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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2009

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 20-F


o

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

ý

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

o

 

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-16429



ABB Ltd
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Affolternstrasse 44
CH-8050 Zurich
Switzerland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Richard A. Brown
Affolternstrasse 44
CH-8050 Zurich
Switzerland
Telephone: +41-43-317-7111
Facsimile: +41-43-317-7992
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile
number and Address of Company Contact Person)

          Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares,
each representing one Registered Share
Registered Shares, par value CHF 2.02
  New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange*



          Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

          Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None.

          Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 2,322,792,835 Registered Shares (including treasury shares)



          Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý    No o

          If this is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o    No ý

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o

          Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: U.S. GAAP ý International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o Other o

          If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. item 17    o item 18 o

          If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý


*
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange not for trading or quotation purposes, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

PART I

  3

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 
3

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 
3

Item 3. Key Information

 
3

Item 4. Information on the Company

 
15

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

 
33

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 
33

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 
82

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 
99

Item 8. Financial Information

 
100

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

 
102

Item 10. Additional Information

 
104

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 
117

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 
119

PART II

 
120

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 
120

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 
120

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

 
120

Item 15T. Controls and Procedures

 
121

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 
121

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

 
121

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 
121

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 
122

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 
122

Item 16.F. Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant

 
122

Item 16.G. Corporate Governance

 
122

PART III

 
123

Item 17. Financial Statements

 
123

Item 18. Financial Statements

 
123

Item 19. Exhibits

 
123

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INTRODUCTION

        ABB Ltd is a corporation organized under the laws of Switzerland. In this report, "the ABB Group," "ABB," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer to ABB Ltd and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires). We also use these terms to refer to ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd and its subsidiaries prior to the establishment of ABB Ltd as the holding company for the entire ABB Group in 1999, as described in this report under "Item 4. Information on the Company—Introduction—History of the ABB Group." Our American Depositary Shares (each representing one registered share of ABB Ltd) are referred to as "ADSs." The registered shares of ABB Ltd are referred to as "shares."

        Our principal corporate offices are located at Affolternstrasse 44, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland, telephone number +41-43-317-7111.


FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

        ABB Ltd has prepared its statutory unconsolidated financial statements in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations. The Consolidated Financial Statements of ABB Ltd, including the notes thereto, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 (our Consolidated Financial Statements) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).

        In this report: (i)"$," "U.S. dollars" and "USD" refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America; (ii) "CHF" and "Swiss francs" refer to the lawful currency of Switzerland; (iii) "€" and "euro" refer to the lawful currency of the participating member states of the European Economic and Monetary Union (Eurozone); (iv) "SEK" and "Swedish krona" refer to the lawful currency of Sweden; (v) "£," "sterling," "pounds sterling" and "GBP" refer to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom; (vi) "Indian rupee" refers to the lawful currency of India; and (vii) "Chinese renminbi" refers to the lawful currency of the People's Republic of China.

        Except as otherwise stated, all monetary amounts in this report are presented in U.S. dollars. Where specifically indicated, amounts in Swiss francs have been translated into U.S. dollars. These translations are provided for convenience only, and they are not representations that the Swiss franc could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated. These translations have been made using the twelve o'clock buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 31, 2008, unless otherwise indicated. The twelve o'clock buying rate for Swiss francs on December 31, 2008 was $1.00 = CHF 1.0673. The twelve o'clock buying rate for Swiss francs on March 6, 2009 was $1.00 = CHF 1.1525.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This report includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will," or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, dispositions, strategies and the countries and industries in which we operate.

        These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following:

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        By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the countries and industries in which we operate, may differ materially from those described in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the countries and industries in which we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are contained in cautionary statements in this report and include, without limitation, the following:

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        We urge you to read the sections of this report entitled "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors," "Item 4. Information on the Company" and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" for a more complete discussion of the factors that could affect our future performance and the countries and industries in which we operate. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking circumstances described in this report and the assumptions underlying them may not occur.

        Except as required by law or applicable stock exchange rules or regulations, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referred to above and contained elsewhere in this report.


PART I

Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

        Not applicable

Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

        Not applicable

Item 3.    Key Information

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table presents our selected financial and operating information at the dates and for each of the periods indicated. You should read the following information together with the information contained in "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects," as well as our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this report.

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        Our selected financial data are presented in the following tables in accordance with U.S. GAAP and have been derived from our published Consolidated Financial Statements. Our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were audited by Ernst & Young AG, except for the 2004 financial statements of Jorf Lasfar Energy Company S.C.A. (Jorf Lasfar), a corporation in which, prior to its sale in May 2007, we had a 50 percent interest, which were audited by other independent auditors.

        The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2004 have not been audited after the reclassifications of certain businesses between continuing operations and discontinued operations.

INCOME STATEMENT DATA(1):

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
 
  ($ in millions, except per share data)
 

Total revenues

    34,912     29,183     23,281     20,964     18,987  

Total cost of sales

    (23,972 )   (20,215 )   (16,537 )   (15,510 )   (14,219 )

Gross profit

    10,940     8,968     6,744     5,454     4,768  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    (5,822 )   (4,975 )   (4,326 )   (3,780 )   (3,672 )

Other income (expense), net

    (566 )   30     139     37     (41 )

Earnings before interest and taxes

    4,552     4,023     2,557     1,711     1,055  

Interest and dividend income

    315     273     147     153     146  

Interest and other finance expense

    (349 )   (286 )   (307 )   (407 )   (355 )

Income from continuing operations before taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change

    4,518     4,010     2,397     1,457     846  

Provision for taxes

    (1,119 )   (595 )   (686 )   (464 )   (258 )

Minority interest

    (260 )   (244 )   (179 )   (126 )   (100 )

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effective of accounting change

    3,139     3,171     1,532     867     488  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax(2)

    (21 )   586     (142 )   (127 )   (523 )

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

    3,118     3,757     1,390     740     (35 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(3)

                (5 )    

Net income (loss)

    3,118     3,757     1,390     735     (35 )

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                               
 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

    1.37     1.40     0.72     0.43     0.24  
 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.01 )   0.26     (0.07 )   (0.07 )   (0.26 )
 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

                     
 

Net income (loss)

    1.36     1.66     0.65     0.36     (0.02 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                               
 

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

    1.37     1.38     0.69     0.42     0.24  
 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.01 )   0.25     (0.06 )   (0.06 )   (0.26 )
 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

                     
 

Net income (loss)

    1.36     1.63     0.63     0.36     (0.02 )

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BALANCE SHEET DATA(1):

 
  At December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Cash and equivalents

    6,399     4,650     4,198     3,136     3,558  

Marketable securities and short-term investments

    1,407     3,460     528     368     524  

Total assets

    33,181     31,001     25,142     22,276     24,677  

Long-term debt

    2,009     2,138     3,160     3,932     4,717  

Total debt(4)

    2,363     2,674     3,282     4,096     5,334  

Capital stock and additional paid-in capital

    4,695     5,634     4,514     3,121     3,083  

Total stockholders' equity

    11,158     10,957     6,038     3,483     2,824  

CASH FLOW DATA:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    3,958     3,054     1,939     1,012     902  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    114     (2,291 )   (694 )   (316 )   354  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (2,119 )   (625 )   (392 )   (896 )   (2,745 )

(1)
During 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 123(R) (SFAS 158) were adopted. For the impact of these standards, see "Note 17 Employee benefits" and "Note 18 Share-based payment arrangements" to our Consolidated Financial Statements. As of January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48"). For the impact of FIN 48, see "Note 2 Significant accounting policies" and "Note 16 Taxes" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax includes costs related to the Company's asbestos obligation of its U.S. subsidiary Combustion Engineering Inc., of approximately $31 million, $0 million, $70 million, $133 million and $262 million in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. Income from discontinued operations in 2007 primarily relates to the gain of $530 million realized on the sale of the Company's downstream oil and gas business. For additional information, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" and "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)
We accounted for the adoption of Interpretation 47 of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47) as a change in accounting principle in 2005. Based on our outstanding obligations, we recognized the cumulative effect of the accounting change of $5 million loss in 2005 in the Consolidated Income Statement.

(4)
Total debt is equal to the sum of short-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) and long-term debt.

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        The weighted-average number of shares outstanding was as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  

Weighted-average number of shares (in millions)

    2,287     2,258     2,128     2,029     2,028  


DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY

        Payment of dividends is subject to general business conditions, the ABB Group's current and expected financial condition and performance and other relevant factors including growth opportunities.

        Dividends may be paid only if ABB Ltd has sufficient distributable profits from previous fiscal years or sufficient free reserves to allow the distribution of a dividend. In addition, at least 5 percent of ABB Ltd's annual net profits must be retained and booked as legal reserves, unless these reserves already amount to 20 percent of ABB Ltd's share capital. As a holding company, ABB Ltd's main sources of income are dividend and interest from its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008, of the CHF 12,567 million of stockholders' equity recorded in the unconsolidated statutory financial statements of ABB Ltd prepared in accordance with Swiss law, CHF 4,692 million was attributable to the share capital, CHF 1,633 million was attributable to legal reserves, CHF 1,032 million was attributable to reserves for treasury shares, CHF 2,655 million was attributable to other reserves and CHF 2,555 million represents net income and retained earnings available for distribution.

        ABB Ltd may only pay out a dividend if it has been proposed by a shareholder or the board of directors of ABB Ltd and approved at a general meeting of shareholders, and the auditors confirm that the dividend conforms to statutory law and the Articles of Incorporation of ABB Ltd. In practice, the shareholders' meeting usually approves dividends as proposed by the board of directors, if the board of directors' proposal is confirmed by the statutory auditors.

        Dividends are usually due and payable no earlier than three trading days after the shareholders' resolution. Dividends not collected within five years after the due date accrue to ABB Ltd and are allocated to its other reserves. For information about the deduction of withholding taxes from dividend payments, see "Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation."

        We have established a dividend access facility for shareholders who are resident in Sweden under which these shareholders may register with VPC AB (Sweden) (VPC), as a holder of up to 600,004,716 shares, and receive dividends in the Swedish kronor equivalent to the dividend paid in Swiss francs without deduction of Swiss withholding tax. For further information, see "Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation."

        Because ABB Ltd pays cash dividends, if any, in Swiss francs (subject to the exception for certain shareholders in Sweden described above), exchange rate fluctuations will affect the U.S. dollar amounts received by holders of ADSs upon conversion of those cash dividends by Citibank, N.A., the depositary, in accordance with the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated May 7, 2001.

        ABB Ltd did not pay any dividends with respect to the year ended December 31, 2004. With respect to the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006, ABB Ltd paid a dividend in May 2006 of CHF 0.12 (USD 0.10) per share and in May 2007 of CHF 0.24 (USD 0.20) per share. With respect to the year ended December 31, 2007, ABB Ltd paid a dividend in 2008 of CHF 0.48 (USD 0.46) per share by way of a nominal value reduction (reduction in the par value of each share). The USD amounts for each of the foregoing dividend payments made in CHF have been translated using the average rates of the month in which the dividends were paid.

        With respect to the year ended December 31, 2008, ABB Ltd's board of directors has proposed to pay a dividend of CHF 0.48 per share by way of a nominal value reduction, subject to approval by its shareholders at the May 2009 Annual General Meeting and certain subsequent actions required under Swiss law.

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RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this report and the following description of risks and uncertainties that we currently believe may exist. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks of which we are unaware or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. This annual report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those described below and elsewhere in this annual report. See "Forward-Looking Statements."

Our business is exposed to risks associated with the ongoing financial crisis, the weakening of the global economy and political conditions.

        Adverse changes in economic or political conditions, both inside and outside the U.S., could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. During 2008, the volatility in the global financial markets reached unprecedented levels. Volatile oil prices, falling equity market values, declining business, weakened consumer confidence, risks of increased inflation and deflation and increased unemployment rates have created fears of a severe recession. These disruptions are likely to have an ongoing adverse effect on the world economy. We are unable to predict how long the economic downturn will last. A continuing economic downturn and financial market disruptions may adversely impact the demand for our products and services. For example, the current lack of confidence and the shortage of credit in the financial markets may prevent our customers and suppliers from obtaining the financing required to pursue their business activities as planned, and thereby force them to modify, delay or cancel plans to purchase or supply our products or services or to execute transactions. Payment terms, especially the level of advance payments in large orders, may become less favorable. In addition, if our customers do not generate sufficient revenue, or fail to obtain access to the capital markets, they may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, the amounts they owe us. Customers with liquidity issues may lead to additional bad debt expense for us, which may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we are subject to the risk that the counterparties to our credit agreements and hedging transactions may go bankrupt if they suffer catastrophic demand on their liquidity that will prevent them from fulfilling their contractual obligations to us.

        The U.S. Government recently enacted legislation and created several programs to help stabilize credit markets and financial institutions and restore liquidity, including the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Federal Reserve's Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) and Money Market Investor Funding Facility, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. Additionally, the governments of many nations have announced similar measures for institutions in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these programs individually or collectively will have beneficial effects in the credit markets, will address credit or liquidity issues of companies that participate in the programs or will reduce volatility or uncertainty in the financial markets. The failure of these programs to have their intended effects could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Apart from the effects of the credit crisis and the economic slowdown that it entailed, our business environment is influenced by numerous other economic or political uncertainties which will affect the global economy and the international capital market. In periods of slow economic growth or decline, our customers are more likely to decrease expenditures on the types of products and systems we supply and we are more likely to experience decreased revenues as a result. Our Power Products and Power Systems divisions are affected by the level of investments by utilities, and our Process Automation, Automation Products, and Robotics divisions are affected by conditions in a broad range of industries, including the automotive, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, metals and minerals and manufacturing and

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consumer industries. At various times during the last several years, we also have experienced, and may experience in the future, gross margin declines in certain businesses, reflecting the effect of items such as competitive pricing pressures, inventory write-downs, charges associated with the cancellation of planned expansion, increases in pension and postretirement benefit expenses, and increases in component and manufacturing costs resulting from higher labor and material costs borne by our manufacturers and suppliers that, as a result of competitive pricing pressures or other factors, we are unable to pass on to our customers. Economic downturns also may lead to restructuring actions and associated expenses. Uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it difficult for us to forecast operating results and to make decisions about future investments.

        In addition, we are subject to the risks that our business operations in or with certain countries, including those identified as state sponsors of terrorism, may be adversely effected by trade or economic sanctions or other restrictions imposed on these countries and that actual or potential investors that object to these business operations may adversely effect the price of our shares by disposing of or deciding not to purchase our shares.

Illegal behavior by any of our employees or agents could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated operating results, cash flows, and financial position as well as on our reputation and our ability to do business.

        Certain of our employees or agents have taken, and may in the future take, actions that violate or are alleged to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA), legislation promulgated pursuant to the 1997 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, applicable antitrust laws and other applicable laws or regulations. For more information regarding investigations of past actions taken by certain of our employees, see "Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings." Such actions have resulted, and in the future could result, in governmental investigations, enforcement actions and civil and criminal penalties, including monetary penalties or other sanctions. It is possible that any governmental investigation or enforcement action arising from these matters could conclude that a violation of applicable law has occurred and the consequences of any such investigation or enforcement action may have a material adverse impact on our consolidated operating results, cash flows and financial position. In addition, such actions, whether actual or alleged, could damage our reputation and ability to do business.

        Further, detecting, investigating and resolving such actions could be expensive and could consume significant time and attention of our senior management. While we are committed to conducting business in a legal and ethical manner, our internal control systems have not been, and in the future may not be, completely effective to prevent and detect such improper activities by our employees and agents.

Our operations in emerging markets expose us to risks associated with conditions in those markets.

        A significant amount of our operations are conducted in the emerging markets of Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In 2008, approximately one-third of our consolidated revenues were generated from these emerging markets. Operations in emerging markets can present risks that are not encountered in countries with well-established economic and political systems, including:

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        In addition, the legal and regulatory systems of many emerging market countries are less developed and less well-enforced than in industrialized countries. Therefore, our ability to protect our contractual and other legal rights in these countries could be limited. Consequently, our exposure to the conditions in or affecting emerging markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Undertaking long-term fixed price or turnkey projects exposes our businesses to risk of loss should our actual costs exceed our estimated or budgeted costs.

        We derive a portion of our revenues from long-term, fixed price or turnkey projects that are awarded on a competitive basis and can take many months, or even years, to complete. Such contracts involve substantial risks, including the possibility that we may underbid and the fact that we typically assume substantially all of the risks associated with completing the project and the post-completion warranty obligations. These risks include the project's technical risk, meaning that we must tailor our products and systems to satisfy the technical requirements of a project even though, at the time we are awarded the project, we may not have previously produced such a product or system. The revenue, cost and gross profit realized on such contracts can vary, sometimes substantially, from our original projections because of changes in conditions, including but not limited to:

        These risks are exacerbated if the duration of the project is extended because there is an increased risk that the circumstances upon which we originally bid and developed a price will change in a manner that increases our costs. In addition, we sometimes bear the risk of delays caused by unexpected conditions or events. Our project contracts often make us subject to penalties if we cannot complete portions of the project in accordance with agreed-upon time limits and guaranteed performance levels.

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Our international operations expose us to the risk of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

        Exchange rate fluctuations have had, and could continue to have, a material impact on our operating results, the comparability of our results between periods, the value of assets or liabilities as recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and the price of our securities. The global financial crisis has led to increased volatility in exchange rates, which makes it harder to predict exchange rates and thus do accurate financial planning. Changes in exchange rates can unpredictably and adversely affect our consolidated operating results, and could result in exchange losses.

        Currency Translation Risk.    The results of operations and financial position of most of our non-U.S. companies are initially recorded in the currency, which we call "local currency," of the country in which the respective company resides. That financial information is then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The exchange rates between local currencies and the U.S. dollar can fluctuate substantially, which could have a significant translation effect on our reported consolidated results of operations and financial position.

        Increases and decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar versus local currencies will affect the reported value of our local currency assets, liabilities, revenues and costs in our Consolidated Financial Statements, even if the value of these items has not changed in local currency terms. These translations could significantly and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position from period to period.

        Currency Transaction Risk.    Currency risk exposure also affects our operations when our sales are denominated in currencies that are different from those in which our manufacturing or sourcing costs are incurred. In this case, if after the parties agree on a price, the value of the currency in which the price is to be paid were to weaken relative to the currency in which we incur manufacturing or sourcing costs, there would be a negative impact on the profit margin for any such transaction. This transaction risk may exist regardless of whether or not there is also a translation risk as described above.

        Currency exchange rate fluctuations in those currencies in which we incur our principal manufacturing expenses or sourcing costs may adversely affect our ability to compete with companies whose costs are incurred in other currencies. If our principal expense currencies appreciate in value against such other currencies, our competitiveness may be weakened.

Our hedging activities may not protect us against the consequences of significant fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates or commodity prices on our earnings and cash flows.

        Our policy is to hedge material currency exposures by entering into offsetting transactions with third party financial institutions. Given the effective horizons of our risk management activities and the anticipatory nature of the exposures intended to be hedged, there can be no assurance that our currency hedging activities will fully offset the adverse financial impact resulting from unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates. In addition, the timing of the accounting for recognition of gains and losses related to a hedging instrument may not coincide with the timing of gains and losses related to the underlying economic exposures.

        As a resource-intensive operation, we are exposed to a variety of market and asset risks, including the effects of changes in commodity prices and interest rates. We monitor and manage these exposures as an integral part of our overall risk management program, which recognizes the unpredictability of markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects on our business. Nevertheless, changes in commodity prices and interest rates cannot always be predicted or hedged.

        If we are unable to successfully manage the risk of changes in exchange rates, interest rates or commodity prices or if our hedging counterparties are unable to perform their obligations under our

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hedging agreements with them, then substantial changes in these rates and prices could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Increases in the costs of our raw materials may adversely affect our financial performance.

        We purchase large amounts of commodity-based raw materials, including steel, copper, aluminum, and oil. Prevailing prices for such commodities are subject to fluctuations due to changes in supply and demand and a variety of additional factors beyond our control, such as global political and economic conditions. Historically, prices for some of these raw materials have been volatile and unpredictable, and such volatility is expected to continue. Therefore, commodity price changes may result in unexpected increases in raw material costs, and we may be unable to increase our prices to offset these increased costs without suffering reduced volumes, revenues or operating income. We do not fully hedge against changes in commodity prices and our hedging procedures may not work as planned.

        We depend on third parties to supply raw materials and other components and may not be able to obtain sufficient quantities of these materials and components, which could limit our ability to manufacture products on a timely basis and could harm our profitability. For some raw materials and components, we rely on a single supplier or a small number of suppliers. If one of these suppliers were unable to provide us with a raw material or component we need, our ability to manufacture some of our products could be adversely affected until we are able to establish a new supply arrangement. We may be unable to find a sufficient alternative supply channel in a reasonable time period or on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If our suppliers are unable to deliver sufficient quantities of materials on a timely basis, the manufacture and sale of our products may be disrupted, we might have obligations under our performance guarantees and our sales and profitability could be materially adversely affected.

The weakening or unavailability of our intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business.

        Our intellectual property rights are fundamental to all of our businesses. We generate, maintain, utilize and enforce a substantial portfolio of trademarks, trade dress, patents and other intellectual property rights. We use our intellectual property rights to protect the goodwill of our products, promote our product recognition, protect our proprietary technology and development activities, enhance our competitiveness and otherwise support our business goals and objectives. However, there can be no assurance that the steps we take to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate. Our intellectual property rights may fail to provide us with significant competitive advantages, particularly in foreign jurisdictions that do not have, or do not enforce, strong intellectual property rights. The weakening or unavailability of our trademarks, trade dress, patents and other intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business.

We operate in very competitive markets and could be adversely affected if we fail to keep pace with technological changes.

        We operate in very competitive environments in several specific respects, including product performance, developing integrated systems and applications that address the business challenges faced by our customers, pricing, new product introduction time and customer service. The relative importance of these factors differs across the geographic markets and product areas that we serve. The markets for our products and services are characterized by evolving industry standards (particularly for our automation technology products and systems), rapidly changing technology and increased competition as a result of privatization (particularly for our power products and systems). For example, for a number of years, power transmission and distribution providers throughout the world have been undergoing substantial privatization. This has increased their need for timely product and service innovations that increase efficiency and allow them to compete in a deregulated environment. Additionally, the continual development of advanced technologies for new products and product

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enhancements is an important way in which we maintain acceptable pricing levels. If we fail to keep pace with technological changes in the industrial sectors that we serve, we may experience price erosion and lower margins.

        The principal competitors for our automation technology products, systems and services include Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International, Inc., Invensys plc, Schneider Electric SA and Siemens AG. We primarily compete with Areva., Schneider Electric SA and Siemens AG in sales of our power technology products and systems to our utilities customers. The principal competitors with our Robotics business include Fanuc Robotics, Inc., Kuka Robot Group and Yaskawa Electric Corporation. All of our primary competitors are sophisticated companies with significant resources that may develop products and services that are superior to our products and services or may adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, industry changes or evolving customer requirements. Our failure to anticipate or respond quickly to technological developments or customer requirements could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Industry consolidation could result in more powerful competitors and fewer customers.

        Competitors in the industries in which our business divisions operate are consolidating. In particular, the automation industry is undergoing consolidation that is reducing the number but increasing the size of companies that compete with us. As our competitors consolidate, they likely will increase their market share, gain economies of scale that enhance their ability to compete with us and/or acquire additional products and technologies that could displace our product offerings.

        Our customer base also is undergoing consolidation. Consolidation within our customers' industries (such as the marine and cruise industry, the automotive, aluminum, steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical industries and the oil and gas industry) could affect our customers and their relationships with us. If one of our competitors' customers acquires any of our customers, we may lose its business. Additionally, as our customers become larger and more concentrated, they could exert pricing pressure on all suppliers, including ABB. For example, in an industry such as power transmission, which historically has consisted of large and concentrated customers such as utilities, price competition can be a factor in determining which products and services will be selected by a customer.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. We incur costs to comply with such regulations, and our ongoing operations may expose us to environmental liabilities.

        Our operations are subject to U.S., European and other laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Our manufacturing facilities use and produce paint residues, solvents, metals, oils and related residues. We use petroleum-based insulation in transformers, polyvinylchloride (PVC) resin to manufacture PVC cable and chloroparafine as a flame retardant. We use inorganic lead as a counterweight in robots that we produce. We have manufactured and sold, and we are using in some ABB factories, certain types of transformers and capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These are considered to be hazardous substances in many jurisdictions in which we operate. We may be subject to substantial liabilities for environmental contamination arising from the use of such substances. All of our manufacturing operations are subject to ongoing compliance costs in respect of environmental matters and the associated capital expenditure requirements.

        In addition, we may be subject to significant fines and penalties if we do not comply with environmental laws and regulations including those referred to above. Some environmental laws provide for joint and several strict liability for remediation of releases of hazardous substances, which could result in us incurring a liability for environmental damage without regard to our negligence or fault. Such laws and regulations could expose us to liability arising out of the conduct of operations or conditions caused by others, or for our acts which were in compliance with all applicable laws at the

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time the acts were performed. Additionally, we may be subject to claims alleging personal injury or property damage as a result of alleged exposure to hazardous substances. Changes in the environmental laws and regulations, or claims for damages to persons, property, natural resources or the environment, could result in substantial costs and liabilities to us.

We may be the subject of product liability claims.

        We may be required to pay for losses or injuries purportedly caused by the design, manufacture or operation of our products and systems. Additionally, we may be subject to product liability claims for the improper installation of products and systems designed and manufactured by others.

        Product liability claims brought against us may be based in tort or in contract, and typically involve claims seeking compensation for personal injury or property damage. If the claimant runs a commercial business, claims are often made also for financial losses arising from interruption of operations. Based on the nature and application of many of the products we manufacture, a defect or alleged defect in one of these products could have serious consequences. For example:

        If we were to incur a very large product liability claim, our insurance protection might not be adequate or sufficient to cover such a claim in terms of paying any awards or settlements, and/or paying for our defense costs. Further, some claims may be outside the scope of our insurance coverage. If a litigant were successful against us, a lack or insufficiency of insurance coverage could result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Additionally, a well-publicized actual or perceived problem could adversely affect our market reputation which could result in a decline in demand for our products.

We may encounter difficulty in managing our business due to the global nature of our operations.

        We operate in approximately 100 countries around the world and, as of December 31, 2008, employed approximately 120,000 people. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 54 percent of our employees were located in Europe, approximately 17 percent in the Americas, approximately 24 percent in Asia and approximately 5 percent in the Middle East and Africa. In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices. In addition, we are required to create compensation programs, employment policies and other administrative programs that comply with the laws of multiple countries. We also must communicate and monitor group-wide standards and directives across our global network. Our failure to successfully manage our geographically diverse operations could impair our ability to react quickly to changing business and market conditions and to enforce compliance with group-wide standards and procedures.

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We have retained liability for environmental remediation costs relating to businesses that we sold in 2000, and we could be required to make payments in respect of these retained liabilities in excess of established provisions.

        We have retained liability for environmental remediation costs at two sites in the United States that were operated by our nuclear technology business, which we sold in April 2000 to British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL). We have retained all environmental liabilities associated with our Combustion Engineering subsidiary's Windsor, Connecticut facility and a portion of the liabilities associated with our former ABB C-E Nuclear Power, Inc. subsidiary's Hematite, Missouri facility. The primary environmental liabilities associated with these sites relate to the costs of remediating radiological and chemical contamination upon decommissioning the facilities. Based on information that BNFL has made available, we believe remediation may take until 2015 at the Hematite site. We estimate that the remediation will take until 2012 at the Windsor site. At the Windsor site, we believe that a significant portion of such remediation costs will be the responsibility of the U.S. government pursuant to U.S. federal law, although the exact amount of such responsibility cannot reasonably be estimated. In connection with the sale of the nuclear business in April 2000, we established a provision of $300 million in respect of estimated remediation costs related to these facilities. Expenditures charged to the remediation provision were $4 million and $3 million during 2008 and 2007, respectively. The provision balance was $241 million and $245 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Due to the nature of remediation activities, it is possible that we could be required to make expenditures in excess of the provision. Potential excess expenditures cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Environmental Liabilities."

If we fail to make the payments required under the Modified Plan of Reorganization for Combustion Engineering (the CE Plan) we could trigger an injunction default which would lead to the termination of the channeling injunction under the CE Plan.

        Our Combustion Engineering, Inc. subsidiary (CE) had been a co-defendant in a large number of lawsuits claiming damage for personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos. Since early 2003, we and our subsidiaries have been seeking to resolve our asbestos-related personal injury liabilities related to CE. A plan of reorganization for CE was filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and during 2006, the CE Plan became effective.

        On the effective date of the CE Plan, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court issued an injunction, referred to as a channeling injunction, pursuant to which all asbestos-related personal injury claims against ABB Ltd and certain entities in the ABB group (including CE) arising out of CE's business operations will be settled or otherwise satisfied from the proceeds of the trust established for such purposes.

        Under the CE Plan, ABB Ltd and certain of its subsidiaries have contingent payment obligations of $50 million for which we have established a provision as of December 31, 2008. Failure to satisfy those payment obligations could lead to an injunction default which would lead to the termination of the channeling injunction under the plan. In such case, all claims which were previously subject to the injunction would need to be resolved through the tort system. This could also cause our credit ratings to be downgraded, restrict our access to the capital markets or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

If we are unable to obtain performance and other guarantees from financial institutions, we may be prevented from bidding on, or obtaining, some contracts, or our costs with respect to such contracts could be higher.

        In the normal course of our business and in accordance with industry practice, we provide a number of guarantees including bid-bonds, advance payment guarantees and performance guarantees, which guarantee our own performance. These guarantees may include guarantees that a project will be completed or that a project or particular equipment will achieve defined performance criteria. If we fail

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to attain the defined criteria, we must make payments in cash or in kind. Performance guarantees frequently are requested in relation to large projects in our core power and automation businesses.

        Some customers require that performance guarantees be issued by a financial institution. In considering whether to issue a guarantee on our behalf, financial institutions consider our credit ratings. In addition, the global financial crisis has made it more difficult and expensive to obtain these guarantees. If, in the future, we cannot obtain such a guarantee from a financial institution on reasonable terms, we could be prevented from bidding on, or obtaining, some contracts, or our costs with respect to such contracts could be higher, which would reduce the profitability of the contracts. If we cannot obtain guarantees on commercially reasonable terms from financial institutions in the future, there could be a material impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

If we cannot successfully implement the planned integration of our different ERP systems, then we may be unable to produce reliable accounts, and our business and reputation may be adversely affected.

        In a number of specific countries, we are integrating our various ERP systems into country-wide ERPs in an effort to standardize and consolidate our accounting and reporting processes. A significant portion of these remaining system integrations are planned to occur during 2009 and 2010. If we cannot successfully implement the planned integration activities, we may be unable to produce reliable accounts and our business and reputation may be adversely affected.

If we are unable to successfully adapt our internal controls over financial reporting to changes in circumstance, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected. As a result, investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which may harm our business and the trading price of our stock.

        We are required to include in this Annual Report on Form 20-F a report by our management regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The report includes, among other things, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year. This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by management.

        If we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in any future period (or if our auditors are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls), we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which may have an adverse effect on our stock price.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified management and personnel then our business may be adversely affected.

        Our success depends in part on the abilities of our personnel, particularly our senior management team and key employees. If we are unable to attract and retain members of our senior management team and key employees this could have an adverse effect on our business.

Item 4.    Information on the Company


INTRODUCTION

        We are a global leader in power and automation technologies that are designed to improve performance and lower the environmental impact of our utility and industrial customers. We provide a broad range of products, systems, solutions and services that are designed to improve power grid reliability, increase industrial productivity and enhance energy efficiency. Our focus on power transmission, distribution and power-plant automation serves electric, gas and water utilities, as well as

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industrial and commercial customers. We also deliver automation systems that measure, control, protect and optimize plant applications across a full range of industries. We apply our expertise to develop creative ways of integrating our products and systems with our customers' business processes to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

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.

        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 publicly traded 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 and are no longer publicly traded. ABB Ltd shares are currently listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (traded on SWX Europe), the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (in the form of American Depositary Shares).

Organizational Structure

        Our business is international in scope and we generate revenues in numerous currencies. We operate in approximately 100 countries and have structured our global organization into four regions: Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). We are headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

        We manage our business based on a divisional structure. Our business comprises five divisions: Power Products; Power Systems; Automation Products; Process Automation and Robotics.

        Following the sale of the majority of our non-core activities, Non-core and Other is no longer presented separately but included in Corporate and Other.

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  Revenues Year ended
December 31,
  Percentage of
Core division
Revenues Year
ended
December 31,
 
 
  2008   2007   2006   2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
  (%)
 

Power Products

    11,890     9,777     7,275     31     31     29  

Power Systems

    6,912     5,832     4,544     18     18     18  

Automation Products

    10,250     8,644     6,837     27     27     27  

Process Automation

    7,815     6,420     5,448     20     20     21  

Robotics

    1,642     1,407     1,288     4     4     5  
                           

Core divisions

    38,509     32,080     25,392     100     100     100  
                           

Corporate, Non-core and Other Activities and Eliminations

    (3,597 )   (2,897 )   (2,111 )                  
                                 

Total

    34,912     29,183     23,281                    
                                 

        For a breakdown of our consolidated revenues derived from each geographic region in which we operate, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Analysis of Results of Operations—Revenues."

        Our principal corporate offices are located at Affolternstrasse 44, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland, telephone number +41-43-317-7111. Our agent for U.S. federal securities law purposes is ABB Holdings Inc., located at 501 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.


BUSINESS DIVISIONS

Industry Background

        Our five divisions operate across two key markets, the power market and the automation market. Our Power Products and Power Systems divisions operate in the power market. Our Automation Products, Process Automation and Robotics divisions operate in the automation market.

        The power market uses products, systems and services designed primarily to deliver electricity. Electricity is generated in power stations and is then fed into an electricity grid, from where it is transmitted and distributed to consumers. The portions of an electricity grid that operate at the highest voltages are "transmission" systems, while those that operate at lower voltages are "distribution" systems. Transmission systems link power generation sources to distribution systems and then branch out over shorter distances to carry electricity from the transmission system to end users. These electricity networks incorporate sophisticated devices to control and monitor operations and to prevent damage from failures or stresses.

        Electricity is transformed at different stages in the delivery process between the source and the ultimate end user. For example, electrical power is often generated in large power plants at 10 to 20 kilovolts. Because this voltage is too low to be transmitted efficiently, transformers are used to increase the voltage (up to 1,000 kilovolts) for long-distance commercial transmission. This reduces losses and increases the amount of power that can be carried per line.

        Transformers are also used to decrease the voltage at the local end for distribution to end users, such as residential, commercial or industrial consumers. An electric utility distribution system comprises distribution substations and networks, both overhead and underground. Some large industrial and commercial facilities receive electricity at higher voltage levels from the transmission or distribution

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network, while most industrial, commercial and residential users receive electricity from distribution network feeders at lower voltages.

        Drivers in the power market vary by region. In North America the focus is on replacing aged infrastructure and improving grid reliability. In Europe the focus is on replacement of aged infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind farms in the North Sea. Another driver in Europe is the increased demand for interconnections between countries to facilitate the market for energy trading. Both in North America and in Europe, improving energy efficiency also stimulates power investment. In the Middle East, a high level of investments is driven by large infrastructure projects and the related need for electricity. In emerging markets, including most parts of Asia, there is a need for electricity grid increases to cope with rising energy needs.

        There is a global trend toward deregulation and privatization of the power market, which is creating a more competitive environment for our customers. This trend is evident in the United States, parts of Latin America, and Europe, and is developing in other regions. The creation of a free market for electricity requires our customers to become more cost-efficient and reliable to compete as a lowest-cost provider among power suppliers. Grid operators must be able to deliver power to customers that are hundreds or thousands of miles away within a few minutes. As more disturbance-sensitive loads (such as computers and telecommunications systems) have been added to networks, demand for reliable, high-quality electricity and "smarter" grid has increased. Power suppliers can achieve this efficiency and reliability in a number of ways, including the following:

        Another major trend is the discussion on climate change, which has created a strong interest in energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions. Both drivers have a direct impact on our business as ABB delivers technologically-driven solutions to increase the energy efficiency on existing electrical infrastructure and to integrate renewable energy such as wind and solar power into the electricity grid while meeting the grid code requirements.

        The automation market uses products, systems and services designed primarily to improve product quality, energy efficiency, productivity and consistency in industrial and manufacturing applications. The automation market can be divided into three sectors:

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Power Products Division

        Our Power Products division serves electric, gas and water utilities, as well as industrial and commercial customers, with a broad range of products and services for power transmission and distribution. Direct sales account for a majority of the division's total product sales, and sales through external channel partners, such as wholesalers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), account for the remainder. Key technologies include high- and medium-voltage switchgear and apparatus, circuit breakers for various current and voltage levels, power and distribution transformers, as well as sensors and products to automate and control electrical and other utility networks. The division had approximately 33,600 employees and 110 manufacturing plants as of December 31, 2008 and generated $11.9 billion of revenues in 2008.

        Our Power Products division manufactures three categories of products: High-voltage Products, Medium-voltage Products and Transformers. The division sells primarily to utilities, distributors, wholesalers, installers and OEMs in the utilities and power generation industries. Some of the division's products are integrated into the offering of the Power Systems and Process Automation divisions or are sold through external channel partners such as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms.

        The division manufactures distribution transformers (up to 72.5 kilovolts) for use in industrial facilities, commercial buildings and utility distribution networks to step down electrical voltage to the levels needed by end users. Industrial transformers are mainly delivered to the steel and aluminum industry, which need their own high-voltage transformers and substations on-site to service their heavy electricity requirements. We manufacture and sell a full range of distribution transformers including oil-type, dry-type and special application distribution transformers. Although oil-type transformers are more commonly used, demand for dry-type transformers is growing because they minimize fire hazards and have applications in high-density office buildings, windmills, offshore drilling platforms, marine vessels and high-volume industrial plants.

        We also design and manufacture power transformers (72.5 to 1,000 kilovolts) for utility, transportation and industrial customers, as well as transformer components such as bushings and tap changers. Generator transformers are used in power generation when it is necessary to increase power voltage from a power plant for long-distance transmission. We produce traction transformers used in electric locomotives and we provide a wide range of transformer service and retrofit solutions for utilities and industry customers. The division also produces insulation material.

        In the medium-voltage area, the division develops products and systems that reduce outage times and improve power quality and control, which are key to improving operational efficiency of both utility and industrial customers. It supplies switching equipment both directly to end users and through distributors and OEMs. Its products provide connections between higher voltage substations and lower voltage uses. It produces a comprehensive line of medium-voltage equipment (1 to 50 kilovolts),

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including products such as indoor and outdoor switch disconnectors, breakers, reclosers, fuses, contactors, instrument transformers and sensors as well as air- and gas-insulated switchgear, motor control centers, and ring main units for primary and secondary distribution. It also produces indoor and outdoor modular systems, compact substations and power distribution centers. In addition, a significant portion of its products are sold through external channel partners such as OEMs.

        The Power Products division also provides high-voltage transmission equipment to power utilities that enables them to operate more efficiently and with lower environmental impact, both of which are significant business concerns in the market in which our customers operate. We manufacture the principal components of power transmission systems (50 to 800 kilovolts), including air- and gas-insulated switchgear, capacitors, high-voltage circuit breakers, grounding switches and instrument transformers. The division also delivers the entire ABB portfolio of low-, medium- and high-voltage capacitors and surge arresters. Its products and components also include circuit breaker drives and cable accessories.

        The Power Products division's principal customers are electric, gas and water utilities, owners and operators of power transmission systems, utilities that own or operate networks and owners and operators of power generating plants. Other customers include gas transmission companies, local distribution companies and multi-utilities, which are involved in the transmission or distribution of more than one commodity. The division also serves industrial and commercial customers, such as operators of large commercial buildings and heavy industrial plants.

        The Power Products division sells its products individually and as parts of larger systems through our Power Systems division. Direct sales account for a majority of the division's total product sales, and sales through external channel partners, such as wholesalers, distributors and OEMs, account for the remainder. Because the Power Products and Power Systems divisions share many of the same customers and technologies, and are influenced by the same market drivers, the two divisions share a common sales force in most regions and countries.

        On a global basis, the Power Products division's principal competitors are Siemens AG and Areva, and, in the medium-voltage market, Schneider Electric SA. We also compete regionally with companies such as Cooper Industries, Eaton Electric Corporation, Crompton Greaves and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

        The Power Products division's capital expenditures for property, plant and equipmentwere $305 million in 2008, compared to $209 million and $145 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Principal investments in 2008 included investments to replace existing equipment, particularly in Sweden, China, Germany and the United States. Geographically, in 2008, Europe accounted for 48 percent of our capital expenditures, followed by 34 percent in Asia, 16 percent in the Americas and 2 percent in Middle East and Africa.

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Power Systems Division

        Our Power Systems division serves electric, gas and water utilities, as well as industrial and commercial customers, with a broad range of systems and services for power generation, transmission and distribution. Key technologies include substations, high-voltage power converters, advanced cables for underground and sub-sea power transmission, and systems to automate and control power plants, electrical and other utility networks. The division had approximately 15,800 employees in more than 70 countries as of December 31, 2008 and generated $6.9 billion of revenues in 2008.

        Our Power Systems division delivers systems in four areas: grid systems, network management, power generation, and substations. The division sells primarily to utilities, EPC companies and power generation industries. Some of the Power Product division's products are integrated into the offering of the Power Systems division.

        For grid systems, we provide power systems that are essential to grid reliability, including flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) and we also sell high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. Critical components in these systems are power semiconductors and cables which are also manufactured by the Power Systems division.

        We are a leading manufacturer of HVDC technology, which is an advanced technology for transporting electricity over long distances, feeding power from mainland sites to off-shore platforms or integrating large off-shore windpower into the power grid. It reduces power losses, increases system stability and provides a more controllable flow than high-voltage alternating current. An HVDC transmission system typically includes converters, which change alternating current to direct current and then back to alternating current when it reaches the terminal point, and transmission line cables, either above or below ground. Advances in converter and cable technology have enabled us to introduce a system called HVDC Light™. Converter stations for HVDC Light™ are approximately one-fifth the size of conventional HVDC technology for the same rated power. HVDC Light™ extends the range of applications for underground or submarine high-voltage direct current. Typical applications include interconnection of separate networks that operate on different frequencies or provide variational power quality, such as wind parks. The system can also be used as a substitute for local power generation in remote areas, islands or oil platforms.

        We also provide FACTS devices to enhance power grid stability, improve power quality and thus increase transmission capability. FACTS devices include series compensators, static volt-amperes reactive compensators (SVCs) and SVC Light™ (based on the same unique technology as HVDC Light™).

        HVDC, HVDC Light™, FACTS, and SVC Light™ systems rely on advanced power semiconductor components. Our power semiconductor business develops and manufactures tailor-made components to maximize the performance of these systems. The Power Systems division supplies power semiconductor devices to other ABB businesses and to external customers in the power transmission and distribution, drives, and transportation markets.

        Our cable business is specialized in sub-sea cable solutions and land-cables for bulk energy transfer over long distances.

        Our network systems offering includes high-end supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for power and gas customers. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control energy transmission, distribution and power generation. They are also used in market systems for power networks providing real time information about the status of the grid. SCADA systems allow utilities to

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optimize their business by improving the performance of their installed network equipment to meet changing customer requirements and new market conditions.

        The division also provides wireless and fixed communication systems for power, water and gas utilities, including both operational and corporate communication networks. It offers fiber optics, microwave radio and power line applications for data networking and broadband network management, as well as teleprotection and substation communication networks and voice switching management systems.

        In the area of power generation, the division offers complete system integration of instrumentation, control and electrical equipment for the power generation market. The services offered include combustion management, plant performance optimization, condition monitoring and asset management. We also offer turnkey water pumping stations including control systems.

        Substations interconnect electricity grids operating on different voltage levels, sectionalize portions of the grid and protect the electrical system against damage from outside sources such as lightning and overload. By sectionalizing the grid, power can be rerouted from portions of the transmission system that are experiencing problems to sections that are functioning properly, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the power supply.

        We deliver complete air- and gas-insulated substations for power transmission. Substations are also necessary in a power distribution network to sectionalize and reduce the voltage of the main power lines and cables to the lower voltages required for efficient distribution and consumption. For power distribution, we sell traditional custom-engineered substations.

        This division offers services and support for management of existing power transmission and distribution assets, including both ABB products and those manufactured by third parties.

        In addition, the Power Systems division offers a range of services aimed at reducing the in-house operational and maintenance requirements of utility customers. Our services range from contracts for spare parts management, support agreements and retrofits, to service, consulting and training. The Power Systems division also undertakes analyses of the design of new transmission and distribution systems as well as optimization that take into account technical, economic and environmental considerations.

        The Power System division's principal customers are electric, gas and water utilities, owners and operators of power transmission systems, utilities that own or operate networks and owners and operators of power generating plants. Other customers include transmission companies, local distribution companies and multi-utilities, which are involved in the transmission or distribution of more than one commodity. The division also serves industrial and commercial customers, such as operators of large commercial buildings and heavy industrial plants.

        The Power Systems division sells its systems primarily through a direct sales force of specialized sales engineering teams. Some sales are also handled through third-party channels, such as OEMs and system integrators or EPC firms. Because the Power Systems and Power Products divisions share many of the same customers and technologies, and are influenced by the same market drivers, the two divisions share a common sales force in most regions and countries.

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        On a global basis, the Power Systems division's principal competitors are Siemens AG and Areva. In the power generation area, the division's principal competitors are Areva, Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Company, Invensys plc and Siemens AG.

        The Power System division's capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $89 million in 2008, compared to $50 million and $26 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Principal investments in 2007 included investments to replace existing equipment, particularly in Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. Geographically, in 2008, Europe accounted for 83 percent of our capital expenditures, followed by 7 percent in Asia, 5 percent in the Americas and 5 percent in Middle East and Africa.

Automation Products Division

        The Automation Products division provides products, with related services, that are used as components in machinery, switchboards, distribution panels, and building and automation systems. The Automation Products offering covers a wide range of products and services including low-voltage switchgear, breakers, switches, control products, DIN-rail components, enclosures, wiring accessories, instrumentation, drives, motors, generators, and power electronics systems. These products help customers to improve productivity, save energy and increase safety. Key applications include power distribution, protection and control, energy conversion, data acquisition and processing, and actuation. The majority of these applications are for industrial applications, with others provided for building construction, rail transportation, and utilities.

        The Automation Products division is a global business that employs approximately 36,000 people worldwide and generated $10.3 billion revenues in 2008 through sales activities in more than 100 countries. The division has more than 100 manufacturing sites in 50 countries. Each day, the division delivers around one million products.

        A majority of the division's revenues comes from sales through distributors, wholesalers, machine builders and OEMs, system integrators, and panel builders, although a portion of the division's revenues come from direct sales to end-users.

        The Automation Products division manufactures low-voltage circuit breakers, switches and control products to protect people, installations and electronic equipment from electrical overloads. It also manufactures instrumentation products to measure and control the flow of fluids.

        This division makes line protection products, wiring accessories and enclosures and cable systems that are primarily used for control and protection in building installations. It also produces European Installation Bus/Powernet systems, which integrate and automate a building's electrical installations, ventilation, security and data communication networks.

        The process instrumentation products manufactured by this division interact with the Open Control System products from the Process Automation division and include products for the measurement of process variables such as pressure, temperature, volume and flow. The increasing sophistication of many process automation systems often requires thousands of measurement points for such variables. These instrumentation products are sold separately or in combination with control systems. The various analytical measurement devices produced by this division form an important part

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of instrumentation and control systems. These devices measure chemical characteristics while process instrumentation products measure physical characteristics.

        This division also provides low-voltage and medium-voltage AC drive products and systems for industrial, commercial and residential applications. Drives provide motion and torque while adding control and efficiency to equipment such as fans, pumps, compressors, conveyors, kilns, centrifuges, mixers, hoists, cranes, extruders, printing machinery and textile machines. Our drives are used in the building automation, marine, power, transportation and manufacturing industries, among others.

        The Automation Products division also produces a range of power electronics products. These include static excitation and synchronizing systems that provide stability for power stations, as well as high power rectifiers that convert AC power to DC power for very high-amperage applications such as furnaces in zinc plants and aluminum and magnesium smelters. The division also manufactures frequency converters that use semiconductor technology to convert electrical power into the type and frequency required by individual customers.

        In addition, this division supplies a comprehensive range of electrical motors and generators, including high-efficiency motors that conform to leading environmental and efficiency standards. Efficiency is an important criterion for selection by customers, because electric motors account for nearly two-thirds of the electricity consumed by industrial plants. This division manufactures synchronous motors for the most demanding applications and a full range of low and high-voltage induction motors.

        Sales are made both through direct sales forces as well as through third-party channel partners, such as distributors, wholesalers, installers, machine builders and OEMs, system integrators, and panel builders. The proportion of direct sales compared to channel partner sales varies among the different industries, product technologies and geographic markets. For the division as a whole, the majority of products are sold through channel partners, with the remainder sold through the division's own direct sales channels.

        The Automation Products division's principal competitors vary by product line but include Alstom, Baldor Electric Company, Eaton Electric Corporation, Emerson Electric Co., Endress+Hauser, Legrand, Mitsubishi, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric SA, Siemens AG, Yokogawa Electric Corporation and WEG Industries.

        The Automation Products division's capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $305 million in 2008, compared to $193 million and $148 million in 2007 and in 2006, respectively. Principal investments in 2008 were primarily related to ordinary course replacements of machinery and equipment mainly in Germany, Finland, Italy and China plus expansion investments in China, India and Estonia. Geographically, in 2008, Europe accounted for 71 percent of the capital expenditure, followed by 23 percent in Asia, 4 percent in Middle East and Africa and 2 percent in the Americas.

Process Automation Division

        The Process Automation division provides products, systems, and services for the automation and optimization of industrial processes. Our main offerings are process automation, plant electrification and quality control systems, analytical measurement devices, turbochargers and marine propulsion and

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control systems. Our key end markets are the oil and gas, pulp and paper, metals and minerals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, turbocharging and marine industries. The division had approximately 26,800 employees as of December 31, 2008, and generated revenues of $7.8 billion in 2008.

        The Process Automation division offers its products both as separately sold devices and as part of a total automation system. Our technologies are marketed both through direct sales forces and third-party channels.

        The Process Automation division offers integrated process control systems, plant electrification systems, information management systems and industry-specific application knowledge for a variety of industries, primarily pulp and paper, minerals and mining, metals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, turbocharging, power and the marine industry. Some of the Automation Product and Power Product divisions' products are integrated into the offering of the Process Automation division.

        Our control systems are used in such applications as batch management, asset optimization, energy management and safety control. They are the hubs that link instrumentation, devices and systems for control and supervision of an industrial process and enable customers to integrate their production systems with their enterprise, resource and planning systems, thereby providing a link to their ordering, billing and shipping processes. This link allows customers to manage their entire manufacturing and business process based on real-time access to plant information. Additionally, it allows customers to increase production efficiency, optimize their assets and reduce environmental waste.

        This division emphasizes Open Control Systems, including batch control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, and, to a lesser extent, programmable logic controls and remote terminal units.

        Batch control systems control the production of a variety of products in shorter runs, such as certain pharmaceuticals and food and beverage products. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems are used to collect and manage data over wide areas or long distances such as those involved in operating electric power networks.

        In December 2003, this division commercially released the System 800xA process automation platform. This system extends the capability of traditional process control systems, introducing advanced functions such as batch management, asset optimization and field device integration which "plug in" to a common user environment. The same user interface may also be used to manage components of existing multiple ABB control systems that have been installed in the market over the past approximately 20 years. In this way, System 800xA gives customers a way to migrate to new functions one step at a time, rather than having to make a large-scale capital investment to replace their entire control system. By creating a common user interface that can be used to manage multiple systems, the System 800xA also reduces the research and development investment needed to achieve a "one size fits all" solution across our large installed systems base.

        The division's product offerings for the pulp and paper industries include quality control systems for pulp and paper mills, control systems, drive systems, on-line sensors, actuators and field instruments. On-line sensors measure product properties, such as weight, thickness, color, brightness, moisture content and additive content. Actuators allow the customer to make automatic adjustments during the production process to improve the quality and consistency of the product. Field instruments measure properties of the process, such as flow rate, chemical content and temperature.

        We offer our customers in the metals and minerals industries specialized products and services, as well as total production systems. We design, plan, engineer, supply, erect and commission electric equipment, drives, motors and equipment for automation and supervisory control within a variety of

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areas including mining, mineral handling, aluminum smelting, hot and cold steel applications and cement production.

        In the oil and gas sector, we provide solutions for onshore and offshore production and exploration, refining,and petrochemical processes, and oil/gas transportation and distribution. In the pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals areas, we offer applications to support manufacturing, packaging, quality control and compliance with regulatory agencies.

        In the marine field, we provide global shipbuilders with power and automation technologies for luxury cruise liners, ferries, tankers, offshore oil rigs and special purpose vessels. We design, engineer, build, supply and commission electrical systems for marine power generation, power distribution and diesel electric propulsion, as well as turbochargers to improve efficiency for diesel and gasoline engines.

        We also offer full-service contracts across all of our customer segments, in which we take over in-house maintenance activities for customers and apply strategies to reduce overall maintenance costs and helps optimize these investments. Demand for our process automation services is increasing as our customers seek to increase productivity by improving the performance of existing assets.

        The Process Automation division's end customers are primarily companies in the pulp and paper, minerals and mining, metals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, turbocharging, power and the marine industries. In each of these industries, we sell both through direct sales forces as well as through third-party channels, such as distributors, wholesalers, installers, system integrators and OEMs.

        The Process Automation division uses a direct sales forces as well as third-party channel partners, such as distributors, system integrators and OEMs. For the division as a whole, the majority of revenues are derived through the division's own direct sales channels.

        The Process Automation division's principal competitors vary by industry or product line but include, Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., Invensys plc, Metso Automation, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric SA, Siemens AG, Voith AG, Aspen Technologies, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.

        The Process Automation division's capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $79 million in 2008, compared to $91 million and $70 million in 2007 and in 2006, respectively. Principal investments in 2008 were primarily related to our turbocharging production facilities and service stations in Switzerland, China, Unites States, India, and ordinary course purchase of machinery and equipment mainly in Algeria, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. In 2008, Europe accounted for 64 percent of the capital expenditure, followed by 20 percent in Asia, 14 percent in the Americas and 2 percent in Middle East and Africa

Robotics Division

        Our Robotics division offers robot products, systems and service for the automotive and manufacturing industries. The division develops standardized manufacturing cells for many applications including machine tending, welding, cutting, painting, finishing and packing. It also provides fully

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engineered systems to automobile manufacturers for press automation, paint process automation, body in white assembly and power train assembly. The division also provides a full range of robotics services, from product and system maintenance to system design. The division had approximately 5,300 employees as of December 31, 2008 and generated $1.6 billion of revenues in 2008. The Robotics division's manufacturing and research and development locations are organized globally, with major centers in China, the United States, Sweden, Norway and France.

        The Robotics division offers robot products, systems and service for the automotive manufacturers and their sub-suppliers as well as general manufacturing industries, to improve product quality, productivity and consistency in manufacturing processes. Robots are also used in inhospitable environments which may be hazardous to employee health and safety, such as repetitive lifting, cold rooms or painting booths.

        In the automotive industry, the division's products and systems are used in such areas as press shop, body shop, paint shop, power train assembly, trim and final assembly. General industry segments in which robotics solutions are used range from metal fabrication, foundry, plastics, food & beverage, chemicals & pharmaceuticals to consumer electronics, solar and wood. Typical general industry applications include welding, material handling, painting, picking, packing and palletizing.

        Shortened product life cycles and rapidly changing consumer preferences have brought new challenges to our robotics customers. They must be able to adapt their production lines to increasingly frequent changes in product design. At the same time, they have to continuously deliver their products faster and at higher quality standards. Furthermore, constant price pressure requires them to decrease production costs by improving manufacturing processes. Robots and robotics systems continue to play a key role in our customers' ability to adapt to their rapidly-changing business environment.

        Our services include design and project management, engineering, installation, training and life-cycle care of the complete production line.

        The Robotics division's end customers are primarily companies in the automotive and manufacturing industries. We sell to these customers through both direct and indirect sales forces. Our third-party channels include distributors, system integrators, OEMs and machine builders.

        Sales are made through both direct and indirect sales forces and third-party channel partners, such as distributors, system integrators, OEMs and machine builders. The proportion of direct sales compared to indirect sales varies among the different industries, product technologies and geographic markets. Sales from the systems and service businesses are made almost entirely through direct sales forces.

        The Robotics division's principal competitors vary by product and system but major competitors include Fanuc Robotics Inc., Kuka Robot Group, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Dürr AG, Kawasaki Robotics and Stäubli AG, as well as a growing base of small and medium-sized system integrators.

        The Robotics division's capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $28 million in 2008, compared to $14 million in both 2007 and in 2006, respectively. Geographically, in 2008, Europe

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accounted for 43 percent of the capital expenditure, followed by 33 percent in Asia, 23 percent in the Americas and 1 percent in Middle East and Africa.


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Overview

        The following businesses and costs are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as discontinued operations at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

        See "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

        Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment including intangible assets amounted to $1,171 million, $756 million and $536 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Compared to the depreciation expenses, capital expenditures were 77 percent higher in 2008, 27 percent higher in 2007 and 3 percent lower in 2006.

        Due to the current geographic distribution of our production facilities, capital expenditures in 2008 remained at a significant level in western Europe and the United States. Investments for capital expenditures in western Europe were primarily driven by maintenance and upgrades of existing production facilities to improve productivity, mainly in Sweden, Germany and Switzerland. Capital expenditures in emerging markets increased significantly in 2008, particularly in China, India, Poland and Mexico. Investments in capital expenditures in emerging markets were mostly made to expand or build new facilities to increase the production capacity, as a result of the rapid growth in these geographical markets. The share of emerging market capital expenditure as a percentage of total capital expenditure increased from 37 percent in 2007 to 43 percent in 2008.

        The carrying value of property, plant and equipment sold amounted to $50 million, $30 million and $54 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Of the total sales of property, plant and equipment in 2008, the majority related to real estate properties in Switzerland, Mexico, Poland and Italy. Of the total sales of property, plant and equipment in 2007, a significant portion was related to real estate properties in Norway, Sweden and Italy. In 2006, the sale of property, plant and equipment was mostly related to real estate properties, primarily in Switzerland and Germany.

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        Construction in progress for property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2008 was $534 million, which mainly related to construction projects in Sweden, the United States, Switzerland, China and Germany. Construction in progress for property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2007 was $285 million, mainly in Sweden, the United States, China, India, Switzerland and Germany. At December 31, 2006, the amount of construction in progress was $173 million, mainly in Germany, Finland, China, Sweden and Switzerland.

        In 2009, we plan to reduce our capital expenditures, but estimate the amount to be higher than our annual depreciation and amortization charge. We anticipate higher investments in Asia and relatively lower capital spending in Europe.


SUPPLIES AND RAW MATERIALS

        We purchase a variety of raw materials for use in our production and project execution processes. The primary materials used in our products, by weight, are steel, copper, aluminum, mineral oil and various plastics. We also purchase a wide variety of fabricated products and electronic components.

        We operate a worldwide supply chain management network with employees dedicated to this function in business units and key countries. Additionally, over twenty global commodity teams have been established to take advantage of opportunities to leverage the scale of the ABB Group, to optimize the efficiency of our supply networks, and to capture lowest possible costs worldwide.

        Our supply management organization's activities have continued to expand in recent years, to:

        The price of raw materials is highly volatile, and has varied substantially, from year to year. For many commodities we purchase, such as steel, copper, aluminum and products derived from crude oil, continuing global economic growth in China and other emerging economies, coupled with the uncertainty brought upon the markets by the recent world financial crisis, and the volatility in foreign exchange rates, all led to significant fluctuations in raw material costs over the last few years. While some market volatility will be offset through the use of either long-term contracts or hedging, we expect global commodity prices to remain highly volatile. Declines in raw material prices in recent months are further testimony of the level of uncertainty and volatility we are facing.

        We mitigate our exposure to commodity risk arising from changes in prices of raw materials by entering into hedges. For example, we manage copper and aluminum price risk using swap and forward contracts based on London Metal Exchange prices or on New York Mercantile Exchange prices for these commodities. Our hedging policy is designed to minimize price volatility and create a stable cost base for the ABB Group. Hedging has the effect of minimizing the unfavorable impact of price increases in commodities, but it also limits the favorable impact of decreasing prices. Certain gains and losses derived from our commodity hedging transactions are deferred and reflected in the cost of goods sold when the underlying physical transaction affects cost of goods sold. In addition to using hedging 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 products.

        Our costs for most of our electronic components, subassemblies and fabricated products remained stable, or in many cases decreased slightly, in 2008 compared to 2007. Procurement personnel in the

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business units, and in the countries in which ABB operates, along with the global commodities teams, continued to focus on component cost reduction efforts in these areas to partially mitigate the impact of the cost increases in raw materials.


PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

        We believe that intellectual property is as important as tangible assets for a technology group such as ABB. Over the past ten years, we have almost doubled our total number of first patent filings, and we intend to continue our aggressive approach to seeking patent protection. Currently, we have over 16,000 patent applications and registrations, of which approximately 7,400 are pending applications. In 2008, we filed patent applications for approximately 620 new inventions. 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 aggressively defend the reputation associated with the ABB brand.


SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES

        Sustainability management is one of our highest business priorities. We address sustainability issues in all our business operations. Our goal is to improve our social and environmental performance continuously, and improve the quality of life in the communities and countries where we operate.

        Our social and environmental efforts include:

        To manage environmental aspects of our own operations, we have implemented environmental management systems according to the ISO 14001 standard at our manufacturing and service sites. Almost all such sites currently work in compliance with the requirements of the standard (approximately 350 sites) and our environmental management program now covers operations in almost 50 countries. For non-manufacturing sites we have implemented an adapted environmental management system in order to ensure management of aspects and continual improvement of performance.

        We have Environmental Product Declarations to communicate the environmental performance of our core products. These describe the significant environmental aspects and impacts of a product line,

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viewed over its complete life cycle. Declarations are based on Life Cycle Assessment studies, created according to the international standard ISO/TR 14025. More than 70 declarations for major product lines are published on our Web site (www.abb.com), some of which have been externally certified by agencies such as Det Norske Veritas (DNV) of Norway and the RINA Management System Certification Society in Italy.

        We have expanded the scope of our environmental reporting in recent years. In 2008, a total of 85 percent of our employees were covered by confirmed data gathered through ABB's formal environmental reporting system that is verified by an independent verification body. The parts of our business that are not yet covered by our reporting system, mainly sales offices in countries where we do not perform manufacturing, have very limited environmental exposure. A total of 4 environmental incidents were reported in 2008, none of which had a material environmental impact.

        In 2008, a total of 93 percent of employees are covered by confirmed data gathered through ABB's formal social reporting system that is verified by an independent verification body. The parts of our business that are not yet covered by our reporting system, mainly sales offices in countries where we do not perform manufacturing, have very limited social exposure.

        One of our corporate objectives is to phase out the use of the hazardous substances that are recorded on our list of "restricted" substances. Priorities for replacement are set by each business using criteria such as the environmental aspects of alternatives, the risk of the substance escaping into the environment, how hazardous the substance is, whether we can use the substance under strict control and whether there are any technically acceptable alternatives.

        We have retained liability for environmental remediation costs at two sites in the United States that were operated by our former nuclear business, which we have sold to BNFL. The primary environmental liabilities associated with these sites relate to the costs of remediating radiological contamination upon decommissioning the facilities. See "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.


REGULATION

        Our operations are subject to numerous governmental laws and regulations including those governing antitrust and competition, corruption, the environment, securities transactions and disclosures, import and export of products, currency conversions and repatriation, taxation of foreign earnings and earnings of expatriate personnel and use of local employees and suppliers.

        As a reporting company under Section 12 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are subject to the FCPA's antibribery provisions with respect to our conduct around the world.

        Our operations are also subject to the 1997 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, as implemented by the 34 signatory countries. The convention obliges signatories to adopt national legislation that makes it a crime to bribe foreign public officials. As of December 31, 2008, those countries which have adopted implementing legislation and have ratified the convention include the United States and several European nations in which we have significant operations.

        We conduct business in certain countries known to experience governmental corruption. While we are committed to conducting business in a legal and ethical manner, our employees or agents have taken, and in the future may take, actions that violate the U.S. FCPA, legislation promulgated pursuant to the 1997 OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, antitrust laws or other laws or regulations. These actions have resulted and could result in monetary or other penalties against us and could damage our reputation and, therefore, our ability to do business. For more information, see "Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings."

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SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

        ABB Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland is the ultimate parent company of the ABB Group, which is comprised of 254 consolidated operating and holding subsidiaries worldwide, as of February 28, 2009. In addition to ABB Ltd Zurich, the only other listed company in the ABB Group is ABB Limited, India, which is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India.

        The following table sets forth, as of February 28, 2009, the name, country of incorporation and ownership interest of ABB Ltd in its significant subsidiaries:

Company Name
  Country   ABB Group
Interest %
 

ABB S.A., Buenos Aires

  ARGENTINA     100.00  

ABB Australia Pty Limited, Sydney

  AUSTRALIA     100.00  

ABB AG, Vienna

  AUSTRIA     100.00  

ABB N.V., Zaventem

  BELGIUM     100.00  

ABB Ltda., Osasco

  BRAZIL     100.00  

ABB Bulgaria EOOD, Sofia

  BULGARIA     100.00  

ABB Inc., St. Laurent, Quebec

  CANADA     100.00  

ABB (China) Ltd., Beijing

  CHINA     100.00  

Asea Brown Boveri Ltda., Bogotá

  COLOMBIA     99.99  

ABB Technology SA, Abidjan

  COTE D'IVOIRE     99.00  

ABB Ltd., Zagreb

  CROATIA     100.00  

ABB s.r.o., Prague

  CZECH REPUBLIC     100.00  

ABB A/S, Skovlunde

  DENMARK     100.00  

ABB Ecuador S.A., Quito

  ECUADOR     96.87  

Asea Brown Boveri S.A.E., Cairo

  EGYPT     100.00  

ABB AS, Tallinn

  ESTONIA     100.00  

ABB Oy, Helsinki

  FINLAND     100.00  

ABB S.A., Rueil-Malmaison

  FRANCE     100.00  

ABB AG, Mannheim

  GERMANY     100.00  

ABB Automation GmbH, Mannheim

  GERMANY     100.00  

ABB Automation Products GmbH, Ladenburg

  GERMANY     100.00  

ABB Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsges. mbH, Mannheim

  GERMANY     100.00  

ABB Stotz-Kontakt GmbH, Heidelberg

  GERMANY     100.00  

Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH, Mannheim/Lüdenscheid

  GERMANY     100.00  

Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Metamorphossis Attica

  GREECE     100.00  

ABB (Hong Kong) Ltd., Hong Kong

  HONG KONG     100.00  

ABB Engineering Trading and Service Ltd., Budapest

  HUNGARY     100.00  

ABB Limited, Bangalore

  INDIA     52.11  

ABB Ltd, Dublin

  IRELAND     100.00  

ABB Technologies Ltd., Tirat Carmel

  ISRAEL     99.99  

ABB S.p.A., Milan

  ITALY     100.00  

ABB K.K., Tokyo

  JAPAN     100.00  

ABB Ltd., Seoul

  KOREA, REPUBLIC OF     100.00  

ABB Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Subang Jaya

  MALAYSIA     100.00  

Asea Brown Boveri S.A. de C.V., Tlalnepantla

  MEXICO     100.00  

ABB BV, Rotterdam

  NETHERLANDS     100.00  

ABB Finance B.V., Amsterdam

  NETHERLANDS     100.00  

ABB Holdings BV, Amsterdam

  NETHERLANDS     100.00  

ABB Limited, Auckland

  NEW ZEALAND     100.00  

ABB Holding AS, Billingstad

  NORWAY     100.00  

ABB S.A., Lima

  PERU     80.60  

ABB, Inc., Paranaque, Metro Manila

  PHILIPPINES     100.00  

ABB Sp. zo.o., Warsaw

  POLAND     99.88  

ABB (Asea Brown Boveri), S.A., Paco de Arcos

  PORTUGAL     100.00  

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Company Name
  Country   ABB Group
Interest %
 

Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., Moscow

  RUSSIAN FEDERATION     100.00  

ABB Contracting Company Ltd., Riyadh

  SAUDI ARABIA     65.00  

ABB Holdings Pte. Ltd., Singapore

  SINGAPORE     100.00  

ABB Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Sunninghill

  SOUTH AFRICA     80.00  

Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Madrid

  SPAIN     100.00  

ABB AB, Västerås

  SWEDEN     100.00  

ABB Norden Holding AB, Västerås

  SWEDEN     100.00  

ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, Zurich

  SWITZERLAND     100.00  

ABB Schweiz AG, Baden

  SWITZERLAND     100.00  

ABB LIMITED, Bangkok

  THAILAND     100.00  

ABB Holding A.S., Istanbul

  TURKEY     99.95  

ABB Ltd., Kiev

  UKRAINE     100.00  

ABB Holdings Limited, Warrington

  UNITED KINGDOM     100.00  

ABB Limited, Warrington

  UNITED KINGDOM     100.00  

ABB Holdings Inc., Norwalk

  UNITED STATES     100.00  

ABB Inc., Norwalk CT

  UNITED STATES     100.00  

Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Caracas

  VENEZUELA     100.00  


DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

        As of December 31, 2008, the ABB Group owns or leases real estate in approximately 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 are situated in Germany, Sweden, the United States, Switzerland, China, Finland, India and Italy. We own essentially 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 as of December 31, 2008 was $3,562 million, of which machinery and equipment represented $1,467 million, land and buildings represented $1,561 million and construction in progress of $534 million. We believe that our current facilities are in good condition and are adequate to meet the requirements of our present and foreseeable future industrial operations.

Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        Not applicable.

Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

        You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and other financial information contained elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors." See "Forward-looking statements" at the beginning of this annual report.


MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

        During 2008, we continued to focus on our core strengths: power and automation products, systems and services that increase grid reliability and industrial productivity and result in significant energy savings.

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        Despite uncertainties surrounding the economic situation especially in the second half of 2008, we have continued to benefit from our technological leadership, our flexible global production base and the operational improvements we continue to make in our businesses. Our strategy continues to focus on business execution, cost and risk management and organic growth, which continue to enable improvements in operating performance with stronger financial results in our businesses.

        Our efforts for 2008 were aimed at three key areas: Strategy, Execution and People.

Strategy

        We believe our strategy in 2008 remained sound. Our businesses supported both growth and profitability as a result of their leading market positions and competitive technologies. Furthermore, our global geographic scope has provided us with strong positions in Asia—with particular focus on China and India—and the Middle East, and we have continued to serve established, mature markets in Europe and North America.

Execution

        Execution continued to be our top priority. We have maintained in 2008 attractive organic growth through our range of technologies and superior service. We continued to improve our gross profit margins through cost control, productivity improvements and risk control in all of our divisions. Our execution framework has centered around our business processes, regular business and project reviews, a flat organizational structure and a focus on compliance.

People

        During 2008 we continued to build on our strong foundation as an attractive, dynamic global employer. We focused on retaining and recruiting quality people for our growth areas. Together with our zero tolerance policy, we continued to implement our Code of Conduct through employee education programs focusing on values, leadership and business ethics.

Outlook

        Given the disruption of the global financial system and the economic downturn it entailed, the outlook for 2009 remains uncertain.

        We believe that the increased cost of capital and the scarcity of funding that started to delay many investment decisions in the fourth quarter of 2008, will continue for some time in the future and consequently contribute to weakening industrial and construction-related demand.

        At the same time, we expect the need in the global market for power transmission and distribution infrastructure, both in terms of equipment replacement and new projects, to remain essentially unchanged in 2009. In addition, we believe governments may leverage infrastructure investments in the energy sector to stimulate the economy. There are political commitments in the EU, the U.S, and Asia to increase the share of renewable energy sources, which could spur activity in the sector.

        However, given the overall uncertainty in the global markets, we are unable to forecast when the various government stimulus programs will take effect or when the availability of funding will improve.

        Therefore, our priority for 2009 will be to ensure that we have the flexibility to respond quickly to changing market conditions. For this purpose, we have initiated a program to be completed by the end of 2010 to sustainably reduce our cost base. In February 2009, we reaffirmed our targets for 2011. We intend to take advantage of our global footprint, our strong balance sheet and our leading technologies to further strengthen our competitive position.

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APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General

        We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).

        The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments 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, including, but not limited to, those related to: costs expected to be incurred to complete projects; costs of product guarantees and warranties; provisions for bad debts; recoverability of inventories, investments, fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets; income tax related expenses and accruals; provisions for restructuring; gross profit margins on long-term construction-type contracts; pensions and other postretirement benefit assumptions and contingencies and litigation. 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.

        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 difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain. These policies should be considered when reading our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenues and cost of sales recognition

        We generally recognize revenues when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists to sell products and/or services, the price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and upon transfer of title, including the risks and rewards of ownership, or upon the rendering of services.

        Revenues under long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Position 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts (SOP 81-1). We principally use the cost-to-cost or delivery events method to measure progress towards completion on contracts. Management determines the method used by type of contract based on its judgment as to which method best measures progress towards completion on contracts.

        The percentage-of-completion method of accounting involves the use of assumptions and projections, principally relating to future material, labor and overhead costs. As a consequence, there is a risk that total contract costs will exceed those we originally estimated and the margin will decrease. This risk increases if the duration of a contract increases, because there is a higher probability that the circumstances upon which we originally developed estimates will change, resulting in increased costs that we may not recover. Factors that could cause costs to increase include:

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        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 long-term 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.

        Short-term construction-type contracts or long-term contracts for which reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made or for which inherent hazards make estimates doubtful are accounted for under the completed-contract method as required by SOP 81-1. Revenues under the completed-contract method are recognized upon substantial completion that is acceptance by the customer, compliance with performance specifications demonstrated in a factory acceptance test or similar event.

        When multiple elements, such as products and services, are contained in a single arrangement or in related arrangements with the same customer, we allocate revenue to each element based on its relative fair value or according to the residual method should no evidence for the fair value of the delivered item be available, provided that such element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting. The allocation of the sales price between delivered elements and undelivered elements might affect the amount of revenue recorded in certain periods, but would not change the total revenue recognized on the contract.

        Unless the percentage-of-completion or completed contract method applies, revenues from contracts that contain customer acceptance provisions are deferred, in whole or in part, until customer acceptance occurs, or we have demonstrated the customer-specified objective criteria are satisfied or the contractual acceptance period has lapsed.

        These revenue recognition methods require the collectibility of the revenues recognized to be reasonably assured. When recording the respective accounts receivable, allowances are calculated to estimate those receivables that will not be collected. These reserves assume a level of default based on historical information, as well as knowledge about specific invoices and customers. The risk remains that a different number of defaults will occur than originally estimated. As such, the amount of revenues recognized might exceed or fall below that which will be collected, resulting in a change in earnings in the future. The risk of deterioration is likely to increase during periods of significant negative industry or economic trends.

        As a result of the above policies, judgment in the selection and application of revenue recognition methods must be made.

Contingencies

        As more fully described in the section below entitled "Environmental liabilities", in "Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings" and in "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to proceedings, litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries related to environmental, labor, product, regulatory and other matters. We are 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

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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.

        We record a provision for our 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 our 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, we may be able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations from insurers or other third parties; however, we record such amounts only when it is probable that they will be collected.

        We provide for anticipated costs for warranties when we recognize revenues on the related products or contracts. Warranty costs include calculated costs arising from imperfections in design, material and workmanship in our products. Although we generally make assessments on an overall, statistical basis, we make individual assessments on contracts with risks resulting from order-specific conditions or guarantees. There is a risk that actual warranty costs may exceed the amounts provided for, which would result in a deterioration of earnings in the future when these actual costs are determined.

        We may have a legal obligation to perform environmental clean-up activities as a result of the normal operation of our business or have other asset retirement obligations in the scope of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (SFAS 143). 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 our control, but the underlying obligation itself is unconditional and certain. We recognize a provision for these and other asset retirement obligations when a liability for the retirement or clean-up activity has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of its fair value can be made. These provisions are initially recognized at fair value, and subsequently adjusted for accrued interest and changes in estimates.

Pension and postretirement benefits

        As more fully described in "Note 17 Employee benefits" to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we operate pension plans that cover a large percentage of our employees. We use actuarial valuations to determine our pension and postretirement benefit costs and credits. The amounts calculated depend on a variety of key assumptions, including discount rates, mortality 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 projected benefit obligation to employees (PBO) and in pension costs. Conversely, an increase in the discount rates results in a decrease in the projected benefit obligation and in pension costs. The mortality assumptions are reviewed annually by the Company. Decreases in mortality rates result in an increase in the projected benefit obligation and in pension costs. Conversely, an increase in mortality rates result in a decrease in the projected benefit obligation 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 pension plans by approximately $210 million, while a 0.25 percentage point increase in the discount rate would have decreased the PBO related to our pension plans by approximately $199 million.

        The expected return on plan assets is reviewed regularly and considered for adjustment annually based on current and expected 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. An

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increase or decrease of 0.5 percent in the expected long-term rate of asset return would have decreased or increased, respectively, the net periodic benefit cost in 2008 by approximately $44 million.

        Under U.S. GAAP, we accumulate and amortize over future periods actual results that differ from the assumptions used. Therefore, actual results generally affect our recognized expense for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations in future periods.

        The funded status, which can increase or decrease based on the performance of the financial markets or changes in our assumptions regarding rates, does not represent a mandatory short-term cash obligation. Instead, the funded status of a pension plan is the difference between the PBO and the fair value of the plan assets. The funded status of our pension plans as of December 31, 2008 was $710 underfunded compared to an overfunding as of December 31, 2007, of $22 million. Our other postretirement plans were underfunded by $207 million and $215 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        We have multiple non-pension postretirement benefit plans. Our health care plans are generally contributory with participants' contributions adjusted annually. For purposes of estimating our health care costs, we have assumed health care cost increases to be 9.82 percent per annum for 2009, gradually declining to 4.97 percent per annum by 2017 and to remain at that level thereafter.

Taxes

        In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. 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 taxes 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 provision for taxes in the Consolidated Income Statements unless the change relates to discontinued operations, in which case the change is recorded in income (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.

        We operate in numerous tax jurisdictions and, as a result, are regularly subject to audit by tax authorities. We provide for tax contingencies, including potential tax audits, on the basis of the technical merits of the contingency, including applicable tax law, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines and our best knowledge of the facts and circumstances. 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.

        Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) requires that an estimated loss from a tax contingency be accrued as a charge to income if it is more likely than not that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The required amount of provisions for contingencies of any type may change in the future due to new developments.

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

        We review goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, and additionally whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). SFAS 142 requires that a two-step impairment test be performed on goodwill. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. Our reporting units represent the reportable segments identified in "Note 22 Operating segment and geographic data" to our Consolidated Financial Statements, except in our Power Products and Process Automation divisions where our reporting units are represented by the level below these reportable segments. We use a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of reporting units, unless there is a readily determinable fair market value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we perform the second step to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill and compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

        We review intangible assets in accordance with SFAS 144 and accordingly test for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, such as a decision to divest a business or projected losses of an entity.

        Cash flow models used in evaluating impairments are dependent on a number of factors including estimates of future cash flows and other variables and require that we make significant estimates and judgments, involving variables such as sales volumes, sales prices, sales growth, production and operating costs, capital expenditures, market conditions and other economic factors. Further, discount rates used in the discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value require the determination of variables such as the risk free rate and the equity market risk premium. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. Additionally, we consider our market capitalization on the date we perform the analysis.

        We record any related impairment charge in other income (expense), net, in our Consolidated Income Statements, unless it is related to a discontinued operation, in which case the charge is recorded in income (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.


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

        Each year, we invest significantly in research and development. Our research and development area focuses on developing and commercializing the core technologies of our businesses that are of strategic importance to our future growth. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, we invested $1,027 million, $871 million and $758 million, respectively, or approximately 2.9 percent, 3.0 percent, and 3.3 percent of annual consolidated revenues, respectively, on research and development activities. We also had expenditures of $214 million, $302 million and $319 million, respectively, or approximately 0.6 percent, 1.0 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, of annual consolidated revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006, on order-related development activities. These are customer- and project-specific development efforts that we undertake to develop or adapt equipment and systems to the unique needs of our customers in connection with specific orders or projects. Order-related development amounts are initially recorded in

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inventories as part of the work in process of a contract and then are reflected in cost of sales at the time revenue is recognized in accordance with our accounting policies.

        In addition to continuous product development, and order-related engineering work, we develop future technology platforms for technology applications in our automation and power businesses in our Group research and development labs, which operate on a global basis. Through active management of our investment in research and development, we seek to maintain a balance between short-term and long-term research and development programs and optimize our return on investment.

        Our research and development strategy focuses on three objectives:

        Universities are the incubators of future technology, and a central task of our research and development team is to transform university research into industry-ready technology platforms. We collaborate with a number of universities and research institutions to build research networks and foster new technologies. We believe these collaborations shorten the amount of time required to turn basic ideas into viable products, and they additionally help us recruit and train new personnel. We have built more than 50 university partnerships in the U.S., Europe and Asia, including long-term, strategic relationships with institutions such as Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Cambridge University, ETH Zurich or Imperial College London. Our collaborative projects include research on materials, sensors, micro-engineered mechanical systems, robotics, controls, manufacturing, distributed power and communication.

        Common platforms for power and automation technologies are developed around advanced materials, efficient manufacturing, information technology and data communication, as well as sensor and actuator technology. Common applications of basic power and automation technologies can also be found in power electronics, electrical insulation, and control and optimization. Our power technologies, including our insulation technologies, current interruption and limitation devices, power electronics, flow control and power protection processes, apply as much to large, reliable, blackout-free transmission systems as they do to everyday household needs. Our automation technologies, including our control and optimization processes, power electronics, sensors and microelectronics, mechatronics and wireless communication processes, are designed to improve efficiency in plants and factories around the world—including our own.

        Group research and development is carried out in two global laboratories for power and automation technologies, combining research units in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The cultural diversity and closeness to our customers and the world's best universities create a breeding ground for success. We continue to expand our research and development activities in India and China, reflecting our growth strategy in Asia. Our corporate research center in Bangalore, India focuses on software research and develops platforms for both automation and power technologies. In China, research and development activity is focused on power transmission and distribution, manufacturing and robotics. It is centered in Beijing and Shanghai, where our researchers are in close contact with Chinese universities and customers.

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ACQUISITIONS, INVESTMENTS AND DIVESTITURES

Acquisitions and investments

        During 2008, 2007 and 2006, we invested $653 million, $54 million and $3 million in 12, 14 and 11 new businesses, joint ventures or affiliated companies, respectively.

Acquisitions in 2008

        On August 25, 2008, ABB completed the acquisition of Kuhlman Electric Corporation (Kuhlman), a U.S. based transformer company. The acquisition was integrated into our Power Products division in north America and complements both our product range and geographical presence. Kuhlman manufactures a wide range of high-quality transformers for the industrial and electric utility sectors and has a strong reputation for innovative products and solid, long-term customer relationships. The estimated purchase price, including assumed debt, was $520 million (including $5 million cash acquired). The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in $114 million intangible assets subject to amortization and $400 million in goodwill, recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008.

        For more information on our acquisitions, see "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Divestitures of businesses, joint ventures and affiliated companies

        In 2008, 2007 and 2006, we received cash, net of cash disposed, from sales of businesses, joint ventures and affiliated companies of $46 million, $1,142 million and $27 million, respectively. In relation to transactions included in continuing operations, we recognized gains in 2008, 2007 and 2006, within other income (expense), net, of $24 million, $11 million and $3 million, respectively. We also recognized gain (loss) from dispositions, net of tax in 2008, 2007 and 2006, within income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $9 million, $530 million and $(83) million, respectively. The divestment of these businesses is discussed separately below under "Divestitures in 2008", "Divestitures in 2007" and "Divestitures in 2006". All revenues and income reported in the year of sale are through the date of divestment.

Divestitures in 2008

        During the first quarter of 2008, we sold our 50 percent stake in the shares of ABB Powertech Transformers, located in South Africa, to Powertech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Altron Group at a gain of $11 million. This business was part of our Power Products division prior to being reclassified to discontinued operations. The Transformer business in South Africa had revenues of $29 million, $167 million and $146 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Income for 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $2 million, $15 million and $16 million, respectively, recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax.

Divestitures in 2007

        In November 2007, we completed the sale of Lummus Global (Lummus) to Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I) and received net cash proceeds of approximately $810 million. Lummus had revenues of $870 million and $985 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Income for 2007 and 2006 was $9 million in each year and we had a gain on sale of $530 million, all recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. In 2008, we recorded certain adjustments that reduced the gain on sale by $5 million.

        In April 2007, we completed the sale of our Building Systems business in Germany, which was reported in discontinued operations. The business had revenues of $47 million and $286 million for the

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years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Losses for 2007 and 2006 were $2 million and $65 million, respectively, recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. Of the loss reported for 2006, $67 million was an impairment charge based upon the proceeds which were expected from the sale of the business.

        In May 2007, we completed the sale of our stake in Jorf Lasfar Energy Company S.C.A. (Jorf Lasfar), a power plant based in Morocco and our stake in S.T.CMS Electric Company Private Limited (Neyveli), a power plant in India. Our share of the pre-tax earnings of Jorf Lasfar was $21 million and $67 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our share of the pre-tax earnings of Neyveli for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $4 million and $9 million, respectively. The sale of these investments resulted in a gain of approximately $38 million which was included in continuing operations. In 2008, we recorded adjustments to the gain on sale of $16 million related to the favorable outcome on an outstanding tax case.

        In 2007, we sold our Power Lines businesses in Brazil and Mexico for a sales price of $20 million and a gain of $0 million. These businesses had revenues of $39 million and $80 million and losses of $3 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The losses were recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax.

Divestitures in 2006

        In December 2006, we sold our Cable business in Ireland. The business had revenues of $95 million and losses of $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The loss was recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. The majority of the $48 million loss reported in 2006 related to the sale of the business.

        In 2006, we sold our Power Lines businesses in Venezuela and South Africa. These businesses had revenues of $8 million and a loss of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The loss was recorded in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax.


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:

        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 average currency exchange rate over the relevant period.

        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. Because of the impact foreign exchange rates have on 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 shareholders' equity, as has been the case during the period from 2006 through 2008.

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        While we operate globally and report our financial results in USD, because of the location of our significant operations and because our corporate headquarters are in Switzerland, exchange rate movements between the USD and both the euro (EUR) and the Swiss francs (CHF) are of particular importance to us.

        The exchange rates between the USD and the EUR and the USD and the CHF at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:

Exchange rates into $
  2008   2007   2006  

EUR 1.00

    1.40     1.47     1.32  

CHF 1.00

    0.94     0.89     0.82  

        The average exchange rates between the USD and the EUR and the USD and the CHF for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:

Exchange rates into $
  2008   2007   2006  

EUR 1.00

    1.47     1.37     1.25  

CHF 1.00

    0.93     0.84     0.80  

        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.

        In 2008, approximately 88 percent of our consolidated revenues were reported in currencies other than USD. Of that amount, the following percentages were reported in the following currencies:

        In 2008, approximately 90 percent of our cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses were reported in currencies other than USD. Of that amount, the following percentages were reported in the following currencies:

        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 many of our subsidiaries outside of the United States are reported in the currencies of the countries in which those subsidiaries reside. 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.

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        The discussion of our results of operations below provides certain information with respect to orders, revenues, earnings before interest and taxes 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 and our reconciliations, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the business. Because 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

        We book and report an order when a binding contractual agreement has been concluded with the 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 revenues we expect to generate from our orders at any point in time is represented by our order backlog. Approximately 16 percent of the value of total orders we recorded in 2008 were "large orders," which we define as orders from third parties involving a value of at least $15 million for products or services. Approximately 46 percent of the large orders in 2008 were recorded by our Power Systems division and 32 percent in our Process Automation division. The Power Products, Automation Products and Robotics divisions account for the remainder of the total large orders recorded during 2008. The remaining portion of total orders recorded in 2008 was "base orders," which we define as orders from third parties with a value of less than $15 million for products or services.

        The level of orders fluctuates from year to year. Arrangements included in any particular order can be complex and unique to that order. Portions of our business involve orders for long-term projects that can take months or years to complete and many large orders result in revenues in periods after the order is booked. However, the level of large orders and orders generally cannot be used to accurately predict future revenues or operating performance. Orders that have been placed can 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.

        The near-term outlook is highly uncertain due to the volatility of key drivers such as economic growth and costs of raw materials. The impact of the slow or declining global economy has caused a decrease in the demand for total orders, particularly in large orders relating to the timing of projects awarded and lack of funding. It is still uncertain how the global economy will develop throughout 2009;

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however, we believe our portfolio of products and services is well-balanced both geographically and in terms of product diversity. Beyond the near-term market uncertainties, we anticipate the need for more energy efficient products to remain stable in the course of a continued economic downturn as industrial customers address their need for productivity improvements in the face of low-cost competition.


PERFORMANCE MEASURES

        We evaluate the performance of our divisions primarily based on orders received, revenues, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and EBIT as a percentage of revenues (EBIT margin). EBIT is the amount resulting from the subtraction of our cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and other income (expense), net, from our revenues.


ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        Our consolidated results form operations were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions, except per share data in $)
 

Orders

    38,282     34,348     27,048  

Order backlog(1)

    23,837     22,715     15,829  

Revenues

    34,912     29,183     23,281  

Cost of sales

    (23,972 )   (20,215 )   (16,537 )

Gross profit

    10,940     8,968     6,744  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    (5,822 )   (4,975 )   (4,326 )

Other income (expense), net

    (566 )   30     139  

Earnings before interest and taxes

    4,552     4,023     2,557  

Net interest and other finance expenses

    (34 )   (13 )   (160 )

Provision for taxes

    (1,119 )   (595 )   (686 )

Minority interest

    (260 )   (244 )   (179 )

Income from continuing operations

    3,139     3,171     1,532  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (21 )   586     (142 )

Net income

    3,118     3,757     1,390  

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                   
 

Income from continuing operations

    1.37     1.40     0.72  
 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.01 )   0.26     (0.07 )
 

Net income

    1.36     1.66     0.65  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                   
 

Income from continuing operations

    1.37     1.38     0.69  
 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.01 )   0.25     (0.06 )
 

Net income

    1.36     1.63     0.63  

(1)
At December 31

        A more detailed discussion of the orders, revenues and EBIT for our individual divisions and other businesses follows in the sections below entitled "Power Products," "Power Systems," "Automation Products," "Process Automation," "Robotics" and "Corporate and Other." Orders and revenues of our core divisions include interdivisional transactions which are eliminated in the Corporate and Other line.

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Orders

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Power Products

    13,627     11,320     8,572  

Power Systems

    7,408     7,744     5,733  

Automation Products

    10,872     9,314     7,706  

Process Automation

    8,657     7,935     6,550  

Robotics

    1,658     1,488     1,240  

Core divisions

    42,222     37,801     29,801  
               

Corporate and Other(1)

    (3,940 )   (3,453 )   (2,753 )
               

Total

    38,282     34,348     27,048  
               

        Total orders in 2008 increased by 11 percent (7 percent in local currencies). Demand for power transmission and distribution products and energy-efficient industrial equipment was strong in most markets during the first half of 2008 but weakened in the last few months of the year due to the global economic crisis. Orders in our Power Products division grew 20 percent (15 percent in local currencies), as demand for Transformers, High Voltage (HV) Products and Medium Voltage (MV) Products remained solid particularly in the first half of 2008. Orders in our Power Systems division decreased 4 percent (8 percent in local currencies), primarily the result of a lower volume of large orders in the utilities sector compared to the prior year due to the timing of project awards. Orders in our Automation Products division rose 17 percent (11 percent in local currencies), benefiting from higher investments in the industrial sector as customers in this market looked for energy-efficient technologies to improve productivity. Our Process Automation division recorded an increase in orders of 9 percent (4 percent in local currencies), backed by higher demand in the marine, metal and turbocharging sectors. Orders in our Robotics division increased 11 percent (5 percent in local currencies) reflecting higher demand particularly in the Robot Automation and Systems businesses. In our Power Products and Automation Products divisions, order growth was also driven by sale price increases to offset higher raw material costs.

        Large orders in 2008 increased by 5 percent (flat in local currencies) to $5,984 million, compared to the 57 percent increase (47 percent in local currencies) reported in 2007. The relative share of large orders compared to the total orders decreased from 17 percent in 2007 to 16 percent in 2008.

        Total orders in 2007 increased by 27 percent (19 percent in local currencies). This strong growth was driven by high demand for power products and systems required to install new power infrastructure to expand or refurbish existing facilities in order to improve energy efficiency. Demand for more energy-efficient technologies and the need for capacity expansions to improve productivity also grew in most industrial sectors during 2007. All divisions benefited from favorable market conditions in 2007, resulting in the increase of both base and large orders.

        In 2007, orders in the Power Products division grew 32 percent (25 percent in local currencies), supported by strong demand for Transformers and High Voltage Products and to a lesser extent Medium Voltage Products. Orders in the Power Systems division increased 35 percent (26 percent in local currencies), as it obtained a few very large grid system and substation projects during 2007. Orders in the Automation Products division rose 21 percent (13 percent in local currencies), benefiting from investments by industrial customers in efficiency improvements due to higher raw material and energy costs. The Process Automation division recorded a 21 percent increase (13 percent in local currencies) in orders, backed by strong demand in the metals, minerals and marine sectors. Orders in the Robotics division grew 20 percent (13 percent in local currencies), reflecting the positive trend in general industry, particularly in the electronics, food processing and packaging sectors, amid continued

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weak demand in the automotive industry. In our Power Products and Automation Products divisions, order growth was also driven by sale price increases to offset higher raw material costs.

        We determine the geographic distribution of our orders based on the location of the customer, which may be different from the ultimate destination of the products' end use. The geographic distribution of our consolidated orders was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Europe

    16,633     15,655     12,124  

The Americas

    7,235     6,013     5,064  

Asia

    10,242     9,186     6,504  

Middle East and Africa

    4,172     3,494     3,356  
               

Total

    38,282     34,348     27,048  
               

        Orders from the Americas increased 20 percent (19 percent in local currencies) backed by strong demand in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Orders in this region grew in all divisions except Robotics. Higher investments to install new power infrastructure and increased spending by industrial customers to improve production capacity in growing economies, particularly Korea, China and Singapore, contributed to the increase in orders in the Asian market which reported 11 percent (7 percent in local currencies) growth. Orders in this region increased strongly in all divisions except Power Systems in which orders decreased due to a lower volume of large orders. Orders in Europe increased 6 percent (decreased 1 percent in local currencies). Orders from Finland, Spain, Turkey, Iceland and Sweden were up significantly. However, orders in Germany and United Kingdom were substantially lower. Orders of a similar size as the offshore windfarm project in Germany and the cable order to connect the United Kingdom with the Netherlands with values of approximately $400 million and $350 million, respectively, were not received in 2008. Orders in MEA markets increased 19 percent (17 percent in local currencies) driven by higher investments for new infrastructures in the utility and industrial sectors. A strong increase in orders in the MEA region in 2008 was attributable to the higher demand in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa and the Republic of Congo.

        The share of orders from Europe remained the largest at 43 percent, although lower than the 46 percent share reported last year. The share of orders from Asia is unchanged at 27 percent. The share of orders from the Americas increased by 2 percentage points in 2008 to 19 percent, while MEA increased its share to 11 percent from 10 percent last year.

        In 2007, orders from Europe increased by 29 percent (19 percent in local currencies), boosted by investments in power grid upgrades, interconnection projects and equipment replacement. In particular, we experienced significant increases in Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia and Norway. Orders from the Americas increased by 19 percent (15 percent in local currencies), as demand for refurbishing aging equipment and upgrades in the industrial sector to improve energy efficiency were strong particularly in the United States, Brazil and to a lesser extent, in Chile. Orders from Asia increased by 41 percent (31 percent in local currencies), following higher demand in the utilities and industrial sectors to support rapid economic growth, particularly in China and India. Compared to the very high level of orders received in 2006, orders from MEA increased by 4 percent and were almost flat in local currencies.

        Europe accounted for the largest share of orders and increased to 46 percent in 2007 from 45 percent in 2006, while the share of orders from the Asian market increased from 24 percent to 27 percent during the same period. As compared to 2006, the share of orders from the Americas and MEA decreased by 2 percentage points in 2007 to 17 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

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Order backlog

 
  December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Power Products

    7,977     6,932     4,845  

Power Systems

    7,704     8,209     5,627  

Automation Products

    3,863     3,490     2,439  

Process Automation

    6,111     5,951     3,991  

Robotics

    545     529     441  
               

Core divisions

    26,200     25,111     17,343  

Corporate and Other(1)

    (2,363 )   (2,396 )   (1,514 )
               

Total

    23,837     22,715     15,829  
               

        Order backlog at the end of 2008 increased by $1,122 million, or 5 percent (14 percent in local currencies), from the end of 2007.

        Order backlog continued to grow in 2008 despite strong revenue growth of 20 percent (16 percent in local currencies), as the amount of orders received during the year, in absolute terms, was 10 percent higher than the amount of revenues. Order backlog increased in all divisions except Power Systems which saw a decline due to a lower volume of large orders received in 2008, compared to 2007.

        Order backlog at the end of 2007 increased by $6,886 million, or 44 percent (32 percent in local currencies), from the end of 2006 due to strong order growth in all divisions.

        Order backlog grew at a high rate in 2007 despite strong revenue growth of 25 percent (18 percent in local currencies), as the amount of orders received during the year, in absolute terms, was 18 percent higher than the amount of revenues. Growth in the order backlog was further increased by a higher volume of large orders with long delivery schedules, particularly in our Power Systems and Process Automation divisions.

Revenues

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Power Products

    11,890     9,777     7,275  

Power Systems

    6,912     5,832     4,544  

Automation Products

    10,250     8,644     6,837  

Process Automation

    7,815     6,420     5,448  

Robotics

    1,642     1,407     1,288  
               

Core divisions

    38,509     32,080     25,392  

Corporate and Other(1)

    (3,597 )   (2,897 )   (2,111 )
               

Total

    34,912     29,183     23,281  
               

        In 2008, revenues increased by $5,729 million or 20 percent (16 percent in local currencies) supported by all divisions, benefiting from high order backlog available at the beginning of the year and high volume of book and bill orders received in the first two quarters of the year. Further, revenue growth was supported by efficiency improvements in the production and order execution processes.

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Revenues in Power Products and Automation Products divisions grew 22 percent (18 percent in local currencies) and 19 percent (13 percent in local currencies), respectively, as these product divisions continued operating at high capacity levels. The increase in revenues in the product divisions was also driven partly by increases in sales prices to compensate the increase of commodity costs. Power Systems and Process Automation divisions reported revenue growth of 19 percent (16 percent in local currencies) and 22 percent (18 percent in local currencies) respectively. The growth of revenues in our Power Systems and Process Automation divisions was primarily driven by progress made in the execution of large orders. High order backlog at the beginning of 2008 was also the main factor contributing to the growth of revenues in the Robotics division, which for this year increased by 17 percent (11 percent in local currencies).

        Revenues in 2007 increased by $5,902 million, or 25 percent (18 percent in local currencies). Growth in revenues in 2007 was primarily driven by a high order backlog at the beginning of the year, an increasing volume of book and bill orders and high utilization of production capacity. The Power Products and Automation Products divisions recorded revenue growth of 34 percent (27 percent in local currencies) and 26 percent (18 percent in local currencies), respectively, as these product divisions benefited from favorable market conditions and sales price increases to compensate for the higher costs of raw materials. Revenue growth was reported at 28 percent (20 percent in local currencies) in our Power Systems division and 18 percent (10 percent in local currencies) in our Process Automation division, in 2007, reflecting further progress achieved in the execution of the large orders received during 2006 and in the first half of 2007. Revenue growth in the Robotics division of 9 percent (3 percent in local currencies) in 2007 was lower than the growth reported by other divisions, due to a relatively small backlog at the beginning of the year.

        We determine the geographic distribution of our revenues based on the location of the customer, which may be different from the ultimate destination of the products' end use. The geographic distribution of our consolidated revenues was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Europe

    15,815     13,322     10,969  

The Americas

    6,428     5,247     4,394  

Asia

    8,967     7,480     5,863  

Middle East and Africa

    3,702     3,134     2,055  
               

Total

    34,912     29,183     23,281  
               

        In 2008, revenues in Europe increased by 19 percent (13 percent in local currencies). In particular, we experienced significant revenue increases in Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Finland and Turkey. The revenues from Asia, which increased by 20 percent (16 percent in local currencies), were driven mainly by the increases in China, India, Korea and Singapore. Revenues from the Americas increased by 23 percent (22 percent in local currencies), with strong increase in the United States, Canada and Brazil. Strong growth in revenues was reported in Qatar, UAE, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. High revenues in these countries led to the 18 percent (16 percent in local currencies) growth in MEA region. The increase in revenues in all regions was the result of high production efficiency and sound execution of projects from the initial backlog and book and bill orders received during 2008.

        The revenues from Europe contributed 45 percent of the group revenues in 2008. The share of revenues from Asia to the total group revenues was 26 percent while the Americas and MEA reported revenue shares of 18 percent and 11 percent, respectively. The share of revenues in each region in 2008, as a percentage of the total group revenues, was unchanged from the prior year.

        In 2007, revenues in Europe increased by 21 percent (12 percent in local currencies). In particular, we experienced significant revenue increases in Russia, Germany, Italy and Spain. However, as a result

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of rapid revenue growth in other regions, the relative share of revenues from the European market decreased to 46 percent of our total revenues in 2007, compared to 47 percent in 2006. The revenues from Asia, which increased by 28 percent (20 percent in local currencies), were driven mainly by the increases in China and India and accounted for 25 percent of total revenues, compared to 25 percent in 2006. Revenues from the Americas increased by 19 percent (16 percent in local currencies), mainly contributed by the United States and at December 31, 2007, represented 18 percent of the total revenues, compared to 19 percent in 2006. Revenues from MEA accounted for 11 percent of total revenues, compared to 9 percent in 2006, which represented an increase of 53 percent (47 percent in local currencies), compared to 2006. Revenue growth in this region was particularly strong in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Cost of sales

        Cost of sales increased by $3,757 million, or 19 percent (15 percent in local currencies), to $23,972 million in 2008, after an increase of $3,678 million, or 22 percent (15 percent in local currencies), in 2007. The increase in cost of sales in 2008 was attributable to the growth in sales volumes, as well as increases in certain raw material costs, particularly in the product divisions.

        Cost of sales consists primarily of labor, raw materials and components. Cost of sales also includes expenses for warranty, contract losses and project penalties, as well as order-related development expenses incurred in connection with projects for which corresponding revenues were recognized.

        As a percentage of revenues, cost of sales decreased, as reflected in the increase in gross profit margin to 31.3 percent in 2008 from 30.7 percent in 2007 and 29.0 percent in 2006. The higher gross margin in 2008 reflected a continuing trend from 2007, as the operations benefited from increased business volume, higher capacity utilization, better project execution and process improvement programs in the areas of risk management and project cost control. Furthermore, the progress made in the implementation of our cost migration strategy delivered financial benefits through cost savings in 2008.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

        The components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Selling expenses

    (2,943 )   (2,531 )   (2,202 )

Selling expenses as a percentage of orders received

    7.7 %   7.4 %   8.1 %

General and administrative expenses

    (2,879 )   (2,444 )   (2,124 )

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues

   
8.2

%
 
8.4

%
 
9.1

%

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

    (5,822 )   (4,975 )   (4,326 )

Total selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues

    16.7 %   17.0 %   18.6 %

Total selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of the average of orders received and revenues

    15.9 %   15.7 %   17.2 %

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $847 million, or 17 percent (12 percent in local currencies), in 2008, after increasing by $649 million, or 15 percent (8 percent in local currencies), in 2007. Total selling, general and administrative expenses, which are related to both orders received and revenues, expressed as a percentage of the average of orders received and revenues, increased in 2008 by 0.2 percentage points to 15.9 percent from 15.7 percent in 2007, after decreasing 1.5 percent from 2006. The slight increase in selling expenses as a percentage of orders received reported in 2008 is mainly the result of lower orders received in the last two quarters of 2008.

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        Selling expenses in 2008 increased by $412 million, or 16 percent (11 percent in local currencies), from 2007. The increases in selling expenses were primarily due to increasing activities in sales and marketing areas and growth of company sales personnel. Expressed as a percentage of orders received, selling expenses increased by 0.3 percentage points in 2008.

        Selling expenses in 2007 increased by $329 million, or 15 percent (7 percent in local currencies), from 2006. These increases were primarily due to volume-related expenses such as sales commissions, hiring of additional resources employed in the developing markets and more intensified sales programs to expand market shares and enter into new markets. Expressed as a percentage of orders received, selling expenses decreased by 0.7 percentage points in 2007.

        General and administrative expenses increased by $435 million, or 18 percent (13 percent in local currencies), in 2008, primarily related to the growth of business. General and administrative expenses include non-order related R&D, which increased 18 percent (12 percent in local currencies) to $1,027 million in 2008, relative to 2007, reflecting the continued spending on product development activities, particularly in the Power Products, Automation Products and Process Automation divisions. Total general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, remained at the same level as 2007, despite increased growth during the period. This was partly due to increased focus on the monitoring and controlling of administrative costs both at the corporate and operating unit levels.

        General and administrative expenses increased by $320 million, or 15 percent (8 percent in local currencies), in 2007, which were primarily driven by operational requirements to support the fast growing business. Additional resources and investments were made in that year to improve the business process. General and administrative expenses include non-order related R&D which increased 15 percent (7 percent in local currencies) to $871 million in 2007, relative to 2006, reflecting the continued spending on product development activities, particularly in the Power Products and Automation Products divisions.

        The total selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, decreased by 1.6 percentage points in 2007. Lower incremental expenses in general and administration expenses in 2007, despite increasing administrative requirements for growing business volumes, were partly due to lower costs associated with the internal control measures to comply with the provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, higher savings from the group-wide process optimization programs and increased focus on the monitoring and controlling of costs both at the corporate and operating unit levels.

Other income (expense), net

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Restructuring expenses

    (5 )   (8 )   3  

Capital gains, net

    73     95     75  

Asset write-downs

    (11 )   (66 )   (12 )

Income from licenses, equity accounted companies and other income (expense)

    (623 )   9     73  
               

Total

    (566 )   30     139  
               

        Other income (expense), net, typically consists of restructuring expenses, gains or losses from the sale of businesses, gains or losses from the sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment, asset write-downs, our share of income or loss from equity accounted companies and license income.

        Restructuring costs are recorded in various lines within the Consolidated Income Statements depending on the nature of the charges. In 2008, restructuring costs reported under other income (expense) amounted to $5 million, incurred for restructuring projects mainly in Power Products,

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Automation Products and Process Automation. In 2007, restructuring costs reported under other income (expense) amounted to $8 million that primarily consisted of $3 million costs incurred to streamline the operations in the Power Products division, $2 million restructuring costs for capacity expansion in the Power Systems division, $2 million restructuring costs in Real Estate operations and $1 million of costs in the Automation Products division. In 2006, due to a change in the restructuring liability estimate, restructuring costs resulted in an income of $3 million.

        Capital gains, net, during 2008 amounted to $73 million which mainly consisted of $14 million in gains from the sale of shares and participations, $10 million gain from the release of provision from a legal claim settlement related to the sold Air Handling business and $47 million capital gains from the sale of real estate properties, mainly in Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom, Mexico, and Poland. Additionally, in 2008, we recorded adjustments to the gain on sale of Jorf Lasfar and Neyveli of $16 million related to the favorable outcome on an outstanding tax case.

        Capital gains, net, during 2007 amounted to $95 million which consisted of $49 million in gains from the sale of equity investments, including a $38 million gain from the divestment of our equity investments in Jorf Lasfar and Neyveli, a $41 million gain from the sale of real estate properties mainly in Switzerland, Italy and to a lesser extent in Brazil, Norway and France and a $5 million gain on sale of various machinery and equipment. In 2006, capital gains, net, included approximately $65 million of gains from the sale of land and buildings in Europe.

        Asset write-downs in 2008 mainly related to the Distributed Energy business in Great Britain and other minor impairments. Asset write-downs during 2007 included an impairment charge of $42 million in respect of one of our equity investments, which we intend to divest, as the anticipated market value was less than our book value. Asset write-downs in 2006 included the impairment of long-lived assets of $8 million, primarily in Europe and several minor write-downs on loans and investments.

        In 2008, income from licenses, equity accounted companies and other income (expense) primarily consisted of provisions for the ongoing investigations in the Power Transformer business by the European Commission, the German Federal Cartel Office, as well as the investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) which were recorded in Corporate and Other. (See "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

        Additionally, income from equity accounted companies in 2008 was generated from our equity ventures investment in Colombia and other investments in Italy, Finland and Germany and license income mainly from Japan. Income from equity accounted companies in 2007 included $36 million, which was primarily related to Jorf Lasfar prior to its sale in the second quarter of 2007. During 2007, this income was also offset by charges towards several businesses that were sold or closed in earlier years. Income in 2006 was mainly derived from Jorf Lasfar and relatively smaller amounts of income were derived from various other equity accounted companies in India and in the United States.

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Earnings before interest and taxes

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Power Products

    2,100     1,596     939  

Power Systems

    592     489     279  

Automation Products

    1,908     1,477     1,053  

Process Automation

    926     683     541  

Robotics

    9     79     1  
               

Core divisions

    5,535     4,324     2,813  

Corporate and Other

    (983 )   (301 )   (256 )
               

Total

    4,552     4,023     2,557  
               

        EBIT increased by $529 million, or 13 percent (6 percent in local currencies), in 2008, despite the compliance related provisions charged to other income (expense), net and by $1,466 million, or 57 percent (47 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

        The EBIT margins for our core divisions and on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Power Products

    17.7     16.3     12.9  

Power Systems

    8.6     8.4     6.1  

Automation Products

    18.6     17.1     15.4  

Process Automation

    11.8     10.6     9.9  

Robotics

    0.5     5.6     0.1  

Core divisions

    14.4     13.5     11.1  

Consolidated

    13.0     13.8     11.0  

        The higher group EBIT and EBIT margin in the core operations were achieved through higher margin contributed by significant volumes of incremental revenues and higher capacity utilization, better execution of large projects and increased sourcing of production capacity, components and materials from emerging markets. The compliance related charges recorded in Corporate and Other negatively impacted the consolidated margin compared to 2007.

Net interest and other finance expense

        Net interest and other finance expense consists of interest and dividend income offset by interest and other finance expense.

        Interest and other finance expense includes interest expense on our debt, the amortization of upfront costs associated with our credit facility and our debt securities, commitment fees on our bank facility and exchange losses on financial items, offset by gains on marketable securities and exchange gains on financial items.

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Interest and dividend income

    315     273     147  

Interest and other finance expense

    (349 )   (286 )   (307 )
               

Net interest and other finance expense

    (34 )   (13 )   (160 )
               

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        Interest and dividend income increased in 2008 compared to 2007, reflecting the improvement in our liquidity during the first half of 2008 through cash generated from operations and the change in investment strategy compared to 2007 with more cash placed in time deposits. In the first three quarters of 2007, we invested a significant amount of our excess liquidity in accumulating net asset value money-market funds, where the income is not distributed but is reflected by an increase in value of the funds' shares and is realized upon the sale of such investments. As interest on deposits is recorded in interest and dividend income, while gains on sales of securities are netted against interest and other finance expense, this change in investment strategy explains part of the increase in interest and dividend income in 2008 compared to 2007. However, during the second half of 2008, our interest income was impacted by falling interest rates, our acceptance of lower yields in favor of security in an increasingly difficult market and, despite positive cash flow from operations, a lower excess cash balance as cash was expended for, amongst other, the nominal value reduction, acquisitions and the share buyback program. (See "Liquidity and capital resources" for discussion of our investment strategy.)

        Interest and dividend income increased in 2007 compared to 2006, reflecting the improvement in our liquidity during the year, with the aggregate of the cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short-term investments balances increasing to $8,110 million at December 31, 2007, from $4,726 million at December 31, 2006. Up to the third quarter of 2007, we invested a significant amount of our excess liquidity in accumulating net asset value money-market funds, where the income is not distributed but is reflected by an increase in value of the funds' shares and is realized upon the sale of such investments. However, due to the then turbulence in the financial markets, we decided to realize our gains on such securities and invest the cash in term deposits with banks. As gains on sales of securities are recorded in interest and other finance expense, while interest on deposits is recorded in interest and dividend income, this change in investment strategy compared to 2006, combined with our improved liquidity resulted in an increase in interest income in 2007 of $78 million, compared to 2006.

        Both interest and dividend income and interest and other finance expense in 2007 include a gross-up in the amount of $44 million, related to interest income and expense on certain balance sheet items that were economically related but did not meet the criteria for presentation on a net basis. This should be considered when comparing 2008 figures with 2007 and, similarly, 2007 figures with 2006.

        Interest and other finance expense increased in 2008 compared to 2007, despite a reduction in overall debt levels. This increase was primarily due to two items in 2008. Firstly, we recorded a $20 million other-than-temporary impairment on available-for-sale equity fund securities held by our Captive Insurance business, as we do not expect the market values of these securities to recover to their cost basis in the near term, given current market conditions. (See "Note 2 Significant accounting policies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.) Secondly, at December 31, 2008, we recorded $102 million in foreign exchange losses on the remeasurement into U.S. dollars of funding (in euros) of our EUR-denominated investment in government bonds designated as available-for-sale securities. The corresponding foreign exchange gain on these securities is part of their change in market value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity and will be released to the income statement in the first quarter of 2009, when these securities mature. The loss is the result of the significant move in the EUR/USD exchange rate in the month of December 2008 and the amount of the EUR-denominated funding of these securities (1.06 billion euros).

        Interest and other finance expense was lower in 2007 than in 2006. The reduction was the result of several factors. Firstly, interest and other finance expense in 2006 included $55 million in expenses related to the induced conversion of our $968 million convertible bonds during the second quarter of 2006. Secondly, as a result of the improvement in our liquidity position, we generated approximately $18 million additional net gains on marketable securities in 2007, compared to 2006. While the induced conversion of our $968 million convertible bonds during 2006 and the conversion by bondholders during 2007 of our 1 billion Swiss francs convertible bonds resulted in a significantly lower average debt level during 2007, compared to 2006, the savings in interest expense were partially offset by increases in interest rates (particularly in euros) as all of our remaining outstanding bonds were swapped using interest rate swaps into floating rate obligations.

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Provision for taxes

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Income from continuing operations, before taxes and minority interest

    4,518     4,010     2,397  

Provision for taxes

    (1,119 )   (595 )   (686 )

Effective tax rate for the year

    24.8 %   14.8 %   28.6 %

        The provision for taxes in 2008 was $1,119 million, representing an effective tax rate for the year of 24.8 percent. The provision for taxes in 2008 includes the change in valuation allowance of approximately $414 million on deferred taxes as we determined it was more likely than not that such deferred tax assets would be realized. The change in valuation allowance was predominantly related to our operations in north America with approximately $330 million. In addition, the provision for taxes in 2008 included an expense of approximately $140 million relating to a pending tax dispute in north Europe. Approximately $100 million related to costs of previously disclosed investigations by the U.S. and European authorities into suspect payments and alleged anti-competitive practices that were deducted for financial accounting purposes, but were not tax deductible.

        The provision for taxes in 2007 was $595 million, representing an effective tax rate for the year of 14.8 percent. The provision for taxes in 2007 includes the change in valuation allowance of approximately $698 million on deferred taxes as we determined it was more likely than not that such deferred tax assets would be realized. The change in valuation allowance was predominantly related to our operations in certain countries such as the United States with approximately $490 million, but also including countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition, the provision for taxes in 2007 included an expense of approximately $35 million relating to the interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent tax authorities in northern Africa and an expense of approximately $45 million relating to a net increase in tax accruals.

        The provision for taxes in 2006 was $686 million, representing an effective tax rate for the year of 28.6 percent. The provision for taxes in 2006 includes an expense of approximately $35 million relating to items that were deducted for financial accounting purposes but not for the purpose of computing taxable income, such as interest expense, state and local taxes on productive activities and other non-deductible expenses. Furthermore, the provision for taxes in 2006 also included an expense of approximately $70 million relating to a net increase in tax accruals.

Income from continuing operations

        Income from continuing operations decreased by $32 million to $3,139 million in 2008, after increasing by $1,639 million to $3,171 million in 2007. The improvement in EBIT in 2008 was largely offset by a lower net interest and other finance expense as well as a higher tax rate discussed above. Income from continuing operations in 2007 benefited from a sharp increase in EBIT as well as a very favorable tax rate compared to 2006.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

        For a detailed discussion of the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, as well as a detailed discussion of the results of our discontinued operations, see "Discontinued operations," and "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net income

        As a result of the factors discussed above, net income decreased by $639 to $3,118 million in 2008 and increased by $2,367 million to $3,757 million in 2007 from $1,390 million in 2006.

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Earnings (loss) per share

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($)
 

Income from continuing operations:

                   
 

Basic

    1.37     1.40     0.72  
 

Diluted

    1.37     1.38     0.69  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

                   
 

Basic

    (0.01 )   0.26     (0.07 )
 

Diluted

    (0.01 )   0.25     (0.06 )

Net income:

                   
 

Basic

    1.36     1.66     0.65  
 

Diluted

    1.36     1.63     0.63  

        Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) 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 market and/or vesting conditions under our share-based payment arrangements and, prior to September 2007, shares issuable in relation to our outstanding convertible bonds. (See "Note 20 Earnings per share" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Divisional analysis

Power Products

        The financial results of our Power Products division were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Orders

    13,627     11,320     8,572  

Order backlog(1)

    7,977     6,932     4,845  

Revenues

    11,890     9,777     7,275  

EBIT

    2,100     1,596     939  

Orders

        Orders increased by $2,307 million, or 20 percent (15 percent in local currencies) in 2008 after improving $2,748 million, or 32 percent (25 percent in local currencies) in 2007. These improvements were primarily due to growth in demand for electricity, particularly in emerging markets, and the expansion and improvement of power grid infrastructure, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The increase in orders reflected growth in all businesses, led by Transformers. Base orders, which grew by 18 percent and 30 percent (12 percent and 22 percent in local currencies), made up the vast majority of orders, in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Price increases to cover the increase in the cost of raw materials also contributed to the order increase in 2007.

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        The geographic distribution of orders as a percentage of total orders in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Power Products division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    38     39     36  

The Americas

    24     24     25  

Asia

    30     30     31  

Middle East and Africa

    8     7     8  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        The share of orders from Europe, which continued to be the largest regional source of orders, decreased marginally. However, it recorded order growth in absolute terms in 2008. This growth was driven by the need to replace aging infrastructure and increased demand for power grid interconnections and renewable energy sources. The share of orders from the Americas remained flat and was considerably influenced by orders from the United States, driven by the need to replace aging infrastructure and to meet existing mandated reliability standards and load growth. The share of orders from Asia remained stable compared to 2007. Demand was driven by the growth in energy needs, particularly in China and India, resulting from increasing levels of industrialization and urbanization. The share of orders from MEA improved in 2008, reflecting increased investment in infrastructure in the region, supported by high oil prices.

Order backlog

        Order backlog in 2008 increased by $1,045 million, or 15 percent (24 percent in local currencies), after increasing by $2,087 million, or 43 percent (32 percent in local currencies) in 2007, due to increased order intake in all businesses, led by Transformers which typically have longer delivery schedules.

Revenues

        Revenues increased by $2,113 million, or 22 percent (18 percent in local currencies) in 2008 as a result of continued order growth and strong opening order backlog in almost all market segments, particularly in transformers.

        Revenues increased by $2,502 million, or 34 percent (27 percent in local currencies), in 2007, as a result of order growth experienced in many market segments, particularly in transformers and sales price increases to cover increased raw material costs.

        The geographic distribution of revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006, for our Power Products division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    38     39     37  

The Americas

    24     24     25  

Asia

    30     30     31  

Middle East and Africa

    8     7     7  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

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        The relative share of revenues among geographic regions in 2008 and 2007 remained similar to the distribution of orders, while all regions recorded growth in revenues as compared to the previous year. In Europe the growth in revenues was led by Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Revenue growth in Asia in 2008 was led by China and India, while revenue growth in the Americas was particularly strong in the United States. In MEA, the revenue increase was mainly driven by Saudi Arabia.

        The growth in European revenues in 2007 was led by Russia and Germany. Revenue growth in Asia in 2007 was led by China and India, while revenue growth in the Americas was particularly strong in the United States. In MEA, the share of revenues remained similar compared to 2006 with the increase in revenues driven by Saudi Arabia.

Earnings before interest and taxes

        EBIT grew by $504 million, or 32 percent (24 percent in local currencies), in 2008, after increasing $657 million, or 70 percent (60 percent in local currencies), in 2007. The EBIT margin for the division was 17.7 percent in 2008, as compared to 16.3 percent in 2007 and 12.9 percent in 2006. EBIT and EBIT margin benefited from higher contribution from increased revenues, improved capacity utilization across all businesses, operational and productivity improvements, supply chain savings and positive impacts from the transformer consolidation program. Total costs related to the transformer consolidation program in 2008 amounted to $46 million ($34 million in 2007)

Fiscal year 2009 outlook

        Uncertainty in the lending environment may contribute to project delays and the general global economic slowdown may result in further weakening of industrial and construction-related demand which may affect our products linked to the distribution sector. However, we currently believe that utilities will continue to invest in equipment replacement and grid upgrades.

Power Systems

        The financial results of our Power Systems division were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Orders

    7,408     7,744     5,733  

Order backlog(1)

    7,704     8,209     5,627  

Revenues

    6,912     5,832     4,544  

EBIT

    592     489     279  

Orders

        Order intake in 2008 decreased by $336 million, or 4 percent (8 percent in local currencies) due to a lower volume of large orders, while the base order volume was maintained at the previous year's level. Large projects secured in 2008 included a $233 million order from Hyundai Engineering and Construction (HDEC) of Korea to supply power systems and grid connections for a natural gas and steam turbine (combined-cycle) power plant to be built in Qatar. A $170 million contract was received from Svenska Kraftnät and Fingrid Oyj, the transmission system operators in Sweden and Finland, for two HVDC converter stations for the Fenno-Skan 2 power link. A $150 million order was received from Dutch utility Nuon to provide power systems and grid connections for a new power plant to be built in the Netherlands.

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        The increase in orders in 2007 compared with 2006 reflected a significant growth of 52 percent (41 percent in local currencies) and 26 percent (18 percent in local currencies), of large and base orders, respectively, as demand for power transmission and distribution systems was strong in most markets. The large orders secured in 2007 included an offshore wind farm project in Germany with an order value of more than $400 million, a $350 million cable order to connect the United Kingdom with the Netherlands and an ultrahigh-voltage power link in China with an order value for the Power Systems division of approximately $270 million.

        The geographic distribution of orders as a percentage of total orders in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Power Systems division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    39     46     39  

The Americas

    16     11     17  

Asia

    20     21     16  

Middle East and Africa

    25     22     28  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        Europe remained the largest region in terms of order intake in 2008, despite a decrease compared with the prior year. The order decrease in Europe mainly reflected the high volume of large projects received in this region in 2007, which could not be matched in 2008. MEA continued to show significant market growth for the division, as high fuel prices triggered investments in big infrastructure projects. Orders were also strong in the Americas, particularly in the United States, Canada and Brazil, resulting in a higher percentage share for the Americas region as compared to the previous year. The order share from Asia decreased marginally, mainly due to a relatively lower volume of large orders from China. Orders also decreased in India, primarily as the Power Systems division decided to discontinue the rural electrification business due to safety concerns.

        The order growth in Europe in 2007 was fueled by large projects and a double-digit growth in base orders. Europe was the largest regional source of orders and increased its percentage share in 2007. Asia saw strong order growth in 2007 and was helped by a large ultrahigh-voltage project in China and strong base order growth led by India. The share of orders from the Americas and MEA decreased as Europe and Asia recorded significant increases in their respective order volumes and gained higher percentage shares compared to 2006. Base order growth in the Americas was offset by a lower level of large orders, resulting in lower overall order volumes in 2007 compared to 2006. 2007 orders in MEA slightly decreased despite the strong market growth, as the high level of large projects in 2006 did not recur in 2007.

Order backlog

        Order backlog in 2008 decreased by $505 million, or 6 percent (increased 4 percent in local currencies), due mainly to a lower volume of large order intake. The order backlog increased by $2,582 million, or 46 percent (34 percent in local currencies), at December 31, 2007, compared with December 31, 2006, reflecting the growth in large and base orders.

Revenues

        Revenues increased by $1,080 million, or 19 percent (16 percent in local currencies), in 2008 as compared with an increase of $1,288 million, or 28 percent (20 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

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Revenues in 2008, as in 2007 grew mainly as a result of an increased level of project execution of both backlog and new orders.

        The geographic distribution of revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Power Systems division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    42     40     44  

The Americas

    14     15     16  

Asia

    18     20     20  

Middle East and Africa

    26     25     20  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        In 2008, all regions led recorded growth in revenues over the previous year with Europe and MEA taking the lead. The higher revenues from Europe in 2008 reflected strong revenue growth particularly from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, driven by the execution of large projects booked in 2007 and 2006. The revenue growth from MEA was also largely due to the execution of large orders booked in the region in 2007 and 2006.

        All regions recorded growth in revenues over the previous year in 2007. Europe and the Americas saw a decrease in their respective shares of total revenues as MEA gained a higher share. Growth in Europe, in 2007, was led by central and eastern Europe, with a significant increase in Russia. The higher revenues from the Americas, in 2007, reflected strong revenue growth, particularly from Canada on the execution of the HVDC project booked in 2006 and also from increases in the United States and Brazil. The revenue increase in Asia related primarily to strong growth in India.

Earnings before interest and taxes

        EBIT of the Power Systems division grew by $103 million, or 21 percent (19 percent in local currencies) in 2008, compared with growth of $210 million, or 75 percent (63 percent in local currencies), in 2007, over the previous year. The EBIT margin for the division improved to 8.6 percent in 2008 compared with 8.4 percent and 6.1 percent in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        The increase in EBIT and EBIT margin in 2008 and 2007 can be attributed mainly to higher revenues and capacity utilization, bidding selectivity, project execution and the cost benefit from expanding engineering resources in emerging markets.

Fiscal year 2009 outlook

        Key market drivers for the Power Systems division are economic growth in emerging markets, upgrades of aging infrastructure, power reliability and quality concerns, increased focus on energy efficiency and environmental issues and the integration of renewable energy sources. Looking ahead, we believe the economic slowdown could result in a reduction of electricity consumption and uncertainties around financing could lead to postponement of large orders in some cases. At the same time, we believe governments may also leverage infrastructure investments in the energy sector, such as transmission interconnections, to stimulate the economy. There are also political commitments in the EU, U.S., and Asia to increase the share of energy from renewable sources, which could spur activity in the sector.

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Automation Products

        The financial results of our Automation Products division were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Orders

    10,872     9,314     7,706  

Order backlog(1)

    3,863     3,490     2,439  

Revenues

    10,250     8,644     6,837  

EBIT

    1,908     1,477     1,053  

Orders

        Orders increased by $1,558 million, or 17 percent (11 percent in local currencies), in 2008 and $1,608 million, or 21 percent (13 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

        The increase in 2008 was the result of high demand during the first three quarters of the year for all business units except wiring accessories which experienced a weakening construction market. In the fourth quarter demand for standard industrial and building products declined, reflecting the general global economic downturn. Orders for low-voltage drives, machines and low-voltage systems increased in the last quarter due to orders for energy conservation and renewable energy (mainly wind).

        Demand in 2007 was high as many industrial customers increased their investments in efficiency improvements due to higher raw material and energy costs. Orders received increased for all business units with the highest growth in power electronics and MV drives which received a $110 million order for an advanced railway power converter system in Germany. Also, standard products such as Low Voltage (LV) drives, breakers and switches, LV motors, control products, instrumentation, enclosures and DIN-rail components reached double-digit growth in local currencies.

        The geographic distribution of orders as a percentage of total orders in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Automation Products division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    60     63     63  

The Americas

    11     11     12  

Asia

    23     21     20  

Middle East and Africa

    6     5     5  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        The share of orders from Europe in 2008 decreased as total orders only grew 13 percent (5 percent in local currencies). The lower growth rate in orders reflected the weak construction market particularly in Germany and Spain. Furthermore, in 2007, we secured a $110 million order for traction converters in Germany which was not repeated. The share of orders in the Americas was stable as high order growth in south America compensated for the weakening construction sector in United States. The share of orders from Asia increased as result of industrial infrastructure investments in China and India.

        In 2007, the share of orders from Europe and MEA remained at the same level compared to 2006, while the share of orders from the Americas slightly decreased due to the increase in the share of

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orders from Asia, as a result of fast growing markets in that region, especially in China and India. Orders in Europe increased, supported by the growth in eastern Europe. Orders in the Americas increased, although north America grew at a lower pace than in 2006 due to slowdown in the United States, which was more than offset by growth in south America, particularly, Brazil. The increase in MEA was mainly the result of continued high investments in the oil and gas sector.

Order backlog

        Order backlog in 2008 increased by $373 million, or 11 percent (18 percent in local currencies), as orders were higher than revenues for most business units, especially in Power Electronics and MV Drives which booked several larger MV drive projects during the last half of the year.

        Order backlog increased by $1,051 million, or 43 percent (31 percent in local currencies), at December 31, 2007, from December 31, 2006. The increase related mainly to growth in orders related to systems and engineered products, which have longer delivery times compared to standard products.

Revenues

        Revenues increased by $1,606 million, or 19 percent (13 percent in local currencies) in 2008, compared with $1,807 million, or 26 percent (18 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

        The increases in 2008 were a result of higher order intake and execution of a strong order backlog. The revenue growth came from higher volumes as only minor price increases were made in 2008.

        During 2007, revenues increased in all business units, such as Machines and Power Electronics and MV Drives, due to the high order backlog, with strong growth in engineered products and systems. The growth was mainly achieved by increased volumes but also by higher prices to compensate for increased raw material costs.

        The geographic distribution of revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Automation Products division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    62     61     63  

The Americas

    11     12     12  

Asia

    22     22     20  

Middle East and Africa

    5     5     5  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

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        All regions achieved double-digit growth in revenues 2008. Europe grew 18 percent supported by a high order backlog. The weakening construction markets in western Europe and north America led to lower growth rates for standard products in these regions. High growth was achieved in Asia mainly as result of good order intake and a high backlog in China and India. Revenues in MEA increased due to improved development of orders in the Gulf area.

        Revenues in 2007 showed double-digit growth in all regions. The share of European orders decreased, although Europe and north America benefited from a high order backlog of engineered products and systems and standard products, which contributed to the growth over 2006. Revenues in south America grew significantly following several company initiatives to add sales and marketing resources in this region. Continued strong growth in orders and the expansion of more local production resources in China and India, resulted in a high growth in Asia and contributed to an increase in the share of total revenues. Revenues in the MEA region grew strongest in Dubai, Egypt and South Africa.

Earnings before interest and taxes

        In 2008, EBIT for the Automation Products division grew by $431 million or 29 percent (21 percent in local currencies) after increasing $424 million or 40 percent (30 percent in local currencies) in 2007. The EBIT margin for the division was 18.6 percent in 2008, compared with 17.1 percent and 15.4 percent in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        In 2008, EBIT for the Automation Products division grew due to increased revenues and continued operational improvements. All businesses improved EBIT except Wiring Accessories which suffered from lower revenues due to the weakening construction market. The largest margin improvements were made in Power Electronics and MV Drives, Machines, LV Drives and Enclosures and DIN-rail Products due to increased capacity utilization and operational improvements.

        The EBIT increase in 2007 was driven by the revenue growth, continued high capacity utilization and further migration to emerging markets. All businesses increased EBIT with the largest improvements made in Power Electronics, MV Drives, Machines and LV Systems. In addition, EBIT margins on standard products such as LV drives, breakers and switches, LV motors and enclosures and DIN-rail components increased from already high levels.

Fiscal year 2009 outlook

        The outlook in the markets has high uncertainty. We believe the general global economic slowdown may result in further weakening of demand and market conditions in industrial and construction markets. However, in renewable energy and energy efficiency applications we expect continued investments.

Process Automation

        The financial results of our Process Automation division were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Orders

    8,657     7,935     6,550  

Order backlog(1)

    6,111     5,951     3,991  

Revenues

    7,815     6,420     5,448  

EBIT

    926     683     541  

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Orders

        Orders increased by $722 million, or 9 percent (4 percent in local currencies), with growth in large orders of 9 percent (1 percent in local currencies). Our Process Automation division also reported an increase in base orders of 9 percent (5 percent in local currencies), in 2008, compared to 2007. Strong orders during the first quarter together with continued high activity in the market during the second quarter contributed to the growth, while in the second half of 2008 the growth noted in products and services was more than offset by lower large orders in the Systems business. The oil, gas and petrochemical, metals, marine and turbocharging sectors recorded the strongest growth while the pulp and paper and minerals sectors recorded lower order intake.

        During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Process Automation division experienced a weakening order intake across most customer segments and regions, especially for large orders. Customer investments were delayed due to reduced commodity prices, limited access to project financing and increased uncertainty regarding future demand.

        Orders increased by $1,385 million, or 21 percent (13 percent in local currencies), with substantial growth in large orders of 45 percent (35 percent in local currencies) and an increase in base orders of 16 percent (8 percent in local currencies), in 2007, compared to 2006. The market was driven by high fuel and commodity prices, leading to expansion investments especially in Asia and MEA regions. This expansion contributed to the strong growth in metals, minerals, marine and turbocharging sectors. Pulp and paper orders were lower, mainly due to high investments in Asia in 2006.

        The geographic distribution of orders as a percentage of total orders in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Process Automation division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    40     42     46  

The Americas

    19     19     16  

Asia

    29     30     25  

Middle East and Africa

    12     9     13  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        In 2008, European orders continued to lead the share of the total orders for the Process Automation division, followed by Asia, the Americas and MEA. Investments in the marine sector, mainly from the cruise ship builders, contributed to the orders in Europe. Additionally, there were several orders booked from the minerals and metals sectors in this region. The Americas experienced strong growth driven by the Minerals business in Canada and Brazil, the Oil and Gas business in the United States and Mexico and the Service business in the United States. Orders in Asia were also at a high level coming mainly from the Marine and Metals businesses in China, Singapore and Korea. MEA experienced significant growth during 2008 supported by high commodity prices at the beginning of the year which drove industrial investments especially in the oil and gas and minerals sectors.

        European orders showed a slight increase in absolute terms in 2007 but the region's share of the total orders decreased due to higher proportional increases in the Americas and Asia. Europe continued to account for the largest share of orders, mainly driven by the Service business and the demand from the shipbuilding, metals and minerals sectors. The Americas also experienced significant growth driven by the Minerals business in Canada and Brazil, the Oil and Gas business in Chile and the Service business in the United States resulting in an increase in the region's share of total orders. Asia's proportional share of the total orders also increased with strong growth mainly coming from the infrastructure related Metals and Minerals businesses as well as the Marine business. MEA experienced

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growth in the Minerals business, but recorded a decrease in total orders due to two extraordinary large orders from the oil and gas sector from Algeria in 2006, which were not replaced by similarly sized orders in 2007, leading to a decrease in their share.

Order backlog

        Order backlog at December 31, 2008 increased by $160 million, or 3 percent (12 percent in local currencies), compared to December 31, 2007. The growth in the order backlog was driven by large system orders received in the oil and gas, minerals and marine sectors with delivery schedules extending into 2010 and beyond.

Revenues

        Revenues increased by $1,395 million, or 22 percent (18 percent in local currencies), in 2008 compared with an increase of $972 million, or 18 percent (10 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

        Revenues increased strongly as a result of the execution of the large order backlog in the Systems business as well as strong revenues in both Service and Products businesses. All regions and sectors recorded strong revenues but the highest growth was noted in our Marine, Metals, Minerals, Oil and Gas and Turbocharging businesses. Overall revenues were up across the Systems business with 19 percent, the Products business with 18 percent and the Service business with 14 percent growth.

        Revenues in 2007 increased in all sectors with significant growth reported in our Minerals, Metals, Marine and Turbocharging businesses. The revenue growth was mainly a result of the large order backlog and growth in the Turbocharging products business.

        The geographic distribution of revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Process Automation division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    44     46     46  

The Americas

    19     17     19  

Asia

    27     26     26  

Middle East and Africa

    10     11     9  
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        In 2008, revenues increased in all regions with Americas, Asia and Europe showing strong growth. Europe experienced an increase in revenues driven by projects executed in Germany, Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Italy. The increase in revenues in the Americas was driven by the United States, Brazil, Canada and Mexico. Revenues in Asia were driven by Korea, China, Japan and Singapore.

        Revenues increased in all regions with Asia, Europe and MEA showing strong growth in 2007. Europe experienced an increase in revenues, driven primarily by the OEM and Service business, which allowed the region to maintain the largest share of total revenues, with a share of total revenues similar to that in 2006. Revenues in the Americas were mainly driven by the Service business, but as the other regions grew faster, the Americas' share of the total revenues declined. Revenues in Asia were driven by the strong order backlog from previous periods especially within the Marine and Metals businesses, however, the share of total revenues remained at the same level as it did in 2006. The MEA share of total revenues increased mainly from the large oil and gas projects in Algeria as well as the booming Minerals business.

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Earnings before interest and taxes

        EBIT for our Process Automation division grew by $243 million, or 36 percent (33 percent in local currencies), in 2008 compared with an increase of $142 million, or 26 percent (18 percent in local currencies), in 2007. The EBIT margin increased to 11.8 percent from 10.6 percent in 2007 after improving from 9.9 percent in 2006. Increased contribution from higher revenues, focus on project execution and cost migration projects contributed to the improvement in EBIT and EBIT margin.

Fiscal year 2009 outlook

        The momentum in the market during 2007 and the first nine months of 2008 was followed by a significant slow-down during the fourth quarter of 2008. The market is still driven by cost savings and energy/production efficiency requirements. However, these market drivers have become less important with the recent development of commodity prices. Large scale investments have been delayed as a result of two main drivers: limited access to capital and the increased uncertainty of future demand.

Robotics

        The financial results of our Robotics division were as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Orders

    1,658     1,488     1,240  

Order backlog(1)

    545     529     441  

Revenues

    1,642     1,407     1,288  

EBIT

    9     79     1  

Orders

        Orders increased by $170 million or 11 percent (5 percent in local currencies) as an overall growth in general industry offset the accelerated downturn in the automotive industry in the second half of the year. In 2007, orders increased by $248 million, or 20 percent (13 percent in local currencies), as order increases in general industry, such as packaging, electronics and food processing continued. Demand also increased in the Service business and the Paint Systems business in the automotive sector.

        The geographic distribution of orders as a percentage of total orders in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Robotics division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    58     56     58  

The Americas

    20     24     25  

Asia

    21     20     17  

Middle East and Africa

    1          
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        In 2008, European orders increased as a proportion of total division orders due to continuous order growth in both western and eastern Europe. Orders in the Americas decreased, driven mainly by the downturn in the north American automotive industry, which could not be offset by the order

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increase in south America. Orders in Asia continued to increase especially in markets such as India, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. The domestic market in China showed a stable development.

        In 2007, orders grew in all regions, while the share of total division orders derived from Europe and the Americas decreased due to an increase in the share of orders derived from Asia resulting from significant growth in that region compared to 2006. European orders increased in absolute terms, benefiting from the demand growth in general industry, such as packaging, electronics and food processing and the Systems business in western Europe. Orders in the Americas in 2007 increased, as a result of regaining a share of the automotive industry compared to 2006. Increased orders in Japan and China due to higher demand in General industry and the Automotive industry contributed to the growth in Asia in 2007. Total orders in MEA, which are not significant to the total division orders, also increased in 2007.

Order backlog

        Order backlog in 2008 increased by $16 million, or 3 percent (6 percent in local currencies), mainly reflecting an increase in orders in the Systems business.

        Order backlog increased by $88 million, or 20 percent (12 percent in local currencies), at December 31, 2007, from December 31, 2006, reflecting primarily the increased orders from general industry.

Revenues

        Revenues increased by $235 million, or 17 percent (11 percent in local currencies), in 2008 compared to an increase of $119 million, or 9 percent (3 percent in local currencies), in 2007.

        The increase in revenues in 2008 was driven by a strong order backlog and strong order growth in general industry especially during the first three quarters of 2008. The increase in revenues in 2007 followed the trend in orders led by the Systems business.

        The geographic distribution of revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for our Robotics division was approximately as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  (%)
 

Europe

    58     58     57  

The Americas

    21     23     25  

Asia

    20     18     18  

Middle East and Africa

    1     1      
               

Total

    100     100     100  
               

        Revenues increased in Europe mainly due to a strong order backlog as well as sales to general industry both in western and eastern Europe. The Americas recorded lower revenues as a result of the weakening automotive sector in north America, which is reflected in the lower share of revenues in the Americas. The share of revenues in Asia continued to grow due to increased local presence, adapted products and solutions as well as favorable market conditions, gaining more importance for the division.

        In 2007, revenues increased in all regions reflecting the upward trend in orders. Revenues in Europe increased due to continued improvement in general industry which also resulted in a slight increase in the region's share of total revenues compared to 2006. America's share of total revenues decreased as the total revenues from this region remained stable as a result of the increased sales in

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general industry offset by the slower development in the automotive sector. Revenues from Asia grew, led by growth in China which allowed Asia to maintain its share of total revenues compared to 2006.

Earnings before interest and taxes

        Our Robotics division took further actions to improve its competitive position by accelerating the move of manufacturing and engineering capacities to low cost countries. EBIT for our Robotics division decreased by $70 million to $9 million in 2008, mostly as a result of these restructuring related charges, after increasing by $78 million in 2007 to $79 million. The EBIT margin for the division decreased to 0.5 percent in 2008, down from 5.6 percent in 2007.

        Higher revenues especially increased sales in general industry, margin improvements in the Systems business and increased sourcing of materials in emerging markets contributed to the EBIT improvement in 2007.

Fiscal year 2009 outlook

        The current downturn in the worldwide automotive industry also affects general industry segments. We believe it will continue to stress the competitive situation in the robotics market during 2009 and lead to increased pressure on prices and margins within OEMs and their related suppliers.

Corporate and Other

        Corporate and Other comprises corporate headquarters and stewardship, corporate R&D, corporate real estate, equity investments primarily in Colombia, Ivory Coast and South Africa that are being considered for sale as well as other activities. EBIT for Corporate and Other over the three year period was as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Corporate headquarters and stewardship

    (277 )   (202 )   (224 )

Corporate research and development

    (118 )   (98 )   (89 )

Corporate real estate

    49     43     34  

Equity ventures

    (1 )   10     61  

Other

    (636 )   (54 )   (38 )
               

Total Corporate and Other

    (983 )   (301 )   (256 )
               

        Corporate headquarters and stewardship costs in 2008 were higher due mainly to higher pension and insurance costs and specific costs incurred related to programs such as brand promotion. Corporate headquarters and stewardship operating results improved in both 2007 and 2006 as a result of the continued focus on reducing corporate costs in the Company's operations throughout the world and in corporate headquarters in Zurich. Improved corporate headquarters and stewardship results in 2007 as compared to 2006 were partly due to lower costs associated with the internal control measures to comply with the provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Headquarters and stewardship results in 2007 also included a $17 million contribution made to the Jürgen Dormann Foundation and some minor gains from businesses sold during the period.

        Corporate R&D increased due to higher activities in the research and development areas in 2008. Corporate R&D increased slightly in 2007, primarily due to the appreciation of the local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.

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        Corporate real estate consisted primarily of rental income from intragroup real estate agreements which are eliminated in the calculation of our total consolidated orders and revenues. EBIT of real estate operations in 2008 included $33 million gain from the sale of properties mainly in Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Poland. In 2007, EBIT in real estate operations were mainly from the gain on the sale of real estate properties in Switzerland, Norway, Brazil and Australia.

        EBIT from equity investments decreased in 2008 as most investments were sold in previous years. In 2007, EBIT from equity investments were generated mainly from equity investments in Jorf Lasfar and Neyveli which were sold mid 2007. The gain on sale of these equity investments of $38 million was more than offset by a $42 million impairment charge in respect of another equity investment which we intend to divest. In 2006, our equity investments contributed $61 million primarily representing income from Jorf Lasfar and Neyveli.

        EBIT from Other in 2008 was mainly caused by provisions related to the Power Transformer investigations and disclosures to the SEC and DoJ on suspect payments (see "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" in our Consolidated Financial statements). It also included the costs of our Group Treasury Operations, which are part of our corporate finance function of $10 million in 2008 and 2007. Further, Other included $7 million in losses mainly related to the write-down of assets of our Distributed Energy business in Great Britain, and in 2007, losses related to projects in Building Systems and other businesses.

Discontinued operations

        The income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is broken down as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Downstream Oil and Gas business

    (5 )   539     9  

Building Systems business Germany

        (2 )   (65 )

Transformer business South Africa

    13     15     16  

Cable business Ireland

        (1 )   (48 )

Upstream Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals

        21     15  

Asbestos

    (31 )       (70 )

Others

    2     14     1  
               

Total

    (21 )   586     (142 )
               

        Tax expense, net, in discontinued operations represented an expense (benefit) of $(36) million, $36 million and ($7) million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        For further discussion on the discontinued operations, see "Acquisitions, investments and divestitures", "Item 4. Information on the Company—Discontinued Operations", "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations", and "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Principal sources of funding

        In 2008, 2007 and 2006, we met our liquidity needs principally using cash from operations and bank borrowings.

        During 2008, 2007 and 2006, our financial position was strengthened by the positive cash flow from operating activities of $3,958 million, $3,054 million and $1,939 million, respectively. The cash

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generated in 2008 allowed us to make the nominal value reduction in share capital, launch and execute part of our share buyback program (see "Note 19 Stockholders' equity" to our Consolidated Financial Statements) and acquire businesses (see "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" to our Consolidated Financial Statements). The cash generated in 2007 and 2006 enabled us to reduce the level of our securitization programs and to restructure or repurchase debt (see "Note 12 Debt" to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Our financial position at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is demonstrated in the table below:

 
  December 31,  
 
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Cash and equivalents

    6,399     4,650  

Marketable securities and short-term investments

    1,407     3,460  

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

    (354 )   (536 )

Long-term debt

    (2,009 )   (2,138 )
           

Net cash (defined as the sum of the above lines)

    5,443     5,436  
           

        Net cash at December 31, 2008, was comparable to the balance at December 31, 2007, despite the cash generated by operations during 2008 of $3,958 million. See "Financial Position", "Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities" and "Net cash used in financing activities" for further details.

        Our Group Treasury Operations is responsible for providing a range of treasury management services to our group companies and is also responsible for investing cash in excess of current business requirements. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the proportion of our aggregate cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short-term investments managed by our Group Treasury Operations amounted to 73 percent and 71 percent, respectively. At December 31, 2007, denomination of the investments by our Group Treasury Operations was split approximately equally between euros and U.S. dollars. However, during 2008, with the significant fall in short-term U.S. dollar interest rates and our aim of maximizing the return on excess cash, we reduced the weighting of U.S. dollar investments significantly and, rather than swapping funds received into U.S. dollars or euros, the investments have been placed in the currency of their origination. Consequently, at December 31, 2008, of the excess cash invested by our Group Treasury Operations, approximately 47 percent has been placed in euros, 32 percent in Swiss francs, 10 percent in Swedish krona, 6 percent in Norwegian krona, 4 percent in U.S. dollars and the remainder in other currencies.

        We actively monitor credit risk in our investment portfolio and hedging activities. Credit risk exposures are controlled in accordance with policies approved by our senior management to identify, measure, monitor and control credit risks. We will continue to closely monitor ongoing developments in the credit markets and make appropriate changes to our investment policy as deemed necessary.

        At December 31, 2007, excess cash invested by our Group Treasury Operations was placed in bank time deposits. During 2008, in view of the deepening financial market turmoil, we took a number of actions in order to safeguard our liquidity. Firstly, we shortened the tenor of our deposits with banks, despite the fact that we already had a minimum requirement of A rating for our banking counterparts. Secondly, we diversified the investment of excess cash away from the banking sector into corporate commercial paper with original maturities at date of purchase of up to 2 months (classified as cash and equivalents in our Consolidated Balance Sheet). Until late November, we required a minimum short-term A-2/P-2 rating for investments in such paper but as the financial crisis deepened, we became more restrictive and increased the minimum required rating to A-1/P-1. In addition to rating criteria, we have specific investment criteria and restrictions on the sectors we invest in. These parameters are closely monitored on an ongoing basis and amended as we consider necessary. At December 31, 2008, approximately $532 million was invested in such corporate papers, down from $1,444 million at

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September 30, 2008, reflecting our increasingly restrictive investment criteria in the fourth quarter of 2008. Thirdly, as the financial market crisis deepened in the fourth quarter of 2008, we further diversified the investment of our excess cash into AAA-rated Government bonds with original maturities at date of purchase of up to a maximum of 6 months. These papers are classified as available-for-sale and included in cash and equivalents ($550 million) and marketable securities ($934 million) in the balance sheet at December 31, 2008. Our current objective is to maintain diversification in our investment portfolio and have a mix of government securities, highly-rated corporate short-dated commercial paper and time deposits of short duration with banks.

        We believe the cash flows generated from our business are sufficient to support business operations, capital expenditures, the payment of dividends to shareholders and contributions to pension plans. Due to the nature of our operations, 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. Despite the current credit environment, we have the ability to supplement this near-term liquidity, if necessary, through access to the capital markets (including short-term commercial paper) and credit facilities. 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".)

Debt and interest rates

        At December 31, 2008 and 2007, total outstanding debt amounted to $2,363 million and $2,674 million, respectively, as shown in the table below:

 
  December 31,  
 
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Short-term debt including current maturities of long-term debt (including bonds)

    354     536  

Long-term debt

             
 

—bonds

    1,856     1,983  
 

—other long-term debt

    153     155  
           

Total debt

    2,363     2,674  
           

        The decrease in debt in 2008 was primarily due to the maturity of bonds and other debt in the year and to a lesser extent due to exchange rate movements.

        Our debt has been obtained in a range of currencies and maturities and on various interest rate terms. We use derivatives to reduce the interest rate and/or foreign currency exposures arising on our debt. For example, we use interest rate swaps to effectively convert fixed rate debt into floating rate liabilities and we use cross currency swaps to effectively convert certain foreign currency denominated bonds into U.S. dollar liabilities.

        After considering the effects of interest rate swaps, the effective average interest rate on our floating rate long-term debt (including current maturities) of $2,124 million and our fixed rate long-term debt (including current maturities) of $80 million was 5.8 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively. This compares with an effective rate of 6.8 percent for floating rate long-term debt of $2,398 million and 6.4 percent for fixed-rate long-term debt of $147 million at December 31, 2007.

        For a discussion of our use of derivatives to modify the characteristics of our individual bond issuances, see "Note 12 Debt" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit facilities

        In 2005, we put in place a five-year, $2 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility. During 2007, we amended the facility to reduce the costs associated with it and to remove the sole remaining

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financial covenant which was related to maximum net leverage. For further details of this credit facility, see "Note 12 Debt" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

        No amount was drawn under the facility at December 31, 2008 and 2007. The facility is for general corporate purposes and will serve as a back-stop facility to our commercial paper programs in the event that we issue commercial paper under the programs described below. The facility 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.

Commercial paper

        In 2007, we established a $1 billion commercial paper program for the private placement of USD denominated commercial paper in the United States and a $1 billion Euro-commercial paper program for the issuance of commercial paper in a variety of currencies. These programs are in addition to the existing 5 billion Swedish krona program (equivalent to approximately $641 million, using December 31, 2008 exchange rates), allowing us to issue short-term commercial paper in either Swedish krona or euro.

        At December 31, 2008 and 2007, no amounts had been issued or were outstanding under these commercial paper programs.

Medium Term Note Program (MTN)

        We have in place a MTN Program that allows us to issue up to the equivalent of $5,250 million in certain debt instruments. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, $1,918 million and $2,094 million, respectively, of our total debt outstanding, were debt issuances under the MTN Program. The terms of the MTN Program do not obligate any third party to extend credit to us and the terms and availability of financings under the MTN Program are determined with respect to, and as of the date of issuance of, each debt instrument.

Credit ratings

        Credit ratings are assessments by the rating agencies of the credit risk associated with our company 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. Since April 2006, 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, 2007, our long-term company ratings were Baa1 and A-, from Moody's and Standard & Poor's, respectively, as were our long-term unsecured debt ratings. On January 21, 2008, Moody's announced an upgrade in our long-term ratings from Baa1 to A3. Our ratings have remained unchanged during the remainder of 2008 and to date.

Limitations on transfers of funds

        Currency and other local regulatory limitations exist related to the transfer of funds in a number of countries where we operate, including China, Egypt, India, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela. 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 locally. In addition, there are certain countries where, for tax reasons, it is not considered optimal to transfer the cash offshore. As a consequence, these funds are not available within our Group Treasury Operations 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, 2008

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and 2007, 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 approximately $1,490 million and $1,451 million, respectively. In view of the deepening crisis in the banking sector during 2008, we took several steps to safeguard our cash positions in these countries. Countries were directed to place such cash with our core banks or investment grade banks and consequently cash placed with non-rated or sub-investment grade banks has been reduced to less than 10 percent of cash outside of our Group Treasury Operations. We closely monitor the situation to ensure bank counterparty risks are minimized.


FINANCIAL POSITION

Balance sheet

        Current assets at the end of 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 
  December 31,  
Current assets
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Cash and equivalents

    6,399     4,650  

Marketable securities and short-term investments

    1,407     3,460  

Receivables, net

    9,245     8,582  

Inventories, net

    5,306     4,863  

Prepaid expenses

    237     307  

Deferred taxes

    1,020     783  

Other current assets

    733     368  

Assets held for sale and in discontinued operations

        132  
           

Total current assets

    24,347     23,145  
           

        Our total current assets at December 31, 2008, increased by 5 percent, as compared to total current assets at December 31, 2007.

        At December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had cash and equivalents as well as marketable securities and short-term investments totaling $7,806 million and $8,110 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the proportion of our aggregate cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short-term investments invested by our Group Treasury Operations amounted to 73 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

        At December 31, 2007, the investments by our Group Treasury Operations were denominated primarily in U.S. dollars and euro. At December 31, 2008, the investments were denominated primarily in euro and Swiss francs, but also a number of other currencies, as we reduced the weighting of U.S. dollar investments significantly after the fall in short-term U.S. dollar interest rates and placed our investments in the currency of their origin. At December 31, 2007, excess cash invested by our Group Treasury Operations was placed in bank deposits. At December 31, 2008, our investment portfolio was a mix of government securities, highly-rated corporate short-dated commercial paper and time deposits of short duration with banks, reflecting our restrictive investment criteria and our objective to maintain diversification. See "Liquidity and capital resources—Principal sources of funding" for further details.

        Further amounts, totaling approximately $1,490 million and $1,451 million, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were deposited locally in countries where currency or other local regulatory limitations exist or where, for tax reasons, it is not considered optimal to transfer the cash offshore, see "Liquidity and capital resources—Limitations on transfers of funds" for further details.            Balances not remitted to Group Treasury Operations are primarily denominated in the currency of the respective country holding the balance.

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        We invest surplus cash available in time deposits and marketable securities with varied maturities based on defined investment guidelines taking into account the prevailing market environment and the liquidity requirements of the business. Investments which have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition are classified as part of cash and equivalents and those that have maturities of more than three months at the time of acquisition are classified as part of marketable securities and short-term investments. The balance of marketable securities and short-term investments fluctuate depending on the timing of these investments. (See "Liquidity and capital resources".)

        Receivables, net, as at the end of December 2008, increased from the end of 2007 by approximately 8 percent. Excluding the effect of the depreciation of local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, the increase was approximately 16 percent. The double-digit increase in revenues during the year from all of the core divisions contributed to the increase in receivables, net.

        Inventories, net, increased by 9 percent compared to the level at the end of 2007. Excluding the effect of the depreciation of local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, the increase was approximately 18 percent. The increase in inventories was particularly high in our Power Products and Automation Products divisions reflecting the increased order backlog. (See "Note 16 Taxes" to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on deferred taxes.)

        Other current assets mainly include derivative and embedded derivative assets. Assets held for sale and in discontinued operations decreased to zero following the sale of ABB Powertech in South Africa during the first quarter of 2008.

 
  December 31,  
Current liabilities
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Accounts payable, trade

    4,451     4,167  

Billings in excess of sales

    1,224     829  

Accounts payable, other

    1,292     1,289  

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

    354     536  

Advances from customers

    2,014     2,045  

Deferred taxes

    528     371  

Provisions for warranties

    1,105     1,121  

Provisions and other

    3,467     2,322  

Accrued expenses

    1,569     1,737  

Liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations

        62  
           

Total current liabilities

    16,004     14,479  
           

        Total current liabilities at December 31, 2008, increased by 11 percent compared to December 31, 2007. In local currencies, the increase was 19 percent. The increases in business volume and compliance related provisions were the main factors contributing to the increase in current liabilities.

        Total accounts payable and billings in excess of sales at December 31, 2008, increased compared to December 31, 2007, due primarily to an increase in business volume in all of the core divisions. Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt were lower than 2007, as several debt obligations were paid back at maturity.

        Provisions for potential costs related to investigations by the U.S. and European authorities into suspect payments and alleged anti-competitive practices, higher derivative liabilities due to changes in the market value of outstanding derivatives and higher income taxes to be paid as a result of increased profitability are major drivers behind the increase in provisions and other. These increases were offset by a decrease in asbestos obligations and work due provisions. (See "Contingencies and retained

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liabilities".) Liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations decreased to zero following the sale of ABB Powertech in South Africa during the first quarter of 2008.

 
  December 31,  
Non-current assets
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Financing receivables, net

    445     487  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    3,562     3,246  

Goodwill

    2,817     2,421  

Other intangible assets, net

    411     270  

Prepaid pension and other employee benefits

    73     380  

Investments in equity method companies

    68     63  

Deferred taxes

    1,190     862  

Other non-current assets

    268     127  
           

Total non-current assets

    8,834     7,856  
           

        Total non-current assets at December 31, 2008, increased by 12 percent compared to December 31, 2007.

        Property, plant and equipment, net, increased by 10 percent (16 percent in local currencies) between December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008. All of our core divisions except Process Automation raised their investment levels to further optimize our global production footprint and remove production bottlenecks. The major capital expenditures during 2008 were investments in machinery and equipment in China, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and India.

        The increase in goodwill and other intangible assets was mainly due to the acquisition of Kuhlman in the United States as well as other intangible assets capitalized of $135 million. (See "Note 3 Acquisitions, divestments and discontinued operations" and "Note 10 Goodwill and other intangible assets" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.) The decrease in prepaid pension and other employee benefits reflects the change in the funded status of our pension plans from a slightly overfunded position at the end of 2007 to an underfunded position of more than $700 million at the end of 2008. (See "Note 17 Employee benefits" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

        The increase in deferred taxes mainly reflects the recognition of tax assets on net operating losses carried forward and other items, which previously did not meet the more likely than not standard of being realized. Other non-current assets mainly include derivative and embedded derivative assets.

 
  December 31,  
Non-current liabilities
  2008   2007  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Long-term debt

    2,009     2,138  

Pension and other employee benefits

    1,071     631  

Deferred taxes

    425     407  

Other liabilities

    1,902     1,797  
           

Total non-current liabilities

    5,407     4,973  
           

        Total non-current liabilities at December 31, 2008, increased by 9 percent compared to December 31, 2007.

        During 2008, our long-term debt was reduced through the reclassification of a portion of our long-term debt to short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and on account of foreign exchange movements of outstanding bonds. (See "Liquidity and capital resources—Debt and interest rates".) Our gearing ratio (calculated as total debt divided by the sum of total debt plus total stockholders' equity and minority interest), excluding borrowings in discontinued operations, was 17 percent at December 31, 2008, as compared to 19 percent at December 31, 2007.

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        The increase in pension and other employee benefits reflects the change in the funded status of our pension plans from a slightly overfunded position at the end of 2007 to an underfunded position of more than $700 million at the end of 2008 which is primarily related to a reduction in the value of our pension assets, see "Note 17 Employee benefits" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Other liabilities increased slightly, mainly on account of higher non-current tax provisions. Other liabilities further included non-current deposit liabilities of $298 million and $298 million, deferred income of $89 million and $113 million, non-current derivative liabilities of $180 million and $162 million, management incentive plan provisions of $3 million and $71 million and other non-current liabilities of $390 million and $352 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Other liabilities also includes provisions for the estimated environmental remediation costs related to our former Nuclear Technology business of $241 million and $245 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. (See "Environmental liabilities" and "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" and "Note 13 Provisions and other and non-current other liabilities" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Cash flows

        In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the effects of discontinued operations are not segregated, as permitted by SFAS No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows (SFAS 95).

        The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows can be summarized as follows:

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    3,958     3,054     1,939  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    114     (2,291 )   (694 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,119 )   (625 )   (392 )

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

    (230 )   275     184  

Adjustment for the net change in cash and equivalents in assets held for sale and in discontinued operations

    26     39     25  
               

Net change in cash and equivalents—continuing operations

    1,749     452     1,062  
               

Net cash provided by operating activities

        Operating activities provided net cash of $3,958 million in 2008. Cash effective earnings of $4,729 million (defined as net income after adding back non-cash and non-operating expenses) were partly offset by $771 million cash outflows towards operating assets and liabilities. The increased business volume led to a cash outflow, especially associated with higher receivables and inventories. The latter was a result of high factory loading and material procurements to support the execution of the high order backlog.

        Net cash provided by operating activities were particularly high in our Power Products and Automation Products divisions on account of high cash effective earnings.

        Net cash provided by operating activities in 2008 included $100 million of asbestos payments. (See "Contingencies and retained liabilities".) In 2007, $382 million of asbestos payments were made, of which $204 million was paid upon the sale of Lummus.

        Operating activities provided net cash of $3,054 million in 2007, substantially up by $1,115 million from the prior year. This increase was driven primarily by significantly higher cash effective earnings compared to the prior year as well as by comparatively lower cash outflows towards operating assets and liabilities. Cash outflows arising from the changes in operating assets and liabilities were

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$267 million during 2007, compared to $571 million in 2006. This improvement was a result of an improved focus on working capital management, particularly with respect to inventories and trade payables.

        In 2007, net cash provided by operating activities increased in all of our core divisions where higher cash outflow requirements for working capital, as a result of the significant increase in the volume of operations, were more than offset by the significant increase in cash effective earnings. The Power Systems division contributed to net cash provided by operating activities, the majority of which was as a result of high advances from customers on major projects and closer management of trade payables. In the Power Products division, working capital improvements were driven by improved inventory management.

        Due to the improved liquidity situation of the Group we terminated the securitization activities in the United States during the third quarter of 2007. This termination had an impact on the 2007 full year cash flows from operations of $178 million. Approximately 50 percent of this impact was in our Power Products division.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Changes in financing receivables

    7     56     67  

Purchases of marketable securities (other than trading) and short-term investments

    (3,626 )   (10,115 )   (4,743 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

    (1,171 )   (756 )   (536 )

Acquisitions of businesses (net of cash acquired)

    (653 )   (54 )   (3 )

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities (other than trading) and short-term investments

    5,417     7,361     4,366  

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

    94     75     128  

Proceeds from sales of businesses and equity accounted companies (net of cash disposed)

    46     1,142     27  
               

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    114     (2,291 )   (694 )
               

        Investing activities include accounts receivable from leases and third party loans (financing receivables); net investments in marketable securities that are not held for trading purposes; asset purchases, net of disposals and acquisitions of, investments in and divestitures of businesses.

        Net cash flow provided by investing activities during 2008 was $114 million. Purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments amounted to $3,626 million in 2008. During the first half of 2008, we invested a lower amount of our excess liquidity in time deposits with a maturity of more than three months (given the prevailing volatility in financial markets) and instead invested in time deposits with maturities less than three months, classified as cash and equivalents. In the second half of 2008, we invested part of our excess cash in AAA-rated Government bonds of which the majority had an original maturity of more than 3 months.

        Total cash disbursements for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles amounted to $1,171 million, reflecting high capital expenditures due to new growth projects and increasing capacity requirements. Capital expenditures in 2008 included $308 million for the purchase of machinery and equipment, $78 million for the purchase of land and buildings, $134 million for the purchase of intangible assets, mainly software, and $651 million capital expenditures for construction in progress.

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        Acquisitions and divestments, net, for the year ended December 31, 2008, mainly included the acquisition of Kuhlman in the United States. The preliminary purchase price for Kuhlman was $520 million including assumed debt.

        Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and short-term investments during 2008 amounted to $5,417 million as compared with $7,361 million for 2007. The decrease reflects the change in investment strategy discussed under "Liquidity and capital resources".

        Cash received from the sale of property, plant and equipment during 2008 included $78 million proceeds from the sale of real estate properties, mainly in Switzerland, Italy, Mexico and Poland and $15 million from the sale of machinery and equipment in various locations.

        Net cash inflows from the sale of businesses and equity accounted companies amounted to $46 million in 2008. This net inflow included approximately $14 million net proceeds from the sale of the distributed energy business in Germany, $16 million net proceeds from the sale of the ABB Powertech Transformer business in South Africa, as well as $11 million net proceeds from two businesses in Norway, $10 million net proceeds from the sale of the Lighting business in the United Kingdom, and approximately $15 million net proceeds from the sale of other minor businesses during 2008. These inflows were partly offset by approximately $20 million claim settlement payment related to the former Air-Handling business that was sold in 2002.

        Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities during 2007 were $2,291 million. Net cash inflows from the sale of businesses and equity accounted companies amounted to $1,142 million in 2007. This net inflow included approximately $810 million net proceeds from the sale of Lummus, as well as $483 million net proceeds from the sale of our interests in Jorf Lasfar and Neyveli. These inflows were offset by a cash outflow of $173 million related to the sale of Building Systems in Germany. Net cash outflows for acquisitions amounted to $54 million in 2007, including $26 million for the acquisition of Raman Boards Ltd in India.

        Total cash disbursement for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles, net of disposals, in 2007 increased by approximately $270 million, reflecting higher capital expenditures due to new growth projects and increasing capacity requirements. Capital expenditure payments during the year amounted to $756 million, which included $457 million towards the purchase of machinery and equipment, $128 million for land and buildings, $84 million for the purchase of intangible assets, mainly software and $87 million for projects which are under construction. Cash received from the sale of property, plant and equipment during 2007 included $58 million proceeds from the sale of real estate properties, mainly in Italy and France and $16 million from the sale of machinery and equipment in various locations.

        The substantial increase in net purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments from $377 million in 2006, to $2,754 million in 2007, reflects the investment of the increased liquidity generated by the group. Other outflows of marketable securities and short-term investments in 2007 include $49 million in purchases of marketable securities to contribute to the pension funds in Germany and $30 million in additional net cash invested by our captive insurance company.

        Acquisitions and divestments, net, for the year ended December 31, 2006, mainly included the proceeds received from the sale of our Power Lines businesses in Venezuela and South Africa as well as the sale of our Cable business in Ireland.

        In 2006, as a consequence of the increase in the volume of orders and continued high capacity utilization, cash outflows for the purchase of property, plant and equipment increased. Total cash disbursed for capital expenditures during 2006 was $536 million. Of this amount $308 million was spent on machinery and equipment, $111 million on land and buildings, $45 million on intangibles, mainly software and $72 million on projects which are under construction, the majority of which relates to

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machinery and equipment. In the same year, there was $108 million in proceeds on the sale of land and buildings, primarily in Europe and $20 million from the sale of machinery and equipment.

        Cash outflows from all other investing activities, net, in 2006, were $310 million, including the purchase of marketable securities of $449 million which were contributed to the pension funds in Germany. These purchases of marketable securities were partially offset by the cash inflows and outflows related to other marketable securities.

Net cash used in financing activities

 
  Year ended December 31,  
 
  2008   2007   2006  
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Net changes in debt with maturities of 90 days or less

    10     (19 )   (26 )

Increase in debt

    458     210     151  

Repayment of debt

    (786 )   (247 )   (189 )

Issuance of shares

    49     241     47  

Purchase of treasury shares

    (621 )   (199 )    

Nominal value reduction/dividends paid

    (1,060 )   (449 )   (203 )

Dividends paid to minority shareholders

    (152 )   (117 )   (94 )

Payments made upon induced bond conversion

            (72 )

Payments made upon bond exchange

            (111 )

Other

    3     (45 )   105  
               

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,119 )   (625 )   (392 )
               

        Our financing activities primarily include debt, both from the issuance of debt securities and borrowings directly from banks, capital and treasury stock transactions and dividends paid.

        The cash inflow from increases in debt in 2008 primarily relates to short-term borrowings.

        During 2008, $786 million in bonds and other debt were repaid at maturity. This amount included the repayment of the remaining 9.5% EUR Instruments, due 2008, that had not been exchanged by bondholders in 2006, as well as the repayment of several private placements and short-term debt upon maturity. The increase in repayments compared to 2007 reflects also the increases in short-term debt compared to 2007.

        The cash inflow of $49 million from the issuance of shares, represented the exercise of call options by a bank. These call options (with strike prices of CHF 7.00 and CHF 7.50) had been issued at fair value during 2003 and 2004. As a result of the exercise approximately 6.8 million shares were issued.

        During 2008, we purchased 22.675 million ABB shares at a cost of $621 million in connection with the share buyback program launched in 2008 to repurchase shares up to a maximum value of 2.2 billion Swiss francs (equivalent to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2008 exchange rates). On February 12, 2009, we announced that given the market uncertainty, we are not actively pursuing new purchases under the program.

        Dividends paid in 2008 of $1,060 million represented the nominal value reduction of CHF 0.48 per share, approved at our Annual General Meeting in May 2008, which reduced the nominal value of our shares from CHF 2.50 each to CHF 2.02 each. Dividends paid to minority shareholders amounted to $152 million in 2008.

        The issuance of shares in 2007, resulting in a cash inflow of $241 million, represented the exercise of call options by a bank as well as the issuance of shares to employees in connection with our Employee Share Acquisition Plan (ESAP). The call options held by the bank (and related to our

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management incentive plan launches in 2001, 2003 and 2004) had been issued by us at fair value with strike prices ranging from CHF 7.00 to CHF 13.49. The exercise by the bank resulted in the issuance of approximately 19.6 million shares and net proceeds of $181 million. The exercise by employees of the options they held under the ESAP resulted in the issuance of 3.7 million shares and net proceeds of $60 million.

        During 2007, we purchased, on the open market, 10 million of our own shares for use in connection with our employee incentive plans, resulting in a cash outflow of $199 million and the corresponding increase in treasury stock.

        Dividends paid in 2007 of $449 million represented a dividend of CHF 0.24 per share, while dividends paid to minority shareholders amounted to $117 million.

        During 2006, the capital increase resulting from the issuance of shares under our ESAP led to a net cash inflow of $47 million. During 2006, we paid a dividend of CHF 0.12 per share which resulted in an outflow of $203 million while dividends paid to minority shareholders amounted to $94 million. Net cash used in financing activities in 2006 also included $72 million payments made in relation to the induced conversion of our 4.625% USD Convertible Bonds, due 2007, and $111 million payments in connection with the exchange of our 10% GBP Instruments, due 2009 and the 9.5% EUR Instruments, due 2008 which were partly offset by cash inflows from certain financial derivative transactions.

Disclosures about contractual obligations and commitments

        The contractual obligations presented in the table below represent our estimates of future payments under fixed contractual obligations and commitments. The amounts in the table may differ from those reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008. 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 in the table. The following table summarizes certain of our contractual obligations and principal and interest payments under our debt instruments, leases and purchase obligations at December 31, 2008:

Payments due by period
  Total   Less than
1 year
  1–3
years
  3–5
years
  More than
5 years
 
 
  ($ in millions)
 

Long-term debt obligations

    2,204     195     954     955     100  

Interest payments related to long-term debt obligations

    545     125     233     111     76  

Operating lease obligations

    1,957     372     593     441     551  

Capital lease obligations(1)

    249     40     52     32     125  

Purchase obligations

    4,565     3,917     511     107     30  
                       

Total

    9,520     4,649     2,343     1,646     882  
                       

(1)
Capital lease obligations represent the total cash payments to be made in the future and include interest expense of $117 million and executory cost of $5 million.

        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 characteristics of certain of our debt obligations. The net effect of these swaps may be to 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 12 Debt" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Of the total of $715 million unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008, it is expected that $14 million will be paid within less than a year, however, we cannot make a reasonably reliable

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estimate as to the related future payments for the remaining amount of $701 million. (See "Note 16 Taxes" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Off-balance sheet arrangements
Commercial commitments

        Certain guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 are accounted for in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). Upon issuance of certain guarantees, a liability, equal to the fair value of the guarantee, is recorded.

        FIN 45 requires that 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" as defined by FIN 45 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 results.

        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.

 
  December 31,  
 
  2008   2007  
 
  Maximum
potential
payments
  Carrying
amount of
liabilities
  Maximum
potential
payments
  Carrying
amount of
liabilities
 
 
  ($ in millions)
  ($ in millions)
 

Performance guarantees

    413     1     957     9  

Financial guarantees

    95         131      

Indemnification guarantees

    277     2     328     1  
                   

Total

    785     3     1,416     10  
                   

        For additional descriptions of our performance, financial and indemnification guarantees see "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Variable interests

        We are a party to certain off-balance sheet arrangements including variable interests in unconsolidated entities. (See "Note 11 Investments in equity method accounted companies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.)


ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

        We are engaged in environmental clean-up activities at certain sites principally in the United States of America, arising under various United States (U.S.) and other environmental protection laws and under certain agreements with third parties. In some cases, these environmental remediation actions are subject to legal proceedings, investigations or claims, and it is uncertain to which extent the Company is actually obligated to perform. Provisions for these unresolved matters have been set up if it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability and the amount of loss can be reasonably

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estimated. If a provision has been recognized for any of these matters we record an asset when it is probable that we will recover a portion of the costs expected to be incurred to settle them. We are of the opinion, based upon information presently available, that the resolution of any such obligation and non-collection of recoverable costs would not have a further material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contingencies related to former Nuclear Technology business

        We retain liabilities for certain specific environmental remediation costs at two sites in the United States that were operated by our former subsidiary, ABB CE-Nuclear Power Inc., which we sold to British Nuclear Fuels PLC (BNFL) in 2000.

        We established a provision of $300 million in income (loss) from discontinued operations in 2000 for our estimated share of the remediation costs for these sites. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, we have recorded in current and non-current other liabilities provisions of $241 million and $245 million, respectively, net of payments from inception of $54 million and $50 million, respectively. Expenditures charged against the provision were $4 million, $3 million and $4 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We have estimated that during 2009 we will charge expenditures of approximately $27 million to the provision.

        For a detailed description of these and other contingencies see "Note 15 Commitments and contingencies" to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Principles of Corporate Governance

        ABB is committed to the highest international standards of corporate governance, and supports 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 Regulations, the regulations of ABB's board committees, the ABB Ltd Related Party Transaction Policy, and the ABB Code of Conduct. 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.

        This section of the Annual Report is based on the Directive on Information Relating to Corporate Governance published by the SIX Swiss Exchange. Where an item listed in the directive is not addressed in this report, it is either inapplicable to, or immaterial for, ABB.

        In accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), a comparison of how the corporate governance practices followed by ABB differ from those required under the NYSE is included in "Item 16G. Corporate Governance" or can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

        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.

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        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 skill 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.

        Directors, as well as other persons authorized to act on behalf of a Swiss corporation, may perform all legal acts on behalf of the corporation which the business purpose, as set forth in the articles of incorporation of the corporation, may entail. Pursuant to court practice, such directors and officers can take any action that is not explicitly excluded by the business purpose of the corporation. In so doing, however, the directors and officers must still pursue the duty of due care and the duty of loyalty described above and must extend equal treatment to the corporation's shareholders in like circumstances. ABB's Articles of Incorporation do not contain provisions concerning a director's power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote on the compensation to themselves or any members of their body.

        Swiss law does not have a general provision on conflicts of interest and our Articles of Incorporation do not limit our directors' power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director or officer is materially interested. However, the Swiss Code of Obligations requires directors and officers to safeguard the interests of the corporation and, in this connection, imposes a duty of care and loyalty on directors and officers. This rule is generally understood and so recommended by the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance as disqualifying directors and officers from participating in decisions, other than in the shareholders' meeting, that directly affect them.

        Confidential information obtained by directors and officers of a Swiss corporation acting in such capacity must be kept confidential during and after their term of office.

        If directors and officers transact business on behalf of the corporation with bona fide third parties in violation of their statutory duties, the transaction is nevertheless valid, as long as it is not explicitly excluded by the corporation's business purpose as set forth in its articles of incorporation. Directors and officers acting in violation of their statutory duties—whether transacting business with bona fide third parties or performing any other acts on behalf of the company—may, however, become liable to the corporation, its shareholders and its creditors for damages. The liability is joint and several, but the courts may apportion the liability among the directors and officers in accordance with their degree of culpability.

        In addition, Swiss law contains a provision under which payments made to a shareholder or a director or any person(s) associated therewith, other than at arm's length, must be repaid to the company if the shareholder or director or any person associated therewith was acting in bad faith.

        If the board of directors has lawfully delegated the power to carry out day-to-day management to a different corporate body, e.g. the executive committee, it is not liable for the acts of the members of

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that different corporate body. Instead, the directors can be held liable only for their failure to properly select, instruct and supervise the members of that different corporate body.

Board of Directors

        The Board defines the ultimate direction of the business of ABB and issues the necessary instructions. It determines the organization of the ABB Group and appoints, removes and supervises the persons entrusted with the 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 Group Executive Committee, are set forth in the ABB Ltd Board Regulations, a copy of which can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

        The Board meets as frequently as needed but at least four times per annual Board term. Board meetings are convened by the chairman or upon request by a director or the chief executive officer (CEO). Written 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. Decisions made at the Board meetings are recorded in written minutes of the meetings.

        The CEO shall regularly, and whenever extraordinary circumstances so require, report to the Board about ABB's overall business and affairs. Further, Board members are entitled to information concerning ABB's business and affairs. Additional details are set forth in section 6 of the ABB Ltd Board Regulations.

        The members of the Board are elected individually at the ordinary general meeting of the shareholders for a term of one year; re-election is possible. Our Articles of Incorporation, a copy of which can be found in the corporate governance section at www.abb.com/investorrelations, 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 Regulations, a copy of which can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

        As at December 31, 2008, all Board members were non-executive and independent directors.

        As at December 31, 2008, the members of the Board (Board term—May 2008 to May 2009) were:

        Hubertus von Grünberg has been a member and chairman of ABB's Board of Directors since May 3, 2007. He is chairman of the supervisory board of Continental AG (Germany). He is a member of the supervisory boards of Allianz Versicherungs AG and Deutsche Telekom AG (both Germany). He is a member of the board of directors of Schindler Holding (Switzerland). Mr. von Grünberg was born in 1942 and is a German citizen.

        Roger Agnelli has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since March 12, 2002. He is the president and chief executive officer of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Brazil). Mr. Agnelli was born in 1959 and is a Brazilian citizen.

        Louis R. Hughes has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since May 16, 2003. Mr. Hughes is the chairman and chief executive officer of GBS Laboratories (U.S.). He is the former chairman of Out Performance Inc. (U.S.). He is also a member of the boards of directors of Akzo Nobel (The Netherlands), Alcatel Lucent (France) and Sulzer (Switzerland). Mr. Hughes was born in 1949 and is an American citizen.

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        Hans Ulrich Märki has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since March 12, 2002. He is the retired chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa (France), and a member of the board of directors of Mettler-Toledo International (U.S.) and SwissRe and Menuhin Festival Gstaad AG (both Switzerland). He is also a member of the foundation board of Schulthess Klinik, Zurich (Switzerland) andthe board of trustees of the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg (Russia). Mr. Märki was born in 1946 and is a Swiss citizen.

        Michel de Rosen has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since March 12, 2002. He is the chief executive officer of Groupe SGD (France) and the former chairman of ViroPharma (U.S.). Mr. de Rosen was born in 1951 and is a French citizen.

        Michael Treschow has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since May 16, 2003. He is the chairman of the boards of directors of Ericsson (Sweden), Unilever NV (The Netherlands), and Unilever PLC (U.K.). He is also a member of board of directors of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (Sweden). Mr. Treschow was born in 1943 and is a Swedish citizen.

        Bernd W. Voss has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since March 12, 2002. He is a member of the supervisory board of Dresdner Bank (Germany). He is also a member of the boards of directors of Continental AG, Hapag-Lloyd, and Wacker Chemie (all Germany). Mr. Voss was born in 1939 and is a German citizen.

        Jacob Wallenberg has been a member of ABB's Board of Directors since June 26, 1999. From March 1999 to June 1999, he served as a member of the board of directors of ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, the former parent company of the ABB Group. He is the chairman of the board of directors of Investor AB (Sweden). He is vice chairman of SEB Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Atlas Copco AB and SAS AB (all Sweden). He is also a member of the boards of directors of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Nobel Foundation and the Stockholm School of Economics (all Sweden), and Coca Cola Company (U.S.). Mr. Wallenberg was born in 1956 and is a Swedish citizen.

        As of December 31, 2008, none of ABB's Board members held any official functions or political posts. Further information on ABB's Board members can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

        From among its members, the Board has appointed two Board committees: the Governance, Nomination and Compensation Committee (GNCC) and the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee (FACC). The duties and objectives of the Board committees are set forth in regulations issued or approved by the Board, copies of which can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations. These committees assist the Board in its tasks and report regularly to the Board. The members of the Board committees are required to be independent.

        The GNCC is responsible for (1) overseeing corporate governance practices within ABB, (2) selecting candidates for the Board, the Board committees, the role of CEO and other positions on the Group Executive Committee, and (3) succession planning, employment and compensation matters relating to the Board and the Group Executive Committee. The GNCC is also responsible for maintaining an orientation program for new Board members and an ongoing education program for existing Board members.

        The GNCC must comprise three or more independent directors. The chairman of the Board and, upon invitation by the committee's chairman, the CEO or other members of the Group Executive Committee may participate in the committee meetings, provided that any potential conflict of interest is avoided and confidentiality of the discussions is maintained.

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        As at December 31, 2008, the members of the GNCC were:

        The FACC is responsible for overseeing (1) the integrity of ABB's financial statements, (2) ABB's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the independent auditors' qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of ABB's internal audit function and external auditors.

        The FACC must comprise three or more independent directors who have a thorough understanding of finance and accounting. The chairman of the Board and, upon invitation by the committee's chairman, the CEO or other members of the Group 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 Compliance Officer, the Head of Internal Audit and the external auditors participate in the meetings as appropriate. As required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board has determined that Bernd W. Voss is an audit committee financial expert.

        As at December 31, 2008, the members of the FACC were:

        The table below shows the number of meetings held during 2008 by the Board and its committees, their average duration, as well as the attendance of the individual Board members. In addition, members of the Board and the Group Executive Committee participated in a two-day strategic retreat.

 
  Board of
Directors
  Governance,
Nomination and
Compensation
Committee
  Finance, Audit and
Compliance
Committee
 

Average duration (hrs.)

    7     3.5     3  

Number of meetings

    5     5     7  

Meetings attended:

                   

Hubertus von Grünberg

    5          

Roger Agnelli

    4     4      

Louis R. Hughes

    4         7  

Hans Ulrich Märki

    5     5      

Michel de Rosen

    5     5      

Michael Treschow

    5          

Bernd W. Voss

    5         7  

Jacob Wallenberg

    5         7  

        Diane de Saint Victor is the secretary to the Board.

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Group Executive Committee

        The Board has delegated the executive management of ABB to the CEO and the other members of the Group Executive Committee. The CEO and under his direction the other members of the Group 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 relevant to the Group.

        Each member of the Group Executive Committee is appointed and discharged by the Board.

        As at December 31, 2008, the members of the Group Executive Committee were:

        Joe Hogan joined ABB as Chief Executive Officer in September 2008. Before joining ABB, Mr. Hogan was the CEO and President of General Electric's GE Healthcare unit from 2000 to 2008. From 1985 to 2000, Mr. Hogan held various positions at General Electric. Mr. Hogan was born in 1957 and is an American citizen.

        Michel Demaré joined ABB as Chief Financial Officer in January 2005, and was appointed interim CEO in addition to his duties as CFO from February 2008 to August 2008. In October 2008, Mr Demaré also assumed responsibilities as Head of Global Markets. From 2002 until 2004 Mr. Demaré was vice president and chief financial officer of Baxter Europe. From 1984 until 2002, he held various positions within Dow Chemical (U.S.). Mr. Demaré was born in 1956 and is a Belgian citizen.

        Ulrich Spiesshofer joined ABB as head of Corporate Development in November 2005. From 2002 until he joined ABB, he was senior partner, global head of operations practice at Roland Berger AG. Prior to 2002, he held various positions with A.T. Kearney Pty. Ltd. and its affiliates. Mr. Spiesshofer was born in 1964 and is a German citizen.

        Gary Steel joined ABB as head of Human Resources in January 2003. Mr. Steel is a member of the board of directors of Harman International Industries Inc. (U.S.). In 2002, he was the human resources director, group finance at Royal Dutch Shell (The Netherlands). Between 1976 and 2002, he held several human resources and employee relations positions at Royal Dutch Shell. Mr. Steel was born in 1952 and is a British citizen.

        Diane de Saint Victor joined ABB as General Counsel in January 2007. From 2004 to 2006, she was general counsel of European Aeronautic Defence and Space, EADS (France/Germany). From 2003 to 2004, she was general counsel of SCA Hygiene Products (Germany). From 1993 to 2003, she held various legal positions with Honeywell International (France/Belgium). From 1988 to 1993, she held various legal positions with General Electric (U.S.). Ms. de Saint Victor was born in 1955 and is a French citizen.

        Bernhard Jucker was appointed Executive Committee member responsible for our Power Products division in January 2006. From 2003 to 2005, he was ABB's country manager for Germany. From 1980 to 2003 he held various positions in ABB. Mr. Jucker was born in 1954 and is a Swiss citizen.

        Peter Leupp was appointed Executive Committee member responsible for the Power Systems division in January 2007. From 2005 to 2006, he was ABB's regional manager for North Asia and from 2001 to 2006 he was ABB's country manager for China. From 1989 to 2001, he held various positions in ABB. Mr. Leupp was born in 1951 and is a Swiss citizen.

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        Tom Sjökvist was appointed Executive Committee member responsible for the Automation Products division in January 2006. From 2003 to 2005, he was the head of the Automation Products business area. From 1972 to 2003, he held several positions with ABB. Mr. Sjökvist was born in 1947 and is a Swedish citizen.

        Veli-Matti Reinikkala was appointed Executive Committee member responsible for the Process Automation division in January 2006. He is a member of the board of directors of UPM-Kymmene (Finland). In 2005, he was the head of the Process Automation business area. From 1993 to 2005, he held several positions with ABB. Mr. Reinikkala was born in 1957 and is a Finnish citizen.

        Anders Jonsson was appointed Executive Committee member responsible for the Robotics division in January 2006. In 2005, he was the head of the former Automation Technologies division in China. From 1976 to 2004, he held various positions with ABB. Mr. Jonsson was born in 1950 and is a Swedish citizen.

        Further information about the members of the Group Executive Committee can be found in the corporate governance section at: www.abb.com/investorrelations.

        There are no management contracts between ABB and companies or natural persons not belonging to the ABB Group.

Compensation

        The compensation levels of members of the Board are as follows:

Amounts in CHF
 
Board Term
2008 - 2009
 
Board Term
2007 - 2008
 

Chairman

    1,200,000     1,200,000  

Member of the Board and Committee chairman

    400,000     400,000  

Member of the Board

    300,000     300,000  

        Board compensation is payable in semi-annual installments in arrear. The first payment is made in November, for the period of Board membership from election at the annual general meeting to October of that year. The second payment is made in May of the following year for the period of Board membership from November to the end of that Board term.

        Board members elect to receive either 50 percent or 100 percent of their compensation in ABB shares. The reference price for the shares to be delivered (and hence the calculation of the number of shares to be delivered) is the average closing price of the ABB share during a defined 30-day period, which is different for each installment. The ABB shares are kept in a blocked account for three years after the date of original delivery and may only be disposed of earlier if the respective person shall have left the Board and shall not have agreed otherwise to the shares remaining blocked for the original three-year period. In addition, all shares that were in the blocked account at the beginning of May 2007 are blocked until May 2010 and may be disposed of earlier only if the respective Board member shall have left the Board before 2010 and shall not have agreed to the shares remaining blocked until 2010.

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        The compensation amounts per individual are listed in the table below.

 
   
  Paid in 2008   Paid in 2007  
 
   
  November
Board term 2008/2009
  May
Board term 2007/2008
   
  November
Board term 2007/2008
   
 
Name
  Function   Settled in
cash(1)
  Settled in
shares-
number of
shares
received(2)
  Settled in
cash(1)
  Settled in
shares-
number of
shares
received(2)
  Compensation
Paid 2008
Total(3)
  Settled in
cash(1)
  Settled in
shares—
number of
shares
received(2)
  Compensation
Paid 2007
Total(4)
 
 
   
  CHF
   
   
   
  CHF
  CHF
   
  CHF
 

Hubertus von Grünberg

  Chairman of the Board     300,000     10,139     300,000     7,919     1,200,000     300,000     6,779     600,000  

Roger Agnelli(5)

  Member of the Board     75,000     2,514     75,000     1,968     300,000     75,000     1,677     150,000  

Louis R. Hughes(6)

  Member of the Board     75,000     2,514     75,000     1,968     300,000     75,000     1,677     150,000  

Hans Ulrich Märki

  Member of the Board and Chairman of the Governance, Nomination and Compensation Committee         9,204         7,199     400,000         6,149     200,000  

Michel de Rosen(5)

  Member of the Board     75,000     2,514     75,000     1,968     300,000     75,000     1,677     150,000  

Michael Treschow

  Member of the Board     75,000     2,543     75,000     1,971     300,000     75,000     1,677     150,000  

Bernd W. Voss

  Member of the Board and Chairman of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee     100,000     3,387     100,000     2,644     400,000     100,000     2,273     200,000  

Jacob Wallenberg(6)

  Member of the Board     75,000     2,514         3,936     300,000         3,354     150,000  
                                       

Total

        775,000     35,329     700,000     29,573     3,500,000     700,000     25,263     1,750,000  
                                       

1)
Represents gross amounts 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, the Company paid in 2008 CHF 223,267 in employee social security payments. For the 2008-2009 Board term, all members have elected to receive 50% of their gross compensation in the form of ABB shares, except for Hans Ulrich Märki who elected to receive 100%.

4)
Effective as of 2007 Board compensation became payable in semi-annual installments in arrear and therefore there was only one payment in 2007. For the 2007-2008 Board term, all members elected to receive 50% of their gross compensation in the form of ABB shares, except for Hans Ulrich Märki and Jacob Wallenberg who elected to receive 100%.

5)
Member of the Governance, Nomination and Compensation Committee.

6)
Member of the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee.

        Board members do not receive pension benefits and are not eligible to participate in any of our employee incentive programs.

        The GNCC has structured the compensation for the members of the Group Executive Committee into three principal components (1) an annual base salary, (2) a short term incentive and (3) a long-term incentive. In deciding the level of these components for each of the Group Executive Committee members, the GNCC reviews the components against pan-European benchmarks, and in the case of Veli-Matti Reinikkala, against U.S. top executive benchmarks provided by the Hay Group.

        Short term incentives for members of the Group Executive Committee are their annual bonuses. To align the performance expectations of these members with the development of ABB, these bonuses depend at least 50 percent on ABB's business performance during the preceding financial year. Resulting bonuses are paid in March each year after full-year results are announced. The CEO has a maximum bonus opportunity of 150 percent of his base salary. All other current Group Executive Committee members have a maximum bonus opportunity of 100 percent of their base salary.

        ABB aligns the performance of the members of the Group Executive Committee with that of ABB on a longer term basis by offering them the opportunity to participate in the Long-term Incentive Plan

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(LTIP). Some members of the Group Executive Committee have participated in the earlier launches of the Management Incentive Plan (MIP) and those who did so, were not eligible to participate in an LTIP launch for the same period.

        Members of the Group Executive Committee also receive pension benefits. All members are insured in Switzerland in the ABB Pension Fund, the ABB Supplementary Insurance Plan, the Tödi Plan and the Tödi Foundation—TEDC Plan (the regulations are available under www.abbvorsorge.ch), with the exception of Veli-Matti Reinikkala, who was insured under comparable plans in Finland for the first half of the year and then in comparable plans in the U.S. The members receive pension contributions from ABB in accordance with the terms of their pension plans.

        Group Executive Committee members receive customary additional benefits such as a company car, and accident, life, unemployment, social and health insurance compensation. In some cases, members receive contributions to children's education. Members are also eligible to participate in ESAP.

        On September 1, 2008, Joe Hogan joined ABB as Chief Executive Officer. His base salary for 2008 was CHF 1.9 million pro-rated for the four months he was employed. In connection with his joining ABB, he received (1) a sign-on bonus in the amount of CHF 3,000,000 and (2) sign-on grants of ABB shares with a value of CHF 10 million (based on the average ABB share price in the 20 trading days preceding his start date)—50% to vest in 3 years and 50% to vest in 5 years from the date he commenced employment with ABB, provided he does not elect to leave ABB before those dates and that he is not terminated for cause prior to those dates. These sign-on amounts were to compensate him for certain forfeited benefits from his previous employer. Mr. Hogan, like other members of the Group Executive Committee, also received conditional grants under the 2008 launch of ABB's Long-Term Incentive Plan as well as the right to participate in the co-investment portion of that plan. In addition, he received customary additional benefits including pension contributions, relocation compensation, car, schooling for children, health insurance and other miscellaneous benefits. In 2009, he will be entitled to receive an annual bonus up to 150% of his pro-rated base salary in 2008. His compensation, together with the compensation of the other members of the Group Executive Committee, is detailed further in the remainder of this section.

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        The total compensation of each member of the Group Executive Committee is displayed in two parts: (1) total salary and other non share-based compensation and (2) total share-based compensation. The total salary and other non share-based compensation includes base salary, bonuses, pension contributions and certain other items as described more fully in the salary and other non share-compensation table later in this Item 6. The total share-based compensation includes all share-related grants to individuals. The valuation is based on the market price of the ABB Ltd share at the time of grant and for the LTIP grants assumes 100 percent vesting, although less than 100 percent may actually vest. Share-based compensation is described more fully in the share-based compensation table later in this Item 6. The total compensation includes only compensation received by an individual in connection with his or her role as a member of the Group Executive Committee. The total compensation of members of the Group Executive Committee in 2008 is summarized in the table below:

Name
  Function   Total salary and
other non share-
based
compensation
  Total
share-based
compensation(1)
  Total  
 
   
  CHF
  CHF
  CHF
 

Joe Hogan(2)

  Chief Executive Officer     4,119,134     15,084,279     19,203,413  

Michel Demaré

  Chief Financial Officer     3,330,059     3,963,209     7,293,268  

Gary Steel

  Human Resources responsible     2,352,667     2,082,413     4,435,080  

Ulrich Spiesshofer

  Corporate Development responsible     2,077,822     1,978,285     4,056,107  

Diane de Saint Victor

  General Counsel     1,903,921     1,973,985     3,877,906  

Bernhard Jucker

  Power Products Division responsible     2,077,401     2,469,149     4,546,550  

Peter Leupp

  Power Systems Division responsible     1,980,773     2,081,199     4,061,972  

Tom Sjökvist

  Automation Products Division responsible     1,974,501     1,906,201     3,880,702  

Veli-Matti Reinikkala

  Process Automation Division responsible     1,863,471     1,765,876     3,629,347  

Anders Jonsson

  Robotics Division responsible     1,458,202     1,652,547     3,110,749  
                   

Total current executive committee members

        23,137,951     34,957,143     58,095,094  
                   

Fred Kindle

  President and Chief Executive Officer until February 13, 2008     8,660,961         8,660,961  

Ravi Uppal

  President Global Markets from July 1, 2007 to October 31, 2008     4,264,595     1,936,379     6,200,974  
                   

Total former executive committee members

        12,925,556     1,936,379     14,861,935  
                   

Total

        36,063,507     36,893,522     72,957,029  
                   

(1)
The total share-based compensation amounts have been calculated using the market value of the ABB share on the day of grant and assume 100 percent vesting, although less than 100 percent may actually vest.

(2)
Joe Hogan's total compensation for 2008 included CHF 13 million of sign-on bonus to compensate him for certain forfeited benefits from his previous employer.

        The table below shows the gross payments (i.e. compensation before deduction of employee social insurance and pension contributions) that were made to, or on behalf of, the members of the Group Executive Committee in 2008, but excludes share-based compensation, which is shown in a separate table below.

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  Costs of
company
car
leasing
   
   
  Employer's
social
security
payments
   
 
 
  Base
salary
   
  Additional
compensation
  Employers'
pension
contributions
  Costs of
health
insurance
  Costs of
children's
education
   
 
 
  Bonus(1)   Total  
Name  
  CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF   CHF  

Joe Hogan(2)

    633,335         3,150,000     85,055     2,666     3,153     4,500     240,425     4,119,134  

Michel Demaré(3)

    1,190,043     832,832     325,706     242,710     26,575     8,644     31,320     672,229     3,330,059  

Gary Steel

    765,004     685,462     706     257,484     26,574     9,622     27,000     580,815     2,352,667  

Ulrich Spiesshofer

    723,337     659,640     706     210,850     28,460     7,820         447,009     2,077,822  

Diane de Saint Victor(4)

    725,005     649,250     4,900     232,079         8,632           284,055     1,903,921  

Bernhard Jucker

    904,999     773,145     706     252,640     29,963     8,412         107,536     2,077,401  

Peter Leupp(5)

    758,338     682,500     73,706     262,232     27,278     9,622         167,097     1,980,773  

Tom Sjökvist(6)

    761,672     702,000     96,466     275,866     29,368