ABB Reports Steady Orders, Higher Revenues in Q3 2012

ABB report solid performance in an uncertain market in its third quarter 2012 financial report.

Financial highligts:

    •    Group operational EBITDA1 margin stable vs Q2 2012, including Power Products
    •    Orders and revenues supported by better geographic balance in automation
    •    Strong divisional cash from operations
    •    Thomas & Betts contributed approx. $120 million to operational EBITDA
    •    Outlook: Limited visibility, but cautious optimism in an uncertain environment

ABB reported steady orders and higher revenues2 in the third quarter of 2012 despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, as the company benefited from its well-balanced market exposure, especially the improved access to the North American automation market gained through recent acquisitions.

Power orders were lower than the year-earlier period, which included a large offshore wind order. Excluding that order, power orders rose 10 percent, driven by utility and industry investments in power transmission. Automation orders were up 13 percent (flat organic), driven by demand for improved industrial productivity, mainly in Europe and North America and in the mining and marine sectors.

“We’re encouraged that we could grow the business and sustain profitability well within our target corridor despite a challenging macro environment,” said Joe Hogan, ABB’s CEO. “We continued to execute on cost reduction and grow the service business, two of our key strategic initiatives. The geographic rebalancing of our automation business towards North America, for example through the Thomas & Betts acquisition, is also paying off.

“That gives us reason for cautious optimism,” Hogan said. “Short-term market visibility is limited and volatility is high. In this environment, our near-term focus will continue to be on competitive costs and using our strong portfolio and geographic balance to tap profitable growth opportunities.”