidance, provides a single comprehensive model for recognizing revenues on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers for an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The adoption of this standard resulted in only insignificant differences between the identification of performance obligations and the unit of accounting determination. Therefore, the cumulative effect on retained earnings of retrospectively applying this standard was not significant. However, total assets and total liabilities increased by \$196 million, including \$50 million relating to assets and liabilities held for sale, due to the reclassification of certain advances from customers, previously reported as a reduction in Inventories, to liabilities.

Other than the additional disclosure requirements, the impact of the adoption on the Company's Consolidated Financial Information for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, was not significant.

Income taxes – Intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update requiring it to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset has been sold to an outside party. This update was applied on a modified retrospective basis and resulted in a net reduction in deferred tax assets of \$201 million with a corresponding reduction in retained earnings.

Improving the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. Under this standard, the Company is required to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations. Under the amendment only the current service cost component is allowed to be capitalized as a cost of internally manufactured inventory or a self-constructed asset. This update was applied retrospectively for the presentation requirements, and prospectively for the capitalization of the current service cost component requirements. The Company has used the practical expedient, as the amount of other components of net periodic benefit cost capitalized in inventory for prior periods is not significant.

For the twelve and three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company reclassified \$33 million and \$4 million, respectively, of income and presented it outside of income from operations relating to net periodic pension costs.

Recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities

In January 2018, the Company adopted two accounting standard updates enhancing the reporting model for financial instruments, which include amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The Company is required to measure equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method) at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The adoption of these updates resulted in the reclassification of the net cumulative unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities of \$9 million (net of tax) at December 31, 2017 from Total accumulated comprehensive loss to Retained earnings on January 1, 2018.

Classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, the settlement of zero coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration paid after a business combination, proceeds from insurance settlements, distributions from certain equity method investees and beneficial interests obtained in a financial asset securitization, should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update was applied retrospectively and did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Statement of cash flows - Restricted cash

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which clarifies the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. It requires the inclusion of cash and cash equivalents that have restrictions on withdrawal or use in total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. This update did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying the definition of a business

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which narrows the definition of a business. It also provides a framework for determining whether a set of transferred assets and activities involves a business. This update was applied prospectively and did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying the scope of asset derecognition guidance and accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which clarifies the scope of asset derecognition guidance, adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and clarifies recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. This update was applied retrospectively and did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Compensation—Stock Compensation

In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under this update, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This update was applied prospectively and did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Disclosure Framework — Changes to the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans

In December 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which modifies the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans. The update removes certain disclosures relating to (i) amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost over the next twelve months, (ii) plan assets expected to be returned to the Company, (iii) a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care costs, and (iv) related parties, including insurance and annuity contracts. It clarifies the disclosure requirements for both the projected and accumulated benefit obligations, as well as requiring additional disclosures for cash balance plans and explanations for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligations. This update was applied on a retrospective basis and did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Applicable for future periods

Leases

In February 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months with several practical expedients. The update, which supersedes existing lease guidance, will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. It also requires additional disclosures about the Company's leasing activities. The Company has elected to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms of less than twelve months and to not separate lease and non-lease components for leases other than real estate. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019, and is applicable on a modified retrospective basis with various optional practical expedients.

In July 2018, a further accounting standard update was issued, allowing the Company the additional option of adopting the standard retrospectively with the cumulative-effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of adoption in retained earnings. A further update was issued in December 2018 clarifying certain aspects of accounting for leases by lessors.

The Company will elect to adopt the standard using the additional option outlined above and currently expects the update will increase total assets and total liabilities by approximately \$1.4 billion of which approximately \$0.2 billion relate to assets and liabilities held for sale. The Company expects that the adoption of this update will only have an insignificant impact on its results of operations and cash flows.

Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments

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

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

Derivatives and Hedging—Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities

In August 2017, an accounting standard update was issued which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. For cash flow and net investment hedges as of the adoption date, the guidance requires a modified retrospective approach. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. The Company will adopt this update as of January 1, 2019, and does not believe that this update will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income

In February 2018, an accounting standard update was issued which allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to retained earnings. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. The updated guidance is to be applied in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act related to items remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income are recognized. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

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

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

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

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

─ Note 3 Acquisitions and Divestments

Acquisitions

Acquisitions were as follows:

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)(1) 2,638 1,992 2 3
Aggregate excess of purchase price
over fair value of net assets acquired(2) 1,472 1,267 39 (1)
Number of acquired businesses 3 4 1

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

(2) Recorded as goodwill.

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 year ended December 31, 2018, relate primarily to the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions (GEIS). The amounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, relate primarily to the acquisition of Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (B&R).

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.

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

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the purchase price allocation for acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition date and is subject to refinement as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about the fair values of the assets and liabilities becomes available. Given the timing and complexity of the acquisition of GEIS, the purchase price allocation in the Company's Consolidated Financial Information has not yet been finalized, primarily relating to amounts allocated to net working capital, pension obligations, current and deferred income taxes as well as intangible assets. Changes in allocated amounts could also affect the amount attributable to the noncontrolling interest. At December 31, 2018, the Company is still gathering, analyzing and evaluating relevant information, including certain inputs required for the valuation of intangibles. As a result, amounts recorded in the preliminary purchase price allocation may change in 2019. The final purchase price adjustments as well as the final fair value determinations could result in material adjustments to the values presented in the preliminary purchase price allocation table below.

On July 6, 2017, the Company acquired the shares of B&R. B&R is a worldwide provider of product- and software-based, open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation. This acquisition closes a gap in the Company's industrial automation portfolio and consequently the goodwill acquired represents the future benefits associated with product portfolio expansion.

The aggregate preliminary allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2017
Preliminary allocated amounts(1)
Weighted-
Weighted
GEIS Other Total average Allocated average
(\$ in millions) useful life amounts(1) useful life
Technology 87 87 7 years 412 7 years
Customer relationships 214 214 14 years 264 20 years
Trade names 122 122 13 years 61 10 years
Supply agreement 34 34 13 years
Intangible assets 457 457 737
Property, plant and equipment 379 9 388 131
Debt acquired (50)
Deferred tax liabilities (110) (1) (111) (249)
Inventories 435 3 438 176
Other assets and liabilities, net(2) 126 (25) 101 (20)
Goodwill(3) 1,442 30 1,472 1,267
Noncontrolling interest (107) (107)
Total consideration (net of cash acquired)(4) 2,622 16 2,638 1,992

(1) Excludes measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions.

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

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

(4) Primarily relates to the acquisition of GEIS in 2018 and B&R in 2017. Cash acquired in the GEIS acquisition totaled \$192 million.

The Company's Consolidated Income Statement for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, includes total revenues of \$1,317 million and \$683 million, respectively, and net income of \$1 million and \$25 million, respectively, in respect of GEIS since the date of acquisition.

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

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Total revenues 28,936 27,881 7,395 7,528
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,622 1,631 210 277

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

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

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Impact on cost of sales from additional
amortization of intangible assets (10) (20) (4)
Impact on cost of sales from fair valuing acquired inventory 26 (26)
Impact on cost of sales from additional depreciation
of property, plant and equipment (4) (8) (1)
Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses
from additional amortization of intangible assets (5) (12) (1)
Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses
from acquisition-related costs 44 20 10
Impact on interest from financing costs (15) (62) (14)
Taxation adjustments (5) 33 7
Total pro forma adjustments 31 (75) (3)

Business divestments

For the year and three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded net gains (including transaction costs) of \$252 million and net losses (including transaction costs) of \$78 million, respectively, in "Other income (expense), net". For the year and three months ended December 31, 2017, an associated tax expense of \$7 million and tax benefit of \$21 million, respectively, relating to the divestment of consolidated businesses were recorded in "Provision for taxes". These are primarily due to the divestment of the Company's high-voltage cable system and cable accessories businesses in March 2017 (the Cables business) and the Oil & Gas EPC business in December 2017.

The Company has retained certain obligations of the Cables business and thus the Company remains directly or indirectly liable for these liabilities which existed at the date of the divestment. Subsequent to the divestment, in the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a loss of \$94 million for changes in the amounts recorded for these obligations. In addition, the Company has provided certain performance guarantees to third parties which guarantee the performance of the buyer under existing contracts with customers as well as for certain capital expenditures of the divested business (see Note 7).

Held for sale and discontinued operations

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

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

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

In December 2018, the Company announced an agreement to divest 80.1 percent of its Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd. (Hitachi), valuing the business at \$11 billion. The business also includes certain real estate properties which were previously reported within Corporate and Other. The divestment is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020, following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. As this divestment represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results, the results of operations for this business have been presented as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities are reflected as held-for-sale for all periods presented.

Operating results of the discontinued businesses are summarized as follows:

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenues 9,698 10,028 2,623 2,721
Total cost of sales (7,378) (7,501) (2,052) (2,065)
Gross profit 2,320 2,527 571 656
Expenses (1,326) (1,376) (381) (377)
Income from operations 994 1,152 189 279
Net interest and other finance expense (55) (42) (14) (6)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 12 9 3 4
Income from discontinued operations before taxes 951 1,119 179 278
Provision for taxes (228) (273) (44) (69)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 723 846 135 209

Of the total Income from discontinued operations before taxes in the table above, \$874 million and \$1,034 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and \$158 million and \$256 million in the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are attributable to the Company, while the remainder is attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Income from discontinued operations before taxes excludes certain costs which were previously allocated to the Power Grids operating segment as these costs were not directly attributable to the business. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, \$297 million and \$286 million, respectively, and for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, \$72 million and \$73 million, respectively, of allocated overhead and other management costs (Stranded corporate costs), which were previously included in the measure of segment profit for the Power Grids operating segment are now reported as part of Corporate and Other. In the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, Income from discontinued operations before taxes includes \$18 million and \$16 million, respectively, of separation costs incurred to execute the transaction. These costs primarily include advisory services.

Included in the reported Total revenues of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are revenues from the Company's operating segments to the Power Grids business of \$243 million and \$263 million, respectively, which represent intercompany transactions that, prior to Power Grids being classified as a discontinued operation, were eliminated in the Company's Consolidated Financial Information. In the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, these revenues amounted to \$62 million and \$81 million, respectively (See Note 15).

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

(\$ in millions) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables, net 2,377 2,406
Contract assets 1,236 1,008
Inventories, net 1,457 1,518
Other current assets 94 111
Current assets held for sale 5,164 5,043
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,477 1,559
Goodwill 1,620 1,663
Other non-current assets 330 338
Non-current assets held for sale 3,427 3,560
Accounts payable, trade 1,732 1,683
Contract liabilities 998 1,116
Other current liabilities 1,455 1,721
Current liabilities held for sale 4,185 4,520
Pension and other employee benefits 268 293
Other non-current liabilities 161 177
Non-current liabilities held for sale 429 470

Goodwill

Changes in total goodwill were as follows:

(\$ in millions) Total Goodwill
Balance at January 1, 2017 7,953
Goodwill acquired during the year(1) 1,267
Goodwill allocated to disposals(2) (2)
Exchange rate differences and other 318
Balance at December 31, 2017 9,536
Goodwill acquired during the year(3) 1,472
Goodwill allocated to disposals (31)
Exchange rate differences and other (213)
Balance at December 31, 2018 10,764

(1) Includes primarily goodwill in respect of B&R, acquired in July 2017, which has been allocated to the Industrial Automation operating segment.

(2) Goodwill allocated to the high-voltage cable system business sold in March 2017, within Corporate and Other (formerly reported in the Power Grids operating segment) was reported as assets held-for-sale at December 31, 2016.

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

Note 4 Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments

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

December 31, 2018
Marketable
Gross Gross securities
unrealized unrealized Cash and and short-term
(\$ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments
Changes in fair value
recorded in net income
Cash 1,983 1,983 1,983
Time deposits 1,463 1,463 1,462 1
Other short-term investments 206 206 206
Equity securities(1) 206 (3) 203 203
3,858 (3) 3,855 3,445 410
Changes in fair value recorded
in other comprehensive income
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. government obligations 217 (3) 214 214
Corporate 90 (2) 88 88
307 (5) 302 302
Total 4,165 (8) 4,157 3,445 712
December 31, 2017
Marketable
Gross Gross securities
unrealized unrealized Cash and and short-term
(\$ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments
Changes in fair value recorded in
net income
Cash 1,963 1,963 1,963
Time deposits 2,834 2,834 2,563 271
Other short-term investments 305 305 305
5,102 5,102 4,526 576
Changes in fair value recorded in
other comprehensive income
Equity securities 152 13 165 165
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. government obligations 127 (2) 125 125
Other government obligations 2 2 2
Corporate 215 1 (1) 215 215
496 14 (3) 507 507
Total 5,598 14 (3) 5,609 4,526 1,083

(1) See "New accounting pronouncements - Applicable for current period" in Note 2 for changes applicable in 2018.

Other short-term investments at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are receivables of \$206 million and \$305 million, respectively, representing reverse repurchase agreements. These collateralized lendings, made to a financial institution, have maturity dates of less than one year.

─ Note 5 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 the 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 the subsidiaries hedge the commodity price risk exposures from binding contracts, as well as at least 50 percent (up to a maximum of 100 percent) of the forecasted commodity exposure over the next 12 months or longer (up to a maximum of 18 months). Primarily swap contracts are used to manage the associated price risks of commodities.

Interest rate risk

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

Equity risk

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

Volume of derivative activity

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

Foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives

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

Type of derivative Total notional amounts at
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Foreign exchange contracts 13,612 16,261
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 733 899
Interest rate contracts 3,300 5,706

Derivative commodity contracts

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

Type of derivative Unit Total notional amounts at
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Copper swaps metric tonnes 46,143 28,976
Silver swaps ounces 2,861,294 1,966,729
Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 9,491 1,869

Equity derivatives

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company held 41 million and 37 million cash-settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5:1) with a total fair value of \$6 million and \$42 million, respectively.

Cash flow hedges

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

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" included net unrealized losses of \$16 million and net unrealized gains of \$12 million, respectively, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Of the amount at December 31, 2018, net losses of \$6 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings in the following 12 months. At December 31, 2018, the longest maturity of a derivative classified as a cash flow hedge was 61 months.

The amount of gains or losses, net of tax, reclassified into earnings due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting and the amount of ineffectiveness in cash flow hedge relationships directly recognized in earnings were not significant in the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The pre-tax effects of derivative instruments, designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, on "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" (OCI) and the Consolidated Income Statements were as follows:

Gains (losses) recognized in OCI Gains (losses) reclassified from OCI
(\$ in millions) on derivatives (effective portion) into income (effective portion)
Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017
Type of derivative Location
Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues 2
(6) 3 Total cost of sales 2
Commodity contracts (9) 9 Total cost of sales 6
Cash-settled call options (36) 22 SG&A expenses(1) (22) 15
Total (51) 34 (22) 25
Gains (losses) recognized in OCI Gains (losses) reclassified from OCI
(\$ in millions) on derivatives (effective portion) into income (effective portion)
Three months ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017
Type of derivative Location
Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues 1
(1) 1 Total cost of sales
Commodity contracts (2) 5 Total cost of sales (2) 2
Cash-settled call options (16) 11 SG&A expenses(1) (10) 7
Total (19) 17 (12) 10

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

The amounts in respect of gains (losses) recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness and amounts excluded from effectiveness testing were not significant for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Net derivative losses of \$24 million and net derivative gains of \$23 million, both net of tax, were reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" to earnings during the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, net derivative losses of \$13 million and \$11 million, both net of tax, respectively, were reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" to earnings.

Fair value hedges

To reduce its interest rate exposure arising primarily from its debt issuance activities, the Company uses interest rate swaps. Where such instruments are designated as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments, as well as the changes in the fair value of the risk component of the underlying debt being hedged, are recorded as offsetting gains and losses in "Interest and other finance expense". Hedge ineffectiveness of instruments designated as fair value hedges for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, was not significant.

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

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense:
- on derivatives designated as fair value hedges (4) (23) 32 (20)
- on hedged item 5 27 (32) 22

Derivatives not designated in hedge relationships

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

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

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

Type of derivative not Gains (losses) recognized in income
designated as a hedge Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) Location 2018 2017 2018 2017
Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues (121) 92 (2) (19)
Total cost of sales 46 (41) (20) (7)
SG&A expenses(1) 10 (18) 1
Non-order related research
and development (1)
Interest and other finance expense 40 22 16 (21)
Embedded foreign exchange Total revenues 58 7 20
contracts Total cost of sales (4) (2) 1 (4)
SG&A expenses(1) 2 5
Commodity contracts Total cost of sales (33) 31 (4) 13
Other Interest and other finance expense 3 (2)
Total 94 (9) (17)

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

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

December 31, 2018
Derivative assets Derivative liabilities
Current in
Non-current in
Current in Non-current in
"Other current "Other non-current "Other current "Other non-current
(\$ in millions) assets" assets" liabilities" liabilities"
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 1 4
Commodity contracts 2
Interest rate contracts 35 1
Cash-settled call options 3 3
Total 3 38 3 5
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 117 14 160 30
Commodity contracts 8 1 21 1
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 15 10 8 1
Total 140 25 189 32
Total fair value 143 63 192 37
December 31, 2017
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 1
Commodity contracts 5
Interest rate contracts 41 4
Cash-settled call options 25 16
Total 31 57 5
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts 134 24 183 62
Commodity contracts 31 1 7
Cross-currency interest rate swaps 2
Cash-settled call options 1
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 15 10 15 3
Total 180 36 207 65
Total fair value 211 93 207 70

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

Although the Company is party to close-out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties, the fair values in the tables above and in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017, have been presented on a gross basis.

The Company's netting agreements and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows:

(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018
Gross amount Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash
Type of agreement or of recognized eligible for set-off collateral collateral Net asset
similar arrangement assets in case of default received received exposure
Derivatives 181 (121) 60
Reverse repurchase agreements 206 (206)
Total 387 (121) (206) 60
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018
Gross amount Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash
Type of agreement or of recognized eligible for set-off collateral collateral Net liability
similar arrangement liabilities in case of default pledged pledged exposure
Derivatives 220 (121) 99
Total 220 (121) 99
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2017
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 279 (167) 112
Reverse repurchase agreements 305 (305)
Total 584 (167) (305) 112
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2017
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 259 (167) 92
Total 259 (167) 92

Note 6 Fair values

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

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

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

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

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

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

Recurring fair value measures

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

December 31, 2018
(\$ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Available-for-sale securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments":
Equity securities 203 203
Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 214 214
Debt securities—Corporate 88 88
Derivative assets—current in "Other current assets" 143 143
Derivative assets—non-current in "Other non-current assets" 63 63
Total 214 497 711
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities—current in "Other current liabilities" 192 192
Derivative liabilities—non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" 37 37
Total 229 229
December 31, 2017
(\$ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Available-for-sale securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments":
Equity securities 165 165
Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 125 125
Debt securities—Other government obligations 2 2
Debt securities—Corporate 215 215
Receivable in "Other non-current assets":
Receivable under securities lending arrangement 79 79
Derivative assets—current in "Other current assets" 211 211
Derivative assets—non-current in "Other non-current assets" 93 93
Total 204 686 890
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities—current in "Other current liabilities" 207 207
Derivative liabilities—non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" 70 70
Total 277 277

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:

  • Available-for-sale 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 nonperformance risk. The inputs used in present value techniques are observable and fall into the Level 2 category. The fair value of the receivable under the securities lending arrangement has been determined based on the fair value of the security lent.
  • Derivatives: The fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices of identical instruments from an active market, if available (Level 1). If quoted prices are not available, price quotes for similar instruments, appropriately adjusted, or present value techniques, based on available market data, or option pricing models are used. Cash-settled call options hedging the Company's WAR liability are valued based on bid prices of the equivalent listed warrant. The fair values obtained using price quotes for similar instruments or valuation techniques represent a Level 2 input unless significant unobservable inputs are used.

Non-recurring fair value measures

There were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements during the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis

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

December 31, 2018
(\$ in millions) Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding available-for-sale securities
with original maturities up to 3 months):
Cash 1,983 1,983 1,983
Time deposits 1,462 1,462 1,462
Marketable securities and short-term investments
(excluding available-for-sale securities):
Time deposits 1 1 1
Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements 206 206 206
Other non-current assets:
Loans granted 30 31 31
Restricted time deposits 39 39 39
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding capital lease obligations) 2,008 1,480 528 2,008
Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations) 6,457 5,839 707 6,546
December 31, 2017
(\$ in millions) Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding available-for-sale securities
with original maturities up to 3 months):
Cash 1,963 1,963 1,963
Time deposits 2,563 2,563 2,563
Marketable securities and short-term investments
(excluding available-for-sale securities):
Time deposits 271 271 271
Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements 305 305 305
Other non-current assets:
Loans granted 29 30 30
Restricted time deposits 35 35 35
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding capital lease obligations) 694 400 294 694
Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations) 6,567 6,046 773 6,819

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

  • Cash and equivalents (excluding available-for-sale securities with original maturities up to 3 months), and Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding available-for-sale securities): The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short-term in nature.
  • Other non-current assets: Includes (i) loans granted whose fair values are based on the carrying amount adjusted using a present value technique to reflect a premium or discount based on current market interest rates (Level 2 inputs), and (ii) restricted time deposits whose fair values approximate the carrying amounts (Level 1 inputs).
  • Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations): Short-term debt includes commercial paper, bank borrowings and overdrafts. The carrying amounts of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, approximate their fair values.
  • Long-term debt (excluding capital lease obligations): Fair values of bonds are determined using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), if available. For bonds without available quoted market prices and other long-term debt, the fair values are determined using a discounted cash flow methodology based upon borrowing rates of similar debt instruments and reflecting appropriate adjustments for non-performance risk (Level 2 inputs).

Note 7 Commitments and contingencies

Contingencies—Regulatory, Compliance and Legal

Antitrust

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

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

Suspect payments

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

General

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

Liabilities recognized

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had aggregate liabilities of \$221 million and \$229 million, respectively, included in "Other provisions" and "Other non-current liabilities", for the above regulatory, compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual liabilities recognized was significant. As it is not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably predict, the outcome of certain matters and as it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, to estimate the maximum potential liability on other matters, there could be material adverse outcomes beyond the amounts accrued.

Guarantees

General

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

Maximum potential payments (\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Performance guarantees 1,584 1,775
Financial guarantees 10 17
Indemnification guarantees 64 72
Total(1) 1,658 1,864

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

The carrying amount of liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflects the Company's best estimate of future payments, which it may incur as part of fulfilling its guarantee obligations. In respect of the above guarantees, the carrying amounts of liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017, were not significant.

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

In conjunction with the divestment of the high-voltage cable and cables accessories businesses, the Company has entered into various performance guarantees with other parties with respect to certain liabilities of the divested business. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the maximum potential payable under these guarantees amounts to \$771 million and \$929 million, respectively, and these guarantees have various maturities ranging from one to ten years.

Commercial commitments

In addition, in the normal course of bidding for and executing certain projects, the Company has entered into standby letters of credit, bid/performance bonds and surety bonds (collectively "performance bonds") with various financial institutions. Customers can draw on such performance bonds in the event that the Company does not fulfill its contractual obligations. The Company would then have an obligation to reimburse the financial institution for amounts paid under the performance bonds. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to \$7.4 billion and \$7.7 billion, respectively, of which \$4.3 billion and \$4.7 billion, respectively, relate to discontinued operations. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of arrangements in the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

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) 2018 2017
Balance at January 1, 909 815
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions and divestments 41 30
Claims paid in cash or in kind (307) (243)
Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 341 234
Exchange rate differences (36) 73
Balance at December 31, 948 909

During 2018, the Company recorded changes in the estimated amount for a product warranty relating to a divested business. This warranty liability was increased by a total of \$92 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. The corresponding increases were included in "Cost of sales of products" and as these costs relate to a divested business, they have been excluded from the Company's primary measure of segment performance, Operational EBITA (see Note 15).

During 2016, the Company determined that the provision for product warranties in its solar business, acquired in 2013 as part of the purchase of Power-One, was no longer sufficient to cover expected warranty costs in the remaining warranty period. Due to higher than originally expected product failure rates for certain solar inverters designed and manufactured by Power-One, a substantial portion of which relates to products which were delivered to customers prior to the acquisition date, the Company increased the previously estimated warranty provision for its solar business during the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, by \$36 million, and during the year and three months ended December 31, 2017, by \$23 million and \$18 million, respectively. For both the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, \$16 million and \$8 million, respectively, of the increase in provision relates to products delivered prior to the acquisition date and have been excluded from Operational EBITA. The corresponding increases were included in Cost of sales of products.

The warranty liability has been recorded based on the information currently available and is subject to change in the future.

Note 8 Contract assets and liabilities

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

(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Contract assets 1,082 1,141 1,222
Contract liabilities 1,707 1,792 1,690

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

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

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

Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
Contract Contract Contract Contract
(\$ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities
Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2018/2017 (879) (1,212)
Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 518 868
Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract asset balance at Jan 1, 2018/2017 (633) (584)

At December 31, 2018, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling \$13,084 million and, of this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 76 percent of the obligations in 2019, approximately 14 percent of the obligations in 2020 and the balance thereafter.

Note 9 Debt

The Company's total debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017, amounted to \$8,618 million and \$7,408 million, respectively.

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

The Company's "Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt" consisted of the following:

(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Short-term debt 561 317
Current maturities of long-term debt 1,470 409
Total 2,031 726

Short-term debt primarily represented issued commercial paper and short-term loans from various banks. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, \$292 million and \$259 million, respectively, was outstanding under the \$2 billion commercial paper program in the United States. In addition, at December 31, 2018, \$172 million was outstanding under the \$2 billion Euro-commercial paper program.

In November 2018, the Company repaid at maturity the CHF 350 million 1.50% Bonds, equivalent to \$351 million at date of payment.

Long-term debt

The Company's long-term debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017, amounted to \$6,587 million and \$6,682 million, respectively.

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

December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(in millions) Nominal outstanding Carrying value(1) Nominal outstanding Carrying value(1)
Bonds:
1.50% CHF Bonds, due 2018 CHF 350 \$
358
2.625% EUR Instruments, due 2019 EUR 1,250 \$ 1,431 EUR 1,250 \$
1,493
2.8% USD Notes, due 2020 USD 300 \$ 299
4.0% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 650 \$ 646 USD 650 \$
644
2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021 CHF 350 \$ 373 CHF 350 \$
378
5.625% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 250 \$ 265 USD 250 \$
270
2.875% USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 \$ 1,242 USD 1,250 \$
1,256
3.375% USD Notes, due 2023 USD 450 \$ 448
0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 \$ 807 EUR 700 \$
834
0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 \$ 862 EUR 750 \$
889
3.8% USD Notes, due 2028 USD 750 \$ 746
4.375% USD Notes, due 2042 USD 750 \$ 723 USD 750 \$
723
Total \$ 7,842 \$
6,845

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

In April 2018, the Company issued the following notes with a principal of:

  • \$300 million, due 2020, paying interest semi-annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 2.8 percent per annum,
  • \$450 million, due 2023, paying interest semi-annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 3.375 percent per annum, and
  • \$750 million, due 2028, paying interest semi-annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 3.8 percent per annum.

The aggregate net proceeds of these bond issues, after underwriting discount and other fees, amounted to \$1,494 million.

Subsequent events

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

  • CHF 280 million, due 2024, paying interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 0.3 percent per annum, and
  • CHF 170 million, due 2029, paying interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 1.0 percent per annum.

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

In addition, as at February 27, 2019, the amount outstanding under the \$2 billion program in the United States increased to \$794 million from \$292 million at December 31, 2018. There was no significant change in the Euro-commercial \$2 billion program.

Note 10 Employee benefits

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

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

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

(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operational pension cost:
Service cost 92 106 122 122 1 1
Operational pension cost 92 106 122 122 1 1
Non-operational pension cost (credit):
Interest cost 30 41 198 208 4 5
Expected return on plan assets (117) (112) (305) (295)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (15) 10 1 1 (5) (5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 92 91 (1) (1)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 23 16 (1)
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (102) (61) 9 21 (2) (2)
Net periodic benefit cost (10) 45 131 143 (1) (1)
(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Three months ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operational pension cost:
Service cost 22 21 33 29 1
Operational pension cost 22 21 33 29 1
Non-operational pension cost (credit):
Interest cost 8 9 52 47 1 2
Expected return on plan assets (27) (27) (79) (69)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (3) (3) (2) (2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 20 22
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 22 14 (1)
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (22) (21) 15 14 (1) (1)
Net periodic benefit cost 48 43 (1)

The components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in the line "Non-operational pension (cost) credit" in the income statement. Net periodic benefit cost includes \$45 million and \$55 million, for the year end December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and \$11 million and \$14 million, for the three months end December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to discontinued operations.

Employer contributions were as follows:

(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans 89 90 152 139 11 11
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit
pension plans 25 15
(\$ in millions) Defined pension benefits Other postretirement
Switzerland International benefits
Three months ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans 21 24 68 60 5 4
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit
pension plans 15 15

During the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, total contributions included available-for-sale debt securities, having a fair value at the contribution date of \$31 million, contributed to certain of the Company's pension plans in Germany and the United Kingdom. During the year and three months ended December 31, 2017, total contributions included available-for-sale debt securities, having a fair value at the contribution date of \$31 million, contributed to certain of the Company's pension plans in Germany and the United Kingdom.

Note 11 Stockholders' equity

In 2018 the Company purchased on the open market an aggregate of 10 million of its own shares resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of \$249 million. Also in 2018 the Company delivered, out of treasury stock, 2.4 million shares for options exercised in connection with its Management Incentive Plan.

At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on March 29, 2018, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute 0.78 Swiss francs per share to shareholders. The declared dividend amounted to \$1,736 million and was paid in April 2018.

Note 12 Earnings per share

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

Basic earnings per share

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,514 1,441 204 204
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 659 772 113 189
Net income 2,173 2,213 317 393
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,132 2,138 2,132 2,136
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.71 0.67 0.10 0.10
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.31 0.36 0.05 0.09
Net income 1.02 1.04 0.15 0.18

Diluted earnings per share

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,514 1,441 204 204
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 659 772 113 189
Net income 2,173 2,213 317 393
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,132 2,138 2,132 2,136
Effect of dilutive securities:
Call options and shares 7 10 2 14
Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,139 2,148 2,134 2,150
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.71 0.67 0.10 0.09
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.31 0.36 0.05 0.09
Net income 1.02 1.03 0.15 0.18

─ Note 13 Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss

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

Unrealized gains Pension and Unrealized gains
Foreign currency (losses) on other (losses) of cash
translation available-for-sale postretirement flow hedge
(\$ in millions) adjustments securities plan adjustments derivatives Total OCI
Balance at January 1, 2017 (3,592) 7 (1,601) (1) (5,187)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications 912 1 (155) 38 796
Amounts reclassified from OCI 78 (22) 56
Changes attributable to divestments(1) 12 6 (3) 15
Total other comprehensive (loss) income 924 1 (71) 13 867
Less:
Amounts attributable to
noncontrolling interests 25 25
Balance at December 31, 2017 (2,693) 8 (1,672) 12 (4,345)
Cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles(2) (9) (9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications (627) (4) (359) (49) (1,039)
Amounts reclassified from OCI (31) 1 64 21 55
Changes attributable to divestments 12 12
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (646) (3) (295) (28) (972)
Less:
Amounts attributable to
noncontrolling interests (15) (15)
Balance at December 31, 2018 (3,324) (4) (1,967) (16) (5,311)

(1) Changes attributable to divestments are included in the computation of the net gain or loss on sale of businesses (see Note 3).

(2) See "Applicable for current periods" section of Note 2 for more details.

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

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) Location of (gains) losses December 31, December 31,
Details about OCI components reclassified from OCI 2018 2017 2018 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary Other income (expense), net (31)
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) (19) 6 (5) (5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) 91 90 20 22
Net losses from pension settlements Non-operational pension (cost) credit(1) 23 13 23 13
Total before tax 95 109 38 30
Tax Provision for taxes (31) (31) (15) (12)
Amounts reclassified from OCI 64 78 23 18

(1) Amounts include a total of \$12 million and \$9 million, for the year end December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and \$2 million and \$4 million, for the three months end December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations (see Note 3).

The amounts in respect of Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives were not significant for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

─ Note 14 Restructuring and related expenses

White Collar Productivity program

From September 2015 to December 2017, the Company executed a restructuring program to make the Company leaner, faster and more customer-focused. The program involved the rapid expansion and use of regional shared service centers as well as a streamlining of global operations and head office functions, with business units moving closer to their respective key markets. The program involved various restructuring initiatives across all operating segments and regions.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had incurred substantially all costs related to the White Collar Productivity program.

Liabilities associated with the White Collar Productivity program are primarily included in "Other provisions". The following table shows the activity from the beginning of the program to December 31, 2018, by expense type.

Employee Contract settlement,
(\$ in millions) severance costs loss order and other costs Total
Liability at January 1, 2015
Expenses 300 3 303
Cash payments (27) (27)
Liability at December 31, 2015 273 3 276
Expenses 182 3 185
Cash payments (91) (2) (93)
Change in estimates (85) (1) (86)
Exchange rate differences (17) (1) (18)
Liability at December 31, 2016 262 2 264
Expenses 28 3 31
Cash payments (92) (4) (96)
Change in estimates (118) (118)
Exchange rate differences 21 21
Liability at December 31, 2017 101 1 102
Cash payments (55) (55)
Change in estimates and exchange rate differences (13) (13)
Liability at December 31, 2018 33 1 34

The change in estimates during 2017 of \$118 million, is mainly due to higher than expected rates of attrition and internal re-deployment. The decrease in the liability was recorded in Income from operations, primarily as reductions in Cost of sales of \$53 million and in Selling, general and administrative expenses of \$55 million. During the three months ended December 31, 2017, the change in estimates of \$29 million, related to restructuring activities initiated in both 2015 and 2016, was recorded primarily as reductions in Cost of sales of \$11 million and in Selling, general and administrative expenses of \$17 million.

The change in estimates during 2016 of \$86 million is due to significantly higher than expected rates of attrition and internal re-deployment and a lower than expected severance cost per employee for the employee groups affected by the first phase of restructuring initiated in 2015.

The following table outlines the net costs incurred in the year and three months ended December 31, 2017, and the cumulative net costs incurred to December 31, 2017:

Net cost incurred Net cost incurred Cumulative net
Year ended
Three months ended
cost incurred up to
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2017(1) December 31, 2017(1) December 31, 2017(1)
Electrification Products (17) (6) 72
Industrial Automation (23) (4) 106
Robotics and Motion (14) (4) 56
Corporate and Other (32) (5) 91
Total (86) (19) 325

(1) Net costs incurred in 2017 and Cumulative net costs incurred up to December 31, 2017, have been recast to reflect the reorganization of the Company's operating segments as outlined in Note 15.

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

Cumulative costs
Year ended Three months ended incurred up to
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2017(1) December 31, 2017(2) December 31, 2017
Employee severance costs (90) (21) 307
Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 3 2 8
Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 1 10
Total (86) (19) 325

(1) Of which \$47 million was recorded in Total cost of sales and \$35 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

(2) Of which \$11 million was recorded in Total cost of sales and \$7 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses.

OS program

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

The following table outlines the costs incurred in the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, the cumulative costs incurred up to December 31, 2018, and the total amount of costs expected to be incurred under the program per operating segment:

Cost incurred
Year ended
Cost incurred
Three months ended
Cumulative net
cost incurred up to
Total
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018 Expected Costs
Electrification Products 32 32 32 40
Industrial Automation 21 21 21 60
Robotics and Motion 1 1 1 50
Corporate and Other 11 11 11 200
Total 65 65 65 350

In the year and three months ended December 31, 2018, restructuring expenses recorded for this program relate to employee severance costs and are included in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements:

Year ended Three months ended
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018
Total cost of sales 35 35
Selling, general and administrative expenses 23 23
Non-order related research and development expenses 3 3
Other income (expense), net 4 4
Total 65 65

At December 31, 2018, liabilities associated with the program amount to \$65 million and are primarily included in "Other provisions".

Other restructuring-related activities

In the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company executed various other restructuring-related activities and incurred expenses of \$116 million and \$181 million, respectively. In the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, expenses relating to these various other restructuring-related activities amounted to \$65 million and \$74 million, respectively. These expenses mainly relate to employee severance costs and are primarily recorded in:

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Total cost of sales 24 119 14 51
Selling, general and administrative expenses 52 10 34 5
Non-order related research and development expenses 2 2
Other income (expenses), net 38 52 15 18
Total 116 181 65 74

Note 15 Operating segment data

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

Effective January 1, 2018, management responsibility and oversight of certain remaining engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) businesses, previously included in the Industrial Automation and Robotics and Motion operating segments and the former Power Grids business, were transferred to a new non-core operating business within Corporate and Other. In addition, the results of certain divested businesses, which prior to their divestment in March 2018, were included within the Industrial Automation segment have been reclassified to Corporate and Other for all periods presented. In addition, during 2018, the Company changed the presentation of Cash and cash equivalents within the reported total segment assets such that all amounts are now considered as part of Corporate and other.

The segment information for the year and three months ended December 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2017, has been recast to reflect these changes.

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

  • Electrification Products: manufactures and sells products and solutions which are designed to provide smarter and safer electrical flow from the substation to the socket. The portfolio of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboard and panelboards, switchgear, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems and intelligent home and building solutions, designed to integrate and automate lighting, heating, ventilation, security and data communication networks.
  • Industrial Automation: develops and sells integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, such as process and discrete control solutions, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation and solutions, electric ship propulsion systems, as well as solutions for modern machine and factory automation and large turbochargers. In addition, the division offers a comprehensive range of services ranging from repair to advanced services such as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance and cybersecurity services.
  • Robotics and Motion: manufactures and sells robotics, motors, generators, drives, wind converters, components and systems for railways and related services and digital solutions for a wide range of applications in industry, transportation and infrastructure, and utilities.
  • Corporate and Other: includes headquarters, central research and development, the Company's real estate activities, Group Treasury Operations, non-core operating activities, historical operating activities of certain divested businesses and other minor business activities.

The Company evaluates the profitability of its segments based on Operational EBITA, which represents income from operations excluding:

  • amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions (acquisition-related amortization),
  • restructuring and restructuring-related expenses,
  • changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),
  • changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates),
  • gains and losses from sale of businesses,
  • acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  • certain other non-operational items, as well as
  • foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities).

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

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

The following tables present disaggregated segment revenues from contracts with customers, Operational EBITA, and the reconciliations of consolidated Operational EBITA to Income from continuing operations before taxes for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, as well as total assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Year ended December 31, 2018
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions) Products Automation and Motion and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 3,881 3,145 2,929 58 10,013
The Americas 3,650 1,544 2,788 21 8,003
Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,680 2,565 2,922 236 9,403
11,211 7,254 8,639 315 27,419
End Customer Markets
Utilities 2,452 1,168 749 176 4,545
Industry 4,395 4,447 6,529 98 15,469
Transport & infrastructure 4,364 1,639 1,361 41 7,405
11,211 7,254 8,639 315 27,419
Product type
Products 9,679 2,391 6,206 118 18,394
Systems 617 1,853 1,062 197 3,729
Services and other 915 3,010 1,371 5,296
11,211 7,254 8,639 315 27,419
Third-party revenues 11,211 7,254 8,639 315 27,419
Intersegment revenues(1) 475 140 508 (880) 243
Total Revenues 11,686 7,394 9,147 (565) 27,662
Year ended December 31, 2017
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions) Products Automation
and Motion
and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 3,514 2,773 2,613 132 9,032
The Americas 2,613 1,381 2,721 116 6,831
Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,464 2,570 2,543 493 9,070
9,591 6,724 7,877 741 24,933
End Customer Markets
Utilities 2,597 1,270 633 575 5,075
Industry 4,022 3,796 5,991 155 13,964
Transport & infrastructure 2,972 1,658 1,253 11 5,894
9,591 6,724 7,877 741 24,933
Product type
Products 8,322 1,796 5,661 169 15,948
Systems 614 2,089 959 565 4,227
Services and other 655 2,839 1,257 7 4,758
9,591 6,724 7,877 741 24,933
Third-party revenues 9,591 6,724 7,877 741 24,933
Intersegment revenues(1) 503 155 519 (914) 263
Total Revenues 10,094 6,879 8,396 (173) 25,196
Three months ended December 31, 2018
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions) Products Automation and Motion and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 1,048 825 786 (9) 2,650
The Americas 1,184 388 684 (12) 2,244
Asia, Middle East and Africa 970 688 733 48 2,439
3,202 1,901 2,203 27 7,333
End Customer Markets
Utilities 257 313 206 5 781
Industry 1,116 1,186 1,659 28 3,989
Transport & infrastructure 1,829 402 338 (6) 2,563
3,202 1,901 2,203 27 7,333
Product type
Products 2,714 616 1,567 55 4,952
Systems 180 446 276 (28) 874
Services and other 308 839 360 - 1,507
3,202 1,901 2,203 27 7,333
Third-party revenues 3,202 1,901 2,203 27 7,333
Intersegment revenues(1) 118 37 138 (231) 62
Total Revenues 3,320 1,938 2,341 (204) 7,395
Three months ended December 31, 2017
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions) Products Automation and Motion and Other Total
Geographical markets
Europe 949 837 718 8 2,512
The Americas 650 416 670 22 1,758
Asia, Middle East and Africa 947 714 679 113 2,453
2,546 1,967 2,067 143 6,723
End Customer Markets
Utilities 634 339 168 123 1,264
Industry 1,068 1,166 1,650 31 3,915
Transport & infrastructure 844 462 249 (11) 1,544
2,546 1,967 2,067 143 6,723
Product type
Products 2,182 599 1,471 97 4,349
Systems 174 520 241 46 981
Services and other 190 848 355 - 1,393
2,546 1,967 2,067 143 6,723
Third-party revenues 2,546 1,967 2,067 143 6,723
Intersegment revenues(1) 150 44 130 (243) 81
Total Revenues 2,696 2,011 2,197 (100) 6,804

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

Year ended Three months ended
December 31, December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operational EBITA:
Electrification Products 1,626 1,510 388 398
Industrial Automation 1,019 953 251 299
Robotics and Motion 1,447 1,260 349 303
Corporate and Other:
‒ Non-core and divested businesses (291) (163) (194) (138)
‒ Stranded corporate costs (297) (286) (72) (73)
‒ Corporate costs and Other Intersegment elimination (499) (457) (138) (125)
Consolidated Operational EBITA 3,005 2,817 584 664
Acquisition-related amortization (273) (229) (75) (65)
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses(1) (172) (300) (129) (108)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (106) (94) (14)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (8) (8) (6) (8)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 57 252 (4) (78)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs (204) (56) (41)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange,
commodities, embedded derivatives) (1) 56 (2) (3)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (23) 8 (12)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and
related assets/liabilities) (9) (30) 14 (9)
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs (34) (102) (5) (11)
Asset write downs/ impairments (25) (13)
Losses and other (costs) recoveries on Korea fraud (40) 8 (7)
Other non-operational items 19 (19) (15) (10)
Income from operations 2,226 2,230 275 324
Interest and dividend income 72 73 11 20
Interest and other finance expense (262) (234) (66) (45)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 83 33 6 4
Income from continuing operations before taxes 2,119 2,102 226 303

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

Total assets(1), (2)
(\$ in millions) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Electrification Products 12,049 8,881
Industrial Automation 6,669 6,961
Robotics and Motion 8,397 8,416
Corporate and Other 17,326 19,200
Consolidated 44,441 43,458

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

(2) Assets held for sale of \$8,591 million and \$8,603 million are included in Corporate and Other at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively (see Note 3).

2019 Realignment of segments

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

  • the Electrification Products segment will be renamed the Electrification segment,
  • the Industrial Automation segment will remain unchanged except that it will now exclude the Machine and Factory Automation business, which will be transferred to the new Robotics and Discrete Automation segment,
  • the new Robotics and Discrete Automation segment will include the combined businesses of the Machine and Factory Automation business, previously included in the Industrial Automation segment, and the Robotics business from the former Robotics and Motion segment, and
  • the new Motion segment will contain the remaining businesses of the former Robotics and Motion segment.

— Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions

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

While ABB's management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures herein are useful in evaluating ABB's operating results, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore these measures should not be viewed in isolation but considered together with the Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited) prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of and for the year and three months ended December 31, 2018.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted a new accounting standard, Revenue from contracts with customers, and consistent with the method of adoption elected, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards previously in effect for those periods (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Information).

Comparable growth rates

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

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

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

Divisional comparable growth rate reconciliation

Q4 2018 compared to Q4 2017
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Division reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification Products 23% 4% -25% 2% 23% 5% -25% 3%
Industrial Automation 4% 4% 0% 8% -4% 4% 0% 0%
Robotics and Motion 7% 4% 0% 11% 7% 4% 0% 11%
ABB Group 10% 5% -8% 7% 9% 4% -8% 5%
FY 2018 compared to FY 2017
Order growth rate Revenue growth rate
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
Division reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification Products 17% -1% -12% 4% 16% 0% -13% 3%
Industrial Automation 16% -1% -7% 8% 7% 0% -6% 1%
Robotics and Motion 13% -1% 0% 12% 9% -1% 0% 8%
ABB Group 14% 0% -6% 8% 10% -1% -5% 4%

Regional comparable growth rate reconciliation

Q4 2018 compared to Q4 2017
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 5% 4% -5% 4% 5% 5% -3% 7%
The Americas 32% 3% -23% 12% 28% 3% -25% 6%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 0% 5% 2% 7% -1% 4% 0% 3%
ABB Group 10% 5% -8% 7% 9% 4% -8% 5%
FY 2018 compared to FY 2017
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 17% -3% -4% 10% 11% -2% -5% 4%
The Americas 18% 1% -12% 7% 17% 2% -12% 7%
Asia, Middle East and Africa 9% -1% -2% 6% 4% 0% 0% 4%
ABB Group 14% 0% -6% 8% 10% 0% -5% 5%

Order backlog growth rate reconciliation

December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017
US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio
Division reported) impact changes Comparable
Electrification Products 33% 6% -32% 7%
Industrial Automation -3% 5% 0% 2%
Robotics and Motion 5% 5% 0% 10%
ABB Group 5% 5% -4% 6%

Other growth rate reconciliations

Q4 2018 compared to Q4 2017 FY 2018 compared to FY 2017
US\$ Foreign US\$ Foreign
(as exchange Portfolio (as exchange Portfolio
reported) impact changes Comparable reported) impact changes Comparable
Large orders 8% 3% 68% 79% 20% -2% 27% 45%
Base orders 10% 6% -11% 5% 14% -1% -7% 6%
Service orders 7% 4% -6% 5% 12% -1% -4% 7%
Service revenues 8% 4% -8% 4% 11% 0% -4% 7%

Comparable revenue growth rate reconciliation (rolling twelve months)

Foreign
exchange
Portfolio
12 months ended: US\$ impact changes Comparable
December 31, 2017 1.1% -0.2% -0.5% 0.4%
March 31, 2018 4.6% -0.5% -2.6% 1.5%
June 30, 2018 7.8% 1.8% -7.2% 2.4%
September 30, 2018 8.7% -0.7% -4.6% 3.4%
December 31, 2018 9.8% -0.6% -4.8% 4.4%

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 and restructuring-related expenses,
  • changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),
  • changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates) ,
  • gains and losses from sale of businesses,
  • acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  • certain other non-operational items, as well as
  • foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities).

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

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

Acquisition-related amortization

Amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions.

Operational revenues

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

Reconciliation

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

Reconciliation of consolidated Operational EBITA to Net Income

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operational EBITA 3,005 2,817 584 664
Acquisition-related amortization (273) (229) (75) (65)
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses(1) (172) (300) (129) (108)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (106) (94) (14)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates (8) (8) (6) (8)
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 57 252 (4) (78)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs (204) (81) (56) (41)
Certain other non-operational items (40) (161) (25) (28)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange,
commodities, embedded derivatives) (1) 56 (2) (3)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (23) 8 (12)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and
related assets/liabilities) (9) (30) 14 (9)
Income from operations 2,226 2,230 275 324
Interest and dividend income 72 73 11 20
Interest and other finance expense (262) (234) (66) (45)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit 83 33 6 4
Income from continuing operations before taxes 2,119 2,102 226 303
Provision for taxes (544) (583) (16) (89)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,575 1,519 210 214
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 723 846 135 209
Net income 2,298 2,365 345 423

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

Three months ended December 31, 2018
Corporate and
Other and
Electrification Industrial Robotics Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 3,320 1,938 2,341 (204) 7,395
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives (4) 3 (18) (4) (23)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 5 (1) 5 9
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) 8 (1) 2 (2) 7
Operational revenues 3,324 1,945 2,324 (205) 7,388
Income (loss) from operations 221 204 326 (476) 275
Acquisition-related amortization 35 20 15 5 75
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses 76 31 8 14 129
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 14 14
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 17 (11) 6
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 4 4
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 40 1 1 14 56
Certain other non-operational items 2 4 19 25
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 7 (5) 2
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 6 6 12
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) (1) (9) (4) (14)
Operational EBITA 388 251 349 (404) 584
Operational EBITA margin (%) 11.7% 12.9% 15.0% n.a. 7.9%

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

Three months ended December 31, 2018
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs: 2 3 5
Asset write downs/impairments 13 13
Division transformation costs 3 7 10
Losses (recovery) on Korea fraud (8) (8)
Other non-operational items 1 4 5
Total 2 4 19 25
Three months ended December 31, 2017
Corporate and
Other and
Electrification Industrial Robotics Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 2,696 2,011 2,197 (100) 6,804
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 13 (7) 2 28 36
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 4 2 6
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) 3 1 2 (1) 5
Operational revenues 2,712 2,009 2,203 (73) 6,851
Income (loss) from operations 318 214 247 (455) 324
Acquisition-related amortization 22 22 16 5 65
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses(1) 17 36 35 20 108
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 8 8
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 78 78
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 12 27 2 41
Certain other non-operational items 8 20 28
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 9 (4) (1) (1) 3
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (2) 3 (1)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) 4 6 1 (2) 9
Operational EBITA 398 299 303 (336) 664
Operational EBITA margin (%) 14.7% 14.9% 13.8% n.a. 9.7%

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

In the three months ended December 31, 2017, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

Three months ended December 31, 2017
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 11 11
Losses (recovery) on Korea fraud 7 7
Other non-operational items 8 2 10
Total 8 20 28
Year ended December 31, 2018
Corporate and
Other and
Electrification Industrial Robotics Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 11,686 7,394 9,147 (565) 27,662
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 16 (12) (10) (6) (12)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 3 17 20
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (1) (5) (4) (10)
Operational revenues 11,704 7,394 9,137 (575) 27,660
Income (loss) from operations 1,290 887 1,346 (1,297) 2,226
Acquisition-related amortization 106 86 63 18 273
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses 98 35 21 18 172
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 106 106
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 19 (11) 8
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (81) 3 4 17 (57)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 168 4 2 30 204
Certain other non-operational items (2) 3 11 28 40
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 27 (12) (2) (12) 1
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized 3 18 2 23
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) (2) 6 2 3 9
Operational EBITA 1,626 1,019 1,447 (1,087) 3,005
Operational EBITA margin (%) 13.9% 13.8% 15.8% n.a. 10.9%

In the year ended December 31, 2018, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

Year ended December 31, 2018
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 3 31 34
Asset write downs/impairments 25 25
Division transformation costs 10 7 17
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary (31) (31)
Losses (recovery) on Korea fraud (8) (8)
Other non-operational items (2) 1 4 3
Total (2) 3 11 28 40
Year ended December 31, 2017
Corporate and
Other and
Electrification Industrial Robotics Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 10,094 6,879 8,396 (173) 25,196
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives (23) (42) (4) 25 (44)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (7) 4 1 (2)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) 12 17 3 (1) 31
Operational revenues 10,083 6,847 8,399 (148) 25,181
Income (loss) from operations 1,352 798 1,126 (1,046) 2,230
Acquisition-related amortization 98 47 66 18 229
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses(1) 28 85 64 123 300
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses 94 94
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 8 8
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (2) (250) (252)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 23 52 2 4 81
Certain other non-operational items 21 1 139 161
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) (27) (40) (10) 21 (56)
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (9) 5 (4) (8)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) 7 21 7 (5) 30
Operational EBITA 1,510 953 1,260 -906 2,817
Operational EBITA margin (%) 15.0% 13.9% 15.0% n.a. 11.2%

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

In the year ended December 31, 2017, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

Year ended December 31, 2017
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 9 1 92 102
Losses (recovery) on Korea fraud 40 40
Other non-operational items 12 7 19
Total 21 1 139 161
Year ended December 31, 2016
Corporate and
Other and
Electrification Industrial Robotics Intersegment
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion elimination Consolidated
Total revenues 9,920 6,654 7,888 467 24,929
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues:
Unrealized gains and losses
on derivatives 18 15 3 13 49
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (6) 7 3 4
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables (and related assets) (10) 5 (1) 4 (2)
Operational revenues 9,922 6,681 7,893 484 24,980
Income (loss) from operations 1,094 772 1,048 (985) 1,929
Acquisition-related amortization 121 11 94 19 245
Restructuring and
restructuring-related expenses(1) 93 76 69 204 442
Changes in obligations related to
divested businesses
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 131 131
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 10 10
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs 4 5 9
Certain other non-operational items 8 5 18 103 134
Foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
(foreign exchange, commodities,
embedded derivatives) 21 14 (16) 19
Realized gains and losses on derivatives
where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized (4) 4 2 (1) 1
Unrealized foreign exchange movements
on receivables/payables
(and related assets/liabilities) (5) 11 1 1 8
Operational EBITA 1,459 897 1,232 (660) 2,928
Operational EBITA margin (%) 14.7% 13.4% 15.6% n.a. 11.7%

(1) Amounts in 2016 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program.

In the year ended December 31, 2016, Certain other non-operational items in table above includes the following:

Year ended December 31, 2016
Electrification Industrial Robotics Corporate
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) Products Automation and Motion and Other Consolidated
Certain other non-operational items:
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs 10 10
Asset write downs/impairments 5 11 16
Losses (recovery) on Korea fraud 73 73
Corporate re-branding and marketing costs 30 30
Gain on FX derivative relating to a divestment (22) (22)
Other non-operational items 8 18 1 27
Total 8 5 18 103 134

Operational EPS

Definition

Operational EPS

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

Operational net income

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

  • (i) acquisition-related amortization,
  • (ii) restructuring and restructuring-related expenses,
  • (iii) non-operational pension cost (credit),
  • (iv) changes in obligations related to divested businesses,
  • (v) changes in pre-acquisition estimates,
  • (vi) gains and losses from sale of businesses,
  • (vii) acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs,
  • (viii) certain other non-operational items,
  • (ix) foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities), and
  • (x) The amount of income tax on operational adjustments either estimated using the Adjusted Group effective tax rate or in certain specific cases, computed using the actual income tax effects of the relevant item in (i) to (viii) above.

Acquisition-related amortization

Amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions.

Adjusted Group effective tax rate

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

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

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

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2018 2017 Growth(3)
Net income (attributable to ABB) 2,173 2,213
Operational adjustments:
Acquisition-related amortization 273 229
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses(1) 172 300
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (83) (33)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses 106 94
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 8 8
Gains and losses from sale of businesses (57) (252)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs 204 81
Certain other non-operational items 40 161
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations 33 (34)
Operational adjustments in discontinued operations 209 142
Tax on operational adjustments(2) (240) (242)
Operational net income 2,838 2,667 6%
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,132 2,138
Operational EPS 1.33 1.25 7%
Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment 0.17 0.14
Operational EPS (constant currency basis - 2014 exchange rates) 1.50 1.39 8%
Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, except per share data in \$) 2018 2017 Growth(3)
Net income (attributable to ABB) 317 393
Operational adjustments:
Acquisition-related amortization 75 65
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses(1) 129 108
Non-operational pension cost (credit) (6) (4)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses 14
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 8
Gains and losses from sale of businesses 4 78
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs 56 41
Certain other non-operational items 25 28
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations 12
Operational adjustments in discontinued operations 108 74
Tax on operational adjustments(2) (96) (105)
Operational net income 632 698 -10%
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,132 2,136
Operational EPS 0.30 0.33 -9%
Constant currency Operational EPS adjustment 0.03 0.02
Operational EPS (constant currency basis - 2014 exchange rates) 0.33 0.35 -6%

(1) Amounts in 2017 also include the incremental implementation costs in relation to the White Collar Productivity program. (2) Tax amount is computed by applying the Adjusted Group effective tax rate to the operational adjustments, except for gains and losses from sale of businesses for which the actual provision for taxes resulting from the gain or loss has been computed.

(3) Growth is computed using unrounded EPS amounts.

Net debt

Definition

Net debt

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

Total debt

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

Cash and marketable securities

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

Reconciliation

December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2016
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 2,031 726 998
Long-term debt 6,587 6,682 5,785
Total debt 8,618 7,408 6,783
Cash and equivalents 3,445 4,526 3,644
Marketable securities and short-term investments 712 1,083 1,953
Cash and marketable securities 4,157 5,609 5,597
Net debt 4,461 1,799 1,186

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, (v) contract liabilities, and (vi) other current liabilities (excluding primarily: (a) income taxes payable, (b) current derivative liabilities, (c) pension and other employee benefits, and (d) payables under the share buyback program); and including the amounts related to these accounts which have been presented as either assets or liabilities held for sale.

Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months

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

Reconciliation

December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017 2016
Net working capital:
Receivables, net 6,386 5,861 5,291
Contract assets 1,082 1,141 1,222
Inventories, net 4,284 3,737 3,172
Prepaid expenses 176 159 141
Accounts payable, trade (4,424) (3,736) (3,045)
Contract liabilities (1,707) (1,792) (1,690)
Other current liabilities(1) (3,213) (2,880) (2,475)
Net working capital 2,584 2,490 2,616
Total revenues for the twelve months ended 27,662 25,196 24,929
Adjustment to annualize/eliminate revenues of certain acquisitions/divestments 1,030 178
Adjusted revenues for the trailing twelve months 28,692 25,374 24,929
Net working capital as a percentage of revenues (%) 9.0% 9.8% 10.5%

(1) Amounts exclude \$567 million, \$629 million and \$660 million at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related primarily to (a) income taxes payable, (b) current derivative liabilities, and (c) pension and other employee benefits.

Free cash flow conversion to net income

Definition

Free cash flow conversion to net income

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

Adjusted free cash flow

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

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,924 3,799 3,843
Adjusted for the effects of:
Continuing operations
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (772) (752) (632)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 72 61 59
Changes in financing receivables and other non-current receivables (8) 8 (13)
Discontinued operations
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (201) (197) (199)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 8 5 2
Changes in financing receivables and other non-current receivables 1 2 5
Adjusted free cash flow 2,024 2,926 3,065
Net income attributable to ABB 2,173 2,213 1,899
Free cash flow conversion to net income 93% 132% 161%

Finance net

Definition

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

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31, Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017
Interest and dividend income 72 73 11 20
Interest and other finance expense (262) (234) (66) (45)
Finance net (190) (161) (55) (25)

Book-to-bill ratio

Definition

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

Reconciliation

Three months ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017
Orders received 6,985 6,328
Total revenues 7,395 6,804
Book-to-bill ratio 0.94 0.93
Year ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017 2016
Orders received 28,590 25,034 23,658
Total revenues 27,662 25,196 24,929
Book-to-bill ratio 1.03 0.99 0.95

Cash return on invested capital (CROI)

Definition

Cash return on invested capital (CROI)

Cash return on invested capital is calculated as Adjusted cash return divided by Capital invested.

Adjusted cash return

Adjusted cash return is calculated as the sum of (i) net cash provided by operating activities, (ii) interest paid and (iii) estimate to annualize/eliminate the net cash provided by operating activities of certain acquisitions / (divestments).

Adjusted total fixed assets

Adjusted total fixed assets is the sum of (i) property, plant and equipment, net, (ii) goodwill, (iii) other intangible assets, net, and (iv) investments in equity-accounted companies less (v) deferred tax liabilities recognized in certain acquisitions.

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, (v) contract liabilities, and (vi) other current liabilities (excluding primarily: (a) income taxes payable, (b) current derivative liabilities, (c) pension and other employee benefits, and (d) payables under the share buyback program); and including the amounts related to these accounts which have been presented as either assets or liabilities held for sale.

Capital invested

Capital invested is the sum of (i) Adjusted total fixed assets, (ii) Net working capital and (iii) Accumulated depreciation and amortization.

Reconciliation

Year ended December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017 2016
Adjusted cash return:
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,924 3,799 3,843
Interest paid 243 205 213
Estimate to annualize/eliminate the net cash provided by operating activities of
certain acquisitions/(divestments)(1) 40 67
Adjusted cash return 3,207 4,071 4,056
December 31,
(\$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated) 2018 2017 2016
Adjusted total fixed assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net 4,133 3,804 3,325
Goodwill 10,764 9,536 7,953
Other intangible assets, net 2,607 2,425 1,821
Investments in equity-accounted companies 87 72 77
Fixed assets included in assets held for sale(2) 3,362 3,505 3,682
Total fixed assets 20,953 19,342 16,858
Less: deferred taxes recognized in certain acquisitions(3) (2,234) (2,157) (1,901)
Adjusted total fixed assets 18,719 17,185 14,957
Net working capital - continuing operations (as defined above) 2,584 2,490 2,616
Net working capital - discontinued operations 1,698 1,420 1,248
Accumulated depreciation and amortization:
Accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment 5,528 5,547 4,801
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets including goodwill(4) 3,229 3,018 2,620
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of assets held for sale(2) 3,332 3,303 3,092
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 12,089 11,868 10,513
Capital invested 35,090 32,963 29,334
Cash return on invested capital (CROI) 9.1% 12.4% 13.8%

(1) Divestments: In 2017 High-voltage cable and cables accessories businesses, Oil & Gas EPC business. Acquisitions: In 2018 GEIS, in 2017 B&R.

(2) Held for sale: In 2018, 2017, 2016 the Power Grids business is reported as a discontinued operation. Additionally, 2016 also includes amounts relating to the global high-voltage cable system business which was sold in March 2017.

(3) GEIS acquired in 2018, B&R acquired in 2017, Power-One acquired in 2013, Thomas & Betts acquired in 2012 and Baldor acquired in 2011.

(4) Includes accumulated goodwill amortization up to December 31, 2001. Thereafter goodwill is not amortized (under U.S. GAAP) but subject to annual testing for impairment.

ABB Ltd

Corporate Communications P.O. Box 8131 8050 Zurich Switzerland Tel: +41 (0)43 317 71 11 Fax: +41 (0)43 317 79 58

www.abb.com