ABB Reports Record $12 Billion Q3 Orders as Operating Income Rises 24%
ABB Ltd (ABBN) reported a 40% year-over-year increase in third-quarter orders to a record $12 billion, alongside 14% growth in sales. Operational EBITA grew 24% to $2 billion, expanding the operating margin by 160 basis points to 20.8%. Free cash flow reached $1.6 billion for the quarter, bringing year-to-date cash generation to $3.7 billion. Earnings per share remained stable as higher net finance expenses from a non-cash foreign exchange hedge revaluation offset operating gains.
The results reflect strong customer demand outpacing deliveries, highlighted by a book-to-bill ratio of 1.24 and return on capital employed rising to 29.9%. Sales expansion was particularly supported by robust demand in data centers. Despite the operational gains, the company's shares fell 1.93% to 74.59 CHF.
Looking ahead, management expects fourth-quarter revenue growth to match third-quarter rates, with operating margins projected to experience a smaller sequential decline than usual. Investors will monitor fourth-quarter execution against guidance, ongoing demand in data centers, and progress on the Mitsubishi joint venture and Rotork transaction.
Key points
- ABB Ltd recorded $12 billion in Q3 orders, up 40% year-over-year with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.24.
- Operational EBITA grew 24% to $2 billion, expanding the operating margin to 20.8%.
- Revenue increased 14% year-over-year, supported by strong demand in the data center sector.
- Free cash flow reached $1.6 billion for the quarter and $3.7 billion year-to-date.
- Fourth-quarter revenue growth is projected to match third-quarter levels with less seasonal margin softening.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
What were ABB Ltd's Q3 order and revenue results?
ABB Ltd recorded $12 billion in Q3 orders, up 40% year-over-year, while revenue increased 14% supported by strength in data centers.
How much did ABB Ltd's operating profit grow in Q3?
Operational EBITA rose 24% to $2 billion, expanding the company's operating margin by 160 basis points to 20.8%.
What is ABB Ltd's outlook for the fourth quarter?
Management expects Q4 revenue growth to be similar to Q3, with operating margins projected to soften less than the typical sequential pattern.
