ABLZF ABB Ltd (PK)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of December 2018

Commission File Number 001-16429

ABB Ltd

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

P.O. Box 1831, Affolternstrasse 44, CH-8050, Zurich, Switzerland

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ⬜

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indication by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ⬜

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-

This Form 6-K consists of the following:

1.               Press release issued by ABB Ltd dated December 17, 2018, titled “ABB: Shaping a leader focused in digital industries”.

2  

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Zurich, Switzerland, December 17, 2018

ABB: Shaping a leader focused in digital industries

Fundamental actions to focus, simplify and lead in digital industries for enhanced customer value and shareholder returns

─           Focus of portfolio on digital industries through divestment of Power Grids

•          Divestment of Power Grids to Hitachi expands existing partnership and strengthens Power Grids as a global infrastructure leader with enhanced access to markets and financing

•          Enterprise Value of $11 billion for 100% of Power Grids, equivalent to an EV/op. EBITA multiple of 11.2x ¹

•          Crystallizing value from the transformation of Power Grids including doubling operational EBITA margin since 2014 ²  

•          ABB initially to retain 19.9 percent in the equity of carved-out Power Grids to ensure transition; pre-defined exit option on 19.9 percent equity at fair market value with floor price at 90 percent of agreed Enterprise Value, exercisable by ABB three years after closing

•          Closing expected by first half of 2020 ³

•          ABB intends to return 100% of the estimated net cash proceeds of $7.6-7.8 billion ⁴ from the 80.1% sale to shareholders in an expeditious and efficient manner through share buyback or similar mechanism

─           Simplification of business model and structure

•          Discontinuation of legacy matrix structure

•          Businesses will run all customer-facing activities as well as business functions and territories, fostering ABB’s entrepreneurial business culture

•          Businesses to be strengthened by transfer of experienced country management resources

•          Existing country and regional structures including regional Executive Committee roles to be discontinued after closing of the transaction

•          Corporate activities to be focused on Group strategy, portfolio and performance management, capital allocation, core technologies and ABB Ability™ platform

─          Shape four leading businesses aligned with customer patterns

•          All businesses global #1 or #2 in attractive growth markets:

─           Electrification led by Tarak Mehta

─           Industrial Automation led by Peter Terwiesch

─           Robotics & Discrete Automation, a unique combination of B&R and Robotics, led by Sami Atiya

─           Motion, combining ABB’s market-leading offering in motors and drives, led by Morten Wierod, appointed to Executive Committee as of April 1, 2019

•          ABB Ability™ tailored digital solutions will drive customer value in each business whilst capturing synergies through common platform

•          Actions position ABB with a leadership role in digital solutions, and evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence

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1  EV/LTM operational EBITA multiple, operational EBITA calculated using results from twelve-month period to end Q3 2018, before share of corporate cost

2 2014 operational EBITA margin as calculated under old Power Grids portfolio structure

3 Subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions

4 Post estimated one-time transaction and separation related costs of $500-600 million and cash tax leakage of $800-900 million. Total enterprise value adjustments of ~$3.0 billion, including ~$2.7 billion of net leverage (intercompany loan net of cash transferred) and ~$0.3 billion after-tax unfunded pensions and other liabilities

─           Financial impact of new ABB

•          $500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group

•          Approx. $500 million non-operational restructuring charges

─           New financial framework post-closing defined

•          New group target framework

•          Capital allocation priorities unchanged

•          Dividend policy of rising sustainable dividend per share

•          ABB intends to maintain the level of dividend per share post close

•          ABB intends to maintain its long-term “single A” credit rating

•          Business targets and further financials to be disclosed with strategy update

─           Strategy update on February 28, 2019, in combination with the Q4 and Full Year 2018 results to provide further details on ABB’s new strategy, businesses and financials

Focus of portfolio on digital industries through divestment of Power Grids

ABB announces today that Hitachi will acquire ABB’s Power Grids business, an expansion of its existing partnership with Hitachi. The agreed price represents a transaction Enterprise Value of $11 billion for 100 percent of Power Grids, the equivalent to an EV/op. EBITA multiple of 11.2x ¹ , before share of corporate cost. ABB will initially realize a levered consideration of ~$9.1 billion from the sale of 80.1 percent of Power Grids, including pre-sale net leverage (intercompany loan net of cash transferred), before one-time transaction and separation related costs as well as cash tax impacts.

In the fast-changing world of energy infrastructure, with a shifting customer landscape and the need for financing and increased government influence, ABB believes Hitachi is the best owner for Power Grids. As a stable and long-term committed owner, with whom ABB has developed a strong business partnership since 2014, Hitachi will further strengthen the business, providing it with access to new and growing markets as well as financing. Hitachi will accelerate Power Grids to the next stage of its development, building on the solid foundation achieved under ABB’s previous ownership.

Since 2014, Power Grids has been significantly improved under the ownership of ABB. The latest results (Q3 2018) are at the target margin corridor, having more than doubled margins, with positive third party base order development recorded for the last six consecutive quarters.

ABB will initially retain a 19.9 percent equity stake in the joint venture, allowing a seamless transition. The transaction agreement includes a pre-defined option for ABB to exit the retained 19.9 percent share, exercisable three years after closing, at fair market value with floor price at 90 percent of agreed Enterprise Value. Hitachi holds a call option over the remaining 19.9 percent share at fair market value with floor price at 100 percent of agreed Enterprise Value.

The joint venture will be headquartered in Switzerland, with Hitachi retaining the management team to ensure business continuity.

Starting in Q4 2018 until closing, ABB will report Power Grids in discontinued operations. As a consequence, ABB will record $350-400 million of stranded and other carve-out related costs, which are currently predominately recorded as part of the Power Grids cost base. These will now be recognized in ABB’s corporate & other operational EBITA. ABB expects to eliminate the vast majority of these costs by deal closing by transferring them back to Power Grids. ABB expects approximately $200 million of charges in Q4 2018 related predominantly to the legacy EPC substation business reported in non-core corporate & other operational EBITA.

ABB expects to incur one-time non-operational transaction and separation related costs of $500-600 million. ABB anticipates $800-900 million related cash tax impact. The completion of the transaction is expected by first half of 2020, subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions. ABB intends to return 100 percent of the estimated net cash proceeds of $7.6-7.8 billion ⁵ from the 80.1 percent sale to shareholders in an expeditious and efficient manner through share buyback or similar mechanism.

Simplification of business model and structure

Effective April 1, 2019, ABB will simplify its organizational structure through discontinuation of the legacy matrix structure, thereby empowering its four leading businesses to serve customers even better, while further sharpening responsibilities and increasing efficiency.

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5 After estimated one-time transaction and separation related costs of $500-600 million and cash tax leakage of $800-900 million. Total enterprise value adjustments of ~$3.0 billion, including ~$2.7 billion of net leverage (intercompany loan net of cash transferred) and ~$0.3 billion after-tax unfunded pensions and other liabilities

ABB’s new organization will provide each business with full operational ownership of products, functions, R&D and territories. The businesses will be the single interface to customers, maximizing proximity and speed.

The corporate center will be further streamlined. It will set the long-term vision and strategy for the group, guided by ABB’s values. It will drive capital allocation, portfolio and performance management, core technologies ABB Ability™, ABB’s brand and investment in people. As a key building block of the simplification, existing country and regional structures including regional Executive Committee roles will be discontinued after the closing of the transaction. Existing resources from country level will strengthen the new businesses. ABB expects a total of $500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group over the medium-term. Approximately $500 million of related non-operational restructuring charges are expected to be taken over the coming two years.

Shape four leading businesses aligned with customer patterns

ABB will shape four customer-focused, entrepreneurial businesses – Electrification, Industrial Automation, Robotics & Discrete Automation and Motion. Each business will be either the global #1 or #2 player in attractive markets with strong secular drivers. ABB’s established domain know-how, world-class engineering and technology expertise, will position the four businesses well to deliver innovative products and solutions for enhanced customer value. ABB’s addressable market is growing by 3.5-4 percent per annum, adding $140 billion in size to reach $550 billion by 2025.

Based on ABB’s common digital platform ABB Ability™, the businesses will provide tailored digital solutions, driving enhanced customer value. Building on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and its strong software offering, ABB Ability™ will meet the increasing demand from ABB’s customers for digital solutions in the rapidly changing industrial world.

Electrification – writing the future of safe, smart and sustainable electrification

The existing business will provide a complete portfolio of innovative products, digital solutions and services from substation to socket. With a #2 market position globally, its addressable market is presently $160 billion and will grow on average around 3 percent per annum over the long-term. The Electrification business will have strong exposure to rapidly growing customer segments including renewables, e-mobility, data centers and smart buildings. The business will be led by Tarak Mehta, currently president of the Electrification Product division. The Electrification business would have generated approximately $13 billion of revenues in the twelve-month period to end September 2018, including an estimated revenue contribution across the period from GEIS, a business that was acquired June 30, 2018.

Industrial Automation – writing the future of safe and smart operations

The newly shaped business will offer a complete range of innovative solutions enabling customers to operate safe and energy-efficient processes with increasing autonomy. Industrial Automation will include ABB’s industry-specific integrated automation, electrification and digital solutions, control technologies, software and advanced services, as well as measurement & analytics, marine, and turbo-charging offerings. Industrial Automation will be #2 in the market globally. The addressable market of $90 billion is expected to grow on average by 3-4 percent per annum over the long-term. The business will be led by Peter Terwiesch, currently president of the Industrial Automation division. Industrial Automation would have generated approximately $7 billion of revenues in the twelve-month period to end September 2018.

Robotics & Discrete Automation – writing the future of flexible manufacturing and smart machines

The newly shaped business will uniquely combine machine and factory automation solutions, mainly from B&R, with the most comprehensive robotics solutions and applications suite in the market. The business will be #2 globally, with a #1 position in robotics in the important, high-growth Chinese market. The addressable market, already $80 billion in size, is anticipated to grow on average at 6-7 percent per annum over the long-term. The businesses digital solutions and services provide customers with enhanced safety, efficiency, up-time and speed, and cater to the growing customer demand for flexible and integrated manufacturing solutions. Robotics & Discrete Automation will be led by Sami Atiya, currently president of the Robotics and Motion division. Robotics & Discrete Automation would have generated approximately $4 billion of revenues in the twelve-month period to end September 2018.

Motion – writing the future of smart motion.

The business will provide customers with a comprehensive range of innovative electrical motors, generators, drives, and service, as well as integrated digital powertrain solutions. Motion will be the #1 player in the market globally, with the largest installed base in an $80 billion market that grows on average around 3 percent per annum. The business will be led by Morten Wierod, currently Managing Director Business Unit Drives. He will become a member of the Executive Committee effective April 1, 2019. Motion would have generated approximately $6 billion of revenues in the twelve-month period to end September 2018.

Attractive financial profile

ABB will demonstrate improved commercial quality of business, enhanced exposure to faster growing markets, with a greater emphasis on high value-add solutions, less large order volatility and more recurrent revenues through digital solutions, software and services.

ABB’s investment proposition is reflected in a new medium-term group target framework:

•          3-6 percent annual comparable revenue growth

•          operational EBITA margin of 13-16 percent

•          Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 15-20 percent

•          Cash conversion to net income of approximately 100 percent, and

•          Basic EPS growth above revenue growth

ABB would have generated revenues of approximately $29 billion in the twelve-month period to end September 2018, including an estimated revenue contribution across the period from GEIS, a business that was acquired June 30, 2018, and excluding Power Grids contribution.

Capital allocation

ABB’s sustained capital allocation priorities are unchanged, namely:

•          fund organic growth, R&D and capex to yield attractive returns

•          rising sustainable dividend

•          value-creating acquisitions

•          returning additional cash to shareholders

Following completion of the divestment of Power Grids, ABB intends to return 100 percent of the net cash proceeds ⁶ to shareholders in an expeditious and efficient manner and execute a policy of a rising sustainable dividend. ABB intends to maintain the level of dividend per share post close and aims to maintain its “single A” credit rating long term.

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6 Post estimated one-time transaction and separation related costs of $500-600 million and cash tax leakage of $800-900 million. Total enterprise value adjustments of ~$3.0 billion, including ~$2.7 billion of net leverage (intercompany loan net of cash transferred) and ~$0.3 billion after-tax unfunded pensions and other liabilities

Strategy update

ABB intends to host a strategy update alongside the Q4 2018 results. At the strategy update, ABB’s leaders and management teams of the four business areas will provide detailed overviews of their markets, strategies, businesses and targets.

Revised dates

In light of these fundamental changes, ABB will amend the announced dates for:

•          Q4 and FY 2018 results to February 28, 2019

•          Q1 2019 and the AGM to May 2, 2019

Credit Suisse AG and Dyal Co. LLC acted as financial advisors, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP as legal advisors, to ABB.

More information

For further information on today’s announcement, please see ABB.com/writing-the-future.

ABB will host a press conference today starting at 10:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET) (9:00 a.m. BST, 4:00 a.m. EDT). The event will be accessible by webcast on https://swisscomstream.ch/abb/20181217/en

ABB will host a conference call for analysts and investors, starting at 2:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET) (1:00 p.m. GMT, 8:00 a.m. EST). The call will be available to join via webcast https://swisscomstream.ch/abb/20181217/en

The event will be accessible by conference call. Callers are requested to phone in 10 minutes before the start of the call. The analyst and investor conference call dial-in numbers are:

UK +44 207 107 0613

Sweden +46 8 5051 0031

Rest of Europe, +41 58 310 5000

US and Canada +1 866 291 4166 (toll-free) or +1 631 570 5613 (long-distance charges)

Lines will be open 10-15 minutes before the start of the call.

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

This information is information that ABB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 7:00 a.m. CET on December 17, 2018.

Important notice about forward-looking information

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

The planned changes might be subject to any relevant engagement processes with local employee representatives/employees. ABB will fully honor any such legal obligations.