1/1
ABB
A
nnual
R
eporting
Suite
202
4
This document includes the following reports:
Integrated Report 202
4
Management Report 2024:
-
Financial Report
- Sustainability Statement
Corporate Governance Report 202
4
Compensation Report 202
4
INTEGRATED
REPORT
2024
ABB’s new brand positioning
“We help industries
outrun – leaner and cleaner”
underpins the next
phase of the company’s development as a leader in
electrification and automation following its successful
transformation period. It articulates what ABB wants
to be known for in the minds of its customers.
The new brand positioning centers around the word
“Outrun”
and its meaning consists of two parts:
Keeping ABB’s partners running consistently at high
performance and at the same time helping them run
more productively, efficiently and sustainably so they
can outperform.
“Leaner”
stands for ABB’s global leadership role in
automation, improving the productivity and efficiency
of every industry’s critical day-to-day operations.
“Cleaner”
represents the company’s leadership
in electrification, decarbonizing the world’s most
essential industries.
ABB’s new tagline is
‘Engineered to Outrun’
. The new
brand positioning is in line with ABB’s purpose of
enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient
future with its technology leadership in electrification
and automation.
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electri-
fication and automation, enabling a more
sustainable and resource-efficient future.
By connecting its engineering and digitaliza-
tion expertise, ABB helps industries run at high
performance, while becoming more efficient,
productive and sustainable so they outperform.
At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’.
Our company has over 140 years of history and
around 110,000 employees worldwide.
Creating success
Transforming
industries
Leading with technology
Embedding
sustainability
Addressing the world’s
energy challenges
OUR PURPOSE:
We enable a more
sustainable and
resource-efficient
future with our
technology leadership
in electrification
and automation
4
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Divisions
Corporate
Customers
Business Areas
Business Lines
Electrification
Motion
Robotics & Discrete
Automation
Process Automation
Our business areas
Our purpose is why we are in business. It guides
the Group’s strategic direction and sits at the
heart of our decentralized operating model,
the ABB Way. Each of our four business areas –
Electrification, Motion, Process Automation
and Robotics & Discrete Automation – governs
their respective divisions, ensuring that we
collectively deliver on our purpose through our
technology leadership in electrification and
automation. Our business areas pursue oppor-
tunities to collaborate, driving innovation and
developing common solutions to best serve our
customers. At the same time, it is our divisions –
19 in total – that are closest to our customers;
they hence have full ownership and account-
ability for their strategies, performance and
resources in order to provide the best possible
service to our customers. They drive the success
of ABB in their daily business.
5
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ELECTRIFICATION
ABB’s Electrification business area is a global technology leader enabling the
efficient and reliable use of electricity from source to socket. We collaborate
with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in
electrical distribution and energy management. Our portfolio encompasses
digital and connected innovations for low- and medium-voltage, including elec-
tric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, modular substations, distribution automation,
power protection, wiring accessories, switchgear, enclosures, cabling, sensing
and control. We also offer services to improve reliability, availability, predict-
ability and sustainability of electrical systems.
Global market position
No. 3
Divisions
• Distribution Solutions
• Smart Power
• Smart Buildings
• Installation Products
• Service
Revenues
$15.4 billion
Employees
~52,000
6
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Global market position
No. 1
Divisions
• Drive Products
• System Drives
• Motion Services
• NEMA Motors
• IEC LV Motors
• Large Motors & Generators
• Traction
Revenues
$7.8 billion
Employees
~22,000
MOTION
ABB’s Motion business area, the largest supplier of drives and motors globally, is at the
core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We offer customers the
complete range of electrical motors, drives, generators, and services, as well as inte-
grated digital powertrain solutions. Therefore, we are able to provide our customers with
energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions to empower a low-carbon future.
We serve a wide range of automation applications in transportation, infrastructure and
the discrete and process industries. Through our domain expertise and technology our
customers achieve better performance, safety and reliability.
7
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
PROCESS AUTOMATION
ABB’s Process Automation business area enables customers to operate some
of the world’s largest and most complex industrial infrastructures that address
a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials,
to producing goods and transporting them to market. We offer a broad range
of automation, electrification and digital solutions for process, hybrid and mar-
itime industries, including industry-specific integrated control and software as
well as measurement and analytics solutions and services.
Global market position
No. 2
Divisions
• Energy Industries
• Process Industries
• Marine & Ports
• Measurement &
Analytics
Revenues
$6.8 billion
Employees
~22,000
8
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ROBOTICS & DISCRETE AUTOMATION
ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business area enables compa-
nies to outperform and become more resilient, flexible and efficient
through our value-added solutions in robotics as well as machine
and factory automation. With our integrated automation solutions,
our application expertise across a wide scope of industries and our
global presence, we deliver tangible customer value. Our focus on
innovation includes extensive work in artificial intelligence, as well as
an ecosystem of digital partnerships and the expansion of our pro-
duction and research capabilities.
Global market position
No. 2
Divisions
• Robotics
• Machine Automation
Revenues
$3.2 billion
Employees
~11,000
E-MOBILITY
ABB’s E-mobility division, formerly part of the Electrification busi-
ness area, has been an independent business and separate operating
segment since January 2023. It is reported in “Corporate and Other”.
ABB E-mobility is a global leader in electric vehicle charging solu-
tions, with the highest uptime and largest installed base of Direct
Current (DC) fast chargers in the market.
9
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Key figures at a glance
KEY FIGURES
$ in millions, unless otherwise stated
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
Comparable
1
Financial
Orders
33,690
33,818
0%
1%
Order backlog (end December)
21,221
21,567
-2%
4%
Revenues
32,850
32,235
2%
3%
Income from operations
5,071
4,871
4%
Operational EBITA
1
5,968
5,427
10%
11%
2
as % of operational revenues
1
18.1%
16.9%
+1.2 pts
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,955
3,848
3%
Net income attributable to ABB
3,935
3,745
5%
Basic earnings per share ($)
2.13
2.02
6%
3
Dividend per share (in CHF)
0.90
4
0.87
3%
Cash flow from operating activities
4,675
4,290
9%
Net debt
1
(end December)
1,285
1,991
-35%
Environmental
5
,
6
Energy consumption (GWh)
1,292
1,297
-0.4%
Renewable electricity (%)
95
94
+1.0 pts
Own operations emissions scope 1 and 2 (kilotons CO
2
e)
7
138
151
-9%
Value chain emissions scope 3 (kilotons CO
2
e)
8
394,952
447,426
-12%
Total waste sent to landfill (kilotons)
9.3
10.1
-8%
Social
Total number of employees (FTE)
109,900
107,900
2%
Women in workforce (%)
9
27.8
27.7
0.1 pts
Women in senior management positions
10
(%)
9
21.3
21.0
0.3 pts
Community spending
9
11.5
-2.5
1.
For alternative performance measures, see chapter Alternative performance measures.
2.
Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).
3.
EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts.
4.
Proposed by the Board of Directors and subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland.
5.
Figures are adjusted for portfolio changes.
6.
When reporting figures in tons, kilotons or megatons we refer to metric tons, kilotons or megatons.
7.
Scope 2 refers to market-based values.
8.
In 2023, we published a “representative scenario” and a “strict scenario”. Going forward, we report the strict scenario as basis for our scope 3 emissions, taking a
more conservative approach based on full energy input for certain products.
9.
Percentages calculated using headcount data.
10.
At ABB, senior managers are defined as employees in Hay grades 1–7, including division presidents.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY RATINGS 2024
CDP Climate
CDP Water
CDP Supplier
Engagement
1
EcoVadis
ISS ESG
Corporate
MSCI ESG
2
S&P Global
CSA score
Sustainalytics
ESG Risk
3
A
A-
A
Gold 75/100
Prime status B
AAA
64/100
15.2
1.
The 2024 Supplier Engagement score will be available in March 2025.
2.
The use by ABB of any MSCI ESG Research LLC or its affiliates (“MSCI”) data, and the use of MSCI logos, trademarks, service marks or index names herein, do not
constitute a sponsorship, endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of ABB by MSCI. MSCI services and data are the property of MSCI or its information providers
and are provided ‘as-is’ and without warranty. MSCI names and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI.
3.
Copyright ©2023 Morningstar Sustainalytics. All rights reserved. This publication contains information developed by Sustainalytics (www.sustainalytics.com). Such
information and data are proprietary of Sustainalytics and/or its third-party suppliers (Third Party Data) and are provided for informational purposes only. They do
not constitute an endorsement of any product or project, nor an investment advice and are not warranted to be complete, timely, accurate or suitable for a particular
purpose. Their use is subject to conditions available at https://www.sustainalytics.com/legal-disclaimers
Find out more about our sustainability ratings on our website ABB ESG ratings.
10
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
140+
years history
ABB in 2024
IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN 2024
• ABB announced the approval of its
Net Zero
emissions reduction targets by the
Science-Based
Targets initiative (SBTi)
: 80 percent reduction of
absolute scope 1 and scope 2 (operational) GHG
emissions from 2019 to 2030, and 100 percent by
2050, both in line with the 1.5°C pathway; 25 percent
reduction of scope 3 (value chain) GHG emissions
from 2022 to 2030, in line with the well below 2°C
pathway, and 90 percent by 2050, in line with the
1.5°C pathway.
ABB opens new $100 million campus
in Wisconsin,
US, to support future growth in ABB’s largest
market with production of electric drive technology
used in a variety of industries.
Share buybacks:
On April 1, ABB launched its
new share buyback program of up to $1 billion,
16,715,684 shares were bought under the plan
which ended in January 2025 – for a total amount
of approximately $0.9 billion.
• On August 1, Morten Wierod took over as the
new
CEO of ABB
. Giampiero Frisio stepped into his role
as the new President of the Electrification Business
Area and Brandon Spencer as the new President
of the Motion Business Area and on November
1, Mathias Gaertner assumed the role of General
Counsel and Company Secretary.
• On March 21, the Annual General Meeting elected
two new Board members
, Johan Forssell and
Mats Rahmström. They replace Jacob Wallenberg
and Gunnar Brock who decided not to stand
for reelection.
• ABB filed a Form 15F to
voluntarily deregister
and suspend SEC reporting
on June 10, 2024.
The deregistration became effective in September
2024. The company will continue to comply with its
financial reporting and other obligations pursuant
to applicable stock exchange listing rules in
Switzerland and Sweden.
ABB IN NUMBERS
$32.9 bn
Revenues
18.1%
Operational
EBITA margin
78%
Reduction of scope 1
and 2 GHG emissions
since 2019
>170
manufacturing sites
$33.7 bn
Order intake
$1.5 bn
R&D investment
21.3%
Women in senior
management positions
$3.9 bn
Net income
11
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
The ABB Integrated Report describes how we
create value under the ABB Way – our decentral-
ized operating model. It provides a comprehen-
sive view of our business strategy, governance,
performance, and value creation in relation to
different forms of inputs used and outcomes
created through the activities of our divisions
and business areas, united under the ABB brand.
The report integrates the most important infor-
mation about our financial and sustainability
strategy, targets and performance and is mainly
aimed at our shareholders and investment com-
munity, but also informs other stakeholders like
customers, employees, partners, governments,
civil society and suppliers.
As a global company with stock exchange list-
ings in Switzerland and Sweden, we adhere to
internationally recognized standards and frame-
works. In addition to performance measures
prepared in accordance with US GAAP (Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles), we use alter-
native performance measures deemed useful in
evaluating ABB’s operating results.
The Integrated Report 2024 is published as
part of our annual reporting suite and is avail-
able in English and German. Only the original
English version is binding. For environmental
reasons, only a limited number of copies of the
Integrated Report are printed. All other reports
are published digitally.
The reporting period and scope of the data cov-
ers our operations worldwide and provides an
overview of financial and sustainability-linked
performance for the full year 2024 and reflects
the status as of December 31, 2024.
“We, ABB’s senior management, and the Board of Directors,
take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the
information disclosed within our Integrated Report 2024, which
addresses matters that have or may have a significant effect
on how we create and share value. We believe this report is
aligned in all material aspects with the recommendations and
standards issued by the International Integrated Reporting
Framework (now IFRS Foundation).”
About this report
Please refer to
“Supplemental
Reconciliations and
Definitions” in ABB’s
Q4 2024 Financial
Information.
12
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Our Value Creation Model determines
the structure of our report
Our value creation model outlines how we create
value by delivering on our purpose. In this re-
port, it also serves as a guide for the structure.
The value creation model outlines how we draw
on inputs and, through our decentralized oper-
ating model, the ABB Way, create sustainable
value in the short-, mid- and long-term by trans-
forming them into outputs and outcomes: de-
livering leading financial performance, creating
world-class technology, enabling a low-carbon
society, preserving resources and promoting
social progress, underpinned by a culture of in-
tegrity and transparency along the value chain.
The illustration of our Value Creation Model on
page 34 and 35 is interactive and by clicking on
the different icons and sections you will be led
to the respective section in the report to learn
more about our value creation.
VALUE CREATION MODEL NAVIGATION
Throughout the report you will find this icon, indicating in which section
of the Value Creation Model you are; by clicking on it, you will return to
the main illustration on pages 34 and 35.
the abb way
Our inputs
Inputs used to run our
business:
Financial
Intellectual
Natural
Manufactured
Human
Social/relationship
What we do
Using the inputs, we run our
business activities in line with our
operating model,
the ABB Way
What we create
By transforming the inputs
into products and solutions,
we create
value for all our
stakeholders
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e
B
r
a
n
d
P
e
o
p
l
e
&
C
u
l
t
u
r
e
B
u
s
i
n
e
s
s
m
o
d
e
l
ABB
purpose
13
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ABB ANNUAL REPORTING SUITE 2024
Our Annual Reporting Suite for the full year 2024 is filed
with the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland and the
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange in Sweden and can be
viewed on our website. It
consists of the following reports,
with the Integrated Report being a condensed summary:
Integrated Report
English (PDF)
German (PDF)
Sustainability Statement
English (PDF)
Corporate Governance Report
English (PDF)
Compensation Report
English (PDF)
ESEF version of
ABB Annual Reporting Suite
ESEF version (XHTML)
Financial Report
English (PDF)
14
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Table of contents
01
Introduction
17
Chairman’s letter
20
CEO Q&A
24
ABB equity story
30
ABB share performance
02
Value creation
33
Our value creation model
36
Our strategic direction
38
Our business environment
42
Our inputs for value creation
44
ABB Way
47
Risks and opportunities
03
Outputs and outcomes
51
Targets and performance overview
54
We deliver leading financial performance
65
We create value through world-class
technology
74
We enable a low-carbon society
83
We preserve resources
89
We promote social progress
103
We embed a culture of integrity and
transparency along the extended value chain
112
We help industries outrun – leaner and
cleaner: case studies
04
Good governance
125
Corporate Governance
128
Board of Directors
129
Executive Committee
05
Performance-based
Compensation
133
Extracts from Compensation
Committee Chair Letter
135
Board compensation
136
Executive Committee
compensation
140
Sustainability-related
considerations in ABB’s
compensation
06
Appendix
143
Alternative performance
measures
146
Key terms
148
Financial calendar 2025
15
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
01
INTRODUCTION
17
Chairman’s letter
20
CEO Q&A
24
ABB equity story
30
ABB share performance
Dear shareholders,
The year 2024 was marked by change at ABB and
beyond. Our world faced yet more disruption –
both positive and challenging. Innovation has
been speeding up, driven in large parts by gen-
erative artificial intelligence (AI). Economic and
geopolitical volatility, meanwhile, was on the
increase, and global temperatures continued
to set new record highs, serving as a powerful
reminder that climate change is an increasingly
urgent challenge.
Against that backdrop, ABB has been thriving.
As industries increasingly need to do more with
less, we have supported them to become more
efficient, productive and sustainable, helping
them outrun – leaner and cleaner.
After Morten Wierod succeeded Björn Rosengren
as our CEO on August 1, our business continued
to deliver strong financial performance. Key
enablers of our success are our expertise in elec-
trification and automation. But also, our short
and resilient supply chains and our decentralized
operating model, the ABB Way, which empowers
our businesses to make decisions close to the
customers they serve. These strengths enable us
to maintain output in challenging situations and
respond at speed to changing circumstances
and customer needs.
Tackling climate change, our leading electrifi-
cation and automation technologies continued
to reduce energy consumption and emissions in
the largest emitting sectors, including power,
industry, transport, and buildings and infra-
structure. A good example is our role in reducing
the energy consumption of data centers, which
are becoming even bigger consumers of power
due to the vast energy needs of AI applications.
By 2026, data centers globally are expected
to consume the same amount of electricity as
Japan (IEA), which makes it essential that we
help them to become leaner and cleaner and ac-
celerate the shift to sustainable energy sources.
We can look back at a strong performance for
ABB as comparable orders, revenues and profits
continued to grow, despite challenging markets
for some of our businesses. Thanks to this,
the Board of Directors will be proposing to the
Annual General Meeting a dividend of CHF 0.90
per share, in line with our policy of paying a ris-
ing, sustainable dividend per share over time.
We are delivering record levels of profitabil-
ity compared to just a few years ago and will
continue to focus on margins while driving
profitable growth and further embedding the
ABB Way into our organization. I am confident
that by putting a strong focus on these areas,
ABB has the potential to become an even better
performing company in the future.
The success and growth of ABB have always
depended on our ability to innovate. Research
and development (R&D) plays an important role
in ensuring we remain relevant for customers
and we have increased our R&D spend by about
40 percent since 2020 excluding the impact
from divisional exits. During 2024, we made
important strides in incorporating generative
AI into our offerings and business processes.
These solutions will help us improve energy and
resource efficiency and productivity. Through
innovation, we keep improving the operational
effectiveness of ABB and our customers and ac-
celerate decarbonization across value chains.
Chairman’s letter
In 2024, we began an important chapter at ABB, with the appoint-
ment of Morten Wierod as CEO. On the strength of our decentralized
ABB Way operating model, we were able to make further progress
across several of our key priorities. Our teams remain focused on
driving profitable growth while continuing to strengthen account-
ability further in the divisions. Sustainability continues to be at the
center of our business and customer offering. All in all, we are mak-
ing sure that ABB continues to be well positioned in the long term.
17
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
“The Board of Directors and I are absolutely confident
in the ability of ABB’s management team to continue
to lead this great company and deliver superior value
for all of our stakeholders.”
PETER VOSER
| CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
18
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Acquisitions are another key driver of growth.
We are always on the lookout to invest in busi-
nesses that add value and companies that de-
velop breakthrough technologies. In 2024, we
extended our market and technology leadership
by signing agreements to acquire established
businesses, such as the power electronics
business of Gamesa Electric in Spain, Siemens’
Wiring Accessories business in China, as well as
smaller companies specializing in AI-based ap-
plications for electrification and automation.
Sustainability continues to be a key focus of our
business. In 2024, our scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 were val-
idated by the Science Based Targets initiative
(SBTi). The SBTi validation confirms that our ap-
proach is science-based in accordance with the
Paris Agreement on climate change.
Last year also saw changes to our Board of
Directors as Jacob Wallenberg decided to step
down from his position after being on the
board for almost 25 years. In addition, Gunnar
Brock decided not to stand for reelection. I
am very proud that with Johan Forssell and
Mats Rahmström we have welcomed two new
members with a particular focus on industrial
companies and decentralized operating mod-
els who complement the competencies of our
board perfectly.
And our board continues to evolve as we sug-
gest Claudia Nemat for election at our March
2025 AGM. As a member of Deutsche Telekom’s
management team she is responsible for tech-
nology and innovation, covering crucial issues
like cyber security and – of course – artificial
intelligence. At the same time, Lars Förberg has
decided not to stand for re-election and I would
like to thank him for his outstanding contribu-
tion to ABB’s successful transformation over the
past years.
The Board of Directors and I are absolutely con-
fident in the ability of ABB’s management team
to continue to lead this great company and de-
liver superior value for all of our stakeholders.
With the ABB Way, we have the right operating
model in place. Our businesses are aligned with
our purpose of enabling a more sustainable and
resource-efficient future with our leading elec-
trification and automation solutions. And most
important of all, we have around 110,000 tal-
ented and motivated employees who have con-
sistently delivered strong results.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like
to thank our people for another year of excel-
lent performance and to say a special thanks
to Björn for his outstanding leadership of our
company and to Morten for a strong start. And
of course, I want to thank you, our shareholders,
for your trust and support.
Best regards,
PETER VOSER
Chairman of the Board of Directors
19
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
CEO Q&A
Having assumed the role of CEO in August, Morten Wierod explains
how he intends to lead ABB forward, following its transformation
into a better performing, more transparent and agile company.
20
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Morten, what were the highlights of 2024?
How did ABB perform?
This year we made good progress on many
fronts. On the performance side, our financial
results continued to improve, despite the un-
certain economic and geopolitical environment
in which we are operating. This shows that the
ABB Way is the right operating model for this
company. 2024 was a new record year for us
in many ways as we improved on most of our
financial headlines. The market for robotics
continued to be challenging but given the aging
global labor force and the trend for reshoring
and nearshoring, we are confident in the lon-
ger-term prospects of this business.
On M&A we ramped up our activities signifi-
cantly, although not all closed yet, announcing
eight acquisitions with annual revenues over
$500 million. We also launched several ground-
breaking innovations. One is a next-generation
robotics platform which increases business
productivity and flexibility through faster,
more precise and more autonomous automa-
tion; another is a new concept to improve the
energy efficiency of medium-voltage motors,
which account for 10 percent of the world’s
electricity consumption.
I am particularly proud of the improvement in
our employee engagement score, which rose for
the sixth consecutive year to 78 percent, making
ABB a best-in-class company.
You succeeded Björn Rosengren as CEO on
August 1. How were your first months in the
new role? Are you planning to make
any changes?
My first five months as CEO have been energiz-
ing. ABB is in good shape and I have the privi-
lege to partner with a great leadership team,
including the new Electrification and Motion
Presidents. What’s made the transition easier
is that I have been deeply involved in ABB’s
transformation from the start, having led the
implementation of our successful decentralized
operating model, ABB Way, in the two largest of
our four business areas.
In terms of where we go from here, the ABB Way
is here to stay. That means we will maintain
consistency in our ways of working, guided by
our purpose. We will continue to focus on ac-
countability, transparency and speed to build a
high-performance, high-integrity collaborative
culture and to actively manage our portfolio.
Given my experience at ABB, I believe I am well
positioned to challenge and guide the business
areas and divisions to reach higher and deliver
even better profitability and growth – both or-
ganic and acquired – in line with our targets.
We have also launched a new global brand posi-
tioning for ABB to increase customers’ under-
standing of what ABB does and how we create
superior value for our customers. Increasing
familiarity with what ABB does represents a
significant commercial opportunity for us and
should also help ABB attract top talent.
Driving profitable growth is a priority for you,
how do you plan to achieve that? Are you fo-
cusing on ramping up M&A?
Following our transformation, we are well po-
sitioned to capitalize on the trend towards
electrification and on the growing demand
for automation as companies seek to improve
their productivity and flexibility. We ended the
year with about 60 percent of our revenues on
a growth mandate, which early in 2025 changed
to 70 percent in growth mode. Our management
compensation and strategic priorities have
been adjusted accordingly.
We will drive organic growth by increasing
investments in R&D and capitalizing on our
technology leadership, which is based on best-
in-class hardware operated with embedded
software and control functions. Approximately
60 percent
1
of our products and services are
digitally enabled and over half
1
of our R&D pro-
fessionals are dedicated to software. At the
same time artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming
an increasingly important driver of how we cre-
ate value for the industries we serve, and we are
committed to responsible development and use.
When it comes to M&A, we have been steadily
building up a strong pipeline of acquisition
targets. With the deals announced already
we should be within our average target
range of adding 1 to 2 percent of revenues
via acquisitions.
What are your capital allocation priorities?
Our goal is profitable growth. That means our
first priority is to fund organic growth through
investments in R&D and production capacity.
Beyond that, our policy is to pay a rising, sus-
tainable dividend over time. With our remaining
free cash flow, we intend to increase our M&A
activities. And as we announced a new, larger
program of up to $1.5 billion for 2025, share
buybacks will remain on our agenda, but ulti-
mately, the utilization level of buyback programs
depends on how much we spend on M&A.
1.
Management
estimates.
21
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
What is your approach to investing in R&D and
technology? What about venture
capital investments?
R&D investments are driven by the divisions to
foster innovation that creates the most mean-
ingful value for our customers. We are commit-
ted to keep our R&D investments to between
4.5 and 5 percent of our revenues.
Our technology pipeline speaks for itself. This
year, we introduced our next generation of SF
6
-
free switchgear solutions for applications up to
24 kV. These will help our customers comply with
regulations in the European Union and California,
which are banning SF
6
gas, a potent greenhouse
gas, in new electrical equipment up to 24 kV.
On the venture side, we continue to acquire
minority stakes in promising start-ups, having
invested in more than 30 companies in the past
five years. Start-ups are an important part of
our R&D ecosystem, especially when it comes to
specialized software and AI.
ABB has delivered another record margin of
18.1 percent, already near the top of your tar-
get range. Do you think it’s time to raise
your targets?
We raised our margin target quite recently, in
November 2023, to an Operational EBITA margin
in the range of 16–19 percent. We are close to
the top of that range, but we are not there yet.
Once we have achieved this level, we will deter-
mine what the next steps are for ABB.
I believe the best is yet to come for ABB. We
are starting 2025 with some 30 percent of our
divisions still having a “profitability mandate”,
which means they can improve their margins
further. Some divisions have achieved very high
levels of profitability supported by a strong
market environment and we want to ensure
these levels are sustainable throughout the
cycle. With our new ways of working, we are a
more agile and resilient company.
You said that the ABB Way operating model is
here to stay. How can it create even more value
for ABB?
I believe we can build further on the ABB Way
to support both growth and margin. At the mo-
ment, accountability is with our divisions, which
are the highest operating level of the company,
but we intend to move it even deeper, to the
level of business lines and product groups.
I have seen the success of embedding the
ABB Way even further into our divisions in my
previous role in Electrification.
You mentioned the new brand positioning to
improve understanding of what ABB does.
What is that about?
Our new brand positioning underpins the next
phase of ABB’s development as a leader in
electrification and automation following our
successful transformation period. It articulates
what ABB wants to be known for in the minds
of our customers and focuses on what we have
learned are their main business needs and
where we at ABB can provide superior value,
which is helping industries become leaner and
cleaner, or as we say – helping them “outrun”.
What kind of a leader are you?
I believe in keeping things simple and efficient,
speaking up and taking ownership. My approach
is to empower people with accountability and
trust, and I expect transparency and ownership
in return. What counts for me is a winning mind-
set and approaching business as a team sport.
We want to win but work should also be fun. My
motto is: even better, together.
How are you doing on sustainability?
We are making good progress towards our sus-
tainability targets and have embedded sustain-
ability even further into our divisions. Versus our
2019 baseline, we cut scope 1 & 2 greenhouse
gas emissions by 78 percent, and our scope 3
emissions were reduced by 8 percent compared
to the 2022 baseline, putting us well on track to
achieve our targets. We also helped our custom-
ers avoid 66 megatons of emissions throughout
the lifecycle of our products sold in 2024 with
our energy and resource efficient technologies
as compared to alternative solutions.
Our emissions reduction targets for 2030 and
2050 were validated by the Science Based
Targets initiative (SBTi), affirming that they are in
accordance with the Paris Agreement on climate
change. Our focus now is on achieving these
targets and helping our customers on their jour-
neys. The divisions are in the lead on implement-
ing the changes needed to make these a reality.
“We will continue to focus on accountability,
transparency and speed to build a high-
performance, high-integrity collaborative
culture and to actively manage our portfolio.”
MORTEN WIEROD
| CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
22
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
We also improved gender diversity, increasing
the number of women in senior management po-
sitions to 21.3 percent, and focusing on safety;
our lost-time injury frequency rate stands at
0.15, down from our 2019 baseline of 0.24.
How is the turnaround of the E-mobility busi-
ness going? Is an IPO still planned?
The turnaround of ABB E-mobility is progress-
ing. It now has a focused and modular portfolio
and launched its flagship A400 charger during
the year. While an impact on order numbers
is not yet visible, it has seen some very good
customer feedback so far. We will reassess the
timing for a potential IPO at a later stage, as
the business and the market need to be fit for
such a move.
Final question: after five months as CEO, how
are you finding the job?
I’m enjoying it immensely. I have been doing a
lot of travelling, especially to meet customers
and colleagues from parts of the business that I
was less familiar with when I took over the role.
I have also met many investors and other stake-
holders. It’s been a very positive experience –
ABB is well-regarded as a technology leader and
partner that is well positioned to continue bene-
fiting from key global megatrends.
I want to thank everyone at ABB for the strong
support that I have received since I became
CEO, especially my colleagues on the Executive
Committee. We have a highly experienced, ex-
cellent team running the company, as well as
around 110,000 talented people who have deliv-
ered another year of excellent performance.
23
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ABB equity story
ABB is well-positioned in a changing world: Our global market-lead-
ing positions in electrification and automation strategically posi-
tions us to capitalize on the long-term megatrends characterized
by the energy transition towards electricity and integration of new
energy sources, demographic shifts and the need for an increasingly
flexible and efficient manufacturing set-up.
Future-proof
ABB purpose and customer offering aligned with secular trends
Our Purpose
We enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future with
our technology leadership in electrification and automation
1. IEA World Energy Outlook 2024, Announced Pledges Scenario
2. United Nations World Population Prospects 2024
Our offering
Supports customers to:
More electricity
Electricity demand
growing ~9× faster than
total energy demand in
2023–2030, resulting
in ~70% higher average
annual investment into
electricity networks in
2024–2030 (vs 2016–2023)
1
Higher energy efficiency
~45% of the world’s
electricity is converted
into motion by electric
motors yet only ~23% of
the world’s electric motors
are optimized through
the control of drives
New energy sources
Share of low-carbon
sources in global energy
mix to increase +50% –
points from ~20% today
to ~70% in 2050
1
Shrinking labor force
Global number of working
age people (15 to 64 years)
per retiree (65 years or
over) to fall by ~24% in
2023–2035
2
• Reduce waste and increase
circularity
• Reduce carbon intensity
• Increase labor productivity
• Increase energy efficiency
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce footprint
• Reduce downtime
• Increase safety and improve
working environment
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Our equity story is based on five pillars:
1. Market leader with world-class technology
Our market-leading position is based on
cutting-edge technology including value
derived from software, our ability to scale,
decades-long domain expertise and close
customer relationships.
Our four business areas have market-leading
positions in their respective market segments.
This gives us strong economies of scale and
we can achieve profitability levels that support
continued investments in R&D. These invest-
ments help us maintain and improve our man-
ufacturing assets, allowing us to defend and
strengthen our leading market positions in elec-
trification and automation.
Our cutting-edge technology, which includes
both hardware and software, creates superior
customer value as we help industries optimize,
electrify and decarbonize their operations.
Being present in various verticals for many de-
cades has enabled us to build unique domain
expertise as well as a large installed base and
strong long-term relationships with end-cus-
tomers and channel partners. Our deep under-
standing of customer needs and operations is
at the root of ABB’s customer value creation.
2. ABB Way – Accountability, transparency
and speed
Through the period of 2019–2023 ABB has trans-
formed into a more agile and efficient company
where accountability, transparency and speed
are fostered through the implementation of our
decentralized operating model, the ABB Way.
The ABB Way has been an integral part of
making 2024 another record year for financial
performance and under the leadership of our
new CEO, Morten Wierod, we are fully commit-
ted to consistency in the ABB Way operating
model. This is founded on our belief in having:
1. operating decisions made close to customers;
2. select common processes and
3. a strong performance management system.
In our decentralized model, operating decisions
are taken close to customers in our divisions,
which have full ownership and accountability
for their respective businesses, including R&D,
Capital expenditures (CapEx), strategy and M&A.
These businesses benefit from select common
processes linked to ABB brand, human capital,
compliance and integrity. Each division should
benefit from being part of the ABB Group. Our
leaders are encouraged to cooperate where
there are synergies and it makes sense for the
business. Lastly, our strong performance man-
agement system ensures performance can be
tracked quickly and easily with standard key
performance indicators (KPIs) to facilitate speed
in decision making. Each division is given a man-
date of stability, profitability or growth, which
translates into strategic priorities and appropri-
ate targets that are supported by incentives.
Looking forward, we aim to move accountability
further down within the organization, empow-
ering business line leaders with strategic man-
dates and corresponding incentives to further
drive results. Clear mandates and accountability
at the business line level will further enhance
transparency and operational speed across
the organization.
Digital content
in our offering to
support gross margin and industry
leadership in technology
Continue to develop
Industrial
Software and Digital services
organically and make bolt-on
acquisitions:
Invest to create synergies with our
offering
Return on investment
• Growth
Embedded software
enables
differentiation
VALUE FROM SOFTWARE
around
60%
of software, products
and services are
digitally enabled
¹
Software or digitally enabled
products and services
83%
Products and solutions
17%
Services
1.
Management estimates based on
FY 2023 orders.
25
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
3. Increasing growth rates
We target an average comparable revenue growth
of 5–7 percent through the economic cycle. In
addition, we want to utilize our strong balance
sheet for acquisitions, adding 1–2 percent of rev-
enues on average through the economic cycle.
The higher comparable growth ambitions are
supported by our reshaped business portfolio,
working in the ABB Way operating model and
our exposure to accelerating megatrends and
sustainability demand drivers.
At the same time, we aim to have a high pace
of acquisitions. The responsibility to build the
pipeline of potential targets has been trans-
ferred to the divisions and each management
team is responsible for adding the necessary
technology and footprint for achieving market
leading positions. Acquisitions can be made in
all divisions to fill gaps in technology, however,
only divisions with a growth mandate are active
in strategic acquisitions.
In 2024, we accelerated strategic partnerships
and bolt-on acquisitions led by our divisions,
completing nine new and eight follow-on ven-
ture capital investments and seven bolt-on
acquisitions. Annual revenues from all deals an-
nounced this year put us within our target range
for inorganic growth, and each business has
built good target pipelines. We are making prog-
ress but still have some way to go before fully
reaching our desired M&A performance culture.
Internal
02
Working in ABB Way operating model
with divisions accountable for growth
with decision-making closer to the market
ABB Way operating model – transferred
operating decisions to divisions. Accountable
for organic and inorganic growth
Clarity and consistency on strategic mandate
in businesses
70% of revenues with growth mandate
Internal
01
Reshaped portfolio
around the ABB
purpose of increased sustainability
and resource efficiency through
electrification and automation
Exit of EPC business
Completed exit of three divisions
Focus on quality of revenues
Continuous business portfolio assessment
Accelerating megatrends
and sustainability drivers
for
electrification and automation
The world going electric – Energy security –
Energy efficiency – Automation
Global carbon reduction targets
Regulations – reporting standards
Impact on corporates operational performance
due to rising cost of carbon
Customer, employee and shareholder focus
External
03
5–7%
average
Comparable
growth
through economic cycle
Revenues
Comparable revenue growth
6% avg
USD bn
%
10
15
20
25
30
35
-5
0
5
10
15
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
26
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
4. Improving performance
After several years of transformation to a more
sustainably profitable company, there is now an
increased focus on growth. It goes hand in hand
with continuous improvements in ROCE and
Operational EBITA margin, which is expected to
remain at a best-in-class level of greater than
18 percent, even when achieving a higher pace
of acquisitions.
Our new ways of working are yielding results,
and we continued to improve financial per-
formance, achieving new all-time high (ATH)
levels for several KPIs in 2024. We are actively
enabling a low-carbon society as well as work-
ing with our customers and suppliers to imple-
ment sustainable practices across our value
chain and the life cycle of our products and
solutions. We are equally committed to driving
social progress, along with our suppliers and in
our communities.
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
$ in millions
%
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
$ in millions
%
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
$ per share
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
$ in millions
new ATH
%
0
5
10
15
20
25
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Ktons CO
2
e
new ATH
-10
0
10
20
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
REVENUES
0
100
200
300
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
FREE CASH FLOW AND
CONVERSION RATE
BASIC EPS
5
10
15
20
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
OPERATIONAL EBITA
RETURN ON CAPITAL
EMPLOYED (ROCE)
SCOPE 1&2 GHG
EMISSIONS
Operational EBITA
Operational EBITA margin %
All-time-high (ATH)
Scope 1&2 GHG emissions
ROCE
Target range >18%
All-time-high (ATH)
Revenues
Comparable growth %
Free cash flow
% of net income
11.1
14.2
15.3
16.9
18.1
21.1
22.9
16.5
14.9
10.3
Basic EPS
27
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
5–7%
average
Comparable revenue growth
through economic cycle
Excluding FX impacts,
acquisitions and divestments
16–19%
Operational EBITA margin
(annual)
Dividend
policy
rising sustainable dividend
per share over time
~
100%
FCF conversion to net income
(annual)
At least high
single-digit %
EPS growth through economic cycle
(Basic EPS)
1–2%
average
Acquired revenue growth
through the economic cycle
Target is the net of acquisitions
and divestments
>18%
ROCE
(annual)
Excluding transformational deals
FINANCIAL TARGETS:
28
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
5. Rewarding shareholders
The creation of sustainable long-term share-
holder value is a key priority. Our compensation
programs and policies are designed to encour-
age performance improvement without taking
excessive risks. The company’s share ownership
requirements for Executive Committee mem-
bers are aligned with market practice and result
in wealth at risk for each Executive Committee
member which is aligned with shareholder
interests. Our strong balance sheet and cash
generation provides the capacity and flexibility
for both solid cash distribution while still ensur-
ing the financial strength to invest in organic
and acquired growth. We are committed to a
sustainable rising dividend per share over time.
Additionally, our capital allocation priorities
state that we distribute any excess cash to our
shareholders via buybacks.
In 2024, ABB invested $845 million in capi-
tal expenditures (CapEx). Non-order related
R&D investment was $1,469 million in 2024 or
4.5 percent of revenues for the year. The 2023
declared dividend amounted to $1,804 million.
With respect to the year ended December 31,
2024, ABB’s Board of Directors has proposed
to distribute a dividend to shareholders in the
amount of CHF 0.90 per share. This is subject to
approval by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting on March 27, 2025. The proposal is in
line with our dividend policy to pay a rising, sus-
tainable dividend per share over time.
In April 2024, we launched a new share buyback
program of up to $1 billion that ran until the end
of January 2025. Together with the prior share
buyback program, which ran from April 2023
to March 2024, we repurchased a combined
value of $1.0 billion during the year 2024. ABB
announced a new share buyback on January 30,
2025, as we plan to continue our share buybacks
for the full-year 2025 in line with our capital allo-
cation priorities.
1.
2024 dividend per
share of CHF 0.90 is
proposed by the Board
of Directors and sub-
ject to approval by
shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting
on March 27, 2025.
2.
Calculated based on
the share price at
December 31.
CHF
%
0,6
0,8
1,0
DIVIDENDS AND SHARE BUYBACKS
2015–2024
Dividend per share (DPS)¹
Dividend yield²
0
1
2
3
4
5
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
>$30 billion cash returned to
shareholders over last 10 years
Capital Allocation Priorities:
1.
Fund organic growth, R&D, CapEx at attractive returns
2.
Rising, sustainable dividend per share over time
3.
Value-creating acquisitions
4.
Returning additional cash to shareholders via share buybacks
$17 billion dividend
$13 billion buybacks
29
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ABB share performance
In 2024, the price of ABB Ltd shares listed on the
SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX) increased 32 percent,
while the Swiss Market Index (SMI) increased
4 percent. The price of ABB Ltd shares on the
Nasdaq Stockholm increased 34 percent, com-
pared to the OMX Stockholm 30 Index, which
increased 4 percent. Total shareholder return
(including dividends) of ABB Ltd shares listed at
SIX was 35 percent during 2024.
On May 23, 2023, ABB delisted its American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs) from the New
York Stock Exchange. In the period between
June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, the 12-month
US Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV) in
ABB’s ADRs fell below 5 percent of the ADTV
worldwide. As a result, ABB met the require-
ments to apply to deregister and terminate the
reporting obligations for its debt and equity
instruments under the U.S. Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. ABB voluntarily filed
to immediately suspend its reporting obliga-
tions under the U.S. Exchange Act with the SEC
Form 15F. Filed on June 10, 2024, this became
effective in September 2024. ABB continues to
comply with its financial reporting and other
obligations pursuant to applicable stock ex-
change listing rules – in particular the Listing
Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange and the Nasdaq
Stockholm Rulebook.
In 2024, approximately 28 percent, 26 percent,
25 percent of shares issued were held in the
United States, Switzerland and Sweden, respec-
tively. The ten largest individual shareholders
accounted for approximately 41 percent of the
share capital on the same date. On December 31,
2024, 77 percent of the shareholder base was
made up of institutional investors with retail
investors reaching 19 percent. On December
31, 2024, members of the Group Executive
Committee owned a total of 611,418 shares in
ABB. Members of the Board of Directors owned
a total of 562,303 shares in ABB. Total owner-
ship of ABB shares held by the Group Executive
Committee and the Board of Directors corre-
sponds to less than 1 percent of the capital and
voting rights.
KEY DATA
FY 2024
FY 2023
FY 2022
Dividend per share (CHF)
0.90
1
0.87
0.84
Votes per share
1
1
1
Basic earnings per share (USD)
2
2.13
2.02
1.3
Total ABB stockholders’ equity per share (USD)
3
7.88
7.28
6.85
Dividend payout ratio (%)
4
47%
51%
70%
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)
1,844
1,855
1,899
1.
Proposed by the Board of Directors and subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2025.
2.
Calculation based on weighted-average number of shares outstanding.
3.
Calculation based on the number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2024.
4.
Dividend per share (converted to US dollars at year-end exchange rates) divided by basic earnings per share.
30
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
DISTRIBUTION OF SHAREHOLDINGS
BY COUNTRY
BREAKDOWN OF SHAREHOLDERS BY TYPE
28%
United States
26%
Switzerland
25%
Sweden
9%
UK & Ireland
8%
Continental Europe
3%
Rest of World
77%
Institutional investors
19%
Retail positions
3%
Miscellaneous
1%
Company-related holders
Zurich
Average daily traded number of shares: 2.85 million
STOCKHOLM
Average daily traded number of shares: 0.57 million
Source: FactSet.
Source: Company data
ABB
Swiss Market Index Rebased
ABB
OMX Stockholm 30 Index Rebased
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
Jan 2024
Feb 2024
Mar 2024
Apr 2024
May 2024
Jun 2024
Jul 2024
Aug 2024
Sep 2024
Oct 2024
Nov 2024
Dec 2024
240
280
320
360
400
440
480
520
560
600
640
680
Jan 2024
Feb 2024
Mar 2024
Apr 2024
May 2024
Jun 2024
Jul 2024
Aug 2024
Sep 2024
Oct 2024
Nov 2024
Dec 2024
Low:
35.28
High:
52.12
Year end:
49.07
Low:
424.00
High:
647.00
Year end:
595.4
CH
F
SEK
31
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
02
VALUE CREATION
33
Our value creation model
36
Our strategic direction
38
Our business environment
42
Our inputs for value creation
44
ABB Way
47
Risks and opportunities
Our value creation model
We create value for our stakeholders through our technology
leadership in electrification and automation, building on our
decentralized operating model to enable a more sustainable and
resource-efficient future.
In everything we do, we strive to consider how
ABB impacts and is impacted by our stakehold-
ers and the business environment. We define
value creation as the transformation of our
inputs into outputs and outcomes that fulfill
our purpose of enabling a more sustainable and
resource-efficient future. We collaborate closely
with our stakeholders across ABB’s value chain
and consider megatrends that shape our busi-
ness environment in order to:
• create value through world-class technology;
• deliver leading financial performance;
• enable a low-carbon society;
• preserve resources;
• promote social progress; and
• embed a culture of integrity and transparency.
To measure the success of our value creation, we
leverage a broad set of qualitative and quantita-
tive key performance indicators (KPIs) of which
a subset is included in the illustration of our
value creation model. Moreover, in the following
chapters we report in more detail on our value
creation inputs and how we turn them into out-
puts, as well as on the business environment in
which we operate.
33
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
TARGETS AND AMBITIONS
2024 PERFORMANCE
We deliver leading financial performance
• Comparable revenue growth: 5–7%
• Operational EBITA margin: 16–19%
• ROCE: >18%
FCF conversion to net income: ∼100%
• EPS: At least high single-digit growth
• 3% comparable revenue growth
• 18.1% operational EBITA margin
• 22.9% ROCE
• 100% FCF conversion to net income
• $2.13 basic EPS, +6% year-on-year
We create value through world-class technology
• Invest to maintain market-leading technology in
electrification and automation through organic and
inorganic investments
• Orders from products that are digital or digitally enabled: ~60%
3
• Priority patents, utility models and design applications filed: >750
We enable a low-carbon society
• Reduce scope 1+2 GHG emissions by at least 80% by 2030
vs 2019
• Reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 vs 2022
• Ambition to help our customers avoid emissions through-
out the lifetime of products sold between 2022 and 2030
• 78% reduction of scope 1+2 GHG emissions since 2019
• 8%
4
reduction of scope 3 GHG emissions since 2022
• 66 Mt GHG emissions avoided through products sold in 2024
We preserve resources
• Send zero waste to landfill while reducing waste generation
by 2030
• Cover at least 80% of products and solutions with our
Circularity Approach by 2030
9
• 5.8% of total waste sent to landfill
• Circularity score to be calculated after assessing a representative
portfolio share (currently 41% assessed)
10
We promote social progress
• Achieve a top-tier employee engagement score
• Increase proportion of women in senior management roles
5
to 25% by 2030
• Expand programs for community engagement
• Gradual reduction in LTIFR
11
• 78/100 employee engagement score
• 21.3% women in senior management roles
• $9 mn donated and ~6,105 person-days volunteered
• 0.15 lost-time injury frequency rate
We embed a culture of integrity and transparency
• We aim to embed a culture of integrity and transparency
across the value chain
• Trust KPI
6
: 55% of reporters
7
• Engagement KPI
8
: 82% of employees with online access
7
Financial
• Total stockholders’ equity: $15,060 mn
• Total liabilities: $25,297 mn
Intellectual
• Percentage of R&D employees in software
development: >50%
• R&D spend: 4.5% of revenues
• Number of new venture-capital investments:
9 and 8 follow-on investments
Natural
• Energy consumption: 1,292 GWh (95% of electricity
consumption come from renewable energy sources)
• Total water consumption in areas at water risk incl.
high-water stress areas: 283,123 m³
Manufactured
• Book value of property, plants and equipment: $4,177 mn
• Number of manufacturing sites: >170 (number of
countries with manufacturing sites: >40)
• Share of local-for-local production
1
:
~95% Europe, ~85% China, ~75% USA
Human
• Diverse workforce: 112,769 employees representing
174 nationalities as of December 31, 2024
• Average hours of training per year and employee
2
: 8.4
• Safety observation tours (SOT) rate: 5.4
Social and relationship
• Customer base evenly distributed among the
three regions
• Numerous partnerships with universities and
research institutions
STRATEGIC
DIRECTION
1.
Management estimate based on
FY2023 revenues.
2.
Includes tools such as My
learning, Harvard Spark,
Harvard Manager Mentor and
LinkedIn Learning and cov-
ers both leadership and func-
tional/technical learnings, for
internal employees.
3.
Management estimate based on
2023 orders.
4.
In 2023, we published a “repre-
sentative scenario” and a “strict
scenario”. Going forward, we
report the strict scenario as the
basis for our scope 3 emissions,
taking a more conservative
approach based on full energy
input for certain products.
5.
At ABB, senior managers are
defined as employees in Hay
grades 1–7.
6.
Rate of severity level 1 and 2
investigations where the re-
porter disclosed their identity,
as a measure of trust in the re-
porting system and integrity
program.
7.
Year 1, 2, 3 and 4 (January 1,
2021, to December 31, 2024).
Management estimate.
8.
Volume of unique visitors on the
Integrity Awareness Portal for
integrity learnings.
9.
Based on revenues from hard-
ware-based products and solu-
tions, where granularity of fi-
nancial systems allows. Service
revenues are excluded.
10.
The circularity score of the as-
sessed products and solutions
is to be calculated once a repre-
sentative share of the portfolio
has been assessed.
11.
Zero harm to our people and
contractors – we aim for a
gradual reduction in lost time
from incidents.
• Customers
• Employees
• Governments and civil
society including NGOs
• Investment community
• Partnerships
• Suppliers
• Energy transition
• Demographic shifts
• Geopolitical fragmentation
• Digitalization and AI
STAKEHOLDERS
OUTPUTS AND
OUTCOMES
KEY
MEGATRENDS
INPUTS
THE ABB WAY
OUR VALUE CREATION MODEL
• Decentralized setup
• Performance management
• Capital allocation
• Portfolio management
• Positioning
• Reputation
• Values
• People
• Leadership
• Code of Conduct
• Internal control & compliance
• Risk management
• Policies and procedures
ABB
PURPOSE
B
U
S
I
N
E
S
S
M
O
D
E
L
P
E
O
P
L
E
&
C
U
L
T
U
R
E
This icon on the subsequent pages signifies
your location within the value creation model.
G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E
B
R
A
N
D
You are here
in the value
creation model.
Our strategic direction
ABB’s strategic direction builds on our purpose
and guides our 19 divisions in collectively cre-
ating superior value for all our stakeholders.
While we operate in a decentralized set-up, our
strategic direction enables us to harness the
right inputs and efficiently transform them
into outputs aligned to our shared objectives
and targets.
Our lean and effective corporate functions at
Group level set the frameworks for financial and
sustainability performance, capital allocation,
portfolio management, people and culture,
governance, and brand that inform our strategic
direction and help us embed sustainability in
everything we do. Our divisions – as the highest
operating level at ABB – have full ownership and
accountability for their strategies, performance,
and resources. They are expected to take stra-
tegic and operational decisions in line with our
long-term ambitions:
• Striving for market leadership across our
respective market segments and enhancing
our technology and digital leadership through
software-enabled products and solutions and
stand-alone software and digital services.
• Retaining innovation leadership by investing
in R&D, scouting for new technologies, and
collaborating with customers, promising
start-ups, universities and industry leaders.
• Actively managing our portfolio to future-proof
ABB by securing exposure to strong long-term
market trends. This includes organic growth
and portfolio adjustments, as well as adding
technology and geographical footprint.
• Embedding sustainability in all our processes
and across our value chain.
By actively pursuing these long-term ambitions,
our divisions are able to strengthen our lead-
ership in electrification and automation. Our
products and solutions position ABB as a key
player in accelerating the energy transition for
a net-zero future by optimizing, electrifying and
decarbonizing industry, buildings, power, and
transport – sectors that together account for
over 80 percent
1
of global energy-related emis-
sions. Our purpose and commitment to enable a
more sustainable and resource-efficient future
is also reflected in our Sustainability Agenda,
which outlines ambitious targets across the
three pillars “enabling a low-carbon society”,
“preserving resources” and “promoting social
progress” and is underpinned by our commit-
ment to embed a culture of integrity and trans-
parency along our extended value chain.
In line with our decentralized operating model,
our divisions are expected to pursue our stra-
tegic direction, deliver on our long-term ambi-
tions and, consequently, are also accountable
for their sustainability performance. Our busi-
ness areas and divisions work closely with our
customers to deliver on the three pillars of our
Sustainability Agenda, and to contribute to the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Through a close exchange with our key
stakeholders, we identified four SDGs where we
create the greatest impact.
1.
International Energy
Agency, IPCC Sixth
Assessment Report,
McKinsey Charting
the global energy
landscape to 2050:
Emissions
36
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ABB
supports the Sustainable Development Goals
ABB enables access to affordable
and sustainable energy through
our portfolio of electrification,
automation and energy-efficient
solutions.
ABB contributes to decent work
and economic growth by provid-
ing safe and fair employment,
paying taxes and supporting
local communities.
ABB’s innovative technologies
actively contribute to sustainable
industrialization and give us, our
business partners and our cus-
tomers the ability to move, work
and live more sustainably.
By reducing our own GHG emis-
sions, empowering customers to
avoid emissions and integrate re-
newables, and working with sup-
pliers and partners to reduce
their carbon footprints, ABB is
enabling decarbonization and
climate action.
Ensure access to
affordable, reliable,
sustainable and mod
-
ern energy for all.
Promote sustained,
inclusive and sus
-
tainable economic
growth, full and
productive employ
-
ment and decent
work for all.
Build resilient
infrastructure,
promote inclusive
and sustainable
industrialization and
foster innovation.
Take urgent ac-
tion to combat
climate change
and its impacts.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
While ABB contributes most to these four SDGs, we recognize the importance of the other SDGs and
aspire to contribute to their achievement whenever and wherever possible.
37
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
You are here
in the value
creation model.
Our business environment
At ABB, we continuously monitor risks and op-
portunities to identify key factors that could
affect our business, growth, and strategy. Our
broad industrial exposure across many sec-
tors provides stability, allowing us to better
weather market fluctuations. Risk management
is embedded within our 19 divisions, which are
closest to our customers and are thereby able
to act with agility to emerging opportunities
and risks. Through structured risk assessments
and proactive reviews, we anticipate change,
adapt quickly, and capitalize on new trends. This
approach helps us mitigate potential threats
and seize opportunities, ensuring resilience and
driving sustainable growth.
MEGATRENDS
Megatrends are long-term shifts in demo-
graphics, technology, the economy, and the
environment; they redefine how people live and
work. At ABB, we are positioned at the core of
key megatrends such as the energy transition
towards electricity as a key energy source,
energy efficiency, decarbonization of heavy
industries, demographic shifts in labor supply,
geopolitical fragmentation, and digitalization
and AI. These align directly with our purpose
to drive sustainability and resource efficiency
through our customer offerings in electrifica-
tion and automation. By staying focused and
executing effectively on our purpose, we are
well positioned to capitalize on these trends and
deliver long-term value to our stakeholders.
The energy transition
The demand for electricity is expected to more
than double by 2050¹, driven by the electrifi-
cation of transport, industry and buildings.
Electrification will be essential for achieving
net-zero emissions and is expected to contrib-
ute over 50 percent of the required emissions
reductions by enabling a shift from fossil fuels
to renewable energy sources. Power generation,
industry, transport, and buildings account for
95 percent
2
of global greenhouse gas emissions,
and these four segments represent 98 percent³
of ABB’s revenues. Our technologies play a key
role in supporting the energy transition, help-
ing us contribute to progress and innovation in
these essential sectors.
1. Investment in electrical infrastructure
Today’s electricity grids face challenges in
meeting growing energy demand while also
enabling a transition to cleaner sources. The
grid, originally designed for steady fossil fuel
generation, requires upgrades in technology,
energy storage and smarter management to
handle the decentralized nature of renewable
power generation.
In the US, aging infrastructure struggles to keep
up with the increasing integration of renewable
energy, leading to grid reliability concerns and
hence the need for modernization. Europe faces
the challenge of balancing energy security with
its ambitious decarbonization goals, requiring
coordinated investments in grid resilience and
cross-border energy networks. Meanwhile,
China is focused on rapidly expanding its grid
to support urbanization and industrial growth
while transitioning from coal to cleaner energy
sources. Similarly, India is focused on increasing
grid capacity and securing access even across
its most remote regions. Each region faces
unique hurdles, but all are working to adapt
their grids to support the energy transition and
grid resilience.
ABB’s technologies in electrification, automa-
tion and digitalization enable a smarter, more
flexible energy network. With approximately
13 percent
3
of our offerings directly tied to
power generation, distribution and renewable
energy, we are well positioned to support these
investments and upgrades to the current infra-
structure, delivering on our purpose to enable a
more sustainable future.
2. Decarbonization of industries
Industry accounts for approximately 25 percent²
of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Today, policy changes, strong corporate com-
mitments and market pressures are driving the
decarbonization of industry. While over 10,000⁴
businesses worldwide have committed to the
Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), pledg-
ing to decarbonize their operations and value
chains, carbon pricing mechanisms are also
expected to increase the pressure on industries
to accelerate their efforts. As of today, already
more than 80⁵ jurisdictions have implemented
carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon
taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS),
1.
McKinsey & Company
report: Global Energy
Perspective 2024.
2.
International
Energy Agency.
3.
Management estimate.
4.
Science based
targets: companies
taking action.
5.
World Bank State
and Trends of Carbon
Pricing Dashboard.
6.
McKinsey report:
Risk, resilience, and
rebalancing in global
value chains.
7.
Management es-
timate based on
FY2023 revenues.
38
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
45%
of the world's electricity is
converted
by industrial
electric motors
into motion
We stand for productivity in a low-carbon world, so we innovate to
contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions
for customers, industries and societies
The
combination
of
high efficiency motors
and drives
can help
reduce total global
electricity consumption
by
up to 10%
$515 bn
$343 bn
+141%
increase in avg.
annual
investments
Low carbon energy
Energy efficiency
+53%
increase in
avg. annual
investments
$1,241 bn
$526 bn
2016–2023
2024–2030
<25%
of the world's
electric motors are
controlled by drives
A drive can typically
reduce power
consumption by
25%
¹
Demand for electric
motion to double
by 2040
covering about 24 percent
of global emissions.
As carbon prices continue to rise and carbon
pricing mechanisms expand in scope to cover
more sectors, industries are increasingly incen-
tivized to reduce emissions and, hence, limit the
impact of purchasing carbon permits on their
operating costs.
The transformation and decarbonization of
heavy industry requires a multifaceted ap-
proach that spans electrification, automation
and digitalization: when replacing gas and
diesel-powered turbines with electric motors,
innovation enables a reduction in emissions
but also enhances flexibility and efficiency.
With more than half
3
of our customer offering
linked to the electrification and automation
of industry, this is where ABB excels. Our tech-
nologies help optimize production processes,
electrify industrial machinery and increase the
energy efficiency of motor-driven applications,
supporting our effort to help heavy industries
transition to cleaner energy solutions using
advanced technologies.
3. Energy efficiency
With rising energy demand and stricter reg-
ulations, such as minimum energy efficiency
requirements for industrial motors sold in
both the US and the EU, improving energy ef-
ficiency is now a key driver for both economic
and environmental progress. According to the
International Energy Agency (IEA), energy effi-
ciency measures could contribute around one
third² of the emissions reductions needed by
2030, making efficiency gains an essential com-
ponent of the global push to reach net zero.
At ABB, we are not only committed to net zero
ourselves, but also to helping our customers
with roughly 35 percent
3
of our offering linked
to energy efficiency and emissions reductions.
Our energy-efficient solutions – such as vari-
able speed drives, high-efficiency motors and
energy management systems – are designed to
optimize energy use, reduce waste and improve
operational performance across industries.
We enable customers to lower their energy
consumption, reduce costs and shrink their
carbon footprint.
1.
Management estimate.
39
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Share of working age population
(15–64) in selected countries/regions
Unit labor cost index (LCU, 2010 = 100)
in selected countries/regions
Cost of manufacturing labor
(2012–2021, indexed to 2012)
100
100
100
100
192
277
141
146
135
158
124
+14%
+18%
+3%
+44%
140
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
2050
2040
2030
2020
2010
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
India
China
United
States
EU top 4
1
%
2010
2023
2030
China
India
Europe
United States
China
United States
Demographic shifts in labor supply and
urbanization
Demographic shifts are creating challenges
for our customers across geographies. In many
countries, populations are aging and hence their
workforces are shrinking. Here, automation is
becoming essential for continued economic
growth and pushing companies to increasingly
deploy automation, robotics and AI-driven soft-
ware to maintain efficiency and productivity.
At ABB we have leading technologies such as
PLCs, our mechatronics platform including
our expanded collaborative robots range, the
OmniCore™ controller, and our broad autono-
mous mobile robot (AMR) portfolio with unique
AI embedded capabilities such as vision, which
allows us to create automation solutions across
segments, including newer fields such as health-
care and construction.
Urbanization and increased consumption put
pressure on infrastructure and resources, re-
quiring significant investments in areas like
energy security, clean water, reliable transpor-
tation, high-speed data and modern buildings.
ABB’s solutions in Electrification, Motion and
Process Automation are central to addressing
these needs.
Geopolitical fragmentation
Regionalization and localization are emerging
as significant global trends, putting supply
chains and operational footprint reviews high
on corporate agendas. 93 percent
6
of supply
chain leaders are planning to increase resilience,
with many considering shifting production
closer to key markets. For companies to adapt,
investing in advanced technologies like AI, au-
tomation, and smart manufacturing is crucial.
By embracing these innovations, businesses
can reduce costs, enhance productivity and stay
competitive in a more regionally oriented, global
economy. For ABB, this means that as our cus-
tomers are investing in a more resilient, flexible
and smarter footprint, we are there to support
them with our localized offering of products
and solutions.
At ABB, we have a strong tradition of lo-
cal-for-local manufacturing, enabling us to
stay close to our customers. Approximately
95 percent
7
of our products and solutions sold
in Europe, 85 percent
7
of those in sold in China
and 75 percent
7
of those sold in the United
States are produced locally. Although a global
company, we also take a local approach to
our offering, localizing R&D and tailoring our
1.
EU top 4 = Germany, France, Italy, Spain
Source: UN Population Prospects 2024, S&P Global
40
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
You are here
in the value
creation model.
product portfolio to the local market, where
conditions allow.
Digitalization and AI
Digitalization and AI are transforming industrial
manufacturing, logistics, building manage-
ment, and many other sectors, by integrating
data-driven tools directly into production
processes. At ABB, we have digitally enabled
approximately 60 percent of our products and
services to enhance our ability to deliver greater
efficiency and value to customers. For exam-
ple, with the use of sensors and IoT devices we
gather real-time data from machinery, produc-
tion lines, and entire factories. This data then
allows our customers to monitor operations,
improve workflows, and address maintenance
needs proactively. With AI, factories can au-
tomate processes that once required manual
oversight, like quality control, where AI systems
analyze data to detect defects more accurately
and quickly.
AI also enables predictive maintenance, where
algorithms detect patterns in equipment data
to anticipate potential failures, preventing
costly downtimes. Moreover, robotics pow-
ered by AI now handle increasingly complex
tasks, speeding up production and improving
accuracy. This shift enables manufacturers to
become more flexible and respond quickly to
changes in demand.
As digitalization and AI adoption is increas-
ing across not only industry but all parts of
our economy, demand in data centers is also
rising and expected to grow at double-digit
rates through 2030. This surge in demand is
speeding up the move to more energy-effi-
cient and scalable data centers to support
the growing data needs for agile, data-driven
operations across different sectors. Moreover,
particularly AI-driven data centers require not
only mission-critical power access but also
significantly more power, further leading to an
increased demand in medium-voltage solutions.
As a leader in medium-voltage solutions, ABB
offers a robust portfolio for the data center
market, addressing customers’ challenges
regarding growing power needs, direct grid ac-
cess needs and mission-critical power access.
OUR STAKEHOLDERS
We aim to build trust and foster long-term re-
sponsible business practices and relationships
with our key stakeholders, including custom-
ers, employees, governments and civil society
including NGOs, the investment community,
partnerships and suppliers. These stakeholders
shape our business environment and influence
the way ABB operates; they are also impacted by
what we do and the value we create. Their voices
provide a unique perspective on market trends,
innovations and technologies and help us better
understand how they shape different industries
and geographies. Engaging with our key stake-
holders therefore also plays an important role in
defining ABB’s strategic direction and steering
our business. The chapter “Engaging stakehold-
ers” of the Sustainability Statement 2024 pro-
vides further detail on our key stakeholders and
how we engage with them.
41
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
You are here
in the value
creation model.
Our inputs for
value creation
To deliver on our purpose and create long-term value for our
stakeholders, ABB relies on financial, intellectual, natural,
manufactured, human and social and relationship inputs.
Both tangible and intangible inputs across these categories
are used with care and considered fundamental to creating
sustainable financial and non-financial value.
ABB invests in value creation based on a strong
understanding of our different stakeholders’
needs and intersecting interests. By balancing
the use of our inputs and ensuring they are
complementary, we are able to build on the full
potential of our inputs and amplify both our
financial outputs and our contributions to a sus-
tainable society. Hiring and continuously invest-
ing in our diverse workforce helps us innovate
and develop new products and solutions for
our customers. By reinforcing and continuously
strengthening this technology leadership, we
are able to deliver sustainable growth, reinvest-
ing an increasing share of revenues into R&D,
training and other targeted initiatives that help
us sustain our competitive advantages, continu-
ing our cycle of superior value creation.
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Financial input
ABB’s financial inputs enable us to continuously
invest in intellectual, natural, manufactured,
human, and social and relationship inputs. By
relentlessly focusing on delivering a strong op-
erational performance and net working capital
efficiency, we continuously improve cash flow
delivery and, hence, are able to invest in growth.
Our positive cash flow enables us to capitalize
on key megatrends through our products and
solutions, inorganic growth, partnerships, effi-
cient operations and state-of-the-art facilities.
Intellectual input
Building on 140 years of engineering know-how,
we invest an increasing share of revenues in
both R&D and technology ventures to support
the development of cutting-edge technology.
Leveraging the collective knowledge of our em-
ployees and their drive to innovate close to our
customers gives ABB a competitive advantage
that is not fully recognized on the balance sheet.
This also includes the more than 250 projects
running related to Artificial Intelligence (AI),
covering innovations across our advanced soft-
ware and digital offering. Our innovations and
intellectual property are a key differentiator and
enable us to create superior value for our cus-
tomers by optimizing, electrifying and decar-
bonizing their operations.
Natural input
Natural resources, energy and materials are
crucial inputs to run our business and provide
products and solutions to our customers. With
sustainability and resource efficiency core to
our purpose, we strive to produce and deliver
our offering in the most resource efficient and
sustainable way. This includes, for example, our
continuous efforts to switch to renewable en-
ergy sources and reduce our water withdrawal
particularly in areas at water risk, including
areas of high-water stress. We also reduce
emissions across our own sites, a journey accel-
erated through our Mission to Zero™ program
launched in 2019. Across 21 sites currently part
of the program, we use innovative and ambi-
tious measures to help our sites achieve Mission
to Zero™ status. An important focus also lies
on our supply chain and purchase of materials,
which contribute towards the environmental
footprint of our products across their life cycle.
Manufactured input
Manufactured inputs include the tools, ma-
chines, plants, infrastructure and buildings that
we need to produce our products and provide
our services. As of December 31, 2024, net
property, plant and equipment amounted to
$4,177 million, which was primarily invested in
our approximately 170 manufacturing sites in
over 40 countries. Our focus on “global reach
with local presence” allows us to quickly scale
innovations across our markets. Moreover, our
long tradition of local-for-local manufacturing
allows us to remain close to customers, exem-
plified by approximately 95, 85 and 75 percent
1
of products and solutions sold in Europe, China
and the United States, respectively, being pro-
duced locally. We invest approximately $800 mil-
lion annually in capital expenditure (CapEx) to
ensure that our manufacturing capabilities can
support our organic growth ambitions and se-
cure our efficient production.
Human input
ABB’s 110,000 employees, representing 174 na-
tionalities, are at the core of our value creation.
Their health, wellbeing, intellectual engage-
ment, motivation and ability to do their jobs well
are essential to our ability to create value. Our
people strategy empowers our employees to un-
derstand and learn the skills needed to progress
in their careers, to build a meaningful network
they can lean on for feedback and guidance, and
to take ownership of their growth and career.
Social and relationship input
ABB’s relationships with the communities we
operate in and our stakeholders, including cus-
tomers, civil society, NGOs, employees, govern-
ments, investment community, partnerships,
and suppliers, provide meaningful input in how
we run ABB day to day. This means building on
our large installed base and long-term relation-
ships with end customers and channel partners
to nurture a deep understanding of customer
needs and ensure that we provide them with the
greatest value possible. Moreover, we partner
with universities and research institutions to
drive innovation and develop advanced technol-
ogies across disciplines such as materials sci-
ence, software and power electronics.
1.
Management esti-
mate based on
FY 2023 revenues.
43
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
You are here
in the value
creation model.
ABB
PURPOSE
B
U
S
I
N
E
S
S
M
O
D
E
L
P
E
O
P
L
E
&
C
U
L
T
U
R
E
G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E
B
R
A
N
D
ABB Way
In terms of value creation, the ABB Way guides us in transforming
our inputs into outputs and outcomes and, hence, enables us to
deliver superior value to our stakeholders. With our purpose at the
core, the ABB Way defines “how” we work in a decentralized set-up
to drive best-in-class performance.
The ABB Way is our operating model and what
ensures that the business is stronger as a group
than as separate entities. Owned and controlled
by ABB’s Executive Committee and mandatory
for everyone across ABB, the ABB Way estab-
lishes a consistent business model, places em-
phasis on our people and ABB’s values, supports
a strong culture of governance and integrity,
and enables us to build and protect our brand
and reputation.
BUSINESS MODEL
ABB’s business model guides us in how we work
together in a decentralized set-up, drive best-in-
class performance, allocate capital and manage
our portfolio of 19 divisions. It ensures that all
divisions not only follow the Group’s strategic
direction and can contribute to achieving our
financial and sustainability targets but also pur-
sue opportunities to collaborate to best serve
our customers.
• Decentralized setup
• Performance management
• Capital allocation
• Portfolio management
• Positioning
• Reputation
• Values
• People
• Leadership
• Code of Conduct
• Internal control & compliance
• Risk management
• Policies and procedures
THE ABB WAY
44
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
1–2%
Acquired average growth
through economic cycle
ACQUISITION CRITERIA
Strategic
Fit with ABB’s purpose
Electrification & automation
Sustainability & resource-efficiency
Technology leadership
Business attractiveness
Market growth and market profitability
Contribute to ABB’s ability to hold a leading
market position
Financial performance of the target
Decentralized set-up
Our divisions are the highest operational level
at ABB, empowered with full ownership and ac-
countability for their strategies, performance
and resources. This decentralized set-up en-
ables us to make decisions close to our custom-
ers and to operate with greater accountability,
transparency and speed. Our divisions are
organized into and governed by four business
areas, while our lean corporate functions act
as the key enabler for the Group, providing the
frameworks for business, performance, portfo-
lio management, capital allocation, people and
culture, governance and brand.
Performance management
At ABB, we strive towards continuous improve-
ment and, therefore, build on a systematic and
transparent performance management frame-
work, covering short-, medium- and long-term.
We translate our strategic, financial and sustain-
ability priorities into distinct targets, which are
supported by appropriate incentives through
our Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and Long-Term
Incentive Plan (LTIP). Core KPIs included in
ABB’s financial target framework cover revenue
growth, operational EBITA margin, Return on
Capital Employed (ROCE), Free Cash Flow (FCF)
conversion to net income and Earnings per
Share (EPS) growth.
Capital allocation
ABB’s stringent capital allocation principles
have enabled us to maintain a strong invest-
ment grade rating. We focus on funding or-
ganic growth (incl. R&D, CapEx) and paying
a rising and sustainable dividend per share
over time. Further, we continue to emphasize
value-creating acquisitions to increase ABB’s
exposure to megatrends, fill technology gaps,
complement or expand our offering in high-
growth segments, gain access to new geog-
raphies, and boost economies of scale. Our
ambition is to deliver an average 1–2 percent
annual growth through M&A. Regardless of
the acquisition size, the target must align with
ABB’s purpose and we need to demonstrate that
ABB is a better future owner who can enable
superior value creation. Lastly, share buybacks
continue to be part of our long-term capital
allocation priorities.
Portfolio management
As part of our portfolio assessment framework,
we review our divisions’ performance and stra-
tegic mandates from a Group perspective. While
performance is evaluated against both market
and ABB’s financial and sustainability KPIs, our
strategic mandates – stability, profitability or
growth – reflect on a division’s performance and
translate into strategic priorities, such as de-
livering best-in-class performance and actively
pursuing organic and inorganic growth oppor-
tunities for divisions on a growth mandate. As
our strategic mandates have proven a successful
tool to deliver value for our stakeholders, we
continue to apply them further down in the or-
ganization, continuing to increase accountabil-
ity, transparency and speed.
45
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
STRATEGIC MANDATES
Stability
Restructure
Transform offering/
business model
Profitability
Improve margin/return
Moderate investment
in growth
Select technology add-on
acquisitions
Growth
Growth above market while
keeping high/return level
Invest strongly in organic
growth (e.g., digital, R&D,
sales/service, capacity)
Actively pursue acquisitions:
including technology additions,
growth in existing markets
and penetration of new market
segments
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Our people and culture are what make the dif-
ference and are the foundation of ABB’s success.
Building on ABB’s four values – Courage, Care,
Curiosity and Collaboration – we maintain a
safe, fair, equitable and inclusive working envi-
ronment in which everyone can succeed and de-
velop. By fostering a “high performance – high
integrity” culture, our employees are encour-
aged to drive performance by unleashing their
full potential, always mindful of safety, internal
controls, adherence to our Code of Conduct and
our values. To continue to push the boundaries
of technology and deliver on our purpose, we
create opportunities for our people to focus on
development and integrate learning into their
work, encouraging them to gain new experi-
ences and take the next step in their careers
within ABB.
GOVERNANCE
ABB’s strong governance framework is designed
to enable accountability, transparency, speed to
execute and responsible risk management in our
decentralized set-up in order to safeguard our
business, people, assets and reputation from
potential harm. It secures our license to operate
through our internal controls, policies and pro-
cedures including our Code of Conduct and is
the basis to adopt technological developments
such as artificial intelligence responsibly. The
Code of Conduct serves as the foundation of
our commitment to integrity, ethical behavior
and human rights and guides us in embedding
integrity throughout our entire value chain.
BRAND
The ABB brand is an expression of our company
purpose, our values, and long history of innova-
tion. Today, the iconic red ABB logo has become
a sign of trust, quality and superior value for our
customers, partners, investors and employees.
By focusing on delivering on our purpose in
everything we do, we continue to foster our rep-
utation as a reliable business partner and tech-
nology leader, and to be the preferred choice for
our stakeholders.
Helping industries outrun
Industries are the beating heart of the modern
world. They power us; protect us; move and
connect us; make things for us. Today, how
industries run is critical. From energy, power
and mining to building, transport, manufac-
turing, and more – they need to meet global
demand, be more sustainable, efficient, and
manage transitions. To them, “running” is no
longer enough – they need to outperform. Or
as we say at ABB, they need to “outrun”, leaner
and cleaner.
With our leading technologies in electrification
and automation, we help industries run at high
performance and become more productive,
efficient, and sustainable, enabling them to
outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered
to Outrun.’
See ABB’s Code
of Conduct.
46
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
ABB’S ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
2
Identification
& assessment of risks
3
Risk mitigation planning
& implementation
4
Risk mitigation
effectiveness monitoring
1
Identification of strategic
business objectives
Risks and opportunities
The proactive and strategic management of risks is an integral part of how we
do business. Our defined risk management framework enables us to identify and
assess risks early and ensures that we have appropriate responses to manage and
mitigate their effects across all levels of ABB. At the same time, we seek to turn
the risks we face into potential opportunities and strive to manage both risks and
opportunities in a responsible way. This approach supports the creation and pro-
tection of value for ABB, our stakeholders and society.
ENTERPRISE RISK
MANAGEMENT
The enterprise risk management (ERM) process
is our holistic approach to identifying risks
which could adversely impact the achievement
of ABB’s strategic business objectives and lead
to a material financial impact. The ERM process
is embedded in our ABB Way operating model
and encompasses all levels of our organiza-
tion. It provides our leadership, including our
Executive Committee and the Finance, Audit and
Compliance Committee (FACC) of the Board of
Directors, with a comprehensive overview of the
most critical risks faced by our business.
This intelligence informs our overall strategy
and risk discussions and allows us to make
well-informed decisions to safeguard value and
take calculated risks to create value amidst a dy-
namic societal and business landscape.
The ERM process relies on the ongoing identifi-
cation, assessment, mitigation and monitoring
of the most critical risks affecting ABB. Our
detailed methodology starts with the identifica-
tion of our strategic business objectives. Then,
we identify the most critical risks which could
prevent us from achieving these objectives and
lead to a potential material financial impact in
the next five years.
These risks are then assessed in terms of their
potential impact, likelihood and speed of occur-
rence. Specific responses to address these risks
are then planned, implemented and continuously
monitored to ensure they remain effective. We
strive to turn risks into opportunities not only to
minimize their downsides but to create value for
ABB and our stakeholders, wherever possible.
47
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
TOP FIVE ENTERPRISE RISK CLUSTERS 2024
Top five risk clusters
Examples of reported risks
Examples of risk responses
Cyber security
incidents
Potential cyber incidents involving ABB or third parties due
to global increase in sophisticated cyber attacks, AI-powered
threats, high interconnectivity across the supply chain and
increasing process digitalization.
• Continuous cyber vulnerability scanning and cyber de-
fense tools to identify and prevent cyber attacks.
• Onboarding of IT assets to global security solutions
and endpoint detection and response
Geopolitical instability
Increased geopolitical tensions globally resulting in trade re-
strictions, protectionism, global technology decoupling, raw
material price increases and asset damage.
• Evaluation and monitoring of exposure to and depen-
dency on higher risk geographical markets.
• Developing alternative supply chains for raw materials
and dual sourcing strategies for key components.
Integrity behavior
Potential breach of laws & regulations and ABB’s code of con-
duct resulting in reputational and brand value damage, trade
sanctions, regulatory fines and penalties, and economic loss.
• Group-wide integrity training & awareness campaign and
continuous improvement of internal control framework.
• Integrity risk testing and consequence
management implementation.
Intensified
competition
Competitors’ targeted growth strategies, strengthened ca-
pabilities, and competitive pricing, combined with increased
traction from local market players and disruptive technolo-
gies influencing the landscape.
• Review of portfolio strategy and price positioning in
key markets and reinforcement of sales capability in
growing segments.
• Continuous monitoring of market developments and
further advance region-specific product strategies.
Legal and regulatory
changes
An ever-changing regulatory landscape across multiple com-
plex topics leading to potential restrictions on trade and
challenges in meeting compliance.
• Proactive assessment of potential upcoming regula-
tory changes and dedicated teams to manage complex
compliance requirements.
The ERM process at ABB categorizes risks as
strategic, financial or operational:
1. Strategic:
Strategic risks can relate to any of the fol-
lowing: macroeconomic factors; market and
technological developments; competitor and
industry shifts; environmental, social and gov-
ernance aspects; geopolitical developments;
and/or portfolio management topics. These
factors can have both negative and positive
impacts on our business and create significant
business opportunities.
2. Operational:
Operational risks can relate to any of the fol-
lowing: engineering, manufacturing, project
management and productivity topics; health,
safety and environment management; integ-
rity and compliance aspects; supply chain
management; cyber and information security
threats; and/or talent attraction and retention.
These factors can have adverse impacts on
the day-to-day operations of our business as
well as positive impacts by being sources of
competitive advantage.
3. Financial:
Financial risks can relate to any of the following:
risks arising from ABB’s international financial
activities; fluctuations in currency or interest
rates; volatility in commodity prices; accounting
and financial reporting requirements; financial
planning, analysis and management aspects;
and/or compliance with tax obligations. These
factors are key to ensuring ABB has appropriate
finance structures in place and that all financial
compliance requirements enabling us to meet
our capital needs are met.
Below are the top five enterprise risk clusters
facing ABB over the next five years as identified
in the 2024 ERM process from across ABB.
Our opportunities often arise in the same areas
as our risks, showcasing how we not only work
to mitigate risks, but also seek to create value
for ABB and our stakeholders amid today’s
global challenges. For example, risks associ-
ated with the demographic shift of labor supply
forces us to consider how we work smarter
and more agile which in turn helps us innovate
across process automation and robotics. Many
of our offerings are also part of the solution to
many of the world’s challenges today, meaning
the upside is much bigger than the downside.
ABB’s opportunities lie in strategic product in-
novation that meets customer and societal de-
mands, especially when supporting the world’s
acceleration of the energy transition and the
need to electrify. Our aim is to always be at the
forefront when identifying new opportunities,
considering the wider economic and societal
megatrends that shape our environment.
48
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
SUSTAINABILITY RISKS AND
OPPORTUNITIES
In 2024, ABB performed a new Double Materiality
Assessment (DMA), aligned with the Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
and the European Sustainability Reporting
Standards (ESRS). The result of the DMA pres-
ents ABB’s material sustainability matters from
an inside-out perspective (positive and/or
negative impacts), as well as from an outside-in
perspective (financially material risks and/or
opportunities). We assess our impacts, risks
and opportunities, including the responses to
these, over the short-, medium- and long-term
time horizons as well as across our full value
chain. While our actual and potential impacts
on people, planet and society are specifically
addressed in the Outputs and Outcomes chap-
ters in this report, these are also connected to
effects on ABB. A negative impact on people for
example can often turn into a risk for the com-
pany, and a positive impact contribution may
result in a business opportunity.
ABB faces several risks and opportunities re-
lated to its material sustainability matters.
For example, climate change poses risks to
our infrastructure, operations, and employee
safety. But acting on climate change provides
opportunities. Collaboration with governments
and NGOs aids the transition to a low-carbon
economy, while innovations in renewable energy
and efficiency secure our market leadership,
reputation, and talent attraction, alongside
reducing carbon footprint and costs through
diverse energy sourcing. When addressing busi-
ness conduct risks and opportunities, ABB’s
transparency and ethics build trust, combat
corruption and limit financial risks. We perform
rigorous audits and worker safety initiatives to
manage the health and safety risks for workers
in our value chain. Finally, ABB is also cognizant
of risks pertaining to consumers and end-users,
thereby ensuring that strong safety measures
and clear usage instructions are present in our
products.
For more informa-
tion on our material
impacts, risks and
opportunities, includ-
ing disclosures on
climate-related risks
and opportunities, see
the ABB Sustainability
Statement 2024.
49
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
03
OUTPUTS AND
OUTCOMES
51
Targets and performance overview
54
We deliver leading financial performance
65
We create value through world-class technology
74
We enable a low-carbon society
83
We preserve resources
89
We promote social progress
103
We embed a culture of integrity and transparency
along the extended value chain
112
We help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner:
case studies
Targets and performance
overview
We have established a set of short-, mid- and long-term targets,
supported by appropriate incentives, to manage our performance
and achieve our strategic priorities. These targets encompass both
financial performance and progress on sustainability. The table
below shows the summary of our progress toward our targets.
We deliver leading financial performance
Targets
2024 Status
Revenue growth
5–7% annual average through economic cycle,
plus 1–2% inorganic
1
3% comparable
Operational EBITA margin
16–19%
18.1%
ROCE (return on capital employed)
>18%
22.9%
Free cash flow (FCF) conversion to net income
~100%
100%
Basic EPS (earnings per share) growth
at least high single digit %
6%
We enable a low-carbon society
Targets
Baseline (year)
2
2024 Status
Reduce own scope 1 and 2 CO
2
e emissions by
at least 80% by 2030 and by 100% by 2050
631 kilotons CO
2
e
(adjusted for portfolio changes) (2019)
138 kilotons CO
2
e
Reduce scope 3 CO
2e emissions by
25% by
2030 and by 90% by 2050
3
429,854 kilotons CO
2
e (2022)
394,952 kilotons CO
2
e
Ambition to avoid 600 megatons CO
2
e emis-
sions throughout lifetime of products sold
from 2022 to 2030
4
n.a.
204 megatons CO
2
e
We preserve resources
Targets
Baseline (year)
2
2024 Status
Cover at least 80% of ABB’s portfolio of
products and solutions with our Circularity
Approach by 2030
5
n.a.
41% (share of ABB’s products and
solutions assessed)
6
Send zero waste to landfill while reducing
waste generation by 2030
7
16.8 kilotons (2019), equivalent to 8.8% of
total waste (adjusted for portfolio changes)
9.3 kilotons, equivalent to 5.8% of total waste
We promote social progress
Targets
Baseline (year)
2
2024 Status
Zero harm to our people and contractors –
we aim for a gradual reduction in lost time from
incidents (LTIFR)
0.24 (2019)
8
0.15
Increase proportion of women in senior
management roles
9 to 25% by 2030
11.7% (2019)
21.3%
Achieve a top-tier employee engagement score
71/100 (2019)
78/100
Expand programs for community engagement
n.a.
In 2024, we released an internal guideline to
formalize the company’s community engagement
strategy and provide direction on developing
projects aligned with ABB’s Sustainability Agen-
da & ABB’s Four Focus Areas (4Es) of intervention.
1.
Calculated to exclude FX impacts and transformational acquisitions and divestments, includes bolt-on acquisitions and divestments within divisions.
2.
Where baseline applies.
3.
Strict scenario: Energy input used as the basis for calculations; for further details and explanation see our Sustainability Statement 2024. In 2023, we published a
“representative scenario” and a “strict scenario”. Going forward, we report the strict scenario as basis for our scope 3 emissions, taking a more conservative ap-
proach based on fully energy input for certain products.
4.
This ambition is not part of the committed targets. Avoided emissions 2024 status is cumulative for 2022-2024.
5.
Based on revenues from hardware-based products and solutions, where granularity of financial systems allows. Service revenues are excluded.
6.
The circularity score of the assessed products and solutions is to be calculated once a representative share of the portfolio has been assessed.
7.
Waste from demolition and construction excluded from landfill; not including hazardous waste.
8.
Baseline 2019 excludes the divested Power Grids business and Turbocharging division.
9.
At ABB, senior managers are defined as employees in Hay grades 1–7.
51
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We embed a culture of integrity and transparency along the extended value chain
Targets 2030
Baseline (year)
1
2024 Status
Global framework for assessing and mitigating
third-party integrity risks through risk-based
due diligence and life cycle monitoring.
This target measures the implementation of
a global framework for assessing third-party
integrity risks. It is an ongoing and critical
organization-wide, integrity-based enhance-
ment, which strengthens how we onboard and
manage the life cycle of our relationships with
suppliers, sales channels and customers.
Framework established and operational.
Integrity due diligence and risk management
enhancements for suppliers (buy-side) and
sales channels (sell-side) launched globally.
Framework enhanced and implementation
tested. Comprehensive monitoring and risk
mitigation guidance developed.
Focused on the governance of this framework
to sustain its operation and risk management
of legacy third-party relationships, both in
terms of suppliers and sales channels.
Development of business specific plans to
monitor and mitigate third-party risks, with fo-
cus on resourcing for sustaining operation.
Global Integrity Program underpinned by ac-
countability for integrity and an adaptive risk
management strategy gained from insights
through targeted learnings, transparent re-
porting and monitoring.
This target measures the implementation and
effectiveness of our Global Integrity Program
through how we drive individual accountability
for integrity and adapt our risk management
strategy to real-time data insights gained
from integrity-based learnings, reporting
and monitoring.
1.
Trust KPI
– the rate of severity level 1 and 2
investigations where the reporter disclosed
their identity:
Year 1 (January 1, 2021, to December 31,
2021): 57% of reporters;
Year 1 and 2 (January 1, 2021, to December
31, 2022): 60% of reporters;
Year 1, 2 and 3 (January 1, 2021, to December
31, 2023): 60% of reporters.
2.
Engagement KPI
– the volume of unique
visitors to the Integrity Awareness Portal for
integrity learnings:
Year 1 (January 1, 2021, to December 31,
2021): 25% of employees with online access;
Year 1 and 2 (January 1, 2021, to December
31, 2022): 69% of employees with
online access;
Year 1, 2 and 3 (January 1, 2021, to
December 31, 2023): 80% of employees with
online access.
1.
Trust KPI
– the rate of severity level 1 and 2
investigations where the reporter disclosed
their identity, as a measure of trust in the re-
porting system and integrity program:
Year 1, 2, 3 and 4 (January 1, 2021 to
December 31, 2024): 55% of reporters.
2.
Engagement KPI
– the volume of unique vis-
itors on the Integrity Awareness Portal for
integrity learnings:
Year 1, 2, 3 and 4 (January 1, 2021 to
December 31, 2024): 82% of employees with
online access.
At least 80% of supply spending in focus
countries
2
covered by Sustainable Supply Base
Management (SSBM) by 2030
Using a risk-based approach, a mid-term 2025 target has been set, focusing on high-risk suppli
-
ers in focus countries.
2
At least 80% of spending on high-risk suppliers
in focus countries
2 covered by SSBM by
2025
68% of supply spending on high-risk suppliers
in focus countries covered by SSBM
Linking sustainability targets to executives’
variable pay
Under the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP), a safety
goal was included within the individual mea-
sure for some members of ABB’s Executive
Committee. The individual measure had a total
weighting of 20% of the executive’s target AIP
award (2019).
Under the AIP, in 2024, at least two sustainabil
-
ity-related performance goals were included
within the individual measure for each member
of ABB’s Executive Committee. The individual
measure had a total weighting of 20% of the
executive’s target AIP award.
The Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) had two
performance measures with an equal weight-
ing of 50% each, namely average earnings per
share and relative total shareholder return.
The LTIP was awarded to executives, including
Executive Committee members and division
presidents. Vesting under the LTIP was subject
to the achievement of the plan specific targets
over a period of three years (2019).
The LTIP is granted to approximately
100 executives, including Executive Committee
members and division presidents. One of the
three performance measures under the 2024
LTIP is based on achievement of a corporate
sustainability target which carries a weighting
of 20% of the executive’s target LTIP award.
Vesting under the LTIP is subject to the
achievement of the plan specific targets over
a period of three years.
1.
Where baseline applies.
2.
Current focus countries are Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia and Türkiye.
52
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
53
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We deliver leading
financial performance
In 2024, we made progress on virtually all headline numbers of
our income statement driven by benefits from our decentralized
ABB Way operating model and an overall supportive market environ-
ment. Our operating assets yield high returns, and our continued
investments enable us to maintain a market leading position with
world-class technology in electrification and automation – creating
value for all our stakeholders.
You are here
in the value
creation model.
54
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
After a period of transformation, all our busi-
nesses are now aligned with our purpose and
are well-positioned at the center of key trends,
such as electricity becoming the primary energy
source and the increasing need for automation
and digitalization to remain able to produce.
We support our customers with high-quality,
low-carbon solutions and energy efficient offer-
ings, while also helping manufacturing compa-
nies automate for greater resource efficiency.
This year we saw strong growth in our electrifi-
cation offerings, driven by rapidly increasing de-
mand for electricity, which is expected to grow
nine times faster than other energy sources
between 2024 and 2030. This strength more
than offset weakness in discrete automation.
Although the fundamental long-term market
drivers remain intact in this business segment,
customer activity this year was tempered mainly
by normalized ordering patterns after a period
of pre-buys.
The ABB Way operating model is firmly estab-
lished within our organization, supported by
the fact that our new CEO, Morten Wierod, and
two new Business area presidents, Giampiero
Frisio and Brandon Spencer, are internal hires
with proven track records of successfully man-
aging within this framework. From this strong
level we see opportunities to deepen the impact
of the ABB Way by extending it further into the
business lines. Our goal is to make the ABB Way
second nature across all teams, incentivizing
management with clear strategic mandates,
as well as increasing accountability, transpar-
ency and speed of operations. By applying this
framework at a more granular level, each divi-
sion can tailor strategies to its specific needs,
ensuring consistent and focused performance
organization wide.
Active portfolio management remains a key
part of our performance culture and is inte-
grated into the responsibilities of divisional
management teams. While we are committed to
acquisitions as a growth driver, it is not yet fully
ingrained in our ways of working and this will
continue to be a focus area going forward. This
includes identifying areas for inorganic growth
through acquisitions related to new segments,
new market access, better economies of scale
or filling technology gaps. The divisions also
assess, based on systematic portfolio reviews,
whether, ultimately, their division is the best
owner of their different businesses.
In 2024, we accelerated this activity with bolt-on
acquisitions and strategic partnerships led by
our divisions, completing seven acquisitions
and nine new venture capital investments, as
well as eight follow-on investments, moving
us closer to our target range of 1 to 2 percent
of revenue growth through acquisitions. The
Service Division in the Electrification Business
area acquired the SEAM Group, which adds en-
ergy asset management and advisory services
to clients across industrial and commercial
building markets while the Process Automation
business area completed three acquisitions,
the largest being the acquisition of Födisch
Group, in the Measurement & Analytics Division.
The Motion business area also completed the
integration of two previously announced ac-
quisitions and announced the acquisition of
the power electronics business of Gamesa
Electric in Spain from Siemens Gamesa which
will strengthen ABB’s position in the growing
market for high-powered renewable power
conversion technology. Electrification also an-
nounced another sizeable acquisition. We have
agreed to acquire the Wiring & Accessories
business of Siemens in China, led by our Smart
Buildings division, which will expand our market
reach and enhance our regional customer offer-
ings with a full range of safe and reliable smart
building technologies.
55
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Orders and revenues
Orders
In 2024, total orders remained stable versus last
year’s high level (increasing 1 percent compara-
ble
1
). With electricity increasingly becoming the
key power source, the Electrification business
area saw strong order growth across most end
markets, with particularly high demand from
data centers and utilities, as well as growth in
the buildings segment driven by commercial
buildings, mainly in the United States. Orders in
the Motion business area decreased 3 percent
(2 percent comparable
1
) with customers looking
to make operations more energy efficient by
investing in high standards of electrical motors
and drives, but at the same time held back by
an overall muted industrial demand. Strong
performance in the power generation segment
was offset by declines in heavy, process-related
industries such as chemical, oil & gas, met-
als and pulp & paper and cement and mining.
Orders in the Process Automation business
area also decreased compared to the prior year,
when momentum for large orders was partic-
ularly strong. That said, the underlying market
activity level remained robust with customers
looking for ABB to support them in their journey
towards decarbonization of heavy industries.
This year, the customer activity was strongest in
marine & ports, although overall orders declined
due to the timing of large projects in the prior
year. Strength was also noted in the low carbon
segments and conventional power generation.
Orders in the Robotics & Discrete Automation
business area declined sharply. In the Machine
Automation division orders declined as indus-
trial automation demand slowed, coupled with
machine builders adjusting orders after high-
er-than-usual pre-ordering during past supply
chain disruptions. The robotics segment de-
clined, driven mainly by fewer investments in the
automotive sector and consumer electronics,
while positive momentum was reported in logis-
tics and general industry.
In 2024, orders decreased 3 percent in the
Americas (1 percent comparable
1
), driven mainly
by the recording of two large orders in the
U.S. totaling $435 million in 2023. Despite this
impact, underlying demand in 2024 remained
strong in the United States, while orders de-
creased in Canada and Mexico, but increased in
Brazil. In Europe, orders were flat (flat compara-
ble
1
). Orders were higher in Germany, Sweden,
Finland and the Netherlands while they declined
in Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. In Asia,
Middle East and Africa, orders increased 2 per-
cent (5 percent comparable
1
). Orders declined in
China but were more than offset by strong order
growth in markets such as Australia, Japan and
the United Arab Emirates.
Revenues
In 2024, revenues increased by 2 percent (3 per-
cent comparable
1
), primarily driven by volume
growth, with additional support from positive
price. Strong conversion of our order back-
log into revenue supported growth, driven by
the Process Automation and Electrification
Business areas, with the latter also positively
impacted by increased short-cycle demand.
Revenue was broadly stable in the Motion
Business area with positive impacts from pric-
ing offset by negative volumes driven mainly
by declines in the short-cycle businesses. In the
Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area,
as well as the E-mobility Division, revenues de-
clined sharply as underlying markets remained
weak, consistent with the slowdown in orders.
In 2024, revenues increased 6 percent in the
Americas (8 percent comparable
1
), where
revenues in the United States increased 8 per-
cent (9 percent comparable
1
). Revenues in the
Americas also experienced strong growth in
Canada and Chile. In Europe, revenues declined
4 percent (4 percent comparable
1
). Revenues
were higher in Switzerland, Norway, Spain and
the United Kingdom while they declined in
Germany, Italy and Sweden. In Asia, Middle East
and Africa, revenues increased 4 percent (7 per-
cent comparable
1
) compared to 2023. Revenues
grew in India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and
Singapore, partially offset by a decline in China
of 4 percent (2 percent comparable
1
).
For additional informa-
tion and analysis about
individual business area
revenues and order per-
formance, refer to the
relevant sections of the
business analysis in our
Financial Report 2024.
1.
For alternative perfor-
mance measures see
chapter Alternative per-
formance measures
56
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
GROWTH
FY 2024
FY 2024
Change year-on-year
Orders
Revenues
Comparable
1%
3%
FX
-1%
-1%
Portfolio changes
0%
0%
Total
0%
2%
ORDERS BY REGION
Change
($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
US$
Comparable
1
Europe
11,454
11,458
0%
0%
The Americas
12,110
12,437
-3%
-1%
Asia, Middle East and Africa
10,126
9,923
2%
5%
ABB Group
33,690
33,818
0%
1%
REVENUES BY REGION
Change
($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
US$
Comparable
1
Europe
11,119
11,568
-4%
-4%
The Americas
11,805
11,090
6%
8%
Asia, Middle East and Africa
9,926
9,577
4%
7%
ABB Group
32,850
32,235
2%
3%
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
ORDERS
REVENUES
Orders
Comparable growth %
%
$ in millions
-10
0
10
20
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Revenues
Comparable growth %
%
$ in millions
-10
0
10
20
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
57
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Earnings
Gross profit
Gross profit increased by 9 percent (10 percent
in constant currency
1
) to $ 12,274 million in
2024, resulting in a gross margin improvement
of 260 basis points to 37.4 percent. Gross profit
improved in three out of four business areas,
with Electrification and Process Automation re-
porting double-digit growth driven by both vol-
ume and price. Motion improved at a mid-single
digit rate driven by structural improvements in
the long-cycle businesses offsetting lower vol-
umes in the short-cycle. The Robotics & Discrete
Automation business area declined driven by
lower volumes as backlogs normalized and a
weak underlying market.
Income from operations
Income from operations in 2024 amounted to
$5,071 million, representing an increase of 4 per-
cent from $4,871 million in the prior year. The
improvement was primarily driven by stronger
operational performance, as well as additional
support from lower restructuring and related
expenses which more than offset the adverse
impact from portfolio changes, as the current
year’s results were impacted by a charge of ap-
proximately $90 million due to the E-mobility
business reducing its ownership in a subsidiary
to a minority stake. In contrast, 2023 results
were supported by gains of $101 million from
the sale of businesses, including the divestment
of the Power Conversion business. We also re-
corded higher losses for fair value changes in
various equity investments compared to gains
in 2023.
Operational EBITA
In 2024, Operational EBITA increased by
10 percent (11 percent in constant currency)
to $5,968 million and the Operational EBITA
margin
2
was up by 120 basis points to 18.1 per-
cent. The expansion was driven by operating
leverage on higher volumes and additional
impacts from implemented price increases
as well as lower underlying corporate costs.
Combined these impacts more than offset some
higher expenses related to Selling, General
& Administrative expenses and Research &
Development. Operational EBITA in Corporate
and Other amounted to -$424 million, of which
-$273 million related to the E-mobility business
which was negatively impacted by inventory
related impairments as well as technology
investments geared towards a more focused
product strategy to secure a continued market
leading position.
Net finance expenses and non-operational
pension credits
In 2024, interest and finance expenses dropped
significantly, while interest and dividend income
increased, resulting in a net finance income of
$107 million, representing an improvement of
$217 million compared to the prior year. The
year-on-year improvement is mainly driven by
a combination of a lower net debt position and
favorable mix of interest rates between borrow-
ings and cash deposits as well as lower foreign
exchange losses.
Non-operational pension credits increased by
$38 million to $55 million compared to the same
period last year, mainly driven by lower curtail-
ment and settlement costs and lower interest
costs on the benefit obligation.
Income tax
In 2024, the effective tax rate increased to
24.4 percent from 19.5 percent in 2023. In
2024, the increase in the effective tax rate was
primarily driven by the geographical mix of
earnings, resulting in a negative impact of ap-
proximately 2 percentage points. The effective
tax rate was also positively impacted by favor-
able reassessments of uncertain tax provisions
of approximately 3 percentage points, while in
2023 the respective benefit was approximately
4 percentage points.
Net income and earnings per share
Net income attributable to ABB was $3,935 mil-
lion and increased by 5 percent. Basic earnings
per share was $2.13 and increased by 6 percent.
The increase was driven by improved opera-
tional performance offsetting higher adverse
impacts from non-operational items than in
2023 as discussed above.
1.
Constant currency
(not adjusted for
portfolio changes).
2.
For non-GAAP
measures see chap-
ter Alternative
performance measures.
58
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
GROSS PROFIT AND
GROSS MARGIN
BASIC EPS
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS AND
OPERATIONAL EBITA
Gross profit
Gross margin %
Basic EPS
%
$ in millions
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
$ per share
Operational EBITA
Income from operations
Operational EBITA margin %
%
$ in millions
5
10
15
20
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
59
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Balance Sheet
Net working capital
Net working capital amounted to $2,830 million,
decreasing year-on-year from $3,257 million
driven by the favorable impact from changes in
exchange rates combined with an increase in
trade payables and higher customer advances,
more than offsetting the increase in receivables.
Net working capital as a percentage of reve-
nues
1
decreased from 10.2 percent at the end of
2023 to 8.6 percent at the end of 2024.
Capital expenditures
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets amounted to $845 million in
2024 compared with $770 million in the same
period last year.
Cash flows
In 2024, cash flows from operating activities
generated net cash of $4,675 million, up from
$4,290 million in 2023. Three out of four busi-
ness areas reported improved cash flows from
operations, driven by stronger earnings and
a reduction in net working capital compared
to the prior year. Free cash flow
1
increased by
$270 million to $3,937 million, with an FCF con-
version to net income
1
of 100 percent.
Return on Capital Employed
The Group’s benchmark for the measurement
of returns is Return on Capital Employed
(ROCE)
1
which increased by 180 basis points
from 21.1 percent to 22.9 percent in 2024. The
main driver of the improvement was higher
Operational EBITA compared with 2023.
Net debt
During 2024, although we continued to return
cash to shareholders in the form of dividends
and purchases of treasury stock, we reduced
our net debt (as presented in the table below)
driven by continued strong cash from operat-
ing activities. During 2024, our net debt de-
creased $706 million to a net debt position of
$1,285 million at December 31, 2024. The effect
of exchange rate movements decreased net
debt by approximately $200 million. In 2024,
we generated free cash flows of $ 3,937 million
and sold treasury stock in relation to our em-
ployee share plans for $451 million. These items
were partly offset by amounts for purchases
of treasury shares of $1,247 million, including
$1 billion relating to the announced buybacks of
our shares, as well as $1,769 million for the pay-
ment of the dividend to our shareholders. We
made payments related to acquisitions totaling
$622 million.
($ in millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
December 31
2024
2023
Short-term debt and current
maturities of long-term debt
293
2,607
Long-term debt
6,652
5,221
Total debt
6,945
7,828
Cash & equivalents
4,311
3,891
Restricted cash – current
15
18
Marketable securities and
short-term investments
1,334
1,928
Cash and marketable securities
5,660
5,837
Net debt (cash)
1,285
1,991
1.
For non-GAAP
measures see chap-
ter Alternative perfor-
mance measures
60
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Return on Capital employed ROCE
Impact of PG JV ownership interest
Target range >18%
0.0
0.4
0.8
1.2
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
$ in millions
FREE CASH FLOW AND
CONVERSION RATE
NET DEBT
RETURN ON CAPITAL
EMPLOYED (ROCE)
Free cash flow
% of net income
Net debt
Net debt/EBITDA ratio
%
$ in millions
0
100
200
300
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
%
61
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
PROCESS
AUTOMATION
Performance of
business areas
KEY FIGURES
($ in millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
US$
Comparable
Orders
16,422
15,189
8%
10%
Order backlog
7,506
6,808
10%
15%
Revenues
15,448
14,584
6%
9%
Operational EBITA
3,520
2,937
20%
as % of operational revenues
22.7%
20.1%
+2.6 pts
Cash flow from operating activities
3,652
3,211
14%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.)
51,700
50,300
3%
ELECTRIFICATION
KEY FIGURES
($ in millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
US$
Comparable
Orders
7,106
7,535
-6%
-5%
Order backlog
7,437
7,519
-1%
4%
Revenues
6,756
6,270
8%
9%
Operational EBITA
1,025
909
13%
as % of operational revenues
15.1%
14.5%
+0.6 pts
Cash flow from operating activities
1,158
1,002
16%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.)
22,500
21,100
6%
0
2,000
4,000
Orders
Revenues
Operational EBITA
Income from operations
Operational EBITA margin %
ORDERS AND REVENUES
$ in millions
$ in millions
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
AND OPERATIONAL EBITA
%
10,000
13,000
16,000
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
10
15
20
25
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Orders
Revenues
Operational EBITA
Income from operations
Operational EBITA margin %
ORDERS AND REVENUES
$ in millions
$ in millions
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
AND OPERATIONAL EBITA
%
5,000
6,000
7,000
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
0
500
1,000
1,500
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
5
10
15
62
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ROBOTICS &
DISCRETE
AUTOMATION
MOTION
KEY FIGURES
($ in millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
US$
Comparable
Orders
7,989
8,222
-3%
-2%
Order backlog
5,239
5,343
-2%
4%
Revenues
7,787
7,814
0%
0%
Operational EBITA
1,518
1,475
3%
as % of operational revenues
19.4%
18.9%
+0.5 pts
Cash flow from operating activities
1,776
1,532
16%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.)
22,400
22,300
1%
KEY FIGURES
($ in millions,
unless otherwise indicated)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
US$
Comparable
Orders
2,596
3,066
-15%
-15%
Order backlog
1,447
2,141
-32%
-29%
Revenues
3,213
3,640
-12%
-11%
Operational EBITA
329
536
-39%
as % of operational revenues
10.2%
14.7%
-4.5 pts
Cash flow from operating activities
315
436
-28%
No. of employees (FTE equiv.)
10,800
11,300
-4%
0
2000
4000
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Orders
Revenues
Operational EBITA
Income from operations
Operational EBITA margin %
ORDERS AND REVENUES
$ in millions
$ in millions
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
AND OPERATIONAL EBITA
%
6,000
7,000
8,000
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
12
16
20
-300
0
300
600
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Orders
Revenues
Operational EBITA
Income from operations
Operational EBITA margin %
ORDERS AND REVENUES
$ in millions
$ in millions
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
AND OPERATIONAL EBITA
%
1,500
2,500
3,500
4,500
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
0
5
10
15
63
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
OUTLOOK
Looking to 2025, we will continue to deliver on our strategy of driving the ABB Way
operating model further into our divisions, whereby generating additional long-
term accountability, transparency and speed. Our strong balance sheet supports
acquisitions, and we are gaining some momentum in this area. Based on the
deals we have already announced but not yet completed, we should approach our
long-term target range for acquired growth. In addition, we intend to continue
with share buybacks in line with our capital allocation principles. We acknowledge
some market uncertainty and what currently seems to be an adverse impact on
reported numbers from changes in exchange rates mainly due to the appreciation
of the USD. That said, in full-year 2025, we expect a positive book-to-bill, compa-
rable revenue growth in the mid-single digit range and the Operational EBITA
margin to improve year-on-year.
64
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We create value through
world-class technology
Our significant R&D investments and highly skilled workforce enable
us to continuously evolve our offering to remain a relevant and
trusted partner for our customers. Technology and innovation are
key to our long-term success. We are committed to staying ahead
by developing world-class technologies that transform industries to
reach new levels of performance and sustainability.
~2,000
secondary patents filed in 2024
>$1.4 billion
R&D investment in 2024
~7,800
R&D employees
~22k
Granted patents
9
venture investments in 2024
~$50 million
venture investments in 2024
~6k
Pending patent applications
>750
priority patents filed in 2024
4.5%
revenues invested in R&D in 2024
HIGHLIGHTS
You are here
in the value
creation model.
65
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Our approach to R&D
At ABB, our R&D is driven by our 19 divisions
and focuses on developing and commercializing
technologies that are strategically important
for our future growth. As of December 31, 2024,
we had approximately 7,800 employees work-
ing in R&D centers across ~30 countries on six
continents, with over half dedicated to digital
and software development. Women represent
13.9 percent of our R&D workforce.
We invest a significant portion of our annual
revenues in R&D. In line with our commitment
to sustained innovation, we have increased
our R&D spending by approximately 40 per-
cent since 2020, and have set an ambition to
increase our R&D as a percentage of revenues
to between 4.5% to 5%. In 2024, we invested
$1,469 million, or approximately 4.5 percent of
our consolidated revenues, in R&D activities,
marking a 12 percent increase year-on-year.
Additionally, we invest each year in order-re-
lated development activities – customer- and
project-specific efforts to develop or adapt
equipment and systems to meet unique cus-
tomer requirements. R&D spend by division in
our business areas ranges from 1 to 10 percent
of revenues, as each division is different and has
different investment needs to maintain market
leadership. This strategic allocation ensures
that resources are used effectively to support
growth and innovation. We seek to maintain a
balance between short- and long-term R&D pro-
grams and optimize our return on investment.
We keep control of our innovations by hold-
ing patents, copyrights and other intellectual
property protections.
To complement our business-focused product
development, our businesses invest jointly
in collaborative research activities covering
multiple technology areas including artificial
intelligence (AI), software, sensors, control and
optimization, mechatronics and robotics, power
electronics, communication technologies, ma-
terials and manufacturing, electrodynamics and
electrical switching technologies. In this way, we
advance technologies that are used in our prod-
ucts and common technology platforms and
apply them to multiple product lines.
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
R&D AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
%
$ in millions
Venture capital investments
Non-order related R&D, (excl. Divested divisions)
R&D & Venture investments as % of Revenues
R&D as % of Revenues
66
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Investments in digital solutions and
artificial intelligence
In line with our decentralized ABB Way oper-
ating model, ABB’s digital strategy is both
customer-driven and business-led. Today, a
significant proportion of our product portfo-
lio contains embedded software, increasingly
enhanced by AI. We call this digitally and AI-
enabled technologies. This offering is comple-
mented by advanced software applications that
can be applied in almost any industrial setting.
Our main digital platform is ABB Ability™,
which is also the brand name of our digital
solutions offerings. Our advanced software
applications comprise scalable software solu-
tions, developed primarily through organic
growth initiatives, and complemented with
venture investments and bolt-on acquisitions.
This offering centers on six key value pillars:
sustainability, operational excellence, process
performance management, asset performance
management, cyber security, and extended
automation software updates. Some of our flag-
ship advanced software applications include:
• ABB Ability Genix
• ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain
• ABB Ability™ Energy Manager
• RobotStudio®
Delivering “value through software” we make
our core electrification and automation of-
ferings more secure and more connected.
Leveraging ABB’s global footprint and extensive
installed base, we gain deep industry insights
that enable us to develop software, and digital
solutions close to the automation layer and
product level to help our customers optimize
energy production and use, optimize assets and
processes and optimize how people work.
This year, ABB introduced ABB Ability™ Genix
Copilot, a generative AI solution developed in
collaboration with Microsoft to drive efficiency,
productivity, and sustainability in industrial op-
erations. Powered by Azure OpenAI Service and
leveraging GPT-4, Genix Copilot integrates re-
al-time operational data with natural language
capabilities to deliver actionable insights. By
embedding these features into its digital solu-
tions, ABB enables industries to optimize asset
performance, reduce emissions, and enhance
energy efficiency. Early use cases demonstrate
its impact in predictive maintenance, trou-
bleshooting, and sustainability management,
underscoring ABB’s commitment to innovation
and value creation.
Other AI-focused offerings include ABB Ability™
Efficiency AI, a smart buildings solution that
uses AI to optimize heating, ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC); and ABB Ability Digital
Powertrain, which uses AI to detect anomalies
in motors.
67
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Strategic partnerships, business ventures,
and M&A
Universities are incubators of future technology,
and our R&D teams collaborate with multiple
universities and research institutions to build
research networks and foster new technologies
which we potentially invest in and sometimes
acquire. We believe these collaborations put us
in a good position to add new technology to our
existing portfolio. Our university collaborations
include long-term, strategic relationships with
leading institutions in various countries around
the world facilitating recruitment and training
of new talent.
To enhance our innovation efforts and gain
speed, our divisions partner with other leading
companies which have complementary compe-
tencies, and we invest in and collaborate with
startups around the world through our venture
capital arm, ABB Technology Ventures, and our
start-up collaboration hub, SynerLeap. We act
as a catalyst to push innovative entrepreneurs
to success and bring benefits to ABB customers
and society in the wider sense.
In 2024, we made 9 new venture investments,
and 8 follow on investments for a total invest-
ment of approximately $50 million across our
four business areas. The investments were
driven by the divisions and focused primarily
on digital capabilities including AI that will
create synergies with our offering of digitally
enabled products and services. We invested in
two clean technology start-ups – Ndustrial and
GridBeyond – offering AI powered solutions
for real time optimized energy consumption
for accelerated decarbonization as well as op-
timized distributed energy resources and in-
dustrial loads. In addition, we made a follow-on
investment to strengthen our partnership with
Pratexo to co-develop edge computing solu-
tions to improve security, autonomy and resil-
ience for decentralized electrical networks.
M&A is another way that we sustain and enhance
our technology leadership. We have increased
the number and size of bolt-on acquisitions
to bolster our portfolio. A key example is our
acquisition of Födisch Group, which enhances
our capabilities in continuous emission mon-
itoring with advanced gas and dust measure-
ment solutions. This strategic move supports
precise emission tracking strengthening our
global leadership in continuous emission mon-
itoring. Another example is our acquisition of
the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and
DTN Philippines Inc., which expands our marine
software offerings to include vessel weather
routing, analytics, reporting, and shore-based
support. This strategic move positions us as a
market leader in ship route optimization, en-
abling us to provide comprehensive digital solu-
tions that enhance operational efficiency and
support maritime decarbonization efforts.
68
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Patents
Intellectual property rights are crucial to pro-
tect the assets of our business. Over the past
ten years, we have added a substantial number
of new applications to our existing first pat-
ent filings and we will continue to seek patent
protection for our technologies, products and
solutions. As of December 31, 2024, we have
a portfolio of approximately 28,000 pending
patent applications and granted patents, of
which approximately 6,000 are pending appli-
cations. This portfolio includes approximately
3,600 utility models and design rights, of which
approximately 160 are pending applications. In
2024, we filed over 750 priority patents, utility
model and design applications, each covering
a unique invention or unique angle on an inven-
tion. Additionally, we filed approximately 2,000
secondary patents, utility model and design
applications, each extending the coverage of a
previously filed priority application.
Based on our existing intellectual property
strategy, we believe that we have adequate
control over our core technologies. The “ABB”
trademarks and logo are protected in all of the
countries in which we operate. We proactively
assert our intellectual property rights to safe-
guard the reputation associated with ABB’s
technology and brand. While these intellectual
property rights are fundamental to all of our
businesses, there is no dependency of the
business on any single patent, utility model or
design application.
69
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Innovations
Innovation is at the core of ABB’s purpose to enable a more sus-
tainable and resource-efficient future. This year, we advanced
technologies that enhance reliability and efficiency, helping indus-
tries navigate change while aligning with our long-term vision for
smarter, more sustainable operations.
ABB pioneers advanced cable protection solu-
tion crafted from discarded ocean fishing nets
ABB is innovating solutions for increasing the
life span of cables used across energy, transpor-
tation, automation, and chemical processing
industries, where protection is needed against
mechanical stress, chemicals, moisture, and UV
exposure. ABB’s PMA EcoGuard™ is a more sus-
tainable cable protection solution made from
recycled fishing nets. The recycled material has
led to approximately 30 percent savings in CO
2
e
emissions and 50 percent reduction in use of
net fresh water.
EcoGuard cable protection stands out for its
high performance and durability, ensuring long-
term protection while minimizing the need for
frequent replacements and reducing waste.
The system’s ease of installation and resistance
to wear contribute to its efficiency and sus-
tainability, making it a cost-effective solution
over time. With innovations like the EcoGuard
solution, ABB continues to minimize the need
for frequent replacements, thereby preserving
resources and reducing waste.
ABB achieves a world-first with liquid-cooled
IE5 SynRM motor that sets the benchmark for
energy efficiency and high power output
ABB has achieved a world-first with its liquid-
cooled IE5 SynRM (Synchronous Reluctance
Motor), setting a new benchmark for energy ef-
ficiency and high power output. This innovative
motor offers superior performance while re-
ducing energy consumption, making it ideal for
high-demand industrial applications like pumps,
fans and compressors.
The liquid cooling system significantly enhances
the motor’s efficiency by dissipating heat more
effectively than traditional air-cooling methods.
This allows the IE5 SynRM to operate at an
IE5 efficiency level, the highest standard for in-
dustrial motors, while providing greater power
density and reducing overall energy usage. As a
result, the motor lowers operational costs and
helps companies meet sustainability goals by
reducing their carbon footprint.
70
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
The IE5 SynRM also features advanced materials
and design, ensuring optimal performance in
demanding environments. It supports smooth
integration into existing industrial systems,
offering a more sustainable solution with-
out requiring major infrastructure changes.
This technology is a significant leap toward
energy-efficient automation and helps indus-
tries reduce their environmental impact while
maintaining high levels of productivity.
ABB’s liquid-cooled IE5 SynRM is a game-chang-
ing development in the field of energy-efficient
motors, demonstrating the company’s leader-
ship in sustainable technologies. This innova-
tion not only delivers high power output but
also sets a new standard for the future of indus-
trial electrification, contributing to the global
push for decarbonization.
ABB is first to reach anticipated IE6 hyper-effi-
ciency with magnet-free motors – IE6
ABB has become the first company to achieve
the anticipated IE6 hyper-efficiency standard
with its magnet-free motors, marking a signifi-
cant milestone in energy efficiency and sustain-
ability. These motors surpass the IE5 efficiency
class and are designed to deliver greater perfor-
mance while reducing energy consumption and
carbon emissions.
The IE6 motors are built without the use of rare-
earth magnets, which makes them both cost-
effective and more sustainable, as they rely on
more readily available materials. This innovation
is especially important in industries that rely
heavily on electric motors, as it helps to reduce
operational costs and contributes to lower car-
bon footprints in applications like pumps, fans,
and compressors.
In addition to their superior efficiency, ABB’s
magnet-free motors are designed for easy
integration into existing industrial systems,
ensuring businesses can transition to more
sustainable technologies without major infra-
structure changes. The motors provide excellent
performance in demanding applications while
supporting global energy transition goals.
This achievement represents ABB’s ongoing
commitment to sustainable innovation and sets
a new standard for energy-efficient solutions.
With the IE6 motors, ABB is advancing the global
push for decarbonization while helping indus-
tries achieve lower energy costs and reduce their
environmental impact. This milestone further
solidifies ABB’s leadership in electrification tech-
nologies and sustainable industrial solutions.
European Space Agency’s Harmony mission to
rely on ABB infrared instruments
German space and technology company OHB
System AG is working with ABB on developing
and building the thermal infrared payloads
for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth
Explorer Harmony satellites, planned to launch
in 2029. ABB will equip the two satellites with
multispectral thermal infrared payloads capable
of measuring a wide range of environmental
parameters, including sea surface temperature
and the position of clouds and their motion.
ABB’s technology will enable ESA to measure
cloud position and motion from space, ensur-
ing radiometric precision – the accuracy of the
temperature measurement obtained by the in-
frared instruments compared to that of the true
surface temperature (whether cloud or sea).
The data collected by the mission will help the
advancement of climate science as well as sup-
port the understanding and forecasting of ex-
treme weather such as hurricanes. In addition,
over land, Harmony will provide information to
estimate small shifts in the shape of the land
surface, such as those leading to and resulting
from earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The combination of thermal and radar imagery
will help provide a wide array of data, giving
more insight into upper-ocean heat exchanges,
drivers of extreme weather, and the long-term
impact of climate change. The mission will also
provide new information for a better under-
standing of how ice being lost from glaciers is
affecting sea level rise.
71
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
OmniCore
ABB has launched its next-generation robot-
ics control platform, OmniCore™, designed to
improve automation and enhance productivity
across industries. OmniCore offers advanced
performance, flexibility, and connectivity fea-
tures, enabling precise control and integration
of robotic systems for a variety of applications,
from manufacturing to logistics.
Key features of OmniCore include its ability
to handle complex tasks with high precision,
support for multiple robot types, and intuitive
user interfaces. The platform is built for scal-
ability, allowing businesses to easily expand and
adapt their robotic systems as needs evolve.
OmniCore’s connectivity features enable re-
al-time data exchange, supporting predictive
maintenance and seamless integration with
other automation technologies, improving effi-
ciency and reducing downtime.
OmniCore also supports sustainability goals by
optimizing energy use and reducing resource
consumption during production processes. The
platform is designed to boost the flexibility of
automation systems, enabling faster adaptation
to new tasks and changing production require-
ments. It provides companies with the tools to
optimize their robotic systems and stay com-
petitive in an increasingly automated world.
SF
6
-free switchgear
ABB has introduced the next generation of
SF
6
-free switchgear solutions, using dry air or
natural origin gas technology for up to 24 kV,
which will be commercially available in 2025. Gas
Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is used in space-con-
strained urban areas, coastal regions, high alti-
tude and polluted, harsh environments thanks
to its compact and robust design. Traditionally,
GIS used sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6
) as the insu-
lating medium due to its excellent electrical
insulating properties and high electronegativity.
However, due to its potency as a greenhouse
gas and EU legislation banning the use of fluo-
ride gases, companies are transitioning away
from SF
6
. ABB has developed SF
6
-free products
that use the same user interface, footprint,
proven components and operation as its exist-
ing SF
6
portfolio. Electrification Distribution
Solutions partners with businesses to navigate
these regulatory changes with our next-gener-
ation SF
6
-free switchgear and support utilities
and industries on their decarbonization and en-
ergy transition journey.
72
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB creates world’s first medium voltage,
speed-controlled motor concept, facilitating
industry’s contribution to a low carbon world
ABB has developed the world’s first medi-
um-voltage speed-controlled motor concept –
MV Titanium, designed to help industries reduce
their carbon footprint and contribute to a
low-carbon world. This innovative motor com-
bines ABB’s advanced variable speed drive tech-
nology with a medium-voltage motor, enabling
precise control over motor speed and energy
efficiency. It offers industries significant im-
provements in energy savings and operational
performance, particularly in high-demand sec-
tors like pumps, fans, and compressors.
By adjusting motor speed to match real-time
requirements, the new concept minimizes
energy waste and optimizes power consump-
tion, significantly reducing CO
2
emissions. It
also reduces the obstacles and costs related
to installing a separate motor and drive pack-
age, including the associated electrical house
(e-house), transformers, switchgear and cabling
that multiplies the capital cost and increases
the complexity of installation, especially on ex-
isting sites where space is at a premium.
This innovation also helps companies meet sus-
tainability goals while improving the efficiency
and reliability of their operations. ABB’s medi-
um-voltage speed-controlled motor is a key step
in the company’s efforts to promote decarbon-
ization and drive the transition to more sustain-
able industrial processes.
With this groundbreaking technology, ABB
continues to lead in the development of eco-
friendly solutions that support industries in
reducing their environmental impact while
maintaining high performance and productivity.
OUTLOOK
We will continue to focus on technology leadership and further invest in our R&D
capabilities, patents and trademarks. We plan to maintain our R&D spend in the
range of 4.5–5.0 percent of revenues. One of our planned actions for 2025 includes
the sixth ABB Electrification Start-up Challenge which will run until April 2025.
Other business areas will also announce further start-up challenges in the
coming months.
73
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We enable a low-
carbon society
Enabling a low-carbon society is at the center of our purpose and value
proposition and a key pillar of our Sustainability Agenda. ABB contin-
ued its efforts and achievements in helping customers reduce and
avoid emissions through our products, solutions and services. At the
same time we have made progress in reducing emissions in our own
operations and across our value chain.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Validation of ABB’s scope 1, 2, and 3 net-zero
science-based targets for 2050 by the Science
Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This includes near-
term targets for 2030.
• Achieved a GHG emissions reduction of 78%
compared to 2019 baseline for scope 1 and 2
• Made progress on Climate Group initiatives
RE100, EV100 and EP100
• Introduced scope 3 targets into long-term
performance planning
• Engaged with key customers and suppliers to
exchange Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data
and reduce emissions
• Increased number of third-party verified
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
You are here
in the value
creation model.
74
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB’s management
and targets
ABB’s value chain, from raw material ex-
traction to end-of-life, impacts climate change.
Manufacturing, assembly and logistics from
our own operations contribute directly to
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We mitigate
this through energy-efficient processes, use
of renewable energy, sustainable upstream
practices and supplier engagement. Our big-
gest GHG emissions footprint lies in our value
chain through indirect emissions, scope 3.
Particularly, the use of products sold is the larg-
est contributor to our emissions, covering about
96 percent of our total emissions, followed by
emissions from purchased goods and services,
while our scope 1 and 2 emissions account for
less than 1 percent of total emissions. At the
same time, our technologies enhance custom-
ers’ energy efficiency, leading to emissions re-
ductions, and are at the core of accelerating the
energy transition. ABB’s central value proposi-
tion to our customers is providing products and
services that optimize, electrify and decarbon-
ize while making how we move, produce, work
and live more sustainable overall. We enable the
fundamental transformation of many industries.
Our efforts to enable a low-carbon society focus
on three areas:
• reducing GHG emissions in our
own operations;
• collaborating with our suppliers to reduce
their emissions; and
• supporting our customers to reduce and avoid
emissions through the use of our products,
solutions and services.
Under ABB’s Sustainability Agenda, we sub-
mitted updated targets to the Science Based
Targets initiative (SBTi) for scope 1, 2, and 3 for
2030 and 2050. These targets were validated
by the SBTi for both our operations and our up-
stream and downstream value chain emissions.
In line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, we have
committed ourselves to having net-zero emis-
sions across all scopes by 2050.
To underpin the importance of these areas for
ABB and incentivize performance, GHG emis-
sions reduction targets including scope 3,
particularly the ones related to purchased
goods and services and use of our prod-
ucts sold, have been integrated in long-term
performance planning.
ABB is committed to leading the way in reduc-
ing impacts related to climate change, with
a strategic focus on reducing scope 1 and 2
GHG emissions by at least 80 percent by 2030,
versus a 2019 baseline, and scope 3 GHG emis-
sions by 25 percent, versus a 2022 baseline. The
cornerstone of this ambitious goal is assessing
key decarbonization levers, particularly those
which pertain to the use of sold products. Grid
decarbonization is the biggest lever to reduce
ABB’s emissions across the value chain. By de-
veloping and introducing ultra-efficient electric
motors and drives, ABB is not only enhancing
energy efficiency for its customers but also
significantly lowering the emissions associ-
ated with the lifecycle of its products. These
products also have the potential to support
avoiding emissions altogether as they lead to a
reduced volume of GHG emissions as compared
to alternative solutions.
ABB has updated its risks and opportunities
analysis linked to climate change. This provides
ABB with a comprehensive understanding of
the climate challenges facing the industries
it supports, as well as requirements linked
to the adaptation to physical risks expected
to impact its own value chain. By enabling a
low-carbon society through its product and
service offering ABB is well positioned to adapt
to the context of climate change and also realize
business opportunities.
More information on
our climate-related risk
and opportunity man-
agement can be found
in our Sustainability
Statement 2024.
75
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Reduce absolute scope 1 & 2 emissions
80%
by 2030
versus a 2019 baseline
Reduce absolute scope 3 emissions
25%
by 2030
from a 2022 baseline
ABB’S SBTI APPROVED TARGETS
Near term targets
Long term targets
Reduce scope 1 & 2 emissions
100%
by 2050
versus a 2019 baseline
Reduce absolute scope 3 emissions
90%
by 2050
versus a 2022 baseline
Reach net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions
across the value chain by 2050
76
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB’s operational
emissions
ABB’s divisions are reducing emissions in
their own operations, as measured by our
scope 1 and 2 emissions. In doing so, ABB is not
only contributing to a more sustainable future
but also mitigating climate risks to our business
and delivering cost savings.
As part of our drive to make ABB a net-zero
company, we have also committed to three ini-
tiatives of The Climate Group, a global initiative
of which ABB is a member. ABB has committed
to source 100 percent of its electricity from
renewable energy sources (RE100 initiative) by
2030, electrify its vehicle fleet, amounting to
more than 10,000 cars (EV100 initiative) and im-
prove energy efficiency and productivity across
its operations (EP100 initiative). These actions
will help to further reduce its scope 1 and 2
GHG emissions. In 2024, we made good prog-
ress towards our target of scope 1 and 2 emis-
sions reduction by reducing these emissions by
9 percent from 2023, reaching an overall 78 per-
cent reduction versus the 2019 baseline. Our
progress is as follows:
• RE100: In 2024, we sourced 95 percent of
electricity from renewable energy sources.
Progress was mainly driven by a consolidation
of our renewable energy procurement, as well
as progress of our sites investing into onsite
renewable energy generation as part of our
Mission to Zero™ program.
• EV100: In 2024, 38 percent of our vehicle
fleet was electric, with 216 ABB sites offer-
ing EV charging stations. Our main focus in
this regard in 2024 has been an update to our
EV procedure, ensuring full coverage for our
effort, and installing e-charging stations at
sites that were not yet equipped to ease the
transition for our employees further.
• EP100: We are targeting a 20 percent increase
in energy productivity measured as energy
consumption in relation to economic output
as compared to 2019. In 2024, we reached a
69 percent improvement in energy produc-
tivity compared to 2019. This is mainly due
to continuous improvements in operational
energy efficiency which have led to decreases
in total energy consumption every year from
2019, while revenue has continued to increase.
from
53%
in 2021
to
81%
in 2022
to
94%
in 2023
to
95%
in 2024
Percent of our
electricity from
renewables
SHARE OF RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY
77
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Our divisions are accountable for GHG emis-
sions reductions in their operations. They are
collaborating on best practice sharing in a com-
munity of practice supported by updated proce-
dures on renewable energy and electric vehicles.
They are continuously working to decarbonize
our operations, investing in heat pumps, install-
ing on-site photovoltaic, and exploring power
purchase agreements (PPAs) for clean energy.
Furthermore, and partly using our own ABB
technology, our sites have implemented energy
efficiency measures, installing energy-efficient
lighting, upgrading our heating, ventilation,
and cooling (HVAC) systems, and implementing
building automation systems in our operations.
Overall, we have reduced our energy consump-
tion by 22 percent compared to 2019 and will
continue to invest in measures to reduce energy
consumption further, while moving towards a
higher share of renewable energy and electric-
ity. These efforts are reducing emissions and
cost at the same time.
TOTAL ENERGY USED AND TOTAL
SCOPE 1 & 2 GHG EMISSIONS
kilotons
CO
2
e
GWh
Total energy used (GWh)
Total scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (kilotons CO
2
e)
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
0
200
400
600
800
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
78
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB’s value chain emissions
Our ambition for a low-carbon society extends
to our customers and suppliers. We conduct Life
Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to identify opportuni-
ties for emissions reductions in the value chain
and achieve our targets. Information gained
through LCAs is used for our third-party verified
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
These are standardized documents validated by
industry experts to declare quantitative infor-
mation of a product’s environmental impacts
and enables the comparison of footprints of
products on the market. They are accessible via
our EcoSolutions QR code which is featured on
an increasing number of our products. ABB is
part of the Partnership for Carbon Transparency
(PACT), an initiative by the World Business
Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
We are piloting the exchange of Product Carbon
Footprints (PCFs) via PACT-conform platforms.
Combining this information with a compre-
hensive GHG inventory covering all scope 3
categories enables us to get a clear view of the
emission hot spots in our value chain.
The vast majority of our indirect GHG emis-
sions relate to the use of products sold to our
customers. In 2024, our scope 3 emissions
decreased by 8 percent compared to our base
year 2022 to 395 MtCO
2
e, based on a strict
scenario where we use energy input as the basis
for calculations. This is in line with our net-zero
target validation by SBTi. The vast majority of
our products utilize electricity as the energy
input. Electricity is the easiest energy source
to decarbonize and hence we have utilized the
projections published by the International
Energy Agency (IEA) of grid decarbonization as
one of the key parameters for ABB’s net-zero
targets. At the same time, we are working to
gather primary data to demonstrate that our
customers use more renewable energy than
average regional emissions factors suggest.
By collaborating with suppliers and customers,
we aim to replace secondary data with primary
data, exploring more targeted interventions and
encouraging joint Power Purchase Agreement
investments through ABB’s collaborative ef-
forts. An example of our proactive efforts to
reduce these emissions is continually improving
the energy efficiency of our products thereby
supporting our customers to reduce their
operational emissions and ABB to reduce its
scope 3 emissions.
A major positive impact that ABB is able to de-
liver with its technology leadership is the avoid-
ance of emissions when using ABB products as
compared to alternative products.
79
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Supplier emissions
Our divisions work closely with suppliers to
reduce emissions profiles of products in order
to meet the expectations of the markets, which
are becoming more and more environmentally
conscious. One key action is to improve the
transparency of product-related emissions by
providing more granular EPDs to our customers
which require ABB to obtain PCFs from its sup-
pliers and to include them into LCAs and prod-
uct circularity assessments.
In our supply chain, we pay close attention to
using lower-carbon transport options, low-
er-carbon materials with renewable or recycled
content and innovative materials that weigh less
but provide comparable quality performance.
Collaborating closely with suppliers to identify
potential supply chain emissions reductions
and incentivizing investments that are secur-
ing the supply of these materials today and in
the future are key focus areas. ABB has also
joined the Center for Decarbonization Demand
Acceleration (CDDA), curated by the WBCSD,
to join industry efforts to increase availability
of these materials and solutions. Initiatives
to source materials closer to manufacturing
locations are another way to reduce emissions
in the supply chain and are encouraged under
the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
(CBAM) with other jurisdictions expected to
follow. Tracking of PCF plus transport emissions
on a per shipment basis provides ABB with the
required insights to make informed and timely
decisions on how to adjust its supply base and
transport lanes.
As part of our ambitions to reduce our scope 3
emissions, we continue to work with our suppli-
ers to enable them to reduce emissions in their
own operations and in their upstream supply
chain. The emissions captured in our reporting
on purchased goods and services (scope 3,
category 1 as per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol)
reflect the footprint of the full supply chain, up
to the origins of raw materials. This is why we
seek to engage not only with our Tier 1 suppli-
ers, but also with Tier 2 suppliers and beyond.
Since 2023, we have provided information and
training sessions to our suppliers and collected
information via our supply chain emissions re-
duction program. This has provided us with an
understanding of the maturity of our suppliers
and their suppliers and of where to prioritize
our engagement to reach our target. We are re-
questing our key suppliers to use the EcoVadis
platform to report their overall emissions, and
to indicate their emission reduction plans and
progress against targets.
In 2024, we completed a mapping of ABB’s
emissions from 100 percent of supplier cate-
gories, identifying greenhouse gas emissions
hot spots. The top 10 material groups account
for over half of the emissions from purchased
goods and services. These hot spots were the
focus of our engagement with suppliers, as we
seek to understand more about the key mate-
rials that are responsible for the emissions of
these suppliers and how ABB can collaborate
with these suppliers to drive decarbonization.
Customer emissions
ABB products and solutions support the power,
industry, transport, and buildings sectors in
optimizing, electrifying, and decarbonizing. We
have three means through which we contribute
to the energy transition:
• increased efficiency through automation,
high efficiency motors and drives, and
industrial software;
• substituting fossil-fuel combustion for pro-
cesses and propulsion by electrification; and
• detection and avoidance of leakages of GHGs
like methane and other harmful substances.
At ABB, by far the largest contribution we can
make to a low-carbon society is in our custom-
ers’ operations, as the largest proportion of
our overall value chain GHG emissions sits in
our scope 3 downstream emissions from the
use of sold products. Our sold products require
significant amounts of energy and, depending
on the local energy mix of a country, this may
lead to significant GHG emissions. In order to
reduce the absolute emissions of our products
sold, we use several levers, constantly pushing
innovation to bring energy consumption further
down. Through our comprehensive offerings,
we are speeding up the decarbonization of grid
systems, promoting innovation to integrate re-
newables into the energy mix. We look for ways
to reduce the energy demand of our offerings by
improving the energy efficiency of our products
and providing customers with solutions that are
designed to enable them to electrify their op-
erations. Efficient electric motors for example
are used in many cases to replace fossil-based
solutions. In addition, we provide our customers
with information about the power consumed
and emissions avoided by our offerings. Given
the current megatrend of digitalization and
artificial intelligence, which comes with a sig-
nificantly increased energy need in data centers,
ABB plays an important role in providing en-
ergy efficient mission-critical power solutions.
To help our customers reduce emissions, we
provide end-to-end support, which includes
80
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
1.
Source: International Energy Agency.
2.
Management estimate based on FY 2024 revenues.
ABB'S TECHNOLOGIES ARE AT THE CORE OF ACCELERATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Key market trends support demand for our customer offerings
Supporting all relevant sectors to
optimize,
electrify and decarbonize
ABB services offerings
(examples)
Global GHG Emissions
by segment¹
Electrification –
the world
going electric
Energy security
Emission reduction,
Energy efficiency
Automation
13%
Utilities
Renewables
integration
Generators
Synchronous
condensers
Hydrogen
Power
40%
Energy-related
GHG emissions
54%
Industry
High-efficiency
motors
and variable
speed drives
Electrification
of heavy-duty
trucks
Optimization
and factory
automation
Emissions
monitoring
and leak
detection
Industry
25%
Energy-related
GHG emissions
13%
Transport &
Infrastructure
Marine hybrid
& electric
propulsion
systems
EV onboard
equipment
& charging
E-buses
& fleets
charging
& propulsion
Rail traction
electric
Transport
22%
Energy-related
GHG emissions
18%
Buildings
Building
energy
management
Power
Distribution
HVAC control
Lighting
and comfort
control
Buildings
8%
Energy-related
GHG emissions
% of ABB Revenues
by sector²
81
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
product-related training and sharing of expe-
riences and best practices. We listen carefully
to customer feedback and adapt our strategies
and operations to best serve their needs.
Avoided emissions
We continue to track and quantify our custom-
ers’ avoided emissions in line with the guidance
provided by the WBCSD. Avoided emissions
describe the volume of GHG emissions our
customers can avoid by using ABB products
compared to other available solutions and
cover the full product lifecycle. Our energy-ef-
ficient motors and drives and automation and
control systems help to reduce and avoid emis-
sions in industries, buildings, infrastructure
and transport.
In 2024, ABB’s acquisitions highlighted areas
where ABB continues to bring its expertise in
electrification and optimization. For example,
the acquisition of Födisch Group, a leading
developer of advanced measurement and
analytical solutions for the energy and indus-
trial sectors, underscores ABB’s commitment
to providing advanced continuous emission
monitoring systems that have become vital for
companies to monitor and mitigate emissions
and comply with environmental regulations.
The acquisition of DTN Shipping expands our
offering in maritime software and ship route
optimization which supports enhanced voyage
efficiency, saving fuel and cutting emissions.
In 2024, the products we sold to customers
this year helped them avoid 66 megatons of
emissions and 204 megatons cumulatively since
2022, considering the full lifecycle of the prod-
ucts. This fits our ambition to support custom-
ers in avoiding 600 megatons of GHG emissions
from 2022 to 2030, based on all the products we
expect to sell over that period.
OUTLOOK
We will continue to focus on reducing GHG emissions directly and indirectly
across our value chain. Building on our hot spot analysis, we are:
Working with our suppliers to leverage opportunities for emissions reductions
in the full supply chain beyond Tier 1 suppliers.
Focusing on reducing the GHG footprint of our sold products by looking at the
design of the products themselves and increasing the circularity of
our products.
Accelerating grid decarbonization through our products and service offerings.
AVOIDED EMISSIONS
Ambition to enable our customers to avoid
600 megatons
of CO
2
e emissions
throughout lifetime of products sold from 2022 to 2030
82
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We preserve resources
We collaborate with our stakeholders to safeguard natural resources
in our value chain by embedding circularity principles in our opera-
tions and products, increasing recycling and reusability rates, and
reducing waste and water use in areas at water risk. We are commit-
ted to preserving biodiversity and to using land responsibly.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Zero-waste-to-landfill and circularity targets
included in ABB’s long-term planning process
(LPP) with all divisions contributing to
reaching the targets by 2030
• We decreased the percentage of waste sent to
landfill to 5.8 percent
• We are expanding our water stewardship
based on the Alliance for Water Stewardship
(AWS) standard
You are here
in the value
creation model.
83
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB’s management
and targets
Preserving resources is a key pillar of ABB’s
Sustainability Agenda and a core element of our
value creation model. ABB’s focus on preserv-
ing resources encompasses several sub-areas
including resource use, circularity, and resource
flows. Impacts, risks, and opportunities were
identified in these areas as part of ABB’s 2024
double materiality analysis.
Our Circularity Approach encompasses our
company-wide efforts to address the impacts,
risks and opportunities related to resource use.
Beginning with the design stage, we are com-
mitted to increasing the resource efficiency
of our solutions and to making them more
durable by means of our lifecycle management
services and lifetime extension and moderniza-
tion services, thus supporting principles of a
circular economy.
We are working closely with customers, sup-
pliers and partners to embed circularity
throughout our entire value chain. By assessing
the impact of our offerings throughout their
complete life cycle, our product managers and
relevant functions identify ways to improve cir-
cularity across our product portfolio. This pro-
cess encourages cooperation and partnerships
with key stakeholders across industries and
sectors on a wide range of activities – from en-
gaging with suppliers to source materials with a
smaller environmental footprint or reduced raw
material content, to recovering scrap from pro-
duction and looping it back to our operations.
We also create circular value by collaborating
with curated recycling partners to enable take-
back schemes in many markets.
Within our own operations, we aim to avoid
waste by making our processes more efficient,
by increasing the use of sustainable materials in
our products and packaging, and by expanding
recycling activities at our sites. The avoidance
of land degradation including deforestation
and soil sealing, water pollution and scarcity,
and protecting biodiversity are relevant to our
stakeholders’ recognition of ABB as a company
striving for sustainability.
84
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Circularity
The circular economy’s goal is to preserve re-
sources. At ABB, we see circularity as an oppor-
tunity to forge new partnerships and business
models. We are focusing on taking meaningful
action and collaborating with stakeholders and
partners to safeguard natural resources in our
value chain. Designing our products following
circularity principles optimizes and extends the
life phase of customers’ solutions integrating
ABB products. Our solutions are designed to
last, to be material and energy efficient when in
operation, and designed to be reused, repaired
and recycled. We also support our customers
in their journey to more resource-efficient op-
erations through our holistic service offering:
digital solutions to extend the lives of the assets
through remote operations and corrective as
well as predictive maintenance; modernization
services to extend lifetime, optimize perfor-
mance and reduce waste; and take-back ser-
vices, to facilitate responsible end-of-life.
Our Circularity Approach includes a clear set
of KPIs which correspond to each stage of the
product lifecycle: from design and sourcing to
product manufacturing, to optimized use phase
(energy efficiency when in operation and service
offerings) and responsible end-of-life. ABB
plans to share the circularity score of assessed
products and solutions once a representative
share of the portfolio has been assessed. By the
end of 2024, 41 percent of our product portfolio
had been assessed against the guidelines of
the Circularity Approach. The illustration below
reflects ABB’s Circularity Approach across the
different stages of the product lifecycle.
ABB’s Circularity Approach is managed by a
dedicated Circularity Working Group, which
coordinates initiatives relating to circularity
among our four business areas, clarifies and
updates the approach, defines how we mea-
sure progress by means of the circularity KPIs,
establishes the guidelines by which the KPIs
are assessed and shares best practices. The
working group has also contributed in 2024 to
the development of the World Business Council
for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Global
Circularity Protocol (GCP), which is expected to
be published at COP30 in November 2025 and
will inform the evolution of ABB’s Circularity
Approach. This contribution is aligned with
our commitment to advancing the circularity
agenda beyond our organization.
ABB'S CIRCULARITY
APPROACH
What we enable
circular customer
solutions
What we do
ABB circular
operations
ABB
Circular
Business
Model
Circular
design &
sourcing
Design
Sourcing
Manufacturing
Logistics
& packaging
Efficiency
Lifetime
Take-back
Recycling
Resource-
efficient
operations
Optimized
use phase
Responsible
end-of-life
85
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Water and waste
Using natural resources in a responsible way is
a priority for ABB. In 2024, we conducted our
annual assessment of water stress using the
World Resources Institute’s (WRI) global wa-
ter risk tool. It showed a decreased number of
ABB’s locations (91) facing an enhanced level of
water stress. Our water consumption in areas
at water risk, including high water stress areas,
decreased by 2.3 percent compared to 2023 to
283,123 m³. For sites in extremely water stressed
areas, ABB continuously evaluates what mea-
sures are being taken, considers the possibil-
ities to introduce new measures and explores
opportunities for local collaborations based
on the requirements set out by the Alliance for
Water Stewardship (AWS). AWS provides a com-
prehensive global framework for sustainable
water management, focusing on responsible
water use, quality and governance at the water-
shed level through multi-stakeholder engage-
ment. While these actions are ongoing, ABB
India is planning to certify one of ABB’s sites
in Bangalore according to AWS requirements.
Building on this, we plan to scale certification to
other sites globally.
While water risks are relevant for our own
operations, the biggest exposure lies in our
supply chain. If our suppliers face flooding or
water scarcity, this will impact ABB negatively.
Therefore, we seek to have flexibility in our
supply chain, while increasingly monitoring the
risk exposure of our main suppliers. Suppliers
are asked to demonstrate systems for moni-
toring water usage, with the expectation that
initiatives are taken to improve water usage ef-
ficiency and seek collaborations with local com-
panies or universities on innovative programs.
We also help our customers to reduce water
extraction and freshwater pollution through
our wide range of water and wastewater solu-
tions. The ABB Water Care program improves
our clients’ processes related to water and
waste water. It ensures optimal and reliable
plant performance, extends the operating life of
automation and electrical assets, and protects
equipment and intellectual investments. The use
of energy-efficient motors, drives, and monitor-
ing solutions is reducing risks and costs for the
water sector.
Another important aspect is our zero-waste-to-
landfill commitment. We have waste reduction
programs at our sites throughout the world. The
zero-waste-to-landfill target is now included
in ABB’s Long-term Planning Process, meaning
all divisions have made plans and identified in-
terim milestones to achieve this target in 2030.
In 2024, we increased the amount of waste that
ABB generates by 6.3 percent to 177.5 kilotons
compared to the previous year due to extraordi-
nary effects from demolition and construction
projects. 82 percent of our waste was recycled,
and 5.8 percent of waste from operations sent
to landfill. This marked a decrease of 0.5 per-
centage points for waste sent to landfill, com-
pared to the previous year.
86
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Pollution prevention and
substances of concern
To ensure the safe use of materials and to re-
duce and, where possible, eliminate the use of
hazardous materials from our operations, we
rely on the ABB List of Prohibited and Restricted
Substances. This list applies to every aspect of
our operations, including procurement, product
development, production processes, products,
packaging materials, service activities and con-
struction sites. We update the list twice a year
in keeping with local and international regula-
tions and legislation. ABB’s four business areas
have full ownership of their respective product
material compliance obligations, which include
the European Union’s requirements for chem-
icals and products listed in the Substances of
Concern in Products (SCIP) database. We have
developed a companion guide to the list to help
ABB’s suppliers meet their obligations, which
includes partnering with us to identify and pre-
vent restricted substances from entering ABB’s
supply chain. In addition, ABB’s Global Terms
and Conditions for suppliers and our Supplier
Code of Conduct address prohibited and
restricted substances.
In 2024, all business areas continued to col-
lect material compliance information. Our
Electrification business area, for example,
collected compliance declarations for more
than 214,000 articles acquired from their
supplier base. This information is securely
stored in dedicated databases and is used
for customer communications and product
compliance statements.
We have also introduced programs to identify
the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) to report them to authorities and cus-
tomers, when required. In addition, we sup-
port programs to phase out PFAS substances
via the ABB List of Prohibited and Restricted
Substances and specific programs in the EU
and US. This is a crucial program for all ABB divi-
sions. To avoid pollution in ABB’s value chain and
operations, we promote sustainable practices,
such as supplier environmental criteria and cir-
cular economy principles.
See ABB’s Supplier
Code of Conduct.
87
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Biodiversity
ABB monitors the potential negative impact of
its business activities on biodiversity, for ex-
ample through pollution of air, water and soil.
ABB uses a solidly implemented environmental
management system to ensure any risks ABB’s
own operations pose on the environment are
being addressed and eliminated. With proper
biodiversity and land-use management, ABB can
contribute towards protecting flora and fauna
and implementing legacy-site remediation
projects. In 2024, we conducted a comprehen-
sive assessment to identify and analyze ABB
sites located in or near biodiversity-sensitive or
protected areas. It showed that out of 449 ABB
sites assessed, 83 sites were located within one
kilometer from a protected area of high biodi-
versity value, while four are located in protected
areas. Many of our sites within this scope are
certified according to ISO 14001 Environmental
Management Systems and ISO 9001 Quality
Management Systems, which provide the basis
for our assessment, supplemented by additional
external data sources.
Furthermore, our manufacturing sites op-
erate in line with valid permits. Our EU sites
are already subject to relevant EU regulatory
requirements relating to flora, fauna, and hab-
itats, whereas the non-EU sites underwent a
case-by-case evaluation, which considered rele-
vant national legislation related to the conserva-
tion of habitats and species, as well as external
environmental assessments.
Given the rising importance of biodiversity
and its interconnected relevance, also in con-
junction with the discussion around climate
change, we will be establishing a structured ap-
proach towards managing these topics, guided
by the recently published Recommendations
of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial
Disclosures. Our efforts moving forward will
need to increasingly involve our supply chain
as well as our customer operations. We aim
to help protect the environment by reducing
waste through our products and services, which
in turn lowers environmental impacts such as
air and water pollution. We have established
a Waste, Water & Biodiversity Working Group
that will ensure best practices sharing and
the update and implementation of relevant
mandatory procedures.
OUTLOOK
In our ongoing efforts to preserve resources, we continue to assess and align our
product portfolio against ABB’s Circularity Approach, reduce our waste and the
share of waste sent to landfill, increase water efficiency and preserve biodiversity.
Moving forward, we will:
Communicate the percentage of our products and solutions covered by our
Circularity Approach.
Identify further opportunities to align our products with circularity principles.
Continue to focus on solutions that reduce waste generation at our sites.
Reduce water consumption in water-stressed areas where we and our custom-
ers operate, and scale up Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certifications of
our sites.
Increase mapping of water and biodiversity risks, impacts in the supply chain
and drive risk elimination together with our site operations, suppliers
and customers.
88
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We promote social progress
We are committed to promoting social progress, benefiting our employees,
customers, stakeholders, and communities worldwide. We achieve this by
prioritizing health and safety, championing diversity, equity and inclusion,
and fostering professional growth within our workforce. Through the devel-
opment of our people and active engagement in community programs, we
create lasting positive impacts. Our dedication to social progress is rooted
in a strong respect for human rights, with zero tolerance for discrimination,
as outlined in our Code of Conduct and Human Rights Policy.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Reached industry-leading low lost-time injury
frequency rate (LTIFR) of 0.15
• Launched updated Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion (DEI) policy which sets out the
core elements of DEI practices that apply to
employees in all businesses, divisions, and
functions within the ABB Group
• Enhanced Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)
in operations based on the new Human Rights
Policy and HRDD Framework and updated
human rights training offering
• Released guidelines to formalize ABB’s
community engagement
You are here
in the value
creation model.
89
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB’s management
and targets
Business has a crucial role to play in building a
prosperous, healthy, and equitable society. ABB
is proud to be a good corporate citizen and to
contribute to the welfare of our employees, cus-
tomers, and suppliers’ workers, communities,
and other stakeholders worldwide.
Engaging with our stakeholders plays a funda-
mental role in defining ABB’s strategic direc-
tion and thereby driving our business. We are
committed to consistent, transparent com-
munication with our key stakeholder groups,
including collaborative partnerships, customers,
employees, governments and civil society, our
investment community, and suppliers. We en-
gage in regular and ongoing dialogue with our
stakeholders, incorporating their perspectives
in ABB’s policies and positions. These valuable
insights are also used to inform our double
materiality process.
The topics which reflect our efforts to pro-
mote social progress and that we identified as
material comprise health and safety, human
rights and labor standards, and employee
development and well-being. As part of our
Sustainability Agenda, we also focus on diver-
sity, equity and inclusion. Our efforts relating
to these topics represent a relevant part of how
we aim to create value for our stakeholders.
Besides the positive impacts on employees
through our efforts, they also contribute to our
business opportunities and success. Not acting
on these topics would adversely lead to risks,
through talent attrition, reputational damage,
or even sanctions and fines.
Four targets have been established under ABB’s
Sustainability Agenda to reflect the ways we
are working to promote social progress. These
targets also support us in successfully deliver-
ing on our promises and creating value for all
our stakeholders:
• Ambition to do zero harm to our employees
and contractors, reflected in a gradual reduc-
tion of our lost time incident frequency rate.
• Increase of women in senior management
roles to 25% by 2030.
• An engagement score showing top-tier results
in our industry.
• Expand programs on community engagement.
90
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Health and safety
The active management of Health, Safety,
Environment and Security (HSE&S) is a natural
extension to our business. Our talented and
skilled employees are our most valuable asset.
Fostering a safe and healthy work environment
is a fundamental responsibility of ABB. It is our
ambition, therefore, that no person shall suffer
injury or ill health as a direct consequence of
ABB’s industrial undertaking and that any neg-
ative impacts on the economy, society and our
environment are minimized
This is reflected in our Group-wide HSE&S policy
that reinforces ABB’s commitment to putting
health, safety, the environment and security at
the heart of our activities. This commitment
encompasses material sourcing, product de-
sign, operations, services and includes safe and
healthy working conditions, identifying oppor-
tunities to eliminate hazards, reducing risks and
adverse impacts and applying risk control and
monitoring systems.
In addition to monitoring the physical impact
on our workforce, mental wellbeing is also a
very important topic for ABB. Beside division-
and business area-led mental wellbeing initia-
tives, the company is providing global support
through the Employee Assistance Program as
well as the new meQuilibrium app, which is
specifically aimed at strengthening the mental
resilience of line managers. To realize global
leadership in health, safety, and wellbeing in
our operations, we have launched our Guiding
Principles for Resilient Operations. These sup-
port our HSE&S Management System, which is
based on internationally recognized standards,
principles and commitments. The Guiding
Principles combine a more human-centric way
of looking at HSE&S topics with our values
Courage, Care, Curiosity and Collaboration, and
have been agreed to by all divisions and busi-
ness areas. They will form the model for HSE&S
going forward.
The following three Guiding Principles set a
framework underpinned by a set of behaviors
we strive to follow at every level of our organiza-
tion to achieve our objectives:
Lead with care:
Means that leaders at every
level create an environment where colleagues
feel safe, cared for and are confident to
speak up.
Engage and involve:
Means everyone collab-
orates and draws on each other’s knowledge
and strengths to ensure colleagues feel in-
cluded and encouraged to contribute to our
programs and HSE&S performance.
Learn and improve:
Means everyone is encour-
aged to have the curiosity to learn and to sup-
port continuous improvement both as individ-
uals and as a team and organization.
91
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
HSE Guiding Principles
Each division is encouraged to develop safety
programs that are appropriate for their op-
erations. We coordinate preparations and
responses to emergency situations, conduct in-
ternal safety inspections, and obtain third-party
verifications for our health, safety and wellbeing
reporting. We have well-defined procedures to
investigate work-related injuries and incidents
and act promptly to mitigate negative impacts.
We continuously strive to further reduce health
and safety hazards.
Thanks to our health and safety measures,
we continue to see a downward trend in our
lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) to in-
dustry-leading levels with a 2024 LTIFR of 0.15.
In 2024, we recorded 338 work-related injuries,
one workplace-related fatality and one business
travel related fatality. An investigation into the
workplace-related fatal incident is currently un-
derway, and we will draw on the lessons learned
to prevent any future recurrence.
Lead with Care
Engage
and Involve
Learn
and Improve
RESILIENT
OPERATIONS
Taking care of our
health, safety and
environment
ABB WAY
92
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
We take pride in the diversity of our workforce
and seek to create an inclusive culture in which
people feel empowered to share their ideas and
perspectives. In this way, we encourage creative
thinking which drives innovation – which is
key to ABB’s growth and success. We believe in
diversity across all dimensions and that our dif-
ferences make us stronger. That is why progress
in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is embed-
ded in our long-term objectives.
With 2024 marking our fourth consecutive year
of dedicated efforts toward Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion, we remain committed to our DEI
Strategy 2030. Our annual calendar includes
various initiatives and events aiming to create
an environment where every employee feels val-
ued, respected, and empowered to contribute
their unique perspectives. In 2024 we covered
women’s history month and inclusion, LGBTQ+
topics and our #ComeAsYouAre campaign,
generational diversity in the workplace, and
mental health and disability-related awareness,
including topics of invisible disabilities, un-
derstanding neurodivergence and overcoming
imposter syndrome. Events were attended by
participants globally, sparking further con-
versation and action in our topical Employee
Resource Groups (ERGs). Furthermore, effective
November 1st, our updated DEI policy went live –
reemphasizing our company-wide account-
ability towards diversity, equity and inclusion.
Additionally, we have developed internal targets
for DEI supported by a broad portfolio of ac-
tions. These include ensuring an equal gender
balance among our early talent hires, providing
broad access to ERGs, and improving how we
score on inclusion in the workplace in the annual
Employee Engagement Survey.
These actions support us in achieving our stra-
tegic target of increasing the proportion of
women in senior management roles to 25 per-
cent by 2030. In addition, we have defined fur-
ther DEI targets to be met by 2030 as follows:
DEI TARGETS 2030
50%
female university hires
Policies
well established for all
dimensions
100%
employees access to
ERGs/Affinity groups
25%
women in senior
management
Score
yearly improvement of
inclusion score in Employee
Engagement Survey
93
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Women in senior management roles
In 2024, ABB increased the proportion of female
senior managers
1
to 21.3 percent. We facilitate
leadership trainings and have put in place tar-
geted development activities to ensure a stron-
ger gender balance at all levels, including in the
leadership pipeline. A number of ABB programs
support the inclusion and retention of women
in the workplace. Our global gender neutral pa-
rental leave program as well as flexible working
practices support our employees during the var-
ious phases of the employee life cycle.
1.
At ABB, senior man-
agers are defined
as employees in
Hay grades 1–7.
0
10
20
30
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
13.5
16.3
17.8
21.0
21.3
WOMEN ON THE BOARD
%
WOMEN IN TOTAL WORKFORCE
WOMEN IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT
%
0
10
20
30
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
%
0
10
20
30
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
94
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
ABB Encompass Groups
Our aim is to create a welcoming environment
in which people have a sense of belonging and
can realize their full potential, both as individ-
uals and collectively. With a workforce span-
ning five generations, we foster collaboration
through employee resource networks, various
mentorship models, collaborative workshops
and age-diverse teams. Our global employee re-
source groups (ERGs), also known as Encompass
Groups, reflect a diverse body of people, en-
compassing focus areas like gender, LGBTQ+,
abilities, generations, ethnicity, and diversity
of thought. They aim to create an inclusive, dy-
namic work environment that enhances morale
and engagement, helping attract and retain
diverse talent. By offering networking, confi-
dential support, and open communication with
leadership, we address common concerns and
promote mentoring, education, and leadership
development among employees. During 2024,
an upskilling program was launched targeting
our ERG leaders to bring them to the next level
of maturity. Our commitment to diversity, equity
and inclusion extends beyond our immediate
workplace, as ABB partners with organizations
including United Nations Women Empowerment
Principles (UN WEPs), UN Standards of Conduct
Tackling Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay,
Bi, Trans, & Intersex People, Society of Women
Engineers, Special Olympics.
ABB ENCOMPASS GROUPS
Employee driven networks moving the needle on the ground
Encompass
Senior
Professionals
Encompass
Young
Professionals
Encompass
Asian
Professionals
Encompass
Diversity
& Inclusion
Encompass
Military
& Allies
Encompass
Black
Professionals
Encompass
Pride
Encompass
Hispanic-
LatinX
Encompass
Women
Encompass
Disabled
Professionals
95
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Employee development And
wellbeing
Employees bring valuable skills, drive produc-
tivity, foster innovation and contribute to ABB’s
culture and values. They are vital for achieving
our goals and staying competitive.
Investing in the professional and personal de-
velopment of our people is a key element of our
long-term success. It supports the satisfaction
and wellbeing of our employees, nurtures mo-
tivation and innovation, and facilitates talent
attraction and retention.
We are therefore committed to maintaining an
open dialogue with current, former and future
employees of ABB. We have multiple tools in
place that enable our employees to make their
voices heard. These include formalized and/or
elected bodies of employee representatives
that deal with management of labor practices,
among other topics.
Our annual Employee Engagement Survey helps
managers better understand the experiences of
our employees at ABB and how they feel about
their jobs and the company. The survey also
gives employees a channel to highlight oppor-
tunities for improvements in the workplace and
ask for support to achieve the goals of their
team or manage challenges that they may face.
As the foundation of our organization, the per-
spectives of our employees influence our busi-
ness strategy and operations.
In 2024, our employee engagement score
was 78 out of 100, up from 71 in 2019. In total,
85 percent of employees, nearly 92,000 people,
responded to the survey, which represents a sig-
nificant increase since 2019, when the response
rate was 65 percent. The results are bench-
marked by our external survey provider against
a broader set of companies that ask similar
survey questions. This allows us to monitor our
ambition of achieving a top-tier score. Our 2024
results highlight strengths in relation to safety,
climate, integrity and role clarity. The survey also
showed that, while we have made good progress
on removing barriers to execution, there is still
room for improvement. In addition, in 2024 a de-
cision was made to raise the bar and set a target
to benchmark with the top 25 percent external
peers using the engagement platform.
Development
Learning and upskilling our people is a key focus
area. Educational offerings are made available
to our employees online and offline. This year,
the number of learning hours per FTE increased
to 8.4 (24 percent increase compared to previ-
ous year). Our Learn, Connect, Grow (LCG) ap-
proach fosters employee development through
online and offline training, career resources, and
peer learning opportunities. LCG Day, held annu-
ally, features keynote speakers, inspiring stories,
and activities that promote learning, connec-
tions, and growth across the organization. We
strive to give our employees the skills they need
to adapt to change and stay competitive in a
constantly evolving business environment.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the
quality of people performance management
and its impact on individual development
and growth, we are moving from a traditional
“Management by Objectives” to continuous,
meaningful performance conversations, sup-
ported by emerging technology. While this tech-
nology will play a crucial role in the future, our
focus remains on change management and the
required cultural shift.
To enhance the link between performance and
development, we launched a training program
in December 2024. This includes videos show-
casing effective and less effective performance
reviews. Non-managerial employees will re-
ceive concise learning materials to improve
their conversation skills, while managers will
participate in a 90-minute workshop featur-
ing personal video analysis, exercises, and
strategy development.
Employee wellbeing
Whether it’s coping with current life challenges,
preparing for a new life experience, personal or
work-related experiences, ABB takes employee
wellbeing seriously and ensures that colleagues
and their family members feel supported by us.
We also offer individual learning pathways, un-
conscious bias training, and research-backed
resources to systematically drive awareness, en-
gagement and progress. For example, we have
reviewed our processes and policies and piloted
96
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
LGBTQ+ reverse mentoring programs to im-
prove understanding and inclusion in the work-
place. We will continue to explore opportunities
to facilitate diversity, equity and inclusion, striv-
ing for an environment where every employee
knows their uniqueness is an asset that adds
value to our company. This creates shared value
in the workplace, marketplace and community.
As part of our global Employee Assistance
Program (EAP), employees have access to up
to six counselling sessions per topic, per year.
Topics of counseling session can include im-
proving relationships, surviving the loss of a
loved one, parenting, couples’ support, refer-
rals to local finance or legal sources, managing
stress, and managing workplace pressure,
among others. In 2024 we launched an updated
EAP application intended to make it easier for
employees and their families to access the sup-
port they require.
We also launched an additional mental health
resource for line managers through a new appli-
cation. This application allows line managers to
manage burnout, stress and anxiety by devel-
oping resilience through personalized learning
tailored to their individual needs and helps them
to recognize and manage this with their teams.
Support for such a program is provided on a
confidential basis. While we see overall utiliza-
tion of our support programs increasing, we
continue to look for ways to further publicize
the support available from these programs.
97
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Community engagement
and protection of
vulnerable communities
ABB is committed to creating a more prosper-
ous and sustainable future for the communities
in which we operate, ensuring that our efforts
make a meaningful and sustainable impact. We
are committed to mitigating and remedying
negative impacts that might occur in our value
chain, while promoting long-lasting initiatives
to generate positive value and create opportuni-
ties for these communities.
ABB acknowledges the importance of being
recognized as a good corporate citizen to
ensure its social license to operate. For this
purpose, ABB identified Four Focus Areas
(4Es) of intervention aligned with ABB’s
Sustainability Agenda, to enhance the efforts
towards communities and optimize its return of
Community Engagement Programs.
ABB’s approach to community engagement
entails stakeholder engagement, strategic cor-
porate partnerships and country-level projects
to address local needs. Our company’s and em-
ployees’ contributions make a real difference in
people’s lives, and we are proud of our employ-
ees for donating both time and money to help
others in need.
In 2024 we donated $9 million by employees and
business areas, 6,105 volunteering days, and we
supported 605 projects in 41 countries.
ABB’S FOUR FOCUS AREAS
Education
Ensure equitable access
to Science, Technology,
Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM)
education and build
the next generation’s
lifelong competence and
soft skills, leveraging
technology, sustainability,
ƏƜƒ ƗƜƜƝƤƏƢƗƝƜ
Emergency &
Disaster Relief
Support communities
and employees impacted
by natural disasters and
educate our employees on
disaster relief readiness.
Empowering
communities
Create a more prosperous
and sustainable future for
communities in countries
and territories where
we operate, mitigating
impacts and offering new
development opportunities.
Environment and
conservation
Support communities in
biodiversity conservation,
protecting land, marine and
freshwater ecosystems,
mitigating environmental
and social impacts and
offering new development
opportunities.
1
2
3
4
98
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
As part of the target to expand programs for
community engagement, in 2024 we released a
new internal guideline to formalize the compa-
ny’s community engagement strategy and pro-
vide direction on developing projects aligned
with ABB’s Sustainability Agenda and ABB’s Four
Focus Areas (4Es) of intervention.
We also formalized a group level governance
creating a dedicated working group with repre-
sentation from each business area to manage
the topic.
41 countries
engaged
$9 million
donated
by employees and
business areas
6,105
person-days
in volunteer work
605 projects
supported worldwide
99
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Focus on customers
Customers are at the center of everything we
do. ABB interacts with its customers by prior-
itizing safety, transparency, and privacy while
addressing potential risks and leveraging
technological advancements. ABB ensures that
customers have access to quality information,
empowering them to make informed decisions
and fostering transparency throughout the
value chain. This approach enhances confidence
in ABB’s products with regard to ethical prac-
tices related to worker’s rights, supply chain
management, and data processing. Additionally,
ABB’s strong focus on privacy builds trust and
confidence among customers and business
partners by safeguarding personal information
and respecting individual rights. This commit-
ment to privacy not only protects customer
satisfaction but also strengthens our reputa-
tion as a company, contributing to long-term
loyalty and positive brand perception. ABB also
acknowledges the risks associated with cyber
attacks and connectivity, implementing robust
cyber security measures to protect its informa-
tion technology, infrastructure, and intellectual
property. By addressing these challenges and
continuously improving its digital processes,
ABB aims to maintain customer satisfaction
and mitigate potential negative impacts on
its brand and operations. Furthermore, ABB’s
implementation of strong safety measures and
clear instructions for the use-phase of our prod-
ucts significantly mitigates the likelihood of
safety incidents, ensuring a safer experience for
customers and reinforcing ABB’s commitment
to their wellbeing. Ultimately, ABB customers
trust our innovative, high-quality products and
services. With our leading technologies in elec-
trification and automation, we help all indus-
tries run at high performance and become more
productive, efficient and sustainable so they
can outperform.
100
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Human rights and
labor standards
ABB is committed to respecting the dignity and
human rights of all people. Our goal is for hu-
man rights to be well understood and managed
along our entire value chain and integrated into
ABB’s daily business.
We support and respect the international frame-
works to identify, mitigate, and address human
rights risks and impacts, embedding respon-
sible business conduct in business processes,
tracking and communicating performance and
allowing access to grievance and remedy for
potentially affected people. These frameworks
are set out in our Human Rights Policy and in-
clude the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and the
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
on Responsible Business Conduct. Our Code
of Conduct, Supplier Code of Conduct and our
Human Rights Policy establish our commit-
ments to human rights and expectations for
each individual working at ABB or engaging with
ABB’s business in the entire value chain. The ABB
Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Framework
released in 2023 clarifies governance and how
the commitment is executed in the organization.
In 2024, we continued our work to strengthen
our human rights due diligence across ABB’s
entire value chain, as well as implementing the
roadmap that was updated in 2023, following
up on business areas risks analysis and identi-
fied salient issues. Further, we partnered with
organizations like Global Business Initiative
on Human Rights (GBI), International Code of
Conduct Association (ICoCA), International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and United
Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
We worked to align the governance to the new
HRDD framework and to the ABB Way oper-
ating model: a cross-business area Human
Rights Working Group has been consolidated
led by the Motion business area and integrated
into the broader ABB Sustainability gover-
nance. Each business area is represented to
ensure core and common aspects are jointly
agreed, and that we can drive the human rights
agenda consistently across the organization
and divisions. Our Human Rights Champion
network, established in 2019, continues to
grow and to support the business in dealing
with human rights challenges. It is a strategic
tool to test the effectiveness of human rights
programs and to get valuable feedback for
continuous improvements.
In 2024, we continued offering general human
rights training to all employees and managers,
including specialized procurement training on
topics like child labor and modern slavery. We
also launched a new training course on the up-
dated ABB Human Rights Policy; in total 7,313
training sessions were completed, totaling
5,503 hours.
A refresher training for division leadership
teams was deployed, with around 60 percent of
divisions trained, and this program will continue
into 2025. We also focused on human rights and
security, with 62 percent of Security Council
members completing a module on the use of
force by private security providers through the
ICoCA training platform, and 95 percent of ABB
security managers completing a new module on
child labor.
In 2024 we revised our human rights training
offering, developing new virtual modules for
sales, operations, and procurement functions.
These modules are aligned with our salient is-
sues, like modern slavery and child labor, and are
part of a new training matrix to be deployed in
2025. Our partnership with ICoCA also promotes
their human rights and security training to ABB
managers in high-risk countries where ABB has
a physical presence.
In operations, we published the new Human
Rights Requirements and ACOP (Approved Code
of Practice) to enhance human rights due dili-
gence in ABB operations. This initiative will be
followed up by a new wave of site assessments
to ensure execution of defined requirements
aligned with the new ABB Human Rights Policy.
In sales, we continued screening human rights
risks in sales opportunities, gathering feedback
on current processes and challenges of the or-
ganization and designing a new proposal to be
tested in 2025 for further improvement.
For more information
related to our grievance
mechanism and reme-
diation process, please
refer to the Integrity
section of this report.
See ABB’s Code
of Conduct and Supplier
Code of Conduct.
101
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
To address human rights risks related to our
suppliers, we rely on our Sustainable Supply
Base Management program and our conflict
minerals management program.
The grievance mechanism and the remediation
process, including for harassment, forced labor,
child labor and other human rights related inci-
dents reported through our Business Ethics help-
line, are included in the statistics about reported
incidents in the “We embed a culture of integrity
along the extended value chain” chapter.
In 2024, there were no reported incidents of
child labor with respect to our employees.
In 2024, four concerns of forced labor, com-
pulsory labor and child labor relating to
supply chain providers were identified. Two
remain under review and two concerns were
not substantiated.
Labor rights among our employees
Approximately 45 percent of ABB’s employees
worldwide are covered by collective bargaining
agreements (CBAs), either by collective labor
agreements at the industry level (generally with
unions) or at the company or location level (gener-
ally with employee representative bodies such as
works councils or unions). Approximately 34 per-
cent of employees are covered by internal em-
ployee representatives. In addition, the European
Works Council represents more than 50,000 ABB
employees, covering the majority of employees
in countries belonging to the European Economic
Area (EEA), UK or Switzerland.
For employees not covered by collective bar-
gaining agreements, there are different sce-
narios regarding the determination of working
conditions. In many countries where not all
employees are represented by the CBA, the con-
ditions in the CBA that go beyond local labor
market practices are considered in determining
working conditions and terms. Regardless of
the application of a CBA, ABB in general aims to
offer working conditions that meet or exceed
the typical standards in the respective local
employment markets.
OUTLOOK
Maintaining a respectful, inclusive and diverse working environment while pro-
moting the wellbeing of our people, maximizing safety, investing in professional
and personal development and taking care of the communities where we operate
will remain key to the success of ABB’s value proposition. To further progress on
our targets related to promoting social progress, we intend to:
Continue to deploy human rights trainings to leadership teams.
Continue to enhance our human rights due diligence across ABB’s value chain.
Continue to increase the number of women in senior management.
Continue to expand programs for community engagement.
Increase our focus on avoiding incidents that have the potential to do serious
harm to our employees and contractors.
For further information
on these two programs,
please refer to the
Responsible Sourcing
section of this report.
For information about
findings of non-con-
formance within our
supply chain, please
refer to the Responsible
Sourcing section of
this report.
102
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We embed a culture of integrity
and transparency along
the extended value chain
At ABB, integrity and transparency define how we do business. They are the
foundation of our Sustainability Agenda and underpin our value creation. We
recognize the importance of doing business ethically and maintaining ethical
business relationships. In 2024, we built upon the actions we took in 2023,
with a focus on embedding integrity processes within each of our business
areas. In this chapter, we highlight key actions taken in 2024 to strengthen a
culture of integrity and transparency along our extended value chain.
HIGHLIGHTS
Third Party Management (TPM)
This year, we enhanced the TPM framework
and tested its implementation, develop-
ing comprehensive monitoring and risk
mitigation guidance.
Legacy risk management
In 2024 we focused on risk management of
our legacy suppliers and sales channel third
party relationships.
Bespoke business areas risk management plans
Our business areas developed specific plans to
monitor and mitigate their third-party risks with
a focus on resourcing for sustaining operations.
Integrity culture
We strengthened our integrity culture in 2024 by
revamping our Straight Talk program for all-em-
ployee learning, enhancing risk specific training
for sales employees, and shared greater investi-
gation insights for transparency, awareness and
risk management.
Data analytics and integrity risk monitoring
ABB uses various tools and platforms to track
progress and drive performance in regard to our
integrity approach. Our continuous monitoring
platform allows us to analyze potential integrity
risks based on continued risk assessment and
lessons learned from past cases.
In 2024 we enhanced our Risk and
Implementation Dashboards to allow us to mon-
itor a broader range of metrics. The increased
availability of this data allows our organization
to proactively identify integrity risks and op-
portunities and analyze trends and program
enhancement outcomes.
Supplier Code of Conduct
In 2024, our updated Supplier Code of Conduct
went into effect. To support the roll-out, we
organized high-level training sessions for our
suppliers in multiple languages. Several deep
dive trainings covering different topics of the
supplier code were developed and made avail-
able for ABB personnel.
Sustainable Supply Base Management
To align with our updated Supplier Code of
Conduct, we have thoroughly reviewed and
updated the assessment protocol for on-site
supplier assessments.
In line with changes in country risk profiles, ABB
product portfolio and supplier base, we have re-
viewed and updated our list of focus countries.
You are here
in the value
creation model.
103
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Integrity
We continuously work on improving and en-
hancing our Global Integrity Program through
controls, processes and a culture that deters
non-compliance behavior and drives trans-
parency and sustainable business. Our five
core Integrity & Regulatory Affairs procedures
include oversight and responsibilities for ac-
countability, as well as procedures related to
third-party management, data privacy, conflicts
of interest and global trade. We have defined
five integrity principles that guide everything
we do at ABB:
1.
We behave and do business in an ethical way.
2.
We work in a safe and sustainable way.
3.
We build trust with all stakeholders.
4.
We protect ABB’s assets and reputation.
5.
We speak up and do not retaliate.
The ABB Code of Conduct is our individual and
collective commitment to uphold the highest
standards of business ethics throughout our
global value chain. It guides our employees,
business partners and suppliers to do business
with integrity.
Our Global Integrity Program includes integrity
learnings and communications. The learning
modules are delivered in a virtual e-learning
format as well as face-to-face. We actively pro-
mote self-driven learning for all employees,
supplemented by bespoke and role-specific
mandatory training for those that face higher in-
tegrity risks. Alongside these integrity-focused
learning modules, managers at all levels of the
company are expected to model integrity behav-
iors and hold team discussions to ensure that
our teams understand what is expected when
it comes to ethical conduct and treating people
with respect. Integrity Committees in all busi-
ness areas and divisions support this approach.
In 2024, we continued to develop our integrity
learning programs and focused on strengthen-
ing our integrity culture. This included revamp-
ing our Straight Talk learning platform, which
continues to provide impactful real-life integrity
learnings at ABB in support of our speak-up
culture. We also created a new antitrust foun-
dation training, and added other new integrity
content on behavior drivers to the integrity
awareness portal. Our business areas also im-
plemented tailored integrity learning programs
for their teams, based on their bespoke risk
management plans.
We enhanced our Business Ethics Helpline and
reporting capabilities. We empowered business
area teams to directly conduct investigations to
increase accountability for workplace behavior
within those business areas.
To track potential indicators of the effective-
ness of our integrity-related initiatives, and as-
sess risk, we utilize data analytics. Our Integrity
Analytics Report, a live dashboard available
throughout ABB via our integrity web portal,
provides insights into our integrity program
performance and is available to our employee
population. Our Investigation Dashboards are
also made available to the appropriate stake-
holders as part of our risk assessment and
management strategy. Risk assessment abilities
were further enhanced in 2024 with the creation
of the Risk Monitoring Dashboard. This dash-
board supplements the existing integrity and
investigations metrics with additional metrics
and risk scoring capabilities to identify poten-
tial areas of heightened risk for business focus.
In 2024, our trust and engagement KPIs were
as follows for the period 2021–2024:
Trust KPI
– the rate of severity level 1 and 2
investigations where the reporters disclosed
their identity, as a measure of trust in the re-
porting system and integrity program: 55 per-
cent of reporters as compared to 60 percent in
the period 2021–2023.
Engagement KPI
– the volume of unique vis-
itors on the Integrity Awareness Portal for
integrity learnings: 82 percent of employees
with online access, as compared to 80 percent
in the period 2021–2023.
See ABB’s Code
of Conduct and Supplier
Code of Conduct.
104
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption
ABB has a “zero tolerance” policy towards uneth-
ical business behavior including any form of brib-
ery or corruption. Having a robust anti-bribery
and anti-corruption (ABAC) control framework
and a strong ethical culture is essential for ensur-
ing that we comply with our legal responsibilities
and preserve our license to operate. Our ABAC
training program centers on the upskilling of em-
ployees in gatekeeper functions and customer
facing roles across ABB. The ABAC training pro-
gram aims to enhance core ABAC competencies
while highlighting the critical role these individ-
uals play in upholding our integrity culture and
compliance obligations. Our actions to enhance
our culture of integrity continue to focus on:
• remediating the root causes of misconduct,
through internal control enhancements
at the local level where they occurred, and
through global process enhancements
where appropriate;
• applying learnings to drive company-wide
awareness, workplace safety and a strong
culture with individual accountability
for integrity;
• innovating ABB’s monitoring and testing ac-
tivities and the platforms and tools we use
for strong risk management and integrity
assurance, including our continuous mon-
itoring platform, aimed to detect integrity
risk, with a specific focus on ABAC and fraud
risks, by leveraging risk algorithms as ap-
plied to company data points across many
company systems.
In 2024, we continued to embed our enhanced
ABAC policies and procedures within our busi-
ness areas and tested their implementation.
We developed business area risk management
plans, tailored to mitigate the risks specific to
their businesses, and focused on risk manage-
ment of our legacy third party relationships.
We completed the second year of our Deferred
Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the United
States Department of Justice (DOJ) and
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
pursuant to a rigorous work plan focused on
these enhancements and innovations for op-
erational sustainability. Under the DPA, for the
three-year period, we will continue to self-re-
port on continual enhancements to our integrity
program to ensure that our controls, processes
and culture serve as effective deterrents to
bribery and corruption and support transparent
sustainable business.
Our integrity program goes beyond ABAC and
workplace behavior and includes trade and anti-
trust as well as data privacy and cyber security.
ABAC Program
Area of Risk
Beyond the global ABAC program represented, ABB’s business areas, divisions, and some countries also have policies, procedures and
controls that provide further risk mitigation.
Donations &
Sponsorships
Ethical business
Stakeholder trust
Transparent
value chain
Protect license
to operate
Speak-up culture
Gifts, Travel &
Hospitality
Third Party
Management
Books &
Records /
Internal
Controls
Facilitation
and Safety
Payments
Conflicts of
Interest and
HR Payments
M&A and Joint
Ventures
Tender Risk
Review and
Project Review
Organization,
Roles &
Responsibilities
Policies and
Procedures
Risk Management
& Oversight
Communication,
Training and
Awareness
Risk
Assessments
Data Analytics
and Monitoring
Reporting
Channels
Code of Conduct
Global Policies and Procedures
ABAC Program
Objectives
Core Governing
Policy &
Procedures em-
bedding ABAC
controls
Local require-
ments
(country-spe-
cific)
ABAC FRAMEWORK
105
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Trade compliance program
We act in a global environment and comply with
applicable trade laws and regulations, including
those relating to import and export controls,
trade sanctions and customs procedures, and
we expect our business partners to do the same.
As reflected in ABB’s Code of Conduct, ABB’s
Trade Compliance framework includes our Global
Trade Compliance Procedure (GTCP), specific in-
structions and guidance documents for the busi-
ness to embed trade compliance requirements
into day-to-day processes. The extensive net-
work of trade officers work together with other
functions across the organization providing
advice, raising awareness by delivering training,
disseminating regulatory updates and in general,
supporting the implementation of processes
and controls intended to mitigate trade risks.
Antitrust compliance program
ABB’s antitrust compliance program is guided
by a suite of guidance notes, procedures and
internal controls specifically addressing ABB’s
global antitrust risks. These are integrated into
ABB’s culture and internal controls through
dedicated training of legal and business com-
munities, the provision of specific expert anti-
trust advice as well as regular internal exchange
forums to raise awareness of antitrust topics
of relevance to our operations. Our antitrust
experts work closely with our colleagues from
ABB’s investigations practices to facilitate the
identification, investigation and remediation
of any antitrust concerns. Importantly, a strong
antitrust ethos permeates ABB’s mergers &
acquisitions activities, including through the
performance of due diligence prior to invest-
ments, acquisitions or joint ventures, to support
healthy and compliant company growth.
Data privacy and cyber security
We ensure the protection of customer, employee
and other individual privacy and personal data
and implement robust measures to protect their
rights and safeguard against cyber threats.
Respecting the right to data protection is a
priority for us and we have adopted global data
protection standards to ensure a high, stan-
dardized level of protection for personal data.
We monitor and review compliance with data,
privacy and cyber security laws, by means of
data protection audits, assessments and other
controls. All ABB employees are made aware of
the basics of data privacy and cyber security
with specialized learning available to all em-
ployees and job-specific training provided for
selected job functions.
Grievance and remediation
At ABB, we are committed to a culture of ethics
and transparency and encourage our people
to speak up. We offer multiple channels for our
106
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
stakeholders to report integrity violations and
non-compliance with our Code of Conduct. We
intend to make this process as straightforward
and seamless as possible. Confidential report-
ing processes are available for both employees
and our broader community of stakeholders,
including options for anonymous reporting. Our
commitment to non-retaliation applies when-
ever someone has raised a potential integrity
concern in good faith, including cooperation in
an investigation.
ABB’s business ethics helpline permits web and
phone reporting and is operated by an indepen-
dent service provider, which forwards the report
to a dedicated investigations team within the
Legal & Integrity function at ABB headquarters
or, in EU countries where required by law, to a
local representative of the chosen ABB partner
company. All reports are subject to appropri-
ate review and are brought to full closure using
systematic processes and tracking systems so
that due process is followed across our internal
investigations. An employee or stakeholder who
files a report can follow up on the status of their
report and continue to engage with the ABB
investigator using a personal PIN. The helpline
permits reporting on conduct relating to all
aspects of the ABB Code of Conduct, including
corruption, fraud, trade compliance, antitrust,
data privacy, workplace behavior, human rights,
environment, occupational health and safety vi-
olations, workplace violence, and more.
Incidents reported in 2024
We have seen an increase in total incidents
reported to our business ethics helpline since
2022. We attribute this to an increased confi-
dence in our reporting and allegation manage-
ment processes coupled with more in-person
interactions in the wake of the pandemic. In
2024, incidents reported were structured into
the following categories (as well as more de-
tailed subcategories within each of these) to
ensure appropriate attention, resourcing and
internal escalation:
• Antitrust & fair competition
• Bribery benefiting ABB
• Commercial integrity & regulatory
• Fraud: non-self-dealing
• Fraud: self-dealing
• HSE & security
• Human resources
• Non-integrity issue
• Other integrity issue
The following table provides an overview of
the number of incidents reported through our
Business Ethics Helpline.
Business Ethics Helpline
In 2024
Incidents reported
2,242
Incidents closed
2,578
The themes of trafficking in human beings,
forced labor, compulsory labor and child labor
are all addressed in the ABB Supplier Code of
Conduct. In 2024, four concerns of this nature
relating to supply chain providers were iden-
tified. Two remain under review, and two con-
cerns were not substantiated.
107
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Responsible sourcing
ABB is committed to sourcing responsibly and
will only work with suppliers that share our com-
mitment to integrity, sustainability and human
rights and have agreed to the requirements set
out in the Supplier Code of Conduct. Therefore,
the ABB Supplier Code of Conduct is part of
our procurement terms and conditions as well
as our supplier qualification, development and
evaluation requirements.
The ABB Supplier Code of Conduct was updated
in 2023 and became effective on January 1, 2024.
It explains in detail what we expect of our
suppliers. The updated version addresses the
latest changes in regulatory requirements such
as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
(Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG)
and the Swiss Ordinance on Due Diligence and
Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals
from Conflict-Affected Areas and Child Labour
(DDTrO). It also acknowledges the international
human rights and environmental guidance and
conventions, takes account of stakeholder ex-
pectations and emphasizes the role of suppli-
ers in preventing and mitigating sustainability
risks, especially when it comes to upholding
human rights and reducing GHG emissions. The
updated implementation guide for the Supplier
Code provides suppliers with hands-on advice
on how to fulfill ABB’s requirements and fa-
cilitates the effective implementation of the
Supplier Code of Conduct.
In seeking to prevent human rights violations in
our supply chain, we substantively revised the
section on “Human rights and decent work” in
our Supplier Code and included more specific
requirements regarding modern slavery, harass-
ment, discrimination and diversity, as well as
the rights of local communities and vulnerable
groups. Furthermore, a section on “Climate and
environment” was added to reflect our intensi-
fied efforts to mitigate climate change. We have
expanded the list of potential environmental
impacts to include topics of growing interest
to our stakeholders, such as GHG emissions,
circularity, biodiversity and deforestation.
The updated Supplier Code explicitly requires
suppliers to disseminate and enforce these
requirements across their own supply chains
and to report any suspected violations. At the
start of 2024, we provided high-level awareness
training to our suppliers, followed by deep dive
trainings for ABB employees later in the year,
covering different topics of the Supplier Code,
such as child labor and modern slavery. In 2025,
we will make deep dive trainings available more
generally and focus on providing these trainings
to our suppliers.
After performing a risk review, we updated
our list of focus countries to reflect both the
changed composition of the ABB supplier base
and changes in risk levels of countries our sup-
pliers are based in. Implementation activities
are ongoing for newly added countries.
We use our Third Party Management program
to assess and manage risks as well as to on-
board and monitor engagement with third
parties across the entire value chain, including
upstream (suppliers) and downstream (custom-
ers). It involves the following elements:
• Risk-based front-end due diligence prior to
considering engagement;
• Appointments subject to structured
approval processes;
• Standard agreement that should include an-
ti-bribery provisions, audit rights and the
right to terminate agreements for any viola-
tion; and
• Risk-appropriate monitoring over the life cycle
of the engagement.
The ABB Sustainable Supply Base Management
(SSBM) Program is part of ABB’s Third Party
Management approach. As part of the SSBM
program, we assess suppliers for their sustain-
ability performance and mitigate risks identi-
fied. This involves a supplier self-assessment
during the onboarding process, and subsequent
further due diligence in case of high-risk scores,
including mandatory onsite audits according
to the Generic Protocol in focus and high-risk
countries. Additionally, we perform sustainabil-
ity assessments in focus countries on existing
suppliers using the SSBM Country Specific
Assessment Protocol. In 2024, we updated this
protocol to align with the updated requirements
in the Supplier Code.
After adjusting the SSBM Country Specific
Protocol in 2023 to permit audits of temporary
labor suppliers, we continued with pilots in
multiple countries.
See ABB’s Supplier
Code of Conduct.
108
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
As reported in 2023, an audit conducted in one
pilot country resulted in finding instances of
local labor law violations at a temporary labor
supplier. In alignment with the ABB Human
Rights Due Diligence Framework and the ABB
Supplier Code of Conduct, we worked with
the supplier to ensure understanding of ABB
requirements, and to define and implement cor-
rective actions. In 2024, the case was internally
escalated, and a decision was taken to compen-
sate all of the supplier’s impacted employees
linked to ABB operations and to terminate the
relationship with the supplier. As result of this
case and other pilot audits, the external labor
provider category is now included into the SSBM
audit scope, and the case is used in internal hu-
man rights training as a learning for leadership
and procurement teams.
To understand risks related to our upstream
supply chain, we conducted a few pilot assess-
ments at Tier-2 suppliers. We will continue with
this pilot in 2025. At the end of 2024, we re-
viewed the top ten non-conformities identified
during on-site assessments in the years 2021 to
2024. This list will inform our interventions with
suppliers in 2025. Outcomes of cases reported
to our Business Ethics helpline (see Human
Rights section for details) will be used for the
same purpose.
At the end of 2024, 68 percent of our spending
on high-risk suppliers in focus countries was
covered by our SSBM program, and 87 percent
of identified risks were closed.
TRACKING RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
2024
2023
Suppliers assessed on site (number)
156
118
High-risk supply spending in focus countries covered by SSBM (%)
68
42
Risk closure rate (%)
87
88
Contracts terminated
12
7
Employees trained on responsible sourcing (SSBM)
1
318
959
Supplier teams trained on responsible sourcing
791
95
1.
Divided over different training programs
109
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
Conflict minerals
and child labor
Doing business with integrity and transparency
means that materials intended for our prod-
ucts and services should be sourced and pro-
cured ethically. ABB is an active member of the
Responsible Minerals Initiative, where we lead
the Asia Smelter Outreach team. ABB commits
to sourcing minerals and metals responsibly, as
described in the ABB Policy on Conflict Minerals.
We have established a “Conflict Minerals
Compliance Program” based on the OECD Due
Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply
Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and
High-Risk Areas and other appropriate inter-
national standards. We actively work with our
suppliers to ensure that any minerals contained
in the products and materials supplied to ABB
originate from conflict-free sources and to tran-
sition away from smelters and refiners that have
been defined as high-risk.
Beyond 3TG (Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum and Gold)
our program also includes Cobalt, and is being
extended to also include Mica going forward.
In response to the requirements established
by Art. 964j–l of the Swiss Code of Obligations
and the Swiss Ordinance on Due Diligence and
Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals
from Conflict-Affected Areas and Child Labour
(DDTrO), we have assessed our respective risk
exposure and reached the following conclusions:
• The quantities of minerals and metals in scope
of the aforementioned regulations which ABB
imported into or processed in Switzerland
in 2024 are substantially below applicable
thresholds. Hence, ABB is exempted from spe-
cific due diligence and reporting obligations
under the DDTrO in regard to conflict minerals.
Read more in our
ABB Policy on Conflict
Minerals 2024.
110
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
OUTLOOK
Integrity and transparency are the foundations of our Sustainability Agenda. In
2025, we will further strengthen our approach and focus on the
following initiatives:
After updating our Code of Conduct and Human Rights Policy, we will drive im-
plementation and listen to signals.
Continue to work on enhancing our training offers, conducting new deep dive
trainings aligned with our salient issues
Enhance due diligence incorporating further minerals.
Using our human rights roadmap, we will investigate technological solutions
and artificial intelligence to strengthen the risk mapping of our value chains.
• In 2024, as part of our continuous improve-
ment program, we aligned our risk assess-
ment to the salient issues and to the new
Supplier Code of Conduct, and we extended
the SSBM program to new focus countries.
This approach confirms alignment with ILO
Conventions 138 and 182 as well as the ILO-
IOE Child Labour Guidance Tool for Business
of December 15, 2015, and the UN Guiding
Principles on Business and Human Rights. The
aforementioned frameworks and standards
include those which the DDTrO specifies as
internationally recognized equivalent regula-
tions for child labor. As a result of our adher-
ence to these frameworks and standards, we
are exempted from specific due diligence and
reporting obligations under the DDTrO in re-
gard to child labor.
• At the end of 2024, a concern of child labor
related to our supply chain was received (this
concern is also reported under the Human
Rights section). This concern is under review.
111
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Outputs and Outcomes
We help industries
outrun – leaner and
cleaner: case studies
ABB’s advanced technologies are only as powerful as the
ways in which they are applied and used to deliver value for
our customers and the greater environment and society.
Our technologies support our customers across
a variety of industries to be more productive, ef-
ficient and sustainable so they can outperform.
Our automation technologies help improve
productivity and efficiency of critical day-to-
day operations. Our electrification technologies
help decarbonize energy intensive industries,
from power and manufacturing, all the way to
transportation and buildings.
Through our Sustainability Agenda we deliver
value to stakeholders by enabling a low-carbon
society, supporting the preservation of re-
sources and promoting social progress. Within
these key pillars, we are working hard to enable
the energy transition, decarbonize energy-inten-
sive industries, promote principles of circularity
and promote social progress.
In these pages, we present a selection of cases
that exemplify how ABB’s technologies have
been applied to deliver on our customers’ needs
and on our own sustainability ambitions.
Sustainability pillars the project
contributes to:
Low-carbon society
Preserving resources
Promoting social progress
112
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
ENABLING THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Through leading technologies, ABB is enabling the transition to a
low-carbon society. We do so on a large scale, by implementing
grid-level products and services, as well as changing how we
power our every day. Our ambition is to address today’s greatest
energy-related challenges, delivering comprehensive solutions that
enable the transition to green energy and ensuring grid stability as
renewable energy sources come on board.
Low-carbon society
ABB’s technology to stabilize the power grid as
Spanish islands transition to green energy
A significant challenge of the clean energy tran-
sition is ensuring that existing power grids are
able to take on new distributed energy tech-
nologies while maintaining stability. ABB has
been working with Red Eléctrica, the Redeia
company responsible for the transmission and
operation of the Spanish electricity system
(TSO), to smooth the grid’s onboarding of in-
termittent energy sources on the Canary and
Balearic Islands.
The advance of the energy transition in both
archipelagos poses a challenge for the system
operator which makes it necessary to reinforce
the grid to maintain its balance and ensure re-
liable and resilient operations. ABB is working
with Red Eléctrica to deploy a flexible, reliable
and integrated solution through synchronous
condensers. These rotating electrical machines
mimic the operation of large generators to help
stabilize the grid when loads and renewable en-
ergy production fluctuate.
The integrated solution, which also includes
electrical and automation equipment, will be
crucial for maintaining the stability, reliability
and continuity of island grids as they integrate
increasing levels of renewable energy.
The ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed
control system will also play a key part in ensur-
ing the stability of energy supplied from inter-
mittent renewable sources.
The project is part of the Network Development
Plan 2021–2026, the execution of which will al-
low the integration of 67 percent of renewable
energy into Spain’s generation mix.
113
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Low-carbon society
Supplying key technology to Washington State
Ferries’ new electric vessels
The maritime sector, responsible for about
three percent of global greenhouse gas emis-
sions, faces challenging net-zero targets. The
International Maritime Organization aims for a
20-30 percent reduction by 2030 and net-zero
emissions by 2050. Vessel electrification is
part of the solution and is already well in use
for vessels on shorter routes with access to
charging infrastructure.
ABB is working with Washington State Ferries
(WSF) which manages the largest ferry system
in the United States, operating 21 auto-passen-
ger ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals.
ABB was selected as the single source vendor
for the propulsion system of five new hybrid
ferries. This partnership marks a significant
step toward sustainable maritime transpor-
tation, with ABB playing an important role in
the development and delivery of the five newly
built vessels.
ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric
propulsion systems that include the Onboard
DC Grid™ power distribution solution, energy
storage, advanced energy management and in-
tegrated marine automation.
The innovative propulsion package is designed
to enhance operational efficiency, help reduce
emissions and ensure reliable performance for
the new vessels, thereby supporting our delivery
of a low-carbon society. ABB will also deliver
extensive design and engineering support,
working closely with WSF to ensure seamless in-
tegration of the hybrid electric technology into
the new ferries.
The five new hybrid electric ferries will be the
first of 16 new vessels delivered as part of WSF’s
$3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan.
The new ferries will play a crucial role in WSF’s
strategy to modernize its fleet and reduce its
environmental footprint. By integrating ABB’s
propulsion systems, WSF aims to achieve sig-
nificant reductions in fuel consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of a ze-
ro-emission ferry fleet by 2050 in alignment
with the state’s broader environmental goals.
114
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Low-carbon society
Preserving resources
ABB and CERN identify energy-saving opportu-
nity in cooling and ventilation motors
The European Organization for Nuclear Research,
or CERN, is the world’s largest laboratory for par-
ticle physics. ABB has partnered with CERN to
reduce the laboratory’s environmental footprint
and improve the performance of the research
infrastructure. ABB and CERN have identified a
significant energy-saving opportunity of up to
17.4% in the cooling and ventilation motors used
at CERN’s facilities, focusing on improving en-
ergy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
By upgrading to high-efficiency motors and im-
plementing advanced control technologies, the
two organizations aim to dramatically improve
the energy efficiency of systems critical to main-
taining the cooling conditions for CERN’s parti-
cle accelerators and other experiments.
The energy-saving potential stems from replac-
ing outdated motors with ABB’s energy-effi-
cient models and utilizing digital monitoring
systems for real-time optimization. This ap-
proach will not only reduce energy consumption
but also minimize CO₂ emissions, contributing
to CERN’s sustainability goals. The energy sav-
ings will help lower operational costs and re-
duce the environmental footprint of the facility,
preserving valuable resources.
The partnership highlights the importance of
smart solutions for large-scale research facili-
ties, where energy demand is high. ABB’s digital
motor control solutions will enable real-time
monitoring and performance optimization,
ensuring continuous energy savings over time.
By enhancing motor efficiency, CERN can cut
energy use, further aligning with its sustainabil-
ity goals and improving the performance of its
research infrastructure.
This initiative exemplifies the importance
of digitalization, industrial automation and
electrification technologies in driving energy
efficiency, demonstrating how cutting-edge
solutions can help reduce the environmental
footprint of high-energy operations like CERN’s.
The collaboration is a step toward greener sci-
entific research demonstrating a substantial en-
ergy savings potential across various industries.
15-metre long dipole magnets create a magnetic field that steers the beam of particles around the LHC ring.
Image source: CERN
115
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
DECARBONIZING ENERGY-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES
ABB’s biggest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint lies in
our value chain through indirect emissions, in particular the use
of sold products. Reducing our customers’ emissions is therefore
particularly important to ABB. As we consider the environmental
impacts across our value chain, we aim to help our customers reduce
their emissions, especially those in emissions-heavy industries such
as metals and mining.
Low-carbon society
Partnership to support steel industry on its
way toward low carbon
The steel industry produces one of the most
significant materials for engineering and con-
struction. As demand for steel grows, the de-
carbonization of the industry grows ever more
important if we are to accelerate the transition
to clean energy. ABB is supporting the steel
industry in moving toward lower emissions in-
tensities. In partnership with ArcelorMittal, a
multinational steel and mining company, ABB is
introducing ArcelorMittal’s low-carbon steel in
its Kabeldon power distribution systems. The
XCarb® steel is made with 100 percent renew-
able energy and uses a minimum of 75 percent
recycled steel. Through this sourcing agree-
ment, ABB is supporting the steel industry’s
efforts to become more sustainable while re-
ducing the environmental impact of its power
distribution systems. By sourcing more sustain-
able alternatives for raw materials, the partner-
ship contributes to both companies’ efforts to
achieve their net-zero targets. This partnership
is part of a broader initiative by ArcelorMittal to
decarbonize its operations and align with global
sustainability goals.
116
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Low-carbon society
Making the first battery-electric trolley truck
system for underground mining a reality
In the mining sector, ABB has worked with
Boliden and Epiroc to deploy the first fully bat-
tery-electric trolley truck system on an 800-me-
ter-long underground mine test track in Sweden,
bringing the industry a step closer to realizing
the all-electric mine of the future.
The collaboration in Boliden’s Kristineberg mine
in northern Sweden marks a critical moment for
the industry as it continues to face rising pres-
sures to boost essential minerals and metals
outputs while reducing carbon intensity and
energy usage. By deploying the battery-electric
trolley truck system, the collaboration partners
aim to demonstrate that the underground work-
ing environment can be significantly improved,
with fewer emissions, less noise and reduced
vibration, all while reducing the total cost per ton.
ABB created the infrastructure from grid to
wheel, including the electric trolley truck system
design and the rectifier substation for the test
track. The definition of standards and vehicle
interface was jointly developed by the project
partners. The eMine™ Trolley System also in-
tegrates with the distributed control system
ABB Ability™ System 800xA® to monitor the
electrical system.
As part of the collaboration, Epiroc has added
dynamic charging to its battery-electric Mine-
truck MT42 SG and battery system, and the trol-
ley solution is equipped with ABB’s DC converter,
inverters and motors to enhance the power.
Boliden intends to implement a full scale, auton-
omous electric-trolley system in the Rävliden
mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the
Kristineberg mine. The total distance will be
5 km at a depth of 750 meters. Once achieved,
not only will Rävliden have significantly less
carbon emissions compared to a mine using
conventional technology, it will also be part of
setting a standard for new mines.
117
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Low-carbon society
Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize
ship-port operations
While the maritime industry is taking steps to
decarbonize operations during vessels’ tran-
sit, there are also significant opportunities to
reduce the negative environmental impact in
ports. One issue that leads to increased emis-
sions is a pattern where ships are instructed
to proceed without delay to port, only to face a
wait upon arrival because the berth is not avail-
able. During this wait, they continue using fuel,
which generates additional emissions.
Despite advancements in smart ship tech-
nology and high levels of port automation,
the relationships between port and ship sys-
tems lack transparency, with data on voyage
and berth management often confined to
closed platforms.
ABB is addressing this challenge in collaboration
with optimization platform company Awake.AI
and ship management company Wallenius Marine,
and as part of the Decarbonization through
Digitalization in Shipping (DECARDIS) project,
initiated by the European Space Agency.
The DECARDIS project aims to develop an inte-
grated and interoperable solution to synchro-
nize decisions on ship routing and speed with
just-in-time arrival at the berth. It seeks to opti-
mize an entire voyage and port calls, rather than
just a portion of it. Adopted globally, DECARDIS
partners estimate that such a solution could
help achieve significant emission reductions for
the industry.
118
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
PROMOTING PRINCIPLES OF CIRCULARITY
Circularity is an approach that would allow us to live more within
our planet’s means. Instead of a linear “take-make-waste” model of
production and consumption, circularity aims to keep resources in
use by “designing out” waste and pollution, keeping products and
materials in use and regenerating natural systems. ABB is striving
to drive circularity, focusing on preserving resources and reducing
environmental impact. Through our products and services, we are
supporting process and material modifications that enhance the life
span of existing products and emphasize reuse, refurbishment and
recycling, instead of relying on new manufacturing. This approach
helps conserve valuable raw materials, reduce waste and lower
carbon emissions.
Low-carbon society
Preserving resources
Thinking outside the box: driving circularity
across the Nordics
A key part of ABB’s strategy for promoting circu-
larity involves refurbishing electrical equipment,
such as transformers and switchgear, extending
their life cycle and minimizing the need for new
resources. This circular approach reduces the
consumption of raw materials and helps com-
panies achieve sustainability goals by decreas-
ing the amount of waste sent to landfills. ABB
partners with businesses to integrate circular
principles into their operations, optimizing the
efficiency and lifespan of equipment.
ABB is leading efforts to drive circularity in the
Nordic region. An example of this can be seen
in ABB’s partnership with thermoplastic com-
pounds provider Polykemi. ABB is integrating
Polykemi’s innovative recycled thermoplas-
tic compound into the manufacturing of its
junction boxes at the Porvoo factory in Finland.
Through alternative materials sourcing, it is
estimated that the product’s carbon footprint
has been reduced by 40 percent throughout the
entire life cycle. At the same time, less water is
used during production, reducing the product’s
overall water intensity. The ABB boxes retain
their quality and functionality, even at tempera-
tures as low as 25 degrees Celsius below zero.
The company is also leveraging digital tech-
nologies to improve product performance and
maximize energy efficiency, further supporting
resource conservation. By adopting these prac-
tices, ABB helps industries transition toward
a low-carbon economy while reducing their
reliance on finite resources and generating
economic benefits.
119
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Preserving resources
ABB builds a strategic partnership with
Sweden’s leading pulp manufacturer to reach
new levels of efficiency
ABB is also applying its solutions to optimize
and reduce resource use in the pulp and paper
manufacturing industry by working with one
of the world’s leading producers of paper pulp
and dissolving pulp, Södra Cell. Södra Cell’s mill
bleach plant, located in Värö, Sweden, will work
with ABB to implement optimization control
with the aim of developing new levels of effi-
ciency, engagement and digitalization. The de-
livery from ABB includes extended functionality
for the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed
control system through the implementation of
advanced process control (APC) for the bleach-
ing process at the mill in Värö. The solution has
previously been successfully implemented at
Södra Cell’s pulp mill in Mönsterås, Sweden,
where digesters and bleach controls have been
optimized resulting in improved process sta-
bility and reduced resource consumption. The
aim is a more stable, optimized bleaching pro-
cess with reduced variation of brightness and
reduced chemical consumption, as well as im-
proved digesting processes.
Preserving resources
Tackling data center e-waste with robotic
microfactories in collaboration with US
start-up Molg
With global electronic waste (e-waste) pro-
jected to rise to 75 million tons by 2030, ABB is
supporting the reduction of electronic waste
in data centers. As the number of data centers
grows, outdated hardware contributes to in-
creasing e-waste. In partnership with Molg,
a start-up from the United States, ABB is de-
veloping robotic microfactories, designed to
efficiently disassemble and recycle obsolete
electronic components. The robotic microfacto-
ries use ABB’s advanced robotics and automa-
tion technologies to automate the disassembly
process, enabling the recovery and reuse of ma-
terials like copper, gold and rare earth metals,
minimizing resource depletion.
The system is scalable and flexible, enabling
data centers to integrate these robotic solu-
tions directly into their operations for in-house
recycling. This approach not only reduces
e-waste but also helps companies recover valu-
able materials, thus preserving resources and
contributing to a circular economy.
120
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Low-carbon society
Preserving resources
Low-carbon zinc
Zinc is an important metal for the steel indus-
try as it is used to galvanize steel structures,
thereby maximizing the operating life. Because
metal manufacturing is associated with high
emissions, low-carbon alternatives are critical
to a fossil-free and circular economy. ABB is
using low-carbon zinc in its low-voltage power
distribution systems produced by our partner
Boliden, a Swedish mining and smelting pioneer.
Boliden uses renewable-powered electricity
to produce zinc with a carbon footprint that is
75 percent lower than conventional zinc. In turn,
Boliden is electrifying its operations with ABB
solutions to drive efficiencies across its supply
chain and lower its climate impact. ABB’s distri-
bution systems galvanized with this low-carbon
zinc can also be found in Boliden’s mines where
the zinc ore is extracted. Together, both compa-
nies are helping to support reduced emissions
in the metals industry and make the electrical
infrastructure more sustainable.
121
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
LEVERAGING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TO PROMOTE
SOCIAL PROGRESS
ABB’s technologies promote social progress by supporting people in
accomplishing challenging tasks and creating new job opportunities.
Our robotics and automation solutions help workplaces reduce
time spent on the most challenging elements and streamline their
operations, thereby reducing costs and empowering workers.
Promoting social progress
ABB’s GoFa™ cobots create jobs at sheltered
workshop in Belgium
ABB’s GoFa cobots are collaborative robots for
close and safe collaboration between human
and robot. Used at a sheltered workshop by the
social enterprise CSTMR, the GoFa cobots are
supporting workers with disabilities to perform
tasks that would otherwise be difficult for them
due to physical or cognitive challenges. The
GoFa augments human capabilities, allowing
employees to focus on tasks that require cre-
ativity and problem solving, while the robots
handle routine operations. By handling repeti-
tive or physically demanding tasks, the GoFa co-
bots empower workers to take on more complex
roles that were previously inaccessible. This ini-
tiative showcases how automation and robotics
can play a key role in social integration, creating
new job opportunities and improving the quality
of life for people with disabilities.
Low-carbon society
Preserving resources
Promoting social progress
ABB Robotics teams with innovative tech
start-up to deliver sustainable and affordable
housing
Our robotics and automation solutions have
also been used to make the construction of
affordable housing more cost-effective and
sustainable. ABB has partnered with AUAR, an
innovative technology start-up based in the UK,
to reduce key aspects of construction through
automation, thereby streamlining the building
process and reducing labor costs. ABB robots
are used in assembly of modular, prefabricated
units, meaning homes can be quickly assem-
bled with fewer resources, leading to less ma-
terial waste. Simultaneously, ABB is providing
solutions that reduce energy demand, inte-
grating smart technologies into the housing
units so that homeowners are able to optimize
power use.
122
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Appendix
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
This collaboration represents a significant step
forward in the construction industry’s trans-
formation, demonstrating how robotics and
sustainable design can be combined to address
both housing shortages and environmental
challenges. By making affordable housing more
accessible and eco-friendly, ABB and AUAR
are setting a new standard for sustainable
urban development.
Promoting social progress
NAMTECH and ABB Robotics Sign
Memorandum of Understanding to Establish
School of Robotics
As a leading technology company, ABB under-
stands the importance of up-skilling the work-
force of tomorrow.
ABB is encouraging social progress by fostering
education and innovation around robotics. In
collaboration with New Age Makers’ Institute
of Technology (NAMTECH), ABB will provide
programs and resources for individuals and or-
ganizations in India to enhance knowledge and
skills-building in robotics, automation and dig-
ital technologies. NAMTECH and ABB Robotics
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to establish a School of Robotics aimed
at advancing robotics education and foster-
ing innovation in the field. The school will be
opened in 2025.
The goal is to support the development of a
skilled workforce capable of addressing the
challenges of the digital era across various
sectors, including manufacturing, logistics and
healthcare. The school will offer a range of ed-
ucational opportunities, including certification
courses, hands-on training and advanced robot-
ics workshops. These programs are designed to
equip students, professionals and businesses
with the expertise needed to navigate the grow-
ing demand for automation and robotics solu-
tions across various industries.
123
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Outputs and Outcomes
Introduction
Value creation
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
04
GOOD
GOVERNANCE
125
Corporate Governance
128
Board of Directors
129
Executive Committee
ABB complies with all relevant frameworks,
including the Swiss Code of Obligations, the
Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate
Governance and the rules of the capital markets
where its shares are listed. Governance princi-
ples are also anchored in various ABB corporate
documents, such as its Articles of Incorporation,
its Board Governance Rules and its policies
and procedures.
Strong corporate governance is not only neces-
sary to ensure compliance with applicable legal
requirements but is indispensable for creating
sustainable value. We are convinced that our
established governance culture helps ABB suc-
cessfully manage its business and realize oppor-
tunities for the benefit of all of its stakeholders.
The foregoing also applies to sustainability.
ABB has a robust sustainability governance
structure from its Board of Directors through to
its operating divisions. Our Board of Directors
reviews and approves the Sustainability Agenda
and related targets. The ABB Group Executive
Committee validates the Sustainability
Agenda, is responsible for its implementation
and ensures that a sustainability culture is
embedded in our business decision making.
The Sustainability Council is the operational
body that oversees implementation of the
Sustainability Agenda, reviews developments
and monitors progress toward targets. In line
with the ABB Way and our decentralized oper-
ating model, our four business areas and their
divisions are ultimately accountable for putting
action plans in place and ensuring that appro-
priate resources are available to implement
these plans and deliver on our targets.
Corporate Governance
ABB is committed to the highest international standards of
corporate governance. This is reinforced in its structure, pro-
cesses and rules, as outlined in more detail in ABB’s Corporate
Governance Report.
More information
about our sustainabil-
ity governance struc-
ture can be found in
our Sustainability
Statement 2024.
ABB GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Governance
and Nomination
Committee
Compensation
Committee
Finance, Audit
and Compliance
Committee
125
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
126
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024)
Peter R. Voser
• Chairman of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2015
• Chairman of the Governance and
Nomination Committee
• Swiss citizen
David Constable
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2015
• Member of the Compensation
Committee
• Canadian and US citizen
Frederico Fleury Curado
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2016
• Chairman of the Compensation
Committee
• Brazilian and Portuguese citizen
Lars Förberg
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2017
• Member of the Governance and
Nomination Committee
• Swedish and Swiss citizen
Johan Forssell
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2024
• Member of the Governance and
Nomination Committee
• Swedish citizen
Denise Johnson
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2023
• Member of the Finance, Audit
and Compliance Committee
• US citizen
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2018
• Member of the Governance and
Nomination Committee and
Compensation Committee
• Canadian citizen
Geraldine Matchett
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2018
• Member of the Finance, Audit
and Compliance Committee
• Swiss, British and French citizen
David Meline
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2016
• Chairman of the Finance, Audit
and Compliance Committee
• US and Swiss citizen
Mats Rahmström
• Member of ABB’s Board of
Directors since 2024
• Member of the Finance, Audit
and Compliance Committee
• Swedish citizen
127
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
While the Board takes decisions as a whole,
its three committees – the Finance, Audit and
Compliance Committee, the Governance and
Nomination Committee and the Compensation
Committee – support it with high-level ex-
pertise and by ensuring an efficient mode of
operation. Special attention is paid to sustain-
ability aspects: oversight of ABB’s Sustainability
Agenda is the responsibility of the Governance
and Nomination Committee; the Finance,
Audit and Compliance Committee assists the
Board in overseeing the integrity of the com-
pany’s sustainability-related reporting; and the
Compensation Committee ensures that ABB’s
executive compensation policies are appro-
priately aligned to its Sustainability Agenda.
Ultimate responsibility for ABB’s Sustainability
Agenda, its sustainability targets and its annual
Sustainability Statement lies with the entire
Board of Directors.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
(2024–2025 BOARD TERM)
Board
experience
Corporate officer
experience
Other business
experience
Board member
ABB Board
tenure (years)
Other public
board
experience
CEO
CFO
Operations
Risk
management
Sustainability
1
Digital/
technology
Global
experience
Country
of origin/
nationality
Gender
Non-executive
Independent
Peter Voser
10
CH
M
Yes
Yes
David Constable
10
CA, US
M
Yes
Yes
Frederico Curado
9
BR, PT
M
Yes
Yes
Lars Förberg
8
SE, CH
M
Yes
Yes
Johan Forssell
1
SE
M
Yes
Yes
Denise Johnson
2
US
F
Yes
Yes
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
7
CN, CA
F
Yes
Yes
Geraldine Matchett
7
CH, UK,
FR
F
Yes
Yes
David Meline
9
US, CH
M
Yes
Yes
Mats Rahmström
1
SE
M
Yes
Yes
1.
For detailed information about sustainability experience see Sustainability Statement 2024.
Board of Directors
ABB’s Board of Directors is responsible for the strategy of the com-
pany. It is a truly diverse board: all members represent a broad vari-
ety of geographical, business, management and cultural experience.
With the latest elections at ABB’s Annual General Meeting 2024, the
entire Board of Directors has been renewed within the past 10 years.
128
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
In line with the Board’s leading example,
ABB strives to have an equally diverse
Executive Committee in all aspects, not only
in business and management experience,
but also when it comes to geographical and
cultural backgrounds.
Executive Committee
Each member of the Executive Committee is appointed by the
Board of Directors. The Board has delegated the executive manage-
ment of ABB to the CEO, who – together with the other members
of the Executive Committee – is responsible for the company’s
operational business.
129
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024)
Sami Atiya
• President of the Robotics &
Discrete Automation
business area since 2019
(Member of the Executive
Committee since 2016)
• German citizen
Morten Wierod
• Chief Executive Officer
since 2024 (Member
of the Executive
Committee since 2019)
• Norwegian citizen
Brandon Spencer
• President of the Motion
business area since 2024
• US citizen
Carolina Granat
• Chief Human Resources Officer
since 2021
• Swedish citizen
Mathias Gaertner
• General Counsel and Secretary
to the Board of Directors
since 2024
• German citizen
130
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
Giampiero Frisio
• President of the
Electrification
business area
since 2024
• Italian citizen
Timo Ihamuotila
• Chief Financial Officer
since 2017
• Finnish citizen
Karin Lepasoon
• Chief Communications and
Sustainability Officer since 2022
• Swedish citizen
Peter Terwiesch
• President of the
Process Automation
business area since 2015
• German and Swiss citizen
131
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Good governance
133
Extracts from Compensation
Committee Chair Letter
135
Board compensation
136
Executive Committee compensation
140
Sustainability-related considerations
in ABB’s compensation
PERFORMANCE-
BASED
COMPENSATION
05
Extracts from
Compensation Committee
Chair Letter
Our focus at the Compensation Committee is to ensure that
the compensation structure at ABB drives value creation for our
shareholders, represents a motivating package for our executives,
and ensures alignment with market best-practices and with our
Sustainability Agenda.
SUMMARY OF PLANNED
CHANGES IN POLICIES AND
DISCLOSURES
In the spirit of continuous improvement and
considering stakeholder feedback, we plan to
make a couple of enhancements to our Annual
Incentive Plan (AIP), applicable from 2025.
Currently, the total weighting associated with
Group and business area financial measures
represents 80 percent of Executive Committee
(EC) member’s target AIP award, with the re-
maining 20 percent attributed to the individual
measure, which contains a combination of
sustainability, operational and strategic goals.
From 2025, we will increase the weighting of the
financial measures from 80 percent to 90 per-
cent and replace the individual measure with
two mandatory sustainability goals, with a com-
bined weighting of 10 percent.
We believe the increased focus on the finan-
cial business measures will help reinforce
our continued drive to achieve our ambitious
financial targets.
Furthermore, we think that having two clearly
measurable sustainability goals in the
AIP will
strengthen and support ABB’s commitment to
sustainability and complement the sustainabil-
ity measure in our Long-Term Incentive Plan
(LTIP), which has a material weighting of 20 per-
cent of the target award. Details related to the
sustainability target for the 2025 LTIP are dis-
closed in the Compensation Report 2024.
2024 RESULTS AND
COMPENSATION POLICY
OUTCOMES
2024 was a year of strong operational and
financial performance. Overall, most key fi-
nancial, sustainability and operational targets
were met or exceeded. ABB (the company)
delivered new highs for operational EBITA mar-
gin and revenues in 2024. The company also
progressed on orders and continued to make
significant progress in reducing its environ-
mental footprint and contributing to a more
sustainable environment.
Board of Directors (Board)
The total Board compensation for the 2024–2025
term (CHF 4.25 million) is within the maximum
amount (CHF 4.4 million) approved at the Annual
General Meeting (AGM) 2024. There has been
no change to the individual Board member fees
since 2015.
Executive Committee (EC)
No EC members in place at the time of ABB’s
annual salary review received a salary adjust-
ment in March 2024. The average award for EC
members under the AIP for 2024 in their year-
end roles was 119 percent (out of a maximum
of 150 percent), compared to 143.3 percent in
2023. The achievement level of the 2021 LTIP,
which vested in 2024, was 200 percent (out of a
maximum of 200 percent), driven by strong evo-
lution of ABB’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) during
the period and ABB’s vigorous relative Total
Shareholder Return (TSR).
The total EC compensation was CHF 44.5 million
in 2024, driven by the strong performance-re-
lated variable pay awards and the appointment
For more information
on ABB’s 2024 sustain-
ability achievements
please refer to sections
Outputs and Outcomes
of this Report.
133
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
of new EC members during the 2024 financial
year, including the provision of a replacement
share grant for an external hire.
This amount was slightly higher than the
CHF 43.9 million approved at the Annual General
Meeting 2023 for the financial year 2024 due to
the impact of the appointment of new members
of the Executive Committee during 2024. To
cover this additional compensation, the com-
pany used the supplementary amount provided
for this purpose, in accordance with Art. 35
of the Articles of Incorporation (equivalent to
30 percent of the amount approved at the AGM
2023), whereby the compensation granted was
significantly below the maximum amount of
CHF 57.1 million.
GOVERNANCE
At the AGM on March 27, 2025, shareholders will
be asked to vote on the maximum aggregate
compensation for the Board for its 2025–2026
term and on the maximum aggregate compen-
sation for the EC in 2026. The former is again
unchanged compared to the prior year, while the
latter shows a decrease from the level requested
for the prior year, primarily influenced by the
change in composition of the EC.
ABB’s Compensation Report 2024 will also be
submitted for a non-binding, consultative vote
by shareholders.
We have pursued an open and regular dialogue
with our stakeholders, as we continue to im-
prove our compensation system. On behalf of
the Compensation Committee, I thank all share-
holders for their continued trust in ABB and for
their consistently supportive feedback.
Frederico Fleury Curado
Chairman of the Compensation Committee
Zurich, February 26, 2025
134
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
Board compensation
Compensation for the 2024–2025 term of office
The total Board compensation for the 2024–2025
term of office (CHF 4,250,000) was within the
maximum amount (CHF 4,400,000) approved at
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024.
There has been no change to the individual
Board fees since 2015.
In Exhibit 1 we set out the fees by member for
the 2024–2025 Board term.
EXHIBIT 1
Board fees for the 2024–2025 term of office (in CHF) by member
Name
Board
Compensation
Committee
Finance, Audit
and Compliance
Committee
Governance and
Nomination
Committee
Total Compensation
Peter Voser
1
1,200,000
1,200,000
David Constable
2
290,000
30,000
320,000
Frederico Curado
3
290,000
60,000
350,000
Lars Förberg
2
290,000
30,000
320,000
Johan Forssell
2
290,000
30,000
320,000
Denise Johnson
2
290,000
40,000
330,000
Jennifer Xin–Zhe Li
2
290,000
30,000
30,000
350,000
Geraldine Matchett
2
290,000
40,000
330,000
David Meline
3
290,000
110,000
400,000
Mats Rahmström
2
290,000
40,000
330,000
Total
4,250,000
1.
Chairman of the Board, who does not receive any additional committee fee as Chairman of the Governance and Nomination Committee.
2.
Member of a Committee.
3.
Chairman of a Committee.
135
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
Executive Committee
compensation
Compensation structure during 2024
We summarize the elements of the EC members’
compensation structure, including the purpose,
the link to strategy and applicable performance
indicators as shown in Exhibit 2.
EXHIBIT 2
EC compensation structure during 2024
Fixed compensation –
base salary and benefits
Variable compensation –
short-term incentive (AIP)
Variable compensation –
long-term incentive (LTIP)
Wealth at risk/
Share ownership
Purpose and link
to strategy
Facilitates attraction and re-
tention of talented EC mem-
bers; base salary compen-
sates for the role and
relevant experience; bene-
fits protect against risk
Rewards annual company,
business area, functional
and individual performance.
Aligned with the Company’s
Annual Performance Plan
Rewards company
performance over a three-
year period and encourages
creation of long-term,
sustainable value for
shareholders. Aligned with
the Company’s Long-Term
Performance Plan
Aligns individual’s personal
wealth at risk directly to the
ABB share price, and EC
members’ interests with
those of shareholders to
maintain focus on ABB’s
long-term success
Operation
Salary in cash, benefits in
kind, and pension
contributions
Annual awards, payable in
cash after a one-year perfor-
mance period; malus
and clawback provisions in
place
Annual grants in shares
which may vest after three
years, and are subject to
performance conditions;
malus and clawback provi-
sions in place
Individuals are required to
hold ABB shares
Opportunity level
(as % of base salary)
Based on scope of
responsibilities, personal
experience, and skillset
Minimum
Target
Maximum
0%
100%
150%
CEO
Minimum
Target
Maximum
0%
150%
300%
Other EC members
1
Minimum
Target
Maximum
0%
150%
300%
CEO
500% of annual salary
(net of taxes)
Other EC members
400% of annual salary
(net of taxes)
Performance
indicators
Changes to base salary
consider individual
performance, future
potential, broadening of
responsibilities, and
external benchmarking
CEO and
corporate
officers
80%
Group financial results
20%
Individual results
20%
Group financial results
60%
Business area
financial results
20%
Individual results
Business
area
Presidents
All EC
members
50%
Average EPS
30%
Relative TSR
20%
Sustainability
Exposure to ABB share price
1.
EC members with legacy employment contracts have a Target LTIP grant of 100 percent and Maximum LTIP opportunity of 200 percent.
The higher LTIP opportunity for the newer EC members is largely offset by lower pension and other benefit costs.
136
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
Total EC compensation for 2024
The total EC compensation was CHF 44.5 million
in 2024, driven by the strong performance-re-
lated variable pay awards and the change in
composition of the EC, including the provision
of a replacement share grant for an external hire.
This amount was slightly higher than the
CHF 43.9 million approved at the AGM 2023 for
the financial year 2024, due to the impact of the
appointment of new EC members during 2024.
To cover this additional compensation, the com-
pany used the supplementary amount provided
for this purpose, in accordance with Art. 35 of
the Articles of Incorporation (30 percent of the
amount approved at the AGM 2023), whereby
the compensation granted was significantly be-
low the maximum amount CHF 57.1 million.
The largest portion of the CEO’s 2024 total
compensation was delivered via performance
driven variable compensation (66 percent),
represented by short-term and long-term in-
centives. The compensation for Morten Wierod
in his former role as business area president
Electrification (until July 31, 2024) is included
under the CEO compensation.
For the other EC members, on an aggregate level,
variable compensation represented 64 percent
of their 2024 compensation. Exhibit 3 shows the
composition of the 2024 total compensation for
the EC members at December 31, 2024, without
the 2024 compensation for former EC members.
1.
Composed of 2024
base salary, 2024 AIP,
2024 LTIP grant, pen-
sion benefits, and other
benefits. A replacement
share grant for the
General Counsel and
Company Secretary is
included in the category
Long-term incentive.
2024 AIP represents ac-
crued short-term incen-
tive for the year 2024,
which will be paid in
2025, after the publica-
tion of ABB’s financial
results. The sum of per-
centage figures may
differ from 100 percent
due to rounding to one
decimal place.
Realized variable compensation in 2024
Realized variable compensation relates to the
AIP award and the LTIP award at the end of
their respective performance cycles, reflect-
ing accrued AIP payment and LTIP vesting,
based on achievement of the respective plan
performance measures.
The outcome of the 2024 AIP (Exhibit 4) was
above the target for EC members in their year-
end roles (119 percent on average), and the LTIP
that vested in 2024 (2021 LTIP) exceeded the tar-
get level, with a final vesting level of 200 percent
of target (Exhibit 5).
EXHIBIT 3
2024 total compensation mix (in CHF) for the CEO and other EC members on aggregate level
¹
18.0%
Base salary
6.1%
Pension benefits
10.2%
Other benefits
22.9%
Short-term incentive
42.7%
Long-term incentive
Variable
compensation
66%
Fixed
compensation
34%
6,619,005
16.8%
Base salary
8.1%
Pension benefits
10.8%
Other benefits
19.5%
Short-term incentive
44.7%
Long-term incentive
Variable
compensation
64%
Fixed
compensation
36%
27,912,581
CEO
OTHER EC MEMBERS
137
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
Realized total compensation in 2024
Considering the variable components stated
above, the realized total compensation in
2024 was above the target for all EC members,
driven by strong performance and the high
level of achievement against the targets for the
2021 LTIP, which vested in 2024.
Further details related to the realized com-
pensation of each EC member and each com-
pensation component are specified in our
Compensation Report 2024.
Target AIP award corre-
sponds to 100 percent
of base salary.
1.
The AIP outcome for
Morten Wierod relates
solely to his role as CEO
(from August 1, 2024).
2.
On an aggregate level,
while individual out-
comes range from 57 to
135 percent.
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%
EXHIBIT
5
2021 LTIP outcome compared to target
Target achievement level
Realized achievement level
Maximum achievement level
Relative TSR
(50% of total)
Average EPS
(50% of total)
LTIP vesting
(total)
100%
100%
100%
200.0%
200.0%
200.0%
200%
200%
200%
CEO¹
Other EC
members²
EXHIBIT 4
 ŵŽƄ ƝƣƢƑƝƛƓ ƑƝƛƞƏƠƓƒ ƢƝ ƢƏƠƕƓƢ
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
7,000,000
8,000,000
9,000,000
121%
119%
150%
150%
Target AIP award
Realized AIP award
Maximum AIP award
138
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
1.
On an aggregate level,
while individual out-
comes range from 109
to 163 percent.
Share ownership of EC members
An alignment of our EC members’ personal
wealth at risk to the ABB share price and their in-
terests with those of shareholders is important
to us. Therefore, EC members may not sell their
shares (except to meet tax and social security
costs related to share vesting) until they achieve
the required share ownership level.
Four out of nine EC members exceeded their
share ownership requirements. The other five
members have been appointed to the EC in the
last three years.
When considering the number of granted,
but unvested, ABB shares of EC members at
December 31, 2024, it is expected that four re-
cently appointed EC members who do not cur-
rently meet their share ownership requirement
are projected to do so by 2027, after vesting of
their respective LTIP share grants or replace-
ment share grants.
1.
Based on share price
of CHF 37.81, the
2024 LTIP reference
price, and shares held
at December 31, 2024.
Future allocation of
granted, but unvested,
shares is based on tar-
get achievement level
and relevant plan spe-
cific settlement: default
settlement of the final
2022 LTIP, 2023 LTIP and
2024 LTIP, and replace-
ment share awards is
100 percent in shares.
The value of shares
is compared against
the annual base sal-
ary net of taxes, at
December 31, 2024.
CEO
Other EC
members¹
EXHIBIT 6
Realized total compensation in 2024 compared to target total compensation
0
5,000,000
10,000,000
15,000,000
20,000,000
25,000,000
30,000,000
35,000,000
CHF 4,238,359
CHF 17,899,073
156%
CHF 6,594,291
150%
CHF 26,888,036
Target total compensation
Realized total compensation
EXHIBIT 7
EC shareholding compared to share ownership guideline¹
CEO share ownership
requirement (500%)
EC
appointment
Held shares in % of net salary
Granted, but unvested shares
Share ownership requirement
Morten Wierod
Timo Ihamuotila
Carolina Granat
Mathias Gärtner
Karin Lepasoon
Sami Atiya
Peter Terwiesch
Brandon Spencer
Giampiero Frisio
April 2019
April 2017
January 2021
November 2024
October 2022
June 2016
January 2015
August 2024
August 2024
0%
200%
400%
600%
800%
1000%
1200%
Other EC members share
ownership requirement (400%)
139
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
Impact of sustainability performance on vari-
able compensation
Given sustainability is an integral part of ABB’s
strategy and plans, we incorporate a strong, di-
rect link between our Sustainability Agenda and
executive incentives through our key variable
compensation programs such as AIP and LTIP.
Regarding the AIP for 2024, all EC members had
three sustainability goals (out of a maximum of
three) in the individual component of their re-
spective plans.
In 2024, all EC members had an environmen-
tal goal (scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions). Most of the EC members had a so-
cial goal, which for the CEO and business area
presidents was safety, and for most corporate
officers was an increase in the proportion of
women in senior management roles (female
leaders), while the CFO had a governance goal
related to internal controls.
In addition, all EC members had a governance
goal designed to help deliver ABB’s obligations
under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement
(DPA) in line with our commitments to the US
Department of Justice.
From 2025, we will replace the individual mea-
sure under the AIP with two mandatory sus-
tainability goals, with a combined weighting of
10 percent.
Regarding the LTIP granted to ABB’s execu-
tives in 2024, including the EC, we continued
to carry a company-wide sustainability perfor-
mance measure in the LTIP with a weighting of
20 percent.
For the 2024 LTIP, our sustainability perfor-
mance measure was the Company’s scope 1 and
2 GHG emissions reduction at the end of the
three-year performance period (2024–2026),
compared to the 2019 baseline.
The sustainability measure applied to the 2025
LTIP is the same as that applied to the 2023 and
2024 LTIP, namely scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
reduction at the end of a three-year perfor-
mance period. The 2025 LTIP targets will be
based on scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduc-
tion over the three-year performance period
from 2025–2027, compared to a baseline of the
2024 total scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.
We will consider the appropriateness of the
sustainability measure for future LTIPs, given
the fact that, by the end of the 2025 LTIP cycle
(i.e., end of 2027) ABB will have broadly achieved
its scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals.
This activity will be part an LTIP design review
which the Compensation Committee will un-
dertake during 2025 and will inform LTIP grants
from 2026.
Details of the long-term GHG emissions reduc-
tion targets can be found in our Sustainability
Statement 2024.
Sustainability-related
considerations in
ABB’s compensation
There are a range of sustainability-related considerations which play
an important role in our compensation philosophy, including the de-
sire to foster a strong link between ABB’s Sustainability Agenda and
the variable compensation for the EC and other executives, as well
as the general ambition to reinforce the Company’s social contract
with its employees.
140
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
141
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Appendix
Performance-based compensation
06
APPENDIX
143
Alternative performance measures
146
Key terms
148
Financial calendar 2025
Alternative performance
measures
The following are definitions of key financial
measures used to evaluate ABB’s operating
performance. These financial measures are re-
ferred to in this Integrated Report and are not
defined under United States generally accepted
accounting principles (US GAAP).
While ABB’s management believes that the alter-
native performance measures herein are useful
in evaluating ABB’s operating results, this infor-
mation should be considered as supplemental
in nature and not as a substitute for the related
financial information prepared in accordance
with US GAAP.
COMPARABLE GROWTH
RATES
Growth rates for certain key figures may be pre-
sented 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 oper-
ating results reported in US dollars is affected
by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We calculate the impacts from foreign currency
fluctuations by translating the current-year peri-
ods’ reported key figures into US dollar amounts
using the exchange rates in effect for the com-
parable 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 acqui-
sitions, 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 consol-
idated 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 US GAAP
have been treated in a similar manner to divest-
ments. 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.
OPERATIONAL EBITA
MARGIN
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 (op-
erational EBITA) represents income from
operations excluding:
• acquisition-related amortization (as
defined below),
• restructuring, related and implementation
costs (as defined below),
• changes in the amount recorded for obliga-
tions related to divested businesses occur-
ring after the divestment date (changes in
obligations related to divested businesses),
• gains and losses from sale of businesses (in-
cluding fair value adjustment on assets and
liabilities held for sale, if any),
• acquisition- and divestment-related expenses
and integration costs,
• certain other non-operational items, as well as
• foreign exchange/commodity timing differ-
ences in income from operations consisting
of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on deriv-
atives (foreign exchange, commodities, em-
bedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and
losses on derivatives where the underlying
hedged transaction has not yet been realized,
and (c) unrealized foreign exchange move-
ments on receivables/ payables (and related
assets/liabilities).
For a full reconcilia-
tion of ABB’s alter-
native performance
measures, please re-
fer to Supplemental
Reconciliations and
Definitions, in the
ABB Q4 2024 Financial
Information on
https://global.abb/
group/en/investors/
quarterly-results
143
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Certain other non-operational items generally
includes: certain regulatory, compliance and
legal costs, certain asset write downs/impair-
ments and certain other fair value changes, as
well as other items which are determined by
management on a case-by-case basis.
Operational EBITA is our measure of segment
profit but is also used by management to evalu-
ate the profitability of the company as a whole.
Acquisition-related amortization
Amortization expense on intangibles arising
upon acquisitions.
Restructuring, related and implementation
costs consists
of restructuring and other re-
lated expenses, as well as internal and external
costs relating to the implementation of Group-
wide restructuring programs.
Operational revenues
We present operational revenues solely for the
purpose of allowing the computation of the
operational EBITA margin. Operational reve-
nues 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 US GAAP.
NET WORKING CAPITAL AS A
PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
Net working capital as a percentage of reve-
nues
is calculated as net working capital divided
by adjusted revenues for the trailing 12 months.
Net working capital
is the sum of (i) receiv-
ables, net, (ii) contract assets, (iii) inventories,
net, and (iv) prepaid expenses; less (v) accounts
payable, trade, (vi) contract liabilities and (vii)
other current liabilities (excluding primarily:
(a) income taxes payable, (b) current deriva-
tive liabilities, (c) pension and other employee
benefits, (d) payables under the share buyback
program, (e) liabilities related to certain other
restructuring-related activities; and including
the amounts related to these accounts which
have been presented as either assets or liabili-
ties held for sale.
Adjusted revenues for the trailing 12 months
includes total revenues recorded by ABB in
the 12 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
12-month period.
FREE CASH FLOW
CONVERSION TO NET INCOME
Free cash flow conversion to net income
is cal-
culated as free cash flow divided by adjusted
net income attributable to ABB.
Adjusted net income attributable to ABB
is
calculated as net income attributable to ABB
adjusted for: gains and losses arising on the
sale of certain businesses and certain other
significant items within net income which are
also excluded / adjusted for when calculating
operating cashflows.
Free cash flow
is calculated as net cash pro-
vided by operating activities adjusted for: (i)
purchases of property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets, and (ii) proceeds from sales
of property, plant and equipment.
RETURN ON CAPITAL
EMPLOYED
Return on capital employed (ROCE)
is calcu-
lated as operational EBITA after tax, divided by
the average of the period’s opening and closing
capital employed, adjusted to reflect impacts
from the timing of significant acquisitions/di-
vestments occurring during the period.
Capital employed
is calculated as the sum of ad-
justed total fixed assets and net working capital
(as defined above).
Adjusted total fixed assets
is the sum of
(i) property, plant and equipment, net, (ii)
goodwill, (iii) other intangible assets, net, (iv)
investments in equity-accounted companies,
and (v) operating lease right of-use assets,
less (vi) deferred tax liabilities recognized in
certain acquisitions.
Notional tax on operational EBITA
is computed
using an adjusted group effective tax rate multi-
plied by operational EBITA.
144
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Adjusted Group effective tax rate
is computed
by dividing an adjusted income tax expense by
an adjusted pretax income. Certain amounts
recorded in income before taxes and the related
income tax expense (primarily due to gains
and losses from sale of businesses and in 2022,
regulatory penalties in connection with the
Kusile project) are removed from the reported
amounts when computing these adjusted
amounts. Certain other amounts recorded in
income tax expense are also excluded from the
computation to determine the adjusted Group
effective tax rate.
NET DEBT
Net debt
is defined as total debt less cash and
marketable securities.
Total debt
is the sum of short-term debt and
current maturities of long-term debt, and
long-term debt.
Cash and marketable securities
is the sum of
cash and equivalents, restricted cash (current
and non-current) and marketable securities and
short-term investments.
NET DEBT/EBITDA RATIO
Net debt/EBITDA ratio
is defined as net debt
(as defined above) divided by EBITDA.
EBITDA
is defined as income from operations
for the trailing 12 months preceding the balance
sheet date before depreciation and amortiza-
tion for the same trailing 12-month period.
NET FINANCE EXPENSES
Net finance expenses
is calculated as interest
and dividend income less interest and other
finance expense.
BOOK-TO-BILL RATIO
Book-to-bill ratio
is calculated as orders re-
ceived divided by total revenues.
145
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Key terms
A
ABB Way
The ABB Way is the common operat-
ing model for our divisions, business
areas and lean corporate center. It de-
fines “how” we create value. It is built
around our purpose and consists of
four elements: business model, gov-
ernance, people & culture and brand.
B
Business areas
ABB has a decentralized business
model with 19 divisions grouped into
four business areas: Electrification,
Motion, Process Automation, and
Robotics & Discrete Automation. They
complement each other, cooperate
and find synergies to create com-
petitive advantages and best serve
our customers.
C
Circular economy
In contrast to a linear “take-make-
waste” model of production and
consumption, the circular economy
aims to keep resources in use by
designing products for durability,
reusability and recyclability. At ABB,
circular economy approaches are at
the center of the second pillar of our
Sustainability Agenda, “preserving
resources”. By 2030, we aim to have
at least 80 percent of ABB’s prod-
ucts and solutions covered by our
Circularity Approach and evaluated
against a clear set of key performance
indicators (KPIs), corresponding to
each stage of the product lifecycle.
D
Divisions
Our 19 divisions represent the highest
level of operating decisions within
ABB with full ownership and account-
ability for their respective strategies,
performance and resources, as they
are closest to our markets and cus-
tomers. They are grouped into four
business areas.
E
‘Engineered to Outrun’
In 2024, ABB launched its tagline
‘Engineered to Outrun’ under the new
brand positioning “We help industries
outrun – leaner and cleaner”. It means
keeping ABB’s partners running at high
performance while helping them run
more productively, efficiently and sus-
tainably so they can outperform. This
supports ABB’s purpose of enabling a
more sustainable and resource-effi-
cient future with its technology leader-
ship in electrification and automation.
G
Greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
refer to all emissions that have a
warming effect on the earth’s surface
by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which
sets global standards to measure and
manage GHG emissions, covers seven
GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO
2
), methane
(CH
4
), nitrous oxide (N
2
O), as well
as gases used in industry, including
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), per-fluo-
rocarbons (PCFs), sulfur hexafluoride
(SF
6
). and nitrogen trifluoride (NF
3
).
CO
2
, CH
4
, and N
2
O are released during
the combustion of fossil fuels, such as
coal, oil, or natural gas. At ABB, we use
the metric ton of CO
2
- equivalent
(CO
2
e) to calculate our GHG emissions
and to measure progress toward our
emissions reduction targets.
H
Headcount vs. FTE
Headcount and FTE (full-time equiv-
alent) are both methods that are
used to count members within an
organization. The key difference is
that headcount represents the total
number of employees that are work-
ing at an organization at any given
time, regardless of their work status
being full-time or part-time. It is
mainly used in social reporting. While
FTE is a metric that is notably used
in financial reporting to calculate the
total number of full-time hours being
collectively worked across an orga-
nization, this way making employed
persons comparable although they
may work a different number of hours
per week. For example, if an organi-
zation considers 40 hours per week
as full-time, a part-time worker em-
ployed for 20 hours a week, is counted
as 0.5 FTE or as 1 headcount.
M
Materiality
Materiality refers to the process of
determining material information
with regard to sustainability to be
managed and included in reporting.
For the fiscal year 2024, ABB con-
ducted a double materiality (impact
materiality and financial materiality
combined) assessment aligned with
the ESRS requirements.
146
ABB
INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
N
Net zero versus carbon neutral
“Net zero” means that any GHG
released into the atmosphere is
balanced by an equivalent amount
being removed. “Carbon neutral”
means that carbon emissions can be
offset by a reduction in emissions or
a removal of carbon from the atmo-
sphere, for instance through carbon
sinks, which absorb more carbon
than they emit. At ABB, we have es-
tablished net-zero targets. By 2050,
ABB targets reducing absolute scope
1 and 2 emissions by 100 percent, and
scope 3 emissions by 90 percent.
P
Purpose
ABB’s purpose is to enable a more
sustainable and resource-efficient fu-
ture with our technology leadership in
electrification and automation. This
is why we are in business and is the
guiding star for ABB’s direction and
strategy. Our purpose is based on five
themes: creating success for all our
stakeholders, addressing the world’s
energy challenges, transforming
industries, embedding sustainabil-
ity in everything we do, and leading
with technology.
S
Science-based targets
Greenhouse gas reduction targets,
set by companies, that are in line with
what the latest climate science (as per
SBTi) deems necessary to meet the
goals of the Paris Agreement, which
aims to limit “the increase in the aver-
age global temperature to well below
2°C above pre-industrial levels” and
“pursue efforts to limit the tempera-
ture increase to 1.5°C.”
Scope 1 GHG emissions
Direct emissions from compa-
ny-owned and controlled resources,
for example, emissions from combus-
tion in owned or controlled boilers,
furnaces, vehicles.
Scope 2 GHG emissions
Indirect emissions from the gen-
eration of purchased energy (elec-
tricity, steam, heat, cooling) from a
utility provider.
Scope 3 GHG emissions
All other indirect emissions that are
not included in scope 2, occurring in
both the upstream and downstream
value chain. According to the GHG
Protocol, scope 3 emissions are sepa-
rated into 15 categories, and include,
for example, purchased goods and
services, business travel and com-
muting, or use of sold products.
Sustainability
Sustainability or sustainable devel-
opment can be defined as “meeting
the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own
needs” (Brundtland Report, 1987).
Sustainability is commonly based on
three dimensions: economic sustain-
ability, environmental sustainability
and social sustainability. At ABB,
we strive to embed sustainability
in everything we do. Sustainability
is core to our company’s purpose,
strategic direction, operating model
(the ABB Way), objectives, and is a key
part of the value that we create for
our stakeholders.
Sustainability Agenda
In 2020, ABB defined a clear approach
to contribute to a more sustain-
able society. The three pillars of our
Sustainability Agenda are “enabling a
low-carbon society”, “preserving re-
sources” and “promoting social prog-
ress”, sustained by the foundation
of “embedding a culture of integrity
and transparency along the extended
value chain”.
V
Value creation
The process that results in increases,
decreases or transformations of
inputs and related outputs and
outcomes caused by our business
activities in the-, medium- and long-
term. We not only focus on maxi-
mizing shareholder value but work
holistically to create financial and
sustainability-linked value for all our
stakeholders, for ABB, society and the
environment. We are convinced that
this is not only the right thing to do,
but also in the interest of our long-
term business success.
147
ABB INTEGRATED REPORT 2024
Introduction
Value creation
Outputs and Outcomes
Good governance
Performance-based compensation
Appendix
Financial calendar 2025
March 27, 2025
Annual General Meeting
April 17, 2025
Q1 2025 results
July 17, 2025
Q2 2025 results
October 16, 2025
Q3 2025 results
January 29, 2026
Q4 and FY 2025 results
TAKE THE SURVEY
We at ABB will appreciate your feedback on the
Integrated Report. This survey takes just two minutes
to complete. By giving us your feedback, we can
actively work to continuously improve our reporting.
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
The Integrated Report 2024 includes forward-looking statements
and information that are based largely on current expectations, esti-
mates and projections about the factors that may affect our future
performance, including global economic conditions as well as the
economic conditions of the regions and the industries that are major
markets for ABB. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “con-
tinue,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan” and similar
words and the express or implied discussion of strategy, plans or in-
tentions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including, among other things, the following: (i) busi-
ness risks related to the global volatile economic environment; (ii)
risks inherent in large, long term projects served by parts of our
business; (iii) changes in interest rates and fluctuations in currency
exchange rates; (iv) effects of competition and changes in economic
and market conditions in the product markets and geographic areas
in which we operate; (v) effects of, and changes in, laws, regulations,
governmental policies, taxation, or accounting standards and prac-
tices and (vi) other factors described in in our public disclosures, in-
cluding our quarterly financial information booklet and Annual
Reporting Suite. Although we believe that the expectations reflected
in any such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable as-
sumptions, we can give no assurance that they will be achieved. We
undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any for-
ward-looking statements because of new information, future events
or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the for-
ward-looking information, events and circumstances might not oc-
cur. Our actual results and performance could differ substantially
from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.
© Copyright 2025 ABB. All rights reserved.
ABB Ltd
Corporate Communications
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0)43 317 71 11
www.abb.com
01
Financial review of ABB Group
01
02
Consolidated Financial Statements
54
03
ABB Ltd Statutory Financial Statements
127
2
Operating and financial review
and prospects
2
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and
resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at
high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we
call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. Our company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees
worldwide.
We operate in approximately 100 countries across three regions: Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Middle East and
Africa, and generate revenues in numerous currencies. We are headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and we
govern our company through our four Business areas: Electrification, Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics
& Discrete Automation. For a breakdown of our consolidated revenues (i) by Business area, (ii) by geographic
region, and (iii) by product type, see “Analysis of results of operations—Revenues” and “Note 24 - Operating
segment and geographic data” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
EMPLOYEES
A breakdown of our employees by geographic region is as follows:
December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Europe
52,100
51,400
49,700
The Americas
26,800
26,400
26,400
Asia, Middle East and Africa
31,000
30,100
29,000
Total
109,900
107,900
105,100
HISTORY OF THE ABB GROUP
The ABB Group was formed in 1988 through a merger between Asea AB and BBC Brown Boveri AG. Initially
founded in 1883, Asea AB was a major participant in the introduction of electricity into Swedish homes and
businesses and in the development of Sweden’s railway network. In the 1940s and 1950s, Asea AB expanded into
the power, mining and steel industries. Brown Boveri and Cie. (later renamed BBC Brown Boveri AG) was formed
in Switzerland in 1891 and initially specialized in power generation and turbines. In the early to mid
1900s, it
expanded its operations throughout Europe and broadened its business operations to include a wide range of
electrical engineering activities.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
3
In January 1988, Asea AB and BBC Brown Boveri AG each contributed almost all of their businesses to the newly
formed ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, of which they each owned 50 percent. In 1996, Asea AB was renamed ABB AB
and BBC Brown Boveri AG was renamed ABB AG. In February 1999, the ABB Group announced a group
reconfiguration designed to establish a single parent holding company and a single class of shares. ABB Ltd was
incorporated on March 5, 1999, under the laws of Switzerland. In June 1999, ABB Ltd became the holding
company for the entire ABB Group. This was accomplished by having ABB Ltd issue shares to the shareholders of
ABB AG and ABB AB, the two companies that formerly owned the ABB Group. The ABB Ltd shares were exchanged
for the shares of those two companies, which, as a result of the share exchange and certain related transactions,
became wholly
owned subsidiaries of ABB Ltd.
ABB Ltd shares are currently traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange, and
the sponsored level I American Depositary Shares (ADS) are traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) markets under
the ticker ABBNY. ABB filed a Form 15F to voluntarily deregister and suspend SEC reporting on June 10, 2024. The
deregistration became effective in September 2024. We continue to meet financial reporting requirements as per
the regulations of the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.
ABB TODAY
The ABB Purpose
ABB's purpose is to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future with our technology leadership in
electrification and automation. Our offering is relevant for the global transition towards low-carbon energy,
increased energy efficiency, and the transition to more adaptive manufacturing and automation, putting us right
in the center of long-term secular trends.
Market leading technology
Our market-leading position is based on cutting-edge technology including value derived from software, our
ability to scale, decades-long domain expertise and close customer relationships, all of which act as barriers to
market entry for potential competitors.
We continuously evolve our offering to remain a relevant and trusted partner to our customers. Our annual non-
order related research and development spending in 2024 amounted to approximately 4.5 percent of revenues.
We focus our research and development expenditures on key areas of innovation and have spent approximately
$10.6 billion since the beginning of 2016, focusing on developing best-in-class products and services in the fields
of electrification and automation with the goal of helping our customers to create sustainable resource-efficient
value. Embedding software and AI in our products and solutions is an integral part of our strategy, with the
majority of our offering including software or being digitally enabled. Over half of our research and development
employees are focused on digital solutions. It enables differentiation, customer value creation and drives quality
of revenues for ABB.
All four of our Business areas are market leaders in their respective areas. Our global reach along with our
extensive local presence assists us in scaling innovations to achieve stronger returns, which supports higher
absolute investments for future growth. Active globally, our revenues are well-balanced across regions with
customers served directly and through a strong channel partner network.
With its long history, ABB not only invented or pioneered many power and automation technologies but has
retained technology and market leadership in many of these areas. Being present in various vertical markets for
decades, with close long-term relationships with customers and channel partners, has resulted in our unique
deep domain expertise, enabling a thorough understanding of customers’ needs and operations.
The ABB Way
Our decentralized operating model, ABB Way, comprises a select number of common processes covering our
business model, our people and culture, the ABB brand and our governance framework. It facilitates
accountability, transparency and speed in ABB.
4
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In our operating model, the divisions represent the highest level of operating decisions. They are closest to their
respective markets and customer needs. Each division progresses through the strategic mandates and priorities
of stability and profitability before growth. In order to deploy full focus on organic and acquired growth to the
extent of consolidating the market, the business’ structure should be robust and profitability should be at least
in line with industry peers.
Each division has full accountability for its results and carries the responsibility for business development and
research and development for leading technology to secure a leading market position. During 2024 we cemented
the decentralized way of working at ABB within all our divisions, ensuring accountability, transparency and speed
in decision making. In 2025, we aim to move accountability further down within the organization, empowering
leaders below the division level with strategic mandates and corresponding incentives to further drive results.
Clear mandates and accountability at the business line level will enhance transparency and operational speed
across the organization. Furthermore, we continue to shift our focus to profitable growth.
Strong performance management is key in a decentralized business model. We apply a standardized monthly
scorecard system for the Divisions and Business areas, to support full transparency of operational performance.
It is accompanied by a limited select number of short-term incentives, including the mandatory target to make
annual productivity improvements of at least 5 percent each year.
The corporate functions focus on necessary strategic, financial and governance activities, with a lean headcount
of less than 800 employees.
Enhanced growth profile
Over the past several years, we have taken significant actions to align our business portfolio around the ABB
Purpose, resulting in all divisions now active only within the markets of electrification and automation. Both of
these markets are benefiting from increasing global investments to decarbonize, increase energy efficiency and
to automate and increase flexibility in society, including power generation, industrial manufacturing, buildings
and process industries. Additionally, we have increased the proportion of sales stemming from short-cycle
businesses, meaning a reduced proportion from project-related activities, which we believe should reduce the
risk and volatility in our earnings. This ongoing shift towards better quality of revenues is now an integral part of
governance and business execution.
The responsibility for growth has been fully transferred to the divisions, as they are closest to customers. This
includes both organic and acquired growth. The divisions have the best insights into current and future
customer needs and are accountable for building their respective business accordingly. With more divisions
transitioning over time from stability and profitability to growth, we expect to see a gradual strengthening of
our growth profile.
Finally, environmental, social and governance (ESG) drivers are accelerating and translating into increased
demand for our electrification and automation offering. The demand for electricity is growing nine times as fast
as other energy sources, resulting in approximately 70 percent higher average annual investments into
distribution networks over the next seven years (source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2024, Announced Pledges
Scenario). The share of low-carbon sources in the global energy mix is expected to increase to approximately
70 percent by 2050 from only 20 percent today (source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2024, Announced Pledges
Scenario). The need to improve energy efficiency has never been more relevant, from both the perspective of
sustainable operations and reducing operating costs in a high energy cost environment. Investments in energy
efficiency are expected to increase 53 percent per year over the next seven years versus the seven previous years
(source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2024, Announced Pledges Scenario). Today, approximately 45 percent of the
world’s electricity is converted into motion by electric motors yet only less than 25 percent of the world’s electric
motors are optimized through the control of drives. Lastly, the global number of working age people
(15 to 64 years) per retiree (65 years or over) is expected to fall by about 24 percent between 2023 and 2035
(source: United Nations World Population Prospects 2024), supporting demand for robotics and automation
solutions. We believe ABB’s offering is well positioned to address these trends.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
5
BUSINESSES
OUR MARKETS
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation with a comprehensive digitalized offering of
electrification, motion and automation solutions. Our exposure to customers is geographically balanced while
catering to multiple end-markets and segments. We believe our customer offering is well positioned to benefit
from secular growth drivers, including urbanization, labor shortage, shift to electrification, automation and
robotization, as well as other data and digitalization trends.
We are focused on creating superior customer value through our comprehensive, modular offering, combining
traditional products and services with software-enabled products and systems as well as digital services and
software that we sell both separately and combined as scalable solutions. Our advanced software is a key
differentiation of our digital offering and over half of our approximately 7,800 employees in research and
development are active in software development.
The majority of our businesses are market leaders within their respective segments. We believe market
leadership is critical, as it provides the opportunity for price leadership, which in turn supports profitability,
enabling us to invest further in research and development to sustain our technological leadership. For a
discussion of the geographic distribution of our total revenues, see “Analysis of results of operations—
Revenues.”
Industry market
Approximately half of our revenues are derived from customers within the industrial segment where we serve
production facilities and factories all around the world, from process industries such as oil and gas, pulp and
paper as well as mining, to discrete industries including automotive, food and beverage and consumer
electronics.
In discrete industries, orders declined sharply as customers in the machine builders segment adjusted their
order patterns in response to shorter delivery lead times as well as the impacts from a weak underlying market.
The robotics segment declined, driven mainly by fewer investments in the automotive sector and consumer
electronics, while positive momentum was reported in logistics and general industry.
Late-cycle process industries remained broadly stable from last year’s high level. Strength was noted in
conventional power generation as well as the energy-related low-carbon segments. Oil and gas, mining and
metals remained broadly stable, while some softness was noted in pulp and paper, and chemicals.
Buildings market
Approximately one-fifth of our offering is sold into the buildings market, with about two-thirds focused on
commercial buildings and one-third on residential. Overall, orders in the buildings market improved, driven by
positive developments in the commercial sector, particularly in the United States, while China continues to show
weakness. The residential segment stabilized outside of China, which remains a challenging market.
Transport & infrastructure market
Approximately one-fifth of our customers operate in the transport & infrastructure market. Our expertise
provides efficient, reliable and sustainable solutions for these customers, with a focus on energy efficiency and
reduced operating costs.
Demand for data centers remained robust, fueled by the expansion of digital services, including AI and remote
work. In the marine segment, we experienced positive developments in both marine and port operations, while
strong customer activity continued in the rail segment.
Utilities market
We deliver solutions mainly for distribution utilities and renewables customers, while continuing to service
conventional power generation customers with our control and automation solutions.
6
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
During 2024, the renewables markets continued to see strong growth. Business levels in the conventional power
generation market have improved. Demand from electrical distribution utilities remained strong, with ongoing
investments to increase grid reliability and resilience due to increased integration of renewables.
We serve our customers through our operating divisions which are included in our Business areas. Developments
in these Business areas are discussed in more detail below. Revenue figures presented in this “Businesses”
section are before intersegment eliminations.
ELECTRIFICATION BUSINESS AREA
Overview
Electrification provides leading electrical distribution and management technologies, solutions and services to
electrify the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. The portfolio includes medium- and low-voltage
electrical components, switchgear, digital devices, enclosures, and circuit breakers, among others. With our
products, solutions and services, we collaborate with customers to improve power delivery and security, enhance
energy management, efficiency and operational reliability, as we seek to achieve a low carbon society.
The Electrification Business area delivers products to end customers through a global network of channel
partners. More than half of the Business area’s revenue is derived from distributors and approximately
20 percent is derived from direct sales to end-users. The remaining revenues are generated from original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs), engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracting companies,
system integrators, utilities and panel builders. The proportion of direct compared to channel partner sales
varies by segment, product technology and geographic markets.
The Electrification Business area had approximately 51,700 employees as of December 31, 2024, and generated
$15.4 billion of revenues in 2024.
Customers
The Electrification Business area serves a wide range of customer segments, including residential, commercial
and industrial buildings, utilities, oil and gas, chemicals, data centers, renewables, food and beverage, transport
and infrastructure, among others. From some of the world’s tallest buildings to the busiest airports, the
Business area’s products and solutions cover a wide range of applications and business segments.
Products and Services
The Electrification Business area’s products and services are delivered through five operating divisions.
The Distribution Solutions Division offers indoor and outdoor medium-voltage components, switchgear, and
solutions that connect and protect the evolving energy grid. The Division enables the reliable integration of
diverse power sources, including renewable energy, into the grid, ensuring continuous power delivery to
industries, commercial facilities, and residential users. Its future-proof technologies protect utilities and
industries from potential grid anomalies and its digital solutions enhance grid reliability by enabling fault
analysis, prediction, and preventive maintenance by applying analytics and artificial intelligence. The Division
supports customers and partners to stay ahead of increasing electrification needs and regulatory changes,
providing technologies and solutions to adapt in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
The Smart Power Division provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing
plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry
partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability
objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting
applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest
data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy
Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO
2
emissions.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
7
The Smart Buildings Division enables energy efficiency, safety, and comfort for any building type, through new
installations or retrofit solutions. The Division offers integrated building automation systems to control HVAC,
lighting, shutters, door entry and emergency lighting. It ensures safe and reliable energy distribution solutions
including DIN rail protection devices, enclosures and energy management systems through to industrial plugs
and sockets and conventional wiring accessories, accommodating single family homes, multiple dwellings,
commercial buildings, infrastructure and industrial applications. The Division’s highly innovative technologies
and digital solutions serve the rising global demand among real estate developers, owners, and investors for
smart building technologies that optimize energy distribution and building automation. The scalable solutions
aim to deliver significant sustainable and financial benefits, meeting social and environmental demands, while
being able to address even the most complex of customers’ carbon reduction strategies.
The Installation Products Division helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power
from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in
demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and
people around the world. The Commercial Essentials product segment includes electrical junction boxes,
commercial fittings, strut and cable tray metal framing systems for commercial and residential construction. The
Premier Industrial product segment includes multiple product lines, such as Ty-Rap® cable ties, T&B Liquidtight
Systems® protection products, PVC coated and nylon conduit systems, power connection and grounding
systems, and cable protection systems of conduits and fittings for harsh and industrial applications. The
Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market under its
marquee brands including Elastimold™ reclosers and switchgear with no SF6 gas, capacitor switches, current
limiting fuses, Homac™ distribution connectors, Hi-Tech Valiant™ full-range current limiting fuse for fire
mitigation, faulted current indicators and distribution connectors, cable accessories and apparatus with
products for overhead and underground distribution. Manufacturing includes made-to-stock and custom-made
solutions.
The Service Division partners with our customers to improve the availability, reliability, predictability and
sustainability of electrical products and installations. The Division’s extensive service portfolio offers product
care, modernization, and advisory services to improve performance, extend equipment lifetime and deliver new
levels of operational and sustainable efficiency. We help customers keep resources in use for as long as possible,
extracting the maximum value from them, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the
end of their useful life.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing is generally conducted within the divisions in the Electrification Business area. This enables
the divisions to manage their respective end-to-end activities and create demand across all channels, products
and solutions. They increase focus and speed for our customers to drive faster growth. Where necessary, the
divisions work together on joint services, such as the management of accounts, channels, and segment-sales,
engaging in a range of promotional activities, both internal and external.
Competition
The Electrification Business area’s principal competitors vary by product group and include Atkore, Chint, Eaton,
Hager, Hubbell, Legrand, LS Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, nVent, Panasonic, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Vertiv.
Capital Expenditures
The Electrification Business area’s capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $472 million in
2024, compared to $386 million in 2023. Investments in 2024 principally related to real estate investments,
capacity expansion to support growth, as well as equipment replacement and upgrades. Geographically, in 2024,
Europe represented 51 percent of the capital expenditures, followed by the Americas (38 percent) and Asia,
Middle East and Africa (11 percent).
MOTION BUSINESS AREA
Overview
The Motion Business area provides pioneering technology, products, solutions and related services to industrial
customers to improve safety and reliability, achieve better performance and provide energy efficient,
decarbonizing and circular solutions. The portfolio includes motors, generators and drives for a wide range of
applications in all industrial sectors.
8
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The Motion Business area designs, manufactures and sells drives, motors, generators, and traction solutions.
Building on long-standing experience in electric powertrains, the Business area combines domain expertise and
technology to deliver the optimum solution for a wide range of applications for a comprehensive range of
industrial segments. In addition, the Business area, along with its channel partners, has an industry leading
global service presence.
The Motion Business area had approximately 22,400 employees as of December 31, 2024, and generated
$7.8 billion of revenues in 2024.
Customers
The Motion Business area serves a wide range of customers in different industrial segments such as pulp and
paper, oil and gas, metals and mining, food and beverage, HVAC, water and wastewater, transportation, power
generation, marine and offshore.
Products and Services
The Motion Business area’s products and services are delivered through seven operating divisions.
The Drive Products Division is a global technology leader serving industries, infrastructure segments and
machine builders with world-class drives and programmable logic controllers (PLC). With its products, global
scale and local presence, the Division helps customers, partners and equipment manufacturers to improve
energy efficiency, asset reliability, productivity and safety.
The System Drives Division is the market leader in high-power, high-performance drives and drive systems for
industrial process and large infrastructure and marine applications, and a leading independent supplier of power
conversion equipment for renewable energy. The Division offers to customers and partners global support,
domain expertise in all major industries and an innovative and digitally enabled portfolio to help them achieve
asset reliability, performance and energy efficiency in mission critical applications.
The Service Division serves customers worldwide by maximizing uptime, extending life cycle, and improving the
performance and energy efficiency of their motors, drives and generators. The Division leads the way in
digitalization and delivers service solutions through dedicated service experts, service workshops, and its
partner network, ensuring customer operations run profitably, safely and reliably.
The Traction Division is a globally trusted independent supplier and recognized leader in onboard propulsion
technologies that drive innovation in rail, bus, and industrial vehicle electrification. The Division partners with
OEMs, operators, system integrators, and vehicle owners, offering a comprehensive range of high-performance
and full lifecycle managed propulsion, auxiliary and energy storage solutions. Each solution is engineered to
meet specific customer requirements and the operational conditions of the respective vehicle. This enables
maximum energy efficiency, low carbon emissions and high reliability.
The IEC Low Voltage Division is a global technology leader delivering a full range of energy-efficient low voltage
motors, including hyper-efficient solutions such as IE6 SynRM (synchronous reluctance motors). Through a
global footprint, domain expertise and rugged designs, the Division provides reliable technology that improves
efficiency and productivity even in the most demanding applications
.
The Large Motors and Generators Division helps customers in all major industries and applications reach new
levels of efficiency and energy savings, even under the most demanding conditions, by offering a comprehensive
product portfolio of large AC motors and generators. The Division’s induction, synchronous and special design
motors and synchronous generators power critical applications across industry, infrastructure and marine
transportation. Combining the best available materials with superior technology, the large motors and
generators are designed to operate efficiently and reliably, even for challenging processes or applications. These
leading energy-efficient products allow for a reduced payback time and a lower total cost of ownership.
The NEMA Motors Division is a marketer, designer and manufacturer that offers Baldor-Reliance® industrial
electric motors, primarily in North America. The Division focuses on quality, reliability and efficiency to provide a
comprehensive offering of NEMA motors in the market across most industrial segments and applications.
Sales and Marketing
Sales are made both through direct sales forces and through channel partners, such as distributors and
wholesalers, as well as installers, OEMs and system integrators. The proportion of direct sales to end users
compared to channel partner sales varies among the different industries, products and geographic markets.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
9
Competition
The principal competitors of the Motion Business area include Schneider Electric, Siemens, Toshiba, WEG
Industries, Wolong and Danfoss.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures in the Motion Business area for property, plant and equipment totaled $191 million in 2024,
compared to $171 million in 2023. Principal expenditures in 2024 related to real estate investments, capacity
expansion, equipment replacement and upgrades across various countries including the United States, Finland,
Switzerland, China and India. Geographically, in 2024, Europe represented 49 percent of the capital expenditures,
followed by the Americas (38 percent) and Asia, Middle East and Africa (13 percent).
PROCESS AUTOMATION BUSINESS AREA
Overview
The Process Automation Business area provides a comprehensive range of integrated automation, electrical and
digital systems and services for customers in the process, hybrid and maritime industries. These offerings,
coupled with deep domain knowledge in each end market, help to optimize productivity, energy efficiency,
sustainability and safety of industrial processes and operations.
The Business area’s offering can be grouped into two categories, with approximately half of the offering related
to solutions for new and brownfield projects and half related to service, mainly for the existing installed base.
Process Automation also integrates offerings from the Electrification, Motion and
Robotics & Discrete Automation Business areas into its projects. The Business area’s offerings are sold primarily
through its direct sales force with a smaller share through partners and distributors.
The Business area had approximately 22,500 employees as of December 31, 2024, and generated revenues of
$6.8 billion in 2024.
Customers
The Process Automation Business area’s end customers include companies across process, hybrid and maritime
industries. These industries include oil, gas, renewables, chemicals, mining, metals, cement, pulp and paper,
pharmaceuticals, battery manufacturing, food and beverage, space, power generation, water, marine and ports.
Products and Services
The Process Automation Business area offering includes an extensive portfolio of products, solutions, digital
applications and services for the control of the simplest to the most complex and critical industrial processes
and infrastructure. These systems can link various process and information flows, allowing customers to manage
and control their entire production process based on real-time information. The Business area’s automation
offering includes the distributed control system (DCS) ABB Ability™ System 800xA®, which is also an electrical
control system, a safety system and a collaboration enabler with the capacity to improve engineering efficiency,
operator performance and asset utilization. Other control solutions include Symphony® Plus (designed to
address automation needs of the power and water industry segments) and the Freelance DCS solution.
Components for basic automation solutions, process controllers, I/O modules, panels, and Human Machine
Interfaces (HMI) are available through the Compact Product Suite offering. The product portfolio is
complemented by a suite of ABB Ability™ advanced digital services and by ABB Care, a subscription-based
lifecycle management program that provides services to maintain and continually advance and enhance ABB’s
distributed
control systems and optimize customers’ lifecycle costs. The ABB Ability™
Genix industrial IoT and AI
suite contextualizes and integrates data from IT, engineering, and operations systems to provide deep,
meaningful and actionable insights. The portfolio is complemented by a range of industry-specific technologies
and applications in each division.
As of December 31, 2024, the Process Automation Business area’s products and services are delivered through
four operating divisions.
10
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The Energy Industries Division serves a wide range of industrial sectors, including hydrocarbons, renewables,
chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power generation and water. With its integrated solutions that automate, electrify
and digitalize operations, the Division is committed to supporting traditional industries in their efforts to
decarbonize. The Division also supports the development, integration and scaling up of new and renewable
energy models. The Division’s goal is to help customers adapt and succeed in the rapidly changing global energy
transition. Harnessing data, machine learning and AI, the Division brings over 50 years of domain expertise
delivering solutions designed to improve energy, process and production efficiency, as well as reduce risk,
operational cost and capital cost, while minimizing waste for customers, from project start-up and throughout
the entire plant lifecycle.
The Process Industries Division serves the mining, minerals processing, metals, cement, pulp and paper, battery
manufacturing, and food and beverage, as well as their associated service industries. The Division brings deep
industry domain expertise coupled with the ability to integrate both automation and electrical systems, increase
productivity and reduce overall capital and operating costs for customers. For mining, metals and cement
customers, solutions include specialized products and services, as well as total production systems. The Division
designs, plans, engineers, supplies, installs and commissions integrated electrical and motion systems, including
electric equipment, drives, motors, high power rectifiers and equipment for automation and supervisory control
within a variety of areas including mineral handling, mining operations, aluminum smelting, hot and cold steel
applications and cement production. The offering for the pulp and paper industries includes control systems,
quality control systems, drive systems, on-line sensors, actuators and field instruments. Digitalization solutions,
including collaborative operations and augmented reality, help improve plant and enterprise productivity, and
reduce maintenance and energy costs.
The Marine & Ports Division serves the shipping and ports industries through its extensive portfolio of
integrated systems and solutions that improve the flexibility, reliability and energy efficiency of vessels and
container terminals. By coupling power, propulsion, automation, marine software and services that ensure
maximum vessel uptime, the Division is well positioned to help the marine industry to achieve its
decarbonization targets while improving the profitability and sustainability of our customers’ business
throughout the entire lifecycle of vessels. With ABB Ability™ marine software solutions and ABB Ability™
Collaborative Operations Centers around the world, shipowners and operators can run their fleets at lower fuel
and maintenance costs, while improving crew, passenger and cargo safety as well as overall productivity of their
operations. Further, the Division delivers automation, electrical systems and digital solutions for container and
bulk cargo handling, from ship to gate. These solutions help terminal operators meet the challenge of larger
ships, taller cranes and bigger volumes per call, and make terminal operations safer, greener and more
productive.
The Measurement & Analytics Division is among the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of smart
instrumentation and analyzers, working at the heart of industrial digital transformation. The Measurement &
Analytics Division’s portfolio consists of analyzers measuring compositions of gases and liquids;
instrumentation measuring process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level; force measurement
solutions measuring parameters such as flatness, thickness, and tension; and advanced digital solutions for
device management, device health check and predictive maintenance. The Measurement & Analytics Division
serves key industries such as oil and gas, chemical, water and wastewater, power, hydrogen, batteries, as well as
the marine industry. The Division enables the optimization of industrial processes by providing and analyzing
data collected from sensing and smart measurement devices. Parameters such as emission levels and
production inputs are measured by providing ‘before’ and ‘after’ values, enabling efficient operations and
environmental sustainability through measurement.
Sales and Marketing
The Process Automation Business area’s sales are primarily made through its direct sales force as well as
third-party channel partners, such as distributors, system integrators and OEMs. The majority of revenues are
derived through the Business area’s own direct sales channels.
Competition
The Process Automation Business area’s principal competitors vary by industry or product group. Competitors
include: Emerson, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Siemens Energy, Yokogawa, Endress + Hauser,
Kongsberg and Valmet.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
11
Capital Expenditures
The Process Automation Business area’s capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled
$62 million in 2024, compared to $66 million in 2023. Principal investments in 2024 primarily related to
equipment replacement and upgrades, mainly in the Energy Industries Division and Measurement & Analytics
Division. Geographically, in 2024, Europe represented 65 percent of the capital expenditures, followed by the
Americas (20 percent) and Asia, Middle East and Africa (15 percent).
ROBOTICS & DISCRETE AUTOMATION BUSINESS AREA
Overview
The Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area provides robotics, and machine and factory automation
including products, software, solutions and services. Revenues are generated both from direct sales to end-users
as well as from indirect sales, mainly through system integrators and machine builders.
The Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area had approximately 10,800 employees as of December 31,
2024, and generated $3.2 billion of revenues in 2024.
Customers
The Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area serves a wide range of customers. The main customers are
active in industries such as automotive, machine building, metalworking, electronics, food and beverage and
logistics. They include end-users such as manufacturers, system integrators and machine builders.
Products and Services
The Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area’s products and services are delivered through two operating
divisions.
The Robotics Division offers a wide range of products, solutions and services including robots, autonomous
mobile robots, robotics application cells and smart systems, field services, spare parts, digital services,
engineering and operations software. This offering provides customers with increased productivity, quality,
flexibility and simplicity for operations, e.g. to meet the challenge of making smaller lots of a larger number of
specific products in shorter cycles for today’s dynamic global markets and coping with increasing uncertainty.
Robots are also used in activities or environments which may be hazardous to employee health and safety, such
as repetitive or strenuous lifting, dusty, hot or cold rooms, or painting booths and can help customers address
labor shortages. Robotics solutions are used in a wide range of segments from automotive OEMs, automotive
suppliers, electronics, general industry, consumer goods, food and beverage, and warehouse/logistics center
automation. They are increasingly deployed in service applications for life sciences care, restaurants and retail.
Typical robotic applications include welding, material handling, machine tending, machining, painting, picking,
packing, palletizing and assembly.
The Machine Automation Division offers integrated automation solutions based on programmable logical
controllers, industrial PCs, servo motion, industrial transport systems and machine vision. It also provides
software for engineering and optimization. The range of solutions are mainly used by machine builders for
various types of series machines, e.g. for plastics, metals, printing and packaging.
Sales and Marketing
Sales are made both through direct sales as well as through third
party channel partners, such as system
integrators and machine builders. The proportion of direct sales compared to channel partner sales varies
among the different industries, product technologies and geographic markets.
Competition
Competitors of the Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area vary by offering and include companies such
as Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa, Epson, Dürr, Stäubli, Universal Robots, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Mitsubishi
Electric and Beckhoff.
12
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Capital Expenditures
The Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area’s capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment
totaled $81 million in 2024, compared to $71 million in 2023. Principal investments in 2024 were primarily related
to production enhancements in China and Sweden in the Robotics Division and Austria in the Machine
Automation Division. In 2024, Europe represented 65 percent of capital expenditures, followed by Asia, Middle
East and Africa (20 percent) and the Americas (15 percent).
CORPORATE AND OTHER
Corporate includes core headquarter functions, real estate activities, Corporate Treasury, functional shared
services for human resources, finance and information services and other minor business activities while Other
includes the E-mobility Division, which is a separate operating segment, other non-core operating activities, as
well as the remaining activities of certain EPC projects which we are completing and are in a wind-down phase.
Retained obligations from certain divested businesses are also included in Other including the high-voltage
cables business, steel structures and certain EPC contracts relating to the oil and gas industry. Certain strategic
investments managed by ABB Technology Ventures are also included in Corporate and Other.
Corporate headquarters and stewardship activities include the operations of our corporate headquarters in
Zurich, Switzerland, as well as limited corporate
related activities in certain countries. These activities cover staff
functions with group
wide responsibilities, such as accounting and financial reporting, corporate finance and
corporate treasury, taxes, internal audit, legal and integrity, compliance, risk management and insurance,
corporate communications, human resources, information systems and investor relations.
We operate shared service centers globally through a network of hubs which consist of services in the areas of
human resources, finance and information services. We also staff and maintain front offices in various countries.
The costs of these shared services are incurred primarily for the benefit of the Business areas, which are charged
for their use of such services and the related number of employees are allocated to the Business areas. Similarly,
a significant portion of the shared corporate overhead costs are charged to the operating businesses. In some
cases, we also provide services to third parties under transitional service agreements in relation to certain
divested businesses.
ABB E-mobility enables a more sustainable and efficient mobility future as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV)
charging solutions. ABB E-mobility is a partner of choice for the world’s leading EV OEMs, EV charging network
operators and fleet companies. It offers the widest portfolio of EV charging solutions from high-power chargers
for destination charging to the highway stations of the future, solutions for the electrification of fleets and
charging for electric buses and trucks.
Corporate and Other had approximately 2,500 employees at December 31, 2024, of which approximately 1,700
pertain to the E-mobility Division and our other non-core businesses.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In 2020, we completed the divestment of our Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd (Hitachi). As a result, the Power
Grids business was reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements. See “Note 3 -
Discontinued operations” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
13
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (excluding intangibles
acquired through business combinations) amounted to $845 million, $770 million and $762 million in 2024, 2023
and 2022, respectively. In 2024 and 2023, capital expenditures were 5 percent higher and 1 percent lower,
respectively, than depreciation and amortization. Excluding acquisition-related amortization, capital
expenditures were 41 percent higher in 2024 and 37 percent higher in 2023, respectively, than depreciation and
amortization.
Capital expenditures in 2024 primarily focused in mature markets, reflecting the geographic distribution of our
existing production facilities. Capital expenditures in Europe and the Americas in 2024 were driven primarily by
upgrades of existing production facilities and capacity expansion, mainly in the
U.S., Germany, Switzerland,
Sweden, Finland, and Italy. In Asia, Middle East and Africa, capital expenditures were made primarily to increase
production capacity by investing in new or expanded facilities, the highest of which were in China and India. The
share of emerging markets capital expenditures as a percentage of total capital expenditures in 2024 and 2023
was 25 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
At December 31, 2024, construction in progress for property, plant and equipment was $690 million, mainly in
the U.S., Germany, Switzerland and Sweden, while at December 31, 2023, construction in progress for property,
plant and equipment was $713 million, mainly in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Finland.
Our capital expenditures relate primarily to property, plant and equipment and are funded primarily through
cash flows from operating activities. For 2025, we estimate the expenditures for property, plant and equipment
will be higher than our annual depreciation and amortization charge, excluding acquisition-related amortization.
SUPPLIES AND RAW MATERIALS
We purchase a variety of supplies and products which contain raw materials for use in our production and
project execution processes. The primary materials used in our products, by weight, are copper, steel, aluminum,
mineral oil and various plastics. We also purchase a wide variety of fabricated products, electronic components
and systems. We operate a worldwide supply chain management network with employees dedicated to this
function in our Business areas, divisions and in key countries. Our supply chain operations consist of a number of
teams, each focusing on different product categories. These category teams are tasked with taking advantage
of opportunities to leverage the scale of ABB on a global, Business area and/or division level, as appropriate, to
optimize the efficiency of our supply networks in a sustainable manner.
Our supply chain management organization’s activities and objectives include:
pool and leverage procurement of materials and services,
provide transparency of ABB’s global spending through a comprehensive performance and
reporting system linked to our enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems,
strengthen ABB’s supply chain network by implementing an effective product category
management structure and extensive competency-based training, and
monitor and develop our supply base to ensure sustainability, both in terms of materials and
processes used.
14
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
We buy many categories of products which contain copper, steel, aluminum, crude oil and other commodities.
Continuing global economic growth in many emerging economies, coupled with the volatility in foreign currency
exchange rates, has led to significant fluctuations in these raw material costs over the last few years. While we
expect global commodity prices to remain highly volatile, we expect to offset some market volatility through the
use of long-term contracts and global sourcing.
We seek to mitigate the majority of our exposure to commodity price risk by entering into derivative contracts.
For example, we manage copper, steel, aluminum, and silver price risk using principally swap contracts based on
prices for these commodities quoted on leading exchanges. ABB’s hedging policy is designed to safeguard
margins by minimizing price volatility and providing a stable cost base during order execution. In addition to
using derivatives to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in raw materials prices, in some cases we can reduce
this risk by incorporating changes in raw materials prices into the prices of our end products (through price
escalation clauses).
Throughout 2024, we continued to optimize our value chain in all aspects of our business, while ensuring high
standards of quality and delivery. Despite some continuing global supply chain challenges such as rising costs,
port congestion, material access issues and some geopolitical uncertainty, we were able to mitigate these
difficulties with efforts from our dedicated category teams, supply chain management personnel and Business
area task forces. We also enhanced our rigorous supplier onboarding process involving comprehensive integrity
due diligence and competitive bidding for our potential and existing vendors. This helps in reducing the risk of
fraud, corruption and noncompliance as well as in securing the best value and quality for our products and
services. The involvement of the supply chain is also crucial in monitoring HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment)
risks. By implementing a contractor qualification process, we can ensure that only assessed suppliers and
contractors are selected for on-site activities. This approach helps to keep incidents as low as possible by
working with qualified and reliable partners. All these supply chain activities are embedded in a continuous
monitoring process that includes supplier performance evaluation, supplier audits, and risk monitoring. This
ensures that we can identify problems in time and provide corrective actions as safeguards. As a result, we were
able to minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions, maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and
support our business growth.
Through our Sustainable Supply Base Management (SSBM) approach, we assess environment, social and
governance (ESG) risks, compliance, and the performance of our suppliers in these areas to make sure they meet
our expectations. These expectations are detailed in the ABB Code of Conduct and the ABB Supplier Code of
Conduct. The SSBM program includes both supplier self-assessments and on-site assessments/audits, covering
both new supplier on-boarding and existing supplier monitoring. In 2024, we continued to work closely with our
suppliers to ensure compliance with these standards and to drive improvements in sustainability practices
across our supply chain.
We initiated conflict mineral processes in 2013 and have continuously aimed at improving and tailoring the
processes to our value chain, continuing to work with our suppliers and customers. In 2024, we continued our
cobalt due diligence process and have extended the program further to include mica. Further information on
ABB’s Conflict Minerals policy and supplier requirements can be found under “Responsible Minerals Sourcing” at
https://global.abb/group/en/about/supplying/responsible-minerals.
Furthermore, ABB has developed a list of prohibited and restricted substances to ensure that the materials we
use do not contribute to environmental degradation. We update this list regularly in line with international
regulations, including the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations and California Proposition 65.
More information on our Product Material Compliance program and supplier requirements can be found under
“Material Compliance” at https://global.abb/group/en/about/supplying/material-compliance.
In November 2023, ABB announced its Net Zero emission targets, which were approved by the SBTi in 2024. For
Scope 3, this means a reduction of 25 percent by 2030, compared to a 2022 baseline. As supply chain emissions
form part of overall Scope 3 emissions, ABB continues to work closely with its most impactful suppliers to reduce
GHG emissions along the supply chain. In 2024, we continued our partnership with EcoVadis, a leading service
provider in the ESG domain, to engage with suppliers for GHG emission data collection and supplier education
on this topic.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
15
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
As of December 31, 2024, we occupy real estate in around 100 countries throughout the world. The facilities
consist mainly of manufacturing plants, office buildings, research centers and warehouses. A substantial portion
of our production and development facilities is situated in China, the U.S., Germany, Finland, Sweden, Italy,
Canada, Poland, India, Mexico and the Czech Republic. We also own or lease other properties, including office
buildings, warehouses, research and development facilities and sales offices in many countries. We own
substantially all of the machinery and equipment used in our manufacturing operations.
From time to time, we have a surplus of space arising from acquisitions, production efficiencies and/or
restructuring of operations. Normally, we seek to sell such surplus space which may involve leasing property to
third parties for an interim period.
The net book value of our property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2024, was $4,177 million, of which
machinery and equipment represented $1,388 million, land and buildings represented $2,006 million and
construction in progress represented $783 million. We believe that our current facilities are in good condition
and are adequate to meet the requirements of our present and foreseeable future operations.
MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
In 2024, we strengthened our operations and increased results with broad improvements across the income
statement. These improvements were supported by a strong underlying market, driven by electrification but also
through improvements in operations, demonstrating that changes introduced through the ABB Way are making
ABB a sustainable, well running company. After a period of transformation, all our businesses are now aligned
with our purpose and are well-positioned at the center of key trends, such as electricity becoming the primary
energy source and the increasing need for automation and digitalization to remain able to produce. We support
our customers with high-quality, low-carbon solutions and energy efficient offerings, while also helping
manufacturing companies automate for greater resource efficiency. This year we saw strong growth in our
electrification offerings, driven by rapidly increasing demand for electricity, which is expected to grow nine times
faster than other energy sources between 2023 and 2030. This strength more than offset softness in discrete
automation. Although the fundamental long-term market drivers remain intact in this business segment,
customer activity this year was tempered mainly by normalized ordering patterns after a period of pre-buys.
The ABB Way operating model is firmly established within our organization, supported by the fact that our new
CEO, Morten Wierod, and two new Business area presidents, Giampiero Frisio and Brandon Spencer, are internal
hires with proven track records of successfully managing within this framework. From this strong level we see
opportunities to deepen the impact of the ABB Way by extending it further into the business lines. Our goal is to
make the ABB Way second nature across all teams, incentivizing management with clear strategic mandates, as
well as increasing accountability, transparency and speed of operations. By applying this framework at a more
granular level, each division can tailor strategies to its specific needs, ensuring consistent and focused
performance throughout the organization.
Active portfolio management remains a key part of our performance culture and is integrated into the
responsibilities of divisional management teams. While we are committed to acquisitions as a growth driver, it is
not yet fully ingrained in our ways of working and this will continue to be a focus area going forward. This
includes identifying areas for inorganic growth through acquisitions related to new segments, new market
access, better economies of scale or filling technology gaps. The divisions also assess, based on systematic
portfolio reviews, whether, ultimately, their division is the best owner of their different businesses.
16
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In 2024, we accelerated this activity with bolt-on acquisitions and strategic partnerships led by our divisions,
completing seven acquisitions and nine new venture capital investments, as well as eight follow-on investments,
moving us closer to our target range of 1 to 2 percent of revenue growth through acquisitions. The Service
Division in the Electrification Business area acquired the SEAM Group, which adds energy asset management and
advisory services to clients across industrial and commercial building markets while the Process Automation
Business area completed three acquisitions, the largest being the acquisition of Födisch Group, in the
Measurement & Analytics Division. The Motion Business area also completed the integration of two previously
announced acquisitions and announced the acquisition of the power electronics business of Gamesa Electric in
Spain from Siemens Gamesa which expected to close in the second half of 2025 and will strengthen ABB’s
position in the growing market for high-powered renewable power conversion technology. Electrification also
announced another sizeable acquisition. We have agreed to acquire the Wiring & Accessories business of
Siemens in China, led by our Smart Buildings Division, which will expand our market reach and enhance our
regional customer offerings with a full range of safe and reliable smart building technologies.
Business progress
During 2024, underlying demand for ABB’s offering remained resilient, improving still on the high level in the
previous year. Throughout the year we saw strong customer activity in investments to strengthen electrical
infrastructure, expand power generation and integrate renewables. Demand was strong in data centers, as well
as in the marine, ports, and rail sectors. Investments in the buildings segments improved year-on-year driven
mainly by investments in commercial buildings while residential buildings stabilized outside of China. In the
robotics-related segments, orders declined in automotive but improved in general industry and consumer-
related segments. The machine builder segment declined as customers normalized order patterns after earlier
pre-buys and a softer underlying market. In total, orders were flat year-on-year (increased 1 percent in local
currencies) and continued to exceed revenues in three out of four Business areas.
Revenues in 2024 improved 2 percent (3 percent comparable) to $32,850 million, driven primarily by volume with
some additional support from price. The positive developments in the Electrification and Process Automation
Business areas were partially offset by sharp declines in the Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area and
the E-mobility business, where the markets were weak and order backlog in Robotics & Discrete Automation
normalized. The Motion Business area, meanwhile, remained broadly stable while growth from backlog execution
in the long-cycle businesses, as well as positive price impacts were offset by declines in the short-cycle business.
Group profitability showed strong improvement during 2024 with improvements recorded in three out of four
Business areas. The result was driven by the positive impacts from higher volumes and pricing which more than
offset some inflation related to commodities and labor. The result also reflects the impacts from operational
efficiency measures which outweighed some additional expenses related to research and development and
selling, general and administrative activities.
The profitability improvement and our ability to reduce net working capital allowed us to achieve strong
operating cashflows and deliver in line with our ambition of reaching a free cash flow of at least last year’s level.
Cash flows from operating activities improved to $4.7 billion in 2024, an increase of $0.4 billion compared to
2023.
Financial targets confirmed
Under the new leadership of Morten Wierod as CEO, we reconfirmed our commitment to achieving our financial
targets set during 2023.
We target growth of 5 to 7 percent for comparable average revenue growth through an economic cycle which is a
constant currency measure and excludes impacts from acquisitions and divestments. In addition, we continue to
target 1 to 2 percent acquired revenue growth through the economic cycle, net of acquisitions and divestments.
For the Operational EBITA margin, our target is to be in the range of 16 to 19 percent on an annual basis. As a
result of our higher growth and Operational EBITA margin targets and increasing focus on capital returns, our
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) target remains to be above 18 percent excluding transformative deals
(defined as being larger than 3 percent of annual consolidated revenues).
Additionally, we have sharpened our EPS growth target to be at least in the high single-digits through the
economic cycle, reflecting our confidence in our ability to sustainably reduce the gap between Operational EBITA
and Income from operations. Lastly, we maintain our target to achieve a free cash flow conversion of
approximately 100 percent on an annual basis.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
17
Capital allocation
Our capital allocation priorities are unchanged. Our goal is profitable growth. Our top priority is to fund organic
growth through strategic investments in research and development and production capacity. In 2024, we
allocated $1.5 billion to non-order related research and development, representing 4.5 percent of revenues, and
increased our capital expenditure by
10
percent to $845 million. Beyond that, our policy is to maintain a rising,
sustainable dividend per share over time. With the remaining free cash flow, we plan to increase our business
acquisition activity to achieve our target of adding 1 to 2 percent growth through acquisitions. Lastly, share
buybacks will continue to be part of our strategy; however, the extent of these programs will ultimately depend
on the level committed to acquisitions.
We expect our strong cash generation to continue on the back of the ABB Way operating model, which will allow
us to invest in both organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions, while providing attractive returns to shareholders.
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors is proposing a dividend of
0.90
Swiss francs per
share. Under the various share buyback programs we repurchased $
1
billion of shares in 2024.
Sustainability Agenda
With our Sustainability Agenda, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable world, leading by example in
our own operations and partnering with customers and suppliers to enable a low-carbon society, preserve
resources and promote social progress. All three pillars of our sustainability agenda are underpinned by our
commitment to create a culture of integrity and transparency across our value chain. In 2024, we obtained
approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for our updated net-zero targets. We have raised our
Scope 3 emissions reduction target to 25 percent by 2030. By 2050, we aim to achieve a 100 percent reduction in
Scope 1 and 2 emissions from our 2019 baseline, and a 90 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions from our 2022
baseline. Furthermore, we are making good progress towards our sustainability targets and have embedded
sustainability even further into our divisions. For a detailed discussion of our Sustainability Strategy 2030 and
our progress in 2024, see our “Sustainability Statement” available as part of our annual reporting suite on our
website at https://global.abb/group/en/investors/annual-reporting-suite.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AND ESTIMATES
GENERAL
We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and present these in U.S.
dollars unless otherwise stated.
The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make assumptions and estimates that affect the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis (see “Note 2 - Significant accounting policies” to
our Consolidated Financial Statements for a listing of our most significant accounting estimates). Where
appropriate, we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to
be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the
carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ
from our estimates and assumptions.
18
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
We deem an accounting policy to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on
assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates
that reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to
occur periodically, could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. We also deem an accounting
policy to be critical when the application of such policy is essential to our ongoing operations. We believe the
following critical accounting policies require us to make subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to
make estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain and material to our Consolidated Financial
Statements. These policies should be considered when reading our Consolidated Financial Statements.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has
commercial substance, contains payment terms, the rights and commitments of both parties, and has been
approved. By analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer, we
determine which revenue recognition method applies.
We recognize revenues when control of goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects
the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for these goods or services. Control is transferred
when the customer has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the goods or services.
The percentage
of
completion method of accounting is generally used when recognizing revenue on an over time
basis and involves the use of assumptions and projections, principally relating to future material, labor,
subcontractor and project
related overhead costs as well as estimates of the amount of variable consideration
to which we expect to be entitled. As a consequence, there is a risk that total contract costs or the amount of
variable consideration will, respectively, either exceed or be lower than those we originally estimated (based on
all information reasonably available to us) and the margin will decrease or the contract may become
unprofitable. This risk increases if the duration of a contract increases because there is a higher probability that
the circumstances upon which we originally developed our estimates will change, resulting in increased costs
that we may not recover. Factors that could cause costs to increase include:
unanticipated technical problems with equipment supplied or developed by us which may require
us to incur additional costs to remedy,
changes in the cost of components, materials or labor,
difficulties in obtaining required governmental permits or approvals,
project modifications creating unanticipated costs,
suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform, and
delays caused by unexpected conditions or events.
Changes in our initial assumptions, which we review on a regular basis between balance sheet dates, may result
in revisions to estimated costs, current earnings and anticipated earnings. We recognize these changes in the
period in which the changes in estimates are determined. By recognizing changes in estimates cumulatively,
recorded revenue and costs to date reflect the current estimates of the stage of completion of each project.
Additionally, losses on such contracts are recognized in the period when they are identified and are based upon
the anticipated excess of contract costs over the related contract revenues.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
As more fully described in “Note 18 - Employee benefits” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we have a
number of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans and recognize an asset for a plan’s
overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We measure
such a plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the year.
Significant differences between assumptions and actual experience, or significant changes in assumptions, may
materially affect the pension obligations. The effects of actual results differing from assumptions and the
changing of assumptions are included in net actuarial loss within Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
19
We recognize actuarial gains and losses gradually over time. Any cumulative unrecognized actuarial gain or loss
that exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the present value of the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and the fair
value of plan assets is recognized in earnings over the expected average remaining working lives of the
employees participating in the plan, or the expected average remaining lifetime of the inactive plan participants
if the plan is comprised of all or almost all inactive participants. Otherwise, the actuarial gain or loss is not
recognized in the Consolidated Income Statements.
We use actuarial valuations to determine our pension costs and credits. The amounts calculated depend on a
variety of key assumptions, including discount rates, mortality rates and expected return on plan assets. Under
U.S. GAAP, we are required to consider current market conditions in making these assumptions. In particular, the
discount rates are reviewed annually based on changes in long
term, highly
rated corporate bond yields.
Decreases in the discount rates result in an increase in the PBO and a decrease in pension costs. Conversely, an
increase in the discount rates results in a decrease in the PBO and an increase in pension costs. The mortality
assumptions are reviewed annually by management. Decreases in mortality rates result in an increase in the PBO
and in pension costs. Conversely, an increase in mortality rates results in a decrease in the PBO and in pension
costs.
Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.25 percentage-point decrease in the discount rate would have
increased the PBO related to our defined benefit pension plans by $146 million while a 0.25 percentage-point
increase in the discount rate would have decreased the PBO related to our defined benefit pension plans by
$142 million.
The expected return on plan assets is reviewed regularly and considered for adjustment annually based upon the
target asset allocations and represents the long
term return expected to be achieved. Decreases in the expected
return on plan assets result in an increase to pension costs. Holding all other assumptions constant, an increase
or decrease of 0.25 percentage points in the expected long
term rate of asset return would have decreased or
increased, respectively, the net periodic benefit cost in 2024 by $16 million.
The funded status, which can increase or decrease based on the performance of the financial markets or changes
in our assumptions, does not represent a mandatory short-term cash obligation. Instead, the funded status of a
defined benefit pension plan is the difference between the PBO and the fair value of the plan assets. Our defined
benefit pension plans were overfunded by $246 million and $212 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively.
INCOME TAXES
In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the
jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax expense from continuing operations is reconciled from the
weighted
average global tax rate (rather than from the Swiss domestic statutory tax rate). As the parent
company of the ABB Group, ABB Ltd, is domiciled in Switzerland, income which has been generated in
jurisdictions outside of Switzerland (hereafter “foreign jurisdictions”) and has already been subject to corporate
income tax in those foreign jurisdictions is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland. Therefore, generally no
or only limited Swiss income tax has to be provided for on the repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. There
is no requirement in Switzerland for a parent company of a group to file a tax return of the group determining
domestic and foreign pre
tax income and as our consolidated income from continuing operations is
predominantly earned outside of Switzerland, corporate income tax in foreign jurisdictions largely determines
our global weighted
average tax rate.
We account for deferred taxes by using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we determine
deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax
bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and
laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We recognize a deferred tax
asset when it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized. We regularly review our deferred tax assets
for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based upon historical losses, projected future taxable
income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. To the extent we increase or
decrease this allowance in a period, we recognize the change in the allowance within Income tax expense in the
Consolidated Income Statements unless the change relates to discontinued operations, in which case the
change is recorded in Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. Unforeseen changes in tax rates and tax
laws, as well as differences in the projected taxable income as compared to the actual taxable income, may
affect these estimates.
20
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Certain countries levy withholding taxes, dividend distribution taxes or additional corporate income taxes
(hereafter “withholding taxes”) on dividend distributions. Such taxes cannot always be fully reclaimed by the
shareholder, although they have to be declared and withheld by the subsidiary. Switzerland has concluded
double taxation treaties with many countries in which we operate. These treaties either eliminate or reduce such
withholding taxes on dividend distributions. It is our policy to distribute retained earnings of subsidiaries,
insofar as such earnings are not permanently reinvested or no other reasons exist that would prevent the
subsidiary from distributing them. No deferred tax liability is set up if retained earnings are considered as
indefinitely reinvested and used for financing current operations as well as business growth through working
capital and capital expenditure in those countries.
We operate in numerous tax jurisdictions and, as a result, are regularly subject to audit by tax authorities,
including for transfer pricing. We provide for tax contingencies whenever it is deemed more likely than not that a
tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred for events such as tax claims or changes in tax
laws. Contingency provisions are recorded based on the technical merits of our filing position, considering the
applicable tax laws and OECD guidelines and are based on our evaluations of the facts and circumstances as of
the end of each reporting period. Changes in the facts and circumstances could result in a material change to the
tax accruals. Although we believe that our tax estimates are reasonable and that appropriate tax reserves have
been made, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be different than that which is
reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals.
An estimated loss from a tax contingency must be accrued as a charge to income if it is more likely than not that
a tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably
estimated. We apply a two
step approach to recognize and measure uncertainty in income taxes. The first step is
to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or
litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more
than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The required amount of provisions for
contingencies of any type may change in the future due to new developments.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We review goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We use either a qualitative or quantitative assessment
method for each reporting unit.
As each of our divisions have full ownership and accountability for their respective strategies, performance and
resources, we have determined our reporting units to be at the division level, which is generally one level below
our reportable segments of Electrification, Motion, Process Automation and Robotics & Discrete Automation.
When performing the qualitative assessment, we first determine, for a reporting unit, factors which would affect
the fair value of the reporting unit including: (i) macroeconomic conditions related to the business, (ii) industry
and market trends, and (iii) the overall future financial performance and future opportunities in the markets in
which the business operates. We then consider how these factors would impact the most recent quantitative
analysis of the reporting unit’s fair value. Key assumptions in determining the fair value of the reporting unit
include the projected level of business operations including future expected profit margins, the reporting unit’s
weighted-average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate.
In 2024, we reduced our ownership interest in InCharge Energy, Inc. which was part of our E-mobility operating
segment (included within Corporate and Other), see Note 4 Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted
companies. Apart from the aforementioned, there were no other changes to our divisions. Where a change in
reporting unit arises during the course of the financial year, an interim impairment test is conducted before and
after the change. In both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ tests, it was concluded that the fair value of the reporting units
exceeded the carrying value by a significant amount.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
21
We periodically select certain divisions for quantitative assessment based on a number of factors including but
not limited to duration between valuation assessments, frequency and magnitude of acquisitions and
divestments, internal organization changes and other external market factors, as well as underlying division
performance. In 2024, we elected to perform quantitative assessments for six divisions: Smart Buildings, Drive
Products, System Drives, Measurement & Analytics, Robotics and Machine Automation, and our two E-mobility
reporting units. For each of these divisions the fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow fair value
estimate based on objective information available at the measurement date. The significant assumptions used
to develop the estimates of fair value for each division included management’s best estimates of the expected
future results, as well as discount and terminal growth rates specific to the reporting unit. The fair value
estimates were based on assumptions that a market participant would expect to use, but which are inherently
uncertain and thus, actual results may differ from those estimates. The fair values for each of the individual
reporting units and their associated goodwill were determined using Level 3 measurements. In each of the above
quantitative assessments, it was concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value
by more than 100 percent. For the remaining divisions, we performed qualitative assessments and determined
that it was not more likely than not that the fair value for each of these reporting units was below the carrying
value.
Intangible assets are reviewed for recoverability upon the occurrence of certain triggering events (such as a
decision to divest a business or projected losses of an entity) or whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We record impairment charges other than
impairments of goodwill in Other income (expense), in our Consolidated Income Statements, unless they relate
to a discontinued operation, in which case the charges are recorded in Loss from discontinued operations, net of
tax.
NEW ACCOUNTING
PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a description of accounting changes and recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates
of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our Consolidated Financial Statements, see “Note 2 - Significant
accounting policies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTMENTS
ACQUISITIONS
During 2024, 2023, and 2022, ABB paid $583 million, $175 million and $195 million to purchase seven, seven and
five businesses, respectively.
The largest of our acquisitions in 2024 was the Födisch Group, a worldwide provider of advanced measurement
and analytical solutions for the energy and industrial sectors, resulting in net cash outflows of $287 million and
enhancing Process Automation’s offering in continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS).
22
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The principal acquisition in 2022 was InCharge Energy, Inc. (In-Charge), where, at the time, we increased our
ownership to a 60 percent controlling interest, expanding the market presence of our E-mobility business,
particularly in the North American market. In-Charge is headquartered in Santa Monica, United States, and is a
provider of turn-key commercial electric vehicle charging hardware and software solutions.
There were no significant acquisitions in 2023.
See “Note 4 - Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies” to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
DIVESTMENTS AND SPIN-OFFS
In 2024, together with the Niedax Group, we formed a new joint venture company, Abnex Inc. (Abnex) and
contributed our North American cable tray business to Abnex in return for a 50 percent ownership interest. The
transaction resulted in a gain of $72 million from the effective sale of our North American cable tray business and
a separate acquisition at fair value of 50 percent of Abnex amounting to $124 million and accounted for using the
equity method. Prior to its transfer to Abnex the North American cable tray business was part of Electrification
Business area.
During 2024 we and the noncontrolling shareholders of In
-
Charge, mutually agreed to terminate our respective
put and call options by settling these contracts on a net basis. This agreement resulted in the reduction of our
direct ownership in In
-
Charge to approximately 46 percent. This transaction was treated similar to that of a
business divestment, resulting in a loss of $88 million in connection with the loss of control, and a separate
acquisition at fair value of the 46 percent investment (amounting to $69 million) accounted for using the equity
method.
In July 2023, we completed the sale of our Power Conversion Division to AcBel Polytech Inc. for cash proceeds of
$496 million, net of transaction costs and cash disposed, and recognized a net gain on sale of $59 million. Prior
to its disposal, the Power Conversion Division was part of our Electrification Business area.
In connection with the divestment of our Power Grids business (Hitachi Energy) to Hitachi Ltd in 2020 (see
“Note 3 - Discontinued operations”), ABB initially retained a 19.9 percent interest in the business until 2022, when
we agreed with Hitachi that we would sell our remaining investment in Hitachi Energy and concurrently settle
certain outstanding contractual obligations relating to the initial sale of the business, including certain
indemnification guarantees (see Note “15 - Commitments and contingencies”). The transaction was completed
in December 2022, and we received proceeds of $1,552 million.
Spin-off of the Turbocharging Division
In 2022, the shareholders approved the spin-off of our Turbocharging Division into an independent, publicly
traded company, Accelleron Industries AG (Accelleron), which was completed through the distribution of
common stock of Accelleron to the stockholders of ABB on October 3, 2022. As a result of the spin-off of this
Division, we distributed net assets of $272 million, net of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of
$12 million, which was reflected as a reduction in Retained earnings. In addition, total accumulated
comprehensive income of $95 million, including the cumulative translation adjustment, was reclassified to
Retained earnings. Cash and cash equivalents distributed with Accelleron was $172 million. Prior to being spun-
off, the Turbocharging Division was part of our Process Automation Business area.
For more information on the above transactions, see “Note 4 - Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted
companies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
23
EXCHANGE RATES
We report our financial results in U.S. dollars. Due to our global operations, a significant amount of our revenues,
expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in other currencies. As a consequence, movements in exchange
rates between currencies may affect: (i) our profitability, (ii) the comparability of our results between periods
and (iii) the reported carrying value of our assets and liabilities.
We translate non
USD denominated results of operations, assets and liabilities to USD in our Consolidated
Financial Statements. Balance sheet items are translated to USD using year
end currency exchange rates. Income
statement and cash flow items are translated to USD using the relevant monthly average currency exchange rate.
Increases and decreases in the value of the USD against other currencies will affect the reported results of
operations in our Consolidated Income Statements and the value of certain of our assets and liabilities in our
Consolidated Balance Sheets, even if our results of operations or the value of those assets and liabilities have not
changed in their original currency. As foreign exchange rates impact our reported results of operations and the
reported value of our assets and liabilities, changes in foreign exchange rates could significantly affect the
comparability of our reported results of operations between periods and result in significant changes to the
reported value of our assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity.
While we operate globally and report our financial results in USD, exchange rate movements between the USD
and the EUR, the CNY and the CHF are of particular importance to us due to (i) the location of our significant
operations and (ii) our corporate headquarters being in Switzerland.
The exchange rates between the USD and the EUR, the USD and the CHF and the USD and the CNY at
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:
Exchange rates into $
2024
2023
2022
EUR 1.00
1.04
1.11
1.07
CHF 1.00
1.10
1.20
1.08
CNY 1.00
0.14
0.14
0.14
The average exchange rates between the USD and the EUR, the USD and the CHF and the USD and the CNY for
the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:
Exchange rates into $
2024
2023
2022
EUR 1.00
1.08
1.08
1.05
CHF 1.00
1.14
1.11
1.05
CNY 1.00
0.14
0.14
0.15
When we incur expenses that are not denominated in the same currency as the related revenues, foreign
exchange rate fluctuations could affect our profitability. To mitigate the impact of exchange rate movements on
our profitability, it is our policy to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign
exchange transaction risk of our operations.
24
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In 2024, approximately 72 percent of our consolidated revenues were reported in currencies other than the USD.
The following percentages of consolidated revenues were reported in the following currencies:
Euro, approximately 23 percent, and
Chinese renminbi, approximately 13 percent.
In 2024, approximately 72 percent of our cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses were
reported in currencies other than the USD. The following percentages of consolidated cost of sales and selling,
general and administrative expenses were reported in the following currencies:
Euro, approximately 21 percent, and
Chinese renminbi, approximately 11 percent.
We also incur expenses other than cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses in various
currencies.
The results of operations and financial position of our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. are generally accounted
for in the currencies of the countries in which those subsidiaries are located. We refer to these currencies as
“local currencies”. Local currency financial information is then translated into USD at applicable exchange rates
for inclusion in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The discussion of our results of operations below provides certain information with respect to orders, revenues,
income from operations and other measures as reported in USD (as well as in local currencies). We measure
period
to
period variations in local currency results by using a constant foreign exchange rate for all periods
under comparison. Differences in our results of operations in local currencies as compared to our results of
operations in USD are caused exclusively by changes in currency exchange rates.
While we consider our results of operations as measured in local currencies to be a significant indicator of
business performance, local currency information should not be relied upon to the exclusion of U.S. GAAP
financial measures. Instead, local currencies reflect an additional measure of comparability and provide a means
of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed together with the U.S. GAAP results, provide a more
complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the business. As local currency information is not
standardized, it may not be possible to compare our local currency information to other companies’ financial
measures that have the same or a similar title. We encourage investors to review our financial statements and
publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.
ORDERS
Our policy is to book and report an order when a binding contractual agreement has been concluded with a
customer covering, at a minimum, the price and scope of products or services to be supplied, the delivery
schedule and the payment terms. The reported value of an order corresponds to the undiscounted value of
revenues that we expect to recognize following delivery of the goods or services subject to the order, less any
trade discounts and excluding any value added or sales tax. The value of orders received during a given period of
time represents the sum of the value of all orders received during the period, adjusted to reflect the aggregate
value of any changes to the value of orders received during the period and orders existing at the beginning of the
period. These adjustments, which may in the aggregate increase or decrease the orders reported during the
period, may include changes in the estimated order price up to the date of contractual performance, changes in
the scope of products or services ordered and cancellations of orders. The undiscounted value of future revenues
we expect to generate from our orders at any point in time is represented by our order backlog.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
25
The level of orders fluctuates from year to year. Portions of our business involve orders for long
term projects
that can take months or years to complete and many larger orders result in revenues in periods after the order is
booked. Consequently, the level of orders generally cannot be used to accurately predict future revenues or
operating performance. Orders that have been placed can often be cancelled, delayed or modified by the
customer. These actions can reduce or delay any future revenues from the order or may result in the elimination
of the order.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on orders received, revenues and Operational
EBITA.
Operational EBITA represents income from operations excluding:
amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions (acquisition-related amortization),
restructuring, related and implementation costs,
changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the
divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),
gains and losses from sale of businesses (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities
held for sale, if any),
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 and certain other fair value changes, as well as other items which are
determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
See “Note 24 - Operating segment and geographic data” to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a
reconciliation of the total Operational EBITA to income from continuing operations before taxes.
26
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
AND ASSOCIATES
In the normal course of our business, we purchase products from, sell products to and engage in other
transactions with entities in which we hold an equity interest. The amounts involved in these transactions are
not material to ABB Ltd. Prior to its sale in December 2022, our most significant equity method investment was
in Hitachi Energy Ltd (see “Note 4 - Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies” for details).
Also, in the normal course of our business, we engage in transactions with businesses that we have divested. We
believe that the terms of the transactions we conduct with these companies are negotiated on an arm’s length
basis.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
27
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The discussion in the following sections below provides a comparative analysis between 2024 and 2023. See the
sections under “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in our Financial Report 2023 for a comparative
discussion and analysis between 2023 and 2022.
Our consolidated results from operations were as follows:
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
($ in millions, except per share data in $)
2024
2023
2022
Revenues
32,850
32,235
29,446
Cost of sales
(20,576)
(21,021)
(19,736)
Gross profit
12,274
11,214
9,710
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(5,708)
(5,543)
(5,132)
Non-order related research and development expenses
(1,469)
(1,317)
(1,166)
Other income (expense), net
(26)
517
(75)
Income from operations
5,071
4,871
3,337
Interest and dividend income
206
165
72
Interest and other finance expense
(99)
(275)
(130)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
55
17
115
Income tax expense
(1,278)
(930)
(757)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,955
3,848
2,637
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(3)
(24)
(43)
Net income
3,952
3,824
2,594
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests
(17)
(79)
(119)
Net income attributable to ABB
3,935
3,745
2,475
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,937
3,769
2,517
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(2)
(24)
(42)
Net income
3,935
3,745
2,475
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.14
2.03
1.33
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.02
1.30
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.13
2.02
1.32
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.01
1.30
A more detailed discussion of the orders, revenues, income from operations and Operational EBITA for our
Business areas follows in the sections of “Business analysis” below for Electrification, Motion, Process
Automation, Robotics & Discrete Automation, and Corporate and Other. Orders and revenues of our businesses
include intersegment transactions which are eliminated in the “Corporate and Other” line in the tables below.
28
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
ORDERS
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Electrification
16,422
15,189
15,182
8%
0%
Motion
7,989
8,222
7,896
(3)%
4%
Process Automation
7,106
7,535
6,825
(6)%
10%
Robotics & Discrete Automation
2,596
3,066
4,116
(15)%
(26)%
Total Business areas
34,113
34,012
34,019
0%
0%
Corporate and Other
E-mobility, Non-core and divested businesses
503
720
787
(30)%
(9)%
Intersegment eliminations
(926)
(914)
(818)
n.a.
n.a.
Total
33,690
33,818
33,988
0%
(1)%
In 2024, total orders remained stable compared to the previous year (increasing 1 percent in local currencies).
The Electrification Business area saw strong order growth across most consumer segments, with particularly
high demand from data centers and utilities. Orders in the Motion Business area decreased slightly as orders in
long-cycle businesses declined against a high comparable while orders from short-cycle businesses were flat.
Orders in the Process Automation Business area decreased compared to 2023, which included a significant
amount for large orders. However, underlying order demand in 2024 was strong in the marine and ports
consumer segments as well as in low-carbon segments. Orders in the Robotics & Discrete Automation Business
area declined sharply, led by the Machine Automation Division, as customers continued to adjust their order
patterns after a period of pre-buys in response to weakened demand, particularly in industrial automation. For
additional information about individual Business area order performance, refer to the relevant sections of
“Business analysis” below.
We determine the geographic distribution of our orders based on the location of the ultimate destination of the
products’ end-use, if known, or the location of the customer. The geographic distribution of our consolidated
orders was as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Europe
11,454
11,458
11,778
0%
(3)%
The Americas
12,110
12,437
11,825
(3)%
5%
of which: United States
8,978
9,204
8,920
(2)%
3%
Asia, Middle East and Africa
10,126
9,923
10,385
2%
(4)%
of which: China
3,952
4,488
5,087
(12)%
(12)%
Total
33,690
33,818
33,988
0%
(1)%
In 2024, orders decreased 3 percent in the Americas (2 percent in local currencies), driven mainly by the recording
of two large orders in the U.S. totaling $435 million in 2023. Despite this impact, underlying demand in 2024
remained strong in the United States. Orders also decreased in Canada and Mexico, partially offset by strong
growth in Brazil. In Europe, orders were flat (flat in local currencies). Orders were higher in Germany, Sweden,
Finland and the Netherlands while they declined in Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. In Asia, Middle East
and Africa, orders increased 2 percent (5 percent in local currencies). Orders declined in China but were more
than offset by strong order growth in markets such as Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
29
ORDER BACKLOG
% Change
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Electrification
7,506
6,808
6,404
10%
6%
Motion
5,239
5,343
4,726
(2)%
13%
Process Automation
7,437
7,519
6,229
(1)%
21%
Robotics & Discrete Automation
1,447
2,141
2,679
(32)%
(20)%
Total Business areas
21,629
21,811
20,038
(1)%
9%
Corporate and Other
E-mobility, Non-core and divested businesses
359
508
552
(29)%
(8)%
Intersegment eliminations
(767)
(752)
(723)
n.a.
n.a.
Total
21,221
21,567
19,867
(2)%
9%
At December 31, 2024, consolidated order backlog was 2 percent lower (4 percent higher in local currencies)
compared to December 31, 2023. The order backlog declined primarily due to movements in foreign currencies. In
local currencies, order backlog increased in all Business areas except Robotics & Discrete Automation. The order
backlog in the Electrification Business area was driven by order growth in the Smart Power and Service Divisions
while the order backlog in the Motion Business area increased in the Traction and IEC LV Motors Divisions. The
increase in the order backlog in the Process Automation Business area was driven by the Marine & Ports and
Energy Industries Divisions, where orders continued to outpace revenues. This was partially offset by the
decrease in order backlog in the Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area which was a result of the decline
in orders in both divisions, as well as the negative impact of a customer outreach performed to confirm the
existing order backlog following a period of significant customer pre-ordering.
REVENUES
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Electrification
15,448
14,584
13,619
6%
7%
Motion
7,787
7,814
6,745
0%
16%
Process Automation
6,756
6,270
6,044
8%
4%
Robotics & Discrete Automation
3,213
3,640
3,181
(12)%
14%
Total Business areas
33,204
32,308
29,589
3%
9%
Corporate and Other
E-mobility, Non-core and divested businesses
558
769
653
(27)%
18%
Intersegment eliminations
(912)
(842)
(796)
n.a.
n.a.
Total
32,850
32,235
29,446
2%
9%
In 2024, revenues increased by 2 percent (3 percent in local currencies), primarily driven by volume growth, with
additional support from pricing adjustments. Strong execution of our order backlog into revenue supported
growth, driven by the Process Automation and Electrification Business areas, with the latter also positively
impacted by increased short-cycle demand. Revenue was broadly stable in the Motion Business area with
positive impacts from pricing offset by volume declines in the short-cycle businesses. In the Robotics & Discrete
Automation Business area, as well as the E-mobility Division, revenues declined sharply as underlying markets
remained weak, consistent with the with the slowdown in orders. For additional analysis of revenues for each of
the Business areas, refer to the relevant sections of “Business analysis” below.
30
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
We determine the geographic distribution of our revenues based on the location of the ultimate destination of
the products’ end use, if known, or the location of the customer. The geographic distribution of our consolidated
revenues was as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Europe
11,119
11,568
10,285
(4)%
12%
The Americas
11,805
11,090
9,573
6%
16%
of which: United States
8,879
8,248
7,023
8%
17%
Asia, Middle East and Africa
9,926
9,577
9,588
4%
0%
of which: China
4,296
4,468
4,696
(4)%
(5)%
Total
32,850
32,235
29,446
2%
9%
In 2024, revenues increased 6 percent in the Americas (7 percent in local currencies), where revenues in the
United States increased 8 percent (8 percent in local currencies). Revenues in the Americas also experienced
strong growth in Canada and Chile. In Europe, revenues declined 4 percent (4 percent in local currencies).
Revenues were higher in Switzerland, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom while they declined in Germany,
Italy and Sweden. In Asia, Middle East and Africa, revenues increased 4 percent (7 percent in local currencies)
compared to 2023. Revenues grew in India, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Singapore, partially offset by a decline in
China of 4 percent (2 percent in local currencies).
COST OF SALES
Cost of sales consists primarily of labor, raw materials and component costs but also includes indirect
production costs, expenses for warranties, contract and project charges, as well as order-related development
expenses incurred in connection with projects for which corresponding revenues have been recognized.
In 2024, costs of sales decreased 2 percent (1 percent in local currencies) to $20,576 million. Cost of sales as a
percentage of revenues decreased to 62.6 percent from 65.2 percent in 2023. In 2024, the gross margin increased
in three out of four Business areas, led by the Electrification Business area. The increase in the gross margin was
primarily due to improved operational efficiency from cost mitigation actions taken as well as positive impact
from pricing. In the Motion Business area, there was strong growth mainly due to structural improvements in the
long
-
cycle businesses. The Process Automation Business area also improved, driven primarily by the execution of
the order backlog, which had a more favorable gross margin. The gross margin in the Robotics & Discrete
Automation Business area was broadly stable compared to 2023, negatively impacted by lower volumes driving
under absorption of fixed costs in the latter half of the year, primarily in the Machine Automation Division.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
The components of selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Selling expenses
3,554
3,415
3,248
General and administrative expenses
2,154
2,128
1,884
Total
5,708
5,543
5,132
In 2024, general and administrative expenses increased 1 percent (2 percent in local currencies) compared to
2023, in line with the increase in revenues. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses
remained stable at 6.6 percent compared to 2023. General and administrative expenses in 2024 also includes the
ongoing costs required to deliver services to Hitachi Energy Ltd under transition services agreements for which
we are compensated. We have recorded $45 million in Other income (expense), net, during 2024 compared to
$121 million in 2023 related to these agreements with Hitachi Energy.
In 2024, selling expenses increased 4 percent (5 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023 and was higher in
all Business areas except for Robotics & Discrete Automation. Selling expenses as a percentage of orders
increased from 10.1 percent in 2023 to 10.5 percent in 2024.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
31
NON‑ORDER RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
In 2024, non
order related research and development expenses increased 12 percent (13 percent in local
currencies) compared to 2023. In 2024, non
order related research and development expenses as a percentage of
revenues increased (4.5 percent in 2024 compared to 4.1 percent in 2023) as we continued to execute on the plan
to further invest in research and development. All four Business areas contributed to the increase in non-order
related research and development expenses, led by the Motion and Process Automation Business areas.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from provision of services under transition services agreements
77
175
221
Net gain from sale of property, plant and equipment
60
116
84
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of investments in equity securities
(95)
3
52
Brand income from Hitachi Energy
17
39
57
Fair value adjustments on assets and liabilities held for sale
(113)
Net gain from sale of businesses and equity-accounted investments
(1)
57
101
36
Asset impairments
(27)
(49)
(55)
Income (loss) from equity-accounted companies
(21)
(16)
(102)
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses
(2)
(56)
(20)
(227)
Regulatory penalties in connection with Kusile project
(313)
Other income (expense)
75
168
172
Total
(26)
517
(75)
(1)
2022 includes gain on sale of the remaining 19.9 percent investment in Hitachi Energy Ltd.
(2)
Excluding asset impairments
In 2024, Other income (expense), net, was a loss of $26 million compared to a gain of $517 million in 2023. A key
reason for the change was that, in 2024, we recorded fair value adjustments of $113 million relating to various
businesses held for sale, the largest of which was for In-Charge. We also recorded higher losses for fair value
changes in various equity investments compared to gains in 2023. In addition, the conclusion and winding down
of a number of transition services agreements in 2024 resulted in a decrease in the income arising from the
provision of these services compared to 2023. In 2024, we also had lower gains from sale of property, plant and
equipment.
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Electrification
3,362
2,800
2,140
20%
31%
Motion
1,400
1,390
1,092
1%
27%
Process Automation
974
947
663
3%
43%
Robotics & Discrete Automation
183
446
247
(59)%
81%
Total Business areas
5,919
5,583
4,142
6%
35%
Corporate and Other
(846)
(711)
(804)
n.a.
n.a.
Intersegment elimination
(2)
(1)
(1)
n.a.
n.a.
Total
5,071
4,871
3,337
4%
46%
In 2024 and 2023, changes in income from operations were a result of the factors discussed above and in
“Business analysis” below.
FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES
Financial income and expenses include Interest and dividend income and Interest and other finance expense.
32
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Interest and other finance expense includes interest expense on our debt, the amortization of upfront
transaction costs associated with long
term debt and committed credit facilities, commitment fees on credit
facilities, foreign exchange gains and losses on financial items, and gains and losses on marketable securities. In
addition, interest costs relating to uncertain tax positions are included within interest expense.
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Interest and dividend income
206
165
72
Interest and other finance expense
(99)
(275)
(130)
In 2024, Interest and other finance expense decreased significantly while Interest and dividend income increased
modestly. A higher average U.S. dollar interest rate during 2024 generated higher interest income on cash
deposits (which are largely in U.S. dollars) and also higher gains on investments in money market investment
funds (included in Interest and other finance expense). We realized considerable foreign exchange losses in 2023
while we only had insignificant amounts in 2024. In addition, due to our internal funding structure and the
resulting currency hedging requirements, our Interest and other finance expense reflects more the short-term
Swiss franc interest rates than the direct underlying interest costs incurred in the currencies of our external
debt, especially the euro, reducing the amount of Interest and other finance expense reported in 2024 by more
than half. Our exposure to Swiss franc interest rates (with an offsetting exposure to U.S. dollar and euro rates)
increased during 2024 and this change, combined with an increased average spread during the year between
Swiss franc and U.S. dollar short-term interest rates, has reduced our Interest and other finance expense
compared to 2023.
NON-OPERATIONAL PENSION (COST) CREDIT
A non-operational pension credit of $55 million was recorded in 2024 compared to a $17 million credit in 2023.
The increase in the non-operational pension credit compared to 2023 is primarily due to lower curtailment and
settlement costs and lower interest costs on the benefit obligations (see “Note 18 - Employee benefits” to our
Consolidated Financial Statements).
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from continuing operations before taxes
5,233
4,778
3,394
Income tax expense
(1,278)
(930)
(757)
Effective tax rate for the year
24.4%
19.5%
22.3%
In 2024, the effective tax rate increased to 24.4 percent from 19.5 percent in 2023. In 2024, the increase in the
effective tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical mix of earnings, resulting in a negative impact of
approximately 2 percentage points. The effective tax rate was also positively impacted by favorable
reassessments of uncertain tax provisions of approximately 3 percentage points, while in 2023 the respective
benefit was approximately 4 percentage points.
See “Note 17 - Income taxes” to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
As a result of the factors discussed above, compared to 2023, Income from continuing operations, net of tax,
increased by $107 million to $3,955 million in 2024.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
33
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
In 2020, we completed the divestment of 80.1 percent of our former Power Grids business to Hitachi. As a result
of the sale, substantially all Power Grids related assets and liabilities have been sold. As this divestment
represented a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our operations and financial results, the results
of operations for this business were presented as discontinued operations. In addition, we also have retained
obligations (primarily for environmental and taxes) related to other businesses disposed or otherwise exited
that qualified as discontinued operations. Changes to these retained obligations are also included in Loss from
discontinued operations, net of tax.
For additional information on the divestment and discontinued operations, see “Note 3 - Discontinued
operations” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ABB
As a result of the factors discussed above, compared to 2023, Net income attributable to ABB increased by
$190 million to $3,935 million in 2024.
EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ABB SHAREHOLDERS
(in $)
2024
2023
2022
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.14
2.03
1.33
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.02
1.30
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.13
2.02
1.32
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.01
1.30
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding
during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted
average number of
shares outstanding during the year, assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were exercised, if dilutive.
Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call options and outstanding options and shares
granted subject to certain conditions under our share
based payment arrangements. See “Note 21 - Earnings per
share” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
34
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
BUSINESS ANALYSIS
ELECTRIFICATION BUSINESS AREA
The financial results of our Electrification Business area were as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Orders
16,422
15,189
15,182
8%
0%
Order backlog at December 31,
7,506
6,808
6,404
10%
6%
Revenues
15,448
14,584
13,619
6%
7%
Income from operations
3,362
2,800
2,140
20%
31%
Operational EBITA
3,520
2,937
2,343
20%
25%
Orders
Approximately two-thirds of the Business area’s orders are for products with short lead times or for service
orders; these orders are usually recorded and delivered within a three-month period and thus are generally
considered as short-cycle. The remainder is comprised of smaller project orders that require longer lead times,
as well as larger solutions requiring engineering and installation. Approximately half of the Business area’s
orders are received via third-party distributors. As a consequence, end-customer market data and analysis is
based partially on management estimates.
In 2024, orders increased 8 percent (9 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. Order growth was
somewhat offset by a negative net impact of 1 percent from acquisitions and divestments, primarily from the
divestment of the Power Conversion Division in July 2023, partly offset by the acquisition of the SEAM Group in
August 2024. Order growth was strongest in the Smart Power and Service Divisions. From a customer segment
perspective, order growth was particularly strong in data centers and utilities. Demand in the buildings segment,
the Electrification Business area’s largest end-user segment, also improved, supported by a positive
development in the commercial area while the residential market stabilized at a low level. Short-cycle businesses
grew faster than project- and systems-related businesses.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
35
The geographic distribution of orders for our Electrification Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
4,926
4,629
4,595
The Americas
7,032
6,567
6,509
of which: United States
5,486
5,001
5,062
Asia, Middle East and Africa
4,464
3,993
4,078
of which: China
1,744
1,815
1,992
Total
16,422
15,189
15,182
In 2024, orders increased in all regions. Orders increased 12 percent in Asia, Middle East and Africa (16 percent in
local currencies) as strong growth in markets such as India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates more than
offset a lower level of orders in China and South Korea. Orders in Europe increased 6 percent (6 percent in local
currencies) with growth in markets such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Orders in the
Americas increased 7 percent (8 percent in local currencies) with strong growth in the United States.
Order backlog
In 2024, the order backlog increased 10 percent (15 percent in local currencies). The order backlog growth was led
by the Smart Power Division and mainly reflected an increase in the Division’s long-cycle businesses.
Revenues
In 2024, revenues increased 6 percent (7 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. The revenue growth was
offset partially by a negative net impact of 2 percent from acquisitions and divestments mentioned above.
Revenues grew in four out of our five divisions, led by the Smart Power Division, supported by strong order
backlog execution combined with high demand, particularly in the data centers and utilities customer segments.
Additionally, expanded capacity for medium-voltage switchgear and the resulting lead time reductions
contributed to the revenue increase in the Distribution Solution Division. Overall, pricing actions taken to
mitigate increasing material and labor costs also had a positive impact on the revenue growth in 2024.
The geographic distribution of revenues for our Electrification Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
4,665
4,641
4,318
The Americas
6,622
5,968
5,181
of which: United States
5,150
4,480
3,791
Asia, Middle East and Africa
4,161
3,975
4,120
of which: China
1,795
1,797
1,969
Total
15,448
14,584
13,619
In 2024, revenues in the Americas increased 11 percent (12 percent in local currencies) despite the divestment of
the Power Conversion Division, which had a large market presence in the Americas and negatively impacted
growth in the region by 3 percent. This was only partly offset by the newly acquired SEAM Group, which
contributed less than half a percentage point to the Americas region growth. Revenues increased 5 percent
(8 percent in local currencies) in Asia, Middle East and Africa as strong growth in markets such as India, Australia
and Singapore more than offset a lower level of revenues in markets such as South Korea and Egypt, while
revenues in China were stable. Revenues in Europe increased 1 percent (flat in local currencies) with a mixed
picture across countries, as strength in markets like the United Kingdom and Ireland was offset by weakness in
markets such as the Netherlands and Türkiye.
36
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Income from operations
In 2024, Income from operations increased 20 percent, mainly driven by higher volumes and higher operating
margins. Restructuring-related expenses and implementation costs were lower than the previous year as
right-sizing actions commencing in 2023 neared completion. Benefits of savings realized from these ongoing
restructuring and cost savings programs also positively influenced income from operations. Additionally, pricing
actions helped to partly offset the adverse impact of inflation, primarily in salary and labor costs. The positive
effects were dampened by higher personnel expenses to support business growth. The level of non-order related
research and development spending was higher in 2024 in line with our commitment to ensure a stable
investment level relative to revenues. Our increased research and development spend focused on growth
initiatives, including data center offerings, an enhanced service portfolio, market localization, as well as
investments in sustainable products and renewable energy solutions. Changes in foreign currencies, including
the impacts from FX/commodity timing differences summarized in the table below, negatively impacted income
from operations in 2024 by 2 percent.
Operational EBITA
The reconciliation of Income from operations to Operational EBITA for the Electrification Business area was as
follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from operations
3,362
2,800
2,140
Acquisition-related amortization
94
88
104
Restructuring, related and implementation costs
27
76
28
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses
1
1
Gains and losses from sale of businesses
(73)
(75)
(1)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale
25
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs
38
30
36
Certain other non-operational items
7
16
41
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations
40
1
(6)
Operational EBITA
3,520
2,937
2,343
In 2024, Operational EBITA increased 20 percent (21 percent excluding the impact from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates) compared to 2023, primarily due to the reasons described under “Income from
operations”, excluding the explanations related to the reconciling items in the table above.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
37
MOTION BUSINESS AREA
The financial results of our Motion Business area were as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Orders
7,989
8,222
7,896
(3)%
4%
Order backlog at December 31,
5,239
5,343
4,726
(2)%
13%
Revenues
7,787
7,814
6,745
0%
16%
Income from operations
1,400
1,390
1,092
1%
27%
Operational EBITA
1,518
1,475
1,163
3%
27%
Orders
In 2024, orders were slightly lower from last year’s high level, decreasing 3 percent (2 percent in local currencies)
compared to 2023. The decline in orders was driven by the System Drives Division, partly offset by order growth
in the Service Division. Long-cycle orders declined from last year's elevated levels, which included a significant
share of large orders. Orders in short-cycle businesses were flat, with positive momentum in heating, ventilation,
air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) related sub-segments, despite challenges in the China market. Strong
performance in the power generation segment was offset by third-party order decreases in heavy,
process-related industries such as chemical, oil & gas, metals, pulp and paper, cement and mining.
The geographic distribution of orders for our Motion Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
2,688
2,797
2,710
The Americas
2,545
2,715
2,583
of which: United States
2,010
2,186
2,128
Asia, Middle East and Africa
2,756
2,710
2,603
of which: China
1,217
1,300
1,314
Total
7,989
8,222
7,896
In 2024, orders decreased 4 percent (5 percent in local currencies) in Europe. Volume dropped particularly in
Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and Spain, partly offset by order growth in Finland, Sweden, Austria and
Italy. In Asia, Middle East and Africa, orders increased 2 percent (4 percent in local currencies) supported by large
orders in Australia and the United Arab Emirates, while orders in China and India declined. In the Americas,
orders decreased 6 percent (6 percent in local currencies) driven by the United States, which declined versus last
year's high comparable that included a significant share of large orders. This was partly offset by order growth in
Canada.
38
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Order backlog
Order backlog of $5.2 billion at the end of 2024 decreased 2 percent (increased 4 percent in local currencies)
compared to 2023.
In local currencies, the order backlog increased in the Traction and IEC LV Motors Divisions, partially offset by a
decline in the System Drives Division due to strong order backlog execution.
Revenues
In 2024, revenues remained flat (increased 1 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. The positive impact
from pricing was largely offset by volume declines in the short-cycle divisions. Revenue growth was strong in the
Service Division, as well as in the System Drives and Large Motors & Generators Divisions which were able to
effectively execute on the high order backlog. This was mostly offset by a decline in the Drive Products Division.
The geographic distribution of revenues for our Motion Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
2,514
2,704
2,271
The Americas
2,699
2,650
2,208
of which: United States
2,173
2,176
1,823
Asia, Middle East and Africa
2,574
2,460
2,266
of which: China
1,238
1,256
1,245
Total
7,787
7,814
6,745
In 2024, revenues in Europe decreased 7 percent (8 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. The revenue
decrease was driven by Germany, Italy, Türkiye and France, partly offset by revenue growth in Switzerland, Spain
and Austria. In Asia, Middle East and Africa, revenues increased 5 percent (8 percent in local currencies)
supported by strong growth in India and the United Arab Emirates, while China decreased by 1 percent (flat in
local currencies). In the Americas, revenues increased 2 percent (2 percent in local currencies) driven by revenue
increases in Mexico and Canada, while the United States remained flat.
Income from operations
In 2024, income from operations increased 1 percent (2 percent in local currencies) supported by stable revenues
and continued cost discipline. The decline in the short-cycle business and higher research and development and
selling, general, and administrative expenses, primarily due to the increased cost of labor, were more than offset
by structural profitability improvements in the long-cycle business. The profitability improvement was driven by
the Service Division as a result of both increased revenues and margin. Changes in foreign currencies, including
the impacts from FX/commodity timing differences summarized in the table below, negatively impacted income
from operations by approximately 4 percent.
Operational EBITA
The reconciliation of Income from operations to Operational EBITA for the Motion Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from operations
1,400
1,390
1,092
Acquisition-related amortization
35
35
31
Restructuring, related and implementation costs
39
46
16
Gains and losses from sale of businesses
8
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs
5
17
15
Certain other non-operational items
7
6
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations
32
(19)
1
Operational EBITA
1,518
1,475
1,163
In 2024, Operational EBITA increased 3 percent (3 percent excluding the impact from changes in foreign currency
exchange rates) compared to 2023, primarily due to the reasons described under “Income from operations”,
excluding the explanations related to the reconciling items in the table above.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
39
PROCESS AUTOMATION BUSINESS AREA
The financial results of our Process Automation Business area were as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Orders
7,106
7,535
6,825
(6)%
10%
Order backlog at December 31,
7,437
7,519
6,229
(1)%
21%
Revenues
6,756
6,270
6,044
8%
4%
Income from operations
974
947
663
3%
43%
Operational EBITA
1,025
909
848
13%
7%
Orders
In 2024, orders decreased by 6 percent (5 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023 as the previous year
reflected certain large orders while in the current year, underlying demand remained robust. The Marine & Ports
Division recorded two large orders in 2023 totaling $435 million leading to a decline in 2024, however, underlying
demand in the Division continues to be strong. Orders also declined in the Process Industries Division. The
Measurement & Analytics Division experienced growth in orders as short-cycle demand strengthened throughout
the year. Positive trends were observed in low-carbon segments such as nuclear, carbon capture and hydrogen.
However, orders were lower in large process-related segments including oil & gas, pulp and paper, and mining.
The geographic distribution of orders for our Process Automation Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
2,879
2,662
2,361
The Americas
1,876
2,441
1,994
of which: United States
1,079
1,506
1,201
Asia, Middle East and Africa
2,351
2,432
2,470
of which: China
620
729
748
Total
7,106
7,535
6,825
Orders in Europe increased 8 percent (8 percent in local currencies). Orders increased in Germany, Finland and
the Netherlands. Orders in Asia, Middle East and Africa decreased 3 percent (1 percent in local currencies). Higher
orders in Australia and the United Arab Emirates were more than offset by lower order volumes in China, India
and Saudi Arabia. In the Americas, orders decreased 23 percent (22 percent in local currencies) driven by a
decrease in the U.S and Canada, with the former impacted by the two large orders referred to above. This was
partially offset by higher orders in Mexico and Brazil.
40
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Order backlog
In 2024, order backlog decreased 1 percent (increased 5 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023, due to
movements in foreign currencies. In local currencies, the increase in order backlog is driven by increases in the
Energy Industries and Marine & Ports Divisions, where orders continue to outpace revenues.
Revenues
In 2024, revenues increased 8 percent (9 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. Revenues increased in all
divisions, reflecting strong execution of the order backlog, as well as positive developments in the service
business, led by the Marine & Ports Division.
The geographic distribution of revenues for our Process Automation Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
2,460
2,311
2,266
The Americas
1,879
1,741
1,569
of which: United States
1,160
1,077
943
Asia, Middle East and Africa
2,417
2,218
2,209
of which: China
698
696
680
Total
6,756
6,270
6,044
Revenues in 2024 were 8 percent higher (9 percent in local currencies) in the Americas, 9 percent higher
(11 percent in local currencies) in Asia, Middle East and Africa and 6 percent higher (7 percent in local currencies)
in Europe compared to 2023. In the Americas, revenue growth was driven by the U.S. and Canada. In Asia, Middle
East and Africa, revenues increased in India, Singapore and Saudi Arabia and revenues declined in Japan, while
revenues in China were stable. In Europe, growth was reported in key markets including Norway, Italy and the
United Kingdom, partially offset by lower revenues in Sweden and Germany.
Income from operations
In 2024, income from operations increased 3 percent compared to 2023, driven by strong business performance
in most divisions. Growth was driven primarily by higher revenues on the execution of the order backlog, which
has a more favorable gross margin. This more than offset the impact of higher selling, general and
administrative and non-order related research and development expenses. Changes in foreign currencies,
including the effect from changes in the FX/commodity timing differences summarized in the table below,
negatively impacted income from operations by approximately 3 percent.
Operational EBITA
The reconciliation of Income from operations to Operational EBITA for the Process Automation Business area
was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from operations
974
947
663
Acquisition-related amortization
10
5
4
Restructuring, related and implementation costs
30
3
29
Gains and losses from sale of businesses
(26)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs
5
(7)
134
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations
6
(13)
18
Operational EBITA
1,025
909
848
In 2024, Operational EBITA increased 13 percent (14 percent excluding the impact from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates) compared to 2023, primarily due to the reasons described under “Income from
operations”, excluding the explanations related to the reconciling items in the table above.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
41
ROBOTICS & DISCRETE AUTOMATION BUSINESS AREA
The financial results of our Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area were as follows:
% Change
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
Orders
2,596
3,066
4,116
(15)%
(26)%
Order backlog at December 31,
1,447
2,141
2,679
(32)%
(20)%
Revenues
3,213
3,640
3,181
(12)%
14%
Income from operations
183
446
247
(59)%
81%
Operational EBITA
329
536
340
(39)%
58%
Orders
In 2024, orders decreased 15 percent (15 percent in local currencies) with diverging market environments
between the two divisions. In the Machine Automation Division, orders declined as a slowdown in industrial
automation demand extended the ongoing alignment of order patterns by machine builders following a period
of significant pre-ordering during supply chain disruptions in recent years. The decline in orders further reflects
the results of a customer outreach performed to confirm the existing order backlog following the period of
significant pre-ordering, accounting for 4 percent of the decrease. Orders also declined in the Robotics Division,
with more pronounced declines early in the year, driven by negative developments in electronics and in
automotive, with the latter impacted by a slower pace in the EV-related market which outweighed increasing
activities linked to hybrids. The overall decline in orders in the Robotics Division was partially offset by growth in
the general industry and warehouse logistics segments, linked to consumer industries, during the latter part of
the year.
The geographic distribution of orders for our Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
1,207
1,481
2,043
The Americas
592
544
609
of which: United States
369
335
404
Asia, Middle East and Africa
797
1,041
1,464
of which: China
515
752
1,147
Total
2,596
3,066
4,116
In 2024, orders in Europe decreased 19 percent (19 percent in local currencies) mainly driven by decreased
demand in Germany, Italy, Austria and the United Kingdom. Orders in the Americas increased 9 percent
(10 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023, driven by strong order growth in the U.S. as well as in both
Canada and Brazil, offsetting declines in smaller markets. Orders in Asia, Middle East and Africa decreased
23 percent (21 percent in local currencies) with lower demand mainly in China. The completed customer outreach
negatively impacted orders in Asia, Middle East and Africa by 9 percent.
42
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Order backlog
In 2024, order backlog decreased 32 percent (29 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. Order backlog
decreased in both divisions primarily due to lower order intake and the impact of the customer outreach order
confirmation, along with the continued order backlog execution.
Revenues
In 2024, revenues decreased 12 percent (11 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023. Revenues decreased in
both divisions. The decline was primarily driven by a sharp volume decline in the Machine Automation Division
due to the slowdown in industrial automation demand. The revenue decline in the Robotics Division was less
pronounced as service revenues continued to increase in 2024, mainly linked to the automotive segment.
The geographic distribution of revenues for our Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Europe
1,656
1,942
1,498
The Americas
536
577
525
of which: United States
330
361
374
Asia, Middle East and Africa
1,021
1,121
1,158
of which: China
705
805
895
Total
3,213
3,640
3,181
Revenues from Asia, Middle East and Africa decreased 9 percent (7 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023
due to lower volumes in China. Revenues in Europe decreased 15 percent (15 percent in local currencies) driven by
lower volumes in the short-cycle business, mainly in Austria, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In the
Americas, revenues decreased 7 percent (6 percent in local currencies) due mainly to lower volumes in the United
States.
Income from operations
In 2024, the Business area recorded income from operations of $183 million compared to $446 million in 2023,
with both divisions contributing to the lower income level. The operational performance in 2024 reflected lower
sales volumes, price pressures and an unfavorable change in the revenue mix, despite the benefit of cost
reduction measures put in place in the second half of 2024. The Business area also had higher restructuring costs
and costs for certain non-operational items in 2024. Continued inflationary cost pressures, as well as lower
production volumes, triggered under absorption of fixed costs, primarily in the Machine Automation Division.
Changes in foreign currencies, including the impacts from FX/commodity timing differences summarized in the
table below, negatively impacted income from operations by approximately 2 percent.
Operational EBITA
The reconciliation of Income from operations to Operational EBITA for the Robotics & Discrete Automation
Business area was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Income from operations
183
446
247
Acquisition-related amortization
54
79
78
Restructuring, related and implementation costs
59
6
11
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs
16
14
6
Certain other non-operational items
14
(10)
(8)
FX/commodity timing differences in income from operations
3
1
6
Operational EBITA
329
536
340
In 2024, Operational EBITA decreased 39 percent (38 percent excluding the impact from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates) compared to 2023, primarily due to the reasons described under “Income from
operations”, excluding the explanations related to the reconciling items in the table above.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
43
CORPORATE AND OTHER
Net loss from operations for Corporate and Other was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Corporate headquarters and stewardship
(413)
(557)
(430)
Fair value adjustment on equity securities
(80)
(2)
(4)
Loss from equity-accounted companies
(7)
(6)
(101)
Other corporate costs
(4)
(18)
(25)
Regulatory penalty in connection with Kusile project
(313)
Net gain from sale of businesses
(1)
43
Corporate brand income from Hitachi Energy
17
39
57
Corporate real estate
55
103
66
E-mobility Division
(445)
(234)
19
Divested businesses and other non-core activities
29
(37)
(117)
Total Corporate and Other
(848)
(712)
(805)
(1)
2022 includes gain on sale of the remaining 19.9 percent investment in Hitachi Energy Ltd.
In 2024, the net loss from operations within Corporate and Other increased by $136 million to $848 million
compared to 2023. The increase is primarily driven by an increase in the net loss from operations in the
E-mobility Division as well as a fair value adjustment of an equity investment, partially offset by a decrease in
Corporate headquarters and stewardship costs.
Corporate
In 2024, Corporate headquarters and stewardship costs decreased by $144 million compared to 2023, mainly due
to a reduction in estimated self-insurance reserves in 2024.
Corporate brand income results from granting the use of the ABB Brand to Hitachi Energy, the fair value of which
was initially determined on the date of the divestment of the former Power Grids business in 2020. A portion of
the proceeds received for the sale was allocated to the fair value of the granting of the use of the brand and is
being amortized over the expected period of benefit received by Hitachi Energy.
Corporate real estate primarily includes income and expenses from property rentals and gains from the sale of
real estate properties. In 2024, income from operations in corporate real estate included gains from the sale of
real estate properties of approximately $55 million compared to $103 million in 2023.
Other corporate costs consists of operational costs of Corporate Treasury and other minor items.
Other - E-mobility
In 2024, the E-mobility Division reported a net loss from operations of $445 million compared to a net loss from
operations of $234 million in 2023. The increase is driven by a fair value adjustment on assets held for sale of
$88 million related to InCharge Energy, Inc. and combined charges in connection with excess and obsolete
components of inventory of $55 million. Additionally, the net loss from operations was further impacted by a
significant decrease in revenues of 30 percent (30 percent in local currencies) compared to 2023, primarily driven
by a decline in volumes, also resulting in the under absorption of fixed costs and further deterioration of the
Division’s gross margin. Despite the decrease in volumes, Selling, general and administrative and Non-order
related research and development costs increased, each impacted by a higher cost of labor and the ongoing
reorganization to ensure a more focused portfolio.
Other - Divested businesses and other non-core activities
The results of operations for certain divested businesses and other non
core activities are presented in
Corporate and Other. Divested businesses include the high-voltage cables business, steel structures business
and the oil & gas EPC business. Other continuing non
core activities include the execution and wind
down of
certain legacy EPC and other contracts.
In 2024 and 2023, the amounts represent charges and losses relating to divested businesses and the winding
down of the remaining EPC projects. We recorded profit of $29 million in 2024, improved from 2023, in which we
recorded losses of $37 million, primarily due to the reversal of a provision related to one of our divested
businesses based on the favorable resolution of a legal claim.
44
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
At December 31, 2024, our remaining non
core activities primarily include the completion of the remaining EPC
contracts for substations and oil & gas.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL
RESOURCES
PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF FUNDING
We meet our liquidity needs principally using cash from operations, proceeds from the issuance of debt
instruments (bonds and commercial paper), and short
term bank borrowings.
Our net debt is shown in the table below:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
293
2,607
Long-term debt
6,652
5,221
Cash and equivalents
(4,311)
(3,891)
Restricted cash - current
(15)
(18)
Marketable securities and short-term investments
(1,334)
(1,928)
Net debt
(defined as the sum of the above lines)
1,285
1,991
During 2024, although we continued to return high amounts of cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and
purchases of treasury stock, we reduced our net debt (as presented in the table above) driven by continued
strong cash from operating activities.
During 2024, our net debt decreased $706 million to a net debt position of $1,285 million at December 31, 2024.
The effect of exchange rate movements decreased net debt by approximately $200 million. In 2024, we
generated cash flows from operating activities of $4,675 million and delivered treasury stock in relation to our
employee share plans for $451 million. These items were mostly offset by amounts for purchases of treasury
shares of $1,247 million, including $998 million relating to the announced buybacks of our shares, as well as
$1,769 million for the payment of the dividend to our shareholders. We made net purchases of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets of $738 million and made payments of dividends to noncontrolling
shareholders totaling $103 million. See “Financial position”, “Investing activities” and “Financing activities” for
further details.
Our Corporate Treasury is responsible for providing a range of treasury management services to our Group
companies, including investing cash in excess of current business requirements. At December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the proportion of our aggregate Cash and equivalents (including Restricted cash) and Marketable securities and
short
term investments managed by Corporate Treasury amounted to approximately 62 percent and 59 percent,
respectively.
Our investment strategy for cash (in excess of current business requirements) has generally been to invest in
short-term time deposits with maturities of less than 3 months, supplemented at times by investments in money
market funds and in some cases, government securities. We actively monitor credit risk in our investment and
derivative portfolios. Credit risk exposures are controlled in accordance with policies approved by our senior
management to identify, measure, monitor and control credit risks. We have minimum rating requirements for
our counterparts and closely monitor developments in the credit markets making appropriate changes to our
investment policy as deemed necessary. In addition to minimum rating criteria, we have strict investment
parameters and specific approved instruments as well as restrictions on the types of investments we make.
These parameters are closely monitored on an ongoing basis and amended as we consider necessary.
Our cash is held in various currencies around the world. Approximately 55 percent of our cash and equivalents
held at December 31, 2024, was in U.S. dollars, while the most significant foreign currency in which cash and
equivalents was held was euros (25 percent).
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
45
We believe the ongoing cash flows generated from our business, supplemented, when necessary, through access
to the capital markets (including short
term commercial paper) and our credit facilities are sufficient to support
business operations, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, the payment of dividends to shareholders and
contributions to pension plans. Consequently, we believe that our ability to obtain funding from these sources
will continue to provide the cash flows necessary to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure
requirements, as well as meet our debt repayments and other financial commitments for the next 12 months. See
“Contractual obligations and commitments”.
Due to the nature of our operations, including the timing of annual incentive payments to employees, our cash
flow from operations generally tends to be weaker in the first half of the year than in the second half of the year.
DEBT AND INTEREST RATES
Total outstanding debt was as follows:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
293
2,607
Long-term debt:
Bonds
5,939
5,051
EIB R&D Loan
539
Other long-term debt
174
170
Total debt
6,945
7,828
In 2024, we repaid bonds having a book value at the end of 2023 of $2,476 million. As the amount of bonds due in
2025 is lower at $166 million, this has significantly reduced the amount of short-term debt.
At December 31, 2024, Long-term debt was $1,431 million higher compared to the end of 2023. We issued two
new instruments in 2024 which remain classified as Long-term debt at December 31, 2024 (EUR 500 million of
3.125% Instruments due 2029 and EUR 750 million of 3.375% Instruments due 2034). This was only partially offset
by the reclassification to current of the CHF 150 million 2.1% Instruments due 2025. Decreases in interest rates
also resulted in an increase in our long-term debt of approximately $41 million due to the application of fair value
hedge accounting on certain outstanding instruments. We also borrowed the full amount available under our
financing arrangement with the European Investment Bank obtaining a 7-year floating-rate term loan of
USD 539 million due 2031.
Our debt has been obtained in a range of currencies and maturities and with various interest rate terms. For
certain of our debt obligations, we use derivatives to manage the fixed interest rate exposure. For example, we
use interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps to effectively convert fixed rate debt into floating
rate liabilities. After considering the effects of interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps, at
December 31, 2024, the effective average interest rate on our floating rate long-term debt (including current
maturities) of $1,807 million and our fixed rate long-term debt (including current maturities) of $5,055 million
was 5.0 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively. This compares with an effective rate of 4.8 percent for floating
rate long-term debt of $2,907 million and 2.7 percent for fixed rate long-term debt of $4,834 million at
December 31, 2023.
For a discussion of our use of derivatives to modify the interest characteristics of certain of our individual bond
issuances, see “Note 13 - Debt” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
CREDIT FACILITY
In December 2019, we replaced our previous multicurrency revolving credit facility with a new $2 billion
multicurrency revolving credit facility, maturing in 2024. In 2021, we exercised our option to extend the maturity
of this facility to December 2026. No amount was drawn under the facility at December 31, 2024 and 2023. The
facility is available for general corporate purposes and contains cross-default clauses whereby an event of
default would occur if we were to default on indebtedness, as defined in the facility, at or above a specified
threshold. In February 2023, we amended and restated our facility for the purpose of addressing the
discontinuation of LIBOR. Under the amended and restated credit facility, the margin is unchanged, but
advances in USD are referenced to CME Term SOFR, whilst advances in CHF and GBP are referenced to overnight
SARON and SONIA, respectively, and subject to applicable credit adjustment spreads.
The credit facility does not contain financial covenants that would restrict our ability to pay dividends or raise
additional funds in the capital markets. For further details of the credit facility, see “Note 13 - Debt” to our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
46
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
COMMERCIAL PAPER
At December 31, 2024, we had two commercial paper programs in place:
a $2 billion commercial paper program for the private placement of U.S. dollar denominated
commercial paper in the United States, and
a $2 billion Euro-commercial paper program for the issuance of commercial paper in a variety of
currencies.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no amounts outstanding under either of these two programs.
EUROPEAN PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUANCE OF DEBT
The European program for the issuance of debt allows the issuance of up to the equivalent of $8 billion in certain
debt instruments. The terms of the program do not obligate any third party to extend credit to us and the terms
and possibility of issuing any debt under the program are determined with respect to, and as of the date of
issuance of, each debt instrument. At December 31, 2024, five bonds (principal amount of EUR 500 million due in
2027, principal amount of EUR 500 million due in 2029, principal amount of EUR 800 million due in 2030, principal
amount of EUR 750 million due in 2031, and principal amount of EUR 750 million due in 2034) having a combined
carrying amount of $3,318 million were outstanding under the program. The carrying amount of the six bonds
outstanding under the program at December 31, 2023, was $4,259 million.
CREDIT RATINGS
Credit ratings are assessments by the rating agencies of the credit risk associated with ABB and are based on
information provided by us or other sources that the rating agencies consider reliable. Higher ratings generally
result in lower borrowing costs and increased access to capital markets. Our ratings are of ‘investment grade’
which is defined as Baa3 (or above) from Moody’s and BBB− (or above) from Standard & Poor’s.
At December 31, 2024, our long-term debt was rated A2 by Moody’s (with a Stable outlook), compared to A3 at
December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024 our long-term debt was rated A by Standard & Poor’s (with a Stable
outlook), compared to A- at December 31, 2023.
LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFERS OF FUNDS
Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the transfer of funds exist in a number of countries
where we operate or otherwise have bank deposits, including: Argentina, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Russian Federation, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye and Vietnam. Funds, other than regular
dividends, fees or loan repayments, cannot be readily transferred offshore from these countries and are
therefore deposited and used for working capital needs in those countries. In addition, there are certain
countries where, for tax reasons, it is not considered optimal to transfer the cash offshore. Consequently, these
funds are not available within Corporate Treasury to meet short-term cash obligations outside the relevant
country. The above-described funds are reported as cash in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, but we do not
consider these funds immediately available for the repayment of debt outside the respective countries where the
cash is situated, including those described above. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the balance of Cash and
equivalents and Marketable securities and other short-term investments under such limitations (either
regulatory or sub-optimal from a tax perspective) totaled $1,578 million and $1,479 million, respectively.
During 2024, we continued to direct our subsidiaries in countries with restrictions to place such cash with our
core banks or investment grade banks, where possible, in order to minimize credit risk on such cash positions.
We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure bank counterparty risks are minimized.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
47
FINANCIAL POSITION
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
% Change
Current assets
Cash and equivalents
4,311
3,891
11%
Restricted cash
15
18
(17)%
Marketable securities and short-term investments
1,334
1,928
(31)%
Receivables, net
7,388
7,446
(1)%
Contract assets
1,115
1,090
2%
Inventories, net
5,859
6,149
(5)%
Prepaid expenses
287
235
22%
Other current assets
541
520
4%
Total current assets
20,850
21,277
(2)%
For a discussion on Cash and equivalents, see sections “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Principal sources of
funding” and “Cash flows” for further details.
Marketable securities and short-term investments decreased in 2024. The change primarily reflects lower
amounts placed in money market funds classified as equity securities (see “Note 5 - Cash and equivalents,
marketable securities and short-term investments” to our Consolidated Financial Statements).
Receivables decreased 1 percent (increased 5 percent in local currencies). In local currencies, the increase in
Receivables primarily reflects higher revenues (primarily due to higher business volumes) at the end of 2024
compared to 2023.
Contract assets increased 2 percent (9 percent in local currencies), primarily due to the higher level of business
activity as well as timing of invoices issued. In local currencies, the increase reflects higher levels in all Business
areas.
Inventories decreased 5 percent primarily due to movements in foreign currencies. In local currencies, Inventories
increased 1 percent, reflecting higher business activity and increased inventory levels in order to fulfill the higher
order backlog at the end of 2024 compared to 2023, primarily in the Electrification Business area.
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
% Change
Current liabilities
Accounts payable, trade
5,036
4,847
4%
Contract liabilities
2,969
2,844
4%
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
293
2,607
(89)%
Current operating leases
235
249
(6)%
Provisions for warranties
1,248
1,210
3%
Other provisions
853
1,201
(29)%
Other current liabilities
4,582
5,046
(9)%
Total current liabilities
15,216
18,004
(15)%
Accounts payable, trade, increased 4 percent (10 percent in local currencies) reflecting some increase in average
days payable in 2024 compared to 2023, as well as both the increase and timing of inventory purchases late in
the year. The increase is driven by the Electrification Business area.
48
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Contract liabilities increased 4 percent (11 percent in local currency) primarily due to higher levels of business
activity, including progress billings and advances at the end of 2024 compared to 2023. The increase reflects
higher levels in all Business areas except Robotics & Discrete Automation.
The decrease in short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt in 2024 reflects the reclassification to
current of the CHF 150 million 2.1% Bonds due 2025, being more than offset by the repayment at maturity of the
EUR 700 million 0.625% Instruments due 2024, EUR 500 million Floating Rate Instruments due 2024,
EUR 750 million 0.75% Instruments due 2024 and the CHF 280 million 0.3% Bonds due 2024, in 2024.
Current operating leases includes the portion of the operating lease liabilities that are due to be paid in the next
12 months. For a summary of operating lease liabilities, see “Note 16 - Leases” to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Provisions for warranties increased 3 percent (9 percent in local currencies). The increase primarily reflects the
higher provisioning in 2024 on increased revenues. For details on the change in the Provisions for warranties, see
“Note 15 - Commitments and contingencies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
For a breakdown of Other provisions and Other current liabilities, see “Note 13 - Other provisions, other current
liabilities and other non-current liabilities” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
% Change
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
4,177
4,142
1%
Operating lease right-of-use assets
840
893
(6)%
Investments in equity-accounted companies
368
187
97%
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits
689
780
(12)%
Intangible assets, net
1,048
1,223
(14)%
Goodwill
10,555
10,561
0%
Deferred taxes
1,341
1,381
(3)%
Other non-current assets
489
496
(1)%
Total non-current assets
19,507
19,663
(1)%
Property, plant and equipment increased 1 percent (6 percent in local currencies) as capital expenditures
exceeded the annual depreciation expense.
For details on Investments in equity method companies see “Note 4 - Acquisitions, divestments and equity-
accounted companies”
to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits decreased 12 percent (5 percent in local currencies). For additional
information on Pension and employee benefits see “Note 18 - Employee benefits” to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Intangible assets decreased 14 percent (11 percent in local currencies). The decrease primarily represents the
amortization recorded during the year, partially offset by the net impact of acquisitions and divestments, which
increased Intangible assets by 6 percent.
Goodwill remained flat (increased 2 percent in local currencies) due to the net impact of acquisitions and
divestments during the year. For additional information on goodwill and intangible assets see “Note 11 -
Goodwill and intangible assets” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
For details on deferred tax assets see “Note 17 - Income taxes” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
% Change
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt
6,652
5,221
27%
Non-current operating leases
631
666
(5)%
Pension and other employee benefits
569
686
(17)%
Deferred taxes
675
669
1%
Other non-current liabilities
1,554
1,548
0%
Total non-current liabilities
10,081
8,790
15%
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
49
Long-term debt increased 27 percent (31 percent in local currencies). The balance at December 31, 2024, includes
instruments newly issued in 2024: (i) EUR 500 million of 3.125% Instruments due 2029, and (ii) EUR 750 million of
3.375% Instruments due 2034, as well as the receipt of a USD 539 million Floating rate EIB R&D loan due 2031,
pursuant to a financing agreement entered into in 2023 with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The increase
was partially offset by the reclassification to current of the CHF 150 million 2.1% Bonds due 2025. For additional
information on Long-term debt, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt and interest rates” as well as
“Note 13 - Debt” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-current operating leases includes the portion of the operating lease liabilities that are due to be paid in
more than 12 months.
Pension and employee benefits decreased 17 percent (12 percent in local currencies). For additional information
on Pension and employee benefits see “Note 18 - Employee benefits” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
For a breakdown of Other non
current liabilities, see “Note 14 - Other provisions, other current liabilities and
other non-current liabilities” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
CASH FLOWS
Effective January 1, 2024, we changed the presentation of discontinued operations in the statements of cash
flows to an alternate allowable presentation. As a result, the total cash flows for operating, investing and
financing activities from discontinued operations are no longer shown separately but instead all cash flows in
discontinued operations are presented within each line item as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
The most significant impact was that cash outflows of $23 million and $226 million in 2023 and 2022,
respectively, related to the repayments of proceeds from the sale of our former Power Grids business are
included within Proceeds from sales of businesses in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows can be summarized as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,675
4,290
1,287
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(725)
(1,615)
981
Net cash used in financing activities
(3,326)
(2,897)
(2,394)
Effects of exchange rate changes on
cash and equivalents and restricted cash
(207)
(43)
(189)
Net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash
417
(265)
(315)
Operating activities
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Net income
3,952
3,824
2,594
Depreciation and amortization
802
780
814
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities (excluding depreciation and amortization)
64
(201)
(423)
Total changes in operating assets and liabilities
(143)
(113)
(1,698)
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,675
4,290
1,287
Cash flows from operating activities in 2024 provided net cash of $4,675 million, an increase of 9 percent
compared to 2023. In 2024, we had higher cash effective net income (i.e. net income from continuing operations
adjusted for depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items) reflecting the continued increase in revenue
volumes and operating margins. However, the timing of payments of accrued liabilities and provisions negatively
impacted our improvement in operating cash flows.
Our cash flows in 2024 also improved on continued strong working capital management with improvements in
both cash collections from customers and an improvement from trade payables; thus, in 2024, we reduced our
overall working capital even while realizing higher business volumes.
50
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Investing activities
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Purchases of investments
(1,563)
(1,957)
(321)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
(845)
(770)
(762)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) and
increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies
(622)
(225)
(288)
Proceeds from sales of investments
2,170
610
697
Proceeds from maturity of investments
149
73
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
107
147
127
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash
disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies
(43)
530
1,315
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives
87
(109)
(166)
Changes in loans receivable, net
(13)
3
320
Other investing activities
(3)
7
(14)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(725)
(1,615)
981
Net cash used in investing activities in 2024 was $725 million compared to $1,615 million in 2023, a reduction of
$890 million. We significantly reduced the amount invested in marketable securities and other short-term
investments over the year while we had increased the amount in the previous year. In the current year, we also
had higher Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives compared to 2023. This was offset by
changes in cash related to business acquisitions and divestments. In 2024, we increased our cash allocated to
acquisitions and did not generate cash from divestments, while, in 2023, we generated cash from divestments,
primarily from the sale of our Power Conversion Division.
The following presents purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets by significant asset
category:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Construction in progress
609
532
540
Purchase of machinery and equipment
155
176
127
Purchase of land and buildings
28
11
26
Purchase of intangible assets
53
51
69
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
845
770
762
Financing activities
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Net changes in debt with original maturities of 90 days or less
(15)
(1,365)
1,366
Increase in debt
1,914
2,586
3,849
Repayment of debt
(2,488)
(1,567)
(2,703)
Delivery of shares
451
154
394
Purchase of treasury stock
(1,247)
(1,258)
(3,553)
Dividends paid
(1,769)
(1,713)
(1,698)
Cash associated with the spin-off of the Turbocharging Division
(172)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders
(103)
(93)
(99)
Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary shares
328
216
Other financing activities
(69)
31
6
Net cash used in financing activities
(3,326)
(2,897)
(2,394)
Our financing cash flow activities primarily include debt transactions (both the issuance of debt securities and
borrowings directly from banks), share transactions (including share transactions in consolidated subsidiaries)
and payments of distributions to controlling and noncontrolling shareholders.
In 2024, the net outflow for debt with maturities of 90 days or less related to various local country borrowings.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
51
In 2024, “Increase in debt” primarily represents borrowings under the following long-term debt transactions
(total cashflow amount at date of borrowings of approximately $1,899 million):
EUR 500 million of 3.125% Instruments due 2029
EUR 750 million of 3.375% Instruments due 2034
USD 539 million floating-rate term loan due 2031
In 2024, “Repayment of debt” includes primarily the repayment at maturity of the EUR 500 million Floating Rate
Instruments, EUR 700 million 0.625% Instruments, EUR 750 million 0.75% Instruments and CHF 280 million 0.3%
Bonds.
“Delivery of shares” in 2024 primarily reflects cash received from the exercise of options in connection with our
Management Incentive Plan (resulting in a delivery of 17 million shares). All shares were delivered out of Treasury
stock.
In 2024, “Purchase of treasury stock” reflects $998 million of cash payments to purchase 19 million of our own
shares in connection with the announced share buyback programs. It also reflects $248 million paid to purchase
5 million shares on the open market during the year.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
The contractual obligations presented in the table below represent our estimates of future payments under fixed
contractual obligations and commitments. These amounts may differ from those reported in our Consolidated
Balance Sheet at December 31, 2024. Changes in our business needs, cancellation provisions and changes in
interest rates, as well as actions by third parties and other factors, may cause these estimates to change.
Therefore, our actual payments in future periods may vary from those presented below. The table below
summarizes certain of our cash requirements for known contractual obligations and principal and interest
payments under our debt instruments and purchase obligations at December 31, 2024, and the timing thereof.
For details of future operating and finance lease payments, see “Note 14 - Leases” to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
At December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Current
Non-current
Total
Long-term debt obligations
183
6,623
6,806
Interest payments related to long-term debt obligations
227
1,379
1,606
Purchase obligations
3,082
816
3,898
Total
3,492
8,818
12,310
In the table above, the “Long
term debt obligations” reflect the cash amounts to be repaid upon maturity of
those debt obligations. The cash obligations above will differ from Long
term debt due to the impacts of fair
value hedge accounting adjustments and premiums or discounts on certain debt.
We have determined the interest payments related to long
term debt obligations by reference to the payments
due under the terms of our debt obligations at the time such obligations were incurred. However, we use interest
rate swaps to modify the interest characteristics of certain of our debt obligations. The net effect of these
swaps may increase or decrease the actual amount of our cash interest payment obligations, which may differ
from those stated in the above table. For further details on our debt obligations and the related hedges, see
“Note 13 - Debt” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally
binding and that specify all significant terms, including the quantities to be purchased, price provisions and the
approximate timing of the transactions. Purchase obligations include procurement contracts for raw materials,
sub-contracted work, supplies and services. Purchase obligations include amounts recorded as well as amounts
that are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
52
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
OFF
BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Commercial commitments
We disclose the maximum potential exposure of certain guarantees, as well as possible recourse provisions that
may allow us to recover from third parties amounts paid out under such guarantees. The maximum potential
exposure does not allow any discounting of our assessment of actual exposure under the guarantees. The
information below reflects our maximum potential exposure under the guarantees, which is higher than our
assessment of the expected exposure.
Guarantees
The following table provides quantitative data regarding our third
party guarantees. The maximum potential
payments represent a worst
case scenario and do not reflect our expected outcomes.
Maximum potential payments
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Performance guarantees
2,299
3,451
Financial guarantees
22
94
Total
2,321
3,545
The carrying amount of liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflects our best estimate of
future payments, which we may incur as part of fulfilling our guarantee obligations. In respect of the above
guarantees, the carrying amounts of liabilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, were not significant.
In addition, in the normal course of bidding for and executing certain projects, we have 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 we do not fulfill our
contractual obligations. We would then have an obligation to reimburse the financial institution for amounts
paid under the performance bonds. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total outstanding performance bonds
aggregated to $3.2 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to
financial institutions under these types of arrangements in 2024 and 2023.
For additional descriptions of our performance, financial and indemnification guarantees see “Note 15 -
Commitments and contingencies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
FINANCIAL RISK
The continuously evolving financial markets and the dynamic business environment expose us to changes in
foreign exchange, interest rate and other market price risks. We have developed and implemented
comprehensive policies, procedures, and controls to identify, mitigate, and monitor financial risk on a
company-wide basis. To efficiently aggregate and manage financial risks that could impact our financial
performance, we operate a Corporate Treasury function. Corporate Treasury provides an efficient source of
liquidity, financing, risk management and other global financial services to the ABB Group companies. Our
policies do not allow Corporate Treasury or ABB Group companies to perform speculative trading. Market risk
management activities are focused on mitigating material financial risks resulting from our global operating and
financing activities.
Corporate Treasury maintains risk management control systems to monitor foreign exchange and interest rate
risks and exposures arising from our underlying business, as well as the associated hedge positions. Our written
policies govern how such exposures are managed. Financial risks are monitored using a number of analytical
techniques including market value and sensitivity analysis. The following quantitative analyses are based on
sensitivity analysis tests, which assume parallel shifts of interest rate yield curves and foreign exchange rates.
Currency fluctuations and foreign exchange risk
It is our policy to systematically identify and manage all transactional foreign exchange exposures to ensure
effective risk control. With the exception of certain financing subsidiaries and to the extent certain operating
subsidiaries are domiciled in high inflation environments, the functional currency of each of our companies is
considered to be its local currency. Our policies require our subsidiaries to hedge contracted foreign exchange
exposures, or a portion of their forecast exposures, against their local currency. These transactions are
undertaken mainly with Corporate Treasury.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
53
We have foreign exchange transaction exposures related to our global operating and financing activities in
currencies other than the functional currency in which our entities operate. Specifically, we are exposed to
foreign exchange risk related to future earnings, assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The most
significant currency exposures relate to operations in the Eurozone area, Sweden, China and Switzerland. In
addition, we are exposed to currency risk associated with translating our functional currency financial
statements into our reporting currency, which is the U.S. dollar.
Our operating companies are responsible for identifying their foreign currency exposures and entering into
intercompany derivative contracts with Corporate Treasury, where legally possible, to hedge their exposures.
Where local laws restrict our operating companies from entering into intercompany derivatives with Corporate
Treasury, derivative contracts are entered into locally with third-party financial institutions. The intercompany
transactions have the effect of transferring the operating companies’ currency risk to Corporate Treasury, but
create no additional market risks on a consolidated basis. Corporate Treasury then manages this risk by entering
into offsetting transactions with third-party financial institutions. According to our policy, material net currency
exposures are required to be hedged and are primarily hedged with forward foreign exchange contracts. The
majority of the foreign exchange hedge instruments have, on average, a maturity of less than twelve months.
Corporate Treasury also hedges currency risks arising from monetary intercompany balances.
At December 31, 2024, the net fair value of financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency rate
movements was an asset of $311 million. The potential loss in fair value of such financial instruments from a
hypothetical 10 percent move in foreign exchange rates against our position would be approximately
$603 million for December 31, 2024. The analysis reflects the aggregate adverse foreign exchange impact
associated with transaction exposures, as well as translation exposures where appropriate. Our sensitivity
analysis assumes a simultaneous shift in exchange rates against our positions exposed to foreign exchange risk
and as such assumes an unlikely adverse case scenario. The assumption of a simultaneous shift may overstate
the impact of changing rates on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The underlying
trade-related transaction exposures of our operating subsidiaries are not included in the quantitative analysis. If
these underlying transaction exposures were included, they would tend to have a directionally offsetting effect
on the potential loss in fair value detailed above.
Interest rate risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk due to our financing, investing, and liquidity management activities. Our
operating companies primarily invest excess cash with, and receive funding from, Corporate Treasury on an
arm’s length basis. It is our policy that the primary third-party funding and investing activities, as well as the
monitoring and management of the resulting interest rate risk, are the responsibility of Corporate Treasury.
Corporate Treasury adjusts the duration of the overall funding portfolio through derivative instruments in order
to better match underlying assets and liabilities, as well as minimize the cost of capital.
At December 31, 2024, the net fair value of instruments subject to interest rate risk was a liability of
$2,313 million. The potential loss in fair value for such instruments from a hypothetical 100 basis points parallel
shift in interest rates against our position (or a multiple of 100 basis points where 100 basis points is less than
10 percent of the interest rate) would be approximately $368 million for December 31, 2024.
Commodity risk
We enter into commodity derivatives to hedge certain of our raw material exposures. Based on exposures at
December 31, 2024, the potential loss in fair value for such commodity hedging derivatives from a hypothetical
adverse 10 percent move against our position in the underlying commodity prices would not be significant for
December 31, 2024. A portion of our commodity derivatives are denominated in euro. The foreign exchange risk
arising on such contracts has been excluded from the calculation of the potential loss in fair value from a
hypothetical 10 percent move in the underlying commodity prices as discussed above.
55
Financial Statements and
Notes
121
Reports of the Auditors
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
55
ABB LTD CONSOLIDATED
INCOME STATEMENTS
Year ended December 31 ($ in millions, except per share data in $)
2024
2023
2022
Sales of products
27,217
27,010
24,471
Sales of services and other
5,633
5,225
4,975
Total revenues
32,850
32,235
29,446
Cost of sales of products
(17,347)
(17,938)
(16,804)
Cost of services and other
(3,229)
(3,083)
(2,932)
Total cost of sales
(20,576)
(21,021)
(19,736)
Gross profit
12,274
11,214
9,710
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(5,708)
(5,543)
(5,132)
Non-order related research and development expenses
(1,469)
(1,317)
(1,166)
Other income (expense), net
(26)
517
(75)
Income from operations
5,071
4,871
3,337
Interest and dividend income
206
165
72
Interest and other finance expense
(99)
(275)
(130)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
55
17
115
Income from continuing operations before taxes
5,233
4,778
3,394
Income tax expense
(1,278)
(930)
(757)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,955
3,848
2,637
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(3)
(24)
(43)
Net income
3,952
3,824
2,594
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests
(17)
(79)
(119)
Net income attributable to ABB
3,935
3,745
2,475
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,937
3,769
2,517
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(2)
(24)
(42)
Net income
3,935
3,745
2,475
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.14
2.03
1.33
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.02
1.30
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.13
2.02
1.32
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.01
1.30
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders
1,844
1,855
1,899
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders
1,851
1,867
1,910
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
56
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
ABB LTD CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
Year ended December 31 ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Net income
3,952
3,824
2,594
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(319)
(290)
(685)
Net loss on complete or substantially complete
liquidations of foreign subsidiaries
14
5
Changes attributable to divestments
9
9
41
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(296)
(281)
(639)
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year
1
5
(23)
Reclassification adjustments for net losses included in net income
4
6
2
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
5
11
(21)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year
(10)
(1)
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year
(37)
(282)
226
Amortization of prior service credit included in net income
(10)
(9)
(16)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income
47
38
44
Net (gains) losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income
(6)
14
9
Changes attributable to divestments
3
(8)
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments
(16)
(237)
255
Derivative instruments and hedges:
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
(8)
(10)
(12)
Reclassification adjustments for net losses included in net income
10
8
12
Changes in derivative instruments and hedges
2
(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(305)
(509)
(405)
Total comprehensive income, net of tax
3,647
3,315
2,189
Total comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and
redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of tax
8
(84)
(87)
Total comprehensive income attributable to ABB, net of tax
3,655
3,231
2,102
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
57
ABB LTD CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31 ($ in millions, except share data)
2024
2023
Cash and equivalents
4,311
3,891
Restricted cash
15
18
Marketable securities and short-term investments
1,334
1,928
Receivables, net
7,388
7,446
Contract assets
1,115
1,090
Inventories, net
5,859
6,149
Prepaid expenses
287
235
Other current assets
541
520
Total current assets
20,850
21,277
Property, plant and equipment, net
4,177
4,142
Operating lease right-of-use assets
840
893
Investments in equity-accounted companies
368
187
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits
689
780
Intangible assets, net
1,048
1,223
Goodwill
10,555
10,561
Deferred taxes
1,341
1,381
Other non-current assets
489
496
Total assets
40,357
40,940
Accounts payable, trade
5,036
4,847
Contract liabilities
2,969
2,844
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
293
2,607
Current operating leases
235
249
Provisions for warranties
1,248
1,210
Other provisions
853
1,201
Other current liabilities
4,582
5,046
Total current liabilities
15,216
18,004
Long-term debt
6,652
5,221
Non-current operating leases
631
666
Pension and other employee benefits
569
686
Deferred taxes
675
669
Other non-current liabilities
1,554
1,548
Total liabilities
25,297
26,794
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
89
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value
(1,861 million and 1,882 million shares issued at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)
162
163
Additional paid-in capital
50
7
Retained earnings
20,717
19,724
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(5,350)
(5,070)
Treasury stock, at cost
(22 million and 40 million shares at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)
(1,091)
(1,414)
Total ABB stockholders’ equity
14,488
13,410
Noncontrolling interests
572
647
Total stockholders’ equity
15,060
14,057
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
40,357
40,940
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
58
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
ABB LTD CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31 ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities:
Net income
3,952
3,824
2,594
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
802
780
814
Changes in fair values of investments
65
(29)
(33)
Pension and other employee benefits
(92)
(48)
(125)
Deferred taxes
(2)
(28)
(344)
Loss from equity-accounted companies
21
16
102
Net gain from derivatives and foreign exchange
(52)
(54)
(22)
Net gain from sale of property, plant and equipment
(60)
(116)
(84)
Net loss (gain) from sale of businesses
(67)
(100)
17
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale
113
Other
138
158
66
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net
(179)
(633)
(811)
Contract assets and liabilities
203
412
419
Inventories, net
(101)
(3)
(1,602)
Accounts payable, trade
189
(129)
369
Accrued liabilities
(8)
252
137
Provisions, net
(29)
212
(67)
Income taxes payable and receivable
(123)
(190)
(95)
Other assets and liabilities, net
(95)
(34)
(48)
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,675
4,290
1,287
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments
(1,563)
(1,957)
(321)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
(845)
(770)
(762)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) and increases in cost- and equity-accounted
(622)
(225)
(288)
Proceeds from sales of investments
2,170
610
697
Proceeds from maturity of investments
149
73
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
107
147
127
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) and
cost- and equity-accounted companies
(43)
530
1,315
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives
87
(109)
(166)
Changes in loans receivable, net
(13)
3
320
Other investing activities
(3)
7
(14)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(725)
(1,615)
981
Financing activities:
Net changes in debt with original maturities of 90 days or less
(15)
(1,365)
1,366
Increase in debt
1,914
2,586
3,849
Repayment of debt
(2,488)
(1,567)
(2,703)
Delivery of shares
451
154
394
Purchase of treasury stock
(1,247)
(1,258)
(3,553)
Dividends paid
(1,769)
(1,713)
(1,698)
Cash associated with the spin-off of the Turbocharging Division
(172)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders
(103)
(93)
(99)
Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary shares
328
216
Other financing activities
(69)
31
6
Net cash used in financing activities
(3,326)
(2,897)
(2,394)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents and restricted cash
(207)
(43)
(189)
Net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash
417
(265)
(315)
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
3,909
4,174
4,489
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
4,326
3,909
4,174
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid
241
250
90
Income taxes paid
1,382
1,147
1,188
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
59
ABB LTD CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
Additional
other
Total ABB
Non-
Total
Years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Common
paid-in
Retained
comprehensive
Treasury
stockholders’
controlling
stockholders’
($ in millions)
stock
capital
earnings
loss
stock
equity
interests
equity
Balance at January 1, 2022
178
22
22,477
(4,088)
(3,010)
15,579
378
15,957
Net income
(1)
2,475
2,475
124
2,599
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax
(608)
(608)
(31)
(639)
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities, net of tax
(21)
(21)
(21)
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans, net of tax
256
256
(1)
255
Change in derivative instruments
and hedges, net of tax
Issuance of subsidiary shares
120
120
86
206
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
10
10
(34)
(24)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders
(100)
(100)
Dividends to shareholders
(1,700)
(1,700)
(1,700)
Spin-off of the Turbocharging Division
(177)
(95)
(272)
(12)
(284)
Cancellation of treasury shares
(8)
(4)
(2,864)
2,876
Share-based payment arrangements
42
42
42
Purchase of treasury stock
(3,502)
(3,502)
(3,502)
Delivery of shares
(51)
(130)
575
394
394
Other
2
2
2
Balance at December 31, 2022
171
141
20,082
(4,556)
(3,061)
12,777
410
13,187
Net income
(1)
3,745
3,745
83
3,828
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax
(286)
(286)
5
(281)
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities, net of tax
11
11
11
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans, net of tax
(237)
(237)
(237)
Change in derivative instruments
and hedges, net of tax
(2)
(2)
(2)
Issuance of subsidiary shares
170
170
168
338
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
(31)
(37)
(68)
67
(1)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders
(93)
(93)
Dividends to shareholders
(1,706)
(1,706)
(1,706)
Cancellation of treasury shares
(7)
(201)
(2,359)
2,567
Share-based payment arrangements
101
101
2
103
Purchase of treasury stock
(1,247)
(1,247)
(1,247)
Delivery of shares
(173)
327
154
154
Other
(2)
(2)
5
3
Balance at December 31, 2023
163
7
19,724
(5,070)
(1,414)
13,410
647
14,057
Net income
(1)
3,935
3,935
19
3,954
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax
(271)
(271)
(25)
(296)
Effect of change in fair value of
available-for-sale securities, net of tax
5
5
5
Unrecognized income (expense)
related to pensions and other
postretirement plans, net of tax
(16)
(16)
(16)
Change in derivative instruments
and hedges, net of tax
2
2
2
Changes in noncontrolling interests
(10)
(62)
(72)
30
(42)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders
(104)
(104)
Dividends to shareholders
(1,804)
(1,804)
(1,804)
Cancellation of treasury shares
(2)
(2)
(828)
832
Share-based payment arrangements
97
97
5
102
Purchase of treasury stock
(1,251)
(1,251)
(1,251)
Delivery of shares
(40)
(249)
740
451
451
Other
(1)
(1)
(1)
Balance at December 31, 2024
162
50
20,717
(5,350)
(1,091)
14,488
572
15,060
(1) Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in 2024, 2023 and 2022 exclude net losses of $2 million, $4 million and $5 million, respectively, related to redeemable
noncontrolling interests, which are reported in the mezzanine equity section on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4 for details.
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
60
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1
The Company
ABB Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) together form a global technology leader in
electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting
its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming
more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform.
Note 2
Significant accounting policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of these
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Basis of presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America (United
States or U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and are presented in United States
dollars ($ or USD) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals
provided. The par value of capital stock is denominated in Swiss francs.
Reclassifications and presentation changes
Certain amounts reported for prior years in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying
Notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Company changed the presentation of discontinued operations in its
statement of cash flows to an alternate allowable presentation. As a result, the total cash flows for
operating, investing and financing activities from discontinued operations are no longer shown separately
but instead all cash flows in discontinued operations are presented within each line item as appropriate in
the statement of cash flows. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current
period presentation primarily resulting in a decrease of $23 million and $226 million in Proceeds from sales
of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies for
2023 and 2022, respectively.
Scope of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ABB Ltd and companies which are directly
or indirectly controlled by ABB Ltd. Additionally, the Company consolidates variable interest entities if it
has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies in which the Company has the ability to exercise
significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally through direct or indirect ownership
of 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting rights and/or board of director representation) are recorded in
the Consolidated Financial Statements using the equity method of accounting.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
61
Translation of foreign currencies and foreign exchange transactions
The functional currency for most of the Company’s subsidiaries is the applicable local currency. The
translation from the applicable functional currencies into the Company’s reporting currency is performed
for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for income
statement accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting translation
adjustments are excluded from the determination of earnings and are recognized in Accumulated other
comprehensive loss until the subsidiary is sold, substantially liquidated or evaluated for impairment in
anticipation of disposal.
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, such as those resulting from foreign currency denominated
receivables or payables, are included in the determination of earnings, except as they relate to
intercompany loans that are equity
like in nature with no reasonable expectation of repayment, which are
recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in
earnings and classified in the line item consistent with the underlying transaction or item.
Operating cycle
For classification of certain current assets and liabilities, the Company has elected to use the duration of
individual contracts as its operating cycle. Accordingly, there are contract assets and liabilities, accounts
receivable, inventories and provisions related to these contracts which will not be realized within one year
that have been classified as current. Long-term system integration activities comprise the majority of the
Company’s activities which have an operating cycle in excess of one year that have been classified as
current.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make
assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial
Statements and the accompanying Notes. These accounting assumptions and estimates include:
estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded
for unrecognized tax benefits,
estimates related to credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of financial
assets such as trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments,
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 and projections, principally related to future material, labor and project
related
overhead costs, used in determining the percentage
of
completion on projects where
revenue is recognized over time, as well as the amount of variable consideration the
Company expects to be entitled to,
assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair
value of pension plan assets,
estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with
restructuring programs,
assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value,
growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of
long
lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment,
estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair values of assets and liabilities
assumed in business combinations, and
estimates and assumptions used in determining the initial fair value of retained
noncontrolling interests and certain obligations in connection with divestments.
62
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The actual results and outcomes may differ from the Company’s estimates and assumptions.
Cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date
of acquisition.
Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the transfer of funds exist in a number of
countries where the Company operates. Funds, other than regular dividends, fees or loan repayments,
cannot be readily transferred abroad from these countries and are therefore deposited and used for
working capital needs locally. These funds are included in cash and equivalents as they are not considered
restricted.
Cash and equivalents that are subject to contractual restrictions or other legal obligations and are not
readily available are classified as Restricted cash.
Marketable securities and short
term investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of held
to
maturity and available
for
sale debt
securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities are classified as held
to
maturity when the Company
has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held
to
maturity debt securities are
carried at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion of discounts or amortization of premiums to maturity
computed under the effective interest method. Such accretion or amortization is included in Interest and
dividend income. Marketable debt securities not classified as held
to
maturity are classified as
available
for
sale and reported at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses on available
for
sale debt securities are excluded from the determination of
earnings and are instead recognized in the Accumulated other comprehensive loss component of
stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Realized gains and losses on available
for
sale debt
securities are computed based upon the historical cost of these securities, using the specific identification
method.
Marketable debt securities are classified as either Cash and equivalents or Marketable securities and
short
term investments according to their maturity at the time of acquisition.
Marketable equity securities are generally classified as Marketable securities and short
term investments,
however, any marketable securities held as a long
term investment rather than as an investment of excess
liquidity are classified as Other non
current assets. Marketable equity securities are measured at fair value
with fair value changes reported in net income. Fair value changes for marketable equity securities are
generally reported in Interest and other finance expense, however, fair value changes for certain
marketable equity securities classified as long-term investments are reported in Other income (expense).
For debt securities classified as available-for-sale where fair value has declined below amortized cost due
to credit losses, the Company records an allowance for expected credit losses and adjusts the allowance in
subsequent periods in Interest and other finance expense. All fair value changes other than those related
to credit risk are reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the security is sold.
In addition, equity securities without readily determinable fair values are remeasured if there is an
observable price change in an orderly transaction for the same investment, or if a qualitative assessment
indicates that the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying
amount. Similar to other fair value changes as described above, depending on the nature of the
investment, this fair value change is either recorded in Other income (expense) or Interest and other
finance expense.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
63
Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit losses
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Company has a group
wide policy on the
management of credit risk. The policy includes a credit assessment methodology to assess the
creditworthiness of customers and assign to those customers a risk category. Third
party agencies’
ratings are considered, if available. For customers where agency ratings are not available, the customer’s
most recent financial statements, payment history and other relevant information are considered in the
assignment to a risk category. Customers are assessed at least annually or more frequently when
information on significant changes in the customer’s financial position becomes known. In addition to the
assignment to a risk category, a credit limit per customer is set.
The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses to present the net amount of receivables expected
to be collected at the balance sheet date. The allowance is based on the credit losses expected to arise
over the asset’s contractual term taking into account historical loss experience, customer-specific data as
well as forward looking estimates. The Company’s accounts receivable are first grouped by the individual
legal entity which generally has a geographic concentration of receivables, resulting in different risk levels
for different entities. Receivables are then further subdivided within the entity into pools based on similar
risk characteristics to estimate expected credit losses. Expected credit losses are estimated individually
when the related assets do not share similar risk characteristics.
Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible and are recognized as a deduction from the
allowance for credit losses. Expected recoveries, which are not to exceed the amount previously written
off, are considered in determining the allowance balance at the balance sheet date.
The Company, in its normal course of business, transfers receivables to third parties, generally without
recourse. The transfer is accounted for as a sale when the Company has surrendered control over the
receivables. Control is deemed to have been surrendered when (i) the transferred receivables have been
put presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other
receivership, (ii) the third
party transferees have the right to pledge or exchange the transferred
receivables, and (iii) the Company has relinquished effective control over the transferred receivables and
does not retain the ability or obligation to repurchase or redeem the transferred receivables. At the time of
sale, the sold receivables are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related cash inflows
are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Transfers of
receivables that do not meet the requirements for treatment as sales are accounted for as secured
borrowings and the related cash flows are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows.
Concentrations of credit risk
The Company sells a broad range of products, systems, services and software to a wide range of
industrial, commercial and utility customers as well as various government agencies and
quasi
governmental agencies throughout the world. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts
receivable are limited, as the Company’s customer base is comprised of a large number of individual
customers. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial positions are performed to determine
whether the use of credit support instruments such as guarantees, letters of credit or credit insurance are
necessary; collateral is not generally required. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses as
discussed above in “Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit losses”. Such losses, in the
aggregate, are in line with the Company’s expectations.
It is the Company’s policy to invest cash in deposits with banks throughout the world with certain
minimum credit ratings and in high-quality, low-risk, liquid investments. The Company actively manages
its credit risk by routinely reviewing the creditworthiness of the banks and the investments held. The
Company has not incurred significant credit losses related to such investments.
The Company’s exposure to credit risk on derivative financial instruments is the risk that the counterparty
will fail to meet its obligations. To reduce this risk, the Company has credit policies that require the
establishment and periodic review of credit limits for individual counterparties. In addition, the Company
has entered into close
out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties. 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.
Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
64
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Revenue recognition
A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has
commercial substance, contains payment terms, as well as the rights and commitments of both parties,
and has been approved.
The Company offers arrangements with multiple performance obligations to meet its customers’ needs.
These arrangements may involve the delivery of multiple products and/or performance of services (such
as installation and training) and the delivery and/or performance may occur at different points in time or
over different periods of time. Goods and services under such arrangements are evaluated to determine
whether they form distinct performance obligations and should be accounted for as separate revenue
transactions. The Company allocates the sales price to each distinct performance obligation based on the
price of each item sold in separate transactions at the inception of the arrangement.
The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of non
customized products including circuit
breakers, modular substation packages, control products, motors, generators, drives, robots,
measurement and analytical instrumentation, and other goods which are manufactured on a standardized
basis at a point in time. Revenues are recognized at the point in time that the customer obtains control of
the goods, which is when it has taken title to the products and assumed the risks and rewards of
ownership of the products specified in the purchase order or sales agreement. Generally, the transfer of
title and risks and rewards of ownership are governed by the contractually defined shipping terms. The
Company uses various International Commercial Terms (as promulgated by the International Chamber of
Commerce) in its sales of products to third-party customers, such as Ex Works (EXW), Free Carrier (FCA)
and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).
Billing terms for these point in time contracts vary but generally coincide with delivery to the customer.
Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less.
The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of customized products, including integrated
automation and electrification systems and solutions, on an over time basis using the
percentage
of
completion method of accounting. These systems are generally accounted for as a single
performance obligation as the Company is required to integrate equipment and services into one
deliverable for the customer. Revenues are recognized as the systems are customized during the
manufacturing or integration process and as control is transferred to the customer as evidenced by the
Company’s right to payment for work performed or by the customer’s ownership of the work in process.
The Company principally uses the cost
to
cost method to measure progress towards completion on
contracts. Under this method, progress of contracts is measured by actual costs incurred in relation to the
Company’s best estimate of total costs based on the Company’s history of manufacturing or constructing
similar assets for customers. Estimated costs are reviewed and updated routinely for contracts in
progress to reflect changes in quantity or pricing of the inputs. The cumulative effect of any change in
estimate is recorded in the period when the change in estimate is determined. Contract costs include all
direct materials, labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as
indirect labor, supplies, tools and depreciation costs.
The nature of the Company’s contracts for the sale of customized products gives rise to several types of
variable consideration, including claims, unpriced change orders, liquidated damages and penalties. These
amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration to which the customer or the
Company will be entitled. The estimated amounts are included in the sales price to the extent it is
probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenues recognized will not occur when the uncertainty
associated with the variable consideration is resolved. All estimates of variable consideration are
reassessed periodically. Back charges to suppliers or subcontractors are recognized as a reduction of cost
when it is determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts can be reliably estimated.
Billing terms for these over
time contracts vary but are generally based on achieving specified milestones.
The differences between the timing of revenues recognized and customer billings result in changes to
contract assets and contract liabilities. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable
within 90 days or less. Contractual retention amounts billed to customers are generally due upon
expiration of the contractual warranty period.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
65
Service revenues reflect revenues earned from the Company’s activities in providing services to customers
primarily subsequent to the sale and delivery of a product or complete system. Such revenues consist of
maintenance type contracts, repair services, equipment upgrades, field service activities that include
personnel and accompanying spare parts, training, and installation and commissioning of products as a
stand-alone service or as part of a service contract. The Company generally recognizes revenues from
service transactions as services are performed or at the point in time that the customer obtains control of
the spare parts. For long-term service contracts including monitoring and maintenance services, revenues
are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract consistent with the nature, timing and
extent of the services or, if the performance pattern is other than straight line, as the services are provided
based on costs incurred relative to total expected costs.
In limited circumstances the Company sells extended warranties that extend the warranty coverage
beyond the standard coverage offered on specific products. Revenues for these warranties are recorded
over the length of the warranty period based on their stand
alone selling price.
Billing terms for service contracts vary but are generally based on the occurrence of a service event.
Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less.
Revenues are reported net of customer rebates, early settlement discounts, and similar incentives.
Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience and trend analysis. The most common
incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions
between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, value added and some excise taxes, are
excluded from revenues.
The Company does not adjust the contract price for the effects of a financing component if the Company
expects, at contract inception, that the time between control transfer and cash receipt is less than 12
months.
Sales commissions are expensed immediately when the amortization period for the costs to obtain the
contract is less than a year.
Contract loss provisions
Losses on contracts are recognized in the period when they are identified and are based upon the
anticipated excess of contract costs over the related contract revenues.
Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component of cost of sales.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first
in,
first
out method, the weighted
average cost method, or the specific identification method. Inventoried
costs are stated at acquisition cost or actual production cost, including direct material and labor and
applicable manufacturing overheads. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable
value are made, if required, for decreases in sales prices, obsolescence or similar reductions in value.
Impairment of long
lived assets
Long
lived assets that are held and used are evaluated for impairment for each of the Company’s asset
groups when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset
group may not be recoverable. If the asset group’s net carrying value exceeds the asset group’s net
undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life including net proceeds
expected from disposition of the asset group, if any, the carrying amount of the asset group is reduced to
its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined using a market, income and/or cost
approach.
66
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated using
the straight
line method. The estimated useful lives of the assets are generally as follows:
factories and office buildings: 30 to 40 years,
other facilities: 15 years,
machinery and equipment: 3 to 15 years,
furniture and office equipment: 3 to 8 years, and
leasehold improvements are depreciated over their estimated useful life or, for operating
leases, over the lease term, if shorter.
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if events or
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment
or one level below an operating segment. For the annual impairment reviews performed in 2024, the
reporting units were determined to be one level below the operating segments.
When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company uses either a qualitative or quantitative
assessment method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves determining, based on an
evaluation of qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined to be more likely than not
that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is
performed, otherwise no further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to perform the qualitative
assessment for a reporting unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed.
When performing a quantitative impairment test, the Company generally calculates the fair value of a
reporting unit using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows, applying a
discount rate that represents the reporting unit’s weighted-average cost of capital, and compares it to the
reporting unit’s carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair
value of the reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference,
provided that the loss recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that
reporting unit.
The cost of acquired intangible assets with a finite life is amortized using a method of amortization that
reflects the pattern of intangible assets’ expected contributions to future cash flows. If that pattern
cannot be reliably determined, the straight
line method is used. The amortization periods range from 3 to
5 years for software and from 5 to 20 years for customer
, technology
and marketing
related intangibles.
Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering
events.
Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage currency, commodity, interest rate and
equity exposures, arising from its global operating, financing and investing activities (see Note 6).
The Company recognizes all derivatives, other than certain derivatives indexed to the Company’s own
stock, at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging
instruments are reported at fair value with derivative gains and losses reported through earnings and
classified consistent with the nature of the underlying transaction.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
67
If the derivatives are designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair
value of the derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item
attributable to the risk being hedged through earnings (in the case of a fair value hedge) or recognized in
Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (in the case of a
cash flow hedge). Where derivative financial instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges of
forecasted transactions and such forecasted transactions are no longer probable of occurring, hedge
accounting is discontinued and any derivative gain or loss previously included in Accumulated other
comprehensive loss is reclassified into earnings consistent with the nature of the original forecasted
transaction. Gains or losses from derivatives designated as hedging instruments in a fair value hedge are
reported through earnings and classified consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged transaction.
Certain commercial contracts may grant rights to the Company or the counterparties, or contain other
provisions that are considered to be derivatives. Such embedded derivatives are assessed at inception of
the contract and depending on their characteristics, accounted for as separate derivative instruments and
shown at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in their fair value reported in
earnings consistent with the nature of the commercial contract to which they relate.
Derivatives are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same section as the
underlying item. Cash flows from the settlement of undesignated derivatives used to manage the risks of
different underlying items on a net basis are classified within Net cash provided by operating activities, as
the underlying items are primarily operational in nature. Other cash flows on the settlement of derivatives
are recorded within Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.
Leases
The Company leases primarily real estate, vehicles, machinery and equipment.
The Company evaluates if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. A contract is or contains
a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified
asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine this, the Company assesses
whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic
benefits from the use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. Leases
are classified as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense
recognition in the Consolidated Income Statements. Lease expense for operating leases is recorded on a
straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases is separated between
amortization of right-of-use assets and lease interest expense.
In many cases, the Company’s leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can
extend up to 5 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion. Renewal
periods are included in the expected lease term if they are reasonably certain of being exercised by the
Company. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. None of the Company’s
lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictions or covenants.
Long-term leases (leases with terms greater than 12 months) are recorded in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the minimum lease
payments. The present value of the lease payments is determined by using the interest rate implicit in the
lease if available. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company’s
incremental borrowing rate is used for most leases and is determined for portfolios of leases based on the
remaining lease term, currency of the lease, and the internal credit rating of the subsidiary which entered
into the lease.
Short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less and where it is reasonably certain
that the identified asset will not be leased for a term greater than 12 months) are not recorded in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The majority of
short-term leases relate to real estate and machinery.
Assets under operating lease are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets. Operating lease liabilities
are reported both as current and non-current operating lease liabilities. Right-of-use assets represent the
Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation
to make lease payments arising from the lease.
68
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Assets under finance lease are included in Property, plant and equipment while finance lease liabilities are
included in Long-term debt (including Current maturities of long-term debt as applicable).
Lease and non-lease components for leases other than real estate are not accounted for separately.
Income taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for deferred taxes. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial
reporting and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
The Company records a deferred tax asset when it determines that it is more likely than not that the
deduction will be sustained based upon the deduction’s technical merit. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
that can be offset against each other are reported on a net basis. A valuation allowance is recorded to
reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
Deferred taxes are provided on unredeemed retained earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries. However,
deferred taxes are not provided on such unredeemed retained earnings to the extent it is expected that
the earnings are permanently reinvested. Such earnings may become taxable upon the sale or liquidation
of these subsidiaries or upon the remittance of dividends.
The Company operates in numerous tax jurisdictions and, as a result, is regularly subject to audit by tax
authorities. The Company provides for tax contingencies whenever it is deemed more likely than not that a
tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred. Contingency provisions are recorded based
on the technical merits of the Company’s filing position, considering the applicable tax laws and
Organisation for Economic Co
operation and Development (OECD) guidelines and are based on its
evaluations of the facts and circumstances as of the end of each reporting period.
The Company applies a two
step approach to recognize and measure uncertainty in income taxes. The
first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence
indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of
related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest
amount which is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Uncertain tax
positions that could be settled against existing loss carryforwards or income tax credits are reported net.
Expenses related to tax penalties are classified in the Consolidated Income Statements as Income tax
expense while interest thereon is classified as Interest and other finance expense. Current income tax
relating to certain items is recognized directly in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and not in
earnings. In general, the Company applies the individual items approach when releasing income tax effects
from Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Research and development
Research and development costs not related to specific customer orders are generally expensed as
incurred.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted
average number of shares
outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the
weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the year, assuming that all potentially dilutive
securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call
options, outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions under the Company’s
share
based payment arrangements. See further discussion related to earnings per share in Note 21 and of
potentially dilutive securities in Note 19.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
69
Fair value measures
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 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 method) and the
cost approach (using costs a market participant would incur to develop a comparable asset). Inputs used
to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities are defined by a three
level hierarchy, depending on the
nature of those inputs. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities and non
financial
assets measured at fair value within this hierarchy based on whether the inputs to the valuation technique
are observable or unobservable. An observable input is based on market data obtained from independent
sources, while an unobservable input reflects the Company’s assumptions about market data.
The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1:
Valuation inputs consist of quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or
liabilities (observable quoted prices). Assets and liabilities valued using Level 1 inputs
include exchange
traded equity securities, listed derivatives which are actively traded
such as commodity futures, interest rate futures and certain actively traded debt
securities.
Level 2:
Valuation inputs consist of observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as
actively quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in inactive markets and inputs
other than quoted prices such as interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, or inputs
derived from other observable data by interpolation, correlation, regression or other
means. The adjustments applied to quoted prices or the inputs used in valuation
models may be both observable and unobservable. In these cases, the fair value
measurement is classified as Level 2 unless the unobservable portion of the
adjustment or the unobservable input to the valuation model is significant, in which
case the fair value measurement would be classified as Level 3. Assets and liabilities
valued or disclosed using Level 2 inputs include investments in certain funds, certain
debt securities that are not actively traded, interest rate swaps, cross-currency
interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, 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). Assets valued or disclosed using Level 3 inputs include insurance
contracts and certain private equity investments.
Investments in private equity, real estate and collective funds held within the Company’s pension plans are
generally valued using the net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient for fair value, provided
certain criteria are met. The NAVs are determined based on the fair values of the underlying investments in
the funds. These assets are not classified in the fair value hierarchy but are separately disclosed.
Whenever quoted prices involve bid
ask spreads, the Company ordinarily determines fair values based on
mid
market quotes.
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.
70
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Disclosures about the Company’s fair value measurements of assets and liabilities are included in Note 7.
Contingencies
The Company is subject to proceedings, litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries,
related to environmental, labor, product, regulatory, tax (other than income tax) and other matters, and is
required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as
potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the provision required, if any, for these
contingencies is made after analysis of each individual issue, often with assistance from both internal and
external legal counsel and technical experts. The required amount of a provision for a contingency of any
type may change in the future due to new developments in the particular matter, including changes in the
approach to its resolution.
The Company records a provision for its contingent obligations when it is probable that a loss will be
incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision is generally recognized on an
undiscounted basis using the Company’s best estimate of the amount of loss incurred or at the lower end
of an estimated range when a single best estimate is not determinable. In some cases, the Company may
be able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations from insurers or other third parties;
however, the Company records such amounts only when it is probable that they will be collected.
The Company generally provides for anticipated costs for warranties when it delivers the related products.
Warranty costs include calculated costs arising from imperfections in design, material and workmanship in
the Company’s products. The Company makes individual assessments on contracts with risks resulting
from order
specific conditions or guarantees and assessments on an overall, statistical basis for similar
products sold in larger quantities.
The Company may have legal obligations to perform environmental clean
up activities related to land and
buildings as a result of the normal operations of its business. In some cases, the timing or the method of
settlement, or both, are conditional upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the
Company, but the underlying obligation itself is unconditional and certain. The Company recognizes a
provision for these obligations when it is probable that a liability for the clean
up activity has been
incurred and a reasonable estimate of its fair value can be made. In some cases, a portion of the costs
expected to be incurred to settle these matters may be recoverable. An asset is recorded when it is
probable that such amounts are recoverable. Provisions for environmental obligations are not discounted
to their present value when the timing of payments cannot be reasonably estimated.
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
The Company has a number of defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and
termination indemnity plans. For plans accounted for as a defined benefit pension plan, the Company
recognizes an asset for such a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for such a plan’s underfunded status
in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company measures such a plan’s assets and
obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the year and recognizes the changes in the
funded status in the year in which the changes occur. Those changes are reported in Accumulated other
comprehensive loss.
The Company uses actuarial valuations to determine its pension and postretirement benefit costs and
credits. The amounts calculated depend on a variety of key assumptions, including discount rates and
expected return on plan assets. Current market conditions are considered in selecting these assumptions.
The Company’s various pension plan assets are assigned to their respective levels in the fair value
hierarchy in accordance with the valuation principles described in the “Fair value measures” section above.
See Note 18 for further discussion of the Company’s employee benefit plans.
Business combinations
The Company accounts for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations using the
acquisition method and records these at their respective fair values. Contingent consideration is recorded
at fair value as an element of purchase price with subsequent adjustments recognized in income. Acquired
contract assets and liabilities are valued and recorded in accordance with the principles for recognizing
revenues from contracts with customers as outlined in the section entitled “Revenue recognition” above.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
71
Identifiable intangibles consist of intellectual property such as trademarks and trade names, customer
relationships, patented and unpatented technology, in
process research and development, order backlog
and capitalized software; these are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Such intangibles are
subsequently subject to evaluation for potential impairment if events or circumstances indicate the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. See “Goodwill and intangible assets” above. Acquisition
related
costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Upon gaining control of an
entity in which an equity method or cost basis investment was held by the Company, the carrying value of
that investment is adjusted to fair value with the related gain or loss recorded in income.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and the
tax base of assets and liabilities, as well as uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances on acquired
deferred tax assets assumed in connection with a business combination, are initially estimated as of the
acquisition date based on facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. Changes in
deferred taxes, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets that
occur after the measurement period are recognized in income.
Estimated fair values of acquired assets and liabilities are subject to change within the measurement
period (a period of up to 12 months after the acquisition date during which the acquirer may adjust the
provisional acquisition amounts) with any adjustments to the preliminary estimates being recorded to
goodwill.
New accounting pronouncements
Applicable for current period
Improvements to reportable segment disclosures
In January 2024, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which requires the Company to
disclose additional reportable segment information primarily through enhanced disclosures about
significant segment expenses and extending certain annual disclosure requirements to a quarterly
frequency. The Company applied this update retrospectively for all periods presented in its Consolidated
Financial Statements (see Note 24 for details). Other than these additional disclosures, this update did not
have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Applicable for future periods
Improvements to income tax disclosures
In December 2023, an accounting standard update was issued which requires the Company to disclose
additional information related to income taxes. Under the update, the Company is required to annually
disclose by jurisdiction (i) additional disaggregated information within the tax rate reconciliation and
(ii) income taxes paid. This update is effective for the Company prospectively, with retrospective adoption
permitted, for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
of adopting this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
In November 2024, an accounting standard update was issued which requires the Company to disclose
additional information for certain types of expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee
compensation, depreciation, and amortization, presented in each relevant income statement expense
caption (such as cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses).This update is effective for the
Company prospectively, with retrospective adoption permitted, for annual periods beginning January 1,
2027 and interim periods beginning January 1, 2028. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of
adopting this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
72
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 3
Discontinued operations
In 2020, the Company completed the divestment of its Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd (Hitachi). As
this divestment represented a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company’s operations
and financial results, the results of operations for this business were presented as discontinued
operations. Certain of the business contracts in the Power Grids business continue to be executed by
subsidiaries of the Company for the benefit/risk of Hitachi Energy Ltd (Hitachi Energy). The remaining
business activities of the Power Grids business being executed by the Company are not significant.
Upon closing of the sale, the Company entered into various transition services agreements (TSAs), some
of which continue to have services performed. Pursuant to these TSAs, the Company and Hitachi Energy
provide to each other, on a transitional basis, various services. The services provided by the Company
primarily include finance, information technology, human resources and certain other administrative
services. The TSAs were to be performed for up to 3 years with the possibility to agree on extensions on an
exceptional basis for business-critical services which are reasonably necessary to avoid a material adverse
impact on the business. The TSA for information technology services was extended until mid-2025. In
2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized, within its continuing operations, general and
administrative expenses incurred to perform the TSAs, offset by $45 million, $121 million and $162 million,
respectively, in TSA-related income for such services that is reported in Other income (expense).
In addition, the Company also has retained obligations (primarily for environmental and taxes) related to
other businesses disposed or otherwise exited that qualified as discontinued operations. Changes to
these retained obligations are also included in Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.
Note 4
Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies
Acquisitions of controlling interests
Acquisitions of controlling interests were as follows:
($ in millions, except number of acquired businesses)
2024
2023
2022
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)
(1)
583
175
195
Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired
(2)
428
142
229
Number of acquired businesses
7
7
5
(1)
Excluding changes in cost- and equity-accounted companies.
(2)
Recorded as goodwill (see Note 11).
In the table above, the “Purchase price for acquisitions” and “Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair
value of net assets acquired” amounts for 2024, relate primarily to the acquisition of the Födisch Group,
the SEAM Group and DTN Europe B.V. In 2023, there were no significant acquisitions. Amounts for 2022
primarily relate to InCharge Energy, Inc. (In-Charge).
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 October 1, 2024, the Company acquired all the shares of the Födisch Group. The Födisch Group is a
worldwide provider of advanced measurement and analytical solutions for the energy and industrial
sectors. The cash outflows to complete the transaction amounted to $287 million (net of cash acquired).
This acquisition enhances the Process Automation segment offering in continuous emission monitoring
systems (CEMS) and bolsters its competitiveness in technology and innovation in this segment.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
73
On January 26, 2022, the Company increased its ownership in In-Charge to a 60 percent controlling interest
through a stock purchase agreement. In-Charge is headquartered in Santa Monica, United States, and is a
provider of turn-key commercial electric vehicle charging hardware and software solutions. The resulting
cash outflows for the Company amounted to $134 million (net of cash acquired of $4 million). The
acquisition expanded the market presence of the E-mobility operating segment, particularly in the North
American market. In connection with the acquisition, the Company’s pre-existing 13.2 percent ownership
of In-Charge was revalued to fair value and a gain of $32 million was recorded in Other income (expense),
net in 2022. The Company entered into an agreement with the remaining noncontrolling shareholders
allowing either party to put or call the remaining 40 percent of the shares until 2027. The amount for which
either party could exercise their option was dependent on a formula based on revenues. As a result of this
agreement, the noncontrolling interest was classified as Redeemable noncontrolling interest (i.e.
mezzanine equity) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and was initially recognized at fair value. In
November 2024, the Company reduced its ownership below a controlling interest as both parties
simultaneously settled their respective option rights (see “Business divestments and spin-offs” below).
While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation
process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the purchase price
allocation for acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition date and is subject to
refinement as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about the fair values of
the acquired assets and liabilities becomes available.
Business divestments and spin-offs
In November 2024, the Company together with the Niedax Group formed Abnex Inc. (Abnex), a new joint
venture company. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company contributed its North American cable
tray business to Abnex, in return for a 50 percent ownership interest in the new joint venture. The
transaction was executed through the sale of its North American cable tray business, for which the
Company recorded a gain of $72 million, in Other income (expense), with a separate acquisition at fair
value of the 50 percent investment in Abnex, amounting to $124 million and accounted for using the equity
method. The results of operations of the North American cable tray business are included in the continuing
operations of the Electrification operating segment for all periods presented through to the date of sale.
In September 2024, the Company and the noncontrolling shareholders of In-Charge came to a definitive
agreement to terminate their respective put and call options by settling the contracts on a net basis. This
agreement, completed in November 2024, resulted in the Company returning a portion of its shares to
In
-
Charge, thereby reducing its direct ownership to approximately 46 percent and thus losing control. This
transaction was treated similar to a business divestment and with a separate re-acquisition at fair value of
the 46 percent investment (amounting to $69 million) accounted for using the equity method. The
Company recorded a loss of $88 million, representing the excess of the carrying value over the estimated
fair value of this business, in Other income (expense), in connection with the loss of control. The fair value
adjustment on this business was determined using Level 3 inputs and based on a discounted cash flow
model considering the expected future results of this business. The loss is based on the net assets of the
business at the time of the deemed sale.
In 2023, the Company received proceeds (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) of $530 million,
relating to divestments of consolidated businesses and recorded gains of $100 million, in Other income
(expense), on the sale of such businesses. These are primarily due to the divestment of the Company’s
Power Conversion Division to AcBel Polytech Inc., which prior to its sale was part of the Electrification
operating segment.
74
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The spin-off of the Company’s Turbocharging Division into an independent, publicly traded company,
Accelleron Industries AG (Accelleron), was completed through the distribution of common stock of
Accelleron to the stockholders of ABB on October 3, 2022. As a result of the spin-off of this Division, the
Company distributed net assets of $272 million, net of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of
$12 million, which was reflected as a reduction in Retained earnings. In addition, total accumulated
comprehensive income of $95 million, including the cumulative translation adjustment, was reclassified to
Retained earnings. Cash and cash equivalents distributed with Accelleron was $172 million. The results of
operations of the Turbocharging Division are included in the continuing operations of the Process
Automation operating segment for all periods presented through to the spin-off date. In 2022, Income
from continuing operations before taxes included income of $134 million from this Division. In anticipation
of the spin-off, the Company granted to a subsidiary of Accelleron access to funds in the form of a short-
term intercompany loan. At the spin-off date, this loan, having a principal amount of 300 million Swiss
francs ($306 million at the date of spin-off), was due to the Company and subsequently collected in
October 2022.
Investments in equity-accounted companies
In connection with the establishment of the Joint Venture with the Niedax Group in November 2024, the
Company obtained a 50 percent interest in Abnex, the resulting new joint venture entity. For accounting
purposes, the acquisition of the 50 percent interest has a fair value at the transaction date of $124 million.
The fair value was based on a discounted cash flow model considering the expected results of the future
business operations of Abnex and using relevant market inputs including a risk-adjusted
weighted-average cost of capital. As Abnex is jointly owned and controlled by ABB and the Niedax Group,
the investment is accounted for using the equity method.
In November 2024, the reduction in the Company’s share ownership and simultaneous loss of control of
In
-
Charge resulted in, for accounting purposes, a separate acquisition of a 46 percent interest in this
company. The fair value of this investment at the transaction date amounted to $69 million and is
accounted for using the equity method.
In connection with the divestment of its Power Grids business to Hitachi in 2020 (see Note 3), the
Company initially retained a 19.9 percent interest in the business until December 2022, when the retained
investment was sold to Hitachi. During the Company’s period of ownership of the retained 19.9 percent
interest, based on its continuing involvement with the Power Grids business, including the membership in
its governing board of directors, the Company concluded that it had significant influence over Hitachi
Energy. As a result, the investment was accounted for using the equity method through to the date of its
sale.
In September 2022, the Company and Hitachi agreed terms to sell the Company’s remaining investment in
Hitachi Energy to Hitachi and simultaneously settle certain outstanding contractual obligations relating to
the initial sale of the Power Grids business, including certain indemnification guarantees (see Note 15). The
sale of the remaining investment was completed in December 2022, resulting in cash proceeds of
$1,552 million and a gain of $43 million which was recorded in Other income (expense).
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded its share of the earnings of investees accounted for under
the equity method of accounting in Other income (expense), net, as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Loss from equity-accounted companies, net of taxes
(21)
(16)
(22)
Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit)
(80)
Loss from equity-accounted companies
(21)
(16)
(102)
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
75
Note 5
Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments
Cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short
term investments consisted of the following:
Cash and
Marketable
equivalents
securities
Gross
Gross
and
and
unrealized
unrealized
restricted
short-term
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Cost basis
gains
losses
Fair value
cash
investments
Changes in fair value
recorded in net income
Cash
1,328
1,328
1,328
Time deposits
3,518
3,518
2,998
520
Equity securities
794
22
(2)
814
814
Total
5,640
22
(2)
5,660
4,326
1,334
Of which:
—Restricted cash, current
15
Cash and
Marketable
equivalents
securities
Gross
Gross
and
and
unrealized
unrealized
restricted
short-term
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Cost basis
gains
losses
Fair value
cash
investments
Changes in fair value
recorded in net income
Cash
1,449
1,449
1,449
Time deposits
2,923
2,923
2,460
463
Equity securities
1,250
32
1,282
1,282
5,622
32
5,654
3,909
1,745
Changes in fair value recorded in
other comprehensive income
Debt securities available-for-sale:
—U.S. government obligations
189
2
(8)
183
183
189
2
(8)
183
183
Total
5,811
34
(8)
5,837
3,909
1,928
Of which:
—Restricted cash, current
18
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company pledged $48 million and $48 million, respectively, of
available
for
sale marketable securities as collateral for issued letters of credit and other security
arrangements.
Note 6
Derivative financial instruments
The Company is exposed to certain currency, commodity and interest rate 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.
76
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Currency risk
Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, many of its subsidiaries are exposed to currency
risk in their operating activities from entering into transactions in currencies other than their functional
currency. To manage such currency risks, the Company’s policies require its subsidiaries to hedge their
foreign currency exposures from binding sales and purchase contracts denominated in foreign currencies.
For forecasted foreign currency denominated sales of standard products and the related foreign currency
denominated purchases, the Company’s policy is to hedge up to a maximum of 100 percent of the
forecasted foreign currency denominated exposures, depending on the length of the forecasted
exposures. Forecasted exposures greater than 12 months are not hedged. Forward foreign exchange
contracts are the main instrument used to protect the Company against the volatility of future cash flows
(caused by changes in exchange rates) of contracted and forecasted sales and purchases denominated in
foreign currencies. In addition, within its treasury operations, the Company primarily uses foreign
exchange swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency and timing mismatches
arising in its liquidity management activities.
Commodity risk
Various commodity products are used in the Company’s manufacturing activities. Consequently, it is
exposed to volatility in future cash flows arising from changes in commodity prices. To manage the price
risk of commodities, the Company’s policies require that its subsidiaries hedge the commodity price risk
exposures from binding contracts, as well as at least 50 percent (up to a maximum of 100 percent) of the
forecasted commodity exposure over the next 12 months or longer (up to a maximum of 18 months).
Primarily swap contracts are used to manage the associated price risks of commodities.
Interest rate risk
The Company has issued bonds at fixed rates. Interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps
are used to manage the interest rate and foreign currency risk associated with certain debt and generally
such swaps are designated as fair value hedges. In addition, from time to time, the Company uses
instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, bond futures or forward rate agreements to
manage interest rate risk arising from the Company’s balance sheet structure but does not designate such
instruments as hedges.
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 December 31,
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Foreign exchange contracts
12,800
12,335
13,509
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
1,159
1,137
933
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
833
886
855
Interest rate contracts
1,510
1,606
2,830
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
77
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, steel 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:
Total notional amounts at December 31,
Type of derivative
Unit
2024
2023
2022
Copper swaps
metric tonnes
40,699
35,015
29,281
Silver swaps
ounces
2,648,681
2,359,363
2,012,213
Steel swaps
metric tonnes
20,185
10,206
Aluminum swaps
metric tonnes
4,525
5,900
6,825
Cash flow hedges
As noted above, the Company mainly uses forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign
exchange risk of its operations and commodity swaps to manage its commodity risks. The Company
applies cash flow hedge accounting in only limited cases. In these cases, the effective portion of the
changes in their fair value is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently
reclassified into earnings in the same line item and in the same period as the underlying hedged
transaction affects earnings. In 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no significant amounts recorded for cash
flow hedge accounting activities.
Fair value hedges
To reduce its interest rate exposure arising primarily from its debt issuance activities, the Company uses
interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps. Where such instruments are designated as fair
value hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments, as well as the changes in the fair value of
the risk component of the underlying debt being hedged, are recorded as offsetting gains and losses in
Interest and other finance expense.
The effect of derivative instruments, designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, on the Consolidated
Income Statements was as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense:
Interest rate contracts
Designated as fair value hedges
28
44
(91)
Hedged item
(29)
(45)
93
Cross-currency
Designated as fair value hedges
33
30
(134)
interest rate swaps
Hedged item
(30)
(40)
135
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.
78
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Income Statements on derivatives not designated in
hedging relationships were as follows:
($ in millions)
Gains (losses) recognized in income
Type of derivative not designated as a hedge
Location
2024
2023
2022
Foreign exchange contracts
Total revenues
(262)
145
(56)
Total cost of sales
77
(71)
21
SG&A expenses
(1)
35
27
27
Non-order related research and
development
(7)
Interest and other finance
expense
282
(240)
(128)
Embedded foreign exchange contracts
Total revenues
27
18
(3)
Total cost of sales
(6)
1
(11)
Commodity contracts
Total cost of sales
14
(3)
(47)
Other
Interest and other finance
expense
(1)
1
4
Total
166
(129)
(193)
(1)
SG&A expenses represent “Selling, general and administrative expenses”.
The fair values of derivatives included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Current in
Non-current
Current in
Non-current
“Other
in “Other
“Other
in “Other
current
non-current
current
non-current
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
assets”
assets”
liabilities”
liabilities”
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
1
Interest rate contracts
7
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
256
Other
4
Total
4
7
1
256
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
151
17
111
15
Commodity contracts
4
20
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
22
6
11
5
Other
5
Total
177
28
142
20
Total fair value
181
35
143
276
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
79
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Current in
Non-current
Current in
Non-current
“Other
in “Other
“Other
in “Other
current
non-current
current
non-current
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
assets”
assets”
liabilities”
liabilities”
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
5
2
Interest rate contracts
18
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
230
Other
10
Total
10
23
232
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
123
30
177
9
Commodity contracts
8
3
Interest rate contracts
1
1
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
23
5
26
5
Other
4
Total
159
35
207
14
Total fair value
169
35
230
246
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, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024 and 2023, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as
follows:
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Gross amount of
Derivative liabilities
Cash
Non-cash
Type of agreement or
recognized
eligible for set-off in
collateral
collateral
Net asset
similar arrangement
assets
case of default
received
received
exposure
Derivatives
188
(90)
98
Total
188
(90)
98
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Gross amount of
Derivative liabilities
Cash
Non-cash
Type of agreement or
recognized
eligible for set-off in
collateral
collateral
Net liability
similar arrangement
liabilities
case of default
pledged
pledged
exposure
Derivatives
403
(90)
313
Total
403
(90)
313
80
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Gross amount of
Derivative liabilities
Cash
Non-cash
Type of agreement or
recognized
eligible for set-off in
collateral
collateral
Net asset
similar arrangement
assets
case of default
received
received
exposure
Derivatives
176
(111)
65
Total
176
(111)
65
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Gross amount of
Derivative liabilities
Cash
Non-cash
Type of agreement or
recognized
eligible for set-off in
collateral
collateral
Net liability
similar arrangement
liabilities
case of default
pledged
pledged
exposure
Derivatives
445
(111)
334
Total
445
(111)
334
Note 7
Fair values
Recurring fair value measures
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
Total
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Assets
Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”:
Equity securities
814
814
Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets”
181
181
Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets”
35
35
Total
1,030
1,030
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities”
143
143
Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities”
276
276
Total
419
419
Total
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Assets
Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”:
Equity securities
1,282
1,282
Debt securities—U.S. government obligations
183
183
Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets”
169
169
Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets”
35
35
Total
183
1,486
1,669
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities”
230
230
Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities”
246
246
Total
476
476
During 2024, 2023 and 2022, there have been no reclassifications for any financial assets or liabilities
between Level 1 and Level 2.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
81
The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial assets
and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Securities in “Marketable securities and short
term investments”:
If quoted market prices in
active markets for identical assets are available, these are considered Level 1 inputs;
however, when markets are not active, these inputs are considered Level 2. If such quoted
market prices are not available, fair value is determined using market prices for similar assets
or present value techniques, applying an appropriate risk
free interest rate adjusted for
non
performance risk. The inputs used in present value techniques are observable and fall
into the Level 2 category.
Derivatives:
The fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices of
identical instruments from an active market, if available (Level 1 inputs). If quoted prices are
not available, price quotes for similar instruments, appropriately adjusted, or present value
techniques, based on available market data, or option pricing models are used. 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
In the year ended 2024, the Company recognized $113 million of fair value adjustments on assets and
liabilities held for sale. These primarily relate to a fair value adjustment within the E-mobility Division of
$88 million (see Note 4). In the year ended 2024, the Company also recognized $88 million in fair value
adjustments of equity investments, primarily related to an impairment recorded of our investment in
Northvolt AB. There were no other significant non
recurring fair value measurements during the years
ended 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis
The fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis were as follows:
Carrying
Total
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities
with original maturities up to 3 months):
Cash
1,313
1,313
1,313
Time deposits
2,998
2,998
2,998
Restricted cash
15
15
15
Marketable securities and short-term
investments (excluding securities):
Time deposits
520
520
520
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding finance lease obligations)
265
188
77
265
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)
6,486
6,012
551
6,563
82
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Carrying
Total
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
fair value
Assets
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities
with original maturities up to 3 months):
Cash
1,431
1,431
1,431
Time deposits
2,460
2,460
2,460
Restricted cash
18
18
18
Marketable securities and short-term
investments (excluding securities):
Time deposits
463
463
463
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
(excluding finance lease obligations)
2,576
2,521
55
2,576
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)
5,060
5,096
5
5,101
The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial
instruments carried on a cost basis:
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months),
Restricted cash and Marketable securities and short
term investments (excluding securities):
The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short
term in nature or,
for cash held in banks, are equal to the deposit amount.
Short
term debt and current maturities of long
term debt (excluding finance lease
obligations):
Short
term debt includes commercial paper, bank borrowings and overdrafts.
The carrying amounts of short
term debt and current maturities of long
term debt, excluding
finance lease obligations, approximate their fair values.
Long
term debt (excluding finance lease obligations):
Fair values of bonds are determined
using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), if available. For bonds without available quoted
market prices and other long
term debt, the fair values are determined using a discounted
cash flow methodology based upon borrowing rates of similar debt instruments and
reflecting appropriate adjustments for non
performance risk (Level 2 inputs).
Note 8
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Receivables consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Trade receivables
7,114
7,107
Other receivables
590
646
Allowance
(316)
(307)
Total
7,388
7,446
“Trade receivables” in the table above includes contractual retention amounts billed to customers of
$106 million and $104 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Management expects that the
substantial majority of related contracts will be completed and the substantial majority of the billed
amounts retained by the customer will be collected. Of the retention amounts outstanding at
December 31, 2024, 60 percent and 19 percent are expected to be collected in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
“Other receivables” in the table above consists of value added tax, claims, rental deposits and other
non
trade receivables.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
83
The reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Balance at January 1,
307
308
339
Current-period provision for expected credit losses
49
47
37
Write-offs charged against the allowance
(25)
(48)
(48)
Exchange rate differences
(15)
(20)
Balance at December 31,
316
307
308
The following table provides information about Contract assets and Contract liabilities:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Contract assets
1,115
1,090
954
Contract liabilities
2,969
2,844
2,216
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. Management expects that the majority of the
amounts will be collected within one year of the respective balance sheet date.
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:
2024
2023
Contract
Contract
Contract
Contract
($ in millions)
assets
liabilities
assets
liabilities
Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities
balance at January 1, 2024/2023
(1,543)
(1,311)
Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as
revenue during the period
1,814
1,845
Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets
balance at January 1, 2024/2023
(592)
(622)
The Company considers its order backlog to represent its unsatisfied performance obligations. At
December 31, 2024, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling $21,221 million and, of
this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 70 percent of the obligations in 2025,
approximately 16 percent of the obligations in 2026 and the balance thereafter.
Note 9
Inventories, net
Inventories consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Raw materials
2,364
2,546
Work in process
1,223
1,284
Finished goods
2,026
2,092
Advances to suppliers
246
227
Total
5,859
6,149
84
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 10
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Land and buildings
3,778
3,818
Machinery and equipment
5,738
5,847
Construction in progress
690
713
10,206
10,378
Accumulated depreciation
(6,029)
(6,236)
Total
4,177
4,142
Assets under finance leases included in Property, plant and equipment, net were as follows:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Land and buildings
222
208
Machinery and equipment
107
95
329
303
Accumulated depreciation
(154)
(137)
Total
175
166
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, depreciation, including depreciation of assets under finance leases, was
$550 million, $517 million and $531 million, respectively. In 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no significant
impairments of property, plant or equipment.
Note 11
Goodwill and intangible assets
The changes in Goodwill were as follows:
Robotics &
Process
Discrete
Corporate
($ in millions)
Electrification
Motion
Automation
Automation
and Other
Total
Balance at January 1, 2023
(1)
4,125
2,118
1,587
2,208
473
10,511
Goodwill acquired during the year
(2)
41
38
49
14
142
Goodwill allocated to disposals
(181)
(12)
(193)
Exchange rate differences and other
45
3
8
45
101
Balance at December 31, 2023
(1)
4,030
2,159
1,583
2,302
487
10,561
Goodwill acquired during the year
(2)
101
5
315
3
4
428
Goodwill allocated to disposals
(13)
(208)
(221)
Exchange rate differences and other
(94)
(8)
(30)
(78)
(3)
(213)
Balance at December 31, 2024
(1)
4,024
2,156
1,868
2,227
280
10,555
(1)
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, and at January 1, 2023, the gross goodwill amounted to $10,811 million, $10,833 million and
$10,774 million, respectively. The accumulated impairment charges amounted to $256 million, $272 million and $263 million,
respectively, and related to the Robotics & Discrete Automation operating segment.
(2)
Amount includes adjustments arising during the twelve-month measurement period subsequent to the respective acquisition date.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
85
In 2024, goodwill acquired primarily relates to the SEAM Group (acquired in July 2024) and Födisch Group
(acquired in October 2024), which have been allocated to Electrification and Process Automation
operating segments, respectively.
In 2024, goodwill allocated to disposals primarily relates to goodwill attributed to the reduction in the
Company‘s ownership interest in InCharge Energy, Inc. which, prior to the change in ownership interest,
was part of the E-mobility operating segment, within Corporate and Other.
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
2024
2023
Gross
Accumu-
Net
Gross
Accumu-
Net
carrying
lated amort-
carrying
carrying
lated amort-
carrying
December 31, ($ in millions)
amount
ization
amount
amount
ization
amount
Capitalized software for internal use
923
(800)
123
904
(775)
129
Capitalized software for sale
24
(24)
26
(26)
Intangibles other than software:
Customer-related
1,660
(966)
694
1,632
(894)
738
Technology-related
919
(812)
107
1,034
(832)
202
Marketing-related
491
(381)
110
531
(400)
131
Other
45
(31)
14
56
(33)
23
Total
4,062
(3,014)
1,048
4,183
(2,960)
1,223
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
Capitalized software for internal use
50
70
Intangibles other than software:
Customer-related
105
12
Technology-related
36
13
Marketing-related
7
35
Other
2
1
Total
200
131
Included in the additions of $200 million in 2024 were $152 million of intangible assets acquired in
business combinations. In 2023 there were no significant intangible assets acquired in business
combinations.
Amortization expense of intangible assets consisted of the following:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Capitalized software for internal use
48
44
52
Intangibles other than software
204
219
230
Total
252
263
282
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, impairment charges on intangible assets were not significant.
86
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
At December 31, 2024, future amortization expense of intangible assets is estimated to be:
($ in millions)
2025
217
2026
195
2027
176
2028
154
2029
93
Thereafter
213
Total
1,048
Note 12
Supplier Finance Programs
The Company has several supplier finance programs, all with similar characteristics, with various financial
institutions acting as paying agent. These programs allow qualifying suppliers access to bank facilities
which permit earlier payment at a cost to the supplier. The Company’s payment terms related to suppliers’
finance programs are not impacted by the suppliers’ decisions to sell amounts under the arrangements
and are typically consistent with local market practices. Outstanding supplier finance obligations are
included in Accounts payable, trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are reported as operating or
investing (if capitalized) activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows when paid. At
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total obligation outstanding under supplier finance programs amounted
to $435 million and $415 million, respectively.
($ in millions)
2024
Confirmed obligations outstanding at January 1,
415
Invoices confirmed
1,540
Confirmed invoices paid
(1,497)
Exchange rate differences
(23)
Confirmed obligations outstanding at December 31,
435
Note 13
Debt
The Company’s total debt at December 31, 2024 and 2023, amounted to $6,945 million and $7,828 million,
respectively.
Short
term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
Short
term debt and current maturities of long
term debt consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Short-term debt (weighted-average interest rate of 4.7% and 5.1%, respectively)
83
87
Current maturities of long-term debt
(weighted-average nominal interest rate of 2.3% and 1.5%, respectively)
210
2,520
Total
293
2,607
Short
term debt primarily represents short
term loans from various banks and issued commercial paper.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
87
At December 31, 2024, the Company had two commercial paper programs in place: a $2 billion
Euro
commercial paper program for the issuance of commercial paper in a variety of currencies, and a
$2 billion commercial paper program for the private placement of U.S. dollar denominated commercial
paper in the United States. At both December 31, 2024 and 2023, no amount was outstanding under either
program.
In December 2019, the Company replaced its previous multicurrency revolving credit facility with a new
$2 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility maturing in 2024. In 2021, the Company exercised its option
to extend the maturity of this facility to 2026.
The facility is for general corporate purposes. In 2023, the
Company amended and restated its facility for the purpose of addressing the discontinuation of LIBOR.
Under the amended and restated credit facility, interest costs on drawings under the facility (i) in USD are
referenced to CME Term SOFR; (ii) in CHF and GBP are referenced to overnight SARON and SONIA,
respectively; and (iii) in Euro are referenced to EURIBOR, subject to applicable credit adjustment spreads
(for only (i) and (ii) above), plus a margin of 0.175 percent, while commitment fees (payable on the unused
portion of the facility) amount to 35 percent of the margin, which represents commitment fees of
0.06125 percent per annum. Utilization fees, payable on drawings, amount to 0.075 percent per annum on
drawings up to one
third of the facility, 0.15 percent per annum on drawings in excess of one
third but less
than or equal to two
thirds of the facility, and 0.30 percent per annum on drawings over two
thirds of the
facility. The facility contains cross
default clauses whereby an event of default would occur if the Company
were to default on indebtedness as defined in the facility, at or above a specified threshold. No amount
was drawn at December 31, 2024 and 2023, under this facility.
Long
term debt
The Company raises long-term debt in various currencies, maturities and on various interest rate terms.
For certain of its debt obligations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments to modify its interest rate
exposure. In particular, the Company uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed
rate
long
term debt into floating rate obligations. For certain non-U.S. dollar denominated debt, the Company
utilizes cross-currency interest rate swaps to effectively convert the debt into a U.S. dollar obligation. The
carrying value of debt, designated as being hedged by fair value hedges, is adjusted for changes in the fair
value of the risk component of the debt being hedged.
The following table summarizes the Company’s long
term debt considering the effect of interest rate and
cross-currency interest rate swaps. Consequently, a fixed
rate debt subject to a fixed
to
floating interest
rate swap is included as a floating rate debt in the table below:
2024
2023
December 31,
Nominal
Effective
Nominal
Effective
($ in millions, except % data)
Balance
rate
rate
Balance
rate
rate
Floating rate
1,807
2.5%
5.0%
2,907
1.3%
4.8%
Fixed rate
5,055
2.8%
2.8%
4,834
2.6%
2.7%
6,862
7,741
Current portion of long-term debt
(210)
2.3%
2.2%
(2,520)
1.5%
3.7%
Total
6,652
5,221
At December 31, 2024, the principal amounts of long
term debt repayable (excluding finance lease
obligations) at maturity were as follows:
($ in millions)
2025
183
2026
364
2027
990
2028
548
2029
708
Thereafter
4,013
Total
6,806
88
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Details of significant long-term borrowings were as follows:
2024
2023
December 31, (in millions)
Nominal
Carrying
Nominal
Carrying
outstanding
value
(1)
outstanding
value
(1)
Bonds:
0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2024
EUR
700
$
768
Floating Rate EUR Instruments, due 2024
EUR
500
$
554
0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024
EUR
750
$
819
0.3% CHF Bonds, due 2024
CHF
280
$
335
2.1% CHF Bonds, due 2025
CHF
150
$
166
CHF
150
$
179
1.965% CHF Bonds, due 2026
CHF
325
$
359
CHF
325
$
387
3.25% EUR Instruments, due 2027
EUR
500
$
518
EUR
500
$
551
0.75% CHF Bonds, due 2027
CHF
425
$
468
CHF
425
$
507
3.8% USD Notes, due 2028
(2)
USD
383
$
382
USD
383
$
382
1.9775% CHF Bonds, due 2028
CHF
150
$
165
CHF
150
$
179
3.125% EUR Instruments, due 2029
EUR
500
$
523
1.0% CHF Bonds, due 2029
CHF
170
$
188
CHF
170
$
203
0% EUR Instruments, due 2030
EUR
800
$
727
EUR
800
$
749
2.375% CHF Bonds, due 2030
CHF
150
$
165
CHF
150
$
178
3.375% EUR Instruments, due 2031
EUR
750
$
770
EUR
750
$
818
Floating rate EIB R&D Loan, due 2031
USD
539
$
539
2.1125% CHF Bonds, due 2033
CHF
275
$
303
CHF
275
$
327
3.375% EUR Instruments, due 2034
EUR
750
$
780
4.375% USD Notes, due 2042
(2)
USD
609
$
591
USD
609
$
591
Total
$
6,644
$
7,527
(1)
USD carrying values include unamortized debt issuance costs, bond discounts or premiums, as well as adjustments for fair value
hedge accounting, where appropriate.
(2)
Prior to completing a cash tender offer in 2020, the original principal amount outstanding, on each of the 3.8% USD Notes, due
2028, and the 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042, was $750 million.
During 2024, the Company repaid at maturity its CHF 280 million 0.3% Bonds, its EUR 750 million
0.75% EUR Instruments, and its EUR 700 million 0.625% EUR Instruments, each paid interest annually in
arrears, as well as its EUR 500 million floating rate notes, which paid interest quarterly in arrears at a
variable rate of 0.7 percentage points above the 3-month EURIBOR, subject to a minimum rate of interest
of zero percent.
The CHF 150 million 2.1% Bonds, due 2025, and the CHF 150 million 2.375% Bonds, due 2030, both pay
interest annually in arrears. The Company may redeem these bonds, three months prior to maturity, in
whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest. Further, the Company has the option to redeem these
instruments prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest, if 85 percent or more
of the aggregate principal amount of the relevant bond issue has been redeemed or purchased and
cancelled at the time of the option exercise notice.
The CHF 325 million 1.965% Bonds, due 2026, the CHF 150 million 1.9775% Bonds, due 2028, and the
CHF 275 million 2.1125% Bonds, due 2033, all pay interest annually in arrears and have the same early
redemption terms as the CHF 150 million 2.1% Bonds above.
The EUR 500 million 3.25% Instruments, due 2027, and EUR 750 million 3.375% Instruments, due 2031, both
pay interest annually in arrears. The Company may redeem the EUR 500 million Instruments up to one
month prior to maturity (Par call date) and the EUR 750 million Instruments up to three months prior to
maturity (Par call date), at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be
redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest
(excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined
in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. The Company may also redeem these
instruments, after the Par call date, at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed
plus accrued interest.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
89
The CHF 425 million 0.75% Bonds, due 2027, pay interest annually in arrears. The Company may redeem the
Bonds, one month prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest. Further, the
Company has the option to redeem these instruments prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par
plus accrued interest, if 85 percent or more of the aggregate principal amount have been redeemed or
purchased and cancelled at the time of the option exercise notice.
The 3.8% USD Notes, due 2028, were issued in April 2018 and pay interest semi
annually in arrears. During
2020 by way of a cash tender offer, the Company redeemed $367 million of the original $750 million 3.8%
USD Notes, due 2028, issued. The Company may redeem the remaining principal outstanding of the
2028 Notes up to three months prior to their maturity date, in whole or in part, at the greater of
(i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values
of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption
date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the Notes terms, plus interest accrued at the
redemption date. On or after January 3, 2028 (three months prior to their maturity date), the Company
may also redeem the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to
100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus unpaid accrued interest to, but
excluding, the redemption date.
The CHF 170 million 1.0% Bonds, due 2029, pay interest annually in arrears and have the same early
redemption terms as the CHF 150 million 2.1% Bonds above.
The EUR 800 million 0% Instruments, due 2030, do not pay interest. The Company may redeem these
notes up to three months prior to maturity (Par call date), at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal
amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled
payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the
redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. The
Company may redeem these instruments, after the Par call date at 100 percent of the principal amount of
the notes to be redeemed. Cross-currency interest rate swaps have been used to modify the
characteristics of these instruments. After considering the impact of these cross-currency interest rate
swaps, the Company effectively has a floating rate U.S. dollar obligation.
The 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042, pay interest semi
annually in arrears. During 2020, by way of a cash
tender offer, the Company redeemed $141 million of the original $750 million 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042,
issued. The Company may redeem these notes prior to maturity, in whole or in part, at the greater of
(i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values
of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption
date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the
redemption date.
In January 2024, the Company issued the following EUR Instruments: (i) EUR 500 million of 3.125%
Instruments, due 2029, and (ii) EUR 750 million of 3.375% Instruments, due 2034, both paying interest
annually in arrears and have the same early redemption terms as the EUR 500 million 3.25% Instruments,
due 2027, and EUR 750 million 3.375% Instruments, due 2031, respectively, above. The aggregate net
proceeds of these EUR Instruments, after discount and fees, amounted to EUR 1,243 million (equivalent to
approximately $1,360 million on date of issuance). The Company has entered into interest rate swaps for
an aggregate nominal amount of EUR 500 million to partially hedge its interest obligations on these two
bonds. After considering the impact of such swaps, EUR 500 million ($520 million equivalent) of the
outstanding principal is shown as floating rate debt in the table of long-term debt above.
In November 2024, the Company obtained a USD 539 million (EUR 500 million equivalent) loan pursuant to
an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) that was entered into in 2023. This floating rate
loan, due 2031, pays interest semi-annually in arrears at a variable rate of 0.64 percentage points above the
6-month compound SOFR. The Company may repay the amount drawn down at any time, prior to maturity,
in whole or in part, at par plus accrued interest and fees, if any. The funds received from this loan are
required to be used to finance research and development (R&D) within the Electrification operating
segment.
The Company’s various debt instruments contain cross
default clauses which would allow the bondholders
to demand repayment if the Company were to default on any borrowing at or above a specified threshold.
Furthermore, all such bonds constitute unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with
other debt obligations.
90
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In addition to the bonds and other borrowings described above, included in long
term debt at
December 31, 2024 and 2023, are finance lease obligations, bank borrowings of subsidiaries and other
long
term debt, none of which is individually significant.
Note 14
Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities
Other provisions consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Contract-related provisions
286
523
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters
134
88
Restructuring and restructuring-related provisions
125
187
Provision for insurance-related reserves
111
183
Other
197
220
Total
853
1,201
Other current liabilities consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Employee-related liabilities
1,635
1,566
Accrued expenses
589
788
Non-trade payables
582
631
Accrued customer rebates
486
514
Income taxes payable and other income tax related liabilities
485
668
Other tax liabilities
389
360
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)
143
230
Accrued interest
121
105
Other
152
184
Total
4,582
5,046
Other non
current liabilities consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Income tax related liabilities
847
813
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)
275
246
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters
141
160
Other
291
329
Total
1,554
1,548
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
91
Note 15
Commitments and contingencies
Contingencies—Regulatory, Compliance and Legal
Regulatory
Based on findings during an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ), in the United States, to the Special
Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa, as well as to various
authorities in other countries, potential suspect payments and other compliance concerns in connection
with some of the Company’s dealings with Eskom and related persons. Many of those parties have
expressed an interest in, or commenced an investigation into, these matters and the Company is
cooperating fully with them. The Company paid $104 million to Eskom in December 2020 as part of a full
and final settlement with Eskom and the SIU relating to improper payments and other compliance issues
associated with the Controls and Instrumentation Contract, and its Variation Orders for Units 1 and 2 at
Kusile. The Company made a provision of approximately $325 million, which was recorded in Other income
(expense) during the third quarter of 2022. In December 2022, the Company settled with the SEC and DoJ
as well as the authorities in South Africa and Switzerland. In March 2024, the Company settled its final
pending matter with the authorities in Germany. The Company does not believe that it will need to record
any additional provisions for this matter, and has paid all amounts in full.
General
The Company is aware of proceedings, or the threat of proceedings, against it and others in respect of
private claims by customers and other third parties with regard to certain actual or alleged
anticompetitive practices. Also, the Company is subject to other claims and legal proceedings, as well as
investigations carried out by various law enforcement authorities. With respect to the above-mentioned
claims, regulatory matters, and any related proceedings, the Company will bear the related costs, including
costs necessary to resolve them.
Liabilities recognized
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had aggregate liabilities of $83 million and $101 million,
respectively, included in Other provisions and Other non
current liabilities, for the above regulatory,
compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual liabilities recognized was significant. As it
is not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably predict, the outcome of certain matters
and as it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, to estimate the
maximum potential liability on other matters, there could be adverse outcomes beyond the amounts
accrued.
Guarantees
General
The following table provides quantitative data regarding the Company’s third
party guarantees. The
maximum potential payments represent a “worst
case scenario”, and do not reflect management’s
expected outcomes.
Maximum potential payments
(1)
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Performance guarantees
2,299
3,451
Financial guarantees
22
94
Total
2,321
3,545
(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, 2024 and 2023, were not
significant.
92
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The Company is party to various guarantees providing financial or performance assurances to certain third
parties. These guarantees, which have various maturities up to 2034, mainly consist of performance
guarantees whereby (i) the Company guarantees the performance of a third party’s product or service
according to the terms of a contract and (ii) as member of a consortium/joint venture that includes third
parties, the Company guarantees not only its own performance but also the work of third parties. Such
guarantees may include guarantees that a project will be completed within a specified time. If the third
party does not fulfill the obligation, the Company will compensate the guaranteed party in cash or in kind.
The original maturity dates for the majority of these performance guarantees range from one to ten years.
In conjunction with the divestment of the high
voltage cable and cables accessories businesses in 2017,
the Company has entered into various performance guarantees with other parties with respect to certain
liabilities of the divested business. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the maximum potential payable under
these guarantees amounts to $747 million and $874 million, respectively, and these guarantees have
various maturities ranging from five to ten years.
The Company retained obligations for financial and performance guarantees related to its former Power
Grids business (reported as discontinued operations prior to its sale to Hitachi Ltd in 2020), which at both
December 31, 2024 and 2023, have been fully indemnified by Hitachi Ltd. These guarantees, having various
maturities up to 2034, primarily consist of bank guarantees, standby letters of credit, business
performance guarantees and other trade-related guarantees, the majority of which have original maturity
dates ranging from one to ten years. The maximum amount payable under these guarantees at
December 31, 2024 and 2023, is approximately $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively. On completing the
sale of the Company’s remaining 19.9 percent interest in Hitachi Energy Ltd. to Hitachi Ltd in 2022, the
Company also settled certain existing indemnification guarantees that were due to be settled concurrent
with such transaction. As a result, in 2022, the Company recorded $136 million of cash outflows for the
settlement of these liabilities (recorded in Proceeds from sales of businesses, cost- and equity-accounted
companies).
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,
2024 and 2023, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to $3.2 billion and $3.1 billion,
respectively. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these
types of arrangements in 2024 and 2023.
Product and order
related contingencies
The Company calculates its provision for product warranties based on historical claims experience and
specific review of certain contracts.
The reconciliation of the Provisions for warranties, including guarantees of product performance, was as
follows:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Balance at January 1,
1,210
1,028
1,005
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and spin-offs
2
(24)
Claims paid in cash or in kind
(157)
(171)
(157)
Net increase in provision for changes in
estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired
256
327
252
Exchange rate differences
(63)
26
(48)
Balance at December 31,
1,248
1,210
1,028
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
93
Note 16
Leases
The Company’s lease obligations primarily relate to real estate, machinery and equipment. The
components of lease expense were as follows:
Machinery
Land and buildings
and equipment
Total
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Operating lease cost
231
221
217
88
73
71
319
294
288
Finance lease cost
20
15
15
20
15
22
40
30
37
Short-term lease cost
12
16
20
4
10
18
16
26
38
Sub-lease income
(27)
(20)
(18)
(1)
(27)
(20)
(19)
Total lease expense
236
232
234
112
98
110
348
330
344
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases:
Machinery
Land and buildings
and equipment
Total
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Operating leases:
Cash paid under operating cash flows
228
220
200
88
73
66
316
293
266
Right-of-use assets obtained
in exchange for new liabilities
187
198
285
129
92
50
316
290
335
In 2024, 2023 and 2022 the cash flow amounts under finance leases were not significant.
At December 31, 2024, the future net minimum lease payments for operating and finance leases and the
related present value of the net minimum lease payments consisted of the following:
Operating leases
Finance leases
Land and
Machinery
Land and
Machinery
($ in millions)
buildings
and equipment
buildings
and equipment
2025
193
85
18
22
2026
160
61
18
12
2027
118
35
18
11
2028
91
11
18
7
2029
70
2
9
3
Thereafter
136
88
7
Total minimum lease payments
768
194
169
62
Difference between undiscounted cash flows
and discounted cash flows
(81)
(15)
(32)
(5)
Present value of minimum lease payments
687
179
137
57
94
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The following table presents certain information related to lease terms and discount rates:
Land and buildings
Machinery and equipment
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Operating leases:
Weighted-average remaining term (months)
70
71
73
33
35
31
Weighted-average discount rate (in %)
3.9%
3.7%
3.3%
5.4%
4.3%
1.9%
Finance leases:
Weighted-average remaining term (months)
202
128
135
39
36
33
Weighted-average discount rate (in %)
4.6%
4.9%
5.5%
4.7%
3.7%
2.3%
The present value of minimum finance lease payments included in Short
term debt and current maturities
of long
term debt and Long
term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024, amounts
to $28 million and $166 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2023, amounts to $31 million and
$161 million, respectively.
Note 17
Income taxes
Income tax expense consisted of the following:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Current taxes
1,277
955
1,101
Deferred taxes
1
(25)
(344)
Income tax expense allocated to continuing operations
1,278
930
757
Income tax benefit allocated to discontinued operations
(4)
(6)
(5)
Income tax expense from continuing operations is reconciled below from the Company’s
weighted
average global tax rate (rather than from the Swiss domestic statutory tax rate) as the parent
company of the ABB Group, ABB Ltd, is domiciled in Switzerland and income generated in jurisdictions
outside of Switzerland (hereafter “foreign jurisdictions”) which has already been subject to corporate
income tax in those foreign jurisdictions is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland. There is no
requirement in Switzerland for any parent company of a group to file a tax return of the consolidated
group determining domestic and foreign pre
tax income. As the Company’s consolidated income from
continuing operations is predominantly earned outside of Switzerland, the weighted
average global tax
rate of the Company results from enacted corporate income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
95
The reconciliation of Income tax expense from continuing operations at the weighted
average tax rate to
the effective tax rate is as follows:
($ in millions, except % data)
2024
2023
2022
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
5,233
4,778
3,394
Weighted-average global tax rate
23.7%
22.3%
23.6%
Income taxes at weighted-average tax rate
1,240
1,065
800
Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate
110
33
127
Unrecognized tax benefits
(182)
(207)
(83)
Changes in valuation allowance, net
56
9
(195)
Effects of changes in tax laws and enacted tax rates
(3)
(19)
Non-deductible / non-taxable items
33
43
97
Other, net
21
(10)
30
Income tax expense from continuing operations
1,278
930
757
Effective tax rate for the year
24.4%
19.5%
22.3%
The allocation of consolidated income from continuing operations, which is predominantly earned outside
of Switzerland, impacts the “Weighted-average global tax rate”.
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, “Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate” included
$17 million, $30 million and $53 million, respectively, for dividends received in holding entities which could
not fully benefit from the participation exemption as well as the impact of recording expected taxes on
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The amount in 2024 also includes an insigificant amount
relating to the impact of the minimum tax effects from the OECD Pillar Two framework.
In 2024, “Changes in valuation allowance, net” included $79 million of negative impacts from certain
unfavorable business developments in Europe and $8 million of negative impacts from changes in certain
outlooks, partially offset by positive impacts from operations of remaining businesses. In 2023, this
amount included $57 million of negative impacts from negative business performance in Europe, partially
offset with positive impacts from changes in certain outlooks related to certain business performance in
the Americas of $13 million and Europe of $22 million. In 2022, this amount included positive impacts from
changes in certain outlooks in Asia of $22 million, Europe of $23 million and the Americas of $208 million,
offset by negative impacts from other changes in certain outlooks in Europe of $55 million.
In 2024 and 2023, “Effects of changes in tax laws and enacted tax rates” were not significant while in 2022,
this amount primarily reflects the impact of changes in certain tax rates in Europe for $25 million.
In 2024, there were no significant items impacting “Non-deductible / non-taxable items”. In 2023, this
amount also reflects an additional tax impact of $24 million related to the sale of the former Power
Conversion Division. In 2022, this amount includes a net tax impact of $65 million for the non-deductible
regulatory penalties in connection with the Kusile project offset partially by the impact of the non-taxable
gain from the sale of the remaining investment in Hitachi Energy. In all periods, the amounts reported also
include other items that were deducted for financial accounting purposes but are typically not tax
deductible, such as certain interest expense costs, local taxes on productive activities, disallowed amounts
for meals and entertainment expenses and other similar items.
In 2024, “Unrecognized tax benefits” included a combined benefit of $92 million related to positive
reassessments of certain tax risks in Europe and Africa and, in addition, closed tax audits of $78 million in
Europe. In 2023, this amount included a benefit of $206 million related to a favorable resolution of an
uncertain tax matter in Asia relating to the divestment in 2020 of the Power Grids business. In 2022, this
amount included a net benefit of $95 million related to the interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty
agreements by competent tax authorities.
96
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Deferred tax assets:
Unused tax losses and credits
582
544
Provisions and other accrued liabilities
826
839
Other current assets including receivables
69
76
Pension
243
284
Inventories
364
347
Intangible assets
1,032
1,121
Other
56
69
Total gross deferred tax asset
3,172
3,280
Valuation allowance
(1,080)
(1,070)
Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance
2,092
2,210
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
(239)
(243)
Intangible assets
(203)
(241)
Other assets
(155)
(142)
Pension
(281)
(317)
Other liabilities
(103)
(154)
Inventories
(70)
(66)
Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries
(375)
(335)
Total gross deferred tax liability
(1,426)
(1,498)
Net deferred tax asset (liability
)
666
712
Included in:
“Deferred taxes”—non-current assets
1,341
1,381
“Deferred taxes”—non-current liabilities
(675)
(669)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
666
712
Certain entities have deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards and other items. As
recognition of these assets in certain entities did not meet the more likely than not criterion, valuation
allowances have been recorded. “Unused tax losses and credits” at December 31, 2024 and 2023, in the
table above, included $44 million and $54 million, respectively, for which the Company has established a
valuation allowance as, due to limitations imposed by the relevant tax law, the Company determined that,
more likely than not, such deferred tax assets would not be realized.
The valuation allowance at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, was $1,080 million, $1,070 million and
$1,000 million, respectively.
Certain amounts included in deferred tax assets for intangible assets result from intercompany
transactions occurring at fair market value for which no corresponding accounting basis exists.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, deferred tax liabilities totaling $375 million and $335 million, respectively,
have been provided for withholding taxes, dividend distribution taxes or additional corporate income
taxes (hereafter “withholding taxes”) on unremitted earnings which will be payable in foreign jurisdictions
in the event of repatriation of the foreign earnings to Switzerland. Income which has been generated
outside of Switzerland and has already been subject to corporate income tax in such foreign jurisdictions
is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland and therefore, generally no or only limited Swiss income tax
has to be provided for on the repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
97
Certain countries levy withholding taxes on dividend distributions and these taxes cannot always be fully
reclaimed by the Company’s relevant subsidiary receiving the dividend, although the taxes have to be
withheld and paid by the relevant subsidiary distributing such dividend. In 2024 and 2023, certain taxes
arose in certain foreign jurisdictions for which the technical merits do not allow utilization of benefits. At
December 31, 2024 and 2023, foreign subsidiary retained earnings which would be subject to withholding
taxes upon distribution were approximately $50 million and $50 million, respectively. These earnings were
considered as indefinitely reinvested, as these funds are used for financing current operations as well as
business growth through working capital and capital expenditure in those countries and, consequently, no
deferred tax liability was recorded.
At December 31, 2024, net operating loss carryforwards of $2,306 million and tax credits of $39 million
were available to reduce future income taxes of certain subsidiaries. Of these amounts, $788 million of
operating loss carryforwards and $38 million of tax credits will expire in varying amounts through 2042,
while the remainder are available for carryforward indefinitely. The largest amount of these carryforwards
are related to the Company’s Europe operations.
Unrecognized tax benefits consisted of the following:
Penalties and
interest
related to
Unrecognized
unrecognized
($ in millions)
tax benefits
tax benefits
Total
Classification as unrecognized tax items on January 1, 2022
1,322
199
1,521
Increase relating to prior year tax positions
26
36
62
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions
(126)
(24)
(150)
Increase relating to current year tax positions
80
4
84
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities
(3)
(2)
(5)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations
(71)
(23)
(94)
Exchange rate differences
(58)
(10)
(68)
Balance at December 31, 2022, which would, if recognized, affect
the effective tax rate
1,170
180
1,350
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments
(9)
(1)
(10)
Increase relating to prior year tax positions
32
44
76
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions
(294)
(20)
(314)
Increase relating to current year tax positions
131
7
138
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities
(21)
1
(20)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations
(80)
(19)
(99)
Exchange rate differences
14
3
17
Balance at December 31, 2023, which would, if recognized, affect
the effective tax rate
943
195
1,138
Increase relating to prior year tax positions
21
47
68
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions
(225)
(59)
(284)
Increase relating to current year tax positions
87
4
91
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities
(10)
(4)
(14)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations
(59)
(15)
(74)
Exchange rate differences
(46)
(12)
(58)
Balance at December 31, 2024, which would, if recognized, affect
the effective tax rate
711
156
867
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, “Increase relating to current year tax positions” included a total of $59 million,
$76 million and $69 million, respectively, in taxes related to the interpretation of tax law and double tax
treaty agreements by competent tax authorities.
In 2024, “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” included $8 million, predominantly from Europe.
In 2023, “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” included $14 million predominantly from Africa.
98
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In 2022, “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” included a total of $26 million predominantly from
Asia and Europe.
In 2024, “Decrease relating to prior year tax positions” included $92 million for a decrease related to
reassessments of tax risks in Europe and Africa and $78 million related to closed tax audits in Europe.
In 2023, “Decrease relating to prior year tax positions” included $206 million for a decrease in tax risk in
Asia related to the divestment in 2020 of the Power Grids business, $40 million due to audit settlements in
Europe and the remainder is primarily due to changed tax risk assessments.
In 2022, “Decrease relating to prior year tax positions” included $94 million related to tax risk assessments
in Europe and settlements of $26 million in Asia and Europe.
In 2024, “Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities” included $7 million in Europe related to closed
tax audits.
In 2023, “Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities” of $21 million related to tax risk assessments in
Europe.
In 2022, “Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities” is predominantly related to tax assessments
received in Asia and Europe.
At December 31, 2024, the Company expects the resolution, within the next twelve months, of
unrecognized tax benefits related to pending court cases amounting to $20 million for income taxes,
penalties and interest. Otherwise, the Company had not identified any other significant changes which
were considered reasonably possible to occur within the next twelve months.
At December 31, 2024, the earliest significant open tax years that remained subject to examination were
the following:
Region
Year
Europe
2018
United States
2021
Rest of Americas
2020
China
2015
Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa
2020
Note 18
Employee benefits
The Company operates defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, and
termination indemnity plans, in accordance with local regulations and practices. At December 31, 2024, the
Company’s most significant defined benefit pension plans are in Switzerland as well as in Germany, the
United Kingdom, and the United States. 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 postretirement benefit plans are not
significant. 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 local government and tax requirements.
The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Balance Sheets the funded status of its defined benefit
pension plans, postretirement plans and other employee
related benefits measured as the difference
between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation.
Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables include amounts relating to both continuing and
discontinued operations.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
99
Obligations and funded status of the plans
The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, and funded status recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Benefit obligation at January 1,
2,834
2,457
3,669
3,572
Service cost
46
40
28
30
Interest cost
35
48
156
166
Contributions by plan participants
39
34
9
11
Benefit payments
(132)
(134)
(226)
(236)
Settlements
(32)
(97)
(41)
(69)
Actuarial (gain) loss
166
224
(188)
91
Plan amendments and other
10
1
(2)
5
Exchange rate differences
(220)
261
(125)
99
Benefit obligation at December 31,
2,746
2,834
3,280
3,669
Fair value of plan assets at January 1,
3,476
3,183
3,239
3,172
Actual return on plan assets
139
147
43
178
Contributions by employer
45
18
77
89
Contributions by plan participants
39
34
9
11
Benefit payments
(132)
(134)
(226)
(236)
Settlements
(32)
(97)
(41)
(69)
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)
1
Exchange rate differences
(266)
325
(99)
93
Fair value of plan assets at December 31,
3,269
3,476
3,002
3,239
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)
523
642
(278)
(430)
The amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and Noncontrolling interests were:
Defined pension benefits
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Net actuarial (loss) gain
(1,397)
(1,439)
(1,183)
Prior service credit
17
39
56
Amount recognized in OCI
(1)
and NCI
(2)
(1,380)
(1,400)
(1,127)
Taxes associated with amount recognized
in OCI and NCI
287
311
266
Amount recognized in OCI
(1)
and NCI, net of tax
(3)
(1,093)
(1,089)
(861)
(1)
OCI represents Accumulated other comprehensive loss and, in addition, includes $8 million, $14 million and $37 million at
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, recognized for Other postretirement benefits.
(2)
NCI represents Noncontrolling interests.
(3)
NCI, net of tax, amounted to $(1) million, $0 million and $(1) million at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
In addition, the following amounts were recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Overfunded plans
523
642
165
137
Underfunded plans — current
(16)
(16)
Underfunded plans — non-current
(427)
(551)
Funded status — overfunded (underfunded)
523
642
(278)
(430)
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Non-current assets
Overfunded pension plans
688
779
Other employee-related benefits
1
1
Pension and other employee benefits
689
780
100
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Current liabilities
Underfunded pension plans
(16)
(16)
Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans
(2)
(3)
Other employee-related benefits
(14)
(14)
Pension and other employee benefits
(32)
(33)
December 31, ($ in millions)
2024
2023
Non-current liabilities
Underfunded pension plans
(427)
(551)
Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans
(16)
(18)
Other employee-related benefits
(126)
(117)
Pension and other employee benefits
(569)
(686)
The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for all defined benefit pension plans was $5,963 million and
$6,427 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The projected benefit obligation (PBO), ABO
and fair value of plan assets, for pension plans with a PBO in excess of fair value of plan assets or ABO in
excess of fair value of plan assets, was:
PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets
ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets
December 31,
Switzerland
International
Switzerland
International
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
PBO
2,116
2,315
2,109
2,311
ABO
2,071
2,257
2,065
2,253
Fair value of plan assets
1,675
1,749
1,669
1,745
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Net periodic benefit cost mainly consisted of the following:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Operational pension cost:
Service cost
46
40
50
28
30
38
Operational pension cost
46
40
50
28
30
38
Non-operational pension cost (credit):
Interest cost (credit)
35
48
13
156
166
87
Expected return on plan assets
(126)
(129)
(117)
(168)
(157)
(153)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
(8)
(8)
(9)
(2)
(2)
(2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
52
52
58
Curtailments, settlements and special
termination benefits
5
13
4
3
19
7
Non-operational pension cost (credit)
(1)
(94)
(76)
(109)
41
78
(3)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
(48)
(36)
(59)
69
108
35
(1)
Total Non-operational pension cost (credit) includes additional credits of $2 million, $19 million and $4 million at December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022, related to Other postretirement benefits.
The components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in
Non-operational pension cost (credit) in the Consolidated Income Statements.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
101
Assumptions
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine projected benefit obligations:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
December 31, (in %)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Discount rate
0.9
1.4
4.9
4.5
Rate of compensation increase
1.6
1.7
Rate of pension increase
1.5
1.6
Cash balance interest credit rate
2.0
2.0
3.4
3.2
For the Company’s significant benefit plans, the discount rate used at each measurement date is set
based on a high-quality corporate bond yield curve (derived based on bond universe information sourced
from reputable third-party index and data providers and rating agencies) reflecting the timing, amount
and currency of the future expected benefit payments for the respective plan. Consistent discount rates
are used across all plans in each currency zone, based on the duration of the applicable plan(s) in that
zone. For plans in the other countries, the discount rate is based on high quality corporate or government
bond yields applicable in the respective currency, as appropriate at each measurement date with a
duration broadly consistent with the respective plan’s obligations.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the “Net periodic benefit cost”:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
(in %)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Discount rate
1.4
2.0
0.7
4.5
4.8
2.1
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
3.9
4.0
3.3
5.4
5.0
3.7
Rate of compensation increase
1.7
1.8
1.5
Cash balance interest credit rate
2.0
2.0
1.3
3.2
2.7
2.1
The “Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets” is derived for each benefit plan by considering the
expected future long-term return assumption for each individual asset class. A single long-term return
assumption is then derived for each plan based upon the plan’s target asset allocation.
Plan assets
The Company has pension plans in various countries with the majority of the Company’s pension liabilities
deriving from a limited number of these countries.
The pension plans are typically funded by regular contributions from employees and the Company. These
plans are typically administered by boards of trustees (which include Company representatives) whose
primary responsibilities include ensuring that the plans meet their liabilities through contributions and
investment returns. The boards of trustees have the responsibility for making key investment strategy
decisions within a risk-controlled framework.
The pension plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios that are managed by third-party asset
managers, in accordance with local statutory regulations, pension plan rules and the respective plans’
investment guidelines, as approved by the boards of trustees.
Plan assets are generally segregated from those of the Company and invested with the aim of meeting the
respective plans’ projected future pension liabilities. Plan assets are measured at fair value at the balance
sheet date.
The boards of trustees manage the assets of the pension plans in a risk-controlled manner and assess the
risks embedded in the pension plans through asset/liability management studies. Asset/liability
management studies typically take place every three years. However, the risks of the plans are monitored
on an ongoing basis.
102
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The boards of trustees’ investment goal is to maximize the long-term returns of plan assets within
specified risk parameters, while considering the future liabilities and liquidity needs of the individual
plans. Risk measures taken into account include the funding ratio of the plan, the likelihood of
extraordinary cash contributions being required, the risk embedded in each individual asset class, and the
plan asset portfolio as a whole.
The Company’s global pension asset allocation is the result of the asset allocations of the individual plans,
which are set by the respective boards of trustees. The target asset allocation of the Company’s plans on a
weighted-average basis is as follows:
Target
(in %)
Switzerland
International
Asset class
Equity
16
17
Fixed income
52
67
Real estate
25
2
Other
7
14
Total
100
100
The actual asset allocations of the plans are in line with the target asset allocations.
Equity securities primarily include investments in large-cap and mid-cap publicly traded companies. Fixed
income assets primarily include corporate bonds of companies from diverse industries and government
bonds. Both fixed income and equity assets are invested either via funds or directly in segregated
investment mandates, and include an allocation to emerging markets. Real estate consists primarily of
investments in real estate in Switzerland held in the Swiss plans. The “Other” asset class includes
investments in private equity, insurance contracts, cash, and reflects a variety of investment strategies.
Based on the global asset allocation and the fair values of the plan assets, the expected long-term return
on assets at December 31, 2024, is 4.4 percent. The Company and the local boards of trustees regularly
review the investment performance of the asset classes and individual asset managers. Due to the
diversified nature of the investments, the Company is of the opinion that no significant concentration of
risks exists in its pension fund assets.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, plan assets include ABB Ltd’s shares (as well as an insignificant amount of
the Company’s debt instruments) with a total value of $9 million and $9 million, respectively.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset class are presented below. For further
information on the fair value hierarchy and an overview of the Company’s valuation techniques applied, see
the “Fair value measures” section of Note 2.
Not
subject to
Total
December 31, 2024 ($ in millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
leveling
(1)
fair value
Asset class
Equity
Equity securities
198
198
Mutual funds/commingled funds
636
636
Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
107
107
Fixed income
Government and corporate securities
178
730
908
Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled
funds
2,390
2,390
Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds
343
343
Real estate
981
981
Insurance contracts
184
184
Cash and short-term investments
157
72
229
Private equity
44
251
295
Total
533
4,278
228
1,232
6,271
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
103
Not
subject to
Total
December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
leveling
(1)
fair value
Asset class
Equity
Equity securities
64
64
Mutual funds/commingled funds
751
751
Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
76
76
Fixed income
Government and corporate securities
160
953
1,113
Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled
funds
2,410
2,410
Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds
367
367
Real estate
1,225
1,225
Insurance contracts
215
215
Cash and short-term investments
99
85
184
Private equity
60
250
310
Total
323
4,642
275
1,475
6,715
(1)
Amounts relate to assets measured using the NAV practical expedient which are not subject to leveling.
The Company applies accounting guidance related to the presentation of certain investments using the
net asset value (NAV) practical expedient. This accounting guidance exempts investments using this
practical expedient from categorization within the fair value hierarchy. Investments measured at NAV are
primarily non exchange-traded commingled or collective funds in private equity and real estate where the
fair value of the underlying assets is determined by the investment manager. Investments in private equity
can never be redeemed, but instead the funds will make distributions through liquidation of the underlying
assets. Total unfunded commitments for the private equity funds were approximately $122 million and
$108 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The real estate funds typically offer a
redemption notice of three to twelve months.
Contributions
Employer contributions were as follows:
Defined pension benefits
Switzerland
International
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Total contributions to defined benefit
pension plans
45
18
77
89
The Company expects to contribute approximately $85 million to its defined benefit pension plans in 2025.
Of these contributions, $4 million are expected to be non-cash contributions.
The Company also contributes to a number of defined contribution plans. The aggregate expense for
these plans in continuing operations was $317 million, $293 million and $269 million in 2024, 2023 and
2022, respectively. Contributions to multi-employer plans were not significant in 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Estimated future benefit payments
The expected future cash flows to be paid by the Company’s plans in respect of pension at December 31,
2024, are as follows:
Defined pension benefits
($ in millions)
Switzerland
International
2025
226
247
2026
202
256
2027
198
254
2028
192
253
2029
186
254
Years 2030 - 2034
852
1,208
104
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 19
Share-based payment arrangements
The Company has granted share-based instruments to its employees under three principal share
based
payment plans, as more fully described in the respective sections below. Compensation cost for
equity
settled awards is recorded in Total cost of sales and in Selling, general and administrative expenses
and totaled $102 million, $103 million and $42 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, while
compensation cost for cash
settled awards, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses, was
not significant. The total tax benefit recognized in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was not significant.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had the ability to issue up to 94 million new shares out of contingent
capital in connection with share
based payment arrangements. In addition, 7 million of the 22 million
shares held by the Company as treasury stock at December 31, 2024, could be used to settle share
based
payment arrangements.
As the primary trading market for the shares of ABB Ltd is the SIX Swiss Exchange (on which the shares are
traded in Swiss francs) and substantially all the share
based payment arrangements with employees are
based on the Swiss franc share or have strike prices set in Swiss francs, certain data disclosed below
related to the instruments granted under share
based payment arrangements are presented in Swiss
francs.
Employee Share Acquisition Plan
The employee share acquisition plan (ESAP) is a stock
option plan with a savings feature that is made
widely available to Company employees. Employees save over a twelve
month period, by way of regular
payroll deductions. At the end of the savings period, employees choose whether to exercise their stock
options using their savings plus interest, if any, to buy ABB Ltd shares at the exercise price set at the grant
date, or have their savings returned with any interest. The savings are accumulated in bank accounts held
by a third
party trustee on behalf of the participants and earn interest, where applicable. Employees can
withdraw from the ESAP at any time during the savings period and will be entitled to a refund of their
accumulated savings.
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a lattice model, using the
assumptions noted in the table below. The expected term of the option granted has been determined to
be the contractual one
year life of each option, at the end of which the options vest and the participants
are required to decide whether to exercise their options or have their savings returned with interest. The
risk
free rate is based on one
year Swiss franc interest rates, reflecting the one
year contractual life of the
options. In estimating forfeitures, the Company has used the data from previous ESAP launches.
2024
2023
2022
Expected volatility
22%
21%
25%
Dividend yield
1.8%
2.8%
3.0%
Expected term
1 year
1 year
1 year
Risk-free interest rate
0.4%
1.6%
1.1%
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
105
Presented below is a summary of activity under the ESAP:
Weighted-
Weighted-
Aggregate
average
average
intrinsic
exercise
remaining
value
Number of
price
contractual
(in millions
shares
(in Swiss
term
of Swiss
(in millions)
francs)
(in years)
francs)
(1)
Outstanding at January 1, 2024
1.8
30.49
Granted
1.5
48.41
Forfeited
(0.1)
31.07
Exercised
(2)
(1.5)
30.49
Not exercised (savings returned plus interest)
(0.2)
30.49
Outstanding at December 31, 2024
1.5
48.41
0.8
1
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2024
1.4
48.41
0.8
1
Exercisable at December 31, 2024
(1)
Computed using the closing price, in Swiss francs, of ABB Ltd shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the exercise price of each
option in Swiss francs.
(2)
The cash received in 2024 from exercises was approximately $51 million. The shares were delivered out of treasury stock.
The exercise prices per ABB Ltd share of 48.41 Swiss francs and 30.49 Swiss francs for the 2024 grant and
the 2023 grant, respectively, were determined using the closing price of the ABB Ltd share on the SIX Swiss
Exchange on the respective grant dates. The exercise prices per ABB Ltd share and per ADS of 27.99 Swiss
francs and $28.09, respectively, for the 2022 grant were determined using the closing price of the ABB Ltd
share on the SIX Swiss Exchange and ADS on the New York Stock Exchange on the grant date.
At December 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non
vested options granted
under the ESAP was not significant. The weighted
average grant
date fair value (per option) of options
granted during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was 3.86 Swiss francs, 2.28 Swiss francs and 2.47 Swiss francs,
respectively. The total intrinsic value (on the date of exercise) of options exercised in 2024 was $31 million,
while for 2023 and 2022 it was not significant.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The long
term incentive plan (LTIP) involves annual grants of the Company’s stock subject to certain
conditions (Performance Shares) to members of the Company’s Executive Committee and selected other
senior executives, as defined in the terms of the LTIP. The ultimate amount delivered under the LTIP’s
Performance Shares grant is based on achieving certain results against targets, as set out below, over a
three-year period from grant and the final amount is delivered to the participants at the end of this period.
Generally, for awards to vest, the participant has to fulfill a three-year service condition as defined in the
terms and conditions of the LTIP.
The Performance Shares under the 2024, 2023 and 2022 LTIP launches include a component based on the
Company’s earnings per share performance (weighted 50 percent), a component based on the Company’s
relative total shareholder return (weighted 30 percent) and a sustainability component based on the
Company’s CO
2
equivalent emissions reductions (weighted 20 percent).
For the earnings per share performance component of the Performance Shares, the actual number of
shares that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s average earnings per share over
three financial years, beginning with the year of launch. The actual number of shares that will ultimately be
delivered will vary depending on the earnings per share outcome as computed under each LTIP launch,
interpolated between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) and an upper threshold (the number of
shares delivered is capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant).
106
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
For the relative total shareholder return component of the Performance Shares, the actual number of
shares that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s total shareholder return
performance relative to a peer group of companies over a three-year period starting with the year of grant.
The actual number of shares that will ultimately be delivered will vary depending on the relative total
shareholder return outcome achieved between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) and an upper
threshold (the number of shares delivered is capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant).
For the sustainability component of the Performance Shares, the actual number of shares that will be
delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s scope 1 and 2 CO
2
equivalent emissions reduction
over three financial years, beginning with the year of launch, compared to 2019 baseline emissions. The
actual number of shares that will ultimately be delivered will vary depending on the sustainability outcome
as computed under the LTIP launch, interpolated between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) and an
upper threshold (the number of shares delivered is capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant).
Certain other key employees not included in the employee group granted the Performance Shares
described above, were granted Restricted Shares of the Company under the LTIP. The Restricted Shares do
not have performance conditions and vest over a three-year period from the grant date.
Under the 2024, 2023 and 2022 LTIP launches, participants generally do not have the ability to receive any
of the award in cash, subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions.
Presented below is a summary of activity under the Performance Shares of the LTIP:
Weighted-average
Number of
grant-date
Performance Shares
fair value per share
(in millions)
(Swiss francs)
Nonvested at January 1, 2024
1.6
33.60
Granted
0.6
36.15
Vested
(0.8)
36.64
Forfeited
(0.1)
31.03
Nonvested at December 31, 2024
1.4
33.06
The aggregate fair value, at the dates of grant, of Performance Shares granted in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was
$23 million, $24 million and $26 million, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of shares that vested
during 2024 and 2023 was $31 million and $17 million, respectively, while in 2022 it was not significant. The
weighted-average grant-date fair value (per share) of shares granted during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was
36.15 Swiss francs, 29.18 Swiss francs and 33.33 Swiss francs, respectively. The total fair value of
Performance Shares delivered in 2024 and 2023 (including shares vested in prior years and delivered in the
year) was approximately $77 million and $80 million, respectively, while in 2022 it was not significant.
Presented below is a summary of activity under the Restricted Shares of the LTIP:
Weighted-average
Number of
grant-date
Restricted Shares
fair value per share
(in millions)
(Swiss francs)
Nonvested at January 1, 2024
2.3
29.51
Granted
0.7
41.65
Vested
(0.8)
26.64
Forfeited
(0.1)
32.65
Nonvested at December 31, 2024
2.1
34.55
The aggregate fair value, at the dates of grant, of Restricted Shares granted in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was
$34 million, $30 million and $27 million, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of shares that vested
during 2024 and 2023 was $22 million and $20 million, respectively, while in 2022 it was not significant. The
weighted-average grant-date fair value (per share) of shares granted during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was
41.65 Swiss francs, 31.38 Swiss francs and 30.52 Swiss francs, respectively. The total fair value of
Restricted Shares delivered in 2024 and 2023 was approximately $40 million and $35 million, respectively,
while in 2022 it was not significant.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
107
Equity-settled awards are recorded in the Additional paid-in capital component of Stockholders’ equity,
with compensation cost recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses over the vesting period
(which is from grant date to the end of the vesting period) based on the grant-date fair value of the
shares. Cash-settled awards are recorded as a liability, remeasured at fair value at each reporting date for
the percentage vested, with changes in the liability recorded in Selling, general and administrative
expenses.
At December 31, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to equity-settled awards under the
LTIP was $71 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The
compensation cost recorded in 2024, 2023 and 2022 for cash-settled awards was not significant.
For the earnings per share component of the LTIP launches, the fair value of granted shares is based on
the market price of the ABB Ltd share at grant date for equity-settled awards and at each reporting date
for cash-settled awards, as well as the probable outcome of the earnings per share achievement, as
computed using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The main inputs to this model are the Company’s and
external financial analysts’ revenue growth rates and Operational EBITA margin expectations. For the
relative total shareholder return component of the LTIP launches, the fair value of granted shares at grant
date, for equity-settled awards, and at each reporting date, for cash-settled awards, is determined using a
Monte Carlo simulation model. The main inputs to this model are the Company’s share price and dividend
yield, the volatility of the Company’s and the peer group’s share price as well as the correlation between
the peer companies. For the sustainability component of the LTIP launches, the fair value of granted
shares is based on the market price of the ABB Ltd share at grant date for equity-settled awards and at
each reporting date for cash-settled awards, as well as the probable outcome of the sustainability
component achievement, as determined by internal modelling based on the Company’s CO
2
equivalent
emissions.
Management Incentive Plan
Up to 2019, the Company offered, under the Management Incentive Plan (MIP), options and cash
settled
warrant appreciation rights (WARs) to key employees for no consideration. The options and WARs expire
six years from the date of grant. Participants may exercise or sell options and exercise WARs after the
vesting period, which is three years from the date of grant. No grants were made in 2024, 2023 and 2022
under the MIP.
The options granted under the MIP allow participants to purchase shares of ABB Ltd at predetermined
prices. Participants may sell the options rather than exercise the right to purchase shares. Equivalent
warrants are listed by a third
party bank on the SIX Swiss Exchange, which facilitates pricing and
transferability of options granted under this plan. The options entitle the holder to request that the
third
party bank purchase such options at the market price of equivalent listed warrants related to that
MIP launch. If the participant elects to sell the options, the options will thereafter be held by a third party
and, consequently, the Company’s obligation to deliver shares will be toward this third party.
The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using a lattice model. In 2024, 71 million
options (with a conversion ratio of 5:1) were exercised, representing 14 million shares, with the shares
delivered out of treasury stock. Cash received upon exercise amounted to approximately $340 million. In
2024, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate intrinsic value (on the date of exercise) of options exercised was
approximately $341 million, $64 million and $143 million, respectively. At December 31, 2024, all options
granted under the MIP were vested and exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value at December 31, 2024, of
options outstanding was $38 million. At December 31, 2024, there were 6 million options (with an exercise
price of 17.63 Swiss francs) outstanding, representing approximately 1 million shares, with a remaining
contractual term of 0.7 years.
Each WAR gives the participant the right to receive, in cash, the market price of an equivalent listed
warrant on the date of exercise of the WAR. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the number of WARs
outstanding and their aggregate fair value was not significant.
108
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Other share-based payments
The Company has other minor share-based payment arrangements with certain employees. The
compensation cost related to these arrangements in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was not significant.
Note 20
Stockholders' equity
Capital
ABB Ltd is a corporation organized under the laws of Switzerland and the rights of its shareholders are
governed by Swiss law and its Articles of Incorporation.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had 1,861 million shares and 1,882 million shares,
respectively, that were registered and issued.
In line with the revised provisions of Swiss corporate law effective January 1, 2023, shareholders approved,
at ABB’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in March 2023, the introduction of a capital band
ranging from 90 percent to 110 percent of the issued share capital entered in the commercial register at
that time. Within this capital band, the Board of Directors is authorized to increase or reduce the share
capital once or several times until March 23, 2028, or until an earlier expiry of the capital band. The
Company also has contingent share capital, as specified in the ABB Ltd Articles of Incorporation, which
forms a component of total authorized shares. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a total of
2,361 million and 2,383 million authorized shares, respectively.
Dividends
At the AGM in March 2024, the shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute
a total of 0.87 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $1,804 million, with
the Company disbursing a portion in March 2024 and the remaining amounts in April 2024. At the AGM in
March 2023, the shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of
0.84 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $1,706 million, with the
Company disbursing a portion in March 2023 and the remaining amounts in April 2023. At the AGM in
March 2022, the shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of
0.82 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $1,700 million, with the
Company disbursing a portion in March 2022 and the remaining amounts in April 2022.
Amounts available to be distributed as dividends to the stockholders of ABB Ltd are based on the
requirements of Swiss law and ABB Ltd’s Articles of Incorporation, and are determined based on amounts
presented in the unconsolidated financial statements of ABB Ltd, prepared in accordance with Swiss law.
At December 31, 2024, the total unconsolidated stockholders’ equity of ABB Ltd was 4,473 million Swiss
francs ($4,942 million), including 223 million Swiss francs ($247 million) representing share capital,
5,234 million Swiss francs ($5,783 million) representing reserves and 984 million Swiss francs
($1,088 million) representing a reduction of equity for treasury shares. Of these amounts, 984 million
Swiss francs ($1,088 million) relating to treasury shares and 45 million Swiss francs ($49 million)
representing 20 percent of share capital, at December 31, 2024, are restricted by law and not available for
distribution.
Treasury stock transactions
In March 2022, the Company announced a share buyback program of up to $3 billion. This program, which
was launched in April 2022, was executed on a second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and was
completed in March 2023. In March 2023, the Company announced a share buyback program of up to
$1 billion. This program, which was launched in April 2023, was executed on a second trading line on the
SIX Swiss Exchange and was completed in March 2024. In March 2024, the Company announced a share
buyback program of up to $1 billion. This program, which was launched in April 2024, was executed on a
second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and was completed in January 2025.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
109
Under these buyback programs, in 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company purchased 19 million, 25 million and
91 million, respectively, of its own shares, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of $1,007 million,
$893 million and $2,842 million, respectively.
At the March 2022 AGM, shareholders approved the cancellation of 88 million shares which had been
purchased under the share buyback programs. The cancellation was completed in the second quarter of
2022, resulting in a decrease in Treasury stock of $2,876 million and a corresponding total decrease in
Capital stock, Additional paid-in capital and Retained earnings. In the second quarter of 2023, the
Company cancelled 83 million shares which had been purchased under its share buyback programs. This
resulted in a decrease in Treasury stock of $2,567 million and a corresponding total decrease in Capital
stock, Additional paid-in capital and Retained earnings. In the second quarter of 2024, the Company
cancelled 21 million shares which had been purchased under its share buyback programs. This resulted in a
decrease in Treasury stock of $832 million and a corresponding total decrease in Capital stock, Additional
paid-in capital and Retained earnings.
In addition to the share buyback programs, in 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company purchased a total of
5 million, 9 million and 20 million, respectively, of its own shares on the open market, mainly for use in
connection with its employee share plans, resulting in an increase in Treasury stock of $244 million,
$354 million and $660 million, respectively.
Obligations to issue shares relating to employee incentive programs
At December 31, 2024, the Company had outstanding obligations to deliver:
approximately 1 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2019 launch of the
MIP, with a strike price of 17.63 Swiss francs, vested in August 2022 and expiring in August
2025,
up to 2 million shares relating to the ESAP, vesting and expiring in October 2025,
up to 6 million shares to Eligible Participants under the 2024, 2023 and 2022 launches of the
LTIP, vesting and expiring in April 2027, April 2026 and April 2025, respectively, and
less than 1 million shares in connection with certain other share-based payment
arrangements with employees.
See Note 19 for a description of the above share
based payment arrangements.
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company delivered 17 million, 6 million and 16 million shares, respectively, out
of treasury stock, for options exercised in relation to the MIP. In addition, in 2024 and 2023, the Company
delivered 1.5 million and 1.3 million shares, respectively, out of treasury stock for options exercised in
relation to the ESAP. The number of shares delivered in 2022 under the ESAP was not significant.
Issuance of subsidiary shares
In November 2022, the Company received gross proceeds of 203 million Swiss francs ($216 million)
through a private placement of shares in its ABB E-Mobility subsidiary, ABB E-mobility Holding Ltd
(ABB E-Mobility), reducing the Company's beneficial ownership in the subsidiary from 100 percent to
92 percent. This resulted in an increase in Additional paid-in capital of $120 million. In February 2023, the
Company obtained an additional amount of funding raised through the private placement of new shares
of ABB E-Mobility, increasing the total gross proceeds by an additional 325 million Swiss francs
(approximately $351 million) and further reducing the Company’s ownership in ABB E-Mobility to
81 percent. This resulted in an increase in Additional paid-in capital of $170 million. In December 2023, an
agreement was reached to increase the ownership percentage of the investors participating in these
private placements to 25 percent for no additional consideration.
Declaration of dividends for the year 2024
In January 2025, the Company announced that a proposal will be put to the 2025 AGM for approval by the
shareholders to distribute 0.90 Swiss francs per share to shareholders.
110
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 21
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted
average number of shares
outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the
weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the year, assuming that all potentially dilutive
securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call
options and outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions under the Company’s
share
based payment arrangements. In both 2024 and 2022, outstanding securities representing a
maximum of 2 million shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their
inclusion would have been antidilutive. None were excluded in 2023.
Basic earnings per share:
($ in millions, except per share data in $)
2024
2023
2022
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,937
3,769
2,517
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(2)
(24)
(42)
Net income
3,935
3,745
2,475
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)
1,844
1,855
1,899
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.14
2.03
1.33
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.02
1.30
Diluted earnings per share:
($ in millions, except per share data in $)
2024
2023
2022
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
3,937
3,769
2,517
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(2)
(24)
(42)
Net income
3,935
3,745
2,475
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)
1,844
1,855
1,899
Effect of dilutive securities:
Call options and shares
7
12
11
Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)
1,851
1,867
1,910
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
2.13
2.02
1.32
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(0.01)
(0.02)
Net income
2.13
2.01
1.30
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
111
Note 22
Other comprehensive income
The following table includes amounts recorded within Total other comprehensive income (loss) including
the related income tax effects:
2024
2023
2022
Before
Tax
Net of
Before
Tax
Net of
Before
Tax
Net of
($ in millions)
tax
effect
tax
tax
effect
tax
tax
effect
tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(317)
(2)
(319)
(292)
2
(290)
(685)
(685)
Net loss on complete or substantially
complete liquidations of foreign
subsidiaries
14
14
5
5
Changes attributable to divestments
9
9
9
9
41
41
Net change during the year
(294)
(2)
(296)
(283)
2
(281)
(639)
(639)
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising
during the year
1
1
6
(1)
5
(28)
5
(23)
Reclassification adjustments for net
(gains) losses included in net income
5
(1)
4
8
(2)
6
2
2
Net change during the year
6
(1)
5
14
(3)
11
(26)
5
(21)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service (costs) credits arising
during the year
(15)
5
(10)
1
(2)
(1)
(2)
2
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising
during the year
(24)
(13)
(37)
(339)
57
(282)
298
(72)
226
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
included in net income
(11)
1
(10)
(11)
2
(9)
(13)
(3)
(16)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included
in net income
66
(19)
47
48
(10)
38
55
(11)
44
Net gains (losses) from settlements and
curtailments included in net income
(8)
2
(6)
16
(2)
14
11
(2)
9
Changes attributable to divestments
3
3
(8)
(8)
Net change during the year
8
(24)
(16)
(282)
45
(237)
341
(86)
255
Derivative instruments and hedges:
Net gains (losses) arising during the year
(10)
2
(8)
(11)
1
(10)
(10)
(2)
(12)
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains)
losses included in net income
10
10
8
8
12
12
Net change during the year
2
2
(3)
1
(2)
2
(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(280)
(25)
(305)
(554)
45
(509)
(322)
(83)
(405)
112
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
The following table shows changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (OCI) attributable to ABB, by
component, net of tax:
Unrealized
Pension and
Foreign
gains (losses)
other post-
Accumulated
currency
on available-
retirement
Derivative
other
translation
for-sale
plan
instruments
comprehensive
($ in millions)
adjustment
securities
adjustments
and hedges
loss
Balance at January 1, 2022
(2,993)
2
(1,089)
(8)
(4,088)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
(685)
(23)
226
(12)
(494)
Amounts reclassified from OCI
46
2
29
12
89
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(639)
(21)
255
(405)
Spin-off of the Turbocharging Division
(93)
(5)
(98)
Less:
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling
interests
(34)
(1)
(35)
Balance at December 31, 2022
(1)
(3,691)
(19)
(838)
(8)
(4,556)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
(290)
5
(283)
(10)
(578)
Amounts reclassified from OCI
9
6
46
8
69
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(281)
11
(237)
(2)
(509)
Less:
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling
interests and redeemable
noncontrolling interests
5
5
Balance at December 31, 2023
(3,977)
(8)
(1,075)
(10)
(5,070)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
before reclassifications
(319)
1
(47)
(8)
(373)
Amounts reclassified from OCI
23
4
31
10
68
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(296)
5
(16)
2
(305)
Less:
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling
interests and redeemable
noncontrolling interests
(25)
(25)
Balance at December 31, 2024
(4,248)
(3)
(1,091)
(8)
(5,350)
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
113
The following table reflects amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Foreign currency translation
adjustments and Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:
($ in millions)
Location of (gains) losses
Details about OCI components
reclassified from OCI
2024
2023
2022
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Net loss on complete or substantially complete
liquidations of foreign subsidiaries
Other income (expense), net
14
5
Changes attributable to divestments
Other income (expense), net
9
9
41
Amounts reclassified from OCI
23
9
46
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
(11)
(11)
(13)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
66
48
55
Net losses from settlements and curtailments
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
(8)
16
11
Changes attributable to divestments
Other income (expense), net
3
(8)
Total before tax
47
56
45
Tax
Income tax expense
(16)
(10)
(16)
Amounts reclassified from OCI
31
46
29
The amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of “Unrealized gains (losses) on available
for
sale
securities” and “Derivative instruments and hedges” were not significant in 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Note 23
Restructuring and related expenses
Restructuring-related activities
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company executed various restructuring
related activities and incurred the
following charges, net of changes in estimates:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Employee severance costs
111
120
81
Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
11
7
209
Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
29
49
7
Total
151
176
297
Expenses associated with these activities are recorded in the following line items in the Consolidated
Income Statements:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Total cost of sales
40
65
24
Selling, general and administrative expenses
31
52
40
Non-order related research and development expenses
11
3
2
Other income (expense), net
69
56
231
Total
151
176
297
114
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
In 2022, the Company completed a plan (initiated in 2021) to fully exit its full train retrofit business by
transferring the remaining contracts to a third party. The Company recorded $195 million of restructuring
expenses in connection with this business exit primarily for contract settlement costs. Prior to exiting this
business, the business was reported as part of the Company’s non-core business activities within
Corporate and Other.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $197 million and $250 million, respectively, was recorded for
restructuring-related liabilities and is primarily included in Other provisions.
Note 24
Operating segment and geographic data
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM allocates resources
to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using the information outlined below. The
Company is organized into the following segments, based on products and services: Electrification,
Motion, Process Automation and Robotics & Discrete Automation. The remaining operations of the
Company are included in Corporate and Other.
A description of the types of products and services provided by each reportable segment is as follows:
Electrification:
manufactures and sells electrical products and solutions which are designed
to provide the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. The
portfolio of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes renewable power solutions,
modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboards and
panelboards, switchgear, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices,
control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems and intelligent home
and building solutions, designed to integrate and automate lighting, heating, ventilation,
security and data communication networks. The products and services are delivered through
five operating Divisions: Distribution Solutions, Smart Power, Smart Buildings, Installation
Products, and Service, as well as, prior to its sale in July 2023, the Power Conversion Division.
Motion:
designs, manufactures and sells drives, motors, generators and traction converters
that are driving the low-carbon future for industries, cities, infrastructure and transportation.
These products, digital technology and related services enable industrial customers to
increase energy efficiency, improve safety and reliability, and achieve precise control of their
processes. Building on over 140 years of cumulative experience in electric powertrains,
Motion combines domain expertise and technology to deliver the optimum solution for a
wide range of applications in all industrial segments. In addition, Motion, along with its
partners, has a leading global service presence. These products and services are delivered
through seven operating Divisions: Large Motors and Generators, IEC LV Motors, NEMA
Motors, Drive Products, System Drives, Service, and Traction.
Process Automation:
offers a broad range of industry-specific, integrated automation,
electrification and digital solutions, as well as lifecycle services for the process, hybrid and
marine industries. The product portfolio includes control technologies, industrial software,
advanced analytics, sensing and measurement technology, and marine propulsion systems.
In addition, Process Automation offers a comprehensive range of services, from repair to
advanced digital capabilities such as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, asset
performance management, emission monitoring and cybersecurity. The products, systems
and services are currently delivered through four operating Divisions: Energy Industries,
Process Industries, Marine & Ports and Measurement & Analytics, as well as, prior to its
spin-off in October 2022, the Turbocharging Division.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
115
Robotics & Discrete Automation:
delivers its products, solutions and services through two
operating Divisions: Robotics provides industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous
mobile robotics, mapping and navigation solutions, robotic solutions, field services, spare
parts and digital services. Machine Automation specializes in automation solutions based on
its programmable logic controllers (PLC), industrial PCs (IPC), servo motion, transport
systems and machine vision. Both divisions offer software across the entire life cycle,
including engineering and simulation software as well as a comprehensive range of digital
solutions.
Corporate and Other:
Corporate includes headquarter costs, the Company’s corporate real estate
activities and Corporate Treasury while Other includes the E-mobility operating segment and other
non
-
core operating activities as well as the operating activities of certain divested businesses.
The primary measure of profitability on which the operating segments are evaluated is Operational EBITA,
which represents income from operations excluding:
amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisition (acquisition-related
amortization),
restructuring, related and implementation costs,
changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring
after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses),
gains and losses from sale of businesses (including fair value adjustment on assets and
liabilities held for sale, if any),
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 and certain other fair value changes, as well as other items which
are determined by management on a case
by
case basis.
For all operating segments, the primary performance measure the CODM uses to allocate resources
(including capital expenditure and financial resources) and assess performance as part of the monthly
business review process is Operational EBITA. As part of this review process, current year
-
to-date
budget-to-actual variances are provided (inclusive of key deviations) along with forecasted annual
expectations and plans to address any negative variances. Operational EBITA is also used to assess
segment performance against targets set in the annual incentive plans as part of the compensation of the
Company’s employees.
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.
116
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
For a category of expense to be classified as a significant segment expense, it must be significant to the
segment, regularly provided to or easily computed from information regularly provided to the CODM and
included in the primary measure of profitability. Significant segment expenses include Operational cost of
sales, Operational selling, general and administrative expenses, and Operational non-order related
research and development costs, which respectively are comprised of Cost of sales, Selling, general and
administrative expenses (excluding bad debt expense), and Non-order related research and development
costs, with each of these expense categories being adjusted to exclude any costs incurred on behalf of
other segments and any relevant non-operational items (as defined above).
Other segment items represent Other income (expense) excluding its respective components of
non-operational items (as defined above), bad debt expense, and foreign exchange/commodity timing
differences in total revenues.
The following tables present disaggregated segment revenues from contracts with customers, significant
segment expenses, and Operational EBITA for 2024, 2023 and 2022:
2024
($ in millions)
Electrification
Motion
Process
Automation
Robotics &
Discrete
Automation
Corporate
and Other
(1)
Total
Geographical markets
Europe
4,566
2,241
2,443
1,648
221
11,119
The Americas
6,577
2,618
1,871
535
204
11,805
of which: United States
5,128
2,122
1,158
329
142
8,879
Asia, Middle East and Africa
4,047
2,353
2,408
1,020
98
9,926
of which: China
1,777
1,098
695
704
22
4,296
15,190
7,212
6,722
3,203
523
32,850
Product type
Products
14,129
6,060
3,930
2,622
476
27,217
Services and other
1,061
1,152
2,792
581
47
5,633
15,190
7,212
6,722
3,203
523
32,850
Third-party revenues
15,190
7,212
6,722
3,203
523
32,850
Intersegment revenues
258
575
34
10
(877)
Total revenues
15,448
7,787
6,756
3,213
(354)
32,850
Operational cost of sales
(9,285)
(5,016)
(4,395)
(2,110)
Operational selling, general and
administrative expenses
(2,237)
(976)
(1,009)
(563)
Operational non-order related
research and development
expenses
(454)
(330)
(336)
(219)
Other segment items
48
53
9
8
Operational EBITA
3,520
1,518
1,025
329
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
117
2023
($ in millions)
Electrification
Motion
Process
Automation
Robotics &
Discrete
Automation
Corporate
and Other
(1)
Total
Geographical markets
Europe
4,547
2,455
2,294
1,932
340
11,568
The Americas
5,926
2,562
1,738
573
291
11,090
of which: United States
4,456
2,123
1,076
358
235
8,248
Asia, Middle East and Africa
3,899
2,276
2,212
1,119
71
9,577
of which: China
1,775
1,148
707
804
34
4,468
14,372
7,293
6,244
3,624
702
32,235
Product type
Products
13,437
6,219
3,661
3,063
630
27,010
Services and other
935
1,074
2,583
561
72
5,225
14,372
7,293
6,244
3,624
702
32,235
Third-party revenues
14,372
7,293
6,244
3,624
702
32,235
Intersegment revenues
212
521
26
16
(775)
Total revenues
14,584
7,814
6,270
3,640
(73)
32,235
Operational cost of sales
(9,183)
(5,167)
(4,127)
(2,347)
Operational selling, general and
administrative expenses
(2,095)
(914)
(928)
(564)
Operational non-order related
research and development
expenses
(427)
(287)
(295)
(201)
Other segment items
58
29
(11)
8
Operational EBITA
2,937
1,475
909
536
118
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
2022
($ in millions)
Electrification
Motion
Process
Automation
Robotics &
Discrete
Automation
Corporate
and Other
(1)
Total
Geographical markets
Europe
4,199
2,031
2,248
1,494
313
10,285
The Americas
5,140
2,148
1,566
524
195
9,573
of which: United States
3,769
1,787
943
373
151
7,023
Asia, Middle East and Africa
4,053
2,101
2,199
1,155
80
9,588
of which: China
1,948
1,147
666
897
38
4,696
13,392
6,280
6,013
3,173
588
29,446
Product type
Products
12,535
5,380
3,311
2,695
550
24,471
Services and other
857
900
2,702
478
38
4,975
13,392
6,280
6,013
3,173
588
29,446
Third-party revenues
13,392
6,280
6,013
3,173
588
29,446
Intersegment revenues
227
465
31
8
(731)
Total revenues
13,619
6,745
6,044
3,181
(143)
29,446
Operational cost of sales
(8,987)
(4,596)
(4,022)
(2,204)
Operational selling, general and
administrative expenses
(1,975)
(796)
(913)
(488)
Operational non-order related
research and development
expenses
(389)
(241)
(299)
(169)
Other segment items
75
51
38
20
Operational EBITA
2,343
1,163
848
340
(1)
The amounts shown for “Intersegment revenues” within Corporate and Other primarily represents the consolidated intersegment
revenue elimination. These amounts include intersegment revenues of $33 million, $67 million and $65 million for 2024, 2023 and
2022, respectively.
Revenues by geography reflect the location of the customer. In 2024, 2023 and 2022 the United States and
China are the only countries where revenue exceeded 10 percent of total revenues. In each of 2024, 2023
and 2022 more than 98 percent of the Company’s total revenues were generated from customers outside
Switzerland.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
119
The following tables present Operational EBITA, the reconciliations of consolidated Operational EBITA to
Income from continuing operations before taxes, as well as Depreciation and amortization, and Capital
expenditures for 2024, 2023 and 2022, and Total assets at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
Operational EBITA:
Electrification
3,520
2,937
2,343
Motion
1,518
1,475
1,163
Process Automation
1,025
909
848
Robotics & Discrete Automation
329
536
340
Corporate and Other:
— E-mobility
(273)
(167)
(15)
— Corporate costs, intersegment elimination and other
(151)
(263)
(169)
Total
5,968
5,427
4,510
Acquisition-related amortization
(203)
(220)
(229)
Restructuring, related and implementation costs
(1)
(178)
(219)
(347)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses
10
3
88
Gains and losses from sale of businesses
57
101
(7)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale
(113)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs
(73)
(74)
(195)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations:
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange,
commodities, embedded derivatives)
(118)
19
32
Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged
transaction has not yet been realized
3
12
(48)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and
related assets/liabilities)
43
(13)
(15)
Certain other non-operational items:
Other income/expenses relating to the Power Grids joint venture
16
36
(57)
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs
(12)
(317)
Business transformation costs
(2)
(204)
(205)
(152)
Gains and losses from sale of investments in equity-accounted companies
43
Certain other fair value changes, including asset impairments
(107)
(10)
45
Other non-operational items
(18)
14
(14)
Income from operations
5,071
4,871
3,337
Interest and dividend income
206
165
72
Interest and other finance expense
(99)
(275)
(130)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit
55
17
115
Income from continuing operations before taxes
5,233
4,778
3,394
(1)
Includes impairment of certain assets.
(2)
Amounts in 2024, 2023 and 2022 include ABB Way process transformation costs of $199 million, $188 million and $131 million,
respectively.
Depreciation and
Total assets
(1)
amortization
Capital expenditures
(1)
at December 31,
($ in millions)
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Electrification
395
365
382
472
386
343
13,124
12,668
12,500
Motion
161
149
141
191
171
150
6,895
7,016
6,565
Process Automation
62
56
75
62
66
100
5,330
4,971
4,598
Robotics & Discrete
Automation
116
138
141
81
71
86
4,762
5,047
4,901
Corporate and Other
68
72
75
39
76
83
10,246
11,238
10,584
Consolidated
802
780
814
845
770
762
40,357
40,940
39,148
(1)
Capital expenditures and Total assets are after intersegment eliminations and therefore reflect third-party activities only.
120
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Other geographic information
Geographic information for long-lived assets was as follows:
Long-lived assets at
December 31,
($ in millions)
2024
2023
Europe
2,752
2,762
The Americas
1,369
1,335
Asia, Middle East and Africa
896
938
Total
5,017
5,035
Long
lived assets represent Property, plant and equipment, net and Operating lease right-of-use assets
and are shown by location of the assets. At December 31, 2024, approximately 20 percent, 11 percent and
8 percent of the Company’s long
lived assets were located in the United States, China and Switzerland,
respectively. At December 31, 2023, approximately 19 percent, 11 percent and 9 percent of the Company’s
long
lived assets were located in the United States, China and Switzerland, respectively.
121
Statutory
Auditor's
Report
To the General
Meeting
of ABB Ltd, Zurich
Report on the Audit of
the Consolidated Financial Statements
Opinion
We have audited
the consolidated financial
statements of ABB
Ltd and its subsidiaries
(the Group),
which comprise
the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated income statements,
consolidated
statements
of
comprehensive
income,
consolidated
statements
of
changes
in
stockholders’
equity,
and
consolidated statement of
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31
,
2024, and
the related
notes to the consolidated
financial
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements (pages 55 to 120) present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and comply with Swiss law.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law, International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and Swiss
Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). Our responsibilities under those provisions and standards are further described
in
the “Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial
Statements” section of our report. We are
independent of the Group in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law, together with the requirements of the
Swiss audit profession, as well as those of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code), and
we have fulfilled
our other ethical
responsibilities
in accordance with these requirements.
We believe
that the audit evidence we have obtained
is sufficient and appropriate to
provide
a basis
for our opinion.
Key Audit Matters
Revenue recognition for certain long-term fixed-price contracts using percentage-of-completion
method
C
Valuation
of goodwill for
the Machine Automation reporting unit
Key audit matters
are those matters
that, in our professional
judgment, were of
most significance in
our
audit of
the consolidated
financial
statements of
the current period. These matters were addressed in
the
context of our audit of
the consolidated financial statements
as a whole, and in forming
our opinion
thereon, we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
122
Revenue recognition for certain long-term fixed-price contracts using percentage-of-completion
method
Key Audit Matter
The Group recognizes a
portion of its revenues
from
the sale of
customized
products, including long-term
fixed-price
contracts
for integrated automation
and
electrification
systems
and solutions that are
generally recognized on an over time basis using the
percentage-of-completion
method of
accounting.
We identified the determination of
estimated
costs to
complete related to
revenue recognition of
certain
long-term
fixed-price contracts
using the
percentage-of-completion
method of
accounting
as a
key audit matter. In particular, a high degree of
subjective
auditor
judgment was required to evaluate
the Group’s estimate
regarding the amount of
future
direct materials, labor and
subcontractor costs, as
well as indirect costs to complete
the contracts.
Our response
As part
of our audit, we obtained
an understanding
of
the Group’s
accounting process specific to fixed-
price contracts which are recognized using the
percentage-of-completion
method. We evaluated the
design and implementation of
certain internal
controls
over the development of
estimates
regarding the amount of
future
direct materials, labor
and subcontractor costs, as well as indirect
costs.
We assessed the Group’s historical ability to
accurately
estimate costs to complete
by comparing
historical estimate-to-actual results for a selection
of
long-term
contracts.
We evaluated the estimate of
remaining
costs
to be incurred
for a selection
of
contracts by
assessing
progress to date and the
nature and complexity of
work to be performed
through interviewing
project managers and
inspecting
correspondence, if
any, between the
Group and the customers and/or subcontractors.
For further
information
on Revenue recognition
for certain
long-term
fixed-price
contracts using
percentage-
of-completion method refer to the following:
Note
2
Significant accounting policies
123
Valuation
of goodwill for
the Machine Automation reporting unit
Key Audit Matter
The Group evaluates goodwill
for impairment
annually as of
October
1
, or
more frequently
if
events or
circumstances
indicate that the carrying
value may not be recoverable. The fair value for the
quantitative
impairment assessment is
determined
using an income approach
based on the
present
value of
the future cash flows of
the reporting
unit.
Management’s
income
approach to
the estimate
requires certain assumptions, specifically
projected
revenue growth rates and projected operational
earnings before interest,
tax, and acquisition-related
amortization
(“EBITA”)
margin.
We identified the valuation
of
goodwill
for the
Machine
Automation goodwill
reporting unit (GRU)
as a
key audit matter. The division’s performance in
the current
financial
year and its future outlook
combined with a
lower excess of
fair
value over
carrying
value make the goodwill impairment test
and a potential impairment
highly sensitive
to these
assumptions.
A
high degree of
subjective
auditor
judgment and specialized skills and knowledge was
required to evaluate the projected revenue growth
rates and projected operational EBITA margins
used
in the Group’s impairment test.
Our response
As part
of our audit,
we obtained
an understanding
of the Group’s
accounting process specific to
impairment testing. We evaluated the design and
implementation
of internal
control
over
management’s
review of the projected revenue
growth
rates and projected operational
EBITA
margin assumptions.
We assessed the Group’s
ability to accurately
prepare
projections
for the Machine Automation
reporting unit by comparing the
projected revenues
from past
periods
to actual results for
the same
periods. Additionally, we evaluated
the assumptions
of the GRU’s projected revenue growth
rates and
projected
operational
EBITA margins used in
management’s
discounted cash flow analysis by
comparing
projections
to past
historical performance
of the reporting unit.
We
involved
valuation
professionals with
specialized
skills
and knowledge who assisted
in assessing the
reasonableness of the projected revenue growth
rates and projected operational EBITA margins by
comparing the assumptions
to
relevant
industry
trends and current
market indices of
comparable
peer companies.
For further information on valuation of goodwill for the Machine Automation Reporting unit refer to the
following:
Note 2 Significant accounting policies
Note 11 Goodwill and intangible assets
124
Other Information
in
the ABB Annual Reporting Suite
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included
in
the
ABB Annual
Reporting
Suite
(consisting
of
the
Integrated
Report,
the
Financial
Report,
the
Corporate
Governance Report, the Compensation Report, and the Sustainability Statement), but does not include the
consolidated financial statements, the statutory financial statements of ABB Ltd, the audited content of the
compensation report and
our auditor’s reports
thereon.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express
any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In
connection
with
our
audit
of
the
consolidated
financial
statements,
our
responsibility
is
to
read
the
other
information
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial
statements
or our knowledge
obtained
in the audit or otherwise
appears to be materially misstated.
If,
based on
the
work
we
have
performed,
we
conclude
that
there
is
a
material
misstatement
of
this
other
information,
we are required to report that fact. We have nothing
to report in this regard.
Board of
Directors’ Responsibilities
for
the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and the provisions of Swiss law, and for such internal control as the
Board of
Directors
determines is necessary
to
enable
the preparation
and fair
presentation
of
consolidated
financial
statements
that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease
operations,
or has
no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for
the Audit of
the Consolidated
Financial Statements
Our
objectives are to obtain
reasonable
assurance
about whether
the consolidated financial
statements as
a
whole
are
free from material
misstatement,
whether
due to
fraud or error, and
to issue an auditor's
report
that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance
with
Swiss
law,
ISA
and
SA-CH
will
always
detect
a
material
misstatement
when
it
exists.
Misstatements
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial
statements.
As part of
an audit in accordance with Swiss law,
ISA and SA-CH, we exercise professional
judgment and maintain
professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated
financial statements, whether due to
fraud or
error, design and perform audit procedures
responsive
to those
risks, and obtain audit evidence that
is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement
resulting
from
fraud
is
higher
than
for
one
resulting
from
error,
as
fraud
may
involve
collusion,
forgery,
intentional
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override
of
internal
control.
125
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Group’s internal control.
Evaluate
the
appropriateness
of
accounting policies
used and the reasonableness
of
accounting
estimates
and
related disclosures made.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and,
based on the audit evidence
obtained, whether
a
material uncertainty exists
related
to events or
conditions that
may cast significant doubt on the Group’s
ability
to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that
a
material
uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the
consolidated
financial
statements
or,
if
such disclosures are
inadequate,
to modify our
opinion.
Our
conclusions
are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or
conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue
as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the
disclosures,
and
whether
the
consolidated
financial
statements
represent
the
underlying
transactions
and
events
in
a
manner
that achieves
fair
presentation.
Plan and perform the group audit to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial
information of the entities or business units within the Group as a basis for forming an opinion on the
consolidated financial
statements.
We
are
responsible
for
the
direction,
supervision
and review
of
the
audit
work
performed
for purposes of the
group audit. We remain solely responsible
for our audit
opinion.
We communicate with
the Board of
Directors
or
its relevant committee regarding,
among
other
matters,
the
planned
scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control
that we
identify
during our audit.
We
also
provide
the
Board
of
Directors
or
its
relevant
committee
with
a
statement
that
we
have
complied
with
relevant
ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that
may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable,
actions taken to eliminate threats
or safeguards applied.
From the matters communicated to the Board of Directors or its relevant committee, we determine those matters
that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are
therefore
the
key
audit
matters.
We
describe
these
matters
in
our
auditor's
report,
unless law
or
regulation
precludes
public disclosure
about
the matter or when, in
extremely rare circumstances,
we determine
that
a
matter
should not
be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to
outweigh the public interest
benefits of
such
communication.
126
Report
on Other Legal
and Regulatory Requirements
In accordance with Art. 728a para.
1
item
3
CO and PS-CH 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists,
which has been designed for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements according to the instructions
of
the Board of Directors.
We recommend
that the consolidated
financial
statements submitted
to you be approved.
KPMG AG
Achim Wolper
Licensed
Audit Expert
Auditor
in Charge
Mohamad
Midani
Zurich, Switzerland
February 26, 2025
©
2025
KPMG AG,
a
Swiss
corporation,
is a
group
company of
KPMG
Holding
LLP,
which
is a
member
firm
of the
KPMG global
organization
of
independent
member
firms
affiliated
with KPMG
International
Limited,
a
private English
company
limited
by guarantee.
All
rights
reserved.
tXPtRls-
ssc
zortr
zio'tosUntc'nchmo"
128
ABB Ltd Management Report
129
Financial statements and
Notes
141
Proposed appropriation of
available earnings
142
Report of the Statutory
Auditor on the Financial
Statements
128
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
ABB LTD MANAGEMENT REPORT
2024
ABB Ltd is the holding company of the ABB Group, owning directly or indirectly all subsidiaries globally. The
major business activities during 2024 can be summarized as follows:
Management services
The Company provided management services to Group companies for CHF 27 million.
Share transactions
share deliveries in relation to employee share programs of CHF 670 million
share cancellations of CHF 733 million: those shares were repurchased under share buyback
program in 2023/24
share repurchases of CHF 881 million under share buyback program in 2024/25 for cancellation
purposes
share repurchases for employee share programs of CHF 216 million
Dividend distribution to external shareholders
from retained earnings brought forward of CHF 1,451 million
Other information
In 2024, the Company employed on average 18 employees.
Once a year, the Company’s Board of Directors performs a risk assessment in accordance with the Group’s risk
management process and discusses appropriate actions if necessary.
The Company does not carry out any research and development activities.
In 2025, the Company will continue to operate as the holding company of the ABB Group. No change of business
is expected.
February 26, 2025
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
129
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024
INCOME STATEMENT
Year ended December 31 (CHF in thousands)
Note
2024
2023
Dividend income
7
2,600,000
Finance income
60,257
126,228
Other operating income
8
32,935
31,718
Gain on sale of participation
2
8,019
536
Total income
2,701,211
158,482
Finance expense
(193,820)
(169,504)
Personnel expenses
(55,904)
(58,981)
Other operating expenses
9
(17,781)
(15,705)
Total expenses
(267,505)
(244,190)
Net income/(loss) before taxes
2,433,706
(85,708)
Net income/(loss)
2,433,706
(85,708)
130
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
BALANCE SHEET
December 31 (CHF in thousands)
Note
2024
2023
Cash
302
545
Cash deposit with ABB Capital Ltd
391,648
189,664
Non-trade receivables
1,137
81
Non-trade receivables – Group
87,672
48,750
Short-term loans – Group
22,628
271,814
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
188
1,440
Accrued income and prepaid expenses – Group
43
195
Total current assets
503,618
512,489
Long-term loans – Group
248,902
Participations
2
5,709,367
5,709,367
Other non-current assets
3,839
5,102
Total non-current assets
5,962,108
5,714,469
Total assets
6,465,726
6,226,958
Interest-bearing liabilities
4
150,003
280,013
Interest-bearing liabilities – Group
4
22,628
271,814
Non-trade payables
25,184
29,974
Non-trade payables – Group
8,976
1,696
Current provisions
8,545
35,030
Deferred income and accrued expenses
28,414
33,109
Deferred income and accrued expenses – Group
4,243
12,520
Total current liabilities
247,993
664,156
Interest-bearing liabilities
4
1,495,399
1,645,534
Interest-bearing liabilities – Group
4
248,902
Total non-current liabilities
1,744,301
1,645,534
Total liabilities
1,992,294
2,309,690
Share capital
6
223,274
225,840
Legal retained earnings
6
1,000,000
1,000,000
Treasury shares
6
(984,382)
(1,290,941)
Available earnings
Retained earnings brought forward
6
1,800,834
4,068,077
Net income/(loss)
2,433,706
(85,708)
Total shareholders' equity
4,473,432
3,917,268
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
6,465,726
6,226,958
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
131
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Note 1
General
ABB Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland (the Company) is the parent company of the ABB Group. Its stand-alone
financial statements are prepared in accordance with Article 957 et seqq. of Title 32 of the Swiss Code of
Obligations.
Group companies are all companies which are directly or indirectly controlled by the Company and any
variable interest entities if it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary.
Note 2
Participations
2024
2023
Company name
Purpose
Domicile
Share capital
Ownership and
voting rights
Share capital
Ownership and
voting rights
ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd
Holding
CH-Zurich
CHF 2,767,880,000
100.00%
CHF 2,767,880,000
100.00%
Participations are valued at the lower of cost or fair value, using generally accepted valuation principles.
In 2024, an adjustment of CHF 8 million was recorded in “Gain on sale of participation” related to the sale
of Power Grids business.
Note 3
Indirect Participations
The following table sets forth the name, country of incorporation, ownership and voting rights, as well as
share capital, of the significant indirect subsidiaries of the Company, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Company name/Location
Country
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2024
Share
capital in
thousands
2024
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2023
Share
capital in
thousands
2023
Currency
ABB S.A.U., Buenos Aires
Argentina
100.00
25,659,498
(2)
(2)
ARS
ABB Australia Pty. Limited, Moorebank
Australia
100.00
71,218
100.00
131,218
AUD
ABB Group Holdings Pty. Ltd., Moorebank
Australia
(3)
(3)
100.00
537,988
(5)
AUD
ABB Group Investment Management Pty. Ltd.,
Moorebank
Australia
100.00
403,318
100.00
520,318
(5)
AUD
ABB AG, Wiener Neudorf
Austria
100.00
15,000
100.00
15,000
EUR
B&R Holding GmbH, Eggelsberg
Austria
100.00
35
100.00
35
EUR
B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, Eggelsberg
Austria
100.00
1,240
100.00
1,240
EUR
ABB N.V., Zaventem
Belgium
100.00
4,000
100.00
4,000
EUR
ABB AUTOMAÇÃO LTDA., Sorocaba
Brazil
100.00
191,039
100.00
191,039
BRL
132
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Company name/Location
Country
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2024
Share
capital in
thousands
2024
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2023
Share
capital in
thousands
2023
Currency
ABB ELETRIFICAÇÃO LTDA., Sorocaba
Brazil
100.00
268,759
100.00
268,759
BRL
ABB Bulgaria EOOD, Sofia
Bulgaria
100.00
65,110
100.00
65,110
BGN
ABB Electrification Canada Inc., Saint-Laurent
Canada
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
CAD
ABB Inc., Saint-Laurent
Canada
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
CAD
ABB S.A., Santiago
Chile
100.00
5,484,348
100.00
5,484,348
CLP
ABB (China) Investment Limited, Beijing
China
100.00
95,000
100.00
95,000
USD
ABB (China) Ltd., Beijing
China
100.00
140,000
100.00
140,000
USD
ABB Beijing Drive Systems Co. Ltd., Beijing
China
90.00
5,000
90.00
5,000
USD
ABB Beijing Switchgear Limited, Beijing
China
60.00
16,500
60.00
16,500
USD
ABB Electrical Machines Ltd., Shanghai
China
100.00
14,400
100.00
14,400
USD
ABB Engineering (Shanghai) Ltd., Shanghai
China
100.00
40,000
100.00
40,000
USD
ABB LV Installation Materials Co. Ltd. Beijing, Beijing
China
85.70
17,100
85.70
17,100
USD
ABB Shanghai Free Trade Zone Industrial Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai
China
100.00
6,500
100.00
6,500
CNY
ABB Shanghai Motors Co. Ltd., Shanghai
China
75.00
11,217
75.00
11,217
USD
ABB Xiamen Low Voltage Equipment Co. Ltd., Xiamen
China
100.00
15,800
100.00
15,800
USD
ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co. Ltd., Xiamen
China
66.52
29,500
66.52
29,500
USD
ABB Xinhui Low Voltage Switchgear Co. Ltd., Xinhui
China
90.00
6,200
90.00
6,200
USD
ABB s.r.o., Prague
Czech Republic
100.00
400,000
100.00
400,000
CZK
ABB A/S, Middelfart
(6)
Denmark
100.00
100,000
100.00
100,000
DKK
ABB for Electrical Industries (ABB ARAB) S.A.E., Cairo
Egypt
100.00
353,479
100.00
353,479
EGP
Asea Brown Boveri S.A.E., Cairo
Egypt
100.00
166,000
100.00
166,000
USD
ABB AS, Jüri
Estonia
100.00
1,663
100.00
1,663
EUR
ABB Oy, Helsinki
Finland
100.00
10,003
100.00
10,003
EUR
ABB France, Cergy Pontoise
France
99.84
25,778
99.84
25,778
EUR
ABB SAS, Cergy Pontoise
France
100.00
45,921
100.00
45,921
EUR
ABB AG, Mannheim
Germany
100.00
167,500
100.00
167,500
EUR
ABB Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH,
Mannheim
Germany
100.00
61,355
100.00
61,355
EUR
ABB Stotz-Kontakt GmbH, Heidelberg
Germany
100.00
7,500
100.00
7,500
EUR
ABB Striebel & John GmbH, Sasbach
Germany
100.00
1,050
100.00
1,050
EUR
B + R Industrie-Elektronik GmbH, Friedberg
(7)
Germany
100.00
358
100.00
358
EUR
Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH, Lüdenscheid
Germany
100.00
1,535
100.00
1,535
EUR
ABB Business Services Private Limited, Bangalore
(8)
India
100.00
5,200,100
100.00
5,200,100
INR
ABB Global Industries and Services Private Limited,
Bangalore
India
100.00
366,923
100.00
366,923
INR
ABB India Limited, Bangalore
India
75.00
423,817
75.00
423,817
INR
ABB Limited, Dublin
Ireland
100.00
635
100.00
635
EUR
ABB E-mobility S.p.A., Milan
Italy
74.34
20,000
74.70
20,000
EUR
ABB S.p.A., Milan
Italy
100.00
110,000
100.00
110,000
EUR
ABB K.K., Tokyo
Japan
100.00
1,000,000
100.00
1,000,000
JPY
ABB Ltd., Seoul
Korea,
Republic of
100.00
16,950,000
100.00
23,670,000
KRW
ABB Electrical Control Systems S. de R.L. de C.V.,
Monterrey
Mexico
100.00
712,463
100.00
712,463
MXN
ABB Mexico S.A. de C.V., San Luis Potosi
Mexico
100.00
1,135,752
100.00
1,135,752
MXN
Asea Brown Boveri S.A. de C.V., San Luis Potosi
Mexico
100.00
667,686
100.00
667,686
MXN
ABB B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
9,200
100.00
9,200
EUR
ABB E-mobility B.V., Delft
Netherlands
74.34
1
74.70
1
EUR
ABB Finance B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
20
100.00
20
EUR
ABB Holdings B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
363
100.00
363
EUR
ABB AS, Fornebu
Norway
100.00
134,550
100.00
134,550
NOK
ABB Electrification Norway AS, Skien
Norway
100.00
60,450
100.00
60,450
NOK
ABB Holding AS, Fornebu
Norway
100.00
240,000
100.00
240,000
NOK
ABB Business Services Sp. z o.o., Warsaw
Poland
99.94
24
99.94
24
PLN
ABB Sp. z o.o., Warsaw
Poland
99.94
245,461
99.94
245,461
PLN
Industrial C&S of P.R. LLC, Arecibo
Puerto Rico
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
USD
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
133
Company name/Location
Country
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2024
Share
capital in
thousands
2024
Company
ownership
and voting
rights %
2023
Share
capital in
thousands
2023
Currency
ABB Electrical Industries Co. Ltd., Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
65.00
100,000
65.00
181,000
SAR
ABB Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Singapore
100.00
32,797
100.00
32,797
SGD
ABB Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
100.00
217,758
100.00
217,758
ZAR
ABB Investments (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
51.00
185,978
51.00
185,978
ZAR
ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
74.91
3,835,544
74.91
3,835,544
ZAR
Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Madrid
Spain
100.00
33,318
100.00
33,318
EUR
ABB AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
200,000
100.00
200,000
SEK
ABB Electrification Sweden AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
10,000
100.00
10,000
SEK
ABB Norden Holding AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
2,344,783
100.00
2,344,783
SEK
ABB Capital AG, Zurich
Switzerland
100.00
100
100.00
100
CHF
ABB E-mobility Holding Ltd, Zurich
Switzerland
74.34
1,138
74.70
1,138
CHF
ABB Schweiz AG, Baden
Switzerland
100.00
55,000
100.00
55,000
CHF
ABB Ltd., Taipei
Taiwan (Chinese
Taipei)
100.00
195,000
100.00
195,000
TWD
ABB Elektrik Sanayi A.S., Istanbul
Türkiye
99.99
165,000
99.99
165,000
TRY
ABB Industries (L.L.C.), Dubai
United Arab
Emirates
100.00
5,000
49.00
(4)
5,000
(4)
AED
ABB Industries FZE, Dubai
United Arab
Emirates
100.00
3,000
100.00
3,000
AED
ABB Holdings Limited, Warrington
United Kingdom
100.00
226,014
100.00
226,014
GBP
ABB Limited, Warrington
United Kingdom
100.00
120,000
100.00
120,000
GBP
ABB E-mobility Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
74.34
74.70
USD
ABB Finance (USA) Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
1
100.00
1
USD
ABB Holdings Inc., Cary, NC
United States
100.00
2
100.00
2
USD
ABB Inc., Cary, NC
United States
100.00
1
100.00
1
USD
ABB Installation Products Inc., Memphis, TN
United States
100.00
1
100.00
1
USD
ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc., Fort Smith, AR
United States
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
USD
ABB Treasury Center (USA), Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
1
100.00
1
USD
Edison Holding Corporation, Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
USD
Industrial Connections & Solutions LLC, Cary, NC
United States
100.00
(1)
100.00
(1)
USD
(1)
Shares without par value.
(2)
Based on the internally defined thresholds, these indirect participations are considered not significant, and therefore no details to
these participations are disclosed in the respective year.
(3)
Participation was either sold, liquidated or merged in 2024.
(4)
Company consolidated as ABB exercises full management control.
(5)
Share capital adjusted to current facts and circumstances.
(6)
In 2024, location changed from Skovlunde to Middelfart.
(7)
In 2024, location changed from Bad Homburg to Friedberg.
(8)
In 2024, name changed from ABB Global Business Services and Contracting India Private Limited to ABB Business Services Private
Limited.
134
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 4
Interest-bearing liabilities
December 31 (CHF in thousands)
2024
2023
Bonds 2019 – 2024 0.3% coupon
nominal value
280,000
premium on issuance
13
Bonds 2019 – 2029 1.0% coupon
nominal value
170,000
170,000
premium on issuance
94
115
Bonds 2022 – 2025 2.10% coupon
nominal value
150,000
150,000
premium on issuance
3
7
Bonds 2022 – 2027 0.75% coupon
nominal value
425,000
425,000
premium on issuance
289
393
Bonds 2022 – 2030 2.375% coupon
nominal value
150,000
150,000
premium on issuance
16
19
Bonds 2023 – 2026 1.965% coupon
nominal value
325,000
325,000
premium on issuance
Bonds 2023 – 2028 1.9775% coupon
nominal value
150,000
150,000
premium on issuance
Bonds 2023 – 2033 2.1125% coupon
nominal value
275,000
275,000
premium on issuance
Loan 2016 – 2028 $300 million (in 2023 $325 million)
271,530
271,814
Total
1,916,932
2,197,361
Bonds are valued at nominal value. Any bond premium is accrued over the duration of the bond so that at
maturity, the balance sheet amount equals the amount that is due to be paid.
In August 2024, the Company repaid at maturity its CHF 280 million 0.3% bonds.
In September 2023, the Company issued the following bonds: (i) CHF 325 million 1.965% bonds due in
2026, (ii) CHF 150 million 1.9775% bonds due in 2028 and (iii) CHF 275 million 2.1125% bonds due in 2033.
Each of the respective bonds pays interest annually. The Company has the option, three months before
their maturity date, to redeem each of these bonds, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest.
Further, the Company has the option to redeem the above bonds prior to maturity, in whole but not in
part, at par plus accrued interest, if 85% or more of the aggregate principal amount of the relevant bond
issue has been redeemed or purchased and cancelled at the time of the option exercise notice.
In October 2022, the Company issued the following bonds: (i) CHF 150 million 2.1% bonds due in 2025 and
(ii) CHF 150 million 2.375% bonds due in 2030. Each of the respective bonds pays interest annually. The
Company has the option, three months before their maturity date, to redeem each of these bonds, in
whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest. Further, the Company has the option to redeem the
above bonds prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest, if 85% or more of the
aggregate principal amount of the relevant bond issue has been redeemed or purchased and cancelled at
the time of the option exercise notice.
In March 2022, the Company issued CHF 425 million 0.75% bonds due in 2027. The interest on those bonds
is paid annually. The Company has the option, one month before their maturity date, to redeem the bonds,
in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest. Further, the Company has the option to redeem the
bonds prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest, if 85% or more of the
aggregate principal amount of the relevant bond issue has been redeemed or purchased and cancelled at
the time of the option exercise notice.
In February 2019, the Company issued CHF 170 million 1.0% bonds due in 2029. The interest on those
bonds is paid annually in May. The Company has the option, three months before their maturity date, to
redeem the bonds, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest. Further, the Company has the
option to redeem the bonds prior to maturity, in whole but not in part, at par plus accrued interest, if 85%
or more of the aggregate principal amount of the relevant bond issue has been redeemed or purchased
and cancelled at the time of the option exercise notice.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
135
In 2016, the Company entered into an 8-year borrowing agreement of USD 500 million with ABB Capital Ltd
to hedge a USD 500 million loan granted to a Group Company. In 2024, the borrowing agreement was
amended and extended by 4 years. Both the original and the extended agreement have an amortization
schedule of USD 25 million per annum. The average interest in 2024 and 2023 was 6.20% and 6.01%,
respectively.
Note 5
Contingent liabilities
With certain Group companies, the Company has keep-well agreements. A keep-well agreement is a
shareholder agreement between the Company and a Group company. These agreements provide for
maintenance of a minimum net worth in the Group company and the maintenance of 100% direct or
indirect ownership by the Company.
The keep-well agreements additionally provide that if at any time the Group company has insufficient
liquid assets to meet any payment obligation on its debt (as defined in the agreements) and has
insufficient unused commitments under its credit facilities with its lenders, the Company will make
available to the Group company sufficient funds to enable it to fulfill such payment obligation as it falls
due. A keep-well agreement is not a guarantee by the Company for payment of the indebtedness, or any
other obligation, of a Group company. No party external to the ABB Group is a party to any keep-well
agreement.
The Company has also provided certain guarantees securing the payment obligations of certain Group
companies in connection with debt
issuance and commercial paper programs, indentures, or other debt
instruments. The amount guaranteed under these instruments was CHF 4,494 million as of December 31,
2024, and CHF 4,534 million as of December 31, 2023.
Additionally, the Company has provided certain guarantees securing the performance of contracts and
undertakings of Group companies with third parties entered into in the normal course of business with an
aggregate value of CHF 72 million as per December 31, 2024, and CHF 67 million as per December 31, 2023.
Furthermore, the Company is the guarantor in the Group’s USD 2 billion multicurrency revolving credit
facility (“Group Facility”). In December 2019, the Group Facility was entered into and originally scheduled
to mature in 2024. In 2021, the Company exercised its option to extend the maturity of this facility to 2026.
No amounts were drawn under this Group Facility at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company through certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries is involved in various regulatory and
legal matters. The Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries have made certain related provisions as
further described in “Note 15 Commitments and contingencies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements
of ABB Ltd. As described in the note, there is a risk of adverse outcomes beyond the provisioned amounts.
The Company is part of a value added tax Group and therefore is jointly liable to the Swiss Federal Tax
Department for the value added tax liabilities of the other members.
136
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 6
Stockholders’ equity
Legal reserves
Available earnings
(CHF in thousands)
Share capital
from
retained
earnings
from
retained
earnings
brought
forward
Net
income
/(loss)
Treasury
shares
Total
Opening balance at January 1, 2024
225,840
1,000,000
4,068,077
(85,708)
(1,290,941)
3,917,268
Allocation to retained earnings
brought forward
(85,708)
85,708
Cancellation of shares
(2,566)
(730,422)
732,988
Dividend payment CHF 0.87 per share
(1,451,113)
(1,451,113)
Purchases of treasury shares
(1,096,075)
(1,096,075)
Delivery of treasury shares
669,646
669,646
Net income/(loss) for the year
2,433,706
2,433,706
Closing balance at December 31, 2024
223,274
1,000,000
1,800,834
2,433,706
(984,382)
4,473,432
Share capital as of December 31, 2024
Number of
registered shares
Par value (CHF)
Total
(CHF in thousands)
Issued shares
1,860,614,888
0.12
223,274
Contingent shares
304,038,800
0.12
36,485
Capital Band available increase
196,474,500
0.12
23,577
Capital Band available decrease
(92,344,313)
0.12
(11,081)
Share capital as of December 31, 2023
Number of
registered shares
Par value (CHF)
Total
(CHF in thousands)
Issued shares
1,882,002,575
0.12
225,840
Contingent shares
304,038,800
0.12
36,485
Capital Band available increase
196,474,500
0.12
23,577
Capital Band available decrease
(113,732,000)
0.12
(13,648)
Treasury shares are valued at acquisition cost. During 2024 and 2023, a loss from the delivery of treasury
shares of CHF 116 million and CHF 46 million, respectively, was recorded in the Income Statement under
Finance expense.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
137
During 2024, a bank holding call options related to ABB Group’s management incentive plan (MIP)
exercised a portion of these options. Such options had been issued in 2018 and 2019 by the Group
company that facilitates the MIP at fair value and had adjusted strike prices of CHF 22.05 and CHF 17.63,
respectively. At issuance, the Group company had entered into an intercompany option agreement with
the Company, having the same terms and conditions to enable it to meet its future obligations. As a result
of the exercise by the bank, the Company delivered 14,386,669 shares at CHF 22.05 and 2,398,642 shares at
CHF 17.63, out of treasury shares. During 2023, a bank holding call options related to ABB Group’s
management incentive plan (MIP) exercised a portion of these options. Such options had been issued in
2017 and 2019 by the Group company that facilitates the MIP at fair value and had strike prices of
CHF 21.23 and CHF 17.63, respectively. At issuance, the Group company had entered into an intercompany
option agreement with the Company, having the same terms and conditions to enable it to meet its future
obligations. As a result of the exercise by the bank, the Company delivered to the bank 1,440,850 shares at
CHF 21.23 and 4,082,844 shares at CHF 17.63, out of treasury shares.
The ABB Group has an annual employee share acquisition plan (ESAP) which provides share options to
employees globally. To enable the Group company that facilitates the ESAP to deliver shares to employees
who have exercised their stock options under the ESAP, the Group company entered into an agreement
with the Company to acquire the required number of shares at their then market value from the Company.
Consequently, in 2024, the Company delivered, out of treasury shares, to the Group company
1,531,249 shares at CHF 49.85. In 2023, the Company delivered, out of treasury shares, to the Group
company 1,266,178 shares at CHF 33.54.
In 2024 and 2023, the Company transferred 2,659,053 and 3,484,043 treasury shares at an average
acquisition price per share of CHF 33.15 and CHF 29.16, respectively, to fulfill its obligations under other
share-based arrangements.
In 2024, the Company purchased 5 million shares, for CHF 216 million, to support its employee share
programs globally and 19 million shares, for CHF 881 million, as part of its share buyback programs for
capital reduction purposes announced on March 28, 2024, and March 31, 2023. In 2023, the Company
purchased 9 million shares, for CHF 310 million, to support its employee share programs globally and
25 million shares, for CHF 804 million, as part of its share buyback programs for capital reduction
purposes announced on March 31, 2023, and March 31, 2022.
Following the introduction of a capital band as approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual
General Meeting 2023, the Company has a capital band ranging from CHF 212 million (lower limit) to CHF
259 million (upper limit). The Board of Directors is authorized within the capital band to increase or reduce
the share capital once or several times and in any amounts or to acquire or dispose of shares directly or
indirectly, until March 23, 2028, or until an earlier expiry of the capital band.
In 2024, the Board of Directors resolved to cancel under the above referred capital band 21,387,687 shares
repurchased under 2023/24 share buyback program. These shares were cancelled in May 2024, resulting in
a reduced total number of issued ABB Ltd shares of 1,860,614,888, and a decrease of CHF 733 million in
treasury shares and a corresponding combined decrease in share capital and retained earnings brought
forward.
The movement in the number of treasury shares during the year was as follows:
2024
2023
Number of shares
Average
acquisition price
per share (in CHF)
Number of shares
Average
acquisition price
per share (in CHF)
Opening balance as of January 1
40,495,329
31.88
99,741,744
28.77
Purchases for employee share programs
5,112,500
42.16
9,100,000
34.08
Purchases for intended cancellation
19,178,071
45.91
24,670,000
32.58
Cancellation
(21,387,687)
34.27
(82,742,500)
28.88
Delivery for employee share programs
(20,975,613)
31.92
(10,273,915)
29.40
Closing balance as of December 31
22,422,600
43.90
40,495,329
31.88
Thereof pledged for MIP
406,303
2,919,226
138
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
Note 7
Dividend income
In 2024, the Company received dividend payments from ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd of CHF 2.6 billion in
cash. As planned, the Company did not receive any dividend payments in 2023 from ABB Asea Brown Boveri
Ltd.
Note 8
Other operating income
Other operating income includes mainly outgoing charges for Business Area and Division management
services and guarantee compensation fees to Group companies.
Note 9
Other operating expenses
In 2024 and 2023, Other operating expenses included usual operating expenses.
Note 10
Shareholdings of Board members and Executive Committee members
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the members of the Board of Directors as of that date, held the following
numbers of shares:
Board ownership of ABB shares
Total numbers of shares held
Name
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Peter Voser
206,652
215,876
Jacob Wallenberg
251,318
Gunnar Brock
41,785
David Constable
49,070
46,319
Frederico Curado
62,905
57,181
Lars Förberg
86,927
80,095
Johan Forssell
1,283
Denise Johnson
9,723
3,929
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
49,968
45,812
Geraldine Matchett
39,530
36,023
David Meline
(1)
51,387
47,948
Mats Rahmström
(2)
4,858
Total
562,303
826,286
(1)
Includes 3,150 shares held by spouse.
(2)
Includes 735 shares held by family members.
As part of their compensation, the members of the Board received 62,444 shares (amounting to CHF
3,262,500) and 87,948 shares (amounting to CHF 3,290,000) in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
139
At December 31, 2024, the members of the Executive Committee as of that date, held the following
number of shares, the conditional rights to receive ABB shares under the Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
and unvested shares in respect of other compensation arrangements.
Total number
of shares
held at
December 31,
2024
Unvested at December 31, 2024
Reference number of shares
under the 2022 performance
factors (EPS, TSR and
sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
under the 2023 performance
factors (EPS, TSR and
sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
under the 2024 performance
factors (EPS, TSR and
sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
Name
(vesting
2025)
(vesting
2026)
(vesting
2027)
(vesting
2025)
(vesting
2026)
(vesting
2027)
Morten Wierod (CEO as of August 1,
2024)
170,999
28,736
31,210
59,509
Timo Ihamuotila
200,000
31,609
31,691
26,184
Carolina Granat
(3)
38,018
23,148
23,208
19,175
Mathias Gärtner (EC member as of
November 1, 2024)
31,738
6,275
33,057
34,002
Karin Lepasoon
690
19,157
19,207
15,869
Sami Atiya
100,000
25,543
25,609
21,159
Peter Terwiesch
100,330
26,501
27,529
22,746
Brandon Spencer (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
9,541
16,013
26,545
Giampiero Frisio (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
1,381
14,404
21,249
30,091
Total Executive Committee members
at December 31, 2024
611,418
178,639
195,716
253,016
6,275
33,057
34,002
(1)
The final 2022 LTIP, 2023 LTIP and 2024 LTIP awards will be settled 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in place
for employees who are subject to withholding taxes.
(2)
The first tranche of the replacement share grant consists of Restricted Share Units and will vest one year after the grant. The
second and the third tranche of the replacement share grant consist of Performance Share Units and will vest two respectively
three years after the grant. The vesting level of the Performance Share Units depends on the achievement of the applicable
performance targets. The final replacement awards will be settled 100 percent in shares. Shares are entitled to receive dividend
equivalent payment on the final number of vested shares.
(3)
This includes 1,200 shares held by spouse.
140
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
At December 31, 2023, the members of the Executive Committee, as of that date, held the following
number of shares, the conditional rights to receive ABB shares under the Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
and unvested shares in respect of other compensation arrangements.
Unvested at December 31, 2023
Total number
of shares
held at
December 31,
2023
Reference number of shares
deliverable under the 2021
performance factors (EPS
and TSR) of the LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
deliverable under the 2022
performance factors (EPS, TSR
and sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
deliverable under the 2023
performance factors (EPS, TSR
and sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Name
(vesting
2024)
(vesting
2025)
(vesting
2026)
Björn Rosengren
262,334
99,450
85,487
85,708
Timo Ihamuotila
202,000
37,830
31,609
31,691
Carolina Granat
(2)
5,200
27,301
23,148
23,208
Karin Lepasoon
360
19,157
19,207
Sami Atiya
100,000
31,201
25,543
25,609
Tarak Mehta
134,710
36,271
29,694
29,770
Peter Terwiesch
100,000
31,201
26,501
27,529
Morten Wierod
141,267
31,201
28,736
31,210
Total Executive Committee members at December 31, 2023
945,871
294,455
269,875
273,932
(1)
The final 2021 LTIP, 2022 LTIP and 2023 LTIP awards will be settled 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in place
for employees who are subject to withholding taxes.
(2)
This includes 1,200 shares held by spouse.
Note 11
Full time employees
During each of 2024 and 2023, the Company employed on average 18 and 19 employees, respectively.
At ABB, we believe that a culture of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity is critical to our business
success and makes us stronger. ABB has non-discriminatory pay policies which play an important part in
minimizing any pay disparities based on gender.
Note 12
Subsequent events
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, and up to February 18, 2025, the Company purchased, under the share
buyback program, an additional 2 million shares, for approximately CHF 125 million. Any further purchases
up to February 26, 2025, are not considered significant for the Company.
FINANCIAL REPORT 2024
141
PROPOSED APPROPRIATION
OF AVAILABLE EARNINGS
Proposed appropriation of available earnings (CHF in thousands)
2024
2023
Net income/(loss) for the year
2,433,706
(85,708)
Carried forward from previous year
2,531,256
6,448,125
Cancellation of shares
(730,422)
(2,380,048)
Available earnings to the Annual General Meeting
4,234,540
3,982,369
Gross dividend of CHF 0.87 per share paid directly by the Company
(1)
(1,451,113)
Gross dividend of CHF 0.90 per share on total number of registered shares
(1)
(1,674,553)
Balance to be carried forward
2,559,987
2,531,256
(1)
No dividend will be paid on treasury shares held by ABB Ltd. Shareholders who are resident in Sweden participating in the
established dividend access facility will receive an amount in Swedish kronor from ABB Norden Holding AB which
corresponds to the dividend resolved on a registered share of ABB Ltd without deduction of the Swiss withholding tax. This
amount however is subject to taxation according to Swedish law.
On January 30, 2025, the Company announced that the Board of Directors will recommend for approval at
the Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2025, that a dividend of CHF 0.90 per share be distributed out of
the available earnings, expected to be paid in April 2025. As the legal retained earnings exceed 20% of the
share capital, no further allocation to those reserves is required.
142
Statutory Auditor's
Report
To the General
Meeting of
ABB
Ltd,
Zurich
Report
on the Audit
of
the Financial
Statements
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of ABB Ltd (the Company), which comprise the balance sheet as at
December 31, 2024, and the income statement for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements,
including
a
summary
of significant accounting
policies.
In our opinion, the financial statements (pages 129 to 141) comply with Swiss law and the Company’s articles of
incorporation.
Basis
for
Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). Our
responsibilities
under those provisions and standards
are further described in the ‘Auditor’s
Responsibilities for the
Audit of the Financial Statements” section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with
the provisions
of
Swiss
law
and the
requirements
of
the
Swiss
audit
profession,
and we
have
fulfilled
our
other
ethical
responsibilities in accordance
with these requirements.
We believe
that the audit evidence
we have obtained is sufficient
and appropriate
to provide
a basis for our opinion.
Key
Audit
Matters
Key audit matters are those matters
that, in our professional
judgment,
were of
most significance
in our
audit of the
financial
statements
of
the current
period. We have
determined
that
there
are no key audit
matters
to
communicate
in our report.
Other
Information
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included
in the ABB Annual
Reporting
Suite (consisting
of
the
Integrated
Report,
the
Financial
Report,
the
Corporate
Governance Report, the Compensation Report and the Sustainability Statement), but does not include the
consolidated financial statements, the statutory financial statements of the Company, the audited content of the
Compensation
Report, and our auditor's reports thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of
assurance
conclusion thereon.
143
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in
doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our
knowledge
obtained
in the audit or otherwise
appears
to be materially misstated.
If, based
on
the
work we
have
performed,
we
conclude
that
there
is a
material
misstatement
of
this other
information,
we are required to report that fact. We have nothing
to report in this regard.
Board
of
Directors’ Responsibilities
for
the Financial
Statements
The
Board
of
Directors
is
responsible
for
the
preparation
of
the
financial
statements
in
accordance
with
the
provisions
of Swiss law and the Company’s articles of incorporation, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors
determines is necessary to enable the preparation
of financial statements
that are free from material
misstatement,
whether
due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to
continue
as
a
going
concern,
disclosing,
as
applicable,
matters
related
to
going
concern
and using
the
going
concern
basis of
accounting
unless the Board of Directors either
intends
to liquidate
the Company or to cease operations,
or
has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s
Responsibilities
for
the Audit
of
the Financial
Statements
Our objectives
are to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether
the financial statements
as
a
whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not
a
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance
with Swiss law and SA-CH will always detect
a
material
misstatement
when it exists. Misstatements
can arise from
fraud or error and are considered material
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to
influence the economic decisions of
users taken on the basis of
these financial
statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law and SA-CH, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional
skepticism
throughout the audit.
We also:
Identify
and assess the risks of
material
misstatement
of the financial
statements,
whether
due to fraud or
error,
design
and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and
appropriate to provide
a
basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting
a
material misstatement resulting from
fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations,
or the override
of
internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Company’s
internal control.
Evaluate
the appropriateness of accounting
policies
used and the reasonableness of
accounting
estimates
and
related
disclosures made.
144
145
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUSTAINABILITY AT ABB
2
Approach to reporting
4
Governance of sustainability at ABB
12
Stakeholder engagement
16
Double materiality assessment
19
Sustainability-related policies
01
ENVIRONMENTAL
INFORMATION
24
Protecting the climate
39
Committing to circularity
43
Water management at ABB
45
Keeping pollution in check
46
EU Taxonomy:
Disclosures for financial year 2024
02
SOCIAL INFORMATION
57
Responsibility for our employees
68
Social protection in the value chain
73
Protecting vulnerable communities
76
Protecting consumers
03
GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
79
Good business conduct
04
APPENDICES
91
EU Taxonomy: 2024 Tables
102
Swiss Code of Obligations content index
104
ESRS Content Index, including GRI and ISSB
interoperability
118
List of datapoints in cross-cutting
and topical standards that derive from
other EU legislation
122
GRI content index
123
SASB - Electrical & Electronic Equipment
125
Assurance Opinion
129
Definitions
2
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
SUSTAINABILITY AT ABB
This Sustainability Statement was compiled as of February 26, 2025. We prepared
it in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 964b
ss.) and related ordinances, and the requirements set out in the EU Non-Financial
Reporting Directive (NFRD, Directive 2014/95 EU). The Sustainability Statement
includes the disclosures in accordance with the EU Taxonomy Regulation (EU
2020/852) and the supplementary delegated acts. For the first time, the
Sustainability Statement is also prepared with reference to the European
Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), in preparation for the mandatory
reporting under Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting from
financial year 2025.
Approach to
reporting
BP-1: GENERAL BASIS FOR PREPARATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
CONSOLIDATED REPORTING
This Sustainability Statement was prepared for the reporting period January 1 to
December 31, 2024. The Statement covers ABB Ltd. and its consolidated
subsidiaries worldwide (for a list of significant subsidiaries please see the
Appendix to the ABB Corporate Governance Report 2024).
Newly acquired businesses as well as businesses that are divested are typically
reflected in annual sustainability reporting in line with the financial reporting. For
a list of acquisitions and divestments in 2024, please refer to the ABB Integrated
Report 2024.
The scope of consolidation in this Sustainability Statement is the same as for the
annual audited Consolidated Financial Statement (please refer to section “Note 2 –
Significant accounting policies” of our Consolidated Financial Statement for
further details on the scope of financial consolidation, e.g., investments in joint
ventures and affiliated companies). This Sustainability Statement, together with
the Financial Report, constitutes the Management Report as required by the CSRD.
The report also includes our upstream and downstream value chains, in reference
to ESRS and wherever required by the ESRS, unless otherwise stated.
No information was omitted to protect intellectual property, know-how or the
results of innovation. No disclosure exemptions for impending developments or
matters in the course of negotiation, as provided for in articles 19a(3) and 29a(3)
of Directive 2013/34/EU, were applied.
In the ESRS index table, we have listed disclosures on which we have reported to
date.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
3
UNITS OF MEASURE
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are presented throughout the statement in
metric kilotons (kt) carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) or metric megatons (mt),
where 1 metric kiloton CO₂e equals 1000 metric tons CO₂e and 1 metric megaton
CO₂e equals 1000 metric kilotons CO₂e.
Energy consumption is presented throughout the statement in gigawatt hours
(GWh), where 1 GWh equals 1000 megawatt hours (MWh).
Waste is presented in metric tons (t) and metric kilotons (kt).
Materials used are presented in metric kilotons (kt).
Other reporting
principles
BP-2: DISCLOSURES IN RELATION TO SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES
TIME HORIZONS
In this statement, we comply with the medium- or long-term time horizons defined
by ESRS 1 section 6.4 of short-, medium- and long-term for reporting purposes.
VALUE CHAIN ESTIMATION
We work with primary data as much as possible. Estimations based on indirect
sources are used, e.g., to calculate scope 3 GHG emissions and avoided emissions
datapoints. For further details of the basis for preparation and the methodology
used in determining these metrics, please refer to “Greenhouse gas emissions” in
the chapter “Protecting the climate”.
Currently, we have obtained only very limited primary data or direct information
from third-party suppliers and partners to include in our emissions calculations.
However, we are committed to improving the collection and quality of primary
data or information from third parties and are actively preparing the next steps to
achieve this.
The shift toward a scope 3 assessment increasingly based on primary data will be
a gradual process and will be applied where reasonable, resulting in a hybrid
approach based on a mix of primary and estimated data.
SOURCES OF ESTIMATION AND OUTCOME UNCERTAINTY
There is a high level of measurement uncertainty in this Sustainability Statement in
the areas of scope 3 GHG emissions and in avoided emissions. For further details,
please refer to the section “Value chain estimation” above and to the section
“Greenhouse gas emissions”.
CHANGES COMPARED TO PREVIOUS SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
This is the first Sustainability Statement of ABB with reference to the ESRS. In
previous years, our main reporting framework was the Sustainability Reporting
Standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Wherever possible, comparable
information for the previous year is provided. As part of the ESRS implementation,
in 2024, we conducted a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) and re-evaluated
material topics in alignment with the ESRS.
REPORTING ERRORS IN PRIOR PERIODS
Certain figures that have been reported in the Sustainability Report 2023 have
been reclassified or adjusted
in the Sustainability Statement 2024 to conform to
the current year’s presentation or due to refined calculation methods.
4
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
USE OF OTHER FRAMEWORKS
In addition to the regulatory requirements listed above, this Sustainability
Statement was also prepared in reference to the GRI Standards, the IFRS
Sustainability Disclosure Standards (also known as ISSB Standards) and in
accordance with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
Information previously included in the Task Force for Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD) section, is now covered by the Swiss Ordinance on Climate
Disclosures as presented in the relevant ESRS sections.
An index table at the end of this Sustainability Statement maps our ESRS
disclosures to relevant indicators of GRI and ISSB Standards. This voluntary
interoperability table is complemented by additional tables for the Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Wherever we incorporate information by reference (to other parts of the
Management Report), this is clearly indicated.
INDEPENDENT ASSURANCE
KPMG AG has been engaged by ABB to provide independent assurance for selected
2024 sustainability information disclosed in the Sustainability Statement,
including reported progress for 2024 against certain sustainability targets, our
compliance with the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 964b ss.)
and the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures, the process carried out by the
management for the DMA and its alignment with ESRS, and the EU Taxonomy
disclosures alignment with the EU Taxonomy Regulation. The relevant content
subject to limited assurance has been marked as ‘
(assured)
’ throughout the
statement. KPMG AG’s full Assurance Statement, including opinion and basis of
opinion, is available in the “Assurance Opinion” section in this statement. KPMG
AG’s assurance did not extend to comparative periods within the 2024
Sustainability Statement.
Governance of
sustainability at
ABB
GOV-1: ROLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY BODIES
Sustainability at ABB is governed in the following hierarchy:
ABB’s
Board of Directors
(the Board) reviews and approves our Sustainability
Agenda and related targets. Our Sustainability Agenda reflects the value we create
for our stakeholders and considers insights of the DMA, which takes into account
impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) as identified for ABB. Board committees
have specific roles in relation to sustainability: The Governance and Nomination
Committee (GNC) is responsible for overseeing ABB’s Sustainability Agenda. The
GNC reviews and proposes to the Board the company’s Sustainability Agenda and
its targets and monitors target progress and achievements. The Finance, Audit
and Compliance Committee (FACC) oversees the integrity of ABB’s sustainability-
related reporting, including its reporting processes, systems of internal controls
as well as data processing. The Compensation Committee (CC) ensures that our
executive compensation policies are appropriately aligned with the Sustainability
Agenda. Ultimate responsibility for the company’s Sustainability Agenda, its
sustainability targets and its annual Sustainability Statement lies with the entire
Board of Directors. In 2024, topics related to the Sustainability Agenda were
discussed in every board meeting.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
5
The ABB
Group Executive Committee
(the EC) validates the Sustainability Agenda
and its implementation. It is responsible for reviewing sustainability targets in line
with our performance management approach and our operating model, as well as
for ensuring that a sustainability culture is embedded in our business decision-
making. In every EC meeting held in 2024, topics related to the Sustainability
Agenda were discussed. The Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, who
is a member of the EC, holds functional responsibility for sustainability and
reports together with the Group Head of Sustainability to the GNC on topics and
progress related to the Sustainability Agenda.
The
Sustainability Council
is the highest operational decision-making body for
sustainability. It drives the development of the Sustainability Agenda based on
evolving stakeholder requirements, oversees implementation and monitors
progress towards targets. In line with our operating model – the ABB Way –, all
business areas are represented in the Sustainability Council by their strategy
heads as well as their sustainability leads. Additional members of the
Sustainability Council include representatives of our corporate functions
sustainability, strategy, sustainability reporting, as well as legal and integrity.
Topic-specific
Workstreams
establish targets and roadmaps across business
areas and determine the governance for the respective sustainability topics.
Additionally, they monitor emerging requirements and share best practices across
business areas. The Workstreams include subject-matter experts from our
business areas and divisions as well as members of the Corporate Sustainability
team. They regularly report to the Sustainability Council on their progress and
receive support from the Council where needed.
In line with the ABB Way and our decentralized operating model, our four business
areas and their divisions are ultimately accountable for putting action plans in
place and ensuring that appropriate resources are available to implement these
plans and deliver on our targets.
The
Corporate Sustainability team
provides thought leadership and governance,
sets targets and drives continuous improvement.
Finally, our
Sustainability Reporting team
, being part of ABB’s Finance
organization, is responsible for the preparation of our annual Sustainability
Statement.
There is a dedicated procedure for the management of IROs applicable for these
bodies in the form of the DMA Procedure adopted in 2024. Entity-level controls for
this Procedure will be in place in the course of the financial year 2025.
BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
In proposing individuals for election, the Board seeks to align its composition,
skills and experience with the company’s strategic needs. The Board strives for
diversity in all aspects including gender, nationalities, ethnicity and age. In
addition, the tenure of the members of the Board should be well-balanced.
In 2024, the Board was composed of 70 percent male directors, while 30 percent of
the positions were held by female directors. Furthermore, 60 percent of the Board
members are in the age range of 50 to 59 years and 40 percent are between 60 and
69 years. All 10 members of our Board are independent and non-executive
directors. We did not have employee representatives on our Board, as per Swiss
corporate law, the Board of Directors is elected by the shareholders only and
representation of employees is not foreseen.
6
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Further, the composition of the Board in context of experience was as follows:
Board
Experience
Corporate
Officer
Experience
Other Business Experience
Global Experience
Country of Origin /
Nationality
Board Member
ABB Board
Tenure (years)
Other Public
Board
Experience
CEO
CFO
Operations
Risk
Management
Sustainability
Digital /
Technology
Peter R. Voser
10
CH
David Constable
10
CA, US
Frederico Fleury
Curado
9
BR, PT
Lars Förberg
8
SE, CH
Johan Forssell
1
SE
Denise C. Johnson
2
US
Jennifer Xin
Zhe Li
7
CN, CA
Geraldine Matchett
7
CH, UK, FR
David Meline
9
US, CH
Mats Rahmström
1
SE
For each Board member’s biography, see Corporate Governance Report 2024.
In line with the Board’s leading example, ABB strives to have an equally diverse
Executive Committee in all aspects. When appointing executives, the Board pays
specific attention to relevant subject matter or business sector and products
experience, as applicable, for each member.
In our EC, 78 percent of the positions were held by male executives and 22 percent
by female executives in 2024. The age distribution showed 11 percent, equaling one
of the members, being in the range of 40 to 49 years old, and 78 percent of EC
members were between 50 to 59 years old. 11 percent of the members are in the
range of 60 or above. All 9 EC members were active as executives and employed by
ABB Ltd.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
7
The following table gives a detailed overview of the experience of our EC members:
Name
Role
Business Experience
Global Experience
Sustainability
Experience
Country of Origin /
Nationality
Electrification
(1)
Motion
(2)
Process
Automation
(3)
Robotics & Discrete
Automation
(4)
Corporate Officer
Experience
Morten Wierod
Chief Executive Officer
NO
Timo Ihamuotila
Chief Financial Officer
FI
Carolina Granat
Chief Human Resources Officer
SE
Mathias Gaertner
General Counsel and
Company Secretary
DE
Karin Lepasoon
Chief Communications and
Sustainability Officer
SE
Giampiero Frisio
Business Area President
Electrification
IT
Brandon Spencer
Business Area President
Motion
US
Peter Terwiesch
Business Area President
Process Automation
DE,
CH
Sami Atiya
Business Area President
Robotics & Discrete Automation
DE
1
Covering renewable power solutions, modular substation packages, switchboards and panelboards, switchgears, UPS
solutions, breakers, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems, building automation, and similar
products as well as related services.
2
Covering drives, motors, generators, traction converters, and similar products as well as related services.
3
Covering control technologies, industrial software, advanced analytics, sensing and measurement technology, marine
propulsion systems, and similar products as well as related services.
4
Covering robots, mapping and navigation solutions, automation solutions, industrial PCs, transport systems, machine
vision, and similar products as well as related services.
For each EC member’s biography, see Corporate Governance Report 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY EXPERIENCE AMONG ABB LEADERSHIP
Our Board of Directors annually evaluates the necessary competencies for its
members. In 2024, the assessment of available sustainability competencies was
refined to align with CSRD. The updated list of essential sustainability
competencies encompasses our material topics:
Environmental: Climate change, pollution, water and marine resources,
resource use and circular economy.
Social: Own workforce, workers in the value chain, affected communities,
consumers and end-users.
Governance: Business conduct.
We have expanded our annual Board and EC questionnaire accordingly in order to
gain a better overview of sustainability-related experience in these bodies.
Thereby we aim to strengthen our reporting basis and sharpen the sustainability
focus of our education programs for Board and EC.
Sustainability is also considered in the Board’s annual assessment, which includes
evaluating whether the right level of experience is available and whether the Board
is sufficiently informed about sustainability issues and its responsibilities. Both
aspects were confirmed by the Board. Both our Board and our Executive
Committee, as collective bodies, possess the necessary experience to cover all
topics identified as material in our DMA including IROs. The Governance and
Nomination Committee and the Board ensure that this experience is considered
when proposing new Board candidates or appointing new EC members.
8
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Sustainability as a
management topic
GOV-2: INFORMATION REGARDING SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
For sustainability matters addressed by the Board of Directors and the Executive
Committee in general, including frequency of discussions, please see above under
“Governance of sustainability at ABB”. For more details of these bodies’ roles and
involvement in overseeing potential IROs, please see the discussion of our DMA in
section “Double Materiality Assessment” below. The discussion of IROs in these
bodies includes matters of due diligence and the results and effectiveness of
policies, actions, metrics and targets adopted to address them.
Our sustainability-related IROs are reflected in our strategic approach, the
Sustainability Agenda. In the course of its sessions during the reporting year, the
EC evaluated the Sustainability Agenda and the progress in its implementation,
including several topics of strategic relevance. For example, the EC approved the
integration of sustainability metrics into the long-term performance planning,
specifically scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, circularity, zero waste to landfill and senior
female leadership. The EC reviewed the proposed five-year glidepath for some of
these metrics. It also reviewed the status of CSRD reporting and discussed the
need for sustainability data automation. Further topics discussed included the
climate transition plan and the 2027 Sustainability Roadmap. In preparation for
CSRD reporting and in line with its responsibilities, CSRD was also on the agenda
of every FACC meeting in 2024.
During the reporting period, the EC discussed all material IROs as they have been
identified for the first time in 2024. The Board of Directors deals with IROs
regularly as they arise. As those IROs have all been defined in the reporting year, all
of them have been addressed accordingly.
Incentives for
sustainability
GOV-3: SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED PERFORMANCE IN INCENTIVE SCHEMES
Building on our mindset of continuous improvement, ABB translates its strategic
priorities – including financial performance and progress on sustainability – into
short- and long-term targets, which are supported by appropriate incentives. A
holistic set of key performance indicators (KPIs) enable us to plan, measure,
monitor and review progress against these targets.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
9
Baseline (baseline year)
2023 status
2024 status
INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Linking sustainability targets to
executives’ variable pay
Under the Annual Incentive
Plan (AIP), a safety goal was
included within the individual
measure for some members
of ABB’s Executive
Committee (EC). The
individual measure had a
weighting of 20 percent of
the executive’s target AIP
(2019).
Under the AIP, at least two
sustainability-related
performance goals are
included within the individual
measure for each member of
ABB’s EC. The individual
measure has a weighting of
20 percent of the executive’s
target AIP.
Refer to AIP detailed update
below
Under the Long-Term
Incentive Plan (LTIP), two
performance measures with
equal weighting of 50
percent were considered,
namely average earnings per
share and relative total
shareholder return. The LTIP
was awarded to around 100
executives, including EC
members and division
presidents. Vesting under
the LTIP was subject to the
achievement of the plan-
specific targets over a period
of three years (2019).
One of the three
performance measures under
ABB’s LTIP is based on
achievement of a corporate
sustainability target and
carries a weighting of 20
percent. The LTIP is awarded
to around 100 executives,
including EC members and
division presidents. Vesting
under the LTIP is subject to
the achievement of the plan-
specific targets over a period
of three years.
Refer to LTIP detailed update
below
Incentives enable us to maintain a strong link between strategy and
compensation. This linkage includes our commitment to sustainability, which is
embedded in both the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) for Executive Committee
members and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).
Under the AIP, in 2024, all members of the EC had three sustainability goals (out of
a maximum of three) in the individual measure of their respective plans. The
individual measure has a weighting of 20 percent of the executive’s target AIP
award. In 2024, all EC members had an environmental goal referring to scope 1 and
2 GHG emissions reduction. In addition, all EC members had a governance goal
designed to help deliver ABB’s obligations under the Deferred Prosecution
Agreement. Most EC members also had a social goal, which for the CEO and
business area presidents related to safety, and for most corporate officers was an
increase in the proportion of women in senior management roles (female leaders),
while the CFO had a governance goal (related to internal controls).
Performance Share Units (PSU) under our LTIP are granted to around 100
executives, including EC members and division presidents. Vesting of the PSU
grants is subject to the achievement of the plan’s specific targets over a period of
three years. One of the three performance measures under the LTIP is based on the
achievement of a corporate sustainability target and carries a weighting of 20
percent. For the 2024 LTIP, the sustainability performance measure was ABB scope
1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction at the end of the three-year performance period
(2024–2026), compared to the 2019 baseline.
To safeguard adherence to our Code of Conduct and compliance policies, the
incentives offered to our Executive Committee members are subject to malus and
claw-back provisions. For more details, please refer to our Compensation Report
2024.
10
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Due diligence
statement
GOV-4: STATEMENT ON DUE DILIGENCE
Due diligence is a vital, cross-cutting process that ensures we identify and manage
key impacts across our operations and value chain. The table below outlines the
interdependence of these impacts, showing how due diligence is embedded
across various topics deemed as material under CSRD, to facilitate informed
decision-making. By mapping and highlighting these linkages, we mark the first
step toward alignment with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
Directive (CSDDD).
Due diligence topics
Environment
People
Embedding due diligence in
governance, strategy and business
model(s)
Sustainability is embedded in all governance bodies and defined as a key management topic. More
information on this can be found in the section “Sustainability as a management topic“ (p. 8).
We integrate sustainability-related performance in our AIP and LTIP. For more information on this
topic, please refer to section “Incentives for sustainability” (p. 8).
An elaboration on how the identified material IROs interact with our strategy and business model
can be found in section “Material impacts, risks, and opportunities” (p. 14) and in the respective
IRO descriptions in the topical chapters (“Material impacts, risks and opportunities resulting from
climate change”, p. 26; “Strategic approach to circularity”, p. 39; “Water as a material topic at ABB”,
p. 43; “Double Materiality Assessment for pollution”, p. 45; “Identification of material IROs”, p. 57;
“Involvement of value chain workers”, p. 68; “Impacts and opportunities”, p. 73; “Management of
consumer-related risks”, p. 76; “Materiality”, p. 79).
Engaging with affected stakeholders
Our administrative, management and supervisory bodies are informed about sustainability
matters regularly by the respective individuals and committees. We elaborate further on this topic
in section “Sustainability as a management topic“ (p. 8).
At ABB, we value the interests and views of our stakeholders and take them into account for the
further development of our strategy and business model. An explanation on how we do this can be
found in the section “Stakeholder engagement” (p. 12).
We closely involved our stakeholders in the DMA to identify IROs regarding our overall business
activities, but also in regard to our stakeholder engagement. For more information, please refer to
section “Double Materiality Assessment”, p. 16.
To provide an understanding of the policies in
place to prevent, mitigate and remediate
actual and potential adverse impacts, we set
out the overarching policies in section
“Sustainability-related policies” (p. 19).
Furthermore, specific policies will be
explained in the topical chapters (“Climate
change-related policies”, p. 29; “Policy
commitments to circular resource
management”, p. 40; “Water-related policies”,
p. 43).
To provide an understanding of the policies in
place to prevent, mitigate and remediate
actual and potential adverse impacts, we set
out the overarching policies in section
“Sustainability-related policies” (p. 19).
Furthermore, specific policies will be explained
in the topical chapters (“Employee-related
policies”, p. 58; “Supplier-related policies”,
p. 69; “Community-related policies”, p. 74;
“Consumer-related policies”, p. 76; “Business
conduct-related policies”, p. 81).
In the environmental chapters, there are no
IRO-1 disclosures related to understanding
how engagement with specific stakeholder
groups on specific (potential) adverse
impacts are performed in scope for the
present report.
Information relevant to understanding how
engagement with specific stakeholder groups
on specific (potential) adverse impacts is
performed can be found in section “Employee
involvement in decision-making processes”
(p. 60), “Engaging with value chain workers”
(p. 69), “Management of supplier
relationships” (p. 84). In the chapters on
affected communities and our consumer and
end-users, there are no disclosures related to
stakeholder engagement in scope for the
present report.
Identifying and assessing negative
impacts
A description of our processes to identify and
assess material adverse environmental
impacts can be found in the section “Material
impacts, risks and opportunities resulting
from climate change” (p. 26), “Strategic
approach to circularity“ (p. 39) and “Water as a
material topic at ABB” (p. 43).
A description of our processes to identify and
assess material adverse impacts on people
can be found in the section “Channels
available to raise concerns” (p. 62),
“Employee-related action” / “Human rights-
related action” (p. 63), “Engaging with value
chain workers” (p. 69) and in “Materiality”
(p. 79).
A description of material adverse impacts and how they interact with our strategy and business
model can be found in section “Material impacts, risks, and opportunities” (p. 14) and in the
respective IRO descriptions in the topical chapters (“Material impacts, risks and opportunities
resulting from climate change”, p. 26; “Strategic approach to circularity “ (p. 39); “Water as a
material topic at ABB” (p. 43); “Identification of material IROs”, p. 57; “Involvement of value chain
workers”, p. 68; “Impacts and opportunities”, p. 73; “Management of consumer-related risks”, p. 76;
“Materiality”, p. 79).
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
11
Due diligence topics
Environment
People
Taking action
We elaborate on some of our actions to combat
climate change in section “Management of
climate change” (p. 32). For the other
environmental chapters, there are no
disclosures related to actions in scope for the
present report.
We reflect the range of actions, through which
impacts are addressed in section “Employee-
related action” (p. 62). For the other chapters
on people, there are no disclosures related to
actions in scope for the present report.
Tracking effectiveness
We track the effectiveness of our
environmental measures and disclose our
targets and metrics in the respective topical
chapters (“Climate change-related targets”,
p. 30, “Facts & figures Energy”, p. 33;
“Circularity-related targets”, p. 41, “Facts &
figures Waste management”, p. 41; “Facts &
figures Water” p. 44).
We track the effectiveness of our social
measures related to our own workforce in
section “Employee-related action” / “Tracking
the effectiveness of our approach” (p. 64) and
disclose our metrics in “Facts & figures Own
employees” (p. 65).
Risks and controls
in sustainability
reporting
GOV-5: INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
As defined in the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules, the Board of Directors is
responsible for establishing an internal control system to monitor and address
financial operations and sustainability reporting processes. The Board has
delegated roles and responsibilities for controls to the FACC. The FACC oversees
the integrity of our reporting processes and systems of internal controls, including
its internal and external assurance processes as well as manual and automated
data processing.
We have adopted the integrated framework designed by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) for our internal
controls over reporting. In 2024, we updated our “Internal control over reporting”
policy to specify that defined internal control standards, requirements,
certifications, governance, roles and responsibilities apply to all reporting
processes of the Group, including sustainability reporting.
The scope of the environmental, social and governance topics disclosed in the
Sustainability Statement has been defined by means of a DMA (see section
“Double Materiality Assessment” below).
We conducted an Internal Controls over Sustainability Reporting (ICSR) risk
assessment to determine the risk of material misstatements considering the risk
profile of the datapoints and the related reporting process. Depending on the
assessed risk level, we determined the required mitigation efforts.
The risk assessment considers to what extent inherent risks are likely to impact
sustainability reporting processes. Based on the likelihood and magnitude,
process level controls are defined to address the risk points identified.
We executed an internal controls self-assessment program on a quarterly and
yearly basis to assess control design effectiveness and control performance. This
program is overseen and monitored by the Corporate Assurance Risk & Internal
Controls team. Since 2024, this program also covers key controls over
sustainability reporting. We have established and implemented an internal
assurance certification process in line with the Assurance and Disclosure
Governance policy. Starting from 2024, the scope of assurance certification was
extended to sustainability reporting. All required entities at different levels in the
Group sign off on the fair representation of financial and sustainability
information.
We extended the process to monitor internal control assessment results to
sustainability reporting, to ensure that potential control weaknesses and
deficiencies are addressed and corrected in a timely manner. The disclosure
process is overseen by the relevant committees. The results of internal control
assessments are regularly reviewed by the FACC.
12
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The above-described approach applies to disclosures related to regulatory
compliance as well as committed targets as published in this Sustainability
Statement.
Stakeholder
engagement
SBM-2: INTERESTS AND VIEWS OF STAKEHOLDERS
At ABB, we engage with our most relevant stakeholder groups, including
collaborative partnerships, customers, employees, governments and civil society,
the investment community, and suppliers.
We engage with governments and the local communities in which our products are
manufactured and used, with the aim of fostering technology adoption, sound
regulatory frameworks, job creation and economic growth.
We also engage with stakeholders along the value chain to drive sustainability
topics such as decarbonization and respect of human rights.
The perspectives of our stakeholder groups are reflected in our policies and
procedures.
Our different stakeholder groups and how we interact with them is shown in the
table below.
Stakeholder group
Approach to engagement
Collaborative partners
We collaborate with companies and academic institutions on a wide range of social,
environmental, and technological activities and topics. These partnerships serve to
foster knowledge exchange, enabling us to stay abreast of latest developments,
contribute to innovation, provide access to talent, expand markets and address
complex challenges in a more effective manner. The engagement is done both
centrally and at divisional level.
How we engage:
Collaborations with academic institutions, to drive innovation, including themes
related to sustainability.
Participation in industry groups, to drive innovation and advance policy.
Membership in sustainability-related international organizations such as Global
Business Initiative on Human Rights (GBI), UN Global Compact, World Business
Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Responsible Minerals
Initiative (RMI). We also collaborate with organizations such as the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
and with ICoCA, the Responsible Security Association.
Technology and innovation partnerships with companies and startups to lay the
basis for potential future direct investments or acquisitions.
Various organizations promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Strategic corporate partnerships that enable the creation of local employment
opportunities, infrastructure development and local economic value.
Customers
Meeting customer needs and expectations is essential to our success. The
engagement with customers on sustainability topics occurs primarily in the divisions
and includes sustainability-focused meetings and projects.
How we engage:
Customer requests and collaborations around ABB’s product offerings, such as an
end-to-end approach and a one-stop-shop for building automation and smart
energy management solutions.
Our Key Account Managers and our customer service organizations address
sustainability questions with customers, including through customer trade
shows.
Sustainability partnerships such as enabling take-back schemes.
Assessing the impact of our products on customers’ sustainability performance
(carbon footprint, circularity).
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
13
Stakeholder group
Approach to engagement
Employees
Employees are vital for achieving our goals and staying competitive. In an ongoing
dialogue, we aim to bring employee perspectives into our policies and procedures.
Employee engagement takes place at different levels across the organization.
How we engage:
Annual Employee Engagement Survey, followed up with local workshops to
discuss the results and define actions.
Targeted pulse surveys on specific topics.
Annual performance reviews.
Negotiating with collective bargaining associations.
Network of Employee Resource Groups promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in
the workplace. Feedback from these groups are collected through regular
meetings and help inform policy and guidelines.
Learning and development opportunities.
Engagement and training on business conduct.
Governments and civil society
We engage with governmental, regulatory, political and economic stakeholders, local
communities, the media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) etc. at global,
national and local levels. These key stakeholders provide the political and regulatory
support and public trust necessary to achieve sustainable growth. Engagement with
government and civil society takes place both centrally and at a divisional level.
How we engage:
Direct dialogue with community representatives, where possible, to understand
local and national needs both related to our own operations and to our value
chain.
Donations and volunteering.
Meetings with regulators to understand their priorities and share our views on
policy issues and advocate the deployment of low-carbon technology and energy-
efficient solutions.
Participation in national and international initiatives to address global issues
such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, climate change and other sustainability
topics.
Investment community
The investment community enables ABB’s access to financial capital and includes such
market participants as shareholders, debtholders, financial analysts, rating agencies
and proxy advisors. Investor relations are managed on a corporate level through the
Investor Relations team.
How we engage:
Annual General Meeting.
Capital markets days, including a specific section on sustainability.
Group reporting.
Investor relations website linking to our sustainability page.
Investor roadshows and conferences including sustainability themes.
One-on-one meetings, including requests from investors on specific meetings to
understand sustainability performance.
Press releases.
Quarterly analyst and investor webcasts, including a specific section on
sustainability.
Suppliers
Our suppliers have a significant impact on our operations and success as well as our
ability to meet our sustainability targets. Working with suppliers allows us to identify
and mitigate risks in the supply chain. While day-to-day engagement with suppliers is
primarily done in the divisions, several of the engagement programs and supplier-
related policies are centrally coordinated through topic-specific workstreams.
How we engage:
Co-development of initiatives and early engagement during new product
development.
Collaboration to drive GHG emissions reduction.
Monitoring and active engagement through our Sustainable Supply Base
Management program, our Conflict Minerals program and Material Compliance
program.
Partnerships to access more sustainable materials.
On-site evaluations and audits including interviews with the supplier’s employees.
Town hall and supplier day events.
14
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
We engage with our stakeholders for specific strategic and reporting purposes to
gain insights into how they perceive value and what matters to them most in
terms of economic, environmental and social issues. This informs our strategic
decision-making and the way we manage risks and opportunities. The stakeholder
input shapes the actions we take. By engaging with our various stakeholders, we
identify and anticipate emerging trends, shifting customer needs and changing
market expectations.
Internal and external stakeholder input is considered, both for informing the
sustainability-related work in the divisions as well as for the further development
of our Sustainability Agenda. Internal and external stakeholder surveys and
interviews serve as key input into our DMA process.
Material impacts,
risks, and
opportunities
SBM-3: MATERIAL IROs AND INTERACTION WITH STRATEGY AND BUSINESS
MODEL
The following is a summary of the material IROs, which were included in the IRO
inventory for the purpose of the DMA performed in 2024. Further details, including
a disclosure of the material IROs and their interaction with strategy and business
model, is found in the respective topical standard chapters of this Sustainability
Statement.
E1: CLIMATE CHANGE
ABB’s value chain, from raw material extraction to end-of-life, impacts climate
change. Manufacturing, assembly and logistics from our own operations
contribute directly to greenhouse gas emissions. We mitigate this through energy-
efficient processes, use of renewable energy, sustainable upstream practices and
supplier engagement. At the same time, our technologies enhance customers’
energy efficiency, leading to emissions reductions.
Climate change also poses risks to our infrastructure, operations and employee
safety, but, acting on climate change provides opportunities. Collaboration with
governments and NGOs aids the transition to a low-carbon economy, while
innovations in renewable energy and efficiency secure our market leadership,
reputation and talent attraction, alongside reducing carbon footprint and costs
through diverse energy sourcing.
E2: POLLUTION
ABB’s value chain and operations can have a negative effect on the environment
through pollution. To address these challenges, we promote sustainable practices,
such as supplier environmental criteria and circular economy principles, leading to
the reduction and elimination of pollution.
There are risks associated with pollution. Stricter regulations, like the potential
European ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can disrupt sourcing
and materials. Compliance with new standards would demand significant
adjustments. We pursue a proactive approach to sustainability and resource
management to adapt to and mitigate these risks.
E3: WATER AND MARINE RESOURCES
Manufacturing processes, particularly those requiring substantial water use, strain
freshwater resources and can affect local ecosystems. However, we commit to
optimize water usage wherever possible.
Following the DMA, we concluded that all aspects relating to marine resources are
not material to ABB.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
15
E5: CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND RESOURCE USE
ABB’s business practices have environmental implications through resource use
and waste generation. The material consumption for manufacturing may deplete
global resources and increase waste. However, our commitment to a circular
economy, for instance through recyclable product design and energy efficiency,
aims to mitigate these impacts.
We can face risks, like product obsolescence, slow market entry and resource
scarcity, but we can also pursue opportunities, through setting leading practices in
circularity. Innovations like robotics-as-a-service and circuit board take-back
systems open new business avenues. Partnerships and startup investments
improve market presence and cut raw material costs. Developing innovative,
energy-efficient and recyclable products is a major ambition for us, enhancing
revenue and supply chain resilience.
S1: OWN WORKFORCE
At ABB, we are positively impacting our employees through a strong diversity
program, learning and development opportunities, and rigorous safety training.
Our diversity initiatives ensure equal opportunities for our employees. We
prioritize robust health and safety measures to minimize risks. Despite this,
challenges like workload stress, labor rights issues and safety incidents can still
occur. Inadequate training for technologies such as robotics may also lead to job
losses. Balancing positive programs with proactive measures for these concerns is
crucial for the workforce’s wellbeing and operational success.
Besides the positive impacts on employees through our efforts, they also
contribute to our business opportunities and success. For example, our Greener in
Motion program boosts employee engagement and retention. Equality programs
like Women in Motion and LeadHer enhance income and lower recruitment
expenses by ensuring fair treatment and opportunities. Flexible work models
attract and retain talent, promoting business growth and innovation. Not acting
on these topics would adversely lead to risks, through talent retention,
reputational damage, or even sanctions and fines.
S2: WORKERS IN THE VALUE CHAIN
In our value chain, there is a potential risk of negative impacts on individuals
involved in labor, e.g., through health and safety risks in mining. Chemicals and
heavy machinery usage in upstream processes can also pose health risks to
workers. Our Sustainable Supply Base Management Program, audits, and supplier
quality audits, and active membership of the Responsible Minerals Initiative,
alongside our Business Ethics Helpline and training, demonstrate our commitment
to the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in our value chain.
S3: AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
ABB’s activities impact communities along its value chain. Negative impacts can
arise through pollution or noise from operations or transportation. Positive
impacts include creating local employment opportunities, infrastructure
development and economic value. Forming partnerships with aligned companies
and stakeholders enables us to grow as a company.
S4: CONSUMERS AND END-USERS
At ABB, we prioritize our customers’ and end-users’ privacy, fostering trust and
security by protecting personal information and respecting individual rights with a
transparent, ethical approach to data handling. Access to quality information for
our customers empowers informed decisions, promoting transparency and
confidence in our products. While safety incidents can occur with product misuse,
especially among vulnerable users, our strong safety measures and clear usage
instructions aim to mitigate risks, ensuring the wellbeing of all our consumers and
end-users.
16
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
G1: BUSINESS CONDUCT
The impact of ABB’s business conduct is vital for our social license to operate and
sustainable growth. Ethical business conduct, transparency, prevention of
corruption and bribery, a strong whistleblower system, and regulatory compliance
are key. Lapses can lead to legal risks, financial penalties and brand damage.
Engagement and training on business conduct helps attract quality employees and
enhance our culture. Integrity lapses, on the other hand, can cause financial and
reputational harm. Our transparency and ethics build trust, combat corruption and
limit financial risks.
For the current and anticipated effects of our IROs on our business model, value
chain, strategy and decision-making, please see the respective IRO descriptions in
the topical chapters.
The material impacts we are involved with relate to both our activities (own
operations) and our business relationships (upstream and/or downstream value
chains), depending on the concrete IRO in question. The nature of these
relationships is disclosed in (a) the summary of IROs above and (b) in the
respective IRO descriptions in the topical chapters.
Double Materiality
Assessment
(assured)
IRO-1: DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS MATERIAL IROs
In 2024, ABB performed a new DMA on Group level, including all subsidiaries,
aligned with the ESRS. The process was changed for the fiscal year 2024 to reflect
the DMA methodology aligned with ESRS requirements. We focused on both our
own operations and our value chain. The process was structured into four phases,
guided by due diligence activities and supported by key data sources at each
phase, as outlined below:
The
understanding phase
considered the previously conducted Human Rights Risk
Assessment (HRRA) to map the value chain and incorporated the results of the
2023 stakeholder engagement.
To understand the value chain, the previously
conducted HRRA was taken as a basis. The activities considered as upstream and
downstream value chain were Research & Development/testing/support
functions, components manufacturing and assembly, transport and logistics,
bidding, sales and distribution, projects and services, raw material extraction and
processing, use by ABB customers and end users, and end of life. Material topics
from the previous materiality assessment were mapped to ESRS sub-topics and
helped in the identification phase of the new DMA.
During the
identification phase
,
potential IROs were identified through
stakeholder input, internal analyses, interviews with representatives from our
business areas and industry knowledge, to focus on specific activities, business
relationships, geographies or other factors that give rise to a heightened risk of
impacts. Impacts were identified through, for example, industry knowledge, the
HRRA and internal environmental research.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
17
ABB’s existing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process, which has integrated
sustainability risks, identifies risks across all activities and geographies within
ABB. Sustainability
-
related risks were mapped to relevant ESRS topics.
The ERM is
an overall approach to risk identification and assessment, which considers both
internal and external sources of risks. The ERM process is embedded in our ABB
Way operating model and encompasses all levels of our organization. The ERM
provides our leadership with an overview of the most critical risks. It follows a
bottom-up approach as all divisions, business areas and corporate functions are
required to identify and assess their most critical risks based on our defined
methodology. It starts with the identification of our strategic business objectives.
Next, we identify the most critical risks, which could prevent us from achieving
these objectives and lead to a potential material financial impact primarily over the
short- and medium-term, as well as risks of a long-term nature, e.g., climate risks.
We prioritize sustainability-related risks similar to other enterprise risks through
our ERM process. We consider the connections between our impacts and
dependencies with the risks and opportunities and consider the connection and
dependencies between risks and impacts in an integrated way and not
differentiating between the two when risks are identified and assessed. This
ensures that both an outside-in and inside-out perspective is considered and
supports a fuller assessment of the risks.
Similarly, opportunities connected to impacts were also considered for the DMA.
This involved assessing how the identified opportunities could lead to potential
impacts and integrating these considerations into the overall materiality
assessment process. Opportunities across business areas were identified using
our 2023 Integrated Report and Sustainability Report as well as the internal
stakeholder survey.
During the
assessment phase
, negative impacts were assessed based on their
relative severity (scale, scope, irremediability) and likelihood, and positive impacts
based on their relative scale, scope and likelihood. Impacts were assessed using
desktop research and industry knowledge. The assessment of impacts was
validated through insights gathered from stakeholder surveys.
In line with ESRS we
have assessed risks based on the magnitude of their potential financial effect and
the likelihood of their occurrence. For the assessment we drew upon the results of
ABB's ERM process. Opportunities were evaluated based on their financial impact
and likelihood, informed by stakeholder input.
In the
determination phase
,
we have adopted thresholds to determine which of
the sustainability topics will be covered in our Sustainability Statement.
Different
options for the scored IROs aggregated to ESRS subtopics were analyzed,
including benchmarking against peers and prior materiality. Based on that
assessment, the threshold at the 33.33rd percentile was selected. IROs below this
threshold were considered not material. To decide on the most sensible threshold,
different options for the cut-offs in the form of percentiles on the scored IROs
aggregated to ESRS sub-topics were created, tested, discussed in working
sessions and benchmarked. The DMA has been reviewed and approved by the ABB
Sustainability Reporting Steering Committee. Impacts and opportunities are
shared with the business areas for strategic considerations. The process
described here was changed for the fiscal year 2024 to reflect the DMA
methodology in line with ESRS requirements.
We have applied certain assumptions in the process outlined above. We have
considered the findings from the 2023 materiality assessment and the supporting
stakeholder engagement (described in detail in our 2023 Sustainability Report) and
concluded they remain valid considering they have been conducted recently and
there are no known significant changes. Additionally, the ERM process was
deemed appropriate and the Human Rights Risk Assessment mapping across the
value chain remains relevant.
18
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Based on the aggregation results, the following ESRS subtopics were derived as
material:
E1: Climate Change
1
Climate change adaptation
2
Climate change mitigation
3
Energy
E2: Pollution
4
Pollution of air
5
Pollution of soil
6
Pollution of water
E3: Water and marine resources
7
Water
E5: Resource Use and Circular Economy
8
Resource outflows related to products and services
9
Resource inflows, including resource use
10
Waste
S1: Own Employees
15
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
16
Other work-related rights
17
Working conditions
S2: Workers in the Value Chain
18
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
19
Other work-related rights
20
Working conditions
S3: Affected Communities
21
Communities’ civil and political rights
22
Communities’ economic, social and cultural rights
S4: Consumers and End-Users
23
Information-related impacts for consumers and/or end-users
24
Personal safety of consumers and/or end-users
G1: Business Conduct
11
Corporate culture
12
Corruption and bribery
13
Management of relationships with suppliers including payment practices
14
Protection of whistleblowers
The following table shows which IROs (identified by number) are located in which
part of the value chain (own operations and upstream or downstream value chain)
as well as the nature of these IROs (positive or negative impact, risk or
opportunity).
Material IROs
Own
operations
Upstream
value chain
Downstream
value chain
Positive impacts
2, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
17, 22
2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14,
18, 19, 20, 22
2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13,
14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23,
24
Negative impacts
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12,
13, 15, 17, 21
2, 3, 7, 9, 19, 20, 21,
22
2, 3, 4, 10, 20, 24
Risks
1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 15, 16,
23, 24
1, 5, 8, 9, 24
8, 23, 24
Opportunities
2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
15, 17, 21
2, 9, 10, 20, 21
2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
21
We are still in the process of fully integrating all new material topics into our
sustainability approach. The development of concepts and key performance
indicators as stipulated by Art. 964b of the Swiss Code of Obligations is an
ongoing process. In 2025, we plan to perform an IRO review while future DMA
revisions need to be assessed. Topical disclosures required in IRO-1 will be
considered in the next reporting cycle.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
19
Disclosure
Requirements used
IRO-2: DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS COVERED BY SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
Please see the ESRS Index in the appendix of this report for a full list of all
Disclosure Requirements used in this Sustainability Statement.
To determine the final scope of datapoints, we used the ESRS dataset (version of
December 2023, which was the latest version at the time) and mapped it to
material ESRS subtopics. Voluntary datapoints were excluded, and phase-in
provisions were applied as outlined in ESRS 1, Appendix C. All datapoints that were
connected to the material sub-topics were evaluated individually, resulting in 62
in-scope quantitative datapoints and 220 in-scope qualitative datapoints.
We disclose information based on its significance in relation to our IROs and their
importance to the needs of stakeholders.
Sustainability-
related policies
ABB’s Sustainability Agenda is managed on the basis of established policies and
procedures, which are continuously adapted to new developments and regulatory
requirements. Several of these policies reappear in more than one topical chapter
of this Sustainability Statement. To avoid repetition, they are introduced below.
ABB WAY
The ABB Way is our operating model, a governance framework that is designed to
safeguard ABB from financial and reputational harm and to enable us to work
closely with our customers and stakeholders. It defines how we operate and create
value through our business model, people and culture, brand, and governance. To
ensure strong governance, the ABB Way links mandatory documents such as
policies and procedures. Depending on who issues them, they are applicable to
one or more business areas or divisions. Policies describe what is and what is not
allowed. Procedures explain how to implement and comply with the Code of
Conduct or a policy. Both policies and procedures are mandatory.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
The Sustainability Policy aims to set out the core sustainability practices that drive
the development and implementation of the Sustainability Agenda, ensuring that
ABB is enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, hereby meeting
evolving stakeholder requirements. The policy is supported by mandatory
sustainability procedures and annex documents and provides a model for
functional governance and operational deployment of the Sustainability Agenda.
The policy is mandatory for the entire ABB Group, including joint ventures,
consortia, working partnerships, and third-party service providers under ABB
management control. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. There are no third-party
standards referred to in this policy. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are
expected to benefit from the implementation of this policy. It is an internal policy
and is accessible to all ABB employees via the internal network.
20
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
CODE OF CONDUCT
The ABB Code of Conduct (CoC) is the foundation of our commitment to integrity.
It provides practical guidance to our workforce, suppliers and other business
partners in how we expect business to be conducted worldwide. We are convinced
that, in order to continue to be an industry leader in a challenging environment, we
must drive the highest standards of integrity, accountability, sustainability and
transparency. The CoC stipulates five integrity principles:
We behave and do business in an ethical way
We work in a safe and sustainable way
We build trust with all stakeholders
We protect ABB’s assets and reputation
We speak up and do not retaliate
The CoC includes sixteen integrity focus areas including, among other aspects,
anti-bribery and anti-corruption, communication, conflicts of interest, fair
competition/antitrust, human rights, prevention of money-laundering, privacy, etc.
It also outlines how individual concerns can be raised and how potential
whistleblowers will be protected.
The CoC applies globally to all of ABB’s employees, managers, officers, directors,
consultants, self-employed contractors, casual workers, agency workers and
volunteers. It also applies to ABB’s wholly owned affiliates and subsidiaries as well
as all employees of any joint venture or other entity in which ABB has majority
ownership interest or exercises effective control. The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the CoC is the Chief Executive Officer.
Third-party standards referred to in the CoC include the International Labour
Organization’s (ILO) Core Conventions on Labour Standards (in the fair
employment and the human rights sections) and, for human rights specifically, the
UN Global Compact and the Global Business Initiative for Human Rights. Relevant
internal and external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the
implementation of this Policy. The CoC is available to everyone, including ABB
employees and stakeholders on the global ABB website.
SUPPLIER CODE OF CONDUCT
To make sure that we only work with suppliers who share our commitment to
integrity, sustainability and human rights, we ask our suppliers to meet the
requirements set out in our Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC). The SCoC deals with
human rights and decent work, health and safety, climate and environment,
material compliance and responsible minerals, business ethics, business and
information security, procurement by suppliers, documentation / inspections /
reporting / corrective actions, reporting concerns and access to remedy. The SCoC
states that we only enter into business relationships with third parties that share
our ethical standards. Furthermore, our suppliers are urged to comply with all
regulations and laws on reporting or disclosure of human rights and environmental
due diligence and to take appropriate action in case of non-compliance.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
21
The SCoC applies to all of ABB’s suppliers. The term “suppliers” refers to third
parties, including individual contractors, that we engage to purchase goods
and/or services and/or works from. The most senior level that is accountable for
the implementation of the policy is the Chief Executive Officer. As third-party
frameworks, the SCoC refers explicitly to the International Bill of Human Rights,
the UNGPs, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development, the UN Convention Against Corruption, the Convention on Biological
Diversity, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Basel
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
and their Disposal, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs), and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Relevant internal and external
stakeholders are expected to benefit from the implementation of this Policy. The
SCoC is included as a link in our procurement terms and conditions and therefore
accessible for suppliers. As an additional source, we provide our procurement
terms and conditions, our SCoC and the accompanying Implementation Guide on
our website.
HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY AND DUE DILIGENCE FRAMEWORK
Our Human Rights Policy formalizes and specifies the commitment of ABB to
support and respect the human rights of every individual and community as
outlined in the ABB Code of Conduct. Furthermore, it provides a common
framework that acknowledges the company’s responsibility to respect human
rights and it describes the management approach on human rights due diligence
for the Group.
ABB’s Human Rights Due Diligence Framework commits to implement Human
Rights Due Diligence throughout its business to proactively assess, cease, prevent
and mitigate actual and potential adverse human rights on rightsholders along our
value chain. Furthermore, it lays out the governance of an embedded and
integrated respect for human rights with a cross-business Human Rights Working
Group. The Human Rights Working Group is responsible for defining the human
rights roadmap, objectives and targets, including development programs, in
collaboration with the Legal & Integrity function.
The Framework requires us to track and communicate our performance and it
stipulates access to grievance and remedy.
Our Human Rights Policy applies globally to all employees, managers, officers,
directors, consultants, self-employed contractors, casual workers, agency workers
and volunteers. It also applies to our wholly owned affiliates and subsidiaries as
well as all employees of any joint venture or other entity in which ABB has majority
ownership interest or exercises effective control. The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the policy is the Chief Executive Officer.
The policy supports and respects the following international human rights
frameworks: International Bill of Human Rights; ILO Core Labour Conventions
(including ILO Convention No. 138 on minimum age for admission to employment
and ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labor); OECD Guidelines for
Multinational Enterprises; OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply
Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas; UN Convention on
the Rights of the Child; United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights (UNGPs); UN Global Compact (UNGC); UNICEF’s Children’s Rights and
Business Principles (CRBP); Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the
implementation of this policy. The Human Rights Policy and ABB’s Human Rights
Due Diligence Framework are publicly available on ABB’s corporate website for the
company’s external stakeholders, suppliers and business partners in all relevant
languages. They are also available on the company’s internal communications
channels.
22
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
POLICY ON HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT & SECURITY
In our Group-wide HSE&S Policy, we confirm to be committed to putting health,
safety, environment, and security (HSE&S) at the heart of all our activities. This
includes materials sourcing, product design, operations, and services and climate
change. Required by the policy is an HSE&S management system based on
internationally recognized sustainability standards, principles and commitments
and is prepared and maintained in collaboration with business areas.
The policy applies to all ABB subsidiaries worldwide, business areas, divisions,
corporate functions and global business services. Furthermore, it is applicable and
mandatory for all ABB units in all our legal entities, including joint ventures,
consortia, working partnerships and third-party service providers under ABB
management control. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. Our HSE&S management
system is based on internationally recognized sustainability standards, principles
and commitments including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit indirectly from the implementation
of this policy. The policy is an internal document and is accessible via the internal
network for all employees.
01
ENVIRONMENTAL
INFORMATION
24
Protecting the climate
39
Committing to circularity
43
Water management at ABB
45
Keeping pollution in check
46
EU Taxonomy: Disclosures for financial year 2024
24
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
PROTECTING THE CLIMATE
Toward a low-
carbon economy
Enabling a low-carbon society is at the center of our purpose and value
proposition and a key pillar of our Sustainability Agenda. At ABB, we want to help
our customers reduce and avoid emissions through our products, solutions and
services. We also work toward reducing emissions in our own operations and in
those of our suppliers.
We aim to drive the shift towards a low-carbon economy with innovative
technologies. Our expertise in electrification and automation enables greater
energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energies into the energy mix.
We work with our customers and suppliers to help them save energy and reduce
emissions across their value chains. Our commitment to supporting energy
security and the transition to a low-carbon society is also demonstrated by the
work we are doing to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions in our own
operations.
E1-1: TRANSITION PLAN IN PROGRESS
The basis for our climate transition plan is our set of near- and long-term
greenhouse gas reduction targets (scope 1, 2 and 3), which were approved by the
Executive Committee (EC) and the Board of Directors in 2023. These targets were
validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in June 2024 as being in
line with the net-zero standard. Our long-term targets are also aligned with the
Swiss climate goals. In 2024, our scope 1 and 2 targets were part of our annual
incentive plan (AIP) and included in the long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for the top
management (for AIP and LTIP, see p. 9). The 2024 forecast of scope 3 category 1
emissions were set at division level and approved by the EC. The full scope 3
division-level forecast for 2030 will be approved by the EC in 2025. We report
annually on our greenhouse gas reduction performance against scopes 1, 2 and 3.
In line with our SBTi net-zero absolute reduction targets, we are committed to
reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. As the
SBTi net-zero standard only allows for Negative Emission Technologies (NETs) to
be used for a maximum of 10 percent of residual emissions in 2050, rather than for
the 2030 targets, we will analyze the respective investment options later.
To reduce ABB’s operational emissions (scopes 1 and 2), we have defined and are
implementing several decarbonization levers. When it comes to our value chain,
our products and solutions help our customers reduce emissions. At the same
time, our scope 3 category 11 emissions increase as long as the electricity in the
grid is not decarbonized. To tackle value-chain emissions, where scope 3 category
1 and scope 3 category 11 represent 3.1 percent and 96.6 percent of emissions
respectively, we have identified the following decarbonization levers:
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
25
Scope 3.1
(3.1 % of total
scope 3)
1.
Collaborate with suppliers and customers on low-carbon
material availability and use
2.
Increase availability of product carbon footprints (PCFs)
from suppliers
3.
Engage suppliers on PCF reduction commitments and
implement carbon pricing
Scope 3.11
(96.6% of
total scope 3)
Decarbonizing electricity grids is the single most critical
element to reduce ABB’s scope 3 category 11 emissions.
1.
Market ABB products and solutions that enable electricity
grid decarbonization
2.
Innovate to increase the product portfolio that enables
energy efficiency and decarbonization
3.
Collaborate with customers to implement the most
efficient ABB technology solutions
In 2024, we completed a physical and transition risk assessment. We intend to
integrate the results of this risk assessment into the climate transition plan.
We will be formalizing our scope 3 decarbonization measures and quantifying the
financial effects excluding NET investments and seeking approval of our transition
plan.
Climate risk and
opportunity
assessment
ESRS-2 SBM-3: RESILIENCE IN CLIMATE MATTERS
The DMA performed in 2024 (see chapter “Sustainability at ABB”, sections “Material
impacts, risks, and opportunities” and “Double Materiality Assessment”) identified
24 IROs relating to climate, three of which were classified as risks.
Two of the identified risks are categorized as physical risks. One of these focuses
on direct effects of extreme weather events on our facilities, whereas the second of
these takes into consideration the health and security of our employees. The third
risk is classified as a policy and legal transition risk, which could require
adjustments to a specific product category.
During 2024, we also performed a detailed climate risk assessment focusing on
physical and transition risks based on defined climate scenarios. Of the identified
physical climate risks, storms and floods were assessed as the most relevant acute
hazards while heat and precipitation stress were assessed as the most relevant
chronic hazards.
For transition risks, the qualitative assessment concluded that market, policy and
legal, as well as, reputation are the categories which could potentially pose the
highest risks for ABB.
For further information on our climate risk assessment, please also see the section
on IRO-1 below.
Based on the insights gained from this assessment, mitigation and adaptation
measures can be defined and assessed to address the identified vulnerabilities,
enabling our business areas and divisions to either implement risk responses or
accept the associated risks.
26
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Our susceptibility to physical risks centers around the climate-related hazards of
storms and floods, which was highlighted through the risk assessment based on a
high emission scenario. We invest in adaptation measures to improve our
resilience, including emergency response planning, as well as infrastructure and
equipment enhancements. Further potential measures to improve our resilience
were also identified on a hazard-specific basis as an outcome of the climate risk
assessment. Measures being considered for potential implementation in the
future include, for example, on-site water storages to address water stress at
relevant sites.
Market transition risks are addressed through continuous investments in research
and development for low-carbon technologies, which not only mitigates risks, but
also enables us to benefit from the opportunities in market segments that are
identified as growth drivers, especially in a scenario aligned with the Paris
Agreement.
Policy and legal transition risks may have an influence on the pricing or availability
of raw materials. In addition, regulatory changes may prohibit the production and
sales of specific products, which may directly reduce our revenues. To mitigate
such risks, we are evaluating alternative measures which are not exposed in the
same magnitude to policy interventions, such as carbon pricing. In addition, we are
closely monitoring the regulatory environment to adapt to new regulations with
corresponding research and development efforts.
Reputational transition risks can result from our own ambition and targets that we
have committed to. If, for example, we were not to meet our GHG scope 1, 2 or 3
emission reduction targets by 2030 or our SBTi commitment, this may reflect
poorly on our reputation.
Material impacts,
risks and
opportunities
resulting from
climate change
IRO-1: PROCESSES TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS MATERIAL IROs
ABB’s climate-related IROs have been a decisive element in our 2024 DMA.
A number of other processes, analyses and assessments contributed to our
understanding of the prevalent risks. This includes our analyses of physical and
transition risks resulting from climate change, as well as our analyses of company
emissions data, publicly available climate change scenarios, and pathways and
their application in the context of the ABB Group and their potential implications
in the future. The DMA revealed 24 IROs for ABB regarding climate, of which ten
were classified as impacts, three as risks and eleven as opportunities.
IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Of the ten impacts identified in our DMA, four were regarded as positive – one in
our own operations and the others in the upstream or downstream value chain,
and six as negative – three in our own operations and three in the value chain. The
negative impacts in our own operations result from (a) the production process for
the materials used and the assembly of the products, (b) the burning of fossil-
based fuel sources and (c) the energy consumption from buildings. Negative
impacts resulting from our value chain include processes such as raw material
extraction, transportation, the smelting of components and manufacturing
processes, where energy-intensive methods are used that cause high greenhouse
gas emissions. These emissions intensify climate change.
Positive impacts include the fact that by developing energy-efficient processes, we
can reduce our energy consumption and associated emissions. Implementing
sustainable practices in the upstream value chain together with suppliers, such as
using clean energy, energy-efficiency measures or recycled materials, can help to
reduce the overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, ABB technologies used by our
customers and end-users can potentially enhance energy efficiency and reduce
resource consumption, which leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
27
PHYSICAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE
Physical climate risks are associated with the direct impact of climate change on
our assets, operations and value chain. These risks can be chronic or acute.
Chronic physical risks refer to long-term changes in climate patterns, such as
rising temperatures, sea-level rise or changing precipitation patterns. These
gradual changes can lead to increased operational costs, reduced productivity and
damage to infrastructure. Acute physical risks, on the other hand, involve
immediate, extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires or heatwaves.
Such events can cause sudden and severe asset damage and disruptions to
operations, leading to losses in revenue and additional capital expenditures to
rebuild assets, as well as safety concerns.
As part of our climate risk assessment, we have a comprehensive approach for
identifying and assessing physical risks arising from climate change, which can be
summarized in the following key steps:
Relevant scenarios informed by the latest scientific research and relevant for
the situation at ABB are identified, and an appropriate time horizon is chosen
for the analysis. We use advanced natural hazards and climate modelling tools,
along with scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), including the high-emissions scenario of Representative Concentration
Pathways (RCP8.5), to assess climate hazards and their risk impacts on
operational sites.
Each scenario is qualitatively assessed at two different time horizons:
medium-term (one to five years) and long-term (30 years). Specifically for the
physical risk assessment, short- and medium-term time horizons are
considered simultaneously as the difference in these brief periods hardly
result in relevant changes of the underlying scenario data. The selection of
time horizons for physical risks focuses on the current reporting cycle (one
year), strategic planning horizons and capital allocation plans (up to five
years) as well as expected operational lifetimes of our assets, which are
assumed to be operational either based on their remaining technical lifetime
or continuous long-term operation at those sites. The long-term horizon also
considers the expectation that adverse climate-related events could become
more frequent and increase in severity.
To conduct the assessment, data on our asset structure, geolocations and
other factors are collected from internal systems. The sites in scope cover the
largest sites across all business areas based on their energy consumption and
headcount and are located in 59 countries, represented by manufacturing and
non-manufacturing sites, distributed across the globe.
Geospatial physical risk data is obtained from specialized tools
complemented by an internal methodology and employed to perform a
detailed risk assessment for the selected time horizons and scenarios.
A combined risk and vulnerability assessment is completed, integrating data
to assess potential climate-related hazards, which considers return periods,
hazard severity, as well as risk scores.
We decided to focus the initial physical risk assessment on our own operations
because direct effects are expected to have the highest significance. In addition,
due to our global value chain structure, it is expected that many of the physical
climate risks identified are generally applicable to the supply chain and to
customers. Extending the assessment to the value chain is anticipated for future
years.
28
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
TRANSITION RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate transition risks and opportunities arise from the shift towards a low-
carbon economy and the broader societal and regulatory response to climate
change. The risks encompass a range of factors, including regulatory changes,
market dynamics, technological advancements, shifts in consumer preferences, as
well as litigation risks. For example, stricter environmental regulations, such as
carbon pricing or emission reduction targets, can increase operational costs or
necessitate substantial changes in business practices. Transition risks also include
reputational risks, where failure to address climate change adequately could
damage a company’s reputation and stakeholder relationships. Similarly, market
risks may emerge as demand shifts towards more sustainable products and
services, potentially affecting our market share and profitability for certain
products. At the same time, this can lead to opportunities, such as increased
demand for other products and services, which support the transition to a low-
carbon economy. Further potential opportunities relate to improving resource
efficiency, transitioning to lower-emission energy sources, developing climate-
friendly products and services, accessing new markets driven by climate-related
solutions, and enhancing resilience through mitigation of climate risks and
sustainable supply chains.
Our transition risk and opportunity assessment is based on a scenario to limit
climate change to 1.5°C (RCP2.6) above pre-industrial levels. We assessed the risks
and opportunities qualitatively. The approach involved representatives from all
business areas and corporate functions. The assessment approach is structured
along four steps that are described below.
First, the most relevant drivers of the scenario are identified. These include both
macroeconomic forecasts, such as GDP and population development, as well as
techno-economic parameters, such as carbon and fossil fuel prices by region,
electrification rates across sectors or deployment rates of technologies.
Secondly, hypotheses on the impact pathways are formulated based on the
information of the previous step as well as the specific value chain of the business
areas. The identified impact pathways are structured into risks and opportunities.
Thirdly, the risks and opportunities are qualitatively scored by representatives of
our business areas and corporate functions. Risks and opportunities can also be
disregarded or added based on the implications of the scenario on each business
area.
Finally, the risks and opportunities are aggregated based on our ERM risk
aggregation methodology.
The transition risk assessment is based on three time horizons; short-term (up to
one year), medium-term (two to five years; to align with both our financial planning
and enterprise risk management timeframes) and long-term (more than five
years).
In line with the categories of policy and legal, technology, market and reputation
for risks and resource efficiency, energy source, products and services, markets
and resilience for opportunities, the corresponding risk and opportunity impact
drivers are derived from the underlying scenario narrative by connecting the
scenario data with our business area activities.
We have assessed the extent to which the company’s assets and business
activities may be exposed and are sensitive to the identified transition risks and
opportunities. This assessment is based on likelihood and potential financial
impact of transition events. Both the magnitude and likelihood are rated on a
qualitative scale based on our ERM methodology. The duration of the transition
risks and opportunities are characterized by their occurrence in the scenario data,
which is reflected by milestone years such as 2025 or 2030.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
29
We chose the “Net Zero Emissions by 2050” scenario of the International Energy
Agency (IEA) as the basis for the transition scenario analysis as it features net zero
CO
2
energy sector and industrial process emissions in 2050, while achieving
universal energy access in 2030.
The selection of scenarios chosen by ABB for the physical and transition risk
analysis reflects a wide range of potential future outcomes. On the one hand,
limiting global warming in line with the Paris Agreement is reflected by the RCP2.6
(1.5°C) scenario whereas a high temperature scenario represented by RCP8.5
(ranging from 3.2°C to 5.4°C) illustrates climate-related hazards if climate change
cannot be mitigated globally.
Climate change-
related policies
E1-2: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on climate change.
Some of them are overarching documents that apply to more than one topical
chapter of this Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the
chapter “Sustainability at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the Sustainability Policy, the
ABB Code of Conduct, the Supplier Code of Conduct and the HSES Policy. More
specific policies are outlined below.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
This policy establishes the minimum requirements to be met for energy
management at sites and in operations controlled by ABB. It demands from all ABB
units to establish an energy baseline and to classify the significance of their energy
footprint. Managers are asked to consider energy in long-term planning, including
the identification and consideration of retrofit requirements. ABB units with
significant energy footprints shall introduce a basic energy management system
and an action plan. This policy is complemented by an Energy Management
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), which includes concrete examples. The Energy
Management Requirements cover 12 of the 24 climate-related IROs, including all
impacts in own operations and the downstream value chain, one of the three risks
and three of the 11 opportunities (i.e., those relating to own operations).
This internal policy applies to all employees and covers all sites and operations
controlled by ABB. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. There are no specific third-
party standards or initiatives referenced in this policy. Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit indirectly from the implementation
of this policy. This is an internal document that is accessible via the internal
network to all employees.
NET ZERO PROCEDURE
In 2023, ABB introduced an overarching target of reaching net zero emissions by
2050. To support the achievement of this target, ABB has made several
commitments, which can be broken down by near-term (2030) and long-term
(2050) horizons.
The Net Zero Procedure applies to all employees and units of ABB worldwide, joint
ventures, consortia, working partnerships, and third-party service providers under
ABB management control. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. There are no specific third-
party standards or initiatives referenced in this policy. Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit indirectly from the implementation
of this policy. This is an internal document that is accessible via the internal
network to all employees.
30
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PROCEDURE
Our Net Zero Procedure (above) specifies the commitments to reach our net zero
target, including converting 100 percent of our electricity consumption to
renewable sources by 2050. This will be achieved through purchase and self-
generation of renewable electricity. All country-wide or site-level electricity
contracts shall include 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. The Renewable
Electricity Procedure defines what type of contracts, sources and market
boundaries are acceptable. It largely follows the guidance set by the RE100
initiative.
The Renewable Electricity Procedure applies to all employees and units of ABB
worldwide, joint ventures and consortia under ABB management control. The most
senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division
presidents. The Renewable Electricity Procedure is modelled on the requirements
of the RE100 initiative. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to
benefit indirectly from the implementation of this policy. This is an internal
document that is accessible via the internal network to all employees.
FLEET ELECTRIFICATION PROCEDURE
As part of our transition towards our net zero target, we have committed to
electrify our fleet of vehicles in line with the requirements of the EV100 initiative of
the Climate Group.
The Fleet Electrification Procedure applies to all employees and units of ABB
worldwide. The most senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the
policy is the division presidents. The Fleet Electrification Procedure is modelled on
the requirements of the EV100 initiative. Relevant internal and external
stakeholders are expected to benefit indirectly from the implementation of this
policy. This is an internal document that is accessible via the internal network to all
employees.
Adaptation Procedure in progress
Based on insights gained from the climate risk assessment, adaptation measures
will be assessed and designed jointly with the local facility and site managers.
Currently, ABB does not yet have a global adaptation procedure in place.
Developing this procedure is a priority for the coming year.
Climate change-
related targets
E1-4: TARGETS
To achieve net zero, ABB has set SBTi-aligned near-term and long-term greenhouse
gas reduction targets. Both sets of targets employ the absolute contraction
methodology as outlined by the SBTi and have been validated by the initiative.
Near-term targets (2030)
Reduce absolute scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 80 percent from 2019 to 2030.
Target validated by SBTi and is 1.5°C aligned.
Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25 percent between 2022 and
2030. Target validated by SBTi and is “Well below 2°C aligned”.
Long-term targets (2050)
Reduce absolute scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 100 percent from 2019 to 2050.
Target validated by SBTi and is 1.5°C aligned.
Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 90 percent between 2022 and
2050. Target validated by SBTi and is 1.5°C aligned.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
31
We have also committed to three initiatives of the Climate Group to help us to
achieve our near-term scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target:
Consume 100 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Commitment made to RE100 initiative.
Electrify our global vehicle fleet by 2030. Commitment made to EV100
initiative.
Improve our energy productivity by 20 percent by 2030 relative to 2019 and
implement an energy management system across global operations by 2030.
Commitment made to EP100 initiative.
AVOIDED EMISSIONS AMBITION
In addition to our SBTi-aligned GHG emissions reduction targets, we have the
ambition to avoid emissions in customer operations. Avoided emissions are the
reduction in GHG emissions that occur because of the use of a product or solution.
We use the category of avoided emissions to describe the volume of greenhouse
gas emissions that our customers will avoid by using our products and solutions
through their full service lives. The methodology for calculating avoided emissions
is based on the 2023 guidance of the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development (WBCSD).
Ambition to avoid 600 mt CO₂e emissions throughout lifetime of products
sold from 2022 to 2030.
GHG emissions reduction targets and avoided emissions ambition
GHG emission
category
Description
Base
year
Target years
Absolute value of
emissions (kt CO₂e)
2024 reduction compared
to baseline year
2030
2050
Baseline
year
2024
status
(assured)
Absolute
value
(kt CO₂e)
Percentage
Scope 1+2 GHG
emissions
Reduce own scope 1+2
CO₂e by 80% by 2030 and
100% by 2050 compared
to 2019
2019
80%
reduction
100%
reduction
631
1
138
(493)
-78%
Scope 3 GHG
emissions
Reduce scope 3 CO₂e
emissions by 25% by 2030
and by 90% by 2050
compared to 2022
2022
25%
reduction
90%
reduction
429,854
2
394,952
(34,902)
-8%
Avoided
emissions
Ambition to avoid 600 mt
CO₂e emissions
throughout lifetime of
products sold from 2022
to 2030
2022
600 MT
204,390
3
0%
1
Scope 1 + 2 GHG emissions baseline value has been adjusted for portfolio changes.
2
Scope 3 emissions baseline has been adjusted due to product portfolio and applied technical parameters refinement. In one business, the baseline
was revisited as one business activity was deemed not representative for the year.
3
Avoided emissions 2024 status is cumulative for 2022-2024, where only the 2024 value of 65,611kt CO2e has been
assured
for 2024.
Market- and location-based scope 1 + 2 GHG emissions reduction
GHG emission
category (kt CO₂e)
Absolute value of
emissions in baseline
year (2019)
1
2024
status
(assured)
2024 reduction
compared to baseline year
Absolute value
Percentage
Market-based
631
138
(493)
-78%
Location-based
645
405
(240)
-37%
1
Scope 1 + 2 GHG emissions baseline value has been adjusted for portfolio changes.
32
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The consistency between our GHG emissions reduction targets and the GHG
inventory boundaries is ensured through clearly defined and documented
inventory boundaries that are reviewed annually. Material changes in our structure,
acquisitions or divestments, are reflected accordingly. Within our alignment to
SBTi, we have committed to incorporate all significant emission sources in our
inventory and to annually report on all relevant scope 3 categories.
For scope 1 and 2, the baseline year remains 2019. Reorganizations, divestments
and acquisitions have been reflected in restatements of the 2019 value in the years
since 2020. For scope 3, the baseline year was set to 2022 as the target was
introduced during 2023 and the previous year best represented the current
business structure. The same applies to the baseline for the ambition to avoid
emissions.
Management of
climate change
E1-3: ACTIONS
Our efforts and achievements in addressing climate change are three-fold:
We are committed to reducing emissions in our own operations
We are committed to reducing emissions in our value chain by supporting our
suppliers to reduce their emissions, and
We are committed to helping our customers reduce and avoid emissions
through our products, solutions and services.
To reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, several decarbonization levers have been
defined and are being implemented. These levers can be disaggregated into fossil
fuel reduction (through energy efficiency and decarbonization of fossil-fueled
assets), a shift to renewable energy, fleet electrification and SF
6
management. The
commitments to the RE100, EV100 and EP100 initiatives will support the reduction
of scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030.
For scope 3, the levers to reduce the most material categories, specifically
emissions from use of sold products and purchased goods and services, are
disclosed in the transition plan section of this statement.
2024 status of scope 1 + 2 decarbonization levers
Scope 1 + 2 decarbonization levers
2024 status
2023
RE100 status: Percentage of renewable electricity
consumption of total electricity consumption (%)
95%
94%
EV100 status: Percentage of electric vehicles of
total fleet of vehicles (%)
38%
31%
EP100 status: Improvement of energy productivity
since 2019 (%)
69%
66%
Reduction of SF
6
since 2019 (%)
-92%
-91%
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
33
Facts & figures
Energy
E1-5: ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND MIX
ENERGY CONSUMPTION RELATED TO OWN OPERATIONS
Total energy consumption (in GWh)
2024
2023
Total energy consumption from fossil sources
(assured)
418
467
fuel consumption from natural gas
319
332
fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products
1
7
11
fuel consumption from coal and coal products
fuel consumption from other fossil sources
consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and
cooling from fossil sources
92
124
Total energy consumption from renewable sources
(assured)
874
830
fuel consumption for renewable sources including biomass (also
comprising industrial and municipal waste of biologic origin),
biofuels, biogas, hydrogen from renewable sources, etc.;
2
11
3
consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and
cooling from renewable sources
828
802
consumption of self-generated non-fuel renewable energy
35
26
Total energy consumption (in GWh)
(assured)
1,292
1,297
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
1
Includes oil and diesel.
2
Use of renewable biogas to substitute natural gas in several sites.
Energy intensity (MWh/Million $ of sales)
2024
2023
Total energy intensity
(assured)
39.32
40.26
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION
Our total non-renewable production includes on-site electricity generation from oil
and diesel, as well as from combined heat and power. The total renewable
production includes on-site solar generation.
Energy production (in GWh)
2024
2023
Total non-renewable energy production
13
16
Total renewable energy production
39
29
Total energy production
52
45
Greenhouse gas
emissions
E1-6: SCOPE 1, 2, 3 EMISSIONS
In 2024, we achieved a reduction of 78 percent in our scope 1 and 2 emissions
compared to 2019. This progress was driven primarily by the roll-out of renewable
energy in our sites, a reduction in SF6 emissions and the transition towards electric
vehicles in our fleet. As a result, we are on track to reach our near-term 2030 target
of 80 percent emission reduction.
In 2024, scope 3 GHG emissions have decreased by 8 percent compared to the
baseline year of 2022 with key drivers being the decline in scope 3 category 11
emissions due to a shift in the sales mix within our product portfolio, with a
decrease in the share of more energy-intensive products compared to previous
years. As our products are essential for the decarbonization of our value chain, the
sale of our equipment supports the integration of renewables into the grid and will
in turn lead to reductions of our own scope 3 emissions.
For the reporting of scope 3 emissions in category 11, we have previously
published a “representative scenario” and a “strict scenario”, with the
representative scenario quantifying the energy consumption of certain products
based on measured energy loss and the strict scenario taking a more conservative
approach based on the full energy input to certain products. Going forward, we will
use the strict scenario as basis for our scope 3 reporting.
34
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
OVERVIEW OF SCOPE 1, 2 AND 3 GHG EMISSIONS
(kt CO₂e)
2024
2023
Gross scope 1 GHG emissions, of which
Use of fuels
67
70
Coolants
4
4
SF
6
8
9
Transport by own fleet
40
44
Emissions from biofuels
Total scope 1 emissions
(assured)
119
128
Gross scope 2 GHG emissions, market-based
District heat
8
10
Electricity
10
13
Gross scope 2 GHG emissions, location-based
District heat
8
10
Electricity
278
285
Total scope 2 GHG emissions, market-based
(assured)
19
23
Total scope 2 GHG emissions, location-based
(assured)
286
295
Total scope 1+2 GHG emissions, market-based
138
151
Total scope 1+2 GHG emissions, location-based
405
423
Gross indirect (scope 3) GHG emissions
1 Purchased goods and services
1
12,172
12,566
2 Capital goods
1
85
69
3 Fuel and energy-related Activities
(not included in scope 1 or 2)
55
65
4 Upstream transportation and distribution
617
699
5 Waste generated in operations
12
15
6 Business traveling
169
154
7 Employee commuting
175
175
8 Upstream leased assets
9 Downstream transportation
43
62
10 Processing of sold products
11 Use of sold products
2
381,372
433,347
12 End-of-Life treatment of sold products
1
230
261
13 Downstream leased assets
18
3
14 Franchises
15 Investments
1
2
9
Total scope 3 GHG emissions
(assured)
394,952
447,426
Total scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions (market-based)
(assured)
395,090
447,577
Total scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions (location-based)
(assured)
395,357
447,848
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
1
Cat. 1, 2, 12 and 15 emissions were adjusted for prior years due to a refined calculation of inflation
impact on spend-based emission factors.
2
Cat. 11 emissions were adjusted for prior years as refined technical parameters have been applied.
In one business, the 2022 baseline was revisited as business activity was deemed not representative
for the year.
For the calculation of the GHG emission intensity, the total ABB Group revenues
are applied.
Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emission intensity
(kt CO₂e/Million $ of sales)
2024
2023
Market-based
(assured)
12.03
13.88
Location-based
(assured)
12.04
13.89
The scope of consolidation for GHG emissions reporting follows the Group
standards outlined in the section “Approach to reporting” at the beginning of this
Sustainability Statement. In 2024, mergers and acquisitions did not constitute
significant changes to the GHG emissions reporting.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
35
We calculate our scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions using detailed methodologies that
incorporate assumptions and standardized emissions factors. For scope 1
emissions from our fleet vehicles, we collect vehicle-specific data, such as fuel
type, distance traveled and emissions profiles for every vehicle in the fleet. If this is
not available, estimations are applied. In particular, the distance travelled is
estimated based on the leasing contract duration. Fleet emissions factors are
based on WLTP/NEDC emission profiles per vehicle and provided in g CO
2
/km.
They are then adjusted to the lab-to-road factor based on the vehicle’s location.
Emissions from the on-site use of fuel, coolants and SF
6
are calculated using data
reported quarterly or annually, depending on the facility size, with site-specific
emissions factors. For scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity and district
heating, we collect and process energy consumption data from facilities
worldwide, applying both location-based and market-based emissions factors.
Location-based calculations use average grid emission factors in kg CO
2
e/kWh
specific to each geographic location, while market-based calculations consider
specific contractual arrangements like renewable energy purchases or power
purchase agreements, with emissions factors obtained from external industry
sources. For a minority of locations, where environmental data is not readily
available, we employ an estimation process. This includes, in particular, smaller
sites with energy consumption lower than 100 MWh per year and fewer than 100
employees. For these sites, environmental data is extrapolated based on the
employee headcount at these sites and average consumption per employee from
sample reporting sites. For Q4, estimations were applied where year-end actuals
have not been available at the time of reporting.
In scope 1, we only consider methane and N
2
O emissions of biogenic emissions,
following SBTi guidance, amounting to 2 t of CO
2
e in 2024. Biogenic emissions of
2,370 t of CO
2
e are not included in scope 1.
Our renewable electricity consumption comes from bundled and unbundled
procurement of Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) as well as onsite solar PV
generation.
For scope 3 emissions, we account for all scope 3 categories that are relevant to
ABB and that are not covered in scope 1 and 2 (refer to the list of included
categories above). As the vast majority of our emissions stem from the use of sold
products, this category represents the most significant contribution.
Nevertheless, we diligently calculate all other scope 3 categories relevant to ABB to
ensure comprehensive reporting. When assessing the materiality of the different
scope 3 categories, we refer to the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain
Accounting and Reporting Standard. The calculation of scope 3, category 11
emissions is based on a bottom-up model for the diverse offering across our
divisions. The model considers both the technical specifications and the operating
conditions associated with each product, including product energy consumption
metrics and efficiency specifications. We use two primary methods to estimate
energy consumption during the operational phase of sold products:
Energy Input Method: Applied to products that require specific power inputs
to perform their tasks, such as motors, automation systems and robotics.
Energy Loss Method: Used for products where energy efficiency losses are
critical, such as electrical drives and switchgear.
The total energy consumed is converted to GHG emissions using regional emission
factors from the IEA in alignment with regional electricity grid compositions.
These factors are updated annually to reflect changes in grid emission intensities.
36
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Remaining scope 3 emissions (everything apart from category 11) encompass a
broad range of indirect emissions. Data sources include, for example, spend
figures for purchased products and services, transportation and distribution or
business travel. Depending on the category, we use different methods to calculate
these emissions:
Spend-Based Method: Applied to categories such as purchased goods and
services or capital goods, where we calculated emissions based on the
financial expenditure. Emission factors are derived from economic input-
output models that relate spending to GHG emissions (e.g., Exiobase).
Activity-Based Method: For categories such as business travel, emissions are
approximated using activity data such as travel miles, number of trips and
transportation modes.
The total emissions are then converted to GHG emissions using regional emission
factors (where applicable), ensuring alignment with the geographical areas where
activities occur.
The scope 3 data collection is supported by an ABB-customized reporting tool in
line with our internal and external assurance requirements.
For the calculation of avoided emissions, ABB has developed a methodology based
on WBCSD guidance, tailored to its product portfolio. According to WBCSD’s
guidance, “avoided emissions” refers to the reduction in GHG emissions achieved
by comparing our products or solutions to a reference scenario where the solution
is not used. Both the product and reference scenario are assessed through their
entire life cycles. Three scenarios are considered: replacement, retrofit and new
installation. Data is collected covering the percentage of sales, or orders where
deemed more relevant, and kWh/t CO₂e. The data is drawn from our sales teams
and the products’ technical specifications. Alongside the three scenarios, several
factors provided by the WBCSD guidance for avoided emissions affect the
eligibility of avoided emissions against our ambition:
Gate 1 (climate action credibility):
ABB transparently reports on 100 percent
of its value chain emissions on an annual basis. This covers 13 of the 15 scope
3 GHG Protocol categories. Using this comprehensive GHG inventory, we have
set SBTi targets. We will not be using avoided emissions to claim net-zero
status.
Gate 2 (climate science alignment):
We do not consider avoided emissions
from product lines or solutions sold to sectors and applications linked to
exploration, extraction, mining, production, distribution or sale of fossil fuels.
Gate 3 (contribution legitimacy):
We only consider avoided emissions that
arise from installations that drive change within their respective markets. For
example, only high-efficiency motors in a higher energy-efficiency class than
the installed base average and used in a retrofit application would be eligible
for inclusion. As for general applications like drives, we consider the retrofit of
existing direct-on-line motor-driven systems as their main contribution to
avoided emissions. In new installations of motor-driven systems, we exclude
applications where the customer has already decided to install a drive. We only
include sales where the customer has been convinced to install a drive with
the motor, thereby improving overall efficiency.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
37
Avoided emissions are calculated based on the following formula:
Avoided lifetime emissions (kg CO₂e) = annual energy saved (MWh) × emission
factor (kg CO₂e/MWh) × lifetime (years)
Annual energy saved:
Energy saved on a yearly basis when comparing the
product or solution with the relevant reference scenario using the following
four elements: a) power input of the product/solution assuming use of 100
percent of rated energy input value
1
, b) operating hours per year,
c) percentage of revenues from eligible avoided emissions scenarios
(replacements, retrofits, new installations)
1
, d) percentage of efficiency gains
in each scenario.
Emission factor:
Weighted-average emission factor based on geography of
where the respective product or solution is used, using the IEA and United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) data, multiplied by
regional revenue exposure.
Lifetime:
Average expected lifetime of the product or solution, using Product
Category Rules data, when available and applicable, used also for the
product’s or solution’s Life Cycle Assessment, or expert opinion if not
available.
Reporting periods of value chain and ABB entities do not differ significantly, and
limited effects on our GHG emission reporting are expected. Currently, we
primarily use secondary data to calculate scope 3 emissions. Certain scope 3 GHG
emission categories are not applicable to ABB such as category 8 (upstream leased
assets) has been excluded as we already account for our leased assets within our
scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emission footprint through the operational control
consolidation approach. By including leased assets in scope 1 and 2, further
inclusion in scope 3 would lead to double counting and is therefore not applicable.
Category 14 (franchises) has been excluded because we do not operate any
franchises.
The scope 3 categories included in our inventory are shown in the table “Overview
of scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions”.
We report scope 3 GHG emissions following the boundaries and methodologies
defined by the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. The reporting scope covers both
upstream and downstream activities, including categories as defined in ESRS E1-6,
AR 46.i, ensuring comprehensive representation of our value chain. Emissions are
attributed based on our operational and value chain control, excluding immaterial
sources or categories not applicable to our business model, such as franchises.
Physical and
transition climate
risks and
opportunities
E1-9: ANTICIPATED FINANCIAL EFFECTS
PHYSICAL RISKS
The qualitative physical risk assessment clustered approximately 340 sites in low- to
high-risk categories. The findings of the assessment showed an increased risk of
floods and storms across the short-, medium- and long-term time horizons under
different scenarios. Our analysis indicates that the hazards identified are expected
to have a medium impact under the moderate RCP4.5 scenario. However, the severity
of these hazards and the impact on our business may increase under the more
extreme RCP8.5 scenario, which confirms the understanding that higher rates of
global warming increase the susceptibility to those climate-related risks.
A limited number of sites in the United States and China show high counts of
identified climate-related physical risks applicable for both acute and chronic risk
in the long-term within ABB's asset portfolio. The assets could be temporarily
impacted through reduced production capacities as well as face higher insurance
premiums in the future.
1
Due to the lack of readily available
precise external data or analysis,
we utilize the best available
assumptions. The avoided
emission calculation is highly
sensitive to these assumptions.
A percentage change in either
assumption will result in an
equivalent percentage change in
the calculated avoided lifetime
emissions.
38
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
When examining hazards such as flooding under a strong global warming RCP8.5
scenario, we observe a progressive increase in the number of assets at higher risk
levels between the medium- and long-term time horizon. Similarly, for storms
under the RCP8.5 scenario, there is a rise in the number of assets at high risk,
indicating a growing risk level over time.
TRANSITION RISKS
In the qualitative transition risk assessment using a 1.5°C scenario, policy and legal
risks as well as market risks arising from GHG emission pricing schemes could
have an impact on our revenue and margin. Specific identified risks relate to:
Commodity/raw material prices: As carbon pricing regulations become
stricter, the costs of carbon-intensive inputs rise, leading to increased
expenses in sourcing and manufacturing, which could affect our profitability.
Carbon footprint of the product portfolio: With a growing emphasis on carbon
reduction, the demand for low-carbon products increases and we need to
adapt our product offerings to align with this trend, ensuring a reduced
carbon footprint for the product portfolio. Failure to do so could result in
decreased customer demand and market share loss.
A further consideration includes reputational risk, which, for example, could arise
from business activities with clients in industries that might be prone to
stigmatization due to their contribution towards climate change and thereby
reflecting poorly on ABB’s stakeholder perception. Furthermore, failing to meet
communicated GHG reduction targets could erode stakeholder trust and
consequently impact long-term revenues.
CLIMATE-RELATED OPPORTUNITIES
The opportunities inherent in the transition to a low-carbon society can lead to
significant market growth. ABB’s eligible products under the EU Taxonomy (which
also meet the substantial contribution criteria as a first prerequisite toward EU
Taxonomy alignment, currently in process) are a proxy for the numerous product
and service lines that cater to the needs of our customers. A major growth driver
identified in the qualitative assessment is the global renewable energy market,
which drives demand for our products.
Regarding cost-saving activities, we are investing in energy efficiency and
emissions reductions throughout our operations. For example, we have committed
to electrifying our fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles by 2030 and continuing to
deploy energy management systems at our sites. These substantial annual
investments in energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects frequently come
with cost savings in the long-term. This includes, for example, investments in low-
carbon energy sources, upgrading compressed air systems, as well as heating,
ventilation and cooling systems.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
39
COMMITTING TO CIRCULARITY
Strategic approach
to circularity
Preserving resources is a key pillar of ABB’s Sustainability Agenda and a core element
of our value creation model. Our Circularity Approach is a company-wide effort to
implement a resource-efficient business. Beginning with the design stage, we are
committed to increasing the reusability and recyclability of our products and making
them more durable by means of our lifetime extension and modernization services.
We are working with customers, suppliers and partners to embed circularity
throughout our entire value chain. The relevant functions assess the impact of our
offerings through their complete life cycle. This process builds cooperation and
partnerships with key stakeholders across industries and sectors – from recovering
scrap from production to enabling take-back schemes in many markets. Within our
own operations, we avoid waste by being more efficient and increasing the use of
sustainable materials in our products and packaging, and by expanding recycling
activities at our sites. Our Circularity Approach is managed by the ABB Circularity
Working Group, which coordinates initiatives relating to circularity among our four
business areas, clarifies and updates the ABB Circularity Framework, defines
circularity KPIs and establishes the guidelines by which the KPIs are assessed.
IRO-1: PROCESSES TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS MATERIAL IROs
During the 2024 update of the DMA, resource use was confirmed as one of our
material topics. For more information on our process to identify material issues
for our sustainability management, please see the chapter “Sustainability at ABB”.
The 2024 DMA identified 21 IROs, of which 11 were classified as impacts, two as
risks, and eight as opportunities.
Of the 11 impacts, six are in our own operations, three of these being potentially
positive, explained as our contribution to a circular economy through renewable
resources, resource efficiency, recycling and similar activities. Repairing,
maintaining and refurbishing installations at customer sites will also have a
positive impact on the transition to a circular economy. Three other impacts in this
area were assessed as actually negative. These relate to the depletion of non-
renewable resources through our use of them. Actual positive impacts can be
observed in our upstream and downstream value chains. By adopting practices
such as product repairability, durability and other circular economy principles, we
can reduce our overall resource outflow. By developing more circular solutions
there is a potential for positive impact on the transition to a circular economy.
Furthermore, the application of circularity principles at the end-of-life of products
enables us to reuse resources more efficiently and thus, reduce the impact on the
environment.
Of the two identified risks, one concerns the whole business, including value
chains. This is a combination of product obsolescence, slow time to market and
the unavailability of essential resources. If these factors occur, they could lead to
production delays and a reduced financial performance.
The eight opportunities in this field relate to our own operations and one or both
parts (upstream, downstream) of the value chain. Among the topics are the
opportunity to be seen as a thought leader in circularity development, capturing
customers increasingly aware of circular economy aspects by useful innovations,
the access to new revenue streams through circular business models, lower costs
by reducing the need for new raw materials, reducing waste and associated
disposal costs, helping manage component and material shortages, or other
similar factors.
40
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Policy commitments
to circular resource
management
E5-1: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on resource use and the
circular economy. Some of them are overarching documents that apply to more than
one topical chapter of this Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of
the chapter “Sustainability at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the Sustainability Policy,
the Supplier Code of Conduct and the HSES Policy. More specific policies are outlined
below.
Among other topics, the ABB Way outlines our Circularity Approach, our
methodology to foster a circular economy. Beginning with the design stage, we are
committed to increasing the resource efficiency and enhancing the reusability and
recyclability of our products. We also aim to make them more durable through our
lifetime extension and modernization services. Within our own operations, we
avoid waste by making our processes more efficient, by increasing the use of
sustainable materials in our products and packaging and by expanding recycling
activities at our sites.
WASTE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Our Waste Management Requirements establish the minimum health, safety and
environment (HSE) requirements to be met for waste management at sites and in
operations controlled by ABB. We strive to eliminate the disposal of materials into
landfills. We actively seek synergies within our operations and value chain
organizations to reduce waste generation, improve recycling rates and drive
circularity principles like reusing as much as possible materials within our own
operations and products. The Waste Management Requirements cover 14 of the 21
material IROs from our DMA, of which eight are impact- and six opportunity-
related.
The Waste Management Requirements apply to all employees and units of ABB
worldwide, joint ventures, consortia, working partnerships, real estate and third-
party service providers under ABB management. The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents. The
Waste Management Requirements are aligned with international standards UL
2799A and ECVP 2799. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to
benefit indirectly from the implementation of this policy. The document is
accessible to all our employees on the internal website.
ZERO WASTE TO LANDFILL PROCEDURE
The Zero Waste to Landfill Procedure supports our ambition to reduce the amount
of manufacturing waste that is sent to landfill to zero, while we also strive to
reduce our own waste generation by reusing and recycling more. Manufacturing
waste includes all waste generated by our operations but excludes waste from
construction and demolition. The Zero Waste to Landfill Procedure stipulates that
all business areas, divisions and sites shall identify and implement objectives and
targets that support reducing the amount of manufacturing waste that is sent to
landfill to zero by 2030. Of the 21 IROs defined in our DMA as relevant to our
circularity ambitions, nine are covered by this procedure, three of them impact-
and six opportunity-related.
This document applies to all employees and units of ABB worldwide, joint ventures,
consortia, working partnerships, real estate and third-party service providers
under ABB management control. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. The reporting of waste-
related information is made in line with the requirements of the mandated
environment reporting system, Intelex/SPI. Relevant internal and external
stakeholders are expected to benefit indirectly from the implementation of this
policy. The Zero Waste to Landfill Procedure is an internal document that is
accessible via the internal network to all employees.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
41
Circularity-related
targets
E5-3: TARGETS
ABB is assessing products against a set of eight KPIs in the ABB Circularity Framework,
including circular design principles (in product design and serviceability), product
efficiency and lifetime duration, including take-back and recycling services to increase
the circularity of the materials used and reduce the use of (virgin) raw materials.
We have a quantitative target of sending zero waste to landfill while reducing
waste generation by 2030. We apply this approach to recycling and limiting waste
generation in our operations and production processes.
Targets
Baseline
(baseline year)
1
2023 status
2024 status
PRESERVING RESOURCES
Cover at least 80% of ABB’s
portfolio of products and
solutions with our Circularity
Approach by 2030
2
n.a.
The circularity score will be calculated
once a representative share of the
portfolio has been assessed.
3
ABB has assessed
31% of ABB’s
products and
solutions portfolio
ABB has assessed
41% of ABB’s
products and
solutions portfolio
Send zero waste to landfill
while reducing waste
generation by 2030
4
16.8 kt (2019),
equivalent to 8.8%
of total waste
(adjusted for
portfolio changes)
10.1 kt, equivalent
to 6.3% of total
waste
9.3 kt, equivalent to
5.8% of total waste
(assured)
1
Where a baseline applies.
2
Based on revenues from hardware-based products and solutions where granularity of financial systems
allows. Service revenues are excluded.
3
Against the ABB Circularity Framework KPIs.
4
Waste from demolition and construction excluded from landfill; not including hazardous waste.
Facts & figures
Waste management
E5-5: METRICS
Total amount of waste
2024
2023
Total amount of waste generated (in t)
177,465
166,926
SASB: Percentage of recycled hazardous waste generated
60%
1
40%
SASB: Number and aggregate
quantity of reportable spills, quantity recovered
1 spill, 470
liters of oil,
not recovered
1 spill, 350
liters of oil,
not recovered
Total amount of hazardous waste (in t)
6,201
5,321
Total amount of
non-hazardous waste diverted from disposal (in t)
142,431
141,141
Recycling
142,431
141,141
Total amount of
non-hazardous waste directed to disposal (in t)
28,834
20,465
Incineration
9,018
9,612
Landfill and other disposal operations
2
19,816
10,853
Total amount of non-recycled waste,
hazardous and non-hazardous (in t)
31,326
23,656
Percentage of non-recycled waste
18%
14%
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
1
Increase due to warehouse clean-ups in several sites for electronics.
2
Includes extraordinary effect from construction projects.
42
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
MATERIALS USED BY WEIGHT OR VOLUME (KT)
For this datapoint, we follow the GRI definition.
Disclosure
2024
2023
Metals
(assured)
1,271
1,168
Copper
88
84
Aluminum
86
83
Steel (incl. Iron casting)
1,098
1,000
Plastics
158
136
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
Disclosure according to GRI 301: Materials 2016; voluntarily reported.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
43
WATER MANAGEMENT AT ABB
Water as a material
topic at ABB
Water management at ABB is especially relevant in areas of increased water stress.
We apply our environmental management system and specific water standards to
manage the associated challenges.
IRO-1: PROCESSES TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS MATERIAL IROs
In the DMA carried out at ABB in 2024, the materiality of water was identified as being
driven by the impact of water stress in production sites in those locations where this
is an issue. Hence, the focus of the analysis was on the real or potential impact that
water consumption has in areas of water risk or high water stress. The aspect of
marine resources does not apply to any of our locations or activities.
The DMA revealed two material actual negative impacts with regard to water, one
in own operations and one in upstream value chain. One is that our production
processes often require significant amounts of water, which can exacerbate water
scarcity issues in regions where we operate. The other is that the extraction of
metals from ores and other materials often requires substantial amounts of water
to facilitate crushing, grinding and chemical processes. A lack of sufficient water
treatment would have a negative impact on the environment.
Among the tools we use to monitor and manage water-related risk across our
operations is the World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct tool. Aqueduct lets us
assess our facilities according to the level of baseline water stress of the local
watershed. We use it to track levels of groundwater depletion, flood risk and
seasonal variability of water availability at our sites.
Water-related
policies
E3-1: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on water. Some of
them are overarching documents that apply to more than one topical chapter of this
Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the chapter “Sustainability
at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the Sustainability Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct,
and the HSES Policy. One additional specific policy is outlined below.
WATER MANAGEMENT & CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
This document establishes the minimum requirements for the management of
water at ABB-controlled sites. Among other things, it stipulates that all aspects
and impacts of water withdrawal and use, as well as the discharge of wastewater,
shall be identified, assessed and documented in accordance with applicable
regulations. It also requires that ABB units that are located in water stress areas
and units with an annual water withdrawal of more than 10,000 cubic meters must
have an adequate action plan for how to reduce withdrawals and water
consumption has to be reduced in accordance with the action plan. These
requirements are complemented by the Water Management & Conservation
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), which provides guidance and additional
resources. The requirements address one of the two material impacts in relation to
water. The other material impact is addressed through our Supplier Code of
Conduct and through requirements related to our circularity initiatives.
44
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The Water Management & Conservation Requirements apply to all ABB units in all
ABB legal entities. The most senior level that is accountable for the
implementation of the policy is the division presidents. There are no specific third-
party standards or initiatives we commit to in respect to the implementation of
this policy. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to benefit
indirectly from the implementation of this policy. The Water Management &
Conservation Requirements are an internal document that is accessible via the
internal network to all employees.
Facts & figures
Water
E3-4: WATER CONSUMPTION
Water consumption (in m
3
)
2024
2023*
Total water consumption in areas at water risk, including areas of
high water stress
283,123
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
Total annual water consumption is calculated on Group level with information from
the sites, namely withdrawal and discharge. While the data on water withdrawal
typically comes from direct measurements, the water discharge data is often
estimated because evidence, such as invoices, is only available for specific subsets
of the data. These can include, for example, documentation for industrial
wastewater treatment. Partially, discharge may also occur through evaporation in
industrial processes, which is not directly measured.
In 2024, 100 percent of the amount of water withdrawn and 2 percent of the water
discharged was based on direct measurement. For Q4 datapoints, estimates may
be applied for water consumption when invoices are not available within reporting
timelines.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
45
KEEPING POLLUTION IN CHECK
Double Materiality
Assessment for
pollution
IRO-1: PROCESSES TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS MATERIAL POLLUTION-RELATED IROs
The 2024 DMA identified five IROs in relation to environmental pollution. Four of them
are actual negative impacts, of which three are located in our own operations and one
in the downstream value chain.
The fifth IRO is a risk prevalent in both our own operations and in the upstream value
chain. This is the potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) ban in Europe –
this would create the need to source alternative materials to be used for ABB
products.
The four negative impacts are that (a) products sold can contribute to air pollution
when they are used by customers, (b) fossil fuel use in own operations can cause air
pollution, (c) improperly disposed waste or leakages can pollute soil at production
sites; and (d) waste from the zinc coating process can be harmful to the environment.
For the 2024 DMA process, please see chapter “Sustainability at ABB” at the
beginning of this Sustainability Statement.
We will include disclosures of ESRS E2 in the Sustainability Statement 2025.
46
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
EU TAXONOMY: DISCLOSURES FOR
FINANCIAL YEAR 2024
(assured)
EU Taxonomy:
Background and
objectives
At ABB, we are determined to shape our future in an environmentally sustainable
way by developing and investing in sustainable business activities. The European
Union (EU) has taken the lead in standardizing sustainability-related data and
defining criteria for “environmentally sustainable” activities with the help of the EU
Taxonomy Regulation, aiming to direct capital flows specifically into such
activities.
The EU Taxonomy categorizes “environmentally sustainable” business activities
into six pre-defined environmental objectives
1
. It distinguishes between
“Taxonomy-eligible” and “Taxonomy-aligned” economic activities. An economic
activity is considered “eligible” if it is described in the adopted EU Taxonomy
Delegated Acts. An eligible activity is only considered environmentally sustainable,
and thus “aligned”, if it meets the specified technical screening criteria:
Substantial contribution to one of the
six environmental objectives
“Do no significant harm” (DNSH) to other five environmental objectives
Minimum safeguards, primarily related to human rights and social and labor
standards
Consequently, companies are required to publish the following KPIs: turnover,
capital expenditure (CapEx) and operating expenditure (OpEx), associated with
both Taxonomy-eligible and -aligned activities.
EU Taxonomy is a required reporting framework for companies in its scope and
the range of disclosures has been expanding annually. For the fourth year of
reporting, now on the financial year 2024, the disclosure requirements have been
further expanded. For the first time, EU Taxonomy eligibility and alignment must
be disclosed for all economic activities under all six environmental objectives.
The EU Taxonomy-related disclosures are prepared in line with Article 8 of the EU
Taxonomy Regulation and the related delegated acts. The legal framework for EU
Taxonomy reporting currently consists of the following elements: the EU
Taxonomy Regulation, the amended Climate Delegated Act, the amended
Disclosures Delegated Act, the Complementary Climate Delegated Act, and the
Environmental Delegated Act, including their various annexes. In addition, the
Taxonomy FAQs and Notices published by the European Commission have been
taken into consideration in our disclosures, where relevant.
The EU Taxonomy Regulation is a dynamic, evolving legislation. Its formulations
and terms are sometimes subject to uncertainty in interpretation and require
further clarification. Therefore, the following disclosures rely on our current
understanding and interpretation of the Regulation; the approach applied for this
year’s reporting is updated in comparison to last year and may not apply in the
same way in the future.
ABB has been preparing its EU Taxonomy disclosures since the financial year 2021.
In 2024, we conducted a comprehensive review of our eligibility mapping to ensure
accuracy, consistency and focus on performing alignment assessments for
activities introduced in 2023, which are directly pertinent to our business portfolio.
Additionally, it was essential to duly consider the impact of changes to pollution-
related DNSH criteria, applicable for financial year 2024. These pollution-related
DNSH criteria had the most significant influence on the decline in our alignment
figures in 2024.
1
Climate change mitigation,
climate change adaptation,
sustainable use and protection of
water and marine resources,
transition to a circular economy,
pollution prevention and control,
and protection and restoration of
biodiversity and ecosystem.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
47
ABB’s
implementation of
the EU Taxonomy
Following the ABB Way and our decentralized operating model, we adopted a
decentralized approach, involving the expertise of our product managers, real
estate managers, sustainability managers, financial controllers, R&D controllers
and environmental managers across all levels of our organization. Our
Sustainability Council and the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee of the
Board of Directors oversee our compliance with EU Taxonomy reporting
obligations and are informed of progress, potential risks and obstacles.
ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT
To determine the eligibility of our revenues,
1
we examined our global product
offering in relation to the economic activities outlined by the EU Taxonomy
Delegated Acts. Our revenues were mapped following the ABB product tree by
business area, division, product group, product line and industry usage. Most of
our eligible products and services fall under the category of “enabling activities”,
which refers to economic activities that “directly enable other activities to make a
substantial contribution” to one of the environmental objectives
2
. Business
activities, products and solutions that do not fit into the descriptions of the EU
Taxonomy Delegated Acts are classified as “non-eligible” and are therefore not
included in the scope of the EU Taxonomy reporting. We guided our analysis by the
descriptions of the activities, the relevant Nomenclature of Economic Activities
(NACE) codes and, if necessary, the substantial contribution criteria. All ABB
divisions assessed their offerings at the appropriate level of granularity to be able
to determine eligibility.
Our eligible CapEx was identified centrally, at the division level or at the country
level. For OpEx, special attention was given to R&D expenses, which were analyzed
at the division or project level.
In 2024, we once again reviewed, and partially reassessed, our eligibility mapping
to ensure that all changes in our portfolio are reflected. Overall, most of our
activities in Electrification, Motion, Process Automation and Robotics & Discrete
Automation business areas, together with our Real Estate activities, are eligible
under the EU Taxonomy of “Climate Change Mitigation” (CCM). In addition, some
of our activities are eligible under the objective of “Transition to a Circular
Economy” (CE). The CCM Activity 3.20 “Manufacture, installation, and servicing of
high, medium and low voltage electrical equipment for electrical transmission and
distribution” and the CE Activity 1.2 “Manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment” are the most relevant for ABB.
The table below presents the allocation of our activities to the most relevant
economic activities listed in the EU Taxonomy. Changes may be made to this list in
the future as additional activities relevant for ABB could be further released by the
European Commission.
ABB GROUP MOST RELEVANT ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
EU TAXONOMY
Name of
economic
activity
Description of economic activity
ABB Group business
areas and functions
Environmental objective: Climate change mitigation
3. Manufacturing
3.1 Manufacture
of renewable
energy
technologies
Manufacture of renewable energy
technologies
Electrification
Motion
3.6 Manufacture
of other low-
carbon
technologies
Manufacture of technologies aimed at
substantial GHG emissions reductions in
other sectors of the economy
Motion
Process Automation
1
The terms turnover and revenue
are used interchangeably
throughout the EU Taxonomy
disclosures.
2
According to Article 16 of
Regulation (EU) 2020/852, an
economic activity shall qualify as
contributing substantially to one
or more of the environmental
objectives “by directly enabling
other activities to make a
substantial contribution to one or
more of those objectives,
provided that such economic
activity: (a) does not lead to a
lock-in of assets that undermine
long-term environmental goals,
considering the economic lifetime
of those assets; and (b) has a
substantial positive environmental
impact, on the basis of life-cycle
considerations.”
48
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Name of
economic
activity
Description of economic activity
ABB Group business
areas and functions
3.19
Manufacture of
rail rolling stock
constituents
Manufacture, installation, technical
consulting, retrofitting, upgrade, repair,
maintenance, and repurposing of products,
equipment, systems, and software related to
the rail constituents
Electrification
Motion
3.20
Manufacture,
installation, and
servicing of
high, medium
and low voltage
electrical
equipment for
electrical
transmission
and distribution
that result in or
enable a
substantial
contribution to
climate change
mitigation
The economic activity develops,
manufactures, installs, maintains or services
electrical products, equipment or systems, or
software aimed at substantial GHG emission
reductions in high, medium and low voltage
electrical transmission and distribution
systems through electrification, energy
efficiency, integration of renewable energy or
efficient power conversion
Electrification
Motion
Process Automation
E-Mobility
6. Transport
6.16
Infrastructure
enabling low-
carbon
water
transport
Construction, modernization, operation and
maintenance of infrastructure that is required
for zero tailpipe CO
2
e operation of vessels or
the port’s own operations, as well as
infrastructure dedicated to transshipment
Electrification
Process Automation
7. Construction and real estate
7.6 Installation,
maintenance,
and repair of
renewable
energy
technologies
Installation, maintenance and repair of
renewable energy technologies, on-site
Electrification
Real Estate
7.7 Acquisition
and ownership
of buildings
Buying real estate and exercising ownership
of that real estate
Real Estate
Environmental objective: Transition to a circular economy
1. Manufacturing
1.2 Manufacture
of electrical and
electronic
equipment
Manufacturing of electrical and electronic
equipment for industrial, professional and
consumer use
Motion
Process Automation
5. Services
5.1 Repair,
refurbishment
and
remanufacturing
Repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing of
goods that have been used for their intended
purpose before by a customer (physical
person or legal person)
Electrification
Motion
Process Automation
Robotics & Discrete
Automation
5.2 Sale of spare
parts
Sale of spare parts
Electrification
Motion
Robotics & Discrete
Automation
SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION ASSESSMENT
Following the eligibility assessment, a thorough alignment assessment of each
identified eligible activity was conducted to determine fulfillment of the technical
screening criteria. In 2024, the eligible activities that were added in 2023 were for
the first time assessed for alignment, as dictated by the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
49
In the first step of the alignment assessment, it was analyzed whether the
identified activities fulfill the substantial contribution criteria spelled out in the
respective Delegated Acts. This assessment was completed for our products and
solutions, our real estate, our fleet and R&D activities at the Group, business area,
division and site levels, as appropriate.
The criteria for substantial contribution vary significantly across different
activities. We used several different assessment methods and scopes to determine
whether these criteria were met. For the activities most relevant to ABB:
CCM Activity 3.20
: The substantial contribution requirements related to the
inclusion of specific types of equipment were considered to some extent
already during our eligibility screening; we assessed applicable energy
efficiency classes, and we excluded revenues from products used in fossil fuel
industries, as well as switchgear containing SF
6
CE Activity 1.2
: It was currently not possible to demonstrate full compliance
with the comprehensive substantial contribution criteria, resulting in no
aligned products under this activity
Based on our substantial contribution assessment and before considering the
DNSH criteria, the main activities where ABB made a substantial contribution in
2024 are the following:
CCM 3.1
Manufacture of renewable energy technologies
CCM 3.19
Manufacture of rail rolling stock constituents
CCM 3.20
Manufacture, installation, and servicing of high, medium and low
voltage electrical equipment for electrical transmission and distribution that
result in or enable a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation
CCM 6.16
Infrastructure enabling low carbon water transport
CCM 7.7
Acquisition and ownership of buildings
DO NO SIGNIFICANT HARM (DNSH) ASSESSMENT
Activities identified as significantly contributing to an environmental objective
were subsequently evaluated for compliance with the DNSH criteria. This
assessment was conducted at the product, site and company levels, depending on
the criteria. As previously noted, with the expansion of the EU Taxonomy's scope
of activities, the coverage of the DNSH assessment has correspondingly
broadened in 2024. Additionally, some of the assessment methodologies and
interpretations have been revised this year to reflect our evolving understanding of
the requirements.
Due to the distinct nature of various DNSH criteria, the alignment assessment
concerning pollution (Appendix C) was performed within a dedicated workstream
focused on the product level, independent of the evaluation of other DNSH
requirements. The introduction of new criteria related to “other substances” was
the primary factor behind the decline in our alignment results.
Below, we set out our current interpretation and describe the main analyses
conducted.
1. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
We conducted an evaluation of the pertinent physical climate risks and carried out
an initial climate risk and vulnerability assessment to determine which
manufacturing sites may be impacted by these risks over their expected lifetimes.
As required by the EU Taxonomy (Appendix A), the analyses of climate risk and
vulnerability were based on Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)
scenarios 4.5 and 8.5 extending up to the year 2052. We assessed the impact of the
identified climate risks on economic activities and explored
potential adaptation
solutions to mitigate these risks.
50
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
2. SUSTAINABLE USE AND PROTECTION OF
WATER AND MARINE RESOURCES
As required by the EU Taxonomy, generic DNSH criteria on water (Appendix B), we
assessed our water impact from the perspective of water quality preservation and
water stress avoidance, by translating these generic criteria into more concrete,
measurable data requirements. On top of this, many of our sites within this scope
are certified according to ISO 14001 environmental management systems and ISO
9001 quality management systems.
Activity-specific DNSH criteria are evaluated at the activity level. The relevance of
the criteria is determined by the nature of our activities and products, along with
their associated impacts.
3. TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
ABB takes a company-wide approach to circularity. Therefore, for DNSH related to
circular economy we leverage from the ABB Circularity Approach and our company-
wide policies related to sustainable material content in sourcing, circular design
principles and our “zero waste to landfill” targets.
Certain requirements related to construction and demolition waste are considered
not applicable to ABB, as such activities typically do not fall within the scope of our
operations.
4. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
The generic DNSH criteria related to pollution prevention (Appendix C) require that
the economic activity does not lead to the production, placing on the market or
use of chemical substances listed in a variety of EU chemical regulations and
directives, including the EU Directive 2011/65 on the Restriction of the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) and
the EU Regulation 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation,
Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Generally, this analysis would
need to be conducted at product level.
ABB has robust company-wide processes and material compliance systems in
place to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, especially
RoHS and REACH. However, the Appendix C requirements pose several challenges,
particularly due to differences with applicable sectoral legislation. Furthermore, an
additional requirement has been introduced to Appendix C – applicable for
financial year 2024 – to address “other substances”, which is subject to
interpretation. Given our vast product portfolio, it is challenging to assess all
potentially relevant substances for “suitable alternatives” within the given short
timeframe. We have initiated an evaluation of our products against the Appendix C
requirements; however, we are presently unable to reliably assert fulfillment of
these requirements for the relevant products. Due to our business profile, most of
our eligible activities necessitate adherence to Appendix C. This effectively
precludes most of our revenue from alignment in 2024.
5. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS
We performed dedicated biodiversity assessments for all our EU and non-EU sites
in scope of the generic DNSH requirements on biodiversity (Appendix D). Relevant
sites in or near biodiversity-sensitive areas were identified and analyzed.
In general, sites already in operation at EU locations have already received
necessary permits from the respective national authorities, which are in charge of
enforcing all relevant applicable laws. For non-EU sites, an analysis was performed
to map EU directives to the corresponding relevant national equivalent, as
required by Appendix D. Non-EU sites in countries with equivalent national laws
have also received necessary permits from the respective authorities which
oversee the enforcement of those laws, where applicable to our activities.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
51
6. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
In 2024, we were required for the first time to assess the DNSH criteria for climate
change mitigation for activities under the objective of Circular Economy. The
primary requirement stipulates that in cases of on-site generation of heat/cool or
co-generation including power, the direct GHG emissions must be lower than 270
gCO
2
e/kWh. These criteria were evaluated at the site level, utilizing ABB's scope 1
reporting.
MINIMUM SAFEGUARDS
The Minimum Safeguards are based on Article 18 of the EU Taxonomy Regulation
and require compliance with principles laid down by the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational
Enterprises (OECD Guidelines), the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights (UNGPs), the eight fundamental conventions of the International Labour
Organization (ILO) on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the
International Bill of Human Rights.
In 2024, we have refreshed our assessment to demonstrate compliance with the
Minimum Safeguards. Our assessment covers nine areas: 1) human rights policies,
2) human rights due diligence & risk assessment, 3) addressing human rights
impacts, 4) human rights communication, 5) grievance mechanisms, 6) consumer
interests, 7) anti-corruption, 8) competition and 9) taxation.
For further information, please refer to the relevant chapters on “Sustainability at
ABB” and “Social information” of this Statement.
EU Taxonomy KPI
calculation
ABB FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL REPORTING
ABB prepares its consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP, while the EU
Taxonomy Regulation references KPI disclosures in accordance with IFRS. The two
standards are largely converged, with the following key difference:
Non-order related R&D is expensed as incurred under U.S. GAAP and reported
as part of the OpEx KPI.
Most other differences in revenue recognition, tangible and intangible assets, and
leases are minor, with no significant impact on data comparability.
Below is a summary of our EU Taxonomy eligibility and alignment KPI calculations,
including figures and comparable information from 2023. The KPIs for year-end
2024 were calculated using financial data available on December 31, 2024.
TURNOVER KPI
The proportion of Taxonomy-eligible and/or -aligned turnover has been calculated
as the part of net turnover derived from products and services associated with
Taxonomy-eligible and/or -aligned economic activities (numerator) divided by net
turnover (denominator) for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.
The denominator is the Group’s net turnover as presented in the Consolidated
Income Statements under the line item “Total revenues,” in accordance with U.S.
GAAP. To calculate the numerator, we used the activity mapping described above
and identified all third-party revenues associated with the Taxonomy-eligible
and/or -aligned activities.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, 44 percent of our revenues are eligible
under the objective of Climate Change Mitigation (CCM). Additionally, 10 percent
of our revenues are eligible under the objective of Transition to Circular Economy
(CE). The aligned revenue reported under both CCM and CE activities is negligible,
resulting in the alignment figure being rounded to 0 percent. The contribution of
our business activities was calculated and reported under one economic activity,
without double counting.
52
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
In comparison, in 2023, 46 percent of our revenues were Taxonomy-eligible, and
6 percent of our revenues were Taxonomy-aligned.
Against this background, most of our Taxonomy-eligible turnover is reported
under:
CCM 3.20
Manufacture, installation, and servicing of high, medium, and low
voltage electrical equipment for electrical transmission and distribution,
CE 1.2
Manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, and
CCM 3.6
Manufacture of other low-carbon technologies.
The expansion of the EU Taxonomy scope had already been reflected in last year’s
eligibility results. Consequently, the slight year-on-year variations in eligibility are
attributed to further refinements in our eligibility mapping process. While the EU
Taxonomy now has more activities relevant to our business model compared to
prior years, a significant portion of our business activities continues to fall outside
the scope of the EU Taxonomy. The notable decrease in EU Taxonomy-aligned
turnover from 2023 to 2024 is attributed to the currently unmet pollution-related
criteria (Appendix C).
The details of the turnover KPI and breakdowns are provided on page 91 of the
Sustainability Statement.
CAPEX KPI
The CapEx KPI is defined as Taxonomy-eligible and/or -aligned CapEx (numerator)
divided by total CapEx (denominator) for the financial year ended December 31,
2024. According to the EU Taxonomy definition, ABB’s total CapEx includes:
Total additions to tangible and intangible assets before depreciation,
amortization, revaluations and impairments, which are included in the Capital
expenditures as presented in Note 24 “Operating segment and geographic
data” of the Financial Report 2024.
Leases (finance and operating), where corresponding values are derived from
our internal reporting systems but are not directly reconcilable with the
figures presented in Note 16 “Leases” that only discloses the additional
operating lease for the reporting period and does not include finance lease.
Assets acquired as part of business combinations, where corresponding
values are derived from our internal reporting systems but are not directly
reconcilable with the figures presented in the consolidated Financial Report
2024.
In the numerator, Taxonomy-eligible or -aligned CapEx includes CapEx related to
assets or processes associated with eligible or aligned EU Taxonomy activities,
and CapEx related to the purchase of output for eligible or aligned activities and
individual measures. ABB did not consider “CapEx plans” in 2024.
The numerator calculation was performed in two steps:
1.
Relevant real estate initiatives and large investments were analyzed on a
case-by-case basis and are directly mapped to the relevant EU Taxonomy
activities by our business areas and divisions. Investments are reported
under the EU Taxonomy activity with which this specific CapEx is
associated. Aligned CapEx is calculated based on a dedicated alignment
assessment for those investments, conducted by ABB’s global real estate
function.
2.
All remaining CapEx additions are allocated per division based on the
percentage of eligible and aligned revenue-generating EU Taxonomy
activities.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, 38 percent of our CapEx are eligible, and
1 percent of our CapEx are aligned under the objective of Climate Change
Mitigation (CCM). Additionally, 5 percent are eligible and 0 percent aligned under
the objective of Circular Economy (CE).
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
53
In comparison, in 2023, 64 percent of our CapEx were eligible, and 8 percent of our
CapEx were aligned.
Against this background, most of our Taxonomy-eligible CapEx is reported under:
CCM 3.20
Manufacture, installation and servicing of high, medium and low
voltage electrical equipment for electrical transmission and distribution,
CCM 7.7
Acquisition and ownership of buildings, and
CE 1.2
Manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment.
Aligned CapEx is primarily related to individual measures and purchase of output
from EU Taxonomy activities, with most of our aligned CapEx being reported
under:
CCM 7.7
Acquisition and ownership of buildings, and
CCM 7.6
Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy
technologies.
As in the previous year, CCM 7.7 “Acquisition and ownership of buildings” accounts
for the biggest portion of CapEx eligibility in ABB’s real estate portfolio. The
difference between Taxonomy-eligible and -aligned CapEx is primarily due to
challenges in applying EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to our global
real estate portfolio outside of the EU and energy certificates not meeting the
Substantial Contribution criteria for energy efficiency of buildings.
The difference between Taxonomy-aligned CapEx 2024 and Taxonomy-aligned
CapEx 2023 is mainly driven by the lack of aligned revenue which negatively affects
the aligned CapEx share determined by the revenue allocation key.
The details of the CapEx KPI and breakdowns are provided on page 94 of the
Sustainability Statement.
OPEX KPI
The OpEx KPI is defined as Taxonomy-eligible and/or -aligned OpEx (numerator)
divided by total OpEx (denominator) for the financial year ended December 31,
2024. According to the EU Taxonomy definition, the total OpEx used for the
denominator consists of direct non-capitalized costs related to R&D, short-term
leases (less than one year), repairs and maintenance, building renovation
measures, and any other direct expenditures associated with the day-to-day
servicing of assets including property, plant and equipment.
Following this definition and our accounting policy, our total OpEx includes:
R&D costs, derived from the line item “Non-Order related research and
development expenses” in the Consolidated Income Statements of the
Financial Report 2024,
“Other OpEx”, where corresponding values are derived from our internal
reporting systems but are not directly reconcilable with the figures presented
in the Consolidated Income Statements. Expenses related to building
renovation projects would be capitalized under U.S. GAAP and, therefore, are
out of scope of the OpEx KPI.
Following the revenue allocation key approach, for the year ended December 31,
2024, 42 percent of OpEx are eligible under the objective of Climate Change
Mitigation (CCM) and 9 percent under the objective of Circular Economy (CE).
Under both objectives, 0 percent of OpEx are aligned.
In comparison, in 2023, 45 percent of our OpEx were Taxonomy-eligible and
6 percent were Taxonomy-aligned.
54
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The process of collecting data for eligible and aligned OpEx varies between R&D
expenses and other relevant expenses (i.e., “other OpEx”). For R&D, the process is
as follows:
ABB invests substantial efforts in developing SF
6
-free alternatives, which are
particularly relevant for achieving alignment for the activity CCM 3.20.
Therefore, where specifically attributable to such projects, R&D expenses were
allocated to the activity CCM 3.20.
The rest of the R&D expenses are allocated to Taxonomy-eligible activities
identified based on the activity eligibility mapping described above
.
For other OpEx, the revenue allocation key was used. These expenses were
considered for each division and multiplied by the percentage of eligible and
aligned revenue in that division. This approach was necessary due to a lack of more
granular data on the same basis as described above for the CapEx KPI. With this
process, we ensured there was no double counting for the OpEx KPI.
Most of our Taxonomy-eligible OpEx is reported under:
CCM 3.20
Manufacture, installation and servicing of high, medium and low
voltage electrical equipment for electrical transmission and distribution,
CE 1.2
Manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, and
CCM 3.6
Manufacture of other low-carbon technologies.
The variation and difference of Taxonomy-eligible and -aligned OpEx between
2024 and 2023 are correlated with the Taxonomy-eligible and -aligned turnover as
OpEx values are mainly driven by the applied product group revenue allocation key.
The details of the OpEx KPI and breakdowns are provided on page 98 of the
Sustainability Statement.
2024 ABB ASSESSMENT RESULTS UNDER THE EU TAXONOMY: TURNOVER, CAPEX,
OPEX KPIs
Turnover
54% eligible
46% non-eligible
0% aligned
100% non-aligned
Capital
Expenditure
44% eligible
56% non-eligible
1% aligned
99% non-aligned
Operating
Expenditure
51% eligible
49% non-eligible
0% aligned
100% non-aligned
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
55
Outlook
ABB welcomes the significant progress made over the past years in expanding the
EU Taxonomy to include many critical activities, such as manufacturing of
electrical equipment, which are essential for advancing a resilient, electrified and
decarbonized energy system. This expansion is an important step toward aligning
sustainable activities with the needs of the energy transition.
Nonetheless, the usability and practicability of the EU Taxonomy requirements
could be further improved. Differences in criteria between the EU Taxonomy and
existing applicable sectoral legislation currently creates technical difficulties in
achieving EU Taxonomy alignment.
02
SOCIAL
INFORMATION
57
Responsibility for our employees
68
Social protection in the value chain
73
Protecting vulnerable communities
76
Protecting consumers
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
57
RESPONSIBILITY
FOR OUR EMPLOYEES
Employees
contribution to
Sustainability
Agenda
As an employer, ABB respects and promotes human rights and dignity, striving to
create safe, fair and inclusive working environments where our people can thrive. It is
our aim that our success translates into success for all our stakeholders and has a
positive impact on society and the environment.
The employee-related topics that we regard as material to our business and how it
impacts the outside world comprise health and safety, human rights and labor
standards, employee development, and wellbeing. As part of our Sustainability
Agenda, we also focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as partnerships and
collaboration.
SBM-2: CONSULTATION OF EMPLOYEES
At ABB, we engage with our employees as one of our pivotal stakeholder groups. In
an ongoing dialogue and in close cooperation, we aim to ensure that our policies
and positions reflect their perspectives. This communication informs which topics
are material for both ABB and our stakeholders.
We maintain an open dialogue with current, former and future employees. These
include formalized and/or elected bodies of employee representatives. Our forms
of engagement include the following:
Annual Employee Engagement Survey
Annual performance review
Collective bargaining associations
Dialogue with the ABB Employees Council Europe, the representative body of
all ABB employees in Europe
Global network of employee resource groups promoting diversity, equity and
inclusion in the workplace
Learning and development opportunities
Identification of
material IROs
SBM-3: MATERIAL IMPACTS, RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
In 2024, we performed a DMA to identify material IROs for our own workforce that
may result from working at ABB. The analysis revealed 21 IROs. Given the topic of ‘own
workforce’, these were all located in our own operations, not in our value chain.
Twelve of them were categorized as impacts, two as risks and seven as opportunities.
All impacts, positive or negative, were in the fields of either equal opportunities or
working conditions.
(
Potentially) Positive impacts
: Seven of the twelve impacts were identified as
positive or potentially positive, four related to equal opportunities and three to
working conditions. They can be summarized as impacting our workforce by a
strong diversity program, learning and development opportunities, and rigorous
safety trainings. Our diversity initiatives ensure equal opportunities. We prioritize
robust health and safety measures to minimize risks. We also offer employment
opportunities for individuals in the local community, contributing to economic
development. By implementing policies promoting gender diversity, equity and
inclusion within the workforce, we aim to ensure equal opportunities for women.
Furthermore, by providing secure employment, decent working times, adequate
wages, social dialogue including works councils, collective bargaining, and
participation rights, we have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our employees.
58
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
(
Potentially) Negative impacts:
Three impacts were considered negative and two
potentially negative. These potential impacts are related to individual incidents. In
certain operations, female employees are less likely to achieve promotion, which
could result in gender inequality in senior management and at operational levels.
Challenges like workload during peak working periods affect work-life balance.
Potentially, safety incidents, violation of labor rights or unethical treatment of
staff may have a negative impact on employees.
Risks and Opportunities
: The two identified risks are in the compliance area
relating to equal opportunities and cybersecurity. Of the seven opportunities, five
are connected to equal opportunities and two to working conditions. Not acting
on these topics would lead to risks through loss of talent, reputational damage or
even sanctions and fines.
Own workforce-
related targets
S1-5: TARGETS
Targets
Baseline
(baseline year)
2023 status
2024 status
(assured)
SOCIAL PROGRESS
Zero harm to our people and
contractors – we aim for a
gradual reduction in lost time
from incidents
0.24 (2019)
1
0.13
0.15
Increase proportion of women
in senior management roles to
25% by 2030
11.7% (2019)
21.00%
21.30%
Achieve a top-tier employee
engagement score
71/100 (2019)
77/100
78/100
1
2019 baseline excludes the Power Grids business and the Turbocharging division.
Employee-related
policies
S1-1: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on own employees.
Some of them are overarching documents that apply to more than one topical chapter
of this Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the chapter
“Sustainability at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the ABB Code of Conduct, the Human
Rights Policy & Human Rights Due Diligence Framework and the HSES Policy. More
specific policies are outlined below.
WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE REQUIREMENTS
ABB’s Wellbeing and Resilience Requirements provide for the health, safety and
wellbeing of employees and the prevention of work-related ill health. Of our 21
material IROs in this field, this policy addresses four with connection to health and
wellbeing.
This policy applies worldwide to all ABB controlled sites. The most senior level that
is accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents.
There are no specific third-party standards or initiatives referenced in this
document. Our employees are expected to benefit from the implementation of this
policy. This is an internal document that is accessible via the internal network to all
employees.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
59
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICY
ABB’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy sets out the core elements of DEI
practices within the ABB Group. It outlines the mandatory minimum standard by
defining what is core within the area of DEI. To secure a sustainable, diverse
workforce, all business areas, divisions and functions are required to adhere to our
DEI strategy and its related targets and activities. These are intended to guide our
decisions, increase awareness and ensure focus. The policy covers all 11 of our
equal opportunity-related IROs.
This policy applies to employees in all businesses, divisions, and functions within
the ABB Group. The most senior level that is accountable for the implementation of
the policy is the division presidents.There are no specific third-party standards or
initiatives referenced in this document. Our employees are expected to benefit
from the implementation of this policy. This is an internal document that is
accessible via the internal network to all employees.
CORPORATE PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Our approach to people development is a key part of our People 2025 strategy and
is underpinned by this Corporate People Development Policy. It sets forth the
central features of the people development practices that apply to all employees in
our business areas and functions. It outlines mandatory minimum standards for
each of our human resources focus areas: Employee Engagement, the Open Job
Market, and our Learn, Connect, Grow approach:
The
Employee Engagement
survey is an annual tool for employee feedback.
We also conduct targeted pulse surveys on specific topics.
The
Open Job Market framework
applies to every business area and function.
It mandates that all non-production positions be posted in English on our
internal career portal and establishes that any employee can apply for any
posted job.
Our
Learn, Connect, Grow
approach seeks to create an environment that
fosters the development of all our employees. As part of this approach, we
provide online and offline trainings on interpersonal and leadership skills,
career development resources and opportunities for our people to connect
and learn from each other, including a feedback framework.
Of the 21 IROs identified for the area of own employees, this policy covers three
(two impacts, one opportunity).
This policy applies to all employees in ABB business areas and functions
worldwide. Accountability for implementing the policy lies with the division
presidents. There are no specific third-party standards or initiatives referenced in
this policy. Our employees are expected to benefit from the implementation of this
policy. The policy is an internal document that is accessible via the internal network
to all employees.
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS RELATED POLICIES
For human rights policy commitments including labor rights of value chain
workers, engaging with own workforce, and the provision of remedy for human
rights impacts, see the policy descriptions above and in the Sustainability at ABB
chapter, in particular, for the Code of Conduct and the Human Rights Policy with
Human Rights Due Diligence Framework.
The policies with regard to our own workforce are aligned with relevant
internationally recognized instruments, including the UN Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights.
For the workplace accident prevention policy and management system in place,
see HSES Policy and HSES management system descriptions above.
60
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ABB’s Code of Conduct and the Human Rights Policy are policies that collectively
frame ABB’s approach on (a) discrimination, including harassment, promoting
equal opportunities, and other ways to advance diversity, equity and inclusion,
(b) grounds for discrimination such as racial and ethnic origin, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, political opinion, national
extraction or social origin, or other forms of discrimination, (c) commitments
related to inclusion or positive action for people from groups at particular risk of
vulnerability in its own workforce; and (d) the prevention and mitigation of
discrimination once detected, as well as to advance diversity, equity and inclusion
in general.
Employee
involvement in
decision-making
processes
S1-2: PROCESSES FOR ENGAGING ABOUT IMPACTS
ABB EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
The ABB Employee Engagement Survey is conducted Group-wide on an annual basis
and all employees are invited to participate. We cooperate with local works councils and
union representatives to ensure that the survey meets local consultation requirements.
It is available in approximately 40 languages and participation is entirely voluntary and
confidential. We also carry out business- or topic-specific pulse surveys. These surveys
provide employees with an opportunity to express their views about ABB as a
workplace.
The survey invites active employees, excluding short-term roles (e.g., externals,
students, interns, casuals) and those on garden leave without email access.
Exceptions align with local labor laws or HR leadership approvals. E-mobility
employees are excluded due to separate governance and a tailored listening
strategy under development.
Listening to feedback from our employees mitigates the risk of failing to address
critical topics at the team and business levels. We share the global survey results
with employees, summarizing our overall engagement score and the most notable
strengths and areas for improvement. Our business areas, divisions, country
organizations and relevant teams discuss the feedback.
By listening regularly to feedback from our employees, we mitigate the risk of
failing to address critical topics at the team and business levels. Failure to deal
with such issues could lead to less motivated employees and to avoidable attrition.
Over the past six years, the participation rate for the survey has continuously
improved, from a response rate of 65 percent in 2019 to 85 percent in 2024.
To evaluate our overall progress, we track on our Sustainability Agenda target
“Achieve a top-tier employee engagement score.” This engagement score has
improved from 71 in 2019 to 78 in 2024. The score is the key survey metric that we
track from year to year. In essence, it reflects the answers given by our employees
to two core questions: “How happy are you working at ABB?” and “Would you
recommend ABB as a great place to work?”
In 2024, all but six topics improved compared to the previous year, with no
declines. “Safety,” “integrity” and “role clarity” remained the top-rated areas, while
“development” showed the most progress. Despite improvements since 2019 in
removing barriers to execution, opportunities for further enhancement remain. In
2024, a decision was made to benchmark against the top 25 percent of global
organizations using the same engagement platform.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
61
SAFEGUARDING HUMAN RIGHTS
ABB supports and respects the international frameworks on human rights, as set
out in our Human Rights Policy. With respect to labor, these frameworks and
standards also include those which the Swiss Ordinance on Due Diligence and
Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals from Conflict-Affected Areas and
Child Labor (DDTrO) specifies as internationally recognized equivalent regulations.
As a result of our adherence with these frameworks and standards, we are
exempted from specific due diligence and reporting obligations under the
provisions of the amended Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 964j–l CO) and the
DDTrO respectively with regard to child labor.
With respect to labor standards, ABB honors their requirements, whether
determined by law or by collective bargaining agreements. This includes the EU
directive on minimum notice periods regarding operational changes. We have a
voluntary agreement with the European Works Council (EWC) to consult on any
planned transnational changes in Europe that affect a large number of employees
before beginning labor relations processes within affected countries. Whenever
possible, we await the EWC statement before concluding any local labor relations
process. In this confidential exchange with the EWC about planned future changes
and our business outlook, we also review the effectiveness and efficiency of our
consultation processes and adjust our practices when needed. Via our Global
Labor Relations database, we ensure that we comply with local requirements and
manage engagement processes for more complex projects.
POSITIVE IMPACT THROUGH EMPLOYEE WELLBEING AND BENEFITS
In providing employee benefits, including wellbeing benefits, our general policy is
to align with local market practices on a country-by-country basis. There is a risk
that local market practices may not support our Sustainability Agenda or our goal
to drive social progress. Thus, in two wellbeing-related areas we take a global
rather than local approach to benefits: the global paid parental leave policy and the
global Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Under the EAP, our global provider offers the same level of wellbeing support to all
our employees. All employees can access the EAP through our Inside+ intranet site
or through an external website, as not all eligible participants have access to
Inside+. This is primarily the case for our production workers and the dependents
of our employees. We also comply with local legislation.
Our EAP provides a Rapid Response Critical Incident service that addresses urgent
negative impacts and risks related to employee wellbeing. The service supports
employees affected by incidents such as natural disasters, accidents at work or
the death of a colleague.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: INVOLVING VULNERABLE GROUPS
DEI at ABB involves developing and supporting workforce diversity across all
dimensions (e.g., gender, generations, ethnicity, abilities, sexual orientation) and
providing all with equal opportunities and equal treatment. We seek to cultivate an
inclusive environment that welcomes and respects every individual.
We have guidelines to promote DEI across ABB, such as the DEI Policy. Our Code of
Conduct (CoC) additionally sets forth how we expect employees to act in matters
of inclusion, respect and fairness. Under the CoC, employees are expected to help
keep our workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Among our
commitments to DEI, we have:
re-signed the CEO statement of support for the UN Women’s Empowerment
Principles (WEPs);
launched a DEI Policy that reinforces our global accountability and
commitment on inclusion; and
expanded the scope of EC sponsorship to involve all EC members. We also
support the Standards of Conduct for Business as set forth by the United
Nations (UN).
62
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Our four business areas and their divisions are accountable for translating our
global DEI strategy into action in all our markets.
Channels available to
raise concerns
S1-3: PROCESSES AND CHANNELS TO RAISE CONCERNS
Our reporting and allegation management processes are available to internal and
external stakeholders to address any potential violations of our Code of Conduct or
other policies as well as applicable laws, including matters relating to human rights. In
case of any violation of human rights or our CoC, we take steps to ensure adequate
remediation and consequences in line with applicable contracts and laws.
Reports can be made by internal stakeholders either directly to ABB managers or
members of the legal team or via our Business Ethics Helpline. The reporting
channels allow reports to be made anonymously, and the availability of such
channels as well as details on how to access them are regularly highlighted in
training sessions, as is the ability for users to remain anonymous when making
such reports. For more information see the whistleblowing section in the chapter
“Good business conduct” (G1-2: Policies).
In 2024, we did not receive any reports of child labor with respect to our
employees. Also, we did not receive any reported incidents regarding indigenous
peoples’ rights or of negative impacts caused by security staff or third-party
security providers.
Our reporting and allegation management includes data on reported incidents of
misbehavior including categories such as HSE and security, human resources and
other integrity issues (as well as more detailed subcategories within these) to
ensure appropriate attention, resourcing and internal escalation. For more details,
see section “Anti-corruption and anti-bribery” in the chapter “Good business
conduct”.
Employee-related
action
S1-4: ACTION RELATED TO EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
Programs and initiatives at both the Group and local levels deliver a range of
programs designed to create a positive impact on employee wellbeing.
Our well-established global Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a wide
range of programs for employees, including a Rapid Response Critical Incident
service that addresses urgent negative impacts and risks related to employee
wellbeing. The service supports our employees affected by incidents such as
natural disasters, accidents at work or the death of a colleague. It helps us to track
utilization rates to rapidly identify areas where early intervention measures would
help.
In addition, in 2024, we launched a global wellbeing application for line managers
to support building individual resilience and to encourage the creation of an
inclusive work environment from a mental health perspective.
We also run global wellbeing campaigns like the World Mental Health Day. These
global programs are complemented by other actions conducted on a local basis.
For example, in the US, we provide Health Advocacy and Family Building support,
including mental health resources. In Italy, “ABB walking groups” promote regular
guided walks, while in China, employees benefit from health check-ups and doctor
consultations.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
63
HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED ACTION
The divisions of our four business areas undergo one-, three- or five-year self-
assessment cycles under the HSES management system and submit to HSE audit.
Independent HSE auditors are responsible for identifying areas for improvement.
We also track the effectiveness of our health- and safety-related actions. Our
management information system allows us to gather data on hazards and
incidents and assign actions to managers.
Each division is encouraged to develop safety programs that are appropriate for
their operations. We coordinate preparations and responses to emergency
situations, conduct internal safety inspections and obtain third-party verifications
for our health, safety and wellbeing reporting. We have well-defined procedures to
investigate work-related injuries and incidents and act promptly to mitigate
negative impacts. We continuously strive to further reduce health and safety
hazards.
HUMAN RIGHTS-RELATED ACTION
Our goal is for human rights to be well understood and managed in all our
operations. In 2024, we continued our work to strengthen our human rights due
diligence across ABB’s entire value chain, as well as implementing the roadmap
that was updated in 2023, following up on business areas risks analysis and
identified salient issues.
We revised our human rights training offer, developing new virtual training
modules targeting sales, operations and procurement functions, as well as new
deep dive modules aligned with the salient issues.
We have published the new Human Rights Requirements and ACOP to enhance
human rights due diligence in ABB operations. This initiative will be followed up by
a new wave of site assessments to ensure execution of defined requirements.
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT ACTION
We believe that a culture that consistently allows employees to reflect on their
growth objectives and provides them with the support they need to achieve them,
through an open job market, learning opportunities and human connections, both
prepares our workforce for challenges and safeguards their employability.
We have created leadership courses that address specific challenges in our
organization. Additional leadership learning resources are available to our
employees through the Harvard Manage Mentor and Harvard Manage Mentor
Spark platforms. Training opportunities are also provided by our businesses to
their respective employee populations. In 2024, a series of manager webinars and
dedicated webinars tailored to employees’ specific personas were introduced. We
refine our learning offerings to keep them up to date, working with our internal
stakeholders.
In 2024, our Learn Connect and Grow Day engaged over 30,000 participants across
more than 40 countries.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION-RELATED ACTION
Among the DEI-related activities in 2024, we celebrated Women’s History Month
with the global theme #InspireInclusion. We hosted global virtual events featuring
our leadership team, who shared their insights and commitment to fostering
inclusion both at work and in the broader community. Our Employee Resource
Group (ERG) Encompass Women also offered a range of activities, including panel
discussions and the organization of an event on returning to work after giving
birth.
64
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The World Day of Cultural Diversity was celebrated, and we launched Pride Month
in a campaign that sparked Group-wide engagement on LGBTQ+ topics. Highlights
featured an “Ally of the Year” award and learning-oriented contests. Over 6,800
participants joined the global and local events, including production sites. In 2024,
we focused on solidifying the systemic changes made in policies and employee
benefits to ensure a fair and inclusive workplace for all and established a new ERG
in India. External assessments on LGBTQ+ inclusion were used to track progress
and identify areas for improvement. Advocacy events were hosted in Poland and
Switzerland. Furthermore, we marked International Women in Engineering Day by
highlighting stories of women engineers and their contributions.
We marked World Youth Skills Day at ABB by showcasing inspiring stories and
programs. International Youth Day was marked alongside Jürgen Dormann
Foundation Day by welcoming a cohort of young professionals to Zurich to meet
leaders.
“MeQ,” a dedicated application for line managers, was rolled out as a tool for
psychological safety and accommodation to all employees. Working groups were
formed to understand the needs of accommodation, accessibility and diverse
talent acquisition. In November, our new DEI Policy went live.
Our partnerships on DEI include Catalyst, WeQual, the Society of Women
Engineers, WorkplacePride Open for Business and the Global Summit of Women.
INTEGRITY-RELATED ACTION TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES
With regard to integrity, we have updated our country policies for anti-bullying,
anti-discrimination and grievances in all our key jurisdictions to reflect current
legal standards and our commitment to a workplace that encourages a “speak-up”
culture. We have also introduced new guidance for social events.
We have strengthened our investigation and remediation processes to ensure
consistent and effective case and consequence management. These processes
provide for a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment.
Additional resources have been provided for investigating and responding to
complaints about poor workplace behaviors, including frameworks and procedures
governing our workplace behavior investigative and disciplinary decision-making
processes.
TRACKING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR APPROACH
To track the effectiveness of our actions in support of DEI, we track metrics
including the inclusion score in the annual employee Engagement Survey, data on
the growth of ABB-affiliated ERGs, the proportion of employees receiving DEI
training and our early talent and leadership statistics. We have set four DEI targets
to achieve by 2030. One is to increase the proportion of women in senior
management roles to 25 percent. In 2024, the proportion of female senior
managers increased to 21.3 percent, up from 21.0 percent in 2023.
Further details on processes for engaging with our own workforce can be found in
the section on stakeholder dialogue in the chapter “Sustainability at ABB” at the
beginning of this Sustainability Statement.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
65
Facts & figures
Own employees
S1-6: EMPLOYEE STATISTICS
ABB reports employees by headcount, counting each individual with an employment
contract and being on the payroll of an ABB company, regardless of work percentage
(e.g., 0.5 FTE counts as one). This approach highlights the human impact in
sustainability KPIs but differs from financial reporting, which uses FTE calculations
to align with efficiency metrics. As a result, employee numbers may vary between the
Sustainability Statement and the Financial Report.
Headcount by region
Region
2024
2023*
Europe
53,597
52,723
The Americas
27,210
26,437
Asia, Middle East and Africa
31,962
31,282
Total
112,769
110,442
Average
112,280
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
Headcount by gender
Gender
Number of employees (headcount)
2024
2023*
Male
81,407
79,798
Female
31,361
30,644
Other
Not reported
1
Total Employees
112,769
110,442
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
Countries where ABB has at least 50 employees representing at least 10 percent
of the total number of employees
Country
Number of employees
(headcount)
Average number
of employees
USA
14,127
13,837
China
12,523
12,549
Turnover rate
2024
2023*
Total number of employees who left during the reporting period
15,538
Rate of employee turnover during the reporting period
14%
15%
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
66
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
S1-9: DIVERSITY METRICS
Number
Percentage
Gender (top management)
2024
2023*
2024
2023*
Male
410
78.7%
79.0%
Female
111
21.3%
21.0%
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
The gender distribution in percentage of employees at top management level is
calculated by dividing the number of female active employees at top
management level based on dominant position and headcount, excluding
externals, by the number of active employees (headcount, male and female) at
top management level. For this calculation, the dominant position is defined as
the role where an employee spends the highest percentage of their time, as
recorded in the HR Group Tool, in cases where an individual holds multiple roles.
At ABB, top management level is considering Hays grades 1–7, including division
presidents. Division presidents have grades A, B, C and have previously been
included in grades 3-6. Gender is considered as a person’s legal sex rather than
gender identity, due to HR system constraints.
Percentage
Age (all employees)
2024
2023*
Under 30
20%
30-50
55%
> 50
25%
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
S1-14: HEALTH AND SAFETY METRICS
Employees
Non-Employees
Other workers
2024
2023*
2024
2023*
2024
2023*
The percentage of people covered
by ABB’s health and safety
management
100%
100%
Number of fatalities as a result of
work-related injuries
2
1
Number of work-related accidents
320
18
Rate of work-related accidents
1.46
1.46
Number of cases of recordable
work-related ill health
8
Number of days lost to work-
related injuries, accidents, ill
health
3,824
196
*Comparatives not shown unless already reported in the 2023 Sustainability report.
Lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
2024
(assured)
2023
Lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
0.15
0.13
For the calculation of the LTIFR, we used the following formula (for 200,000 hours):
(number of lost time workplace-related incidents , total employees and
contractors,*200,000)/employee and contractor total hours worked.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
67
S1-17: DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT INCIDENTS
Number of reported incidents of discrimination and harassment in 2024
All reported
incidents
Discrimination and harassment incidents reported
515
To identify discrimination and harassment incidents, ABB relied on its current
reported incident categorizations, which were designed to capture the broad
range of incidents that personnel may raise related to discrimination, harassment,
and bullying, and as such they may capture a broader range of incidents than
discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics set out in our
Code of Coduct. ABB is considering potential refinements to its reported incident
categorizations to facilitate more precise reporting of ABB's incidents in future
reporting periods. In 2024, we report the number of harassment and
discrimination incidents received during 2024 without regards to levels of
substantiation. The 2023 calculation reflected discrimination and harassment
incidents that were logged as meeting substantiation thresholds in place in 2023.
In 2024, no severe human rights incidents connected to our workforce have
occurred.
68
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
SOCIAL PROTECTION
IN THE VALUE CHAIN
Involvement of value
chain workers
The employees of our suppliers and service providers contribute their share to ABB’s
sustainability value proposition and benefit from protection against risks associated
with their work for us.
The ESRS wording “Workers in the value chain” as an element of sustainability
reporting refers to the employees of our value chain partners and how we involve them
in our sustainability management. The objective is to ensure that they contribute to
ABB’s sustainability targets and to protect them from any potentially negative
impacts of the work they do as part of the ABB value chain.
SBM-3: MATERIAL IROs AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH STRATEGY AND BUSINESS
MODEL
The type of workers in our entire upstream and downstream value chain is diverse.
It can include workers in raw materials and minerals extraction and processing,
employees in factories, contractors at sites and workers in logistics and
distribution. These different groups of workers might also include workers from
vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, young people or women.
ABB is committed to support and respect human rights and labor standards, and
to comply with internationally recognized standards, laws and regulations,
including the elimination of modern slavery and child labor, as well as the right to
work under fair and safe conditions. It encompasses access to fair wages, the right
to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and respecting the rights of
communities and individuals when providing security for people and assets. We
also recognize our responsibility to promote an organizational culture that
supports human rights and to respect and promote human and labor rights along
our value chain. This includes assessing and monitoring any human rights risks
that customers, suppliers, business partners and other parties directly linked to
ABB operations, products and services might present.
In our value chain, there is a potential risk of negative impacts on individuals,
including the risk of modern slavery and child labor. In addition, health and safety
risks can occur in mining, when workers face unsafe conditions. Chemicals and
heavy machinery usage in upstream processes can also pose health risks to
workers.
To make ABB’s IROs better understood, we performed a DMA in 2024. The DMA
identified 16 IROs, of which 15 were impacts and one an opportunity. No material
risk was identified. Eight IROs were identified in the upstream value chain, three in
the downstream, and five in both. The opportunity is also in the upstream value
chain and refers to the improvement of human rights due diligence through the
use of software tools that help to improve compliance by verifying a company’s
performance in this area before becoming an ABB supplier.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
69
Of the 15 impacts, 10 were regarded as actually positive, two as actually negative,
and three as potentially negative. The actually positive impacts include programs
to counteract workers losing jobs due to automation, ABB’s position against
violence and harassment across the value chain, fostering a physically and mentally
safe environment with positive working conditions. Our Sustainable Supply Base
Management (SSBM) Program, audits and assessments, our active membership of
the Responsible Minerals Initiative, alongside our complaint system for value chain
workers and associated policies and trainings, demonstrate our commitment to
the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in our value chain and foster the positive
impact on value chain workers.
Negative impacts identified include the fact that physical work in raw material
extraction (such as mining) can expose workers to unhealthy and dangerous
working conditions. The same upstream processes can expose workers to
instances of modern slavery, human trafficking or child labor.
Supplier-related
policies
S2-1: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on workers in the value
chain. Some of them are overarching documents that apply to more than one topical
chapter of this Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the chapter
“Sustainability at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the ABB Supplier Code of Conduct, and
the Human Rights Policy & Human Rights Due Diligence Framework. More specific
policies are outlined below.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY BASE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT
The SSBM program is our way to verify compliance with the Supplier Code of
Conduct and to fulfill the company’s legal due diligence obligations. This
document establishes our minimum requirements to be met for the SSBM
program, unless legislation and/or local regulations impose a higher standard, in
which case that higher standard shall be followed. The SSBM program requires our
divisions to verify the sustainability compliance of new suppliers. Besides, they
shall perform supplier assessments following a five-year cycle to ensure
compliance with the requirements. Divisions are required to ensure the
implementation of the SSBM within their organization and to allocate sufficient
budget to it, including training for suppliers. This document is complemented by
the Sustainable Supply Base Management ACOP (see below). Of the 16 IROs
defined in this field, 12 from across all defined areas are covered by this policy.
The SSBM Requirement applies to all external suppliers. The most senior level that
is accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents.
There are no specific third-party standards or initiatives referenced in this policy.
Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the
implementation of this policy. This is an internal document that is accessible via
the internal network to all employees.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY BASE MANAGEMENT ACOP
Our Sustainable Supply Base Management Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)
provides practical advice and guidance on the approved and recommended
methods to ensure that our operations comply with the ABB Way. The ACOP
addresses 12 of the 16 IROs identified in this field across all areas. This policy
determines the coverage of the SSBM program and its targets, KPIs and the
external reporting requirements. Furthermore, it lays out the detailed program
approach. There is a description of the audit process, and the country-specific
assessment is explained in detail.
70
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
This ACOP is applicable to all suppliers, including direct and raw material suppliers,
indirect materials and services suppliers, as well as transport, trade and logistics
suppliers. The most senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the
policy is the division presidents. There are no specific third-party standards or
initiatives referenced in this policy. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are
expected to benefit from the implementation of this policy. This ACOP is an
internal document that is accessible via the internal network for all employees.
ABB POLICY ON CONFLICT MINERALS
Responsibly sourcing conflict minerals and other minerals of concern is part of our
responsible sourcing commitment. This is also reflected in the ABB Policy on
Conflict Minerals. We have established a Conflict Minerals Program based on the
OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from
Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas, and other international standards. Within
this program, we continue our work to understand and limit our exposure to
conflict minerals (tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, or “3TG”), as defined by
Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
and EU Directive 2017/821. We request information from our suppliers on the
source of these minerals and other minerals of concern, such as cobalt, and work
with them to avoid sourcing from smelters or refiners (SORs) in the covered
countries (the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries) and
conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs), other than those that have
implemented OECD-aligned programs. We actively work with our suppliers to
ensure that any minerals contained in the products and materials supplied to ABB
originate from conflict-free sources and to transition away from smelters and
refiners that have been defined as high-risk.
This is a globally applicable policy that addresses both internal (purchasing
departments) and external stakeholders (suppliers). The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents.
The
policy is based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains
of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.
Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the implementation of this
policy.
This policy is publicly available on ABB’s corporate website for our internal
and external stakeholders including suppliers and business partners. It is also
available on our internal communications channels.
FURTHER HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITMENTS
For human rights policy commitments including labor rights of value chain workers
and the provision of remedy for human rights impacts, see policy descriptions
above and at the end of the chapter “Sustainability at ABB”, in particular for the
Human Rights Policy & Human Rights Due Diligence Framework.
The themes of trafficking in human beings, forced labor, compulsory labor and
child labor are all addressed in the ABB Supplier Code of Conduct. In 2024, four
concerns of this nature relating to supply chain providers were identified. Two
remain under review, and two concerns were not substantiated.
We support and respect the principles contained within the UN Guiding Principles
on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the OECD Guidelines for Multinational
Enterprises and the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) on
Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption, as well as applicable laws
and principles in the areas of human rights and decent work. Our Supplier Code of
Conduct is based on, among other international standards, the International Bill of
Human Rights, the UNGPs, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO)
Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the United Nations
Global Compact (UNGC), the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
the UN Convention Against Corruption, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Basel Convention on
the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal,
the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the
Minamata Convention on Mercury.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
71
With respect to child labor, these frameworks and standards include those which
the Swiss Ordinance on Due Diligence and Transparency in relation to Minerals and
Metals from Conflict-Affected Areas and Child Labor (DDTrO) specifies as
internationally recognized equivalent regulations. As a result of our adherence with
these frameworks and standards, we are exempted from specific due diligence
and reporting obligations under the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations
(Art. 964j–l CO) and the DDTrO respectively with regard to child labor.
Engaging with value
chain workers
S2-2: ENGAGING ABOUT IMPACTS
To address human rights risks related to our suppliers, we rely on our SSBM program
and our responsible minerals management program (see chapter “Good business
conduct”).
We aim for trusting and stable relationships with the entities that provide
products and services to ABB, including equipment and human resources.
Depending on the concrete subject and initiative, we engage directly with workers
in the value chain or with legitimate representatives or through their employers by:
monitoring through our SSBM program,
on-site evaluations and audits,
procurement management,
providing training and engaging in special projects on sustainability
performance,
town hall and supplier day events.
The perspective of value chain workers, gathered through the various engagement
mechanisms are systematically integrated into the development of action plans
and the management of identified actual and potential impacts.
A specific example are the worker interviews, conducted as part of the SSBM
program. If any discrepancies are identified with the requirements of our Supplier
Code of Conduct or with local legislation, such as excessive work in overtime, not
providing the right personal protective equipment for personnel or other labor
rights violations, the supplier is required to create a Corrective and Preventive
Action Plan to solve the non-compliance within agreed timelines.
We work directly with Tier 1 and some Tier 2 suppliers. Via the Responsible Minerals
Initiative, of which we are an active member, we reach suppliers in the upper part
of our supply chain, typically Tier 4-6 suppliers. Interactions happen with different
frequencies, depending on the topic, the type of supplier and tier in the supply
chain. We will explore options to further increase visibility beyond Tier 1.
Our engagement with value chain workers is governed by our Human Rights Policy
and Due Diligence Framework. The SSBM program is how we conduct this due
diligence in our supply chain. Division presidents are accountable for executing
this program.
72
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Channels to raise
concerns
S2-3: REPORTING COMPLAINTS
Our reporting and allegation management processes are available to internal and
external stakeholders to address violations of our Code of Conduct, the Supplier Code
of Conduct or other ABB policies, as well as applicable laws, including matters relating
to human rights. In case of violation of human rights or our (Supplier) Code of
Conduct, we take steps to apply remediation and consequences in line with applicable
contracts and laws. The Supplier Code of Conduct explains the procedure and links to
the integrity portal on our website, which includes various reporting channels.
Reports are received and processed by an independent service provider, who
forwards the report to a dedicated investigations team within the Legal & Integrity
function at ABB headquarters or, in EU countries where required by law, to a local
representative of the chosen ABB partner company. All reports are subject to
appropriate review and are brought to closure using systematic processes and
tracking.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
73
PROTECTING VULNERABLE
COMMUNITIES
Impacts and
opportunities
SBM-3: MATERIAL IROS AND INTERACTION WITH STRATEGY AND BUSINESS
MODEL
ABB's activities impact communities along its value chain. These communities
consist of people living or working in the vicinity directly impacted by our
operations as well as those affected indirectly through our value chain,
irrespective of the distance between these communities and our operations.
ABB’s DMA revealed eight IROs in the communities field, of which one was an
opportunity, four were potentially negative impacts and three were actual positive
impacts. There were no material risks identified.
Potentially negative impacts can arise through environmental pollution and
operation or transportation nuisances. Some minerals in our products, such as
cobalt, gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten have a high likelihood of being sourced
from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. These activities are mainly related to
our upstream value chain.
We also contribute to positive impacts on communities, by creating local economic
value. Forming partnerships with aligned companies and stakeholders enables us
to grow as a company, which also benefits our upstream and downstream value
chains.
Community-related
targets
S3-5: TARGETS
Targets
Baseline
2023 status
2024 status
(assured)
SOCIAL PROGRESS
Expand programs for
community engagement
n.a.
As part of the
improvement process
started in 2022, in 2023
we assessed our
community
engagement
positioning and
revised and expanded
the scope of action,
now focused on
education, emergency
and disaster relief,
community
empowerment, and
environment and
conservation.
In 2024, we release
internal guideline t
formalize the
company’s commu
engagement strat
and provide direct
on developing pro
aligned with our
Sustainability Agen
and our Four Focu
Areas (4Es) of
intervention.
74
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Community-related
policies
S3-1: POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its impact on affected
communities. Some of them are overarching documents that apply to more than one
topical chapter of this Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the
chapter “Sustainability at ABB” and include the ABB Way, the Sustainability Policy, the
ABB Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct, and the Human Rights Policy &
Human Rights Due Diligence Framework. One more specific policy is outlined below.
ABB POLICY ON CONFLICT MINERALS
Responsibly sourcing so-called conflict minerals and other minerals of concern is
part of our responsible sourcing commitment. This is also reflected in the ABB
Policy on Conflict Minerals. We have established a Conflict Minerals Program based
on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals
from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas and other international standards.
Within this program, we try to understand and limit our exposure to conflict
minerals (tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold), as defined by Section 1502 of the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and EU Directive
2017/821. We request information from our suppliers on the source of these
minerals and work with them to avoid sourcing from smelters or refiners (SORs) in
the covered countries and conflict-affected and high-risk areas, other than those
that have implemented OECD-aligned programs.
This is a globally applicable policy that addresses both internal (purchasing
departments) and external stakeholders (suppliers). The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents.
The
policy is based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains
of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the implementation of this
policy.
This policy is publicly available on ABB’s corporate website for our internal
and external stakeholders including suppliers and business partners. It is also
available on our internal communications channels.
FURTHER HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITMENTS
Both the ABB Human Rights Policy & Human Rights Due Diligence Framework and
the ABB Policy on Conflict Minerals focus specifically on human rights aspects and
have been developed on the basis of internationally acknowledged frameworks
such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of
Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and the UN Guiding Principles
on Business and Human Rights. These policies are designed to protect
communities broadly, with indigenous peoples recognized as an essential part of
those they aim to support, even if not explicitly mentioned.
With respect to child labor, the international frameworks and standards referenced
in the aforementioned ABB policies include those which the Swiss Ordinance on
Due Diligence and Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals from Conflict-
Affected Areas and Child Labor (DDTrO) specifies as internationally recognized
equivalent regulations. As a result of our adherence with these frameworks and
standards, we are exempted from specific due diligence and reporting obligations
under the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 964j–l CO) and the
DDTrO respectively with regard to child labor.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
75
Addressing potential
violations
S3-3: CHANNELS AVAILABLE TO RAISE CONCERNS
Our reporting and allegation management processes are available to internal and
external stakeholders to address any potential violations of our Code of Conduct, the
Supplier Code of Conduct or other ABB policies, as well as applicable laws, including
matters relating to human rights. In case of any violation of human rights or our
(Supplier) Code of Conduct, we take steps to ensure adequate remediation and
consequences in line with applicable contracts and laws. The Supplier Code of Conduct
explains the procedure and links to the integrity portal on our website, which includes
various reporting channels.
Reports are received and processed by an independent service provider who
forwards the report to a dedicated investigations team within the Legal & Integrity
function at ABB headquarters or, in EU countries where required by law, to a local
representative of the chosen ABB partner company. All reports are subject to
appropriate review and are brought to full closure using systematic processes and
tracking systems.
76
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
PROTECTING CONSUMERS
SBM-3: MATERIAL IROs AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH STRATEGY AND BUSINESS
Working primarily with industrial customers, ABB has only limited direct or indirect
touchpoints with consumers.
Management of
consumer-related
risks
When analyzing our material IROs in the course of the 2024 DMA, we identified eight
IROs in the consumer and end-user field. Of these, four were impacts and four risks.
All four impacts were located in the downstream value chain. Two of them were
identified as actually positive. Consumers and end-users benefit from our focus on
privacy and our aim to provide a transparent and ethical approach to data handling.
This commitment enhances customer satisfaction, loyalty and brand perception.
Also, providing access to quality information empowers consumers and end-users
to make informed decisions, leading to better choices and confidence in the
product and value chain involved. The other two impacts were assessed as
possibly negative. Both are safety related, when safety incidents with our products
lead to health accidents or when product misuse impacts “vulnerable” users.
Strong safety measures for the use-phase of our products and clear instructions
can mitigate the risk of safety incidents for customers.
The four risks primarily arise within the upstream and downstream value chains,
with one also directly impacting our own operations. For instance, in the e-mobility
sector, when ABB products are connected to low-quality, non-ABB chargers, it
poses challenges to our reputation and reliability, highlighting the importance of
maintaining high standards across all touchpoints. Risks related to information
security in the value chain include potential external attacks with ransomware
when an incident is not discovered or remediated in a timely manner or if cyber-
attacks result in significant loss claims by customers.
Consumer-related
policies
S4-1: HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY AND DUE DILIGENCE FRAMEWORK
The ABB Human Rights Policy endeavors to ensure that all of our stakeholders
including consumers and end-users are treated with respect and fairness at all
times. With regard to consumers and end-users affected, the human rights issues
that are covered by this policy include:
Environmental issues impacting human rights
Health and safety
Information security and data privacy
The policy and the associated Human Rights Due Diligence Framework are
described at the end of the chapter “Sustainability at ABB”.
POLICY IN DEVELOPMENT
ABB is in the process of developing a specific consumer-related procedure, which
will address the material IROs outlined above. It was not yet completed by the end
of the reporting year.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
77
Processes and
channels for raising
concerns
S4-3: PROCESSES CHANNELS TO RAISE CONCERNS
ABB’s reporting and allegation management processes are available to internal and
external stakeholders to address any potential violations of ABB’s Code of Conduct or
other policies, as well as applicable laws, including matters relating to human rights. In
case of any violation of human rights or our Code of Conduct, we take steps to ensure
adequate remediation and consequences in line with applicable contracts and laws.
Reports are received and processed by an independent service provider who
forwards the report to a dedicated investigations team within the Legal & Integrity
function at ABB headquarters or, in EU countries where required by law, to a local
representative of the chosen ABB partner company. All reports are subject to
appropriate review and are brought to full closure using systematic processes and
tracking systems.
03
GOVERNANCE
INFORMATION
79
Good business conduct
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
79
GOOD BUSINESS CONDUCT
ABB’s Sustainability Agenda is underpinned by a culture of integrity and
transparency that we aim to embed across the value chain. We see integrity as part
of our license to operate and we are committed to the highest standards of ethical
business conduct and professional behavior.
GOV-1: ROLE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT
BODIES
Ethical business
practices
At ABB, we are working to maintain ethical business practices and systematic risk
management that addresses environmental, social and legal risks. For us, ethical
business behavior and good governance as well as transparency and integrity, are
critical in our commitment to anti-corruption, fair competition and compliance
with legal obligations within ABB and towards stakeholders.
Another vital component of our approach to corporate and sustainability
governance is our regular review of the relevant processes as well as thorough due
diligence. We take care to disclose our tax practices and corresponding payments
and to design responsible and fair remuneration practices.
We are always seeking new ways to enhance our sustainability governance
structure so that sustainability is given appropriate consideration at all levels,
from the Board of Directors to the operating departments.
MANAGEMENT ROLES IN MATTERS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
Our management and corporate governance structure play a pivotal role in
ensuring ethical behavior, integrity and compliance with laws and regulations
across all business interactions and operations. The Board of Directors holds
ultimate accountability for compliance and integrity matters in accordance with
Swiss law and other relevant laws and regulations.
The Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors supports
the Board by overseeing the Group’s adherence to legal and regulatory
requirements, providing oversight of the integrity program and reviewing material
changes to policies related to integrity.
The Chief Integrity Officer, reporting directly to the Group General Counsel, is
responsible for implementing, managing and continuously enhancing our integrity
program. This includes overseeing the evaluation and design of policies and
procedures, resources, learning and communications, and related controls.
Other integrity and business conduct-related enterprise level controls are
managed in collaboration with the Group General Counsel and management,
including a focus on the top-down commitment of senior and middle managers to
the integrity program and Code of Conduct. This comprehensive governance
framework allows us to align with best practices in ethical business conduct and
professional behavior.
Our administrative, management and supervisory bodies possess extensive
expertise in business conduct matters, ensuring robust governance and
compliance across the organization. The Board of Directors includes members
with diverse backgrounds in business management and cultural experience,
enabling them to apply informed judgment on ethical behavior, integrity and anti-
corruption governance.
80
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
The FACC is composed of individuals with high-level expertise in overseeing
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Group General Counsel,
who has accountability for ABB’s legal function, works closely with the Chief
Integrity Officer to support our integrity and regulatory affairs compliance efforts.
The Chief Integrity Officer, appointed in consultation with the Group Executive
Committee and the FACC, leads the day-to-day oversight of compliance with
applicable laws and our integrity program.
Additionally, the Heads of Integrity in respect of each business area provide
strategic leadership on legal and integrity matters to the businesses, ensuring that
our integrity and compliance risks are effectively managed from Group level down
into each business area. Each of the Heads of Integrity are familiar with the
different activities and functions of their own business area, together with their
business colleagues, and therefore possess the requisite knowledge of their own
products and customers to effectively manage and address business conduct risk.
This collective expertise ensures that our administrative, management and
supervisory bodies are well-equipped to adhere to best practice in ethical business
conduct.
Materiality
IRO-1: DETERMINATION OF MATERIAL TOPICS
We manage and report on sustainability for many years and have a solid approach
to governing the topic. To ensure alignment with the CSRD and ESRS, we performed
a DMA in 2024. For more information on the process, see the chapter “Sustainability
at ABB”.
Our 2024 DMA revealed 15 material IROs in the business conduct field. Of these, 11
have been categorized as impacts, one as a risk and three as opportunities.
Our business conduct impacts, rooted in corporate governance and ethical
practices, are vital for our social license to operate and sustainable growth. Ethical
business conduct, transparency, prevention of corruption and bribery, a strong
whistleblower system and regulatory compliance are key. Because these fall mainly
in our own management responsibility, seven of our 11 identified impacts are
located in our own operations, the other four in the upstream or downstream value
chains. As we have a robust system of ethical standards, policies and management
systems, our DMA has identified these impacts mainly as actually positive (five) or
potentially positive (one) and only one as an actually negative impact. This latter
IRO is our management of supplier relationships: there would be a negative impact
on the environment if we had no consideration of environmental criteria in our
material sourcing. A lapse such as this could lead to legal risks, financial penalties
and brand damage. The potentially positive impacts relate to, for example, the
benefit for our stakeholders of behaviors at ABB that support transparent and
sustainable business practices, or mandatory compliance trainings aimed at
preventing corruption and bribery, or tax payments used by governments to fund
public infrastructure and public services. A positive impact on our value chain is,
for example, that our due diligence and risk management framework reduces the
risk of misconduct.
The one risk identified in the 2024 DMA concerns our own operations. It relates to
employees not following the ethical guidelines of our ABB Way, which may lead to
new integrity cases and potentially serious financial and reputational exposure,
blacklisting or loss of business opportunities. Our integrity culture needs to be
promoted especially among managers and gatekeeper roles (finance, supply chain
management) and in some geographic areas.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
81
Our opportunities build on transparency and ethics that can build trust, combat
corruption and limit financial risks, contributing to a better world. Internally, our
competitive salary structure serves the better availability of talented employees,
so that work is done well and on time. Thus, we can hope for lower costs for
recruiting new employees, deploying temporary staff and absenteeism.
Business conduct-
related policies
G1-1: CORPORATE CULTURE AND BUSINESS CONDUCT POLICIES
ABB uses several policies and procedures to manage its business conduct. Some of them
are overarching documents that apply to more than one topical chapter of this
Sustainability Statement. These can be found at the end of the chapter “Sustainability at
ABB” and include the ABB Way, the Sustainability Policy, the Code of Conduct, the
Supplier Code of Conduct and the ABB Human Rights Policy & Human Rights Due
Diligence Framework. More specific policies are outlined below.
SUSTAINABILITY RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Sustainability Risk Management Policy outlines the key principles we apply to
manage sustainability risks. Among other things, it aims to:
support the delivery of our Sustainability Agenda through proactive risk
management of sustainability risks across the value chain and build
organizational resilience to withstand and adapt to sustainability-related
disruptions and challenges;
provide an overview over how sustainability risks are managed across the
Group to support the achievement of strategic and business objectives;
offer consistent terminology within the scope of sustainability risk
management based on environmental, social and governance risk definitions;
support compliance with various sustainability risk management regulatory
requirements such as the ESRS; and
outline key governance as well as roles and responsibilities over the
management of sustainability risks.
This policy addresses four of the 15 IROs relevant to business conduct, in particular
those that refer to environmental risks including the value chain.
The policy is mandatory for the entire ABB Group and therefore applies to all legal
entities, sites and businesses, including joint ventures, consortia, working
partnerships and third-party service providers under our management control. It
applies across all business areas, divisions and corporate functions. The most
senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division
presidents. There are no third-party standards referred to in this policy. Relevant
internal and external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the
implementation of this policy. It is an internal policy that is accessible to all
employees via the internal network.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING POLICY
The objective of the Sustainability Reporting Policy is to establish the rules,
requirements, roles and responsibilities related to sustainability reporting to
enhance the transparency and credibility of our sustainability performance. It also
describes the implementation approach to ensure we can provide accurate and
consistent sustainability information to our stakeholders. The policy stipulates
that all sustainability data published in ABB’s Sustainability Statement adhere to
the minimum reporting principles in alignment with ESRS, namely relevance,
faithful representation, comparability and consistency, verifiability, and
understandability. It explains the sustainability reporting governance at ABB and
gives details about the roles and responsibilities involved in the reporting process.
This policy does not address any IROs in the business conduct field.
82
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
This policy is mandatory for the entire ABB Group, therefore applies to all
employees and all legal entities of the Group, joint ventures, consortia, working
partnerships, leased assets, entities under operational control and third-party
service providers under our management control. The scope of this policy covers
the disclosures required by regulatory requirements as well as those related to the
Sustainability Agenda and voluntary standards to which we have committed. The
most senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the policy is the
division presidents. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are expected to
benefit from the implementation of this policy. It is an internal policy that is
accessible to all employees via the internal network.
ABB POLICY ON CONFLICT MINERALS
To ensure that our products do not contain so-called conflict minerals which have
been sourced from mines that support or fund conflict within the Democratic
Republic of Congo or adjoining countries, we have implemented a Policy on
Conflict Minerals. In partnership with our suppliers, we are committed to using in
our products only tin, tungsten, tantalum or gold that have been legally and
ethically sourced. The policy addresses mainly the impact-related IROs among the
15 material IROs in this field and those relating to the upstream value chain.
The policy applies to all ABB employees and suppliers. The most senior level that is
accountable for the implementation of the policy is the division presidents. With
this policy, ABB complies with section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act. It is also based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance
for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk
Areas and other appropriate international standards. Relevant internal and
external stakeholders are expected to benefit from the implementation of this
policy. This policy is a public document and therefore accessible to all internal and
external stakeholders via the internet.
TAX POLICY
As part of our commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and
responsibility, we apply great care to the management of tax affairs, which is
outlined in our Tax Policy. Our approach is to comply with the letter and the spirit
of applicable tax laws and regulations in the countries where we operate. The Tax
Policy outlines the role of the tax function at ABB and explains our Tax Control
Framework. It covers one of the 15 IROs in the business conduct field (contributing
with a positive impact to local economy). The related ABB Tax Control Framework
follows a yearly structured approach with respect to how tax risks are identified,
managed and monitored.
The policy applies to all ABB companies and employees dealing with tax matters.
The most senior level that is accountable for the implementation of the policy is
the Chief Financial Officer. Relevant internal and external stakeholders are
expected to benefit from the implementation of this policy. This policy is a public
document and is therefore accessible to all internal and external stakeholders via
the internet.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
83
WHISTLEBLOWING AND REPORTING CHANNELS
All ABB employees, contractors, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders are
strongly encouraged to promptly and in good faith report any concerns of possible
improper conduct, breaches of the law, and/or the Code of Conduct or other ABB
policies. There are a number of channels that allow stakeholders to report integrity
concerns or other behavior that may be in contradiction of our Code of Conduct.
Such channels allow reports to be made anonymously or otherwise, without fear of
retaliation. The process is designed to protect the confidentiality of reporters and
the reporting and resolution process. Reports can be made by internal
stakeholders either directly to ABB managers or members of the Legal & Integrity
team or via the ABB Business Ethics Helpline. The Helpline is also accessible to
external stakeholders. We have robust reporting and allegation management
processes in place to investigate incidents reported into our Business Ethics
Helpline, including those related to corruption and bribery, promptly,
independently and objectively. These procedures are in accordance with EU
Directive 2019/1937. We established a dedicated specialist investigations team
known as the Integrity Investigations and Monitoring (IIM) team. This team is
responsible for carrying out thorough investigations into the highest-risk business
conduct reported incidents, ensuring that all reports are handled with appropriate
confidentiality and protections, as well as overall administration of the company
Business Ethics Helpline. We have additional dedicated investigations teams in
each business area responsible for other workplace and business conduct
reported incidents. We have a commitment to non-retaliation in relation to
whistleblowing and employ a real-time case dashboard to ensure continuous
monitoring of Business Ethics Helpline reported incidents.
BUSINESS CONDUCT TRAINING
Our integrity training program is designed to ensure that all employees are
familiar with and capable of conforming to our Code of Conduct and ethical
standards. During onboarding, all employees are given access to these trainings
and are required to complete a core set of business conduct-related trainings
focussed on the Code of Conduct as well as disclose any potential conflicts of
interest.
All employees have access to the training program, and there is a specific focus on
those in customer-facing roles such as Sales and Procurement, as well as
gatekeeper functions like Legal and Finance. The training is comprehensive and
continuously updated, offering over 130 micro-learnings, bespoke content and
short videos some of which are available in multiple languages. We employ a hybrid
learning approach that includes both self-driven and mandatory learnings,
supplemented by face-to-face sessions for targeted audiences.
Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous self-learning, with the training
content tailored to the specific risks relevant to their roles. This approach ensures
that employees are not only completing the training but are also applying the
knowledge in their daily tasks. Additionally, we conduct regular global
communications and micro-learnings about culture, behavior expectations and
resources, including monthly sharing of internal integrity successes and failures.
This continuous learning strategy is underpinned by employee accountability and
fraud prevention awareness, fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct
within the organization.
84
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Management of
supplier
relationships
G1-2: MANAGEMENT OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH SUPPLIERS
ABB’s Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) complements the ABB Code of Conduct. It
sets forth our requirements for suppliers. The SCoC is in line with relevant
international frameworks, standards and legislation governing ethical and
sustainable business practices.
The SCoC’s section on “Human rights and decent work” includes specific
requirements regarding child labor, modern slavery, harassment, discrimination
and diversity, as well as the rights of local communities and vulnerable groups.
There is also a separate section entitled “Climate and environment” and a list of
potential environmental impacts on the part of suppliers. The SCoC requires
suppliers to disseminate and enforce similar requirements across their own supply
chains and to report any suspected violations. In 2024, we provided high-level
awareness training on the updated SCoC to selected suppliers, followed by deep
dive training for employees covering different SCoC topics. In 2025, we will provide
deep dive training to our suppliers.
To further mitigate risks, our category management strategies include generic
category risk controls, additional risk controls for geopolitical issues, material
compliance changes, critical parts and material shortages. We have also
implemented single-source risk management strategies. Suppliers in scope of risk
management will be uploaded in our risk management tool and closely monitored.
As part of our supply chain GHG emissions reduction program, we have requested
our most impactful suppliers to register in EcoVadis and get a validated scorecard.
This will not only provide information on their approach and maturity related to
carbon management, but also covers their performance in environment, labor and
human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.
BEYOND AUDITS
Our Sustainable Supply Base Management (SSBM) program, which addresses
sustainability topics and performance at each stage of the supplier life cycle,
forms part of our “Beyond Audit” approach. With the SSBM program we integrate
sustainability principles into our supplier selection and qualification processes and
continuously monitor suppliers during their life cycle with us. Through the
program, we address topics including: human rights and decent work, health and
safety, climate and environment, business ethics, business and information
security, procurement, as well as report any concerns in these areas and provide
access to remediation approaches. Employee interviews are an integral element of
our on-site audits and assessments.
The approach is further backed by risk-based monitoring that covers a broad
range of suppliers and incorporates Group-wide standards and targets. The
management and implementation of the SSBM program is handled by ABB’s
business areas. The program is governed by a steering committee comprised of
representatives from business areas and the corporate sustainability team and a
working group comprised of representatives from all our divisions.
Under the SSBM program, new suppliers must complete a self-assessment.
Depending on the results, further due diligence is carried out.
In 2024, we have updated the Country Specific Protocol, used for extensive
assessment of existing suppliers in focus countries, to be aligned with the
updated SCoC. New criteria include assessment of supplier performance in
avoiding harassment, protecting local communities, executing human rights and
labor rights risk assessments, performing GHG emissions and energy
management, water management, and other resource management and reporting
on concerns.
As part of our yearly risk review process, we have updated the list of focus
countries to reflect both the changed composition of the ABB supplier base and
changes in country risk levels. We also reviewed our portfolio of sourced materials
and parts and have updated our commodity risk matrix.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
85
After adjusting the SSBM Country Specific Protocol in 2023 to permit assessments
of temporary labor suppliers, we continued with pilots in multiple countries.
U
pon
carrying out audits in one pilot country in 2023, we found evidence that local labor
laws were not being observed. In alignment with the ABB Human Rights Due
Diligence Framework and the ABB Supplier Code of Conduct, we worked with the
supplier to ensure understanding of ABB requirements, and to define and
implement corrective actions. In 2024, the case was internally escalated, and a
decision was taken to compensate all supplier’s impacted employees linked to ABB
operations and to terminate the relationship with the supplier.
To prevent or further mitigate potential negative impacts and risks related to our
supply chain, we conducted a few pilot assessments at Tier 2 suppliers. We will
continue with this pilot in 2025.
As reported in 2023, engagement with stakeholders at internal awareness training
sessions on human rights and labor rights brought to light additional concerns
related to temporary laborers at certain ABB sites. One of the cases was not
substantiated. Another case resulted in supplier termination after internal
escalation.
KPIs USED TO MEASURE PERFORMANCE
Targets
Baseline
2023 status
2024 status
INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY
At least 80% of supply
spending in focus countries
1
covered by Sustainable Supply
Base Management (SSBM) by
2030
n.a.
Using a risk-based approach, a mid-term
2025 target has been set, focusing on
high-risk suppliers in focus countries.
At least 80% of spending on
high-risk suppliers in focus
countries
1
covered by SSBM by
2025
n.a.
In 2023, we reached
42% of spending on
high-risk suppliers
in focus countries
covered by SSBM.
At the end of 2024,
68% of high-risk
supply spending in
focus countries was
covered by the
SSBM program.
(assured)
1
Current focus countries are Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Thailand, Tunisia and Türkiye.
At the end of 2024, we reviewed the top-ten non-conformities identified during on-
site assessments in the years 2021 through 2024. They are listed in the graph
below. This list will inform our interventions with suppliers in 2025.
86
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
THIRD-PARTY MANAGEMENT
The SSBM program is linked to our wider Third-Party Management (TPM) program.
The TPM program sets core minimum integrity requirements for the selection,
onboarding, engaging, monitoring, managing and termination of relationships
between ABB and third parties.
It is implemented to identify, assess, monitor and
manage integrity risks to which we are exposed via third-party relationships. The
TPM program enables identification of risks that may have an impact on
sustainability matters (e.g., anti-bribery and corruption and human rights) and
could lead to regulatory, legal, financial or reputational damage. Depending on the
identified risks, further due diligence is required and mitigation actions are
implemented.
CONFLICT MINERALS AND OTHER MINERALS OF CONCERN
Responsibly sourcing conflict minerals and other minerals of concern is part of our
responsible sourcing commitment. This is also reflected in our Policy on Conflict
Minerals. We have established a Conflict Minerals Program based on the OECD Due
Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict
Affected and High-Risk Areas, and other international standards. Within this
program, we continue our work to understand and limit our exposure to conflict
minerals (tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold, or “3TG”), as defined by Section 1502 of
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and EU Directive
2017/821. We request information from our suppliers on the source of these
minerals and other minerals of concern, such as cobalt, and work with them to
avoid sourcing from smelters or refiners (SORs) in the covered countries (the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries) and conflict-
affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs), other than those that have implemented
OECD-aligned programs. We actively work with our suppliers to ensure that any
minerals contained in the products and materials supplied to ABB originate from
conflict-free sources. We also aim to transition away from smelters and refiners
that have been reported publicly for money laundering or human rights violations,
with geopolitical and sourcing risks or are based in countries with country
sanctions.
51%
50%
45%
42%
42%
35%
35%
34%
32%
31%
First aid and firefighting
equipment
Unsafe working practices
Excess working hours
Communication of hazards
Emergency (including medical)
preparedness and drills
No weekly day off
Personal Protective
Equipment
Statistics and reports
Managing sub-suppliers
and subcontractors
Paid leave
2021 - 2024 top 10 non-compliances SSBM supplier
assessments
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
87
We continue to participate in outreach efforts to smelters and refineries through
the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and its member companies. The RMI, of
which ABB is an active member, is an organization working to address responsible
mineral sourcing in the supply chain. In 2024, we led the RMI outreach to tin
smelters in Indonesia to have them undergo the RMI’s Responsible Minerals
Assurance Process (RMAP) and work on corrective action plans after completing a
RMAP audit. This was followed by smelter visits in Vietnam with RMI. ABB is the
single point of contact for various smelters and refiners in Asia.
In addition to carefully tracking our sources for tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold,
we have expanded our survey to cover the use of other minerals in our products.
Using the Extended Minerals Reporting Template developed by the RMI, we
identified pinch points and conducted due diligence on our cobalt supply chains.
We continue to expand our due diligence on other minerals and will start to survey
our suppliers’ use of mica in 2025.
In response to the requirements established by the provisions of the Swiss Code
of Obligations (Art. 964j–l CO) and the Swiss Ordinance on Due Diligence and
Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals from Conflict-Affected Areas and
Child Labour (DDTrO), we have assessed our respective risk exposure and reached
the following conclusions: The quantities of minerals and metals in scope of the
aforementioned regulations which ABB imported into or processed in Switzerland
in 2024 are substantially below applicable thresholds. Hence, ABB is exempted
from specific due diligence and reporting obligations with regard to conflict
minerals under the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations and the DDTrO,
respectively.
Anti-corruption and
anti-bribery
G1-3: PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY
Integrity and transparency are core to our operating model. We aim to embed
integrity and transparency in everything we do.
Targets
Baseline
(baseline
year)
2023 status
2024 status
(assured)
INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Global framework for
assessing and mitigating
third-party integrity risks
through risk-based due
diligence and life cycle
monitoring
n.a.
This target measures
the implementation of
a global framework for
assessing third-party
integrity risks. It is an
ongoing and critical
organization-wide,
integrity-based
enhancement, which
strengthens how we
onboard and manage
the life cycle of our
relationships with
suppliers, sales
channels and
customers.
Framework
established and
operational. Integrity
due diligence and risk
management
enhancements for
suppliers (buy-side)
and sales channels
(sell-side) launched
globally.
Framework enhanced
and implementation
tested. Comprehensive
monitoring and risk
mitigation guidance
developed.
Focused on the
governance of this
framework to sustain
its operation and risk
management of legacy
third party
relationships, both in
terms of suppliers and
sales channels.
Development of
business specific plans
to monitor and
mitigate third party
risks, with focus on
resourcing for
sustaining operation.
88
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Global Integrity Program
underpinned by
accountability for
integrity and an adaptive
risk management
strategy gained from
insights through
targeted learnings,
transparent reporting
and monitoring
n.a.
This target measures
the implementation
and effectiveness of
our Global Integrity
Program through how
we drive individual
accountability for
integrity and adapt our
risk management
strategy to real-time
data insights gained
from integrity-based
learnings, reporting
and monitoring.
Developed new
antitrust foundation
training and added
new integrity training
content to the
integrity awareness
portal. The Business
Ethics Helpline and
reporting capabilities
have been enhanced
with new case
management
software.
Enhancements have
also included the
creation of a Risk
Monitoring Dashboard
to identify potential
areas of heightened
risk.
Our culture of integrity and transparency is anchored in the ABB Code of Conduct
and is strengthened by a range of other ABB policies and procedures.
The Integrity & Regulatory Affairs (I&RA) team, which is part of the Legal & Integrity
function, is responsible for driving integrity enhancements that apply to all ABB
functions and business areas. The team oversees a comprehensive integrity
program that can adapt to risk in real time and is fit-for-purpose. The result of
more than 20 years of development, the program has in recent years been
significantly transformed. The integrity program is underpinned by accountability
for integrity and adaptive risk management strategy from insights through
targeted learnings, transparent reporting and monitoring.
Since 2023, reported incidents have been structured into the following categories
(as well as more detailed subcategories within each of these) to ensure
appropriate attention, resourcing, and internal escalation:
Antitrust & fair competition
Bribery benefiting ABB
Commercial integrity & regulatory
Fraud: non-self-dealing
Fraud: self-dealing
HSE & security
Human resources
Non-integrity issue
Other integrity issue
We have seen an increase in total incidents reported to our Business Ethics
Helpline since 2022. We attribute this to an increased confidence in our
strengthened reporting and allegation management processes.
We have taken steps in 2024 to continue to develop our risk management systems
and controls and to strengthen our integrity culture. This included enhancing our
third-party management framework through comprehensive monitoring and risk
mitigation guidance, as well as commencing a large-scale risk management project
in relation to our legacy supplier and sales channel population. We also created
new antitrust foundation training and added new integrity training content to the
integrity awareness portal. Our business areas implemented tailored integrity
learning programs for their staff, based on their bespoke risk management plans.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
89
We have also improved our Business Ethics Helpline and reporting capabilities
through the introduction of new case management software with increased
functionality and data analytics. In 2024, we continued to strengthen our human
resources teams to enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and
harassment. We empowered business area human resources teams to directly
conduct investigations to increase accountability for workplace behavior within
those business areas.
Risk surveillance abilities were further enhanced in 2024 with the creation of the
Risk Monitoring Dashboard. This dashboard supplements the existing integrity
and investigations metrics reflected in the dashboards mentioned above with
additional metrics and risk scoring capabilities, to identify potential areas of
heightened risk for business focus.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION PROGRAM
At ABB, we have zero tolerance for unethical business practices. Any abuse of
power or trust for private gain is a breach of our ethical standards and Code of
Conduct and has no place at ABB. We know that having an adaptive anti-bribery
and corruption (ABAC) program, which allows us to anticipate and meet risks
head-on, is critical for our organizational success. During 2024, we continued to
enhance our ABAC program and to drive the ABAC framework implementation to
all business areas. The ABAC framework is a conceptual overview of existing key
ABAC policies, procedures and controls that have been designed and implemented
across our operations to prevent, detect and respond to key ABAC risks that we
face as a global organization.
To inform how we continuously develop our ABAC program, we continued to
perform targeted monitoring and testing activities throughout the year. In 2024,
this included the connection of new data sources to our continuous monitoring
platform and the analysis of new business area, division and market-level insights.
We also carried out a division-level ABAC risk assessment regarding the extent of
implementation of enhanced policies, procedures and controls, and developing
and monitoring data-driven dashboards fed by primary enterprise tools used for
day-to-day business. Through this, we continue to identify key ABAC risks in our
operations, which we are addressing through various initiatives, including
targeted face-to-face and online training of our most at-risk employees.
Our global framework for managing third-party integrity risk, which was launched
in 2022, is a key pillar of our ABAC program. In 2024, the framework was extended
to incorporate the identification and enhanced management and mitigation of
third-party integrity risks within our legacy third-party relationships for both our
suppliers and sales channels. In 2025, the focus will be on extending this global
framework to our new third-party population.
Building on the extensive enhancement of our third-party management program in
the previous year (2023), we further reinforced our management of third-party
risks through the expansion of the program to focus on our legacy third-party
relationships on both the supplier and sales channel side. On the supplier side, our
updated Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) and the SCoC Implementation Guide
provide for an increased focus on business conduct on the part of all our suppliers.
The program has strengthened our risk-based approach to selecting third parties
and enabled more effective oversight and monitoring of their activities and overall
performance across our total population of third parties.
90
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Among the actions we took in 2024 to mitigate specific negative impacts involving
our ABAC risks, we activated and worked under our first follow-up work plan for
year two of the three-year Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA). The workplan
was developed to meet the requirements of a DPA that ABB entered into as part of
a settlement with the United States Department of Justice and the Securities and
Exchange Commission, announced on December 2, 2022. In 2025, we will be
activating and working under our workplan for the final year of the three-year DPA.
The workplan is characterized by appropriate governance, a clear project
management structure, change management tools, as well as resourcing. It places
ownership and accountability for its activities with our business areas and
divisions in keeping with the ABB Way operating model.
INTEGRITY LEARNING 2024
Overall, our integrity training program takes a hybrid approach to instruction,
combining self-guided learning with bespoke, role-specific mandatory training,
thereby encouraging individual ownership and accountability. It centers on the
upskilling of employees in gatekeeper functions and customer-facing roles. The
ABAC training program aims to enhance core ABAC competencies while
highlighting the critical role these individuals play in upholding our integrity
culture and compliance obligations.
In 2023, we had revisited and relaunched our Code of Conduct, promoting it
through a global communications campaign led by our Executive Committee and
supported by manager-led discussions, with the aim of driving a better
understanding of our global policies on anti-bribery and corruption and respect in
the workplace. As part of the Code of Conduct relaunch, we created a series of
mandatory training modules that brought to life our expectations and covered, in
particular, the workplace behavior topics such as bullying and harassment, equality
and discrimination and speaking up. Our Code of Conduct has been translated into
17 languages and provided in different formats to make it accessible to office and
production staff alike.
In 2024, our business areas built on the success of these training modules to
develop their own tailored learnings, adapted for and specific to roles and certain
at-risk areas within each business. The divisions also carried out ABAC risk
assessments and used the data derived from this exercise to inform the learning
strategy.
Straight Talk, an internal platform for sharing real-life integrity successes and
failures at ABB, serves as a strong complement to our training program and has
continued to be well received throughout the Group. We revamped the Straight
Talk platform in 2024 with the addition of new content and functionality. This
transparent communications tool consolidates lessons learned and supports our
speak-up culture with regular messaging about our reporting channels. It also
provides key leaders with comprehensive data on our investigation portfolio,
helping them set the tone from the top in their team meetings.
INTEGRITY ANALYTICS
To track the effectiveness of our integrity-related initiatives, we utilize data
analytics and conduct transaction monitoring. Our continuous monitoring
platform is designed to detect ABAC and fraud risks by applying risk algorithms to
data drawn from multiple company systems.
Our Integrity Analytics Report, a live dashboard available via our integrity web
portal, provides insights into three key metrics: trust, engagement and
transparency. To offer insight into ongoing and closed cases, a number of real-
time and quarterly investigation dashboards are made available to the appropriate
stakeholders.
In 2024, we have further enhanced our data analytics and transaction monitoring
capabilities through the introduction of new data sources and the expansion of
the Integrity Analytics Report to cover additional integrity-related areas such as
TPM, gifts, travel and hospitality.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
91
EU TAXONOMY: 2024 TABLES
(assured)
ABB GROUP ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES 2024 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EU TAXONOMY
EU TAXONOMY - TURNOVER
Financial year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
Turnover
(3)
Proportion of
turnover, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
turnover, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (TAXONOMY-ALIGNED)
7.6 Installation, maintenance and repair of
renewable energy technologies
CCM 7.6
<0.5
<0.5%
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
<0.5%
E
Turnover of environmental sustainable activities
(Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.1)
<0.5
<0.5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
6%
Of which Enabling
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
6%
E
Of which Transitional
0%
0%
0%
T
A.2. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE BUT NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (NOT TAXONOMY-ALIGNED ACTIVITIES)
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
3.1 Manufacture of renewable energy
technologies
CCM 3.1
287
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.2 Equipment for the production and use of
hydrogen
CCM 3.2
4
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
92
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Financial year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
Turnover
(3)
Proportion of
turnover, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
turnover, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
3.3 Manufacture of low carbon technologies for
transport
CCM 3.3
7
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.4 Manufacture of batteries
CCM 3.4
44
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
3.5 Manufacture of energy efficiency equipment
for buildings
CCM 3.5
212
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.6 Manufacture of other low-carbon
technologies
CCM 3.6
1,261
4%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
3%
3.18 Manufacture of automotive mobility
components
CCM 3.18
7
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
3.19 Manufacture of rail constituents
CCM 3.19
587
2%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.20 Manufacture, installation, and servicing of
high, medium and low voltage electrical
equipment for electrical transmission and
distribution
CCM 3.20
11,492
35%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
27%
4.9 Transmission and distribution of electricity
CCM 4.9
16
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
6.14 Infrastructure for rail transport
CCM 6.14
91
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
6.15 Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
CCM 6.15
46
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
6.16 Infrastructure enabling low carbon water
transport
CCM 6.16
316
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
8.2 Data-driven solutions for GHG emissions
reductions
CCM 8.2
34
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
1.2 Manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment
CE 1.2
1,942
6%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
5%
4.1 Provision of IT/OT data-driven solutions and
software
CE 4.1
37
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
5.1 Repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing
CE 5.1
514
2%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
1%
5.2 Sale of spare-parts
CE 5.2
771
2%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
2%
5.3 Preparation of re-use of end-of-life products
and product components
CE 5.3
0%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
93
Financial year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
Turnover
(3)
Proportion of
turnover, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
turnover, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
5.4 Sale of second-hand goods
CE 5.4
<0.5
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
Turnover of Taxonomy-eligible but not
environmentally sustainable activities (not
Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
17,667
54%
44%
0%
0%
0%
10%
0%
40%
A. Turnover of Taxonomy eligible activities
(A.1+A.2)
17,667
54%
44%
0%
0%
0%
10%
0%
46%
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Turnover of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities
15,183
46%
Total (A+B)
32,850
100%
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
Due to disclosure format, prior year alignment figures do not add to the totals. The detailed 2023 aligned numbers are available in 2023 Sustainability Report.
Total ABB Group %
Proportion of turnover/Total turnover
Taxonomy-aligned
per objective
Taxonomy-eligible
per objective
CCM
0%
44%
CCA
%
%
WTR
%
%
CE
0%
10%
PPC
%
%
BIO
%
%
94
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ABB GROUP ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES 2024 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EU TAXONOMY
EU TAXONOMY - CAPEX
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
CapEx
(3)
Proportion of
CapEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
CapEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (TAXONOMY-ALIGNED)
7.4 Installation, maintenance and repair of
charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings
CCM 7.4
<0.5
<0.5%
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
<0.5%
E
7.5 Installation, maintenance and repair of
instruments and devices for measuring,
regulation and controlling energy performance of
buildings
CCM 7.5
1
<0.5%
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
<0.5%
E
7.6 Installation, maintenance and repair of
renewable energy technologies
CCM 7.6
4
<0.5%
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
1%
E
7.7 Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
11
1%
Y
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
2%
CapEx of environmental sustainable activities
(Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.1)
16
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
8%
Of which Enabling
5
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
3%
E
Of which Transitional
0%
0%
3%
T
A.2. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE BUT NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (NOT TAXONOMY-ALIGNED ACTIVITIES)
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
3.1 Manufacture of renewable energy
technologies
CCM 3.1
7
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
3.2 Equipment for the production and use of
hydrogen
CCM 3.2
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.3 Manufacture of low carbon technologies for
transport
CCM 3.3
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.4 Manufacture of batteries
CCM 3.4
1
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
95
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
CapEx
(3)
Proportion of
CapEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
CapEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
3.5 Manufacture of energy efficiency equipment
for buildings
CCM 3.5
7
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
2%
3.6 Manufacture of other low-carbon
technologies
CCM 3.6
7
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
3.18 Manufacture of automotive and mobility
components
CCM 3.18
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
3.19 Manufacture of rail constituents
CCM 3.19
18
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.20 Manufacture, installation, and servicing of
high, medium and low voltage electrical
equipment for electrical transmission and
distribution
CCM 3.20
325
23%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
20%
4.9 Transmission and distribution of electricity
CCM 4.9
1
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
6.5 Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and
light commercial vehicles
CCM 6.5
99
7%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
4%
6.14 Infrastructure for rail transport
CCM 6.14
2
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
6.15 Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
CCM 6.15
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
6.16 Infrastructure enabling low carbon water
transport
CCM 6.16
2
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
7.2 Renovation of Existing Buildings
CCM 7.2
0%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
2%
7.3 Installation, maintenance and repair of energy
efficiency equipment
CCM 7.3
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
7.4 Installation, maintenance and repair of
charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings
CCM 7.4
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
7.5 Installation, maintenance and repair of
instruments and devices for measuring,
regulation and controlling energy performance of
buildings
CCM 7.5
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
7.6 Installation, maintenance and repair of
renewable energy technologies
CCM 7.6
0%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
7.7 Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
50
4%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
22%
96
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
CapEx
(3)
Proportion of
CapEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
Safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1)
or eligible (A.2)
CapEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
8.2 Data-driven solutions for GHG emissions
reductions
CCM 8.2
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
1.2 Manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment
CE 1.2
50
4%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
2%
4.1 Provision of IT/OT data-driven solutions and
software
CE 4.1
1
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
5.1 Repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing
CE 5.1
9
1%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
5.2 Sale of spare-parts
CE 5.2
15
1%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
1%
5.3 Preparation of re-use of end-of-life products
and product components
CE 5.3
0%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
5.4 Sale of second-hand goods
CE 5.4
<0.5
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
CapEx of Taxonomy-eligible but not
environmentally sustainable activities (not
Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
596
43%
37%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%
56%
CapEx of Taxonomy eligible activities (A.1+A.2)
612
44%
38%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%
64%
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
CapEx of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities
787
56%
TOTAL
1,398
100%
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
Due to disclosure format, prior year alignment figures do not add to the totals. The detailed 2023 aligned numbers are available in 2023 Sustainability Report.
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
97
Total ABB Group %
Proportion of CapEx/Total CapEx
Taxonomy-aligned
per objective
Taxonomy-eligible
per objective
CCM
1%
38%
CCA
%
%
WTR
%
%
CE
0%
5%
PPC
%
%
BIO
%
%
98
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ABB GROUP ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES 2024 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EU TAXONOMY
EU TAXONOMY - OPEX
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
OpEx
(3)
Proportion of
OpEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1.)
or eligible (A.2.)
OpEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
A.1. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (TAXONOMY-ALIGNED)
OpEx of environmental sustainable activities
(Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
6%
Of which Enabling
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
5%
E
Of which Transitional
0%
0%
T
A.2. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE BUT NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES (NOT TAXONOMY-ALIGNED ACTIVITIES)
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
EL;
N/EL
3.1 Manufacture of renewable energy
technologies
CCM 3.1
17
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
3.2 Equipment for the production and use of
hydrogen
CCM 3.2
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
3.3 Manufacture of low carbon technologies for
transport
CCM 3.3
<0.5
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
3.4 Manufacture of batteries
CCM 3.4
3
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
3.5 Manufacture of energy efficiency equipment
for buildings
CCM 3.5
12
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
2%
3.6 Manufacture of other low-carbon
technologies
CCM 3.6
50
3%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
3.18 Manufacture of automotive and mobility
components
CCM 3.18
1
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
3.19 Manufacture of rail constituents
CCM 3.19
42
2%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
99
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
OpEx
(3)
Proportion of
OpEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1.)
or eligible (A.2.)
OpEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
3.20 Manufacture, installation, and servicing of
high, medium and low voltage electrical
equipment for electrical transmission and
distribution
CCM 3.20
655
34%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
26%
4.9 Transmission and distribution of electricity
CCM 4.9
1
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
6.14 Infrastructure for rail transport
CCM 6.14
3
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
6.15 Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
CCM 6.15
2
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
6.16 Infrastructure enabling low carbon water
transport
CCM 6.16
11
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
7.7 Acquisition and ownership of buildings
CCM 7.7
0%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
0%
8.2 Data-driven solutions for GHG emissions
reductions
CCM 8.2
1
<0.5%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
1%
9.1 Close to market research, development and
innovation
CCM 9.1
20
1%
EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
<0.5%
1.2 Manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment
CE 1.2
100
5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
5%
4.1 Provision of IT/OT data-driven solutions and
software
CE 4.1
2
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
2%
5.1 Repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing
CE 5.1
28
1%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
1%
5.2 Sale of spare-parts
CE 5.2
39
2%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
0%
5.3 Preparation of re-use of end-of-life products
and product components
CE 5.3
0%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
5.4 Sale of second-hand goods
CE 5.4
<0.5
<0.5%
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
N/EL
EL
N/EL
<0.5%
OpEx of Taxonomy-eligible but not
environmentally sustainable activities (not
Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2)
989
51%
42%
0%
0%
0%
9%
0%
39%
A. OpEx of Taxonomy eligible activities (A.1+A.2)
989
51%
42%
0%
0%
0%
9%
0%
45%
100
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Financial Year 2024
2024
Substantial contribution criteria
DNSH criteria
Code
(2)
OpEx
(3)
Proportion of
OpEx, 2024
(4)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(5)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(6)
Water
(7)
Pollution
(8)
Circular Economy
(9)
Biodiversity
(10)
Climate Change
Mitigation
(11)
Climate Change
Adaptation
(12)
Water
(13)
Pollution
(14)
Circular Economy
(15)
Biodiversity
(16)
Minimum
safeguards
(17)
Proportion of
Taxonomy-aligned (A.1.)
or eligible (A.2.)
OpEx, 2023
(18)
Category enabling
activity
(19)
Category transitional
activity
(20)
Economic activities
(1)
$million
%
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y; N;
N/EL
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
%
E
T
B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
OpEx of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities
946
49%
TOTAL
1,935
100%
Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided.
Due to disclosure format, prior year alignment figures do not add to the totals. The detailed 2023 aligned numbers are available in 2023 Sustainability Report.
Total ABB Group %
Proportion of OpEx/Total OpEx
Taxonomy-aligned
per objective
Taxonomy-eligible
per objective
CCM
0%
42%
CCA
%
%
WTR
%
%
CE
0%
9%
PPC
%
%
BIO
%
%
Key:
Substantial Contribution Criteria
Minimum Safeguards
DNSH Criteria
Y – Yes
Taxonomy eligible and Taxonomy-aligned activity
with the relevant environmental objective
Y
Minimum safeguards are met
Y
DNSH criteria are met
CCM
Climate Change Mitigation
N
Minimum safeguards are not met
N
DSNH criteria are not met
CCA
Climate Change Adaptation
N – No
Taxonomy eligible but not Taxonomy-aligned
activity with the relevant environmental objective
WTR
Water and Marine Resource
CE
Circular Economy
N/EL – not
eligible
Taxonomy non-eligible activity for the relevant
environmental objective
PPC
Pollution Prevention and Control
EL –
eligible
Taxonomy eligible activity for the relevant
objective
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
101
NUCLEAR AND FOSSIL GAS RELATED ACTIVITIES
Row
Nuclear energy related activities
1
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to research, development, demonstration and deployment of innovative
electricity generation facilities that produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle.
NO
2
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction and safe operation of new nuclear installations to produce
electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production, as
well as their safety upgrades, using best available technologies.
NO
3
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to safe operation of existing nuclear installations that produce electricity or
process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production from nuclear
energy, as well as their safety upgrades.
NO
Fossil gas related activities
4
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction or operation of electricity generation facilities that produce
electricity using fossil gaseous fuels.
NO
5
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment, and operation of combined heat/cool and
power generation facilities using fossil gaseous fuels.
NO
6
The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment and operation of heat generation facilities
that produce heat/cool using fossil gaseous fuels.
NO
102
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
SWISS CODE OF OBLIGATIONS
CONTENT INDEX
This Sustainability Report also covers the reporting requirements as defined under Art. 964a ss. of the Swiss Code of
Obligations (CO). For easy reference, please find below a table with links to the relevant sections:
Page Reference
Swiss CO - Art. 964b paragraph 2
(assured)
1
Description of the business model
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation,
enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. We
operate in approximately 100 countries across three regions:
Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Middle East and Africa, and
generate revenues in numerous currencies. We govern our
company through our four Business areas: Electrification,
Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics & Discrete
Automation and 19 divisions. While the ABB Way provides
standardized policies, processes and systems, it also
empowers our divisions to take full ownership of and
accountability for their respective strategies, performance and
resources. More about the ABB’s business model is available in
the Financial Report 2024 -> Financial review of ABB Group ->
About ABB, Organizational structure, History of the ABB
Group, ABB Today, and Businesses.
2
Materiality assessment
Double Materiality Assessment (p.16)
3
Description of policies adopted in relation to:
Environmental issues, including CO
2
goals
Sustainability at ABB -> Sustainability-related policies (p. 19)
Protecting the climate -> Climate change-related policies
(p. 29)
Committing to Circularity -> Policy commitments to circular
resource management (p. 40)
Water management at ABB -> Water-related policies (p. 43)
Keeping pollution in check (p. 45)
Social issues
Sustainability at ABB -> Sustainability-related policies (p. 19)
Responsibility for our employees -> Employee-related policies
(p. 58)
Social protection in the value chain -> Supplier-related policies
(p. 68)
Protecting vulnerable communities -> Community-related
policies (p. 74)
Protecting consumers -> Consumer-related policies (p. 76)
Good business conduct -> Business conduct-related policies
(p. 81)
Employee-related issues
Sustainability at ABB -> Sustainability-related policies (p. 19)
Responsibility for our employees -> Employee-related policies
(p. 58)
Respect for human rights
Sustainability at ABB -> Sustainability-related policies (p. 19)
Responsibility for our employees -> Employee-related policies
(p. 58)
Social protection in the value chain -> Supplier-related policies
(p. 69)
Protecting vulnerable communities -> Community-related
policies (p. 74)
Good business conduct -> Business conduct-related policies
(p. 81)
Combatting corruption
Sustainability at ABB -> Sustainability-related policies (p. 19)
Good business conduct -> Business conduct-related policies
(p. 81)
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
103
Page Reference
4
Presentation of the measures taken to implement these
policies and an assessment of the effectiveness of these
measures
See above sections.
5
Description of the main risks related to the matters referred
above and how ABB is dealing with these risks, in particular:
a.
Risks that arise from ABB’s own business operations, and
Sustainability at ABB -> Material impacts, risks, and
opportunities (p. 14)
IRO descriptions in topical chapters -> pp.25, 39, 43, 45, 57, 68,
73, 76, 80
Specific climate risks -> pp. 25, 26, 37
b.
Risks that arise from ABB’s business relationships,
products or services (to the extent relevant and proportionate)
Sustainability at ABB -> Material impacts, risks, and
opportunities (p. 14)
IRO descriptions in topical chapters -> pp.25, 39, 43, 45, 57, 68,
73, 76, 80
6
The main performance indicators for ABB’s activities in
relation to the matters referred to above
Protecting the climate (p. 24)
Committing to Circularity (p. 39)
Water management at ABB (p. 43)
Responsibility for our employees (p. 57)
Social protection in the value chain (p. 68)
Protecting vulnerable communities (p. 73)
Good business conduct (p. 79)
Swiss CO - Art. 964j and the Ordinance on Due Diligence and
Transparency in Relation to Minerals and Metals from Conflict-
Affected Areas and Child Labor
Conflict minerals
Good business conduct -> Engaging suppliers -> Dealing with
conflict minerals and other minerals of concern (p. 86)
Child labor
Protecting vulnerable communities -> Community-related
policies -> Further human rights commitments (p. 74)
Swiss CO – Ordinance on Climate Disclosures
(assured)
We fulfill the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures via
relevant ESRS sections; please refer to the ESRS Index table for
disclosures under ESRS E-1. Certain disclosures, primarily the
risk quantification, are not yet reported.
104
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS CONTENT INDEX, INCLUDING GRI AND
ISSB INTEROPERABILITY
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 a
Basis for preparation of sustainability statement
2
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-2: Entities included in the
organization’s sustainability reporting
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 b i
Scope of consolidation of consolidated sustainability
statement is same as for financial statements
2
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-2: Entities included in the
organization’s sustainability reporting
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 b ii
Indication of subsidiary undertakings included in
consolidation that are exempted from individual or
consolidated sustainability reporting
2
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 c
AR 1
Disclosure of extent to which sustainability statement
covers upstream and downstream value chain
2
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 d
Option to omit specific piece of information corresponding
to intellectual property, know-how or results of innovation
has been used
2
ESRS 2 BP-1 5 e
Option allowed by Member State to omit disclosure of
impending developments or matters in course of
negotiation has been used
2
ESRS 2 BP-2 9 a
Disclosure of definitions of medium- or long-term time
horizons
3
IFRS S2.10(d)4
ESRS 2 BP-2 9 b
Disclosure of reasons for applying different definitions of
time horizons
3
IFRS S2.10(d)4
ESRS 2 BP-2 10 a
Disclosure of metrics that include value chain data
estimated using indirect sources
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 10 b
Description of basis for preparation of metrics that include
value chain data estimated using indirect sources
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 10 c
Description of resulting level of accuracy of metrics that
include value chain data estimated using indirect sources
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 10 d
Description of planned actions to improve accuracy in
future of metrics that include value chain data estimated
using indirect sources
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 11 a
Disclosure of quantitative metrics and monetary amounts
disclosed that are subject to high level of measurement
uncertainty
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 11 b i
Disclosure of sources of measurement uncertainty
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 11 b ii
Disclosure of assumptions, approximations and
judgements made in measurement
3
ESRS 2 BP-2 13 a
Explanation of changes in preparation and presentation of
sustainability information and reasons for them
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ESRS 2 BP-2 13 b
Adjustment of comparative information for one or more
prior periods is impracticable
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ESRS 2 BP-2 13 b, 13 c
Disclosure of difference between figures disclosed in
preceding period and revised comparative figures
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
105
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
ESRS 2 BP-2 14 a
Disclosure of nature of prior period material errors
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ESRS 2 BP-2 14 b
Disclosure of corrections for prior periods included in
sustainability statement
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ESRS 2 BP-2 14 c
Disclosure of why correction of prior period errors is not
practicable
3
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-4 Restatements of
information
ESRS 2 BP-2 15
Disclosure of other legislation or generally accepted
sustainability reporting standards and frameworks based
on which information has been included in sustainability
statement
4
ESRS 2 BP-2 15
Disclosure of reference to paragraphs of standard or
framework applied
4
ESRS 2 BP-2 16
List of DRs or DPs incorporated by reference
4
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 a
Number of executive members
6
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 a
Number of non-executive members
6
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 b
Information about representation of employees and other
workers
6
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 c
AR 5
Information about member's experience relevant to
sectors, products and geographic locations of undertaking
6–7
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 d
Percentage of members of administrative, management
and supervisory bodies by gender and other aspects of
diversity
6
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2016:
405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 d
Board's gender diversity ratio
6
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2016:
405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 e
Percentage of independent board members
6
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 a
Information about identity of administrative, management
and supervisory bodies or individual(s) within body
responsible for oversight of impacts, risks and
opportunities
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
IFRS S2.6(a)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 b
AR 3
Disclosure of how body's or individuals within body
responsibilities for impacts, risks and opportunities are
reflected in undertaking's terms of reference, board
mandates and other related policies
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-14 Role of the highest
governance body in sustainability reporting
IFRS S2.6(a)(i)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 c
AR 4
Description of management's role in governance
processes, controls and procedures used to monitor,
manage and oversee impacts, risks and opportunities
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
IFRS S2.6(b)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 c i
Description of how oversight is exercised over
management-level position or committee to which
management's role is delegated to
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-13 Delegation of
responsibility for managing impacts
IFRS S2.6(b)(i)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 c ii
Information about reporting lines to administrative,
management and supervisory bodies
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-13 Delegation of
responsibility for managing impacts
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 c iii
Disclosure of how dedicated controls and procedures are
integrated with other internal functions
5
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
IFRS S2.6(b)(ii)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 22 d
Disclosure of how administrative, management and
supervisory bodies and senior executive management
oversee setting of targets related to material impacts,
risks and opportunities and how progress towards them is
monitored
5
IFRS S2.6(a)(v)
106
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
ESRS 2 GOV-1 23
AR 5
Disclosure of how administrative, management and
supervisory bodies determine whether appropriate skills
and expertise are available or will be developed to oversee
sustainability matters
7
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-17 Collective knowledge
of the highest governance body
IFRS S2.6(a)(ii)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 23 a
Information about sustainability-related expertise that
bodies either directly possess or can leverage
7
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-17 Collective knowledge
of the highest governance body
IFRS S2.6(a)(ii)
ESRS 2 GOV-1 23 b
Disclosure of how sustainability-related skills and expertise
relate to material impacts, risks and opportunities
7
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-17 Collective knowledge
of the highest governance body
IFRS S2.6(a)(ii)
ESRS 2 GOV-2 26 a
Disclosure of whether, by whom and how frequently
administrative, management and supervisory bodies are
informed about material impacts, risks and opportunities,
implementation of due diligence, and results and
effectiveness of policies, actions, metrics and targets
adopted to address them
8
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-13 Delegation of
responsibility for managing impacts
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-16 Communication of
critical concerns
IFRS S2.6(a)(iii)
ESRS 2 GOV-2 26 b
Disclosure of how administrative, management and
supervisory bodies consider impacts, risks and
opportunities when overseeing strategy, decisions on
major transactions and risk management process
8
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-24 Embedding policy
commitments
IFRS S2.6(a)(iv)
ESRS 2 GOV-2 26 c
Disclosure of list of material impacts, risks and
opportunities addressed by administrative, management
and supervisory bodies or their relevant committees
8
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29
AR 7
Incentive schemes and remuneration policies linked to
sustainability matters for members of administrative,
management and supervisory bodies exist
8–9
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29 a
Description of key characteristics of incentive schemes
8–9
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-19 Remuneration policies
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29 b
Description of specific sustainability-related targets and
(or) impacts used to assess performance of members of
administrative, management and supervisory bodies
8–9
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-19 Remuneration policies
IFRS S1.21(b)
IFRS S2.29(g)(i)
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29 c
Disclosure of how sustainability-related performance
metrics are considered as performance benchmarks or
included in remuneration policies
8–9
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-19 Remuneration policies
IFRS S1.21(b)
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29 d
Percentage of variable remuneration dependent on
sustainability-related targets and (or) impacts
9
ESRS 2 GOV-3 29 e
Description of level in undertaking at which terms of
incentive schemes are approved and updated
9
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-20 Process to determine
remuneration
ESRS 2 GOV-4 30; 32
AR 8 - AR 10
Disclosure of mapping of information provided in
sustainability statement about due diligence process
10–11
ESRS 2 GOV-5 36 a
AR 11
Description of scope, main features and components of
risk management and internal control processes and
systems in relation to sustainability reporting
11
ESRS 2 GOV-5 36 b
AR 11
Description of risk assessment approach followed
11
ESRS 2 GOV-5 36 c
AR 11
Description of main risks identified and their mitigation
strategies
11
ESRS 2 GOV-5 36 d
AR 11
Description of how findings of risk assessment and
internal controls as regards sustainability reporting
process have been integrated into relevant internal
functions and processes
11
ESRS 2 GOV-5 36 e
AR 11
Description of periodic reporting of findings of risk
assessment and internal controls to administrative,
management and supervisory bodies
11
ESRS 2 SBM-1 40 a iii
AR 12-13
Total number of employees (head count)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
107
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
ESRS 2 SBM-1 40 a iii
AR 12-13
Number of employees (head count)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a
AR 16
Description of stakeholder engagement
12–14
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a i
AR 16
Description of key stakeholders
12–14
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a ii
AR 16
Description of categories of stakeholders for which
engagement occurs
12–14
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a iii
AR 16
Description of how stakeholder engagement is organized
12–14
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a iv
AR 16
Description of purpose of stakeholder engagement
12–14
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 a v
AR 16
Description of how outcome of stakeholder engagement is
taken into account
14
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 b
AR 16
Description of understanding of interests and views of key
stakeholders as they relate to undertaking's strategy and
business model
12–14
ESRS 2 SBM-2 45 d
Description of how administrative, management and
supervisory bodies are informed about views and interests
of affected stakeholders with regard to sustainability-
related impacts
14
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
ESRS 2 SBM-3 48 a
AR 17-18
Description of material impacts resulting from materiality
assessment
14–16
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-2 List of material topics
ESRS 2 SBM-3 48 a
AR 17-18
Description of material risks and opportunities resulting
from materiality assessment
14–16
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-2 List of material topics
IFRS S2.10(a)
IFRS S2.13(b)
ESRS 2 SBM-3 48 b
AR 18
Disclosure of current and anticipated effects of material
impacts, risks and opportunities on business model, value
chain, strategy and decision-making, and how undertaking
has responded or plans to respond to these effects
16
IFRS S2.13(a)
IFRS S2.14(a)
ESRS 2 SBM-3 48 c iv
AR 18
Description of nature of activities or business relationships
through which undertaking is involved with material
impacts
16
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: Management of material topics
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 a
Description of methodologies and assumptions applied in
process to identify impacts, risks and opportunities
16–18
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 b
Description of process to identify, assess, prioritize and
monitor potential and actual impacts on people and
environment, informed by due diligence process
16
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 b i
Description of how process focuses on specific activities,
business relationships, geographies or other factors that
give rise to heightened risk of adverse impacts
16
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 b ii
Description of how process considers impacts with which
undertaking is involved through own operations or as
result of business relationships
16
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-1 Process to determine
material topics
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 b iii
Description of how process includes consultation with
affected stakeholders to understand how they may be
impacted and with external experts
16
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-1 Process to determine
material topics
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 b iv
Description of how process prioritizes negative impacts
based on their relative severity and likelihood and positive
impacts based on their relative scale, scope and likelihood
and determines which sustainability matters are material
for reporting purposes
17
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-1 Process to determine
material topics
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 c
Description of process used to identify, assess, prioritize
and monitor risks and opportunities that have or may have
financial effects
17
IFRS S2.25(a)(v)
IFRS S2.25(b)
108
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 c i
Description of how connections of impacts and
dependencies with risks and opportunities that may arise
from those impacts and dependencies have been
considered
17
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 c ii
Description of how likelihood, magnitude, and nature of
effects of identified risks and opportunities have been
assessed
17
IFRS S2.25(a)(iii)
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 c iii
Description of how sustainability-related risks relative to
other types of risks have been prioritized
17
IFRS S2.25(a)(iv)
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 d
Description of decision-making process and related
internal control procedures
17
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-14 Role of the highest
governance body in sustainability reporting
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 e
Description of extent to which and how process to identify,
assess and manage impacts and risks is integrated into
overall risk management process and used to evaluate
overall risk profile and risk management processes
17
IFRS S2.25(a)(v)
IFRS S2.25(c)
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 f
Description of extent to which and how process to identify,
assess and manage opportunities is integrated into overall
management process
17
IFRS S2.25(c)
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 g
Description of input parameters used in process to
identify, assess and manage material impacts, risks and
opportunities
16
IFRS S2.25(a)(i)
ESRS 2 IRO-1 53 h
Description of how process to identify, assess and manage
impacts, risks and opportunities has changed compared to
prior reporting period
17
IFRS S2.25(a)(vi)
ESRS 2 IRO-2 56
Disclosure of list of data points that derive from other EU
legislation and information on their location in
sustainability statement
19
ESRS 2 IRO-2 56
AR 19
Disclosure of list of ESRS Disclosure Requirements
complied with in preparing sustainability statement
following outcome of materiality assessment
19
ESRS 2 IRO-2 59
Explanation of how material information to be disclosed in
relation to material impacts, risks and opportunities has
been determined
19
E1
E1-1
17
Date of adoption of transition plan for undertakings not
having adopted transition plan yet
24–25
E1
E1.SBM-3
18
Type of climate-related risk
25–26
GRI 201: Economic Performance 2016: 201-2 Financial
implications and other risks and opportunities due to
climate change
IFRS S2.10(b)
E1
E1.IRO-1
20 a, AR 9
AR 10
Description of process in relation to impacts on climate
change
26
IFRS S2.25(a)
E1
E1.IRO-1
20 b
AR 13-AR 14
Description of process in relation to climate-related
physical risks in own operations and along value chain
27
IFRS S2.25(a)
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 11 a
AR 13-AR 14
Climate-related hazards have been identified over short-,
medium- and long-term time horizons
27
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 11 a
AR 13-AR 14
Undertaking has screened whether assets and business
activities may be exposed to climate-related hazards
27
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 11 b
AR 13-AR 14
Short-, medium- and long-term time horizons have been
defined
27
IFRS S2.10(d)4
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 11 c
AR 13-AR 14
Extent to which assets and business activities may be
exposed and are sensitive to identified climate-related
hazards has been assessed
27
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 11 d
AR 13-AR 14
Identification of climate-related hazards and assessment
of exposure and sensitivity are informed by high emissions
climate scenarios
27
IFRS S2.22(b)(i)
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
109
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
E1
E1.IRO-1
21
AR 13-AR 14
Explanation of how climate-related scenario analysis has
been used to inform identification and assessment of
physical risks over short, medium and long-term
27
IFRS S2.22(b)(i)
IFRS S2.25(a)(ii)
E1
E1.IRO-1
20 c
AR 13-AR 14
Description of process in relation to climate-related
transition risks and opportunities in own operations and
along value chain
28
IFRS S2.25(b)
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 12 a
AR 13-AR 14
Transition events have been identified over short-,
medium- and long-term time horizons
28
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 12 a
AR 13-AR 14
Undertaking has screened whether assets and business
activities may be exposed to transition events
28
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 12 b
AR 13-AR 14
Extent to which assets and business activities may be
exposed and are sensitive to identified transition events
has been assessed
28
E1
E1.IRO-1
AR 12 c
AR 13-AR 14
Identification of transition events and assessment of
exposure has been informed by climate-related scenario
analysis
29
IFRS S2.22(b)(i)
E1
E1.IRO-1
21
AR 13-AR 14
Explanation of how climate-related scenario analysis has
been used to inform identification and assessment of
transition risks and opportunities over short, medium and
long-term
29
IFRS S2.22(b)(i)
IFRS S2.25(a)(ii)
E1
E1-2 25
AR 16-AR18
Sustainability matters addressed by policy for climate
change
29–30
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: GRI 3-3: Management of
material topics
E1
E1-3
29 a
Decarbonization lever type
32
E1
E1-3 29 b
Achieved GHG emission reductions
32
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-3 29 b
Expected GHG emission reductions
32
E1
E1-4
33
AR 27-AR 29
Disclosure of whether and how GHG emissions reduction
targets and (or) any other targets have been set to manage
material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities
30
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: GRI 3-3: Management of
material topics
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Absolute value of total Greenhouse gas emissions
reduction
30–31
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Percentage of total Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
(as of emissions of base year)
30–31
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Absolute value of Scope 1 Greenhouse gas emissions
reduction
30–31
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Percentage of Scope 1 Greenhouse gas emissions
reduction (as of emissions of base year)
30–31
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Absolute value of location-based Scope 2 Greenhouse gas
emissions reduction
30–31
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Percentage of location-based Scope 2 Greenhouse gas
emissions reduction (as of emissions of base year)
30–31
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Absolute value of market-based Scope 2 Greenhouse gas
emissions reduction
30–31
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Percentage of market-based Scope 2 Greenhouse gas
emissions reduction (as of emissions of base year)
30–31
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Absolute value of Scope 3 Greenhouse gas emissions
reduction
30–31
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5: Reduction of emissions
E1
E1-4
34 a + 34 b
Percentage of Scope 3 Greenhouse gas emissions
reduction (as of emissions of base year)
30–31
E1
E1-4
34 b
Explanation of how consistency of GHG emission reduction
targets with GHG inventory boundaries has been ensured
31
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
IFRS S2.36(a)
IFRS S2.36(b)
E1
E1-4
AR 25 a
Description of how it has been ensured that baseline value
is representative in terms of activities covered and
influences from external factors
32
110
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
E1
E1-4
AR 25 b
Description of how new baseline value affects new target,
its achievement and presentation of progress over time
32
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2)
GHG emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3)
GHG emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-5 Reduction of GHG
emissions
E1
E1-4 34 e, 16 a
AR 26
GHG emission reduction target is science based and
compatible with limiting global warming to one and half
degrees Celsius
30
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: GRI 3-3 Management of
material topics
IFRS S2.34(a)
IFRS S2.36(d)
E1
E1-4
34 f, 16 b
AR 30
Description of expected decarbonization levers and their
overall quantitative contributions to achieve GHG emission
reduction target
32
E1
E1-5 37 a
AR 33, AR 32
Total energy consumption from fossil sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 37 c
Total energy consumption from renewable sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 37 c i
Fuel consumption from renewable sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 37 c ii
Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat,
steam, and cooling from renewable sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 37 c iii
Consumption of self-generated non-fuel renewable energy
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 38 a
AR 33
Fuel consumption from coal and coal products
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 38 b
AR 33
Fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 38 c
AR 33
Fuel consumption from natural gas
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 38 d
AR 33
Fuel consumption from other fossil sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 38 e
AR 33
Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat,
steam, or cooling from fossil sources
33
GRI 302: Energy 2016: 302-1: Energy consumption within
the organisation
E1
E1-5 39
Non-renewable energy production
33
E1
E1-5 39
Renewable energy production
33
E1
E1-6 44
AR 39
Gross scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions - GHG
emissions per scope [table]
33–34
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2)
GHG emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3)
GHG emissions
IFRS S2.29(a)(i)
E1
E1-6
AR 46 d
Gross scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions - Scope 3 GHG
emissions (GHG Protocol) [table]
35–37
E1 E1-6 47
Disclosure of significant changes in definition of what
constitutes reporting undertaking and its value chain and
explanation of their effect on year-to-year comparability of
reported GHG emissions
34
IFRS S2.29(a)(iii)$
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
111
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
E1 E1-6 AR 39 b
Disclosure of methodologies, significant assumptions and
emissions factors used to calculate or measure GHG
emissions
35–37
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2)
GHG emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3)
GHG emissions
IFRS S2.B38-B57
IFRS S2.29(a)(iii)
E1 E1-6 AR 42 c
Disclosure of the effects of significant events and changes
in circumstances (relevant to its GHG emissions) that occur
between the reporting dates of the entities in its value
chain and the date of the undertaking’s general purpose
financial statements
37
IFRS S2.B19
E1 E1-6
AR 43 c
biogenic emissions of CO2 from the combustion or bio-
degradation of biomass not included in scope 1 GHG
emissions
35
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
E1 E1-6
AR 45 d
Disclosure of types of contractual instruments used for
sale and purchase of energy bundled with attributes about
energy generation or for unbundled energy attribute claims
35
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG
emissions
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2)
GHG emissions
IFRS S2.B31
E1 E1-6 AR 46 g
Percentage of GHG scope 3 calculated using primary data
37
E1 E1-6 AR 46 i
Disclosure of why scope 3 GHG emissions category has
been excluded
37
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3)
GHG emissions
E1 E1-6 AR 46 i
List of scope 3 GHG emissions categories included in
inventory
37
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3)
GHG emissions
IFRS S2.B32
E1 E1-6 AR 46 h
Disclosure of reporting boundaries considered and
calculation methods for estimating scope 3 GHG emissions
37
E1
E1-6
53
AR 53
GHG emissions intensity, location-based (total GHG
emissions per net revenue)
34
GRI 305: Emissions 2016: 305-4 GHG emissions intensity
E1
E1-9
AR 69 b
Disclosure of whether and how assessment of assets and
business activities considered to be at material physical
risk relies on or is part of process to determine material
physical risk and to determine climate scenarios
37–38
E3 E3.IRO-1 8 a
AR 1- AR 15
Disclosure of whether and how assets and activities have
been screened in order to identify actual and potential
water and marine resources-related impacts, risks and
opportunities in own operations and upstream and
downstream value chain and methodologies, assumptions
and tools used in screening [text block]
43
GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018: 303-1 Interactions with
water as a shared resource
E3 E3-1 12a
AR 16 -
AR 18
Disclosure of whether and how policy addresses water
management
43–44
E3 E3-1 12a i
AR 16 -
AR 18
Disclosure of whether and how policy addresses the use
and sourcing of water and marine resources in own
operations
43–44
E3 E3-1 12 c
AR 16 -
AR 18
Disclosure of whether and how policy addresses
commitment to reduce material water consumption in
areas at water risk
43–44
E3 E3-4 28 b
AR 28
Total water consumption in areas at water risk, including
areas of high-water stress
44
GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018: 303-5 Water
consumption
E3 E3-4 28 e
AR 29
Disclosure of contextual information regarding water
consumption
44
GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018: 303-5 Water
consumption
E3 E3-4 28 e
AR 29
Share of the measure obtained from direct measurement,
from sampling and extrapolation, or from best estimates
44
GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018: 303-5 Water
consumption
112
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
E5 E5-1 15a
Disclosure of whether and how policy addresses
transitioning away from use of virgin resources, including
relative increases in use of secondary (recycled) resources
40
E5 E5-1 15b
Disclosure of whether and how policy addresses
sustainable sourcing and use of renewable resources
40
E5 E5-3 24
AR 16
Disclosure of how target relates to resources (resource use
and circular economy)
41
E5 E5-3 24 b
Disclosure of how target relates to increase of circular
material use rate
41
E5 E5-3 24 c
AR 17
Disclosure of how target relates to minimization of primary
raw material
41
E5 E5-3 24 e
Target relates to waste management
41
E5 E5-3 24 e
Disclosure of how target relates to waste management
41
E5 E5-5 37 a
Total waste generated
41
GRI 306: Waste 2020: 306-3 Waste generated
E5 E5-5 37 b
AR 31
Waste diverted from disposal, breakdown by hazardous
and non-hazardous waste and treatment type
41
GRI 306: Waste 2020: 306-4 Waste diverted from disposal
E5 E5-5 37 c
AR 32
Waste directed to disposal, breakdown by hazardous and
non-hazardous waste and treatment type
41
GRI 306: Waste 2020: 306-5 Waste directed to disposal
E5 E5-5 37 d
Non-recycled waste
41
E5 E5-5 37 d
Percentage of non-recycled waste
41
E5 E5-5 39
Total amount of hazardous waste
41
GRI 306: Waste 2020: 306-3 Waste generated
S1 S1.SBM-3 14
AR 6 - AR7
All people in its own workforce who can be materially
impacted by undertaking are included in scope of
disclosure under ESRS 2
57
S1 S1.SBM-3 14 b
Material negative impacts occurrence (own workforce)
58
S1 S1.SBM-3 14 c
Description of activities that result in positive impacts and
types of employees and non-employees in its own
workforce that are positively affected or could be positively
affected
57
S1 S1.SBM-3 15
AR 8
Disclosure of whether and how understanding of people in
its own workforce with particular characteristics, working
in particular contexts, or undertaking particular activities
may be at greater risk of harm has been developed
63–64
S1 S1-1 20
Description of relevant human rights policy commitments
relevant to own workforce
59
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S1 S1-1 20a
Disclosure of general approach in relation to respect for
human rights including labor rights, of people in its own
workforce
59
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S1 S1-1 20b
Disclosure of general approach in relation to engagement
with people in its own workforce
59
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
S1 S1-1 20c
Disclosure of general approach in relation to measures to
provide and (or) enable remedy for human rights impacts
59
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S1 S1-1 21
AR 12
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments
59
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S1 S1-1 23
Workplace accident prevention policy or management
system is in place
59
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-1
Occupational health and safety management system
S1 S1-1 24a
Specific policies aimed at elimination of discrimination are
in place
60
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S1 S1-1 24b
AR 15 - AR 16
Grounds for discrimination are specifically covered in
policy
60
S1 S1-1 24c
Disclosure of specific policy commitments related to
inclusion and (or) positive action for people from groups at
particular risk of vulnerability in own workforce
60
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
113
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
S1 S1-2 28
Disclosure of steps taken to gain insight into perspectives
of people in its own workforce that may be particularly
vulnerable to impacts and (or) marginalized
60–62
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
S1 S1-3 32 b
AR 28
Disclosure of specific channels in place for its own
workforce to raise concerns or needs directly with
undertaking and have them addressed
62
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-2 Hazard
identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation
S1 S1-3 32 c
Grievance or complaints handling mechanisms related to
employee matters exist
62
S1 S1-3 32 d
Disclosure of processes through which undertaking
supports or requires availability of channels
62
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-26 Mechanisms for
seeking advice and raising concerns
S1 S1-4 38 a
AR 42
Description of action taken, planned or underway to
prevent or mitigate negative impacts on own workforce
62–64
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-9 Work-
related injuries
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-10 Work-
related ill health
S1 S1-4 38 d
AR 38 - AR 39
Description of how effectiveness of actions and initiatives
in delivering outcomes for own workforce is tracked and
assessed
64
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S1 S1-4 41
AR 37
Disclosure of whether and how it is ensured that own
practices do not cause or contribute to material negative
impacts on own workforce
61–62
S1 S1-6 50 a
AR 57
Number of employees (head count)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-6 50 a
AR 57
Average number of employees (head count)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-6 50 a
AR 57
Number of employees in countries with 50 or more
employees representing at least 10% of total number of
employees
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-6 50 a
AR 57
Average number of employees in countries with 50 or more
employees representing at least 10% of total number of
employees
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 Employees
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-6 50 c
AR 59
Number of employees who have left undertaking
65
GRI 401: Employment 2016: 401-1 New employee hires and
employee turnover
S1 S1-6 50 c
Percentage of employee turnover
65
GRI 401: Employment 2016: 401-1 New employee hires and
employee turnover
S1 S1-6 50 d
AR 60
Description of methodologies and assumptions used to
compile data (employees)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 employees
S1 S1-6 50 d i
Employees numbers are reported in head count or full-time
equivalent
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 employees
S1 S1-6 50 d ii
Employees numbers are reported at end of reporting
period/average/other methodology
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 employees
S1 S1-6 50 e
AR 58
Disclosure of contextual information necessary to
understand data (employees)
65
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-7 employees
S1 S1-6 50 f
Disclosure of cross-reference of information reported
under paragraph 50 (a) to most representative number in
financial statements
65
114
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
S1 S1-9 66a
Gender distribution in number of employees (head count)
at top management level
66
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-9 66 a
Gender distribution in percentage of employees at top
management level (this datapoint is the same as our
committed datapoint ‘proportion of women in senior
management roles’)
66
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-9 66 b
Distribution of employees (head count) under 30 years old
66
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-9 66 b
Distribution of employees (head count) between 30 and 50
years old
66
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-9 66 b
Distribution of employees (head count) over 50 years old
66
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity 2018: 405-1
Diversity of governance bodies and employees
S1 S1-9 AR 71
Disclosure of own definition of top management used
66
S1 S1-14 88 a
AR 80
Percentage of people in its own workforce who are covered
by health and safety management system based on legal
requirements and (or) recognized standards or guidelines
66
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-8
Workers covered by an occupational
health and safety management system
S1 S1-14 88 b
AR 82, AR 89 -
AR91
Number of fatalities in own workforce as result of work-
related injuries and work-related ill health
66
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-9 Work-
related injuries
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-10 Work-
related ill health
S1 S1-14 88 c
AR 89 - AR 91
Number of recordable work-related accidents for own
workforce
66
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-9 Work-
related injuries
S1 S1-14 88 c
AR 89 - AR 91
Rate of recordable work-related accidents for own
workforce
66
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-9 Work-
related injuries
S1 S1-14 88 d
Number of cases of recordable work-related ill health of
employees
66
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety 2018: 403-10 Work-
related ill health
S1 S1-14 88 e
AR 95
Number of days lost to work-related injuries and fatalities
from work-related accidents, work-related ill health and
fatalities from ill health related to employees
66
S1 S1-17 103 a
Number of incidents of discrimination and harassment
[table]
67
GRI 406: Non-discrimination 2016: 406-1 Incidents of
discrimination and corrective action taken
S1 S1-17 103 d
AR 103-AR 106
Disclosure of contextual information necessary to
understand data and how data has been compiled (work-
related grievances, incidents and complaints related to
social and human rights matters)
67
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-27 Compliance with laws
and regulations
S1 S1-17 104 a
AR 103-AR 106
No severe human rights incidents connected to own
workforce have occurred
67
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S2 S2.SBM-3 11 a
Description of types of value chain workers subject to
material impacts
68
S2 S2.SBM-3 11 d
Description of activities that result in positive impacts and
types of value chain workers
that are positively affected or
could be positively affected
69
S2 S2.SBM-3 11 e
Description of material risks and opportunities arising
from impacts and dependencies on
value chain workers
68
S2 S2-1 17
Description of relevant human rights policy commitments
relevant to value chain workers
69–71
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S2 S2-1 17a
Disclosure of general approach in relation to respect for
human rights relevant to value chain workers
70
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S2 S2-1 17b
Disclosure of general approach in relation to engagement
with value chain workers
69
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-29 Approach to
stakeholder engagement
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
115
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
S2 S2-1 17 c
Disclosure of general approach in relation to measures to
provide and (or) enable remedy for human rights impacts
69–70
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
S2 S2-1 18
Policies explicitly address trafficking in human beings,
forced labor or compulsory labor and child labour
70
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
GRI 408:Child labor 2016: 408-1 Operations and suppliers at
significant risk for incidents of child labor
GRI 409: Forced or compulsary labor 2016: 409-1
Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of
forced or compulsory labor
S2 S2-1 18
Undertaking has supplier code of conduct
70
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-24 Embedding policy
commitments
S2 S2-1 19
AR 14
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments
70
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S2 S2-1 19
Disclosure of extent and indication of nature of cases of
non-respect of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights, ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work or OECD Guidelines for Multinational
Enterprises that involve value chain workers
70
S2 S2-2 22
AR 20
Disclosure of whether and how perspectives of value chain
workers inform decisions or activities aimed at managing
actual and potential
impacts
71
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S2 S2-2 22 a
Engagement occurs with value chain workers or their
legitimate
representatives directly, or with credible proxies
71
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S2 S2-2 22 b
AR 18
Disclosure of stage at which engagement occurs, type of
engagement and frequency of engagement
71
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S2 S2-2 22 c
AR 17 - AR 18
Disclosure of function and most senior role within
undertaking that has operational responsibility for
ensuring that engagement happens and that results inform
undertakings approach
71
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S2 S2-3 27 b
AR 22
Disclosure of specific channels in place for value chain
workers to raise concerns or needs directly with
undertaking and have them addressed
72
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
S2 S2-3 27 c
Disclosure of processes through which undertaking
supports or requires availability of channels
72
S2 S2-3 27 d
AR 27
Disclosure of how issues raised and addressed are tracked
and monitored and how effectiveness of channels is
ensured
72
S3 S3.SBM-3 9 a)
AR 7
Description of types of affected communities subject to
material impacts
73
S3 S3.SBM-3 9 c
Description of activities that result in positive impacts and
types of affected communities that are positively affected
or could be positively affected
73
S3 S3.SBM-3 9 d
Description of material risks and opportunities arising
from impacts and dependencies on
affected communities
73
S3 S3-1 15
Disclosure of any particular policy provisions for
preventing and addressing impacts on indigenous peoples
74
S3 S3-1 16
Description of relevant human rights policy commitments
relevant to affected communities
74
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S3 S3-1 16 a
Disclosure of general approach in relation to respect for
human rights of communities, and indigenous peoples
specifically
74
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
116
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
S3 S3-1 17
AR 10
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments
70
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S3 S3-3 27 b
Disclosure of specific channels in place for affected
communities to raise concerns or needs directly with
undertaking and have them addressed
75
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
GRI 413: Local communities 2016: 413-1 Operations with
local community engagement, impact assessments, and
development programs
S3 S3-3 27 d
Disclosure of how issues raised and addressed are tracked
and monitored and how effectiveness of channels is
ensured
75
S4 S4.SBM-3 10 a
Description of types of consumers and end-users subject
to material impacts
76
S4 S4.SBM-3 10 c
Description of activities that result in positive impacts and
types of
consumers and end-users that are positively
affected or could be positively affected
76
S4 S4.SBM-3 10 d
Description of material risks and opportunities arising
from impacts and dependencies on
consumers and end-
users
76
S4 S4-1 16
Description of relevant human rights policy commitments
relevant to consumers and/or end-users
76
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S4 S4-1 16 a
Disclosure of general approach in relation to respect for
human rights of consumers and end-users
76
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23 Policy commitments
S4 S4-1 16 c
Disclosure of general approach in relation to measures to
provide and (or) enable remedy for human rights impacts
76
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
S4 S4-3 25 b
AR 19
Disclosure of specific channels in place for consumers and
end-users to raise concerns or needs directly with
undertaking and have them addressed
77
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
S4 S4-3 25 c
Disclosure of processes through which undertaking
supports or requires availability of channels
77
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-25 Processes to
remediate negative impacts
S4 S4-3 25 d
AR 24
Disclosure of how issues raised and addressed are tracked
and monitored and how effectiveness of channels is
ensured
77
G1 G1.GOV-1 5a
Disclosure of role of administrative, management and
supervisory bodies related to business conduct
79
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-12 Role of the highest
governance body in overseeing the management of
impacts
G1 G1.GOV-1 5 b
Disclosure of expertise of administrative, management and
supervisory bodies on business conduct matters
79
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-9 Governance structure
and composition
G1 G1-1 9
AR 1
Description of how the undertaking establishes, develops,
promotes and evaluates its corporate culture
79
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-16: Communication of
critical concerns
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-23, Policy commitments
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-24: Embedding policy
commitments
G1 G1-1 10a
Description of the mechanisms for identifying, reporting
and investigating concerns about unlawful behavior or
behavior in contradiction of its code of conduct or similar
internal rules
83
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-26 Mechanisms for
seeking advice and raising concerns
G1 G1-1 10 e
Undertaking is committed to investigate business conduct
incidents promptly, independently and objectively
83
G1 G1-1 10 g
Information about policy for training within organization
on business conduct
83
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-24 Embedding policy
commitments
G1 G1-2 15 a
AR 2 - AR 3
Description of approaches in regard to relationships with
suppliers, taking account risks related to supply chain and
impacts on sustainability matters
84
GRI 3: Material topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
117
ESRS reference
Related AR
Name
Location
GRI
1
ISSB
2
G1 G1-2 15 b
AR 2 - AR 3
Disclosure of whether and how social and environmental
criteria are taken into account for selection of supply-side
contractual partners
84–87
GRI 308: Supplier Environmental Assessment 2016: 308-1
New suppliers that were screened using environmental
criteria
GRI 414:Supplier Social Assessment 2016: 414-1 New
suppliers that were screened using social criteria
G1 G1-3 18 a
AR 5 - AR 6
Information about procedures in place to prevent, detect,
and address allegations or incidents of corruption or
bribery
88
GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021: 2-26 Mechanisms for
seeking advice and raising concerns
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021: 3-3 Management of material
topics
G1 G1-3 20
Information about how policies are communicated to
those for whom they are relevant (prevention and
detection of corruption or bribery)
88–89
GRI 205: Anti-corruption 2016: 205-2 Communication and
training about anti-corruption policies and procedures
G1 G1-3 21 a
Information about nature, scope and depth of anti-
corruption or anti-bribery training programs offered or
required
89–91
1
Please note that we are using ESRS definitions and breakdowns whenever the definitions and breakdowns provided by GRI differed from the one required by ESRS
2
Please note that we are using ESRS definitions and breakdowns whenever the definitions and breakdowns provided by ISSB differed from the one required by ESRS
118
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
LIST OF DATAPOINTS IN CROSS-CUTTING AND TOPICAL
STANDARDS THAT DERIVE FROM OTHER EU LEGISLATION
Location
SFDR reference
Pillar 3 reference
Benchmark
Regulation
reference
EU Climate Law
reference
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 d
Percentage of members of administrative, management
and supervisory bodies by gender and other aspects of
diversity; Board's gender diversity ratio
6
ESRS 2 GOV-1 21 e
Percentage of independent board members
6
ESRS 2 GOV-4 30
Disclosure of mapping of information provided in
sustainability statement about due diligence process
10–11
E1-4 34
GHG emission reduction targets
31
E1-5 37
Energy consumption and mix, disaggregated by sources
33
E1-5 38
Energy consumption from fossil sources disaggregated
by sources (only high climate impact sectors)
33
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
119
Location
SFDR reference
Pillar 3 reference
Benchmark
Regulation
reference
EU Climate Law
reference
E1-6 44
Gross scopes 1, 2, 3 and total GHG emissions - GHG
emissions per scope [table]
34
E1-6 53-55
GHG emissions intensity, location-based (total GHG
emissions per net revenue)
34
E5-5 37 d
Non-recycled waste; Percentage of non-recycled waste
41
E5-5 39
Total amount of hazardous waste
41
S1-1 20
Description of relevant human rights policy
commitments relevant to own workforce
59
S1-1 21
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments
59
S1-1 23
Workplace accident prevention policy or management
system is in place
59
S1-3 32 c
Grievance or complaints handling mechanisms related to
employee matters exist
62
120
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Location
SFDR reference
Pillar 3 reference
Benchmark
Regulation
reference
EU Climate Law
reference
S1-14 88 b, c
Number of fatalities in own workforce as result of work-
related injuries and work-related ill health; Number of
recordable work-related accidents for own workforce.
66
S1-14 88 e
Number of days lost to work-related injuries and
fatalities from work-related accidents, work-related ill
health and fatalities from ill health related to employees
66
S1-17 103 a
Number of incidents of discrimination and harassment
[table]
67
S1-17 104 a
No severe human rights issues and incidents connected
to own workforce have occurred
67
S2-1 17
Description of relevant human rights policy
commitments relevant to value chain workers
69–71
S2-1 18
Policies explicitly address trafficking in human beings,
forced labor or compulsory labor and child labour;
Undertaking has supplier code of conduct
70
S2-1 19
Disclosure of extent and indication of nature of cases of
non-respect of the UN Guiding Principles on Business
and Human Rights, ILO Declaration on Fundamental
Principles
70
S2-1 19
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments.
70
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
121
Location
SFDR reference
Pillar 3 reference
Benchmark
Regulation
reference
EU Climate Law
reference
S3-1 16
Description of relevant human rights policy
commitments relevant to affected communities
74
S3-1 17
Disclosure of whether and how policies are aligned with
relevant internationally recognized instruments
70
S4-1 16
Description of relevant human rights policy
commitments relevant to consumers and/or end-users
76
122
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
GRI CONTENT INDEX
Statement of use
ABB Ltd
has reported the information cited in this GRI content index for the period
1 january 2024 to 31 December 2024 with
reference to the GRI Standards.
GRI 1 used
GRI 1: Foundation 2021
Applicable GRI Sector Standard(s)
Not applicable
GRI STANDARD
DISCLOSURE
LOCATION
All relevant standards
For GRI disclosures other than GRI 301: Materials 2016 and GRI 302: Energy 2016 (as
included below) refer to the ESRS Content Index, including GRI and ISSB
interoperability above
GRI 301: Materials 2016
301-1 Materials used by weight or volume
42
GRI 302: Energy 2016
302-3 Energy intensity
33
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
123
SASB - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Topic
Metric
Category
Unit of Measure
Code
ABB answer
Energy
Management
a.
Total Energy Consumed (Gigajoules)
Quantitative
Gigajoules (GJ)
RT-EE-130a.1
4650400.8
b.
Percentage Grid Electricity (%)
Percentage (%)
68%
c.
Percentage Renewable (%)
Percentage (%)
69%
Hazardous
Waste
Management
a.
Amount of hazardous waste generated,
percentage recycled (Metric tons, %)
Quantitative
Metric tons (t),
Percentage (%)
RT-EE-150a.1
6201, 60% (Increase due to warehouse clean-
ups in several sites for electronics)
b.
Number and aggregate quantity of reportable
spills, quantity recovered (Number, Kilograms)
Number, kilograms (kg)
RT-EE-150a.2
1 spill, 470 liters of oil, none recovered .
Product Safety
a.
Number of recalls issued, total units recalled
(Number)
Quantitative
Number
RT-EE-250a.1
a.
As of 2024, this number is not available on
an aggregated level at ABB.
b.
Total amount of monetary losses as a result of
legal proceedings associated with product safety
Presentation currency
RT-EE-250a.2
b. Not applicable. Due to NDA agreements
with third
parties, we are unable to disclose monetary
values
resulting from legal proceedings with these
third
parties.
Product
Lifecycle
Management
a.
Percentage of products by revenue that contain
IEC 62474 declarable substances (% by revenue)
Quantitative
Percentage (%) by revenue
RT-EE-410a.1
As of 2024, we are unable to respond to this
question. Please refer to the section
“Circularity” in the
Sustainability Statement.
b.
Percentage of eligible products, by revenue,
certified to an energy efficiency certification (%
by revenue)
Percentage (%) by revenue
RT-EE-410a.2
Only applicable to North America products. All
ABB
products are included in point c.
c.
Revenue from renewable energy related and
energy efficiency related products (Reporting
currency)
Presentation currency
RT-EE-410a.3
Using the EU taxonomy as reference: In 2024,
ABB
reached a 0% Taxonomy-aligned revenue
under the
Climate Change Mitigation environmental
objective that covers partially this
requirement. For further details please refer
to ABB's EU Taxonomy disclosures in the
Sustainability Statement.
124
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
Topic
Metric
Category
Unit of Measure
Code
ABB answer
Materials
sourcing
a.
Description of the management risks associated
with the use of critical materials (Discussion &
Analysis)
Discussion and Analysis
n.a.
RT-EE-440a.1
Please refer to the sections “Circularity” and
“Responsible sourcing” in the Sustainability
Statement.
Business ethics
Description of policies and practices for prevention
of:
a.
Corruption and bribery and anti-competitive
behavior (Discussion & Analysis)
Discussion and Analysis
n.a.
RT-EE-510a.1
Please refer to the section “Integrity and
transparency” in the Sustainability Statement.
b.
Total amount of monetary losses as a result of
legal proceedings associated with bribery or
corruption (Reporting currency);
Quantitative
Presentation currency
RT-EE-510a.2
b. Immaterial amount associated with the
resolution in Germany of the legacy Kusile
enforcement matter.
c.
Total amount of monetary losses as a result of
legal proceedings associated with anti-
competitive behavior regulations (Reporting
currency)
Quantitative
Presentation currency
RT-EE-510a.3
Activity
Metrics
a.
Number of units produced (Production should be
disclosed as number of units produced by
product category, where relevant product
categories include energy generation, energy
delivery, and lighting and indoor climate control
electronics.)
Quantitative
Number
RT-EE-000.A
Please refer to the section “Analysis of results
of operations” in the Financial Report 2024.
b.
Number of Employees
Number
RT-EE-000.B
112769
125
Independent
limited
assurance
report
on
selected
sustainability
information
in ABB
Ltd’s
Sustainability
Statement
2024
To the
Board of
Directors
of
ABB
Ltd, Zurich
We have undertaken a limited assurance engagement on the following selected sustainability information, which
are
marked
as
“assured”,
in
the Sustainability Statement
of
ABB
Ltd
and
its subsidiaries
(herein
after
“ABB”) for
the
year
ended
December
31, 2024 (hereinafter “Sustainability Information”):
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
related KPIs
301-1
Materials
used by weight and
volume
(Metals
used)
302-1
Total
energy consumption
302-3 Total
energy intensity
Disclosures on
the process
of
the Double
Materiality Assessment
(DMA) carried
out by ABB
European Sustainability
Reporting Standards
(ESRS)
related
disclosures
Energy consumption from fossil
sources
(ESRS E1-5
37a)
Energy consumption from renewable sources (ESRS E1-5 37c)
Gross Scopes 1,2,3
and
Total GHG
emissions
(ESRS E1-6 44)
GHG emission
intensity,
location
& market based (ESRS E1-6 53)
Avoided Emissions
The
2024
value
of
the
avoided
emissions
ambition
reported
in
the
ABB
sustainability
targets
table
on
page 31
of
the Sustainability Statement.
ABB sustainability targets
The
2024 status
for the
ABB
sustainability 2030
targets,
within
the
tables presented
on pages
31
,
41,
58, 73,
85, 87,
and 88
of
the Sustainability Statement.
Non-financial
disclosures
Non-financial disclosures
in accordance with article 964b of the Swiss Code of
Obligation (CO),
as included
in
the index
table on page
102 and
103 of
the
Sustainability Statement.
Disclosures
in
the
subsection 'EU Taxonomy: Disclosures for
Financial Year
2024’ on pages
46
to 55
and
the
subsection
‘EU Taxonomy: 2024 Tables’ on pages
91 to
101 of
the Sustainability Statement
Our
Limited
Assurance
Conclusion
Based on the procedures we have performed as described under the
‘Summary of
the work
we performed as the
basis for our assurance conclusion’
and
the evidence we have obtained, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us
to believe that the
Sustainability Information is not
prepared, in all
material respects,
in accordance with
the Sustainability Reporting Criteria, as defined below.
Our assurance
engagement and our
conclusion do not extend to information in respect
of
earlier periods or to any
other information included in the Sustainability Statement or within the ABB Annual Reporting Suite (consisting of
the Integrated Report, the Financial Report, the Corporate Governance Report, and the Compensation Report) or
any other information linked to from the Sustainability Information or from the Sustainability Statement, including
any images,
audio
files or
embedded videos.
126
Understanding how ABB has Prepared
the Sustainability
Information
ABB prepared
the Sustainability Information
using
the following
criteria
(hereinafter
referred
to as the
"Sustainability
Reporting Criteria”):
For GRI related KPIs
-
GRI Standards;
-
For the
DMA-
ESRS 2-
I
RO1;
For ESRS related
disclosures
-
ESRS standards;
For avoided emissions
-
internally developed criteria and methodology based on Guidance on Avoided
Emissions,
issued by the World Business Council
for Sustainable
Development
(WBCSD),
as included
on
pages 36 to 37 of the Sustainability Statement;
For ABB sustainability
targets
-
ESRS Standards
for Emission
reduction
targets,
GRI Standards
for Waste
to landfill and Zero harm targets; ABB self-developed criteria for the remaining of the ABB sustainability
targets,
as included on pages 58, 73, 85, 87 and 88 of the Sustainability Statement;
For the non-financial disclosures referenced in the index table on page 102 and 103 of the Sustainability
Statement
-
article 964b of the Swiss Code of Obligation;
For EU-Taxonomy disclosures
-
Article
8
of
Regulation
(EU) 2020/852
of the European
Parliament
and of
the Council
of
1
8
June 2020 on establishing
a
framework
to facilitate
sustainable
investment
and amending
Regulation (EU) 2019/2088
Consequently, the Sustainability Information needs to be read and understood together with the Sustainability
Reporting Criteria, including the self-developed criteria. We believe that these criteria are
a
suitable basis for our
limited assurance
engagement.
Inherent
Limitations in Preparing
the Sustainability Information
Due to the inherent limitations of any internal control structure, it is possible that errors or irregularities may occur
in disclosures of the Sustainability Information and not be detected. Our engagement is not designed
to detect all
internal control weaknesses in the preparation of the Sustainability Information because
the engagement was not
performed
on
a
continuous
basis throughout the period
and the limited
assurance
procedures
performed were on
a
test basis.
The calculation
of avoided emissions
described on pages 36 to 37 of the Sustainability Statement
includes several
inherently judgmental assumptions derived from internal ABB sources and analyses and external data for
comparison purposes is limited or not available. In time, as the external guidance in the sector evolves and data
precision improves, the determination of avoided
emissions will be subject to less judgement and less estimation
uncertainty.
ABB’s Responsibilities
The Board of
Directors
of ABB is responsible for:
Selecting or establishing suitable criteria for preparing the Sustainability Information, taking into account
applicable
law and regulations
related
to reporting
the Sustainability Information;
The preparation of the Sustainability
Information
in accordance
with the Sustainability
Reporting Criteria;
Designing, implementing and maintaining internal control over information relevant to the preparation of the
Sustainability
Information that is free from material
misstatement,
whether
due to fraud or error.
127
Our Responsibilities
We
are responsible for:
Planning and performing the engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the Sustainability
Information is
free from
material
misstatement, whether
due
to
fraud or error;
Forming
an
independent
conclusion,
based
on the
procedures we
have
performed
and
the
evidence
we
have
obtained;
and
Reporting our
independent conclusion
to
the Board of
Directors of
ABB.
As we
are engaged to form an independent conclusion
on the Sustainability Information as prepared by the Board
of
Directors,
we
are
not
permitted
to
be
involved
in
the
preparation
of
the Sustainability
Information
as
doing
so
may
compromise our
independence.
Professional
Standards
Applied
We performed a limited assurance engagement in accordance with International Standard on Assurance
Engagements 3000 (Revised)
Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial
Information,
issued
by
the International Auditing
and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).
Our Independence and Quality
Control
We have complied with the independence and other ethical requirements of the
International Code of
Ethics for
Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards)
issued by the International Ethics
Standards
Board
for
Accountants
(IESBA
Code),
which
is
founded
on
fundamental
principles
of
integrity,
objectivity,
professional
competence and
due care,
confidentiality,
and professional
behavior.
Our
firm
applies
International
Standard
on
Quality
Management
1,
which
requires
the
firm
to
design,
implement
and
operate a system of quality management including policies or procedures regarding compliance with ethical
requirements,
professional standards and
applicable
legal and regulatory requirements.
Our work was carried out by an independent and multidisciplinary team including assurance practitioners and
sustainability experts. We
remain solely responsible for
our
assurance
conclusion.
Summary of
the Work we Performed as the Basis for our Assurance Conclusion
We are required to plan and perform our work to address the areas where we have identified that a material
misstatement of the Sustainability Information is likely to arise. The procedures we performed were based on our
professional
judgment. Carrying out our limited assurance engagement on the Sustainability Information included,
among others:
Assessing the design and implementation of systems, processes and internal controls for determining,
processing
and monitoring sustainability performance
data,
including
the
consolidation
of
data;
obtaining
an
understanding of
ABBs process
to
identify material information for
reporting;
Obtaining an understanding of the ABB’s process to identify taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned
economic activities and
the corresponding
disclosures in
the Sustainability Statement.
Inquiring of
employees responsible for the determination and consolidation as well as the implementation
of
internal
control
procedures regarding
the selected
disclosures;
Inspecting selected internal and external documents to determine whether quantitative and qualitative
information
is
supported
by sufficient evidence
and presented in an accurate and
balanced
manner;
Assessing
the
data
collection,
validation
and
reporting
processes
as well
as the
reliability
of
the
reported
data
on
a test basis
and
through
testing of
selected
calculations;
128
Analytically assessing
the data and trends of the quantitative
disclosures included
in the scope of the limited
assurance
engagement;
With respect to the avoided emissions calculated by ABB, reviewing the internally developed methodology
based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) guidance, inquired
management about the assumptions applied and the sources behind them and reviewed whether the
calculation was performed
in line with the methodology;
Checking
that the Sustainability
Statement
contains
the information
required
by article
964b para.
1
and 2 CO
to understand the business
performance,
the business
results, the state of the undertaking
and the effects
of
its activity on environmental
matters, social matters,
employee-related matters, respect for human rights and
combating bribery and corruption, as well disclosures on environmental matters as required by article 964b
para.
2
CO to contain the information
laid out in the Ordinance
on Climate
Disclosures;
Assessing of the consistency
of the disclosures
applicable
to ABB with the other disclosures
and key figures
and of the overall
presentation
of the disclosures
through
critical
reading of the Sustainability Statement.
The procedures
performed
in
a
limited
assurance
engagement
vary in nature
and timing from, and are less in extent
than
for,
a
reasonable
assurance
engagement.
Consequently,
the level
of
assurance
obtained
in
a
limited
assurance
engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been obtained had we performed
a
reasonable
assurance
engagement.
KPMG AG
Achim Wolper
Licensed
Audit Expert
Mohamad
Midani
Zurich,
Switzerland
February 26, 2025
©
2025 KPMG
AG,
a
Swiss
corporation,
is a
group
company
of
KPMG
Holding LLP, which
is
a member firm of
the
KPMG global organization
of
independent
member
firms affiliated
with
KPMG
International
Limited,
a
private
English company limited
by
guarantee. All rights reserved.
QZp27
EXPERTsuiosc-zc'ffiz
clco Urccmcl'rron
ABB SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT 2024
129
DEFINITIONS
Greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions refer to all emissions that have a warming effect
on the earth’s surface by trapping heat in the atmosphere. The Greenhouse Gas
Protocol, which sets global standards to measure and manage GHG emissions,
covers seven GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO
2
), methane (CH
4
), nitrous oxide (N
2
O), as well
as gases used in industry, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), per-fluorocarbons
(PCFs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6
). and nitrogen trifluoride (NF
3
). CO
2
, CH
4
, and N
2
O are
released during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or natural gas. At
ABB, we use the metric ton of CO
2
- equivalent (CO
2
e) to calculate our GHG emissions
and to measure progress toward our emissions reduction targets.
Scope 1 GHG emissions
Direct emissions from company-owned and controlled resources, for example,
emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles.
Scope 2 GHG emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (electricity, steam, heat,
cooling) from an utility provider.
Scope 3 GHG emissions
All other indirect emissions not included in scope 2 that occur in the value chain,
both upstream and downstream. According to the GHG protocol, scope 3 emissions
are separated into 15 categories and include, for example, purchased goods and
services, business travel and commuting, and use of sold products.
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
The SBTi is a global collaboration that enables businesses to set ambitious
emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. It independently
assesses and approves companies’ targets based on strict criteria.
04
Chairman’s Letter
06
Summary of our corporate governance approach
07
Board of Directors
13
Executive Committee
16
Shares
19
Shareholders
22
Independent external auditors
24
Other governance information
25
Information policy
4
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,
The past year was one of change but also of
continuity. Morten Wierod succeeded Björn
Rosengren as CEO and two of our division presidents,
Giampiero Frisio and Brandon Spencer, were
promoted to the Executive Committee (EC) to head
our Electrification and Motion business areas. We also
welcomed Mathias Gaertner as our new General
Counsel and Company Secretary. What continued was
the strong financial performance of our businesses
and our successful ABB Way operating model, which
Morten and his EC colleagues played an important
role in implementing and which we will continue to
follow.
Beyond ABB, the US elections signaled a different
agenda for the world’s largest economy. But the
challenges facing society, such as geopolitical
instability, climate change and shrinking workforces,
remain much the same. Despite the uncertainties,
what makes me optimistic is the impressive and
accelerating technological advances that we are
seeing, especially in artificial intelligence, and what
ABB can offer in this field.
Today, ABB’s employees around the world are
working with generative AI tools and we have more
than 250 AI projects underway across the company. In
2024, we launched many new AI-powered solutions,
from vision technology for robots to energy
management software for industries and data
centers. Our Electrification business is doing
particularly well thanks to its strong position as a
supplier of power technologies to data centers, which
are expanding at a rapid rate to manage the demands
of AI. In short, ABB is both enabling AI as well as using
it to help industries become more efficient,
productive and sustainable.
Fully committed to our Sustainability Agenda
With most of our divisions having achieved their
profitability targets, Morten and his team now have a
mandate to drive profitable growth and achieve our
ambitious sustainability targets. Some companies
may have pulled back on their sustainability
commitments, but ABB is not one of them. We remain
firmly committed to our Sustainability Agenda that
we announced in 2023.
This year, we published ABB’s first Sustainability
Statement with reference to the European
Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This is in
preparation for the mandatory reporting
requirements of the European Union’s Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting
from financial year 2025. The CSRD increases
companies’ reporting obligations concerning the
impact of their activities on society and the
environment.
Being responsible for sustainability governance, the
Board reviews and approves ABB’s Sustainability
Agenda and related targets, monitors progress and
ensures that ABB’s executive compensation policies
are appropriately aligned to the Sustainability
Agenda. Our Finance, Audit and Compliance
Committee (FACC) is responsible for the integrity of
ABB’s sustainability-related reporting. Our business
areas and divisions are fully accountable for their
sustainability performance.
Enhanced anti-bribery and anti-corruption controls
In 2024, we continued to enhance our anti-bribery and
anti-corruption controls in line with a three-year
Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the
United States Department of Justice and Securities
and Exchange Commission. We are now in the third
and final year of the DPA and will continue to self-
report on enhancements to our integrity program to
ensure that our controls, processes and culture serve
as effective deterrents to bribery and corruption, and
support transparent and sustainable business
practices. The Board of Directors is responsible for
overseeing compliance with the requirements of the
DPA.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
5
Board composition
In 2024, we welcomed two new members to the Board
of Directors, Johan Forssell and Mats Rahmström,
both of whom bring valuable industry experience to
the Board. At our annual general meeting in March, we
will be proposing a new Board member for election.
We look forward to introducing Claudia Nemat, who is
a member of the management board of Deutsche
Telekom, responsible for technology and innovation,
including networks, IT, products, as well as
information and cyber security. She has previous
board experience at Lanxess and Airbus. With her
focus on digital and the impact of new technologies
like artificial intelligence, Claudia will perfectly
complement the competencies of our Board.
We will also be saying goodbye to Lars Förberg, who
has decided not to stand for re-election in 2025. On
behalf of ABB and our entire Board of Directors, I
would like to thank Lars for his outstanding
contribution to ABB’s successful transformation over
the past years. I wish him all the best for his future
endeavors.
With these changes, our Board of Directors has a wide
diversity of industry knowledge, skills and experience
as well as a more equal gender balance.
Board assessment
Every year, the Board conducts an internal
assessment in which each member assesses the
Board’s composition, processes, culture and
relationship with executive management, as well as
its responsibilities, performance and the role of the
Chairman. This year’s assessment concluded that the
succession process for the new CEO was very well
structured and inclusive. It also found that our two
new Board members had been successfully
integrated, contributed valuable experience to the
Board, and that collaboration was at a very high level.
We had planned to substitute our internal
assessment with an external review. However, in light
of all the changes to the Board and Executive
Committee, we decided to postpone an external
review until 2025. I look forward to communicating its
findings in next year’s report.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to
thank you for your trust and support.
Peter Voser
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Zurich, February 26, 2025
6
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
SUMMARY OF CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE APPROACH
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
ABB is committed to the highest international standards of corporate governance, and this is reinforced in its
structure, processes and rules as outlined in this report. In line with this, ABB complies with the general
principles as set forth in the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance, as well as those of the
capital markets where its shares are listed and traded. In addition to the provisions of the Swiss Code of
Obligations, ABB’s key principles and rules on corporate governance are laid down in ABB’s Articles of
Incorporation, the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules (which include the governance rules of ABB’s Board
committees and the ABB Ltd Related Party Transaction Policy, which defines the criteria to determine the
independence of the members of ABB Ltd’s Board of Directors), and the ABB Code of Conduct. These documents
are available on ABB’s website at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance. It is the duty of ABB’s
Board of Directors (the Board) to review and amend or propose amendments to those documents from time to
time to reflect the most recent developments and practices, as well as to ensure compliance with applicable laws
and regulations.
Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Chairman of the Board or the independent
directors by writing to ABB Ltd (Attn: Chairman of the Board/independent directors), at Affolternstrasse 44, CH-
8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE AND BOARD AND EC COMPENSATION
Information about ABB’s compensation governance as well as Board and Executive Committee (the EC)
compensation and shareholdings is provided in the Compensation Report 2024.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
7
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES (2024–2025 BOARD TERM)
Board of Directors
Chairman:
Peter R. Voser
David Constable
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
Frederico Fleury Curado
Geraldine Matchett
Lars Förberg
David Meline
Johan Forssell
Mats Rahmström
Denise C. Johnson
Finance, Audit and Compliance
Committee
Governance and Nomination
Committee
Compensation
Committee
David Meline (chairman)
Peter R. Voser (chairman)
Frederico Fleury Curado (chairman)
Denise C. Johnson
Lars Förberg
David Constable
Geraldine Matchett
Johan Forssell
Jennifer Xin
Zhe Li
Mats Rahmström
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
BOARD GOVERNANCE
The Board
The Board defines the strategy and ultimate direction of the business of ABB and issues the necessary
instructions. It determines the organization of the ABB Group and appoints, supervises and removes the persons
entrusted with the executive management and representation of ABB. The internal organizational structure and
the definition of the areas of responsibility of the Board, as well as the information and control instruments
vis-à-vis the Executive Committee are set forth in the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules (available at
https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
The Board takes decisions as a whole, supported by its three committees: the Finance, Audit and Compliance
Committee (the FACC), the Governance and Nomination Committee (the GNC), and the Compensation
Committee (the CC). These committees assist the Board in its tasks and report regularly to the Board. The Board
and its committees meet regularly throughout the year.
The directors and officers of a Swiss corporation are bound, as specified in the Swiss Code of Obligations, to
perform their duties with all due care, to safeguard the interests of the corporation in good faith and to extend
equal treatment to shareholders in like circumstances. Prior to proposing new candidates for election to the
Board, checks are performed to ensure that they are independent and that there are no conflicts of interest.
The Swiss Code of Obligations does not specify what standard of due care is required of the directors of a
corporate board. However, it is generally held by Swiss legal scholars and jurisprudence that the directors must
have the requisite capability and skills to fulfill their function, and must devote the necessary time to the
discharge of their duties. Moreover, the directors must exercise all due care that a prudent and diligent director
would have taken in like circumstances. Finally, the directors are required to take actions in the best interests of
the corporation and may not take any actions that may be harmful to the corporation.
Although the Swiss Code of Obligations does not discuss specifically conflicts of interest for board members,
the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance) state
that Board members shall avoid entering into any situation in which their personal or financial interests may
conflict with the interests of ABB.
8
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
Chairman of the Board
The Chairman is elected by the shareholders to represent their interests in creating sustainable value through
effective governance. In addition, the Chairman (1) takes provisional decisions on behalf of the Board on urgent
matters where a regular Board decision cannot be obtained, (2) calls for Board meetings and sets the related
agendas, (3) interacts with the CEO and other EC members on a more frequent basis outside of Board meetings
and (4) represents the Board internally and in the public sphere.
Vice-Chairman of the Board
The Board may appoint a Vice-Chairman to handle the responsibilities of the Chairman if the Chairman is unable
to do so or would have a conflict of interest in doing so.
Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee
The FACC is responsible for overseeing (1) the integrity of ABB’s financial and sustainability-related statements,
(2) ABB’s compliance with legal, tax and regulatory requirements, (3) the external auditors’ qualifications and
independence, (4) the performance and role of ABB’s internal audit function and the performance of the external
auditors, (5) ABB’s capital structure, funding requirements and financial and risk policies, and (6) ABB’s
implementation and maintenance of an integrity program and internal controls designed to mitigate integrity
risk.
The FACC must comprise three or more independent directors who have a thorough understanding of finance,
accounting and auditing in a corporate environment. The Chairman of the Board and, upon invitation by the
committee’s chairman, the CEO or other members of the Executive Committee may participate in the committee
meetings, provided that any potential conflict of interest is avoided and confidentiality of the discussions is
maintained. In addition, the chief integrity officer, the head of internal audit and the external auditors participate
in the meetings as appropriate.
Governance and Nomination Committee
The GNC is responsible for (1) overseeing corporate governance practices within ABB, (2) overseeing ABB’s
Sustainability Agenda, (3) nominating candidates for the Board, the role of the CEO and other positions on the
Executive Committee, and (4) succession planning and employment matters relating to the Board and the
Executive Committee. The GNC is also responsible for maintaining an orientation program for new Board
members and an ongoing education program for existing Board members.
The GNC must comprise three or more independent directors. Upon invitation by the committee’s chairman, the
CEO or other members of the Executive Committee may participate in the committee meetings, provided that
any potential conflict of interest is avoided and confidentiality of the discussions is maintained.
Compensation Committee
The CC is responsible for compensation matters relating to the Board and the Executive Committee.
The CC must comprise three or more directors who are elected by the shareholders. The Chairman of the Board
and, upon invitation by the committee’s chairman, the CEO or other members of the Executive Committee may
participate in the committee meetings, provided that any potential conflict of interest is avoided and
confidentiality of the discussions is maintained.
BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Board composition
In proposing individuals for election, the Board seeks to align its composition, skills and experience with the
Company’s strategic needs, business portfolio, geographic reach and culture. The Board strives for diversity in all
aspects including gender, nationalities, ethnicity, and age. In addition, the tenure of the members of the Board
should be well
balanced. The Board also considers the number of other mandates of each Board member to
ensure that he/she will have sufficient time to dedicate to his/her role as an ABB Board member.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
9
Elections and term of office
The members of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Board as well as the members of the
Compensation Committee are elected by the shareholders at the general meeting of shareholders for a term of
office extending until completion of the next ordinary general meeting of shareholders. Members whose terms
of office have expired shall be immediately eligible for re
election. ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (available at
https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance) do not provide for the retirement of directors based on
their age. However, an age limit for members of the Board is set forth in the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance), although waivers are possible and subject to
Board discretion. If the office of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or any position on the Compensation
Committee becomes vacant during a Board term, the Board of Directors may appoint (shall appoint in the case
of the Chairman of the Board) another individual from among its members to that position for the remainder of
that term. The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than 7 and no more than 13 members.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD (2024–2025 BOARD TERM)
Board
Experience
Corporate
Officer
Experience
Other Business Experience
Global Experience
Country of Origin /
Nationality
Gender
Non-Executive
Independent
Board Member
ABB Board
Tenure (years)
Other Public
Board
Experience
CEO
CFO
Operations
Risk
Management
Sustainability
(1)
Digital /
Technology
Peter R. Voser
10
CH
M
Yes
Yes
David Constable
10
CA, US
M
Yes
Yes
Frederico Fleury
Curado
9
BR, PT
M
Yes
Yes
Lars Förberg
8
SE, CH
M
Yes
Yes
Johan Forssell
1
SE
M
Yes
Yes
Denise C. Johnson
2
US
F
Yes
Yes
Jennifer Xin
Zhe Li
7
CN, CA
F
Yes
Yes
Geraldine Matchett
7
CH, UK, FR
F
Yes
Yes
David Meline
9
US, CH
M
Yes
Yes
Mats Rahmström
1
SE
M
Yes
Yes
(1)
For more detailed information about the Board's sustainability-related experience, please see ABB’s Sustainability Statement 2024.
Peter R. Voser
has been a member and
Chairman of ABB’s Board of Directors
since April 2015. He was also ABB’s
Chief Executive Officer from April 2019
to February 2020. He is a member of
the board of directors of IBM Corporation (US). He is
also a member of the board of directors of Temasek
Holdings (Private) Limited (Singapore) as well as the
chairman of the board of PSA International Pte Ltd
(Singapore), one of its subsidiaries. In addition, he is
the chairman of the board of trustees of the St. Gallen
Foundation for International Studies. He was
previously the chief executive officer of Royal Dutch
Shell plc (The Netherlands). Mr. Voser was born in
1958 and is a Swiss citizen.
David Constable
has been a member of
ABB’s Board of Directors since April
2015. He is the chairman of the board
of directors and chief executive officer
of Fluor Corporation (US). He was
formerly president and chief executive officer as well
as a member of the board of directors of Sasol
Limited (South Africa). He joined Sasol after more
than 29 years with Fluor Corporation (US). Mr.
Constable was born in 1961 and is a Canadian and US
citizen.
Frederico Fleury Curado
has been a
member of ABB’s Board of Directors
since April 2016. He is a member of the
boards of directors of Transocean Ltd.
(Switzerland) and LATAM Airlines
Group S.A. (Chile). He was formerly the chief executive
officer of Ultrapar S.A. and Embraer S.A. (both Brazil).
Mr. Curado was born in 1961 and is a Brazilian and
Portuguese citizen.
10
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
Lars Förberg
has been a member of
ABB’s Board of Directors since April
2017. He is co
founder and managing
partner of Cevian Capital. Mr. Förberg
was born in 1965 and is a Swedish and
Swiss citizen.
Johan Forssell
has been a member of
ABB’s Board of Directors since March
2024. He is a member of the boards of
directors of Atlas Copco AB, Epiroc AB
(both Sweden) and Wärtsilä Oyj
(Finland). Through May 2024, he was a member of the
board of directors of EQT AB (Sweden) as well as
president and chief executive officer of Investor AB
(Sweden). Mr. Forssell was born in 1971 and is a
Swedish citizen.
Denise C. Johnson
has been a member
of ABB’s Board of Directors since
March 2023. She is a member of the
boards of directors of the US National
Mining Association, the National
Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of
Commerce (all US). Ms. Johnson is a group president
of Caterpillar Inc. (US), responsible for Resource
Industries. Before joining Caterpillar in 2011, she
worked for General Motors (GM) in different
managerial roles in the US and as president and
managing director of GM in Brazil. Ms. Johnson was
born in 1966 and is a US citizen.
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
has been a member
of ABB’s Board of Directors since
March 2018. She is
a member of the
boards of directors of SAP SE
(Germany) and Full Truck Alliance Co.
Ltd. (Cayman Islands/P.R.C.). Ms. Li is a founder and
general partner of Changcheng Investment Partners
(P.R.C.), a private investment fund. From 2008 to
2018, she served as chief financial officer of Baidu Inc.
(P.R.C.) and chief executive officer of Baidu Capital
(P.R.C.). Prior to that, Ms. Li spent 14 years with
General Motors, holding various senior finance
positions, including chief financial officer of GM China
and corporate controller for GMAC North American
Operations.
Ms. Li was born in 1967 and is a Canadian
citizen.
Geraldine Matchett
has been a
member of ABB’s Board of Directors
since March 2018. She is a member of
the boards of directors of Nestlé Ltd.
and Swiss Re Ltd (both Switzerland).
She is the chairperson of the Greenhouse Gas
Protocol (GHGP) steering committee. Ms. Matchett
was formerly the
co-chief executive officer and the
chief financial officer of DSM-Firmenich (Switzerland)
and, prior to the DSM-Firmenich merger, of DSM (The
Netherlands). She was previously the chief financial
officer of SGS Ltd (Switzerland). Prior to joining SGS
she worked as an auditor at Deloitte Ltd (Switzerland)
and KPMG LLP (UK). Ms. Matchett was born in 1972
and is a Swiss, British and French citizen.
David Meline
has been a member of
ABB’s Board of Directors since April
2016. He is a member of the boards of
directors of HP Inc. and (until January
30, 2025) of Pacific Biosciences of
California, Inc. (both US). From 2011 through 2022, he
held chief financial officer roles at Moderna Inc.,
Amgen Inc. and the 3M Company (all US). From 2008
through 2011 he was the corporate controller and
chief accounting officer of the 3M Company (US).
Prior to joining 3M, Mr. Meline worked for more than
20 years for the General Motors Company (US).
Mr. Meline was born in 1957 and is a US and Swiss
citizen.
Mats Rahmström
has been a member
of ABB’s Board of Directors since
March 2024. He is the chairman of the
board of directors of Piab AB (Sweden)
and a member of the boards of
directors of Wärtsilä Oyj (Finland), Investor AB,
Qvantum Industries AB and SMD Logistics AB (all
Sweden). Through April 2024, he was president and
chief executive officer of Atlas Copco AB (Sweden), a
position which he had held since 2017 after many
years in management roles at this company.
Mr. Rahmström was born in 1965 and is a Swedish
citizen.
As of December 31, 2024, none of the Board members held any official functions or political posts. Further
information on ABB’s Board members can be found on ABB’s website under the ABB Board of Directors link
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
The Board and its committees have regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year. These meetings are
supplemented by additional meetings (either in person or by conference call), as necessary. Board meetings are
convened by the Chairman or upon request by any other Board member or the CEO. Documentation covering the
various items of the agenda for each Board meeting is sent out in advance to each Board member in order to
allow each member time to study the covered matters prior to the meetings. Each Board meeting has a private
session without management or others being present. Decisions made at the Board meetings are recorded in
written minutes of the meetings. Some decisions are also taken by circular resolution.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
11
The table below shows the number of meetings held during 2024 by the Board and its committees, their average
duration, as well as the attendance of the individual Board members. The Board meetings shown include a
strategic retreat attended by the members of the Board and the EC.
2024 Board and Board Committee Meetings
Pre Annual General Meeting 2024
Post Annual General Meeting 2024
Board
Board
Meetings and attendance
Mtg.
Conf.
Call
FACC
GNC
CC
Mtg.
Conf.
Call
FACC
GNC
CC
Average duration (hours)
8
1.5
2.75
1.25
1.5
8
0.75
2.75
1.5
1.25
Number of meetings
1
1
2
2
2
4
1
5
2
5
Meetings attended:
Peter R. Voser
1
1
2
4
1
2
Jacob Wallenberg
(1)
1
1
2
Gunnar Brock
(1)
1
1
2
David Constable
1
1
2
4
1
5
Frederico Fleury Curado
1
1
2
4
1
5
Lars Förberg
1
1
2
4
1
2
Johan Forssell
(2)
4
1
2
Denise C. Johnson
1
1
2
4
1
5
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
1
1
2
1
4
1
2
5
Geraldine Matchett
1
1
2
4
1
5
David Meline
1
1
2
4
1
5
Mats Rahmström
(2)
4
1
5
(1)
Did not stand for re-election at ABB’s Annual General Meeting 2024.
(2)
Elected at ABB’s Annual General Meeting 2024.
MANDATES OF BOARD MEMBERS OUTSIDE THE ABB GROUP
No member of the Board may hold more than ten additional mandates, of which no more than four may be in
listed companies. Certain types of mandates, such as those in our subsidiaries, those in the same group of
companies and those in non
profit and charitable institutions, are not subject to those limits. Additional details
can be found in Article 38 of ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-
governance).
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ABB AND ITS BOARD MEMBERS
This section describes important business relationships between ABB and its Board members, or companies and
organizations represented by them.
Atlas Copco AB (Atlas Copco) is an important customer of ABB. ABB sells primarily motors and generators
through its Motion business to Atlas Copco. Johan Forssell is a member of the board of directors of Atlas Copco.
Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar) is an important customer of ABB. ABB sells primarily motors, generators and drives
through its Motion business to Caterpillar. Denise Johnson is a group president of Caterpillar.
Fluor Corporation (Fluor) is an important customer of ABB. ABB sells primarily electrical switchgears, control
systems and electrical solutions through its Electrification and Process Automation businesses to Fluor. David
Constable is the chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Fluor.
Wärtsilä Oyj (Wärtsilä) is an important customer of ABB. ABB sells primarily motors and generators as well as
integrated automation and electrical systems through its Motion and Process Automation businesses to
Wärtsilä. Johan Forssell and Mats Rahmström are members of the board of directors of Wärtsilä.
12
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
After reviewing the level of business with Atlas Copco, Caterpillar, Fluor and Wärtsilä, the Board has determined
that ABB’s business relationships with these companies are not unusual in their nature or conditions and do not
constitute material business relationships. As a result, the Board concluded that all members of the Board are
independent.
These determinations were made in accordance with ABB Ltd's Related Party Transaction Policy, which is
contained in the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-
governance).
INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS OF THE BOARD VIS-À-VIS THE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Information from the Executive Committee
In accordance with the ABB Board Governance Rules (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-
governance), the CEO reports regularly to the Board about ABB’s overall business and when circumstances
require on any extraordinary events that may arise. This includes:
reports on financial results (including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flows);
changes in key members of management;
information that may affect the supervisory or monitoring function of the Board (including on
matters of strategy and compliance); and
significant developments in legal matters.
At each Board meeting, Board members are briefed by the Chairman, CEO, CFO and other EC members on ABB’s
business performance and on material developments affecting ABB. Outside of Board meetings, Board members
generally channel any requests for information through the Chairman. Board members also obtain information
through offsite retreats with the Executive Committee and visits to ABB sites. In addition, Board members
obtain information through the Board committees in which they participate and which are also attended by
relevant EC members and management representatives from human resources, finance, legal and the business.
Internal Audit
ABB has an Internal Audit team that provides independent objective assurance and other services to help ensure
that ABB operates in accordance with applicable laws as well as internal policies and procedures. Internal Audit
reports to the FACC and to the CFO. The FACC reviews and approves the internal audit plan, and material
changes to the plan. Investigations of potential fraud and inappropriate business conduct are an integral part of
the internal audit process. Depending on circumstances, Internal Audit may act together with ABB’s Integrity
Investigations and Monitoring department, which is part of ABB’s Integrity function. Internal Audit reports on a
regular basis its main observations and recommendations to the relevant members of the EC and to the FACC as
appropriate.
Risk Management
ABB has an enterprise risk management program (ERM) in place which takes into account ABB’s size and
complexity. ERM provides the EC and the Board with a comprehensive and holistic view of the risks facing the
business. ERM involves managing the acceptance of risk to achieve the objectives of the business. The ERM
process is typically cyclical in nature, conveying the idea of continuous refinement of the risk management
approach in a dynamic business environment. Furthermore, ABB runs a mitigation process for the identified risks
that is key to the success of this process. ERM assessments are both top down and bottom up. They cover
strategic, financial, and operational risks, both current and long term. Key risks identified and managed in 2024
were those related to cyber security incidents, geopolitical instability, integrity behavior, intensified competition
as well as legal and regulatory changes. ERM results are reported to the FACC and the entire Board. This
information becomes part of the overall strategic and risk discussions by the Board to help create value for
stakeholders.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
13
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (AT DECEMBER 31,
2024)
Morten Wierod
Chief Executive Officer
CORPORATE OFFICERS
BUSINESS AREA PRESIDENTS
Timo Ihamuotila
Giampiero Frisio
Chief Financial Officer
Electrification
Carolina Granat
Peter Terwiesch
Chief Human Resources Officer
Process Automation
Mathias Gaertner
Brandon Spencer
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Motion
Karin Lepasoon
Sami Atiya
Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer
Robotics & Discrete Automation
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ORGANIZATION
The Board has delegated the executive management of ABB to the CEO. The CEO and, under his direction, the
other members of the Executive Committee are responsible for ABB’s overall business and affairs and day-to-day
management. The CEO reports to the Board regularly, and whenever extraordinary circumstances so require, on
the course of ABB’s business and financial performance and on all organizational and personnel matters,
transactions and other issues material to the Group. Each member of the Executive Committee is appointed and
discharged by the Board.
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (AT DECEMBER 31, 2024)
Morten Wierod
was appointed Chief
Executive Officer effective August 2024.
He was President of the Electrification
business area since April 2022 and has
been a member of the Executive
Committee since April 2019, when he was appointed
President of the Motion business area. From 2015 until
April 2019, he was the Managing Director of the Drives
business unit in the Robotics and Motion division.
During 2011 to 2015, Mr. Wierod was the Managing
Director of the Control Products business unit in the
Low Voltage Products division. Between 1998 to 2011,
he held various management roles with ABB.
Mr. Wierod was born in 1972 and is a Norwegian citizen.
Timo Ihamuotila
was appointed Chief
Financial Officer and member of the
Executive Committee effective April
2017. He is a member of the board of
directors of Kone Oyj (Finland). Through
April 2024, he was a member of the board of directors
of SoftwareONE Holding Ltd (Switzerland). From 2009
to 2016, Mr. Ihamuotila was chief financial officer and
an executive vice president of the Nokia Corporation
(Finland). From 1999 to 2009, he held various senior
roles with Nokia. Mr. Ihamuotila was born in 1966 and is
a Finnish citizen.
14
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
Carolina Granat
was appointed Chief
Human Resources Officer and member
of the Executive Committee effective
January 2021. She joined ABB in 2020 as
Head of People Development. From 2004
to 2020, Ms. Granat held various HR positions within
Sandvik AB (Sweden) and in her final 7 years at the
company had global responsibility for human resources
in its machining solutions business area. Prior to that,
she worked for 6 years at Boston Consulting Group
(Sweden) as HR manager for the Nordic region.
Ms. Granat was born in 1972 and is a Swedish citizen.
Mathias Gaertner
was appointed General
Counsel and member of the Executive
Committee effective November 2024. He
joined ABB from Holcim Ltd
(Switzerland), where he was head legal &
compliance and a member of its group executive
committee since 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Gaertner had
worked 10 years at Honeywell Building Technologies
(US), most recently as general counsel, as well as for a
number of international law firms. Mr. Gaertner was
born in 1973 and is a German citizen.
Karin Lepasoon
was appointed Chief
Communications and Sustainability
Officer and member of the Executive
Committee effective October 2022. She
joined ABB from Vattenfall AB (Sweden),
where she served as head of group communications
and public & regulatory affairs and member of the
company’s group executive management team. Prior to
that, Ms. Lepasoon also served as head of global
marketing and communications at SEB, director of
sustainability, communications and HR at Nordic
Capital, head of strategy and chief of staff at Skanska,
and held various other roles in the area of
communications. Ms. Lepasoon was born in 1968 and is
a Swedish citizen.
Peter Terwiesch
was appointed
President of the Process Automation
business area and member of the
Executive Committee effective January
2015 (Process Automation known as
Industrial Automation from 2017 until 2020). He is a
member of the board of directors of Hilti AG
(Liechtenstein). From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Terwiesch was
Head of ABB’s Central Europe region. He was ABB’s
Chief Technology Officer from 2005 to 2011. From 1994
to 2005, he held several positions with ABB.
Mr. Terwiesch was born in 1966 and is a German and
Swiss citizen.
Giampiero Frisio
was appointed
President of the Electrification business
area and member of the Executive
Committee effective August 2024. He is
a member of the board of directors of
ABB E-mobility Holding Ltd (Switzerland). Mr. Frisio held
a number of executive positions in ABB’s Electrification
business, including President of the Smart Power
division since 2021, Managing Director of the Smart
Power business unit from 2019 to 2021, and Managing
Director of the Protection and Connections business
unit from 2015 to 2018. During 2010 to 2015, Mr. Frisio
was the Managing Director of the Breakers and
Switches business unit in the Low Voltage Products
division. Between 2001 to 2010, he held various
management roles with ABB. Mr. Frisio was born in 1969
and is an Italian citizen.
Brandon Spencer
was appointed
President of the Motion business area
and member of the Executive
Committee effective August 2024. He
held a number of executive positions in
ABB’s Process Automation business (Process
Automation known as Industrial Automation from 2017
until 2020), including President of the Energy Industries
division since 2020, Managing Director of the Process
Industries business unit from 2018 to 2020 and
business unit manager North America from 2015 to
2018. Between 2006 and 2015, Mr. Spencer held several
management positions with ABB. Prior to joining ABB,
he held various roles at Siemens in the US from 2001 to
2006. Mr. Spencer was born in 1978 and is a US citizen.
Sami Atiya
was appointed President of
the Robotics & Discrete Automation
business area effective April 2019 and
has been a member of the Executive
Committee since June 2016. He is a
member of the board of directors of SGS Ltd
(Switzerland). He had previously been President of the
Robotics and Motion division since January 2017. From
June to December 2016 he was President of the
Discrete Automation and Motion division. Prior to
joining ABB, Mr. Atiya held senior roles at Siemens in
Germany from 1997 to 2015, including as chief
executive officer of the mobility and logistics division
in the infrastructure and cities sector from 2011.
Mr. Atiya was born in 1964 and is a German citizen.
Further information about the members of the Executive Committee can be found on ABB’s website under the
Executive Committee link (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
15
MANDATES OF EC MEMBERS OUTSIDE THE ABB GROUP
No member of the EC may hold more than five additional mandates, of which no more than one may be in a listed
company. Certain types of mandates, such as those in our subsidiaries, those in the same group of companies
and those in non
profit and charitable institutions, are not subject to those limits. Additional details can be
found in Article 38 of ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-
governance).
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ABB AND ITS EC MEMBERS
The Company has determined that there are no important business relationships between ABB and its EC
members, or companies and organizations represented by them. This determination was made in accordance
with ABB Ltd's Related Party Transaction Policy, which is contained in the ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
16
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
SHARES
SHARE CAPITAL OF ABB
At December 31, 2024, ABB’s ordinary share capital (including treasury shares) as registered with the commercial
register amounted to CHF 223,273,786.56, divided into 1,860,614,888 fully paid registered shares with a par value
of CHF 0.12 per share.
ABB Ltd’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange. Following the
delisting of its American Depositary Receipts (ADR) from the New York Stock Exchange and the conversion of its
ADR program into a sponsored Level I ADR program trading on the US over-the-counter market in 2023, ABB filed
on June 10, 2024, to voluntarily deregister and suspend SEC reporting obligations, which became effective 90
days after filing. At December 31, 2024, ABB Ltd had a market capitalization based on outstanding shares (total
number of outstanding shares: 1,838,192,288) of approximately CHF 90 billion (USD 100 billion, SEK 1,094 billion).
The only consolidated subsidiary in the ABB Group with listed shares is ABB India Limited, Bangalore, India, which
is listed on the BSE Ltd. (Bombay Stock Exchange) and the National Stock Exchange of India. At December 31,
2024, ABB Ltd, Switzerland, directly or indirectly owned 75 percent of ABB India Limited, Bangalore, India, which
at that time had a market capitalization of approximately INR 1,465 billion.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS (AT DECEMBER 31, 2024)
Stock exchange
Security
Ticker symbol
ISIN code
SIX Swiss Exchange
ABB Ltd, Zurich, share
ABBN
CH0012221716
SIX Swiss Exchange
ABB Ltd, Zurich, share buyback
(second trading line)
ABBNE
CH0357679619
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange
ABB Ltd, Zurich, share
ABB
CH0012221716
BSE Ltd. (Bombay Stock Exchange)
ABB India Limited, Bangalore, share
ABB
(1)
INE117A01022
National Stock Exchange of India
ABB India Limited, Bangalore, share
ABB
INE117A01022
(1)
Also called Scrip ID.
SHARE REPURCHASES AND CANCELLATION
Following the introduction of a capital band as approved by ABB’s shareholders at its Annual General Meeting
2023, the Board of Directors resolved to cancel 21,387,687 shares repurchased under ABB’s 2022/23 and 2023/24
share buyback programs. These shares were cancelled in June 2024, resulting in a reduced total number of issued
ABB Ltd shares of 1,860,614,888.
In April 2024, ABB launched a follow-up share buyback program of up to USD 1 billion. This new program is
consistent with ABB’s capital allocation principles and its capital structure optimization program targeting to
maintain a strong investment grade rating. Under that share buyback program, ABB repurchased a total of
14,957,384 shares as per December 31, 2024.
ABB intends to use the capital band (see “Capital band” below) again for cancellation of shares repurchased
under the share buyback program 2024.
Further information on ABB’s share buyback programs can be found at
https://global.abb/group/en/investors/investor-and-shareholder-resources/share-buybacks.
In addition, ABB repurchased a total of 5,112,500 shares as per December 31, 2024, primarily for use in connection
with employee share programs. Further information can be found at https://www.abb.com/investorrelations.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
17
CHANGES TO THE ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL
Except for the share cancellations described above and in ABB’s Corporate Governance Report 2023 and 2022,
there were no other changes to ABB’s ordinary share capital during 2024, 2023 and 2022.
CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND OPTIONS
ABB does not have any bonds outstanding that are convertible into ABB shares. For information about options
on shares issued by ABB, please refer to “Note 19 – Stockholders' equity” to ABB’s Consolidated Financial
Statements.
CONTINGENT SHARE CAPITAL
At December 31, 2024, ABB’s share capital may be increased by an amount not to exceed CHF 24,000,000
through the issuance of up to 200,000,000 fully paid registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.12 per share
through the exercise of conversion rights and/or warrants granted in connection with the issuance on national
or international capital markets of newly or already issued bonds or other financial market instruments. If this
contingent share capital were fully issued, this would increase the existing share capital by approximately
10.7 percent. The contingent share capital has not changed during the last three years.
At December 31, 2024, ABB’s share capital may be increased by an amount not to exceed CHF 1,200,000 through
the issuance of up to 10,000,000 fully paid registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.12 per share through the
exercise of warrant rights granted to its shareholders. If this contingent share capital were fully issued, this
would increase the existing share capital by approximately 0.5 percent. This contingent share capital has not
changed during the last three years. The Board may grant warrant rights not taken up by shareholders for other
purposes in the interest of ABB.
The pre
emptive rights of the shareholders are excluded in connection with the issuance of convertible or
warrant-bearing bonds or other financial market instruments or the grant of warrant rights. The then current
owners of conversion rights and/or warrants will be entitled to subscribe for new shares. The conditions of the
conversion rights and/or warrants will be determined by the Board.
The acquisition of shares through the exercise of warrants and each subsequent transfer of the shares will be
subject to the restrictions of ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (see “Limitations on transferability of shares and
nominee registration” in the Shareholders section below) (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-
governance).
In connection with the issuance of convertible or warrant-bearing bonds or other financial market instruments,
the Board is authorized to restrict or deny the advance subscription rights of shareholders if such bonds or other
financial market instruments are for the purpose of financing or refinancing the acquisition of an enterprise,
parts of an enterprise, participations or new investments or an issuance on national or international capital
markets. If the Board denies advance subscription rights, the convertible or warrant
bearing bonds or other
financial market instruments will be issued at the relevant market conditions and the new shares will be issued
pursuant to the relevant market conditions taking into account the share price and/or other comparable
instruments having a market price. Conversion rights may be exercised during a maximum ten
year period, and
warrants may be exercised during a maximum seven
year period, in each case from the date of the respective
issuance. The advance subscription rights of the shareholders may be granted indirectly.
At December 31, 2024, ABB’s share capital may be increased by an amount not to exceed CHF 11,284,656 through
the issuance of up to 94,038,800 fully paid shares with a par value of CHF 0.12 per share to employees. If this
contingent share capital were fully issued, this would increase the existing share capital by approximately 5.1
percent. This contingent share capital has not changed during the last three years. The pre
emptive and advance
subscription rights of ABB’s shareholders are excluded. The shares or rights to subscribe for shares will be
issued to employees pursuant to one or more regulations to be issued by the Board, taking into account
performance, functions, level of responsibility and profitability criteria. ABB may issue shares or subscription
rights to employees at a price lower than that quoted on a stock exchange. The acquisition of shares within the
context of employee share ownership and each subsequent transfer of the shares will be subject to the
restrictions of ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (see “Limitations on transferability of shares and nominee
registration” in the Shareholders section below).
18
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
CAPITAL BAND
At December 31, 2024, ABB had a capital band ranging from CHF 212,192,469 (lower limit) to CHF 259,346,349
(upper limit), i.e., from 90 percent to 110 percent of the share capital entered in the commercial register at the
time when the capital band was introduced in 2023.
Within this capital band, the Board of Directors is authorized to increase or reduce the share capital once or
several times until March 23, 2028, or until an earlier expiry of the capital band. In the event of a capital increase
within the capital band, the Board is authorized, to the extent necessary, to determine the date of issue of new
shares, the issue price, the type of contribution, the conditions for the exercise of pre
emptive rights and the
beginning date for dividend entitlement. In this regard, the Board may issue new shares by means of a firm
underwriting through a financial institution, a syndicate of financial institutions or another third party and a
subsequent offer of these shares to the existing shareholders or third parties (if the pre-emptive rights of the
existing shareholders have been withdrawn or have not been duly exercised). The Board is entitled to permit, to
restrict or to exclude the trade with pre-emptive rights. It may permit the expiration of pre
emptive rights that
have not been duly exercised, or it may place such rights or shares as to which pre
emptive rights have been
granted, but not duly exercised, at market conditions or may use them otherwise in the interest of the Company.
The Board is further authorized to restrict or deny the pre
emptive rights of shareholders and allocate such
rights to third parties if the shares are to be used (1) for the acquisition of an enterprise, parts of an enterprise,
or participations, or for new investments, or, in case of a share placement, for the financing or refinancing of
such transactions; or (2) for the purpose of broadening the shareholder constituency in connection with a listing
of shares on domestic or foreign stock exchanges. The subscription and the acquisition of the new shares, as
well as each subsequent transfer of the shares, will be subject to the restrictions of ABB’s Articles of
Incorporation (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
If ABB’s share capital increases as a result of an increase from ABB’s contingent capital, the upper and lower
limits of the capital band shall increase in an amount corresponding to such increase in the share capital.
In the event of a capital reduction within the capital band, the Board of Directors is authorized, to the extent
necessary, to determine the use of the reduction amount.
ABB used the capital band for cancellation of shares repurchased under its recent share buyback programs and
intends to use it again for cancellation of shares repurchased under the share buyback program 2024 (see “Share
repurchases and cancellation” above).
EXCLUSION OF PRE-EMPTIVE OR ADVANCE SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
Until March 23, 2028, or an earlier expiry of the capital band, the total number of newly issued shares which may
be issued with the restriction or withdrawal of (advance) subscription rights from (1) ABB’s contingent share
capital and from (2) ABB’s capital band in any event shall not exceed 196,474,500 shares, i.e., 10 percent of the
share capital entered in the commercial register at the time when the capital band was introduced in 2023.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
19
SHAREHOLDERS
SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE
At December 31, 2024, the total number of shareholders directly registered with ABB Ltd was approximately
86,000, and another 653,000 shareholders held shares indirectly through nominees. In total, as of that date, ABB
had approximately 739,000 shareholders.
SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS
Under the Swiss Financial Market Infrastructure Act, shareholders and groups of shareholders acting in concert
who directly or indirectly acquire or sell shares of a listed Swiss corporation or rights based thereon and thereby
reach, exceed or fall below the thresholds of 3 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, 25 percent,
33
1
/
3
percent, 50 percent or 66
2
/
3
percent of the voting rights of the corporation must notify the corporation and
the SIX Swiss Exchange of such holdings. Based on the disclosure notifications made to ABB and the SIX Swiss
Exchange, the following shareholders hold or control voting rights of 3 percent or more of ABB Ltd’s issued
shares. Except where indicated otherwise, the shareholdings described below are based on the notices provided
to ABB and the SIX Swiss Exchange and do not reflect any subsequent changes in shareholdings and share
capital and votes.
Investor AB, Sweden, disclosed to ABB and the SIX Swiss Exchange that as per November 9, 2015, it held
232,165,142 ABB Ltd shares, corresponding to 10.03 percent of the voting rights in ABB Ltd (refer to
https://www.ser-ag.com/en/resources/notifications-market-participants/significant-
shareholders.html#/shareholder-details/TBFBH00013)
.
In its latest quarterly financial report, Investor AB,
Sweden, disclosed that as per December 31, 2024, it held 265,385,142 ABB Ltd shares, corresponding to 14.3
percent of the voting rights in ABB Ltd.
UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG, Switzerland, disclosed to ABB and the SIX Swiss Exchange that as per
September 19, 2024, it held 93,047,279 ABB Ltd shares, corresponding to 5.001 percent of the voting rights in
ABB Ltd (refer to https://www.ser-ag.com/en/resources/notifications-market-participants/significant-
shareholders.html#/shareholder-details/ZA03-000000000P124).
BlackRock, Inc., U.S.A., disclosed to ABB and the SIX Swiss Exchange that as per June 1, 2023, it held 82,027,197
ABB Ltd shares, corresponding to 4.17 percent of the voting rights in ABB Ltd (refer to https://www.ser-
ag.com/en/resources/notifications-market-participants/significant-shareholders.html#/shareholder-
details/TAN62000B0).
At December 31, 2024, to the best of ABB’s knowledge, no other shareholder held 3 percent or more of ABB’s total
share capital and voting rights as registered in the commercial register on that date.
ABB Ltd has no cross shareholdings in excess of 5 percent of capital or voting rights with any other company.
Announcements related to disclosure notifications made by shareholders during 2024 can be found via the
search facility on the platform of the Disclosure Office of the SIX Swiss Exchange:
https://www.ser-
ag.com/en/resources/notifications-market-participants/significant-shareholders.html#/.
Under ABB’s Articles of Incorporation (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance), each
registered share represents one vote. Significant shareholders do not have different voting rights. To our
knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any government or by any other corporation
or person.
SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS
Shareholders have the right to receive dividends, to vote and to execute such other rights as granted under
Swiss law and the Articles of Incorporation (available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
20
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
Right to vote
ABB has one class of shares and each registered share carries one vote at the general meeting of shareholders.
Voting rights may be exercised only after a shareholder has been registered in the share register of ABB as a
shareholder with the right to vote, or with Euroclear Sweden AB (Euroclear), which maintains a subregister of the
share register of ABB.
A shareholder may be represented at the general meeting of shareholders by the independent proxy elected by
the shareholders (“Unabhängiger Stimmrechtsvertreter”), its legal representative or, by means of a written
proxy, any other proxy who need not be a shareholder. If the Company does not have an independent proxy, the
Board of Directors shall appoint the independent proxy for the next general meeting of shareholders. All shares
held by one shareholder may be represented by one representative only.
For practical reasons shareholders must be registered in the share register no later than 6 business days before
the general meeting of shareholders in order to be entitled to vote. Except for the cases described under
“Limitations on transferability of shares and nominee registration” below, there are no voting rights restrictions
limiting ABB’s shareholders’ rights.
Powers of General Meeting of Shareholders
The ordinary general meeting of shareholders must be held each year within 6 months after the close of the fiscal
year of the Company; the business report, the compensation report, the auditors’ reports, and the report on non-
financial matters shall be made available to the shareholders by no later than 20 days prior to the meeting.
The following powers shall be vested exclusively in the general meeting of shareholders:
Adoption and amendment of the Articles of Incorporation;
Election of the members of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the
members of the Compensation Committee, the auditors and the independent proxy;
Approval of the annual management report and consolidated financial statements;
Approval of the annual financial statements and decision on the allocation of profits shown on the
balance sheet, in particular with regard to dividends;
The determination of interim dividends and the approval of the interim financial statements
required for this purpose;
The resolution on the repayment of the statutory capital reserve;
Approval of the maximum compensation of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee
pursuant to Article 34 of the Articles of Incorporation;
Granting discharge to the members of the Board of Directors and the persons entrusted with
management;
The delisting of the Company’s equity securities;
The approval of the report on non-financial matters;
Passing resolutions as to all matters reserved to the authority of the general meeting of
shareholders by law or under the Articles of Incorporation or that are submitted to the general
meeting of shareholders by the Board of Directors, subject to Article 716a of the Swiss Code of
Obligations.
Resolutions and elections at General Meeting of Shareholders
Unless otherwise required by law or the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the general meeting of
shareholders shall pass resolutions and decide elections upon a majority of the votes represented.
One or more shareholders who, alone or together, hold at least 0.02 percent of the share capital or votes may
demand that an item be included on the agenda or that a proposal relating to an agenda item be included in the
notice convening the general meeting of shareholders. Such a request must be received by the Company in
writing at least 40 days prior to the meeting and shall specify the agenda items and the proposal or proposals
together with a brief statement of the reasons.
ABB’s Articles of Incorporation do not contain provisions on the convocation of the general meeting of
shareholders that differ from the applicable legal provisions.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
21
Shareholders’ dividend rights
The unconsolidated statutory financial statements of ABB Ltd are prepared in accordance with Swiss law. Based
on these financial statements, dividends may be paid only if ABB Ltd has sufficient distributable profits from
previous years or sufficient free reserves to allow the distribution of a dividend. Swiss law requires that ABB Ltd
retain at least 5 percent of its annual net profits as legal reserves until these reserves amount to at least
20 percent of ABB Ltd’s share capital. Any net profits remaining in excess of those reserves are at the disposal of
the general meeting of shareholders.
Under Swiss law, ABB Ltd may only pay out a dividend if it has been proposed by a shareholder or the Board of
Directors and approved at a general meeting of shareholders, and the auditors confirm that the dividend
conforms to statutory law and ABB’s Articles of Incorporation. In practice, the general meeting of shareholders
usually approves dividends as proposed by the Board of Directors.
Dividends are usually due and payable no earlier than 2 trading days after the shareholders’ resolution and the
ex
date for dividends is normally 2 trading days after the shareholders’ resolution approving the dividend.
Dividends are paid out to the holders that are registered on the record date. Euroclear administers the payment
of those shares registered with it. Under Swiss law, dividends not collected within 5 years after the due date
accrue to ABB Ltd and are allocated to its profit reserves. As ABB Ltd pays cash dividends, if any, in Swiss francs
(subject to the exception for certain shareholders in Sweden described below), exchange rate fluctuations will
affect the US dollar amounts received by holders of ADSs upon conversion of those cash dividends from Swiss
francs.
For shareholders who are residents of Sweden, ABB has established a dividend access facility (for up to
600,004,716 shares). With respect to any annual dividend payment for which this facility is made available,
shareholders who register with Euroclear may elect to receive the dividend from ABB Norden Holding AB in
Swedish krona (in an amount equivalent to the dividend paid in Swiss francs) without deduction of Swiss
withholding tax. For further information on the dividend access facility, see ABB’s Articles of Incorporation
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
Limitations on transferability of shares and nominee registration
ABB may decline a registration with voting rights if a shareholder does not declare that it has acquired the
shares in its own name and for its own account, that there is no agreement on the redemption of the relevant
shares and that it bears the economic risk associated with the shares. If the shareholder refuses to make such
declarations, it will be registered as a shareholder without voting rights. A person failing to expressly declare in
its registration application that it holds the shares for its own account (a nominee) will be entered in the share
register with voting rights, provided that such nominee has entered into an agreement with ABB concerning its
status, and further provided that the nominee is subject to recognized bank or financial market supervision. In
special cases, the Board may grant exemptions. There were no exemptions granted in 2024. The limitation on the
transferability of shares may be removed by an amendment of ABB’s Articles of Incorporation by a shareholders’
resolution requiring two-thirds of the votes represented at the general meeting of shareholders.
No restriction on trading of shares
No restrictions are imposed on the transferability of ABB shares. The registration of shareholders in the ABB
share register, Euroclear and the ADS register kept by Deutsche Bank does not affect transferability of ABB
shares or ADSs. Registered ABB shareholders or ADR holders may therefore purchase or sell their ABB shares or
ADRs at any time, including before a general meeting of shareholders regardless of the record date. The record
date serves only to determine the right to vote at a general meeting of shareholders.
Duty to make a public tender offer
ABB’s Articles of Incorporation do not contain any provisions raising the threshold (opting up) or waiving the
duty (opting out) to make a public tender offer pursuant to Article 135 of the Swiss Act on Financial Market
Infrastructures and Market Conduct in Securities and Derivatives Trading.
22
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL
AUDITORS
DURATION OF THE MANDATE AND TERM OF OFFICE OF THE AUDITORS
On March 21, 2024, shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of ABB Ltd approved the appointment of
KPMG AG, Zurich, Switzerland (KPMG), to be the auditors of the Company for the 2024 financial year.
KPMG are the auditors of ABB’s statutory and consolidated financial statements. KPMG assumed the sole
auditing mandate of the consolidated financial statements of the ABB Group beginning in the year ended
December 31, 2018. The auditor in charge and responsible for the mandate, Achim Wolper, began serving in this
capacity in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2023. Pursuant to ABB’s Articles of Incorporation
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance), the term of office of ABB’s auditors is one
year.
INFORMATION TO THE BOARD AND THE FINANCE, AUDIT AND
COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
Supervisory and control instruments vis-à-vis the auditors
ABB’s auditors, KPMG, attend each meeting of the FACC and each meeting includes a private session between
the auditors and the FACC without management being present. In 2024, the FACC had 7 meetings (either in
person or via telephone call). On at least an annual basis, the FACC reviews and discusses with the external
auditors all significant relationships that the auditors have with the Company that could impair their
independence. The FACC reviews the auditor engagement letter and the audit plan including discussion of
scope, staffing, locations and general audit approach. The FACC also reviews and evaluates the auditors’
judgment on the quality and appropriateness of the Company’s accounting principles as applied in the financial
reporting. In addition, ABB has a process for the review and pre-approval of non-audit services to be performed
by KPMG.
At least annually, the FACC obtains and reviews a report by the auditors that includes discussion on:
the Company’s internal control system;
material issues, if any, raised by the most recent internal quality control review;
critical accounting policies and practices of the Company;
all alternative accounting treatments of financial information that were discussed between the
auditors and management as well as the related ramifications; and
material communications between the auditors and management such as any management letter
or schedule of audit differences.
Taking into account the opinions of management, the FACC evaluates the qualifications, independence and
performance of the auditors. The FACC reports the material elements of its supervision of the auditors to the
Board and on an annual basis recommends to the Board the auditors to be proposed for election at the general
meeting of shareholders.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
23
AUDIT AND ADDITIONAL FEES PAID TO THE AUDITORS
The audit fees charged by KPMG for the legally prescribed audit amounted to USD 26.8 million in 2024. Audit
services are defined as the standard audit work performed each fiscal year necessary to allow the auditors to
issue an opinion on the consolidated financial statements of ABB and to issue an opinion on the local statutory
financial statements. This classification may also include services that can be provided only by the auditors, such
as pre-issuance reviews of quarterly financial results and comfort letters delivered to underwriters in connection
with debt and equity offerings.
In addition, KPMG charged USD 4.3 million for non-audit services during 2024. Non-audit services include
primarily assurance over sustainability disclosures, agreed-upon procedure reports, accounting consultations,
audits of pension and benefit plans, accounting advisory services and other attest services related to financial
reporting that are not required by statute or regulation, income tax and indirect tax compliance services as well
as tax advisory services.
In total, KPMG charged ABB fees for audit and non-audit services rendered in 2024 in the amount of
USD 31.1 million.
24
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
OTHER GOVERNANCE
INFORMATION
ABB GROUP ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
ABB Ltd, Switzerland, is the ultimate parent company of the ABB Group. It is the sole shareholder of ABB
Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, which directly or indirectly owns the other companies in the ABB Group. The table in the
appendix to this Corporate Governance Report sets forth, as of December 31, 2024, the name, place of
incorporation, ownership interest and share capital of the significant direct and indirect subsidiaries of ABB Ltd.
ABB’s operational group structure is described in ABB’s Financial Report 2024.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
There are no management contracts between ABB and companies or natural persons not belonging to the ABB
Group.
CHANGE OF CONTROL CLAUSES
Board members, Executive Committee members, and other members of senior management do not receive any
special benefits in the event of a change of control. From 2021, the rules for the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
have been amended to no longer provide for accelerated vesting upon a change of control.
EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION PROGRAMS
In order to align its employees’ interests with the business goals and financial results of the Company, ABB
operates a number of incentive plans, linked to ABB’s shares, such as the Employee Share Acquisition Plan and
the LTIP. For a more detailed description of these incentive plans, please refer to “Note 18 – Share-based
payment arrangements” to ABB’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
GENERAL BLACKOUT PERIODS FOR TRADING ABB SECURITIES
During the 30 days prior to the day of publication of the ABB Group’s quarterly financial results, as well as on
such day, the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as well as certain employees of
ABB, as specified in ABB’s internal policies, are prohibited from trading in ABB Ltd securities and any related
financial instruments. No exceptions were granted to this rule in 2024.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
25
INFORMATION POLICY
ABB, as a publicly traded company, is committed to communicating in a timely and consistent way to
shareholders, potential investors, financial analysts, customers, suppliers, the media and other interested
parties. ABB is required to disseminate material information pertaining to its businesses in a manner that
complies with its obligations under the rules of the stock exchanges where its shares are listed and traded.
ABB publishes an annual reporting suite that provides audited financial statements and information about ABB
including our business results, strategy, products and services, corporate governance and executive
compensation. In addition, ABB publishes its results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the stock exchanges on which its shares are listed and traded. An archive
containing annual reports, quarterly results releases and related presentations can be found in the “Reporting”
section at https://www.abb.com/investorrelations. The quarterly results press releases contain unaudited
financial information prepared in accordance with or reconciled to U.S. GAAP. To subscribe to important press
releases, please click on “Contact” and choose “Subscribe” at https://www.abb.com/investorrelations. Ad-hoc
notices can also be found in the press releases section at https://www.abb.com/news.
ABB’s official means of communication is the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (https://www.shab.ch). An
invitation to the Company’s general meeting of shareholders is sent to registered shareholders by mail.
Inquiries may also be made to ABB Investor Relations:
Affolternstrasse 44
CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: investor.relations@ch.abb.com
www.abb.com
FURTHER INFORMATION ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The list below contains references to additional information concerning the corporate governance of ABB
(available at https://new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance).
Articles of Incorporation
ABB Ltd Board Governance Rules, which include:
o
Governance Rules of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee
o
Governance Rules of the Governance and Nomination Committee
o
Governance Rules of the Compensation Committee
o
Related Party Transaction Policy
ABB Code of Conduct
Summary of differences of shareholder rights under Swedish and Swiss law applicable to ABB
CVs of the Board members
CVs of the Executive Committee members
ABB’s corporate calendar can be found at https://new.abb.com/investorrelations/calendar-events-and-
publications/financial-calendar.
26
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
APPENDIX - ABB LTD’S
SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
Name/Location
Country
Group
Interest
%
Share
capital in
thousands
Currency
ABB S.A.U., Buenos Aires
Argentina
100.00
25,659,498
ARS
ABB Australia Pty. Limited, Moorebank
Australia
100.00
71,218
AUD
ABB Group Investment Management Pty. Ltd., Moorebank
Australia
100.00
403,318
AUD
ABB AG, Wiener Neudorf
Austria
100.00
15,000
EUR
B&R Holding GmbH, Eggelsberg
Austria
100.00
35
EUR
B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, Eggelsberg
Austria
100.00
1,240
EUR
ABB N.V., Zaventem
Belgium
100.00
4,000
EUR
ABB AUTOMAÇÃO LTDA., Sorocaba
Brazil
100.00
191,039
BRL
ABB ELETRIFICAÇÃO LTDA., Sorocaba
Brazil
100.00
268,759
BRL
ABB Bulgaria EOOD, Sofia
Bulgaria
100.00
65,110
BGN
ABB Electrification Canada Inc., Saint-Laurent
Canada
100.00
(1)
CAD
ABB Inc., Saint-Laurent
Canada
100.00
(1)
CAD
ABB S.A., Santiago
Chile
100.00
5,484,348
CLP
ABB (China) Investment Limited, Beijing
China
100.00
95,000
USD
ABB (China) Ltd., Beijing
China
100.00
140,000
USD
ABB Beijing Drive Systems Co. Ltd., Beijing
China
90.00
5,000
USD
ABB Beijing Switchgear Limited, Beijing
China
60.00
16,500
USD
ABB Electrical Machines Ltd., Shanghai
China
100.00
14,400
USD
ABB Engineering (Shanghai) Ltd., Shanghai
China
100.00
40,000
USD
ABB LV Installation Materials Co. Ltd. Beijing, Beijing
China
85.70
17,100
USD
ABB Shanghai Free Trade Zone Industrial Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai
China
100.00
6,500
CNY
ABB Shanghai Motors Co. Ltd., Shanghai
China
75.00
11,217
USD
ABB Xiamen Low Voltage Equipment Co. Ltd., Xiamen
China
100.00
15,800
USD
ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co. Ltd., Xiamen
China
66.52
29,500
USD
ABB Xinhui Low Voltage Switchgear Co. Ltd., Xinhui
China
90.00
6,200
USD
ABB s.r.o., Prague
Czech Republic
100.00
400,000
CZK
ABB A/S, Middlefart
Denmark
100.00
100,000
DKK
ABB for Electrical Industries (ABB ARAB) S.A.E., Cairo
Egypt
100.00
353,479
EGP
Asea Brown Boveri S.A.E., Cairo
Egypt
100.00
166,000
USD
ABB AS, Jüri
Estonia
100.00
1,663
EUR
ABB Oy, Helsinki
Finland
100.00
10,003
EUR
ABB France, Cergy Pontoise
France
99.84
25,778
EUR
ABB SAS, Cergy Pontoise
France
100.00
45,921
EUR
ABB AG, Mannheim
Germany
100.00
167,500
EUR
ABB Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH,
Mannheim
Germany
100.00
61,355
EUR
ABB Stotz-Kontakt GmbH, Heidelberg
Germany
100.00
7,500
EUR
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
27
Name/Location
Country
Group
Interest
%
Share
capital in
thousands
Currency
ABB Striebel & John GmbH, Sasbach
Germany
100.00
1,050
EUR
B + R Industrie-Elektronik GmbH, Friedberg
Germany
100.00
358
EUR
Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH, Lüdenscheid
Germany
100.00
1,535
EUR
ABB Business Services Private Limited, Bangalore
India
100.00
5,200,100
INR
ABB Global Industries and Services Private Limited,
Bangalore
India
100.00
366,923
INR
ABB India Limited, Bangalore
India
75.00
423,817
INR
ABB Limited, Dublin
Ireland
100.00
635
EUR
ABB E-mobility S.p.A., Milan
Italy
74.34
20,000
EUR
ABB S.p.A., Milan
Italy
100.00
110,000
EUR
ABB K.K., Tokyo
Japan
100.00
1,000,000
JPY
ABB Ltd., Seoul
Korea,
Republic of
100.00
16,950,000
KRW
ABB Electrical Control Systems S. de R.L. de C.V.,
Monterrey
Mexico
100.00
712,463
MXN
ABB Mexico S.A. de C.V., San Luis Potosi
Mexico
100.00
1,135,752
MXN
Asea Brown Boveri S.A. de C.V., San Luis Potosi
Mexico
100.00
667,686
MXN
ABB B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
9,200
EUR
ABB E-mobility B.V., Delft
Netherlands
74.34
1
EUR
ABB Finance B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
20
EUR
ABB Holdings B.V., Rotterdam
Netherlands
100.00
363
EUR
ABB AS, Fornebu
Norway
100.00
134,550
NOK
ABB Electrification Norway AS, Skien
Norway
100.00
60,450
NOK
ABB Holding AS, Fornebu
Norway
100.00
240,000
NOK
ABB Business Services Sp. z o.o., Warsaw
Poland
99.94
24
PLN
ABB Sp. z o.o., Warsaw
Poland
99.94
245,461
PLN
Industrial C&S of P.R. LLC, Arecibo
Puerto Rico
100.00
(1)
USD
ABB Electrical Industries Co. Ltd., Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
65.00
100,000
SAR
ABB Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Singapore
100.00
32,797
SGD
ABB Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
100.00
217,758
ZAR
ABB Investments (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
51.00
185,978
ZAR
ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Modderfontein
South Africa
74.91
3,835,544
ZAR
Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Madrid
Spain
100.00
33,318
EUR
ABB AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
200,000
SEK
ABB Electrification Sweden AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
10,000
SEK
ABB Norden Holding AB, Västerås
Sweden
100.00
2,344,783
SEK
ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, Zurich
Switzerland
100.00
2,767,880
CHF
ABB Capital AG, Zurich
Switzerland
100.00
100
CHF
ABB E-mobility Holding Ltd, Zurich
Switzerland
74.34
1,138
CHF
ABB Schweiz AG, Baden
Switzerland
100.00
55,000
CHF
ABB Ltd., Taipei
Taiwan (Chinese
Taipei)
100.00
195,000
TWD
ABB Elektrik Sanayi A.S., Istanbul
Türkiye
99.99
165,000
TRY
ABB Industries (L.L.C.), Dubai
United Arab
Emirates
100.00
5,000
AED
ABB Industries FZE, Dubai
United Arab
Emirates
100.00
3,000
AED
28
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
Name/Location
Country
Group
Interest
%
Share
capital in
thousands
Currency
ABB Holdings Limited, Warrington
United Kingdom
100.00
226,014
GBP
ABB Limited, Warrington
United Kingdom
100.00
120,000
GBP
ABB E-mobility Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
74.34
USD
ABB Finance (USA) Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
1
USD
ABB Holdings Inc., Cary, NC
United States
100.00
2
USD
ABB Inc., Cary, NC
United States
100.00
1
USD
ABB Installation Products Inc., Memphis, TN
United States
100.00
1
USD
ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc., Fort Smith, AR
United States
100.00
(1)
USD
ABB Treasury Center (USA), Inc., Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
1
USD
Edison Holding Corporation, Wilmington, DE
United States
100.00
(1)
USD
Industrial Connections & Solutions LLC, Cary, NC
United States
100.00
(1)
USD
(1)
Shares without par value.
ABB CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 2024
29
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
The Corporate Governance Report 2024 includes forward-looking
statements and information that are based largely on current
expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may
affect our future performance, including global economic conditions as
well as the economic conditions of the regions and the industries that
are major markets for ABB. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,”
“continue,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan” and similar
words and the express or implied discussion of strategy, plans or
intentions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including, among other things, the following: (i) business
risks related to the global volatile economic environment; (ii) risks
inherent in large, long-term projects served by parts of our business;
(iii) changes in interest rates and fluctuations in currency exchange
rates; (iv) effects of competition and changes in economic and market
conditions in the product markets and geographic areas in which we
operate; (v) effects of, and changes in, laws, regulations, governmental
policies, taxation, or accounting standards and practices and (vi) other
factors described in in our public disclosures, including our quarterly
financial information booklet and Annual Reporting Suite. Although we
believe that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no
assurance that they will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to
update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements because of
new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and
uncertainties, the forward-looking information, events and
circumstances might not occur. Our actual results and performance
could differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking
statements.
04
Letter from the Chairman of the Compensation Committee
06
At a glance
11
Compensation governance
13
Sustainability-related considerations in ABB’s compensation
15
Board compensation policy
16
Implementation of Board compensation policy
18
Executive Committee compensation policy
25
Implementation of EC compensation policy
36
Changes applicable to EC members
37
Votes on compensation at the Annual General Meeting 2024
39
Compensation tables and share ownership tables
49
Report of the statutory auditor
4
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Letter from the Chairman
of the Compensation
Committee
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board of Directors (Board) and the
Compensation Committee, I am pleased to present
the ABB Compensation Report for 2024 (Report).
Our focus at the Compensation Committee is to
ensure that the compensation structure at ABB
drives value creation for our shareholders,
represents a motivating package for our executives,
and ensures alignment with market best-practices
and with ABB’s Sustainability Agenda.
As we continuously work to perfect our
compensation reports, the section “At a glance”
contains the key information of the Board and the
Executive Committee (EC) compensation. These can
also be found in ABB’s Integrated Report 2024 under
the “Performance-based compensation” chapter.
SUMMARY OF PLANNED
CHANGES IN
POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES
In the spirit of continuous improvement and
considering stakeholder feedback, we plan to make
a couple of enhancements to our Annual Incentive
Plan (AIP), applicable from 2025.
Currently, the total weighting associated with Group
and business area financial measures represents 80
percent of EC members’ target AIP award, with the
remaining 20 percent attributed to the individual
measure, which contains a combination of
sustainability, operational and strategic goals. From
2025, we will increase the weighting of the financial
measures from 80 percent to 90 percent and replace
the individual measure with two mandatory
sustainability goals, with a combined weighting of
10 percent.
We believe the increased focus on the financial
business measures will help reinforce our continued
drive to achieve our ambitious financial targets.
Furthermore, we think that having two clearly
measurable sustainability goals in the AIP will
strengthen and support ABB’s commitment to
sustainability and complement the sustainability
measure in our Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP),
which has a material weighting of 20 percent of the
target award. Details related to the sustainability
target for the 2025 LTIP are disclosed in this Report.
2024 RESULTS AND
COMPENSATION POLICY
OUTCOMES
2024 was a year of strong operational and financial
performance. Overall, most key financial,
sustainability and operational targets were met or
excelled. ABB (the Company) delivered new highs for
operational EBITA margin and revenues in 2024. The
Company also progressed on orders and continued
to make significant progress in reducing its
environmental footprint and contributing to a more
sustainable environment. For more information on
ABB’s 2024 sustainability achievements please refer
to ABB’s Integrated Report 2024.
Board of Directors: the total Board compensation
for the 2024–2025 term (CHF 4.25 million) is within
the maximum amount (CHF 4.4 million) approved at
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024. There has
been no change to the individual Board member fees
since 2015.
Executive Committee: No EC members in place at
the time of ABB’s annual salary review received a
salary adjustment in March 2024. The average award
for EC members under the AIP for 2024 in their year-
end roles was 119 percent (out of a maximum of 150
percent), compared to 143.3 percent in 2023. The
achievement level of the 2021 LTIP, which vested in
2024, was 200.0 percent (out of a maximum of 200
percent), driven by strong evolution of ABB’s
Earnings Per Share (EPS) during the period and
ABB’s vigorous relative Total Shareholder Return
(TSR).
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
5
The total EC compensation was CHF 44.5 million in
2024, driven by the strong performance-related
variable pay awards and the appointment of new
members of the Executive Committee during the
2024 financial year, including the provision of a
replacement share grant for an external hire, as
summarized in Exhibit 22, and presented in detail in
Exhibit 42.
This amount was slightly higher than the
CHF 43.9 million approved at the Annual General
Meeting 2023 for the financial year 2024, due to the
impact of the appointment of new members of the
Executive Committee during 2024. To cover this
additional compensation, the Company used the
supplementary amount provided for this purpose, in
accordance with Art. 35 of the Articles of
Incorporation (equivalent to 30 percent of the
amount approved the at the AGM 2023), whereby the
compensation granted was significantly below the
maximum amount of CHF 57.1 million.
GOVERNANCE
At the AGM on March 27, 2025, you will be asked to
vote on the maximum aggregate compensation for
the Board for its 2025–2026 term and on the
maximum aggregate compensation for the EC in
2026. The former is again unchanged compared to
the prior year, while the latter shows a decrease
from the level requested for the prior year, primarily
influenced by the change in composition of the EC.
This Report will also be submitted for a non-binding,
consultative vote by shareholders.
We have pursued an open and regular dialogue with
our stakeholders, as we continue to improve our
compensation system. On behalf of the
Compensation Committee, I thank you for your
continued trust in ABB and for your consistently
supportive feedback.
Frederico Fleury Curado
Chairman of the Compensation Committee
Zurich, February 26, 2025
6
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
AT A GLANCE
BOARD
COMPENSATION
Compensation for the 2024–2025 term of office
The total Board compensation for the 2024–2025 term of office (CHF 4,250,000) was
within the maximum amount (CHF 4,400,000) approved at the Annual General
Meeting (AGM) 2024.
Exhibit 1: Board compensation (in CHF) for the 2024–2025 term of office
Total compensation
4,250,000
Approved compensation amount
4,400,000
Share ownership of Board members
We require our Board members to be ABB shareholders by receiving at least half of
their Board compensation in ABB shares. Except for one member who joined the
Board in 2023 and two members who joined the Board in 2024, all other Board
members held ABB shares at December 31, 2024, worth at least 450 percent of their
2024 Board compensation.
Exhibit 2: Board members shareholding (at December 31, 2024) in % of 2024 total compensation
*
*
Based on share price of CHF 37.81, the 2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) reference price, and shares held at December 31, 2024.
April 2015
April 2015
April 2016
April 2017
March 2024
March 2023
March 2018
March 2018
April 2016
March 2024
0%
100%
200%
300%
400%
500%
600%
700%
Peter Voser
David Constable
Frederico Curado
Lars Förberg
Johan Forssell
Denise Johnson
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
Geraldine Matchett
David Meline
Mats Rahmström
at 1027%
Board appointment
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
7
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE (EC)
COMPENSATION
Compensation structure during 2024
Exhibit 3: EC compensation structure during 2024
Fixed compensation –
base salary and benefits
Variable compensation –
short-term incentive (AIP)
Variable compensation –
long-term incentive (LTIP)
Wealth at risk/
Share ownership
Purpose and
link to
strategy
Facilitates attraction and
retention of talented EC
members; base salary
compensates for the role
and relevant experience;
benefits protect against
risk
Rewards annual Company,
business area, functional
and individual performance.
Aligned with the Company’s
Annual Performance Plan
Rewards Company
performance over a three-
year period and encourages
creation of long-term,
sustainable value for
shareholders. Aligned with
the Company’s Long-Term
Performance Plan
Aligns individual’s personal
wealth at risk directly to the
ABB share price, and EC
members’ interests with
those of shareholders to
maintain focus on ABB's
long-term success
Operation
Salary in cash, benefits in
kind, and pension
contributions
Annual awards, payable in
cash after a one-year
performance period;
malus and clawback
provisions in place
Annual grants in shares
which may vest after three
years, and are subject to
performance conditions;
malus and clawback
provisions in place
Individuals are required to
hold ABB shares
Opportunity
level
(as % of
base salary)
Based on scope of
responsibilities, personal
experience, and skillset
CEO
500% of annual salary (net
of taxes)
Other EC members
400% of annual salary (net
of taxes)
Performance
indicators
Changes to base salary
consider individual
performance, future
potential, broadening of
responsibilities, and
external benchmarking
Exposure to ABB share price
* EC members with legacy employment contracts have a Target LTIP grant of 100 percent and Maximum LTIP opportunity of 200 percent.
The
higher LTIP opportunity for the newer EC members is largely offset by lower pension and other benefit costs.
0%
100%
150%
Minimum
Target
Maximum
0%
150%
300%
Minimum
Target
Maximum
CEO
0%
150%
300%
Minimum
Target
Maximum
Other EC members*
80% Group financial results
20% Individual results
CEO and
corporate
officers
50% Average EPS
30% Relative TSR
20% Sustainability
All EC
members
20% Group financial results
60% Business area financial results
20% Individual results
Business
area
presidents
8
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Total EC compensation for 2024
The total EC compensation was CHF 44.5 million in 2024, driven by the strong performance-related variable pay
awards and the change in composition of the EC, including the provision of a replacement share grant for an
external hire.
This amount was slightly higher than the CHF 43.9 million approved at the AGM 2023 for the financial year 2024,
due to the impact of the appointment of new members of the EC during 2024. To cover this additional
compensation, the Company used the supplementary amount provided for this purpose, in accordance with Art.
35 of the Articles of Incorporation (30 percent of the amount approved at the AGM 2023), whereby the
compensation granted was significantly below the maximum amount of CHF 57.1 million (see section
“Compensation governance” of this Report).
Exhibit 4: EC compensation (in CHF) for 2024
Total compensation
44,514,914
Maximum aggregate compensation approved at the AGM 2023
43,900,000
Maximum aggregate compensation plus 30 percent of such amount
in accordance with Article 35 of ABB Ltd’s Article of Incorporation
57,070,000
Compensation of EC members located outside of Switzerland was converted into Swiss Francs, applying average
foreign exchange rates for the period the EC member served in their EC role.
Exhibit 5 shows the composition of the 2024 total compensation for the EC members at December 31, 2024. The
largest portion of the CEO’s 2024 total compensation was delivered via performance driven variable
compensation (66 percent), represented by short-term and long-term incentives. The compensation for Morten
Wierod in his former role as business area president Electrification (until July 31, 2024) is included under the CEO
compensation. For the other EC members, on an aggregate level, variable compensation represented 64 percent
of their 2024 total compensation. Note that compensation paid in 2024 for former EC members is not included in
Exhibit 5. This can be found in Exhibit 42 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”.
Exhibit 5: 2024 total compensation mix (in CHF) for the CEO and other EC members on aggregate level*
* Composed of 2024 base salary, 2024 AIP, 2024 LTIP grant, pension benefits, and other benefits. A replacement share grant for the
General Counsel and Company Secretary is included in the category Long-term incentive. 2024 AIP represents accrued short-term
incentive for the year 2024, which will be paid in 2025, after the publication of ABB's financial results. The sum of percentage
figures may differ from 100 percent due to rounding with one decimal.
Realized variable compensation in 2024
In addition to the 2024 total compensation, we disclose the realized total compensation for our EC. Realized
variable compensation relates to the AIP award and the LTIP award at the end of their respective performance
cycles, reflecting actual AIP award and LTIP vesting, based on achievement of the respective plan performance
measures. This additional level of transparency is designed to aid stakeholder’s understanding of the link
between pay and performance we seek to ensure at ABB.
The outcome of the 2024 AIP (Exhibit 6) was above the target for EC members in their year-end roles (119 percent
on average), and the LTIP that vested in 2024 (2021 LTIP) exceeded the target level, with a final vesting level at
the maximum of 200.0 percent of target (Exhibit 7).
18.0% Base salary
6.1%
Pension benefits
10.2% Other benefits
22.9% Short-term incentive
42.7% Long-term incentive
CEO
Variable
compensation
66%
Fixed
compensation
34%
6,619,005
Other EC members
16.8% Base salary
8.1% Pension benefits
10.8% Other benefits
19.5% Short-term incentive
44.7% Long-term incentive
27,912,581
Variable
compensation
64%
Fixed
compensation
36%
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
9
Exhibit 6: 2024 AIP outcome compared to target
(1)
The AIP outcome for Morten Wierod relates solely to his role as CEO (from August 1, 2024).
(2)
On aggregate level, while individual outcomes range from 57 to 135 percent
Exhibit 7: 2021 LTIP outcome compared to target
Realized total compensation in 2024
Considering the variable components stated above, the realized total compensation in 2024 was above the
target for all EC members, driven by strong performance and the high level of achievement against the targets
for the 2021 LTIP, which vested in 2024. The compensation for Morten Wierod in his former role as business area
president Electrification (until July 31, 2024) is included under the CEO compensation.
Exhibit 8: Realized total compensation in 2024 compared to target total compensation
Further details related to the realized compensation of each EC member and each compensation component are
specified in Exhibit 49.
200%
200%
200%
200%
200%
200%
100%
100%
100%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%
LTIP vesting (total)
Average EPS (50% of total)
Relative TSR (50% of total)
Target achievement level
Realized achievement level
Maximum achievement level
CHF 4,238,359
CHF 17,899,073
CHF 6,594,291
CHF 26,888,036
0
5,000,000
10,000,000
15,000,000
20,000,000
25,000,000
30,000,000
CEO
Other EC
members*
Target total compensation
Realized total compensation
156%
150%
* On an aggregate level, while individual outcomes range from 109 to 163 percent.
Other EC
members*
CEO
10
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Share ownership of EC members
An alignment of our EC members’ personal wealth at risk to the ABB share price and their interests with those of
shareholders is important to us. Therefore, EC members may not sell their shares (except to meet tax and social
security costs related to share vesting) until they achieve the required share ownership level.
Four out of nine EC members exceeded their share ownership requirements. The other five members have been
appointed to the EC in the last three years.
When considering the number of granted, but unvested, ABB shares of EC members at December 31, 2024, it is
expected that four recently appointed EC members who do not currently meet their share ownership
requirement are projected to do so by 2027, after vesting of their respective LTIP share grants or replacement
share grants.
Exhibit 9: EC shareholding compared to share ownership guideline*
*
Based on share price of CHF 37.81, the 2024 LTIP reference price, and shares held at December 31, 2024. Future allocation of granted, but
unvested, shares is based on target achievement level and relevant plan specific settlement: default settlement of the final 2022 LTIP, 2023
LTIP and 2024 LTIP, and replacement share awards is 100 percent in shares. The value of shares is compared against the annual base salary
net of taxes, at December 31, 2024.
April 2019
April 2017
January 2021
November 2024
October 2022
June 2016
January 2015
August 2024
August 2024
0%
200%
400%
600%
800%
1000%
1200%
Morten Wierod
Timo Ihamuotila
Carolina Granat
Mathias Gärtner
Karin Lepasoon
Sami Atiya
Peter Terwiesch
Brandon Spencer
Giampiero Frisio
Held shares in % of net salary
Granted, but unvested shares
Share ownership requirement
EC appointment
Other EC members share
ownership requirement (400%)
CEO share ownership
requirement (500%)
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
11
COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE
We prepared this Report in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations, the Directive on Information relating
to Corporate Governance of the SIX Exchange Regulation, and the rules of the stock market of Sweden, where
ABB shares are also listed. In addition, we consider the principles of the Swiss Code of Best Practice for
Corporate Governance of economiesuisse.
ABB’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
ABB’s Articles of Incorporation, approved by its shareholders, contain provisions on compensation which govern
and outline the principles of compensation relating to our Board of Directors and Executive Committee. They are
published on ABB’s Corporate Governance website new.abb.com/about/corporate-governance and summarized
below:
Compensation Committee
(Articles 28 to 31): The Compensation Committee (CC) is composed of a
minimum of three members of the Board and are elected individually by the shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting for a period of one year. It supports the Board in establishing and
reviewing the compensation strategy and policy, determining the compensation of the Board and
the EC, and in preparing the proposals to the AGM on compensation matters. The responsibilities
of the CC are defined in more detail in the Board Regulations and Corporate Governance guidelines,
which are published on ABB’s Corporate Governance website.
Compensation principles
(Article 33): Compensation of the members of the Board consists of fixed
compensation only, which is delivered in cash and shares (with an option to elect for shares only).
Compensation of the members of the EC consists of fixed and variable compensation. Variable
compensation may comprise short-term and long-term elements. Compensation may be paid in
cash, shares, or other benefits.
“Say-on-pay” vote
(Article 34): Shareholders approve the maximum aggregate amount of
compensation of the Board for the following Board term and of the EC for the following financial
year.
Supplementary amount for new EC members
(Article 35): If the maximum approved aggregate
compensation amount is not sufficient to also cover the compensation of newly appointed EC
members, up to 30 percent of the last maximum approved aggregate amount shall be available as a
supplementary amount to cover the compensation of such new EC members.
Loans
(Article 37): Loans may not be granted to members of the Board or of the EC.
AUTHORITY LEVELS IN COMPENSATION MATTERS
The authority levels of the different bodies on compensation matters are detailed in Exhibit 10.
Exhibit 10: Authority levels in compensation matters
CEO
CC
Board
AGM
Maximum aggregate compensation amount for the EC
CEO compensation
Individual compensation of other EC members
Maximum aggregate compensation amount for the Board
Individual compensation of Board members
Compensation Policy
Compensation Report
Consultative vote
Recommendation
Proposal
Approval
12
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
ACTIVITIES OF THE CC IN 2024
The CC meets as often as business requires but at least four times a year. In 2024, the CC held seven meetings
and performed the activities described in Exhibit 11. The CEO, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and
the Head of Performance and Reward also attend all or part of the CC meetings in an advisory capacity. The
Chairman of the CC may decide to invite other executives upon consultation with the CEO, as appropriate.
Executives do not attend the meetings or the parts of the meetings in which their own compensation and/or
performance are being discussed. We provide further details in the section “Board of Directors – Meetings and
attendance” of our Corporate Governance Report 2024.
Exhibit 11: CC activities during 2024
Strategy
Review of AIP design and structure
Continued monitoring of link between sustainability and compensation
EC compensation
Review of compensation benchmarking for EC members (biennial activity)
Review of individual compensation for EC members
Review of the share ownership of EC members
Review of compensation for new and departing EC members
Performance – relating to past performance cycle
Setting of AIP design, measures and targets for 2024
Assessment of AIP awards for 2024
Assessment of achievement of performance targets for LTIP awards vesting in 2024
Performance – relating to forthcoming performance cycle
Consideration of preliminary AIP measures and targets for 2025
Setting of performance targets for LTIP grants in 2024 (vesting in 2027)
Consideration of forecast achievement against performance targets for unvested LTIP grants
Compliance
Review of CC annual plan
Review of feedback from Stakeholder Engagement meetings
Regulatory and market updates
Review of the Compensation Report for publication
Preparation of maximum aggregate compensation for the Board to be submitted for AGM vote
Preparation of maximum aggregate compensation for the EC to be submitted for AGM vote
The Chairman of the CC reports to the full Board regularly, usually after each CC meeting. The minutes of the CC
meetings are available to the members of the Board.
The CC retains independent, external advisors for compensation matters. In 2024, the CC mandated
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to provide these services. In addition to its CC advisory role, PwC also provided
human resources, tax, and advisory services to ABB in 2024. Other external advisors were employed in 2024 by
the CC and management.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
13
SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED
CONSIDERATIONS IN ABB’S
COMPENSATION
There are a range of sustainability-related considerations which play an important role in our compensation
philosophy, including the desire to foster a strong link between ABB’s Sustainability Agenda and the variable
compensation for the EC and other executives, as well as the general ambition to reinforce the Company’s social
contract with its employees.
IMPACT OF SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE ON VARIABLE
COMPENSATION
Given sustainability is an integral part of ABB’s strategy and plans, we incorporate a strong, direct link between
our Sustainability Agenda and executive incentives through our key variable compensation programs such as AIP
and LTIP.
Regarding the AIP for 2024, all EC members had three sustainability goals (out of a maximum of three) in the
individual component of their respective plans.
In 2024, all EC members had an environmental goal (scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions). Most of the
EC members had a social goal, which for the CEO and business area presidents was safety, and for most
corporate officers was an increase in the proportion of women in senior management roles (female leaders),
while the CFO had a governance goal related to internal controls.
In addition, all EC members had a governance goal designed to help deliver ABB’s obligations under the Deferred
Prosecution Agreement (DPA) in line with our commitments to the US Department of Justice.
From 2025, we will replace the individual measure under the AIP with two mandatory sustainability goals, with a
combined weighting of 10 percent.
Regarding the LTIP granted to ABB’s executives in 2024, including the EC, we continued to carry a Company-wide
sustainability performance measure in the LTIP with a weighting of 20 percent.
For the 2024 LTIP, our sustainability performance measure was the Company’s scope 1 and 2 GHG
emissions reduction at the end of the three-year performance period (2024–2026), compared to the
2019 baseline.
The sustainability measure applied to the 2025 LTIP is the same as that applied to the 2023 and
2024 LTIP, namely scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction at the end of a three-year performance
period. The 2025 LTIP targets will be based on scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction over the
three-year performance period from 2025–2027, compared to a baseline of the 2024 total scope 1 2
GHG emissions. We disclose the detailed target and award points for the sustainability measure of
the 2025 LTIP on page 31 of this Report and publish other details of the long-term GHG emissions
reduction in our Sustainability Statement 2024.
We will consider the appropriateness of the sustainability measure for future LTIPs, given the fact
that, by the end of the 2025 LTIP cycle (i.e., end of 2027) ABB will have broadly achieved its scope 1
and 2 emissions reduction goals. This activity will be part of an LTIP design review which the CC will
undertake during 2025 and will inform LTIP grants from 2026.
14
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
PROGRAMS FOR ABB EMPLOYEES
In addition to the offer of fair and competitive compensation to our employees, we also strive to offer additional
programs to reinforce the social contract with our employees. We summarize selected supporting key programs
and their links to our Sustainability Agenda in Exhibit 12.
Exhibit 12: Selected programs for employees
Program
Operation and purpose
Link to ABB’s Sustainability Agenda
Employee Share
Acquisition Plan
(ESAP)
Offered to approx. 104,000 employees in over 60 countries, providing the
opportunity to become ABB shareholders and purchase shares in ABB one
year after the start of a plan, at a price which gets fixed and confirmed at the
beginning of each annual plan cycle. In all ABB locations where ESAP is
offered the opportunity for share ownership is the same for permanent full-
time and permanent part-time employees at ABB.
Supports social goal by allowing
employees to share into the
Company’s long-term success and
aligns employees’ interests with the
interests of shareholders.
Parental Leave
A global and gender-neutral program, offered to all employees, which sets
out a minimum standard on paid parental leave that supports all family types.
The primary caregivers receive 12 weeks of paid leave and the secondary
caregivers four weeks following the birth of a child or when becoming a new
parent by adoption or surrogacy.
Supports social goals, promotes
wellbeing and the ABB value of “Care”.
Employee
Assistance
A global program, offered to all employees. The program supports the
employee’s wellbeing by offering paid counseling on emotional health, family
concerns and workplace concerns.
Supports social goals, promotes
wellbeing and the ABB value of “Care”.
Mobility
Allowance
Offered to selected employees based on business need or market practice,
with any car provision being progressively migrated to e-vehicles or
transportation allowances which can be used to contribute to public
transport, cycle, or other transport needs.
Supports environmental goals by
addressing changed needs related to
mobility and providing greater
flexibility to opt for more
environmentally friendly solutions.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
15
BOARD COMPENSATION POLICY
We design our compensation policy for the members of the Board of Directors to attract and retain experienced
people to the Board. Board compensation levels take into account the responsibilities, time and effort required
to fulfill the respective roles on the Board and its committees.
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING OF BOARD COMPENSATION
The levels and the mix of Board members’ compensation are regularly compared against the compensation of
non-executive Board members from a cross-selection of publicly traded companies in Switzerland, excluding
financial services, including Alcon, Geberit, Givaudan, Holcim, Kuehne + Nagel, Logitech, Lonza, Nestle, Novartis,
Richemont, Roche, Sika, Sonova and Swisscom. Such a review was last undertaken in 2023. There has been no
change to the individual Board fees since 2015.
BOARD COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
A fixed fee is payable to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman (if appointed) and members of the Board, and additional
fees are payable for chairing or membership of a Board committee, except for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman
(if appointed). Board members are paid for their service over an annual Board term that starts with their election
at the AGM. Payment of fees is made in semi-annual installments in arrears.
We require our Board members to take 50 percent of their compensation in shares, while they may elect to
receive all their fees in shares. The number of shares delivered is calculated prior to each semi-annual fee
payment by dividing the monetary amount to which the Board members are entitled by the average closing price
of the ABB share over a predefined 30-day period. The delivered shares are subject to a three-year restriction
period during which they cannot be sold, transferred, or pledged. Any restricted shares are unblocked when a
Board member leaves the Board.
BOARD FEES BY ROLE
For the term of office from the AGM 2024 to the AGM 2025, there was no adjustment made to Board fees, as set
out in Exhibit 13. No Vice-Chairman was appointed for that term of office.
Exhibit 13: Board fees (in CHF) by role
Chairman of the Board
(1)
1,200,000
Member of the Board
290,000
Additional committee fees:
Chairman of FACC
(2)
110,000
Chairman of CC or GNC
(2)
60,000
Member of FACC
(2)
40,000
Member of CC or GNC
(2)
30,000
(1)
The Chairman does not receive any additional committee fees.
(2)
CC: Compensation Committee,
FACC: Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee,
GNC: Governance and Nomination Committee.
16
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
IMPLEMENTATION OF BOARD
COMPENSATION POLICY
TOTAL BOARD COMPENSATION
The compensation paid to the Board members for the calendar year 2024 and for the term of office from the
AGM 2024 to the AGM 2025 are disclosed in Exhibit 14 below.
At the AGM 2024, the shareholders approved a maximum aggregate compensation amount of CHF 4.40 million
for the 2024–2025 Board term. This amount equals the approved amount for the previous Board term, as both
the compensation per Board member and the number of Board members remained unchanged. The Board
compensation to be paid for the 2024–2025 Board term is CHF 4.25 million and is therefore within the amount
approved by the shareholders.
Exhibit 14: Board compensation (in CHF)
Board term
Board of Directors
2024–2025
2023–2024
Number of members
10
10
Total compensation
4,250,000
4,380,000
Maximum aggregate compensation amount approved at previous AGM
4,400,000
4,400,000
We disclose amounts by individual Board member in Exhibit 15 below, and in Exhibits 38 and 39, respectively, in
the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”.
BOARD FEES BY MEMBER
The following Exhibit 15 sets out the fees by member for the 2024–2025 Board term.
Exhibit 15: Board fees for the current term of office (in CHF) by member
Name
Board
Compensation
Committee
Finance, Audit and
Compliance Committee
Governance and
Nomination Committee
Total
Compensation
Peter Voser
(1)
1,200,000
-
-
-
1,200,000
David Constable
(2)
290,000
30,000
-
-
320,000
Frederico Curado
(3)
290,000
60,000
-
-
350,000
Lars Förberg
(2)
290,000
-
-
30,000
320,000
Johan Forssell
(2)
290,000
-
-
30,000
320,000
Denise Johnson
(2)
290,000
-
40,000
-
330,000
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
(2)
290,000
30,000
-
30,000
350,000
Geraldine Matchett
(2)
290,000
-
40,000
-
330,000
David Meline
(3)
290,000
-
110,000
-
400,000
Mats Rahmström
(2)
290,000
-
40,000
-
330,000
Total
4,250,000
(1) Chairman of the Board, who does not receive any additional committee fee as Chairman of the Governance and Nomination Committee.
(2) Member of a Committee.
(3) Chairman of a Committee.
COMPENSATION OF FORMER BOARD MEMBERS
In 2024, we did not make any payment to former Board members other than those disclosed in this Report.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
17
COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED
In 2024, we did not pay any fees or compensation to Board members for services rendered to ABB other than
those disclosed in this Report.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF BOARD MEMBERS
The members of the Board collectively owned less than one percent of ABB’s total shares outstanding at
December 31, 2024.
Exhibit 2 in the section “At a glance” shows the wealth at risk for each Board member, comparing the value of
shares held at December 31, 2024, with the total compensation for the 2024–2025 term of office. Except for one
member who joined the Board in 2023 and two members who joined the Board in 2024, all other Board members
held ABB shares at December 31, 2024, worth at least 450 percent of their 2024 Board compensation.
Exhibit 40 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables” shows the number of ABB shares
held by each Board member at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Except as described in Exhibit 40, no member of the
Board and no person closely linked to a member of the Board held any shares of ABB.
EXTERNAL MANDATES HELD BY BOARD MEMBERS
Each ABB Board member held at least one external mandate in other companies. We disclose relevant detailed
information in Exhibit 41 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”.
18
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION POLICY
Our EC compensation policy reflects ABB’s commitment to attract, motivate and retain people with the skills and
experience necessary to strengthen its position as a leading global technology company.
EC COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
Our EC compensation structure is designed to be competitive, based on performance, and to encourage
executives to deliver outstanding results and create sustainable shareholder value without taking excessive
risks. Our EC compensation framework therefore balances fixed and variable compensation. Variable
compensation is provided through short-term and long-term incentives based on strategic, financial and
sustainability related targets, recognizing Group, business area and corporate function performance, as well as
individual performance.
This structure is linked to our strategy and is illustrated in Exhibit 3 in the section “At a glance”.
A significant portion of total compensation depends on variable pay components, which require the achievement
of challenging performance targets, in alignment with ABB’s Annual Performance Plans and Long-Term
Performance Plans.
The target AIP award is defined as a percentage of base salary, currently 100 percent for all EC
members. If performance is below threshold on all financial and individual performance measures, there
is no award under the AIP. When performance exceeds targets, the maximum award is capped at 150
percent of the targeted award.
The target LTIP grant size is defined as a percentage of base salary, currently 150 percent for the CEO
and 100 to 150 percent for other EC members. If performance is below threshold for all applicable
measures, there is no award under the LTIP. When performance exceeds targets, the maximum award is
capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant.
The Exhibit below shows the impact of the application of the new compensation policy introduced in 2022, which
provides a greater emphasis on variable pay, especially reflected in the long-term component.
Exhibit 16: Policy for target compensation mix of EC members (excluding CEO) appointed prior to and after 2022*
*
Policy change for new EC entrants (excluding the CEO), applying an entry level salary of CHF 700,000 and an incumbent age of 50
years to reflect the pension benefits. Note that, by exception, the new mix of target compensation was not applied to the newly
appointed Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, where a target LTIP of 100 percent of base salary was applied.
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING OF EC COMPENSATION
The Board and the CC consider competitive market data when setting the compensation policy for the EC. It is
also one of several factors in positioning the target compensation for individual EC members which include:
individual profile of the EC member in terms of experience and skills;
individual performance and potential;
market value of the role (compensation benchmarking).
25%
24%
15%
9%
10%
7%
25%
24%
25%
36%
EC members
pre 2022
EC members
post 2022
Base salary
Pension benefits
Other benefits
Short-term incentive
Long-term incentive
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
19
Comprehensive EC compensation benchmark reviews are performed every other year. The CC conducted such a
review in 2024, considering three distinct peer groups.
While each of these peer groups used in the benchmarking exercise, matched the size, scope or complexity of
ABB, and excluded companies from the financial services sector, the application of a specific peer group depends
on the nature of the role and the source of relevance. For example, our Board places a stronger emphasis on the
Global Industry Group for operational roles and in compensation design, and on the Pan-European Market peer
group for functional roles. In all cases, the other two peer groups are used to stress test the findings of the
primary peer group (see the summary in Exhibit 17 below).
Exhibit 17: Peer groups for EC compensation benchmarking
Peer group
Composition
Companies
Rationale
Global
Industry
Group
A tailored group of 15 global
industry peer companies,
matching the scale and
complexity of ABB
AB SKF, Alstom, Airbus, Atlas Copco, Denso, Eaton,
Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Mitsubishi Electric,
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Schneider Electric,
Schindler, Siemens, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Traton
Focus for CEO role
and business area
roles and for
benchmarking
compensation design
Pan-European
Market
A panel of 54 cross-industry
European companies,
matching the scale and
complexity of ABB
See footnote (1)
Focus for corporate
officer roles;
continuity and
stability of data points
Swiss Market
A panel of 16 Swiss
headquartered companies,
matching the scale and
complexity of ABB
Adecco, Geberit, Givaudan, Glencore, Holcim, Kuehne
& Nagel, Nestle, Novartis, Richemont, Roche,
Schindler, SGS, Sika, STMicroelectronics, Swatch,
Swisscom
Swiss location of
headquarters
(1)
AB InBev, Adidas, Air Liquide, Airbus, Associated British Foods, AstraZeneca, Atlas Copco, BAE Systems, Bayer, Bouygues, British American
Tobacco, Compass Group, Continental, CRH, Danone, Endesa, Ericsson, EssilorLuxottica, Fresenius, Fresenius Medical Care, GlaxoSmithKline,
Heidelberg Materials, Heineken, Henkel, Hennes & Mauritz, Holcim, Iberdrola, Imperial Brands, Industria de Diseno Textil, Jeronimo Martins,
Kuehne + Nagel, Linde, L’Oreal, Michelin, National Grid, Naturgy Energy Group, Nokia, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, OMV, Philips, Rio Tinto, Safran,
Saint Gobain, Sanofi, SAP, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Thales, Umicore, Unilever, Veolia Environment, Vinci and Vodafone.
It is the intention to position target compensation for individual EC members between the median and upper
quartile of the relevant peer group(s) considering the other factors referenced above (e.g., the EC member’s
skills, experience, performance and potential).
The comparison of ABB to its compensation benchmarking peer groups is shown in Exhibit 18. This data shows
that ABB is typically positioned around the median of key comparator indicators (market capitalization,
revenues, and number of employees) against the Global Industry Group and Pan-European Market peer group,
and around the upper quartile of the Swiss Market peer group. The next EC compensation benchmarking review
is planned to take place in 2026.
20
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 18: Comparison of ABB to compensation benchmarking peer groups
Market
capitalization
(1)(2)(3)(4)
Revenues
(1)(2)(4)(5)
Number of
employees
(1)(5)(6)
ABB
90.5
27.1
107,900
Global Industry Group
Upper Quartile
112.8
39.3
148,514
Median
54.5
30.9
95,000
Lower Quartile
27.4
15.8
74,052
Pan-European Market
Upper Quartile
94.3
38.5
134,156
Median
44.3
28.7
89,288
Lower Quartile
20.3
22.0
63,390
Swiss Market
Upper Quartile
63.0
30.1
77,899
Median
35.4
17.3
57,386
Lower Quartile
23.2
10.3
33,588
(1) Data are sourced from Thomson Reuters and London Stock Exchange Group.
(2) Market capitalization and revenues are in CHF billions.
(3) Market capitalization is averaged over a period of three months (June 9, 2024, to September 9, 2024).
(4) All currencies have been converted to CHF, where needed, applying full-year average currency exchange rates based on the period from July 1,
2023, to June 30, 2024.
(5) Revenues and number of employees as per last financial year prior to October 2024.
(6) Number of employees in full-time equivalent (FTE) unless FTE information was not available, then in total number of employees.
COMPENSATION ELEMENTS
For each element we set out the purpose and link to strategy, the operation, the opportunity level and the
performance measures in Exhibit 3 of the section “At a glance”. This section provides further details for each
compensation element.
Fixed compensation – base salary and benefits
Purpose and link to strategy
Facilitate the attraction and retention of skilled and experienced EC members; base salary compensates for the
role and relevant experience; benefits protect against risks.
Base salary is paid in cash. Benefits consist primarily of retirement, insurance and healthcare plans that are
designed to provide a reasonable level of support for the employees and their dependents in case of retirement,
disability or death.
Opportunity levels
Base salary is set with reference to the scope of responsibilities, personal experience and skills, and competitive
market data.
Benefit plans are set in line with the local competitive and legal environment and are, at a minimum, in
accordance with the legal requirements of the respective country.
Performance measures and weighting
Base salary is adjusted considering the factors set out under opportunity levels above, the executive’s
performance as well as their future potential.
Variable compensation – Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)
Purpose and link to strategy
We designed our AIP to reward EC members for the Group’s results, the results of their business area or
corporate function and their individual performance over a time horizon of one year, in alignment with our
Annual Performance Plan approved by the Board.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
21
Opportunity levels
The AIP opportunity levels for the EC are 100 percent of base salary at target with a maximum opportunity of 150
percent.
Performance measures and weighting
We structured the AIP to incentivize operational delivery and underpin our performance culture. As such, it is
focused on our annual key priorities, with a maximum of six measures.
A collaborative Group financial measure with a 20 to 40 percent weighting.
Up to four Group or business area financial measures, with a 40 to 60 percent weighting.
An individual measure with a 20 percent weighting. This individual component is informed by up to
three goals which may include a combination of quantitative and qualitative goals.
o
From 2022, at least two of these goals relate to sustainability.
o
The outcome against this individual measure is a discretionary judgment by the CC based on
the combined performance against all individual goals.
A summary of the composition and total weighting of the measures for all EC members is set out in Exhibit 19.
Exhibit 19: Composition and weighting of AIP measures for EC members
CEO and corporate officers
(1)
Business area presidents
Collaborative Group financial measure
40%
20%
Other Group financial measures
Up to three measures
n.a.
40%
Business area financial measures
n.a.
Up to four measures
60%
Individual measure
Includes up to three goals (minimum two
must relate to sustainability)
Includes up to three goals (minimum two
must relate to sustainability)
20%
20%
Total
100%
100%
(1)
Corporate officers include Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, General Counsel and Company Secretary, and Chief Communications and
Sustainability Officer.
Other design features
For each measure a target level, corresponding to the expected level of performance that will generate a target
(100 percent) award, will be set. For each measure a minimum level of performance, below which there is no
award (threshold) and a maximum level of performance, above which the award is capped at 150 percent of the
target (maximum) award, will also be set.
The payment conditions for financial AIP measures are summarized in Exhibit 20. For Group and business area
financial measures, the award percentage achievements between threshold and target level, as well as between
target and maximum level are determined by linear interpolations between these award points.
Exhibit 20: Payment conditions for the AIP of EC members
Level of performance
Below threshold
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Award achievement per measure
0%
>0%
100%
150%
The outcomes of the financial AIP measures are subject to appropriate discretionary upward or downward
adjustments by the CC for non-operational items and other adjustment principles agreed with the Board, if and
to the extent the CC considers this appropriate.
In addition, the CC/Board have discretionary authority to adjust the results and/or the AIP award. This
specifically includes a downwards adjustment based on safety performance, including fatalities.
As of 2024, our AIP offering for EC members is subject to malus and clawback provisions, which include illegal
activities, any financial misstatement and reputational damage that have a material impact on ABB Ltd or one of
our subsidiaries. This means that the Board may decide not to award any unpaid AIP award (malus) to EC
members or may seek to recover AIP compensation that has been settled in the past (clawback) to EC members.
The clawback provision applies for a period of up to three years following the date that any AIP award was paid.
22
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
From 2025, we intend to increase the weighting of the financial measures under the AIP from 80 percent to 90
percent and replace the individual measure with two mandatory sustainability targets, with a combined
weighting of 10 percent.
Variable compensation – Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Purpose and link to strategy
Rewards the achievement of predefined performance targets over a three-year period. Encourages the creation
of long-term, sustainable shareholder value creation and is aligned with our Long-Term Performance Plan
approved by the Board.
Opportunity levels
We offer the LTIP in the form of Performance Share Unit (PSU) grants to approximately 100 executives. The LTIP
described in this Report represents the PSU plan and as such is applicable to EC members. In addition, we offer
another LTIP in the form of Restricted Share Unit (RSU) grants to approximately 850 senior leaders and selected
key employees below the executive level.
For the CEO, the annual LTIP opportunity level is 150 percent of base salary at target, with a maximum
opportunity of 300 percent of base salary.
As a result of the policy change announced in our Compensation Report 2021, the annual target and maximum
opportunity levels for EC members range from 100 to 200 percent of annual base salary (old policy application)
and from 150 to 300 percent of annual base salary (new policy), respectively.
Our Board has the discretionary option not to make any grants in certain circumstances.
The relative opportunity level under our LTIP offering is the same for permanent full-time and permanent part-
time employees.
Performance measures and weighting
The LTIP has, since 2022, three performance measures with the following relative weighting:
Earnings Per Share (EPS) – 50 percent weighting
Achievement against this measure is determined by ABB’s average EPS over a three-year period.
The average EPS result is calculated from the sum of the EPS for each of the three relevant years,
divided by three.
EPS is defined as diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders, calculated using
Income from continuing operations, net of tax, unless the Board elects to calculate using Net
income for a particular year.
Appropriate threshold (zero), target (100 percent) and maximum (200 percent) award points are
reviewed by the CC on an annual basis.
Performance target and award points are set using our Long-Term Performance Plan and are
calibrated with an independent “outside-in” view, considering the growth expectations, risk profile,
investment levels and profitability levels that are typical for the industry.
Adjustments to the outcome of the EPS achievement level may be considered for items which are
not part of, or the result of, the normal course of business operations and/or which were not
considered, either by way of inclusion or exclusion, for the target-setting of a specific LTIP launch.
Only the net impact of such adjustments over the vesting period of the respective LTIP grant will be
considered. The impact of share buybacks will not be considered as an adjustment. The same
number of outstanding shares applicable at the time of the EPS target-setting will also be applied
at the time of vesting.
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) – 30 percent weighting
The TSR calculations are made for the reference period beginning in the year of the conditional
grant of the shares and ending three years later. The evaluation is performed by an independent
third party.
Achievement against this measure is determined by ABB’s relative TSR performance over the three-
year vesting period against a defined peer group, which currently includes 3M, Danaher, Eaton,
Emerson Electric, General Electric, Holcim, Honeywell Intl., Legrand, Mitsubishi Electric, Raytheon
Technologies, Rockwell, Rolls-Royce, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Yokogawa.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
23
The threshold point for awards, above which vesting starts, corresponds to the 50
th
percentile
(P50) of the TSR peer group, i.e., there is no vesting for performance below P50.
Vesting for P50 achievement equals to 100 percent of target and vesting for a 75
th
percentile (P75)
achievement level remains at 200 percent of target (maximum). There is a linear vesting for an
achievement between P50 and P75 (100 to 200 percent of target).
The constituents of the peer group and the appropriate threshold, target and maximum award
points are reviewed by the CC on an annual basis.
Sustainability – 20 percent weighting
The Board determines, on an annual basis, the LTIP specific sustainability measure(s), as well as
related target(s) and award points, to incentivize material progress towards our Sustainability
Agenda commitments.
Appropriate threshold (zero), target (100 percent) and maximum (200 percent) award points are
reviewed and approved by the CC on an annual basis.
Adjustments to the outcome of the sustainability achievement may be considered for items which
are not part of, or the result of the normal course of business operations and/or which were not
considered, either by way of inclusion or exclusion, for the target-setting of a specific LTIP launch.
Only the net impact of such adjustments over the vesting period of the respective LTIP grant will be
considered.
Other design features
The number of shares to be granted is determined by dividing the relevant grant value in Swiss Francs by the
average ABB share price on the SIX Swiss Exchange over the period of 20 trading days prior, and 20 trading days
after, the date of publication of ABB’s full year financial results. Settlement of the LTIP shares is three years after
grant, subject to achievement of performance conditions, defined prior to grant.
The vesting schedule for the LTIP is shown in the following Exhibit 21. The award percentage achievements
between threshold and target, as well as between target and maximum, are determined by linear interpolations
between these award points.
Exhibit 21: Vesting schedule for the LTIP of EC members
Level of performance
Below threshold
Threshold*
Target
Maximum
Award achievement per measure
0%
>0%
100%
200%
*
For the TSR measure, the threshold point equals the target point.
As from the 2023 LTIP offering, the CC has the discretion to adjust the formulaic LTIP vesting outcome to reflect
the overall performance of ABB, over the performance period.
Default settlement of the final LTIP award is 100 percent in shares with an automatic sell-to-cover in place for
employees who are subject to withholding taxes.
Our LTIP share grants are subject to malus and clawback provisions, which include illegal activities, any financial
misstatement and reputational damage that have a material impact on ABB Ltd or one of its subsidiaries. This
means that the Board may decide not to award any unsettled or unvested LTIP grants (malus) or may seek to
recover LTIP awards that have been settled in the past (clawback). Clawback applies for a period of up to five
years following the originally scheduled plan specific vesting date.
The CC also has the ability to suspend the delivery of awards if it is likely that the Board will determine that the
malus or clawback provisions may potentially apply (e.g., if the employee is subject to an external investigation).
In the event of a change of control, there is no automatic accelerated vesting of LTIP awards.
For LTIP grants from 2022, participants are entitled to receive a cash amount (a “dividend equivalent payment”)
on each vested award share that is equal to the total dividends per share paid by the Company on the ABB Ltd
share between the grant date and the delivery date of the vested award.
The CC plans to conduct a review of ABB’s long-term incentive arrangements during 2025 to ensure they remain
aligned with our business requirements and market best practices.
24
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Wealth at risk / Share ownership
Purpose and link to strategy
Aligns EC members’ personal wealth directly with the interests of shareholders to maintain focus on the long-
term success of the Company.
Share ownership program
EC members are normally required to retain all vested shares from their LTIP grants and from any other share-
based compensation until they meet their share ownership requirement. In circumstances where there is a
withholding tax obligation, the number of shares received will be considered to be the number of shares vested
minus the shares sold under the default sell-to-cover facility.
The share ownership requirement is equivalent to a multiple of the EC member’s annual base salary, net of taxes
(see Exhibit 3 in the section “At a glance”). These share ownership requirements are aligned with market practice
and result in a wealth at risk for each EC member which is aligned with shareholder interests.
Only vested shares owned by an EC member and their spouse count for the comparison of the actual share
ownership against the share ownership requirement.
The CC reviews the status of EC share ownership on an annual basis.
Notice period, severance provisions and non-competition clauses
Employment contracts for EC members include a notice period of 12 months, during which they are entitled to
their annual base salary, short-term incentive, and benefits. In accordance with Swiss law and ABB’s Articles of
Incorporation, the contracts for the EC members do not allow for any severance payment.
Non-compete agreements may be entered into with the CEO and all other EC members for a period of 12 months
after their employment. Compensation for such agreements, if any, may not exceed the EC member’s last total
annual cash remuneration (comprising of base salary, short-term incentive and benefits).
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
25
IMPLEMENTATION OF EC
COMPENSATION POLICY
OVERVIEW
The total EC compensation was CHF 44.5 million in 2024, driven by the strong performance-related variable pay
awards and the change in composition of the EC, including the provision of a replacement share grant for an
external hire, as summarized in Exhibit 22, and presented in detail in Exhibits 42 and 43.
The actual compensation of CHF 44.5 million paid to EC members in 2024 was slightly higher than the amount of
CHF 43.9 million approved at the AGM 2023 for the financial year 2024. This was due to the appointment of new
members of the EC during the financial year 2024. To cover this additional compensation, the Company used the
supplementary amount provided for this purpose in accordance with Art. 35 of the Articles of Incorporation,
whereby the compensation granted was significantly below the maximum amount (including the supplementary
amount of a maximum of 30 percent of the approved total amount) of CHF 57.1 million.
Exhibit 22: Total compensation of EC members (monetary values in CHF)
(1)
Calendar year
2024
2023
Base salaries
8,650,473
8,430,879
Pension benefits
3,895,706
4,341,781
Other benefits
(2)
6,345,842
6,041,342
Total fixed compensation
18,892,021
18,814,002
Short-term incentives
(3)
10,306,621
12,088,564
Long-term incentives (fair value at grant)
11,742,706
9,739,902
Replacement share grants
3,573,566
n.a.
Total variable compensation
25,622,893
21,828,466
Total compensation
44,514,914
40,642,468
Maximum aggregate compensation approved at the AGM 2023
43,900,000
45,900,000
Maximum aggregate compensation plus 30 percent of such amount in accordance
with Art. 35 of ABB Ltd’s Articles of Incorporation
57,070,000
n.a.
(1)
Compensation of Brandon Spencer was converted from USD to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.8677, and
compensation of Giampiero Frisio was converted from EUR to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.9390. For an
overview of compensation by individual and component, please refer to Exhibits 42 and 43 in the section “Compensation tables and
share ownership tables”. An overview of 2024 realized compensation by individual is provided in Exhibit 49 in the same section.
(2)
Other benefits mainly comprise payments related to social security, health insurance, transportation, tax advice and certain
other items.
(3)
Represents accrued short-term variable compensation for the year 2024, which will be paid in 2025, after the publication of ABB’s
financial results. Short-term variable compensation is linked to the targets and goals defined in each EC member’s Annual
Incentive Plan.
COMPENSATION MIX
The ratio of fixed to variable compensation in any given year depends on the performance of the Company and
individual EC members against predefined performance targets.
In Exhibit 5 in the section “At a glance” we show the composition of the total annual compensation in 2024 for
the CEO and for the other current EC members on an aggregate level, specifying the split of its five
compensation components.
26
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
In 2024, the variable compensation of the CEO was 66 percent of his total annual compensation (previous year:
55 percent). The compensation for Morten Wierod in his former role as business area president Electrification
(until July 31, 2024) is included under the CEO compensation. For the other EC members, the variable
compensation was 64 percent on average (previous year: 52 percent). The increase of the variable portion of the
total compensation of the CEO, compared to the prior year, is driven by the lower total fixed compensation,
representing a mix of the compensation paid related to the BA President position and the CEO position. The
increase of the variable portion of the total compensation of the other EC members reflects the impact of the
replacement share grant, which can be considered as an exception. Therefore, the proportion between fix and
variable compensation for future years is expected to be at similar levels as in previous years.
Note that compensation paid in 2024 for former EC members is not included in Exhibit 5. This can be found in
Exhibit 42 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”.
COMPENSATION ELEMENTS – 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Base salary
As a result of the regular compensation review for the EC, the Board and the CC decided that the salaries of all
nine EC members in place in March 2024 remain unchanged.
Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – design
Under the 2024 AIP, all EC members had one collaborative Group measure, Group Operational EBITA margin, with
a 20 percent weighting for the business area presidents and a 40 percent weighting for the CEO and the
corporate officers.
In addition to this collaborative Group measure, the CEO and the corporate officers shared other Group
measures, including Free Cash Flow conversion to Net Income, Revenues and Return on Capital employed
(ROCE), with a total weighting of 40 percent.
All business area presidents had, in addition to the collaborative Group measure, three or four measures which
were tailored to business imperatives, with a total weighting of 60 percent, including Operational EBITA margin,
Net working capital (13 months % avg), Operational revenue gross profit productivity growth and Revenues.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
27
In Exhibit 23 we show the composition and weighting of the financial measures applied in 2024 for all EC
members under their AIP, specified by their roles. Definitions of the financial measures applied for all EC
members are set out in Exhibit 24.
Exhibit 23: Composition and weighting of 2024 AIP measures for EC members
Performance measure
CEO and
corporate
officers
(1)
President
Electrification
President
Motion
President
Process
Automation
President Robotics
& Discrete
Automation
Collaborative
Group
financial
measure
Op EBITA margin
40%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Other Group
financial
measures
Free Cash Flow conversion
to Net Income
20%
ROCE
10%
Revenues
10%
Business area
financial
measures
Op EBITA margin
20%
25%
25%
30%
Net working capital
(13 months % avg)
15%
25%
15%
20%
Operational revenues gross
profit productivity growth
10%
10%
10%
10%
Revenues
15%
10%
Individual
measure
GHG emissions, Governance,
Female leaders, Safety,
Internal controls
20%
GHG emissions, Safety,
Governance
20%
20%
20%
20%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
(1)
Corporate officers include Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, General Counsel and Company Secretary, and Chief Communications and
Sustainability Officer.
Exhibit 24: Definition of financial measures applied under the 2024 AIP for EC members
Measure
Description
Operational EBITA margin
(%)
(1)
Operational EBITA, which is Operational earnings before interest, tax, and acquisition-related
amortization, as a percentage of Operational revenues, which is total revenues adjusted for foreign
exchange/commodity timing differences in total revenues.
ROCE (%)
(1)
Return on Capital employed (ROCE) is calculated as Operational EBITA after tax, divided by the
average of the period’s opening and closing Capital employed, adjusted to reflect impacts from the
timing of significant acquisitions/divestments occurring during the period.
Revenues
Amount of consolidated revenues recognized during the year in accordance with USGAAP.
Free Cash Flow conversion
to Net Income
(1)
Free cash flow conversion to net income is calculated as free cash flow divided by net income
attributable to ABB adjusted for gains or losses arising on sale of certain businesses and certain
other significant items within net income which are also excluded / adjusted for when calculating
operating cashflows.
Operational revenue gross
profit productivity growth
(%)
Operational revenue gross profit productivity is calculated as the 12-month rolling operational
revenue gross profit divided by the average number of total workforce in the last three months.
Where operational revenue gross profit is calculated as gross profit (as defined under USGAAP)
adjusted for the following non-operational items to the extent that they are included within the
USGAAP gross profit amount: (i) foreign exchange/commodity timing differences, (ii) acquisition-
related amortization, (iii) restructuring, related and implementation costs, (iv) changes in obligations
related to divested businesses, (v) changes in pre-acquisition estimates, (vi) acquisition- and
divestment-related expenses and integration costs, (vii) other income/expense relating to the Power
Grids joint venture and (viii) certain other non-operational items. Growth is the change in
productivity over the same period a year earlier, represented as a percentage change.
Net working capital
(13 months % avg)
Average Net working capital
(1)
over 13 consecutive month-ends (December 2023 through December
2024), expressed as a percentage of Operational revenues
(1)
. Calculated using constant exchange
rates.
(1) Full definition can be found in the section “Alternative performance measures” in our Integrated Report 2024.
28
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
All EC members also had an individual measure with a 20 percent weighting. This individual component was
informed by a combination of up to three quantitative and qualitative goals. In 2024, all three goals related to
sustainability. All EC members had an environmental goal (scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions), and a governance goal
designed to help deliver the Deferred Prosecution Agreement in line with our commitments to the US
Department of Justice. In addition, most of the EC members had a social goal, which for the CEO and business
area presidents was related to safety, and for most of the corporate officers, was related to an increase in the
proportion of women in senior management roles (female leaders), while the CFO had a governance goal related
to internal controls.
The outcome against the individual measure was based on the Compensation Committee’s discretionary
judgment of the combined performance against all three goals. Outcomes may be subject to appropriate
adjustments for some non-operational items and other adjustment principles agreed with the Board. No
adjustments were applied in 2024.
2024 Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – achievements
We summarize the 2024 AIP achievements per applied measure for the CEO and the corporate officers, and
business area presidents, respectively, in Exhibit 25, and set out individual AIP outcomes per EC member in
comparison to their target 2024 AIP in Exhibit 26.
Exhibit 25: 2024 AIP outcomes for the CEO and the corporate officers (rounded)
2024 AIP outcomes for the business area presidents (rounded)
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
29
Exhibit 26: Overview of targeted and realized 2024 AIP values
Collaborative
Group measure
Other Group
measures
Business area
measures
Individual
measure
Total AIP outcome
percentage
(in % of target)
Target AIP award
(in CHF)
Actual AIP award
(in CHF)
(1)
Achievement
Weighting
Outcome
Achievement
Weighting
Outcome
Achievement
Weighting
Outcome
Achievement
Weighting
Outcome
Morten Wierod
(2)
150.0%
40%
60.0%
101.7%
40%
40.7%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
100.0%
20%
20.0%
120.7%
625,000
754,375
Morten Wierod
(3)
150.0%
20%
30.0%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
140.7%
60%
84.4%
100.0%
20%
20.0%
134.4%
568,750
764,400
Timo Ihamuotila
150.0%
40%
60.0%
101.7%
40%
40.7%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
120.0%
20%
24.0%
124.7%
990,000
1,234,530
Carolina Granat
150.0%
40%
60.0%
101.7%
40%
40.7%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
112.0%
20%
22.4%
123.1%
725,000
892,475
Mathias Gärtner
150.0%
40%
60.0%
101.7%
40%
40.7%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
112.0%
20%
22.4%
123.1%
133,334
164,134
Karin Lepasoon
150.0%
40%
60.0%
101.7%
40%
40.7%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
112.0%
20%
22.4%
123.1%
600,000
738,600
Sami Atiya
150.0%
20%
30.0%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
5.0%
60%
3.0%
122.0%
20%
24.4%
57.4%
800,000
459,200
Peter Terwiesch
150.0%
20%
30.0%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
141.3%
60%
84.8%
100.0%
20%
20.0%
134.8%
860,000
1,159,280
Brandon Spencer
(4)
150.0%
20%
30.0%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
136.8%
60%
82.1%
100.0%
20%
20.0%
132.1%
278,387
367,750
Giampiero Frisio
(4)
150.0%
20%
30.0%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
140.7%
60%
84.4%
100.0%
20%
20.0%
134.4%
314,956
423,302
Total
5,895,427
6,958,046
(1)
Represents accrued AIP award for the year 2024, which will be paid in 2025, after the publication of ABB's financial results.
(2)
CEO as of August 1, 2024.
(3)
Business area president Electrification until July 31, 2024.
(4)
Compensation of Brandon Spencer was converted from USD to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.8677, and compensation of Giampiero Frisio
was converted from EUR to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.9390.
CEO retrospective AIP target disclosure
In 2023, we introduced two new exhibits in response to shareholder feedback and provide an additional level of
transparency on the alignment between pay and performance. The following Exhibit 27 sets out target and
award points for each measure under the CEO’s 2024 AIP and the related composition of the final award level.
Exhibit 27: 2024 AIP outcomes for the CEO (rounded)
(1)
Category
Performance measure
W
eight
Target
(100% award)
Actual
Award
(% of target)
Weighted
award
Collaborative
Group financial
measure
Op EBITA margin (%)
40%
17.0
18.1
150.0%
60.0%
Other Group
financial
measures
Free Cash Flow conversion to Net Income (%)
20%
100.0
100.4%
101.2%
20.2%
ROCE margin (%)
10%
21.5
22.4
140.4%
14.0%
Revenues ($ in millions)
10%
33,465.8
32,873.2
64.6%
6.5%
Individual
measure
Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, Governance,
Safety
20%
See
(2)
See
(2)
100.0%
20.0%
Total
120.7%
(1)
The computation of targets as well as the measurement of actual performance against those targets are based on foreign exchange rates set
prior to the start of the performance period. Therefore, targets and actuals under the AIP do not agree with the equivalent measure calculated
based on the actual results as presented in ABB’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
The achievement of the individual measure is discretionarily assessed by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board, based on an
overall outcome of all three performance goals under the individual measure. For 2024, these performance goals included a target for the scope 1
and 2 GHG emissions, a reduction of the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) compared to the 2019 baseline, and the delivery of the Deferred
Prosecution Agreement in line with our commitments to the US Department of Justice. See Exhibit 28 for the achievement of goals against the
individual measure.
Exhibit 28 sets out the target, actual and assessed outcome of the individual goals, which inform the individual
measure for the CEO. The overall outcome of the individual measure is a discretionary judgement based on
performance against all three goals.
30
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 28: Achievement against the 2024 performance goals under the individual measure for the CEO
Goal
Performance measure
Target
Actual
Assessment
Scope 1 and 2
GHG emissions
2024 emissions (kt)
(1)
142.0
137.5
Better than target
Safety
2024 Lost Time Incident Frequency
Rate
(2)
0.124
0.149
Below target
Governance
Deliver DPA in line with our
commitments to the DOJ
(3)
Discretionary
assessment
by the Board
Discretionary
assessment
by the Board
Exceeded goal
Total
100.0%
(1)
ABB’s GHG emissions include direct emissions (scope 1) from burning of fuels (oil, diesel, gas) at our sites, SF
6
emissions in own operations,
fleet emissions and indirect emissions (scope 2) from our use of electricity and district heating/cooling.
(2)
Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR) covers workplace incidents (ABB facility, project site, customer site) to ABB employees and
contractors; LTIFR formula = number of lost time incidents and serious injury incidents with time lost * 200,000 / work hours (employees +
contractors). Rate per 200,000 work hours (equivalent to 100 persons working one calendar year). Eligible managers with direct reports are
required to complete a minimum of two Safety Observation Tours (SOT) before an award is made under LTIFR. The baseline is represented by
the 2019 LTIFR.
(3)
Contribution to the delivery of our commitments under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the US Department of Justice related to the
Kusile project.
CEO AIP outcomes in the last five years
In Exhibit 29, we show the historical AIP award outcomes for our CEO over the last 5 years. Over this time, the
payout averaged 119.9 percent of target and 80.0 percent of the maximum award.
Exhibit 29: CEO AIP historical award percentages
(1)
(1)
These refer to Björn Rosengren for the period from 2020 to 2023. For 2024 this represents the AIP award percentage for Morten Wierod.
Long-Term Incentive (LTIP)
2024 LTIP grants
The estimated value at grant of the share-based grants to EC members at December 31, 2024 under the 2024
LTIP was CHF 11.7 million, compared with CHF 8.7 million in 2023 granted to EC members at December 31, 2023
under the 2023 LTIP.
The reference price for the 2024 LTIP grant used to determine the number of shares granted to participants was
CHF 37.81.
The 2024 LTIP is based on three performance measures: our EPS, our TSR and a sustainability measure.
We consider targets and award points under the EPS measure as commercially sensitive information and will only
disclose these retrospectively after the end of the relevant LTIP performance period.
As in the previous year, we kept the achievement of the EPS threshold point challenging for the 2024 LTIP by
applying a range between the EPS target and award points of plus/minus 11.5 percent of target, to reflect the
perceived EPS volatility during the performance period.
The peer companies approved by the Board to determine our relative TSR performance for the 2024 LTIP are as
set out in the previous section “Executive Committee compensation policy” on page 22.
43.3%
96.7%
80.0%
99.3%
80.5%
65.0%
145.0%
120.0%
149.0%
120.7%
0%
50%
100%
150%
2020 AIP
2021 AIP
2022 AIP
2023 AIP
2024 AIP
CEO AIP award in % of maximum potential award
CEO AIP award in % of target award
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
31
The sustainability measure applied to the 2023 LTIP was also applied in the 2024 LTIP, namely the scope 1 and 2
GHG emissions reduction at the end of the three-year performance period (2024–2026), compared to the 2019
baseline, which was defined without the divested Power Grids business. The targets and award points under the
2024 LTIP have been structured to reflect our progress to date, its long-term ambitions, and that as the targets
get higher, the overall stretch to achieve them is even more challenging. Details of the long-term GHG emissions
reduction targets can be found in our Sustainability Statement 2024.
The approved target and award points for all three performance measures under the 2024 LTIP are illustrated in
Exhibit 30 below.
Exhibit 30: 2024 LTIP target and award points
Measure
Weighting
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Average EPS
50%
Target point
-11.5%
Disclosed after
performance period
(1)
Target point
+11.5%
Relative TSR
30%
50
th
percentile
75
th
percentile
Reduction of scope 1 and 2 CO
2
equivalent
emissions compared to 2019 baseline
20%
77.0%
81.0%
85.0%
Below threshold point: no award;
At target point: 100 percent award;
At or above maximum point: capped at 200 percent award;
Linear interpolations between award points;
(1)
The average EPS target is not prospectively disclosed for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
2025 LTIP grants
The sustainability measure applied to the 2025 LTIP is the same as that applied to the 2023 and 2024 LTIP,
namely scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction at the end of a three-year performance period. For the 2025 LTIP,
the target will represent a further scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction over the three-year performance
period (2025-2027), compared to a baseline of the 2024 total scope 1 and 2, which already considers the
significant cumulative improvements of the last several years.
Exhibit 31 details the target and award points for the 2025 LTIP. We provide further context behind our long-term
GHG emissions reduction targets in our Sustainability Statement 2024.
Exhibit 31: Sustainability target and award points for the 2025 LTIP
Measure
Weighting
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Reduction of scope 1 and 2 CO
2
equivalent
emissions
(1)
20%
6.1%
14.5%
22.9%
Below threshold point: no award;
At target point: 100 percent award;
At or above maximum point: capped at 200 percent award;
Linear interpolations between award points.
(1) Compared to the 2024 total scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions.
2021 LTIP – achievements
The final number of shares vesting under the 2021 LTIP grant in 2024 was determined based on the achievement
level against the predefined TSR and EPS targets.
The relative ranking of ABB’s TSR measure against the predefined peer group of companies for the 2021 LTIP sat
in the 77
th
percentile, which led to a vesting level of 200.0 percent (previous year: 200.0 percent) out of a
potential of 200 percent.
The three-year average EPS amounted to $1.57, which led to a vesting level of 200.0 percent (previous year: 179.0
percent) out of a potential 200 percent, net of adjustments for items considered outside the normal course of
business operation and/or which were not considered in the target-setting of the 2021 LTIP. Adjustments were
made to the EPS for each of the relevant financial years to reflect significant unplanned developments after the
LTIP grant, both positive and negative, mainly including for the impact of divestments, M&A-related integration
and restructuring costs.
32
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
In line with our commitment to retrospectively disclose the EPS performance targets for vested LTIP awards, we
disclose the three target and award points (threshold, target and maximum) and the actual achievement for the
adjusted 2021 EPS performance measure in Exhibit 32 below.
The average weighted achievement level of the two performance measures under the 2021 LTIP was 200.0
percent (out of a maximum 200 percent), as specified in Exhibit 32.
Exhibit 32: Target point, award points (rounded) and achievement levels of 2021 LTIP performance measures
Measure
Weighting
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Actual
Relative TSR
50%
25
th
percentile
50
th
percentile
75
th
percentile
77
th
percentile
Achievement level
0%
100%
200%
200.0%
Average EPS ($)
50%
1.02
1.19
1.36
1.57
Achievement level
0%
100%
200%
200.0%
Award as percentage of target (maximum at 200%)
200.0%
Overview of disclosed and realized 2021 LTIP value
In the following Exhibit 33 we compare the previously disclosed “fair value” of each EC member’s 2021 LTIP grant
and the actual value of their respective award at the time of vesting in 2024. This indicates the average realized
2021 LTIP value was 353.2 percent of the grant fair value. The values presented are gross and before payment of
any applicable taxes owed by the recipient.
Exhibit 33: Realized value of 2021 LTIP grant for current EC members
Grant date
Number of
shares
granted
related to
the TSR
measure
(1)
Shares
granted
related to
the EPS
measure
(2)
Total
number
of shares
granted
Disclosed
grant fair
value
(CHF)
(3)
Vesting date
Vesting
percentage
Number
of vested
shares
(4)
Realized
value
(CHF)
(5)
Morten Wierod
(6)
April 26, 2021
15,044
15,043
30,087
793,997
April 26, 2024
200.0%
62,402
2,804,346
Timo Ihamuotila
April 26, 2021
18,240
18,240
36,480
962,708
April 26, 2024
200.0%
75,660
3,400,161
Carolina Granat
April 26, 2021
13,163
13,163
26,326
694,744
April 26, 2024
200.0%
54,602
2,453,814
Mathias Gärtner
n.a.
n.a.
Karin Lepasoon
n.a.
n.a.
Sami Atiya
April 26, 2021
15,044
15,043
30,087
793,997
April 26, 2024
200.0%
62,402
2,804,346
Peter Terwiesch
April 26, 2021
15,044
15,043
30,087
793,997
April 26, 2024
200.0%
62,402
2,804,346
Brandon Spencer
(7)
n.a.
n.a.
Giampiero Frisio
(7)
n.a.
n.a.
Total
4,039,443
14,267,013
(1)
Actual achievement level of the TSR measure was 200.0 percent.
(2)
Actual achievement level of the EPS measure was 200.0 percent.
(3)
Valued at CHF 26.39, the grant fair value of the ABB share on the grant date adjusted for expected foregone dividends during the vesting period.
(4)
The initial granted number of shares has been increased by 3.7 percent to reflect the impact of the Accelleron spin-off in 2022.
(5)
Valued at CHF 44.94, the closing price of the ABB share on the day of vesting.
(6)
Morten Wierod's 2021 LTIP grant related to his role as business area president Motion.
(7)
At the time of 2021 LTIP grant, Brandon Spencer and Giampiero Frisio were not members of the EC.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
33
LTIP vesting outcomes in the last five years
The historical LTIP vesting outcomes for the prior five years are shown in Exhibit 34 below. Over the last five
years vesting averaged 128.2 percent of target and 67.3 percent of the maximum award
.
Exhibit 34: LTIP historical actual vesting percentages
(1)
(1)
According to plan-specific relative weighting of relevant performance measures.
REALIZED TOTAL COMPENSATION – 2024
We disclose the realized total compensation for each EC member. Such transparency on realized compensation is
designed to aid stakeholders’ understanding of ABB's link between pay and performance. Realized compensation
relates to the AIP award and the LTIP award at the end of their respective performance cycles, reflecting the
actual payment and settlement, based on achievements of the plan specific performance measures. Exhibit 35
sets out a high-level comparison of realized and target total compensation for each EC member. The
compensation for Morten Wierod includes his former role as business area president Electrification (until July 31,
2024). We provide further details in Exhibit 49 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables“
of this Report.
Exhibit 35: Realized 2024 total compensation (in CHF) compared to target total compensation
73.0%
57.4%
121.0%
189.5%
200.0%
48.7%
32.8%
60.5%
94.8%
100.0%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
2017 LTIP
2018 LTIP
2019 LTIP
2020 LTIP
2021 LTIP
Vesting in % of target award
Vesting in % of maximum potential award
156%
163%
161%
110%
109%
146%
163%
115%
115%
0
2,000,000
4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
Morten Wierod
Timo Ihamuotila
Carolina Granat
Mathias Gärtner
Karin Lepasoon
Sami Atiya
Peter Terwiesch
Brandon Spencer
Giampiero Frisio
Target total compensation
Realized total compensation
34
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION RATIO
As in our Compensation Report 2023, we continue to provide our shareholders an additional level of pay
transparency with the disclosure of the ratio of the annual total compensation for the organization’s highest-
paid individual (our CEO) to the median annual total compensation of our employees in Switzerland (excluding
the highest-paid individual).
We consider Switzerland to be the most relevant location for analyzing the annual total compensation ratio since
our CEO is also located and paid in Switzerland. This mitigates employee footprint and currency volatility.
At the time of publication of this Report, the allocation of annual short-term incentive awards to eligible
employees in Switzerland for 2024 has not been concluded. We therefore report the ratio for the year 2023, for
which the relevant short-term incentive awards are known. At December 31, 2023, our CEO was Björn Rosengren.
Our analysis includes full-time and part-time employees if they were employed at December 31, 2023. We
extrapolate values of compensation elements of part-time employees and new hires during the year 2023 to
represent full-time equivalent and full-year equivalent values.
In accordance with the national practice in Switzerland related to equal pay analysis, our compensation ratio
calculation includes trainees, but excludes other temporary employment types such as interns, apprentices and
international assignees (expats, inpats, short-term assignees), as well as contingent workers.
The calculated ratio comprises paid base salary, paid short-term incentive, granted long-term incentive, paid
pension benefits and other paid benefits as compensation elements. The short-term incentive represents the
bonus for the year 2023 (paid in March 2024). The long-term incentive represents the grant fair value, in line with
the disclosure for the 2023 CEO compensation (see Exhibit 43 in this Report). Our CEO’s total compensation for
2023 was CHF 9,693,219.
Values of long-term incentive, pension benefits and other benefits are considered for the employee with the
median total cash compensation, comprising base salary and short-term incentive.*
The median 2023 total compensation for employees in Switzerland (excluding the CEO) was CHF 151,538. The
resulting ratio is 64.0 (2022: 50.1). The ratio slightly widened due to the higher level of the CEO’s total
compensation (2023: 20% more than 2022) and the lower level of the median employee total compensation
(2023: 6% less than 2022).
If the CEO’s annual total compensation was instead compared to the average annual total compensation of
employees in Switzerland (excluding the CEO) the resulting ratio would be 51.8 (2022: 45.5).
* Our analysis initially considers the sum of total cash compensation for all employees in scope. After we identified the employee with the
median total cash compensation, the values of long-term incentive (if applicable), pension benefits and other benefits are added for the
identified employee.
OTHER COMPENSATION – 2024
Members of the EC are eligible to participate in the Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP), a savings plan based
on stock options, which is open to our employees around the world. Three members of the EC participated in the
21
st
annual ESAP launch of the plan in 2024. EC members who participated will, upon vesting, each be entitled to
acquire up to 210 ABB shares at CHF 48.41 per share, the market share price at the start of the 2024 plan.
For a more detailed description of the ESAP, please refer to “Note 18 – Share
based payment arrangements” in
our Financial Report 2024.
In 2024, ABB did not pay any fees or compensation to the members of the EC for services rendered to ABB other
than those disclosed in this Report. Except as disclosed in the section “Executive Committee – Business
relationships between ABB and its EC members” in our Corporate Governance Report 2024, the Company did not
pay any additional fees or compensation in 2024 to persons closely linked to a member of the EC for services
rendered to ABB.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF EC MEMBERS
Four out of nine EC members have met and exceeded their share ownership requirement. The other five
members have been appointed to the EC in the last three years. The individual shareholding in comparison to the
relevant share ownership requirement is shown in Exhibit 9 in the section “At a glance”.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
35
The EC members collectively owned less than one percent of ABB’s total shares outstanding at December 31,
2024.
At December 31, 2024, EC members held ABB shares and conditional rights to receive shares, as shown in
Exhibit 47 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”. Their holdings at December 31,
2023, are shown in Exhibit 48 in the same section.
Except as described in Exhibits 47 and 48, no member of the EC and no person closely linked to a member of the
EC held any shares of ABB or options on ABB shares at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
EXTERNAL BOARD MANDATES HELD BY EC MEMBERS
Three out of nine EC members held at least one external mandate in other companies. We disclose detailed
information in Exhibit 44 in the section “Compensation tables and share ownership tables”.
36
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
CHANGES APPLICABLE TO EC
MEMBERS
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT FOR EC MEMBERS
As a result of his promotion to the Chief Executive Officer effective from August 1, 2024, Morten Wierod’s annual
base salary was increased from CHF 990,000 to CHF 1,500,000 and his target short-term and long-term
incentive were adjusted in accordance with his new position, with a target short-term and target long-term
incentive of 100 and 150 percent of annual base salary, respectively. Morten Wierod is eligible for standard EC
benefits applicable to Switzerland.
The new business area president Motion, Brandon Spencer, was appointed to the EC effective from
August 1, 2024, with an annual base salary of USD 770,000, and a target short-term and target long-term
incentive of 100 and 150 percent of annual base salary, respectively. Brandon Spencer is eligible for standard EC
benefits and, where relevant, local US benefits.
The new business area president Electrification, Giampiero Frisio, was appointed to the EC effective from
August 1, 2024, with an annual base salary of EUR 805,000, and a target short-term and target long-term
incentive of 100 and 150 percent of annual base salary, respectively. Giampiero Frisio is eligible for standard EC
benefits and, where relevant, local Italian benefits.
The new General Counsel and Company Secretary, Mathias Gärtner, was appointed to the EC effective from
November 1, 2024, with an annual base salary of CHF 800,000, and a target short-term incentive and target long-
term incentive of 100 and 150 percent of annual base salary, respectively. Mathias Gärtner is eligible for standard
EC benefits applicable to Switzerland. He received a replacement share grant to compensate for his forgone
equity grants with his previous employer. The value of forfeited performance share units and options grants was
replaced with an ABB performance share unit grant and the value of forfeited restricted share unit grants was
replaced with an ABB restricted share unit grant.
TERMS OF DEPARTURE FOR EC MEMBERS
The former Chief Executive Officer, Björn Rosengren, stepped down from the EC as per July 31, 2024, and retired
as of December 31, 2024. He received compensation and benefits up to the point of his departure, including
eligibility to a short-term incentive payment for 2024. His unvested shares granted under our LTIP will be treated
according to contractual terms.
The former business area president Motion, Tarak Metha, stepped down from the EC as per July 31, 2024, and
departed from ABB on August 31, 2024. He received compensation and benefits up to the point of his departure.
This included a contractually agreed pro-rata short-term incentive payment of CHF 910,780 for the period
January 1 to August 31, 2024. His unvested shares granted under our LTIP will be treated according to contractual
terms.
The former General Counsel and Company Secretary, Andrea Antonelli, stepped down from the EC as per May 31,
2023, and departed from ABB on June 30, 2024, reflecting his contractual notice period of 12 months plus
extension of such period by one month due to illness. He received compensation and benefits up to the point of
his departure. This included a contractually agreed pro-rata short-term incentive payment of CHF 283,300 for the
period January 1 to June 30, 2024. His unvested shares granted under our LTIP will be treated according to
contractual terms.
COMPENSATION OF FORMER EC MEMBERS
In 2024, we did not make any payment to former EC members other than those disclosed in this Report.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
37
VOTES ON COMPENSATION
AT THE AGM 2025
As illustrated in Exhibit 36, the Board’s proposals to shareholders at the AGM 2025 will relate to Board
compensation for the 2025–2026 term of office and EC compensation for the calendar year 2026. There will also
be a non-binding consultative vote on the Compensation Report 2024, i.e., this Report.
Exhibit 36: Shareholders will have three separate votes on compensation at the AGM 2025
The voting results at ABB’s AGM in 2024 were as follows:
Maximum aggregate Board compensation for the 2024–2025 term of office – 98.60 percent approved
Maximum aggregate EC compensation for 2025 – 93.58 percent approved
Consultative vote on the Compensation Report 2023 – 90.48 percent voted for
In determining the proposed maximum aggregate EC compensation for 2026, the Board intends to take into
consideration the criteria set forth in Exhibit 37. Given the variable nature of a major portion of the
compensation components, the proposed maximum aggregate EC compensation will accordingly be higher than
the actual compensation paid or awarded, as it must cover the potential maximum value of each component of
compensation.
38
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
The decrease in maximum aggregate EC compensation for 2026 compared to 2025 is mainly influenced by the
application of the adjusted, more performance-oriented compensation mix for EC entrants and the anticipated
costs related to the vesting of 2023 LTIP awards.
Exhibit 37: Overview of key factors affecting the determination of maximum aggregate EC compensation
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
39
COMPENSATION TABLES AND
SHARE OWNERSHIP TABLES
Exhibit 38: Board compensation in 2024 and 2023 (audited)
Paid in 2024
Paid in 2023
November
Board term
2024–2025
May
Board term
2023–2024
Total compensation
paid in 2024
(3)
November
Board term
2023–2024
May
Board term
2022–2023
Total compensation
paid in 2023
(3)
Name
Settled in cash
(1)
Settled in shares –
number of shares
received
(2)
Settled in cash
(1)
Settled in shares –
number of shares
received
(2)
Settled in cash
(1)
Settled in shares –
number of shares
received
(2)
Settled in cash
(1)
Settled in shares –
number of shares
received
(2)
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
Peter Voser, Chairman
(4)
12,022
13,754
1,200,000
17,462
18,607
1,200,000
Jacob Wallenberg
(5)
112,500
1,859
225,000
112,500
2,624
112,500
2,796
450,000
Gunnar Brock
(6)
165,000
165,000
82,500
1,924
82,500
2,048
330,000
David Constable
(7)
80,000
1,283
80,000
1,468
320,000
80,000
1,866
80,000
1,988
320,000
Frederico Curado
(8)
2,666
3,058
350,000
3,876
4,130
350,000
Lars Förberg
(9)
3,183
3,649
320,000
4,628
4,945
320,000
Johan Forssell
(10)
80,000
1,283
160,000
Denise Johnson
(11)
2,702
3,092
330,000
3,929
165,000
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
(12)
2,666
87,500
1,490
350,000
87,500
1,890
87,500
2,018
350,000
Geraldine Matchett
(13)
82,500
1,634
82,500
1,873
330,000
82,500
2,376
82,500
2,683
330,000
David Meline
(14)
100,000
1,604
100,000
1,835
400,000
100,000
2,332
100,000
2,485
400,000
Satish Pai
(15)
3,341
165,000
Mats Rahmström
(16)
82,500
1,323
165,000
Total
425,000
30,366
627,500
32,078
4,315,000
545,000
42,907
545,000
45,041
4,380,000
(1)
Represents gross amount paid, prior to deductions for social security, withholding tax, etc.
(2)
Number of shares per Board member is calculated based on net amount due after deductions for social security, withholding tax, etc.
(3)
In addition to the Board remuneration stated in the above table, in 2024 and 2023 the Company paid CHF 282,230 and CHF 235,498, respectively, in related
mandatory social security payments.
(4)
Chairman of the ABB Ltd Board and of the Governance and Nomination Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving
100 percent of his compensation in the form of ABB shares.
(5)
Vice-Chairman of the ABB Ltd Board and member of the Governance and Nomination Committee for the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 Board terms; received 50
percent of his compensation in the form of ABB shares. Did not stand for re-election in 2024.
(6)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 Board terms; received 50 percent of his compensation in the
form of ABB shares, except for his final compensation payment which was delivered after he stepped down from the Board and which he received 100
percent in cash. Did not stand for re-election in 2024.
(7)
Member of the Compensation Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 50 percent of his compensation in the form
of ABB shares.
(8)
Chairman of the Compensation Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 100 percent of his compensation in the
form of ABB shares.
(9)
Member of the Governance and Nomination Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 100 percent of his
compensation in the form of ABB shares.
(10)
Member of the Governance and Nomination Committee for the 2024–2025 Board term; is receiving 50 percent of his compensation in the form of ABB shares.
(11)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 100 percent of her compensation in the
form of ABB shares.
(12)
Member of the Compensation Committee and of the Governance and Nomination Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms;
received 50 percent of her compensation in the form of ABB shares for the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 Board terms and is receiving 100 percent of her
compensation in the form of ABB shares for the 2024–2025 Board term.
(13)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 50 percent of her
compensation in the form of ABB shares.
(14)
Chairman of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2022–2023, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Board terms; is receiving 50 percent of his
compensation in the form of ABB shares.
(15)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2022–2023 Board term; received 100 percent of his compensation in the form of ABB
shares. Did not stand for re-election in 2023.
(16)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee for the 2024–2025 Board term; is receiving 50 percent of his compensation in the form of ABB
shares.
40
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 39: Board compensation for the Board terms 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 (audited)
Board term
2024–2025
Board term
2023–2024
Name
Specific Board roles
CHF
CHF
Peter Voser
Chairman of the Board and Chairman GNC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
1,200,000
1,200,000
Jacob Wallenberg
Vice-Chairman of the Board and Member GNC for 2023–2024 term
450,000
Gunnar Brock
Member FACC for 2023–2024 term
330,000
David Constable
Member CC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
320,000
320,000
Frederico Curado
Chairman CC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
350,000
350,000
Lars Förberg
Member GNC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
320,000
320,000
Johan Forssell
Member GNC for 2024–2025 term
320,000
Denise Johnson
Member FACC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
330,000
330,000
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
Member CC and Member GNC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
350,000
350,000
Geraldine Matchett
Member FACC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
330,000
330,000
David Meline
Chairman FACC for 2024–2025 and 2023–2024 terms
400,000
400,000
Mats Rahmström
Member FACC for 2024–2025 term
330,000
Total
4,250,000
4,380,000
Key:
CC: Compensation Committee
FACC: Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee
GNC: Governance and Nomination Committee
Exhibit 40: Board ownership of ABB shares (audited)
Total number of shares held
Name
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Peter Voser
206,652
215,876
Jacob Wallenberg
251,318
Gunnar Brock
41,785
David Constable
49,070
46,319
Frederico Curado
62,905
57,181
Lars Förberg
86,927
80,095
Johan Forssell
1,283
Denise Johnson
9,723
3,929
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
49,968
45,812
Geraldine Matchett
39,530
36,023
David Meline
(1)
51,387
47,948
Mats Rahmström
(2)
4,858
Total
562,303
826,286
(1) Includes 3,150 shares held by spouse.
(2) Includes 735 shares held by family members.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
41
Exhibit 41: Board members with external mandates at December 31, 2024 (audited)
Name
Company
Listed company
2024 new mandate vs 2023
Mandate
Peter Voser
IBM Corporation, Armonk, United States
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Member of the Board’s Executive Committee
Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, Singapore,
Singapore
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Risk & Sustainability Committee
Member of the Leadership & Compensation
Committee
PSA International Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
Group Chairman of the Board
David Constable
Fluor Corporation, Irving, United States
Chief Executive Officer
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board’s Executive Committee
Frederico Curado
Transocean Ltd., Zug, Switzerland
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Governance, Safety and Environment
Committee
LATAM Airlines Group, Santiago, Chile
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Chairman of the Strategy Committee
Member of the Compensation Committee
Lars Förberg
Cevian Capital AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Co-founder and Managing Partner
Johan Forssell
Atlas Copco AB, Nacka, Sweden
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Audit Committee
Wärtsilä Oyj
Abp, Helsinki, Finland
Member of the Board of Directors
Epiroc AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Remuneration Committee
Denise Johnson
Caterpillar Inc., Deerfield, United States
Group President, Resource Industries
Jennifer Xin-Zhe Li
Changcheng Investment Partners, Beijing, China
Founder and General Partner
SAP SE, Walldorf, Germany
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairwoman of the Audit and Compliance Committee
Member of the Finance and Investment Committee
Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd., Guizhou / Nanjing,
China
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairwoman of the Audit Committee
Geraldine Matchett
Nestlé Ltd., Vevey, Switzerland
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Governance, Nomination and
Sustainability Committee
Member of the Risk Committee
Swiss Re Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Audit Committee
David Meline
HP Inc., Palo Alto, United States
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Finance, Investment and Technology
Committee
Pacific Biosciences of California Inc., Menlo Park,
United States
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Audit Committee
Mats Rahmström
Piab Group AB, Danderyd, Sweden
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Investor AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Member of the Board of Directors
Wärtsilä Oyj
Abp, Helsinki, Finland
Member of the Board of Directors
Qvantum Industries AB, Astorp, Sweden
Member of the Board of Directors
SMD Logistics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Member of the Board of Directors
42
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 42: EC compensation in 2024 (audited)
Cash Compensation
Estimated value of share-
based grants under the
LTIP in 2024
(4)
Estimated value of
replacement share-based
grant in 2024
(5)
2024 Total compensation
(incl. conditional share-
based grants)
Name
Base salary
Short-term
incentive
(1)
Pension benefits
Other benefits
(2)
2024 Total
cash-based
compensation
(3)
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
Morten Wierod (CEO as of
August 1, 2024)
1,193,754
1,518,775
404,221
673,195
3,789,945
2,829,060
6,619,005
Timo Ihamuotila
990,004
1,234,530
531,616
831,765
3,587,915
1,154,192
4,742,107
Carolina Granat
725,012
892,475
434,077
589,626
2,641,190
845,235
3,486,425
Mathias Gärtner (EC member as of
November 1, 2024)
133,335
164,134
28,714
27,952
354,135
1,586,900
3,573,566
5,514,601
Karin Lepasoon
600,000
738,600
255,540
140,638
1,734,778
699,506
2,434,284
Sami Atiya
800,009
459,200
491,512
647,603
2,398,324
932,690
3,331,014
Peter Terwiesch
860,004
1,159,280
498,421
685,234
3,202,939
1,002,644
4,205,583
Brandon Spencer (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
(6)(7)
278,387
367,750
40,780
686,917
1,261,951
1,948,868
Giampiero Frisio (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
(7)
314,956
423,302
32,343
48,570
819,171
1,430,528
2,249,699
Total Executive Committee members
at December 31, 2024
5,895,461
6,958,046
2,676,444
3,685,363
19,215,314
11,742,706
3,573,566
34,531,586
Björn Rosengren (EC member until
July 31, 2024)
(8)
1,785,006
2,154,495
753,339
1,759,261
6,452,101
6,452,101
Andrea Antonelli (EC member until
May 31, 2023)
(8)
350,000
283,300
121,566
155,889
910,755
910,755
Tarak Mehta (EC member until
July 31, 2024)
(8)
620,006
910,780
344,357
745,329
2,620,472
2,620,472
Total departing Executive Committee
members
2,755,012
3,348,575
1,219,262
2,660,479
9,983,328
9,983,328
Total
8,650,473
10,306,621
3,895,706
6,345,842
29,198,642
11,742,706
3,573,566
44,514,914
(1)
Represents accrued short-term variable compensation for the year 2024, which will be paid in 2025, after the publication of ABB's financial results. Short-term variable
compensation is linked to the targets and goals defined in each EC member's Annual Incentive Plan. Upon full achievement of these targets and goals, the short-term
variable compensation of the EC members represents 100 percent of their respective base salary. Andrea Antonelli and Tarak Mehta received a short-term variable
compensation payment in 2024 at the time of their departure related to their termination period, in accordance with the contractual obligations of ABB.
(2)
Other benefits mainly comprise payments related to social security, health insurance, transportation, tax advice and certain other items.
(3)
Prepared on an accrual basis.
(4)
The estimated value of the share-based LTIP grants is based on the price of ABB shares on the grant date. On the day of vesting (April 24, 2027), the value of the share-
based awards granted under the LTIP may vary from the above amounts due to changes in ABB's share price and the outcome of the performance factors.
(5)
The estimated value of the share-based replacement grant is based on the closing price of ABB shares on the grant date. On the vesting dates (November 1, 2025, 2026
and 2027), the value of the share-based awards granted under the replacement share grant may vary from the above amounts due to changes in ABB's share price and the
outcome of the performance factors.
(6)
For Brandon Spencer the maximum pension contributions for the year 2024 were already reached prior to his promotion to the EC. Therefore no additional pension
contributions were provided in 2024.
(7)
Compensation of Brandon Spencer was converted from USD to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.8677, and compensation of Giampiero Frisio was
converted from EUR to CHF applying an average foreign exchange rate of 0.9390.
(8)
EC members who stepped down from the EC during 2024 coninued to receive compensation and benefits up to the point of their departure, according to contractual
terms, which are included in their total compensation.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
43
Exhibit 43: EC compensation in 2023 (audited)
Cash Compensation
Estimated value of share-
based grants under the
LTIP in 2022
(4)
2023 Total compensation
(incl. conditional share-
based grants)
(5)
Name
Base salary
Short-term
incentive
(1)
Pension benefits
Other benefits
(2)
2023 Total
cash-based
compensation
(3)
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
Björn Rosengren
1,785,006
2,659,650
775,090
1,759,098
6,978,844
2,714,375
9,693,219
Timo Ihamuotila
990,004
1,386,000
541,130
786,869
3,704,003
1,003,656
4,707,659
Carolina Granat
725,012
1,087,500
440,166
369,285
2,621,963
734,999
3,356,962
Karin Lepasoon
600,000
900,000
254,677
162,089
1,916,766
608,288
2,525,054
Sami Atiya
800,009
960,000
499,122
654,700
2,913,831
811,038
3,724,869
Tarak Mehta
930,009
1,395,000
526,130
746,993
3,598,132
942,817
4,540,949
Peter Terwiesch
855,003
1,179,060
505,595
657,565
3,197,223
871,844
4,069,067
Morten Wierod
962,502
1,462,500
505,842
685,145
3,615,989
988,423
4,604,412
Total Executive Committee members
at December 31, 2023
7,647,545
11,029,710
4,047,752
5,821,744
28,546,751
8,675,440
37,222,191
Andrea Antonelli (EC member until
May 31, 2023)
700,000
980,000
248,685
140,430
2,069,115
1,064,462
3,133,577
Theodor Swedjemark (EC member
until September 30, 2022)
83,334
78,854
45,344
79,168
286,700
286,700
Total departing Executive Committee
members
783,334
1,058,854
294,029
219,598
2,355,815
1,064,462
3,420,277
Total
8,430,879
12,088,564
4,341,781
6,041,342
30,902,566
9,739,902
40,642,468
(1)
Represents accrued short-term variable compensation for the year 2023, which was paid in 2024, after the publication of ABB's financial results. Short-
term variable compensation is linked to the targets and goals defined in each EC member's Annual Incentive Plan. Upon full achievement of these
targets and goals, the short-term variable compensation of the EC member represents 100 percent of their respective base salary. Theodor Swedjemark
received a short-term variable compensation payment in February 2023 related to his termination period, in accordance with the contractual obligations
of ABB.
(2)
Other benefits mainly comprise payments related to social security, health insurance, children's education, transportation, tax advice, compensation for
foregone dividends on replacement share grants and certain other items.
(3)
Prepared on an accrual basis.
(4)
The estimated value of the share-based LTIP grants is based on the price of ABB shares on the grant date. On the day of vesting (April 24, 2026), the
value of the share-based awards granted under the LTIP may vary from the above amounts due to changes in ABB's share price and the outcome of the
performance factors.
(5)
Payments totaling CHF 308,592 were made in 2023 on behalf of certain other former EC members, representing social security premium payments due
on the 2020 LTIP vesting and tax advisory services for the period when they have been active EC members.
Exhibit 44: EC members with external mandates at December 31, 2024 (audited)
Name
Company
Listed company
2024 new mandate vs 2023
Mandate
Timo Ihamuotila
Kone Oy, Espoo, Finland
Member of the Board of Directors
Member of the Audit Committee
Oras Invest Oy, Helsinki, Finland
Member of the Board of Directors
Sami Atiya
SGS SA, Geneva, Switzerland
Member of the Board of Directors
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Nomination Committee
Peter Terwiesch
Hilti AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein
Member of the Board of Directors
44
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 45: LTIP grants in 2024 (audited)
Name
Reference number of shares under
the EPS performance factor of the
2024 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the EPS performance
factor of the 2024 launch of the
LTIP
(2)(3)
Reference number of shares under
the TSR performance factor of the
2024 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the TSR performance
factor of the 2024 launch of the
LTIP
(2)(3)
Reference number of shares under
the sustainability performance factor
of the
2024 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the sustainability
performance factor of the
2024
launch of the LTIP
(2)(3)
Total number of reference shares
granted under the 2024 launch of the
LTIP
(1)(2)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the LTIP in 2024
(2)(3)
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
Morten Wierod
(4)
29,754
1,414,506
17,852
848,685
11,903
565,869
59,509
2,829,060
Timo Ihamuotila
13,092
577,096
7,855
346,249
5,237
230,847
26,184
1,154,192
Carolina Granat
9,587
422,595
5,752
253,549
3,836
169,091
19,175
845,235
Mathias Gärtner (EC member as
of
November 1, 2024)
15,869
793,450
9,521
476,050
6,348
317,400
31,738
1,586,900
Karin Lepasoon
(4)
7,934
349,731
4,760
209,821
3,175
139,954
15,869
699,506
Sami Atiya
10,579
466,323
6,347
279,776
4,233
186,591
21,159
932,690
Peter Terwiesch
(4)
11,373
501,322
6,823
300,758
4,550
200,564
22,746
1,002,644
Brandon Spencer (EC member as
of
August 1, 2024)
13,272
630,951
7,963
378,562
5,310
252,438
26,545
1,261,951
Giampiero Frisio (EC member as
of
August 1, 2024)
15,045
715,240
9,027
429,144
6,019
286,144
30,091
1,430,528
Total Executive Committee
members at December 31, 2024
126,505
5,871,214
75,900
3,522,594
50,611
2,348,898
253,016
11,742,706
(1)
Vesting date April 22, 2027.
(2)
The reference number of shares of the EPS, TSR and sustainability performance factors are valued using the fair value of the ABB shares on the
grant date.
(3)
Default settlement of the final LTIP award is 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in place for employees who are subject to
withholding taxes. The plan foresees a maximum award of 200 percent of the number of reference shares granted based on the achievement
against the predefined average EPS, relative TSR and sustainability performance targets. Participants are also entitled to receive a dividend
equivalent payment at the time of vesting for each awarded share.
(4)
In addition to the above awards, three members of the EC participated in the 21
st
launch of the ESAP in 2024, which will allow them to save over a
12-month period and, in November 2025, use their savings to acquire ABB shares under the ESAP. Each EC member who participated in ESAP will,
upon vesting, be entitled to acquire up to 210 ABB shares at an exercise price of CHF 48.41 per share.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
45
Exhibit 46: LTIP grants in 2023 (audited)
Name
Reference number of shares under
the EPS performance factor of the
2023 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the EPS performance
factor of the 2023 launch of the
LTIP
(2)(3)
Reference number of shares under
the TSR performance factor of the
2023 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the TSR performance
factor of the 2023 launch of the
LTIP
(2)(3)
Reference number of shares under
the sustainability performance factor
of the 2023 launch of the LTIP
(1)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the sustainability
performance factor of the 2023
launch of the LTIP
(2)(3)
Total number of reference shares
granted under the 2023 launch of the
LTIP
(1)(2)
Total estimated value of share-based
grants under the LTIP in 2023
(2)(3)
CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF
Björn Rosengren
(4)
42,854
1,357,187
25,712
814,300
17,142
542,888
85,708
2,714,375
Timo Ihamuotila
15,845
501,812
9,507
301,087
6,339
200,757
31,691
1,003,656
Carolina Granat
11,604
367,499
6,962
220,487
4,642
147,013
23,208
734,999
Karin Lepasoon
(4)
9,603
304,128
5,762
182,483
3,842
121,677
19,207
608,288
Sami Atiya
12,804
405,503
7,682
243,289
5,123
162,246
25,609
811,038
Tarak Mehta
(4)
14,885
471,408
8,931
282,845
5,954
188,564
29,770
942,817
Peter Terwiesch
(4)
13,764
435,906
8,258
261,531
5,507
174,407
27,529
871,844
Morten Wierod
(4)
15,605
494,211
9,363
296,527
6,242
197,685
31,210
988,423
Total Executive Committee
members at December 31, 2023
136,964
4,337,654
82,177
2,602,549
54,791
1,735,237
273,932
8,675,440
(1)
Vesting date April 24, 2026.
(2)
The reference number of shares of the EPS, TSR and sustainability performance factors are valued using the fair value of the ABB shares on the
grant date.
(3)
Default settlement of the final LTIP award is 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in place for employees who are subject to
withholding taxes. The plan foresees a maximum award of 200 percent of the number of reference shares granted based on the achievement
against the predefined average EPS, relative TSR and sustainability performance targets. Participants are also entitled to receive a dividend
equivalent payment at the time of vesting for each awarded share.
(4)
In addition to the above awards, five members of the EC participated in the 20
th
launch of the ESAP in 2023, which allowed them to save over a
12-month period and, in November 2024, use their savings to acquire ABB shares under the ESAP. Each EC member who participated in ESAP
was, upon vesting, entitled to acquire up to 330 ABB shares at an exercise price of CHF 30.49 per share.
46
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 47: EC shareholding overview at December 31, 2024 (audited)
Unvested at December 31, 2024
Name
Total number of shares held at
December 31, 2024
Reference number of shares under
the 2022 performance factors (EPS,
TSR and sustainability) of the
LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares under
the 2023 performance factors (EPS,
TSR and sustainability) of the
LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares under
the 2024 performance factors (EPS,
TSR and sustainability) of the
LTIP
(1)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
Replacement share grant for
foregone benefits from former
employer
(2)
(vesting 2025)
(vesting 2026)
(vesting 2027)
(vesting 2025)
(vesting 2026)
(vesting 2027)
Morten Wierod (CEO as of August 1,
2024)
170,999
28,736
31,210
59,509
Timo Ihamuotila
200,000
31,609
31,691
26,184
Carolina Granat
(3)
38,018
23,148
23,208
19,175
Mathias Gärtner (EC member as of
November 1, 2024)
31,738
6,275
33,057
34,002
Karin Lepasoon
690
19,157
19,207
15,869
Sami Atiya
100,000
25,543
25,609
21,159
Peter Terwiesch
100,330
26,501
27,529
22,746
Brandon Spencer (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
9,541
16,013
26,545
Giampiero Frisio (EC member as of
August 1, 2024)
1,381
14,404
21,249
30,091
Total Executive Committee
members at December 31, 2024
611,418
178,639
195,716
253,016
6,275
33,057
34,002
(1)
The final 2022 LTIP, 2023 LTIP and 2024 LTIP awards will be settled 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in place for employees who are
subject to withholding taxes.
(2)
The first tranche of the replacement share grant consists of Restricted Share Units and will vest one year after the grant. The second and the third tranche of
the replacement share grant consist of Performance Share Units and will vest two respectively three years after the grant. The vesting level of the
Performance Share Units depends on the achievement of the applicable performance targets. The final replacement awards will be settled 100 percent in
shares. Shares are entitled to receive dividend equivalent payment on the final number of vested shares.
(3)
This includes 1,200 shares held by spouse.
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
47
Exhibit 48: EC shareholding overview at December 31, 2023 (audited)
Unvested at December 31, 2023
Name
Total number of shares held at
December 31, 2023
Reference number of shares
under the 2021 performance
factors (EPS and TSR) of the
LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
under the 2022 performance
factors (EPS, TSR and
sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
Reference number of shares
under the 2023 performance
factors (EPS, TSR and
sustainability) of the LTIP
(1)
(vesting 2024)
(vesting 2025)
(vesting 2026)
Björn Rosengren
262,334
99,450
85,487
85,708
Timo Ihamuotila
202,000
37,830
31,609
31,691
Carolina Granat
(2)
5,200
27,301
23,148
23,208
Karin Lepasoon
360
19,157
19,207
Sami Atiya
100,000
31,201
25,543
25,609
Tarak Mehta
134,710
36,271
29,694
29,770
Peter Terwiesch
100,000
31,201
26,501
27,529
Morten Wierod
141,267
31,201
28,736
31,210
Total Executive Committee members at
December 31, 2023
945,871
294,455
269,875
273,932
(1)
The final 2021 LTIP, 2022 LTIP and 2023 LTIP awards will be settled 100 percent in shares, with an automatic sell-to-cover in
place for employees who are subject to withholding taxes.
(2)
This includes 1,200 shares held by spouse.
48
ABB COMPENSATION REPORT 2024
Exhibit 49: Targeted and realized EC total compensation in 2024
Target
compensation
(in CHF)
Base salary
Pension
benefits
Other
benefits
(1)
Target
2024
short-term
incentive
(2)
Grant fair
value of
2021 LTIP
(3)
Target total
variable
compensation
Target total
compensation
Morten Wierod
(4)
1,193,754
404,221
652,637
1,193,750
793,997
1,987,747
4,238,359
Timo Ihamuotila
990,004
531,616
816,298
990,000
962,708
1,952,708
4,290,626
Carolina Granat
725,012
434,077
579,033
725,000
694,744
1,419,744
3,157,866
Mathias Gärtner
133,335
28,714
26,004
133,334
n.a.
133,334
321,387
Karin Lepasoon
600,000
255,540
131,872
600,000
n.a.
600,000
1,587,412
Sami Atiya
800,009
491,512
669,159
800,000
793,997
1,593,997
3,554,677
Peter Terwiesch
860,004
498,421
666,305
860,000
793,997
1,653,997
3,678,727
Brandon Spencer
(5)
278,387
40,780
278,387
n.a.
278,387
597,554
Giampiero Frisio
314,956
32,343
48,570
314,956
n.a.
314,956
710,825
Total
5,895,461
2,676,444
3,630,658
5,895,427
4,039,443
9,934,870
22,137,433
Realized
compensation
(in CHF)
Base salary
Pension
benefits
Other
benefits
(1)(6)
Actual 2024
short-term
incentive
(7)
Realized
value of
2021 LTIP
(8)
Total variable
compensation
Total
compensation
Morten Wierod
(4)
1,193,754
404,221
673,195
1,518,775
2,804,346
4,323,121
6,594,291
Timo Ihamuotila
990,004
531,616
831,765
1,234,530
3,400,161
4,634,691
6,988,076
Carolina Granat
725,012
434,077
589,626
892,475
2,453,814
3,346,289
5,095,004
Mathias Gärtner
133,335
28,714
27,952
164,134
n.a.
164,134
354,135
Karin Lepasoon
600,000
255,540
140,638
738,600
n.a.
738,600
1,734,778
Sami Atiya
800,009
491,512
647,603
459,200
2,804,346
3,263,546
5,202,670
Peter Terwiesch
860,004
498,421
685,234
1,159,280
2,804,346
3,963,626
6,007,285
Brandon Spencer
(5)
278,387
40,780
367,750
n.a.
367,750
686,917
Giampiero Frisio
314,956
32,343
48,570
423,302
n.a.
423,302
819,171
Total
5,895,461
2,676,444
3,685,363
6,958,046
14,267,013
21,225,059
33,482,327
Achievement levels
(in %)
(9)
Base salary
Pension
benefits
Other
benefits
(1)
2024
short-term
incentive
(7)
2021 LTIP
(8)
Total variable
compensation
Total
compensation
Morten Wierod
(4)
100.0%
100.0%
103.1%
127.2%
353.2%
217.5%
155.6%
Timo Ihamuotila
100.0%
100.0%
101.9%
124.7%
353.2%
237.3%
162.9%
Carolina Granat
100.0%
100.0%
101.8%
123.1%
353.2%
235.7%
161.3%
Mathias Gärtner
100.0%
100.0%
107.5%
123.1%
n.a.
123.1%
110.2%
Karin Lepasoon
100.0%
100.0%
106.6%
123.1%
n.a.
123.1%
109.3%
Sami Atiya
100.0%
100.0%
96.8%
57.4%
353.2%
204.7%
146.4%
Peter Terwiesch
100.0%
100.0%
102.8%
134.8%
353.2%
239.6%
163.3%
Brandon Spencer
(5)
100.0%
n.a.
100.0%
132.1%
n.a.
132.1%
115.0%
Giampiero Frisio
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
134.4%
n.a.
134.4%
115.2%
Average
100.0%
100.0%
102.3%
120.0%
353.2%
183.1%
137.7%
(1)
Other benefits comprise payments related to social security, health insurance, children's education, transportation, tax advice and certain
other items.
(2)
Target short-term incentive corresponds to 100 percent of the latest applicable annual base salary.
(3)
Represents the 2021 LTIP grant date fair value as per April 26, 2021, as disclosed in our Annual Report 2021.
(4)
Information for Morten Wierod is based on his compensation related to his CEO role and his former role as business area president
Electrification (until July 31, 2024), e.g., the achievement level of 127.2 percent represents his combined 2024 short-term incentive outcome
related to the two roles held in 2024 (120.7 percent for his CEO role and 134.4 percent for his business area president role 134.4, as detailed
in Exhibit 26) compared to his combined 2024 target short-term incentive.
(5)
For Brandon Spencer the maximum pension contributions
for the year 2024 were already reached prior to his promotion to the EC.
Therefore no additional pension contributions were provided in 2024.
(6)
Differences between realized and target values due to higher social security payments related to AIP awards above target values.
(7)
Represents accrued short-term incentive for the year 2024, which will be paid in 2025, after the publication of ABB's financial results. STI is
linked to the targets and goals defined in each EC member's Annual Incentive Plan.
(8)
Valued at CHF 44.94, the closing price of the ABB share on the day of vesting.
(9)
Ratio of realized compensation compared to target compensation.
49
KPMG
Report of the statutory
auditor
To the General
Meeting of ABB Ltd, Zurich
Report on the Audit of
the Compensation Report
Opinion
We have audited the Compensation Report of ABB Ltd (the Company) for the year ended December 31,
2024. The audit was limited to the information pursuant to Art. 734a-734f of the Swiss Code of Obligations
(CO) in the tables
marked “audited”
in the Compensation
Report.
In our opinion, the information pursuant to Art. 734a-734f CO in the accompanying Compensation Report
complies with Swiss law and the Company’s articles of incorporation.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). Our
responsibilities
under
those
provisions
and standards
are further
described
in
the “Auditor’s
Responsibilities
for the Audit of the Compensation Report’’ section of our report. We are independent of the Company in
accordance with the provisions of Swiss law and the requirements of the Swiss audit profession, and we
have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities
in accordance with these requirements.
We
believe
that the audit evidence
we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate
to provide
a
basis
for
our
opinion.
Other
Information
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the ABB Annual Reporting Suite (consisting of the Integrated Report, the Financial
Report, the
Corporate
Governance
Report,
the
Compensation
Report and
the Sustainability
Statement),
but
does
not
include
the
audited
content
of
the
Compensation
Report,
the
consolidated
financial
statements,
the
statutory financial
statements
of
ABB Ltd and our auditor’s
reports
thereon.
Our opinion on the Compensation Report does not cover the other information and we do not express any
form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the Compensation Report, our responsibility is to read the other information
and, in doing so, consider
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the audited financial
information in the Compensation Report or our knowledge
obtained in the audit or otherwise
appears to be
materially
misstated.
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other
information, we are required
to report
that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
50
Board of
Directors' Responsibilities
for the Compensation Report
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of
a
Compensation Report in accordance with the
provisions of Swiss law and the Company’s articles of incorporation, and for such internal control as the
Board of
Directors determines
is
necessary to enable the
preparation
of
a
Compensation
Report that
is free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors is also responsible for
designing the compensation system and defining
individual compensation packages.
Auditor’s
Responsibilities
for the Audit of
the Compensation
Report
Our
objectives
are to
obtain
reasonable
assurance
about whether
the
information
pursuant
to
Art.
734a-734f
CO is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that
includes
our
opinion.
Reasonable
assurance
is
a
high
level
of
assurance,
but
is
not
a
guarantee
that
an
audit
conducted in accordance with Swiss law and SA-CH will always detect a material misstatement when it
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the
basis of
this Compensation Report.
As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law and SA-CH, we exercise professional judgement and
maintain
professional
skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement in the Compensation Report, whether due to
fraud
or
error,
design
and
perform
audit
procedures
responsive
to
those
risks,
and
obtain
audit
evidence
that is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting
a
material
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion,
forgery, intentional
omissions,
misrepresentations,
or the
override of internal control.
Obtain
an
understanding
of
internal
control
relevant
to
the
audit
in
order to
design
audit
procedures
that
are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness
of
the Company’s internal
control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made.
We communicate with the Board of
Directors or its relevant committee regarding,
among other matters, the
planned scope and timing of the audit and significant
audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in
internal control
that we identify during our audit.
51
\Ne
also provide the Board of Directors or its relevant committee with
a
statement that we have complied
with relevant ethical requirements regarding
independence,
and to communicate
with them all relationships
and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable,
actions taken to eliminate
threats or
safeguards applied.
KPMG AG
Achim Wolper
Licensed Audit Expert
Auditor
in Charge
Mohamad
Midani
Zurich, Switzerland
February 26, 2025
2025 KPMG
AG,
a Swiss
corporation,
is
a
group company
of
KPMG
Holding
LLP,
which
is
a
member
firm
of
the KPMG
global organization
of
independent
member
firms
affiliated
with
KPMG
International
Limited,
a
private
English
company
limited
by guarantee.
All
rights
reserved.
rX-bRIsuissc
zcrtiri’iorros
Untsmchmon
52
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
The Compensation Report 2024 includes “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have based these
forward-looking statements largely on current expectations, estimates
and projections about the factors that may affect our future
performance, including global economic conditions as well as the
economic conditions of the regions and the industries that are major
markets for ABB. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,”
“continue,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect”, “plan” and similar
words and the express or implied discussion of strategy, plans or
intentions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including among other things, the following: (i) business
risks related to the global volatile economic environment; (ii) costs
associated with compliance activities; (iii) difficulties encountered in
operating in emerging markets; (iv) risks inherent in large, long term
projects served by parts of our business; (v) the timely development of
new products, technologies, and services that are useful for our
customers; (vi) our ability to anticipate and react to technological
change and evolving industry standards in the markets in which we
operate; (vii) changes in interest rates and fluctuations in currency
exchange rates; (viii) changes in raw materials prices or limitations of
supplies of raw materials; (ix) the weakening or unavailability of our
intellectual property rights; (x) industry consolidation resulting in more
powerful competitors and fewer customers; (xi) effects of competition
and changes in economic and market conditions in the product markets
and geographic areas in which we operate; (xii) effects of, and changes
in, laws, regulations, governmental policies, taxation, or accounting
standards and practices and (xiii) other factors described in documents
that we may furnish from time to time with the US Securities and
Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 20-F.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any such forward-
looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give
no assurance that they will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to
update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements because of
new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and
uncertainties, the forward-looking information, events and
circumstances might not occur. Our actual results and performance
could differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking
statements.