For the quarter ending in September, ABB’s operating earnings before interest, tax, and amortisation (EBITA) rose 12% to $1.74 billion, beating analyst expectations of $1.70 billion, according to a company-compiled consensus. Revenue climbed 11% to $9.08 billion, surpassing forecasts of $8.88 billion, while orders increased 12% compared to the same period last year.
Shares in ABB were indicated 2.9% higher in premarket trading following the results.
“We are seeing a robust overall market situation with customers continuing to invest in electrical power and automation,” said Chief Executive Morten Wierod. “U.S. tariff-related market uncertainties remain, but so far we have not seen any material impact on demand or profitability.”
Regional Trends: Strong U.S. and Brazil, Weak China and India
ABB reported particularly strong momentum in the U.S., where orders surged 27% across all business areas. The company also experienced significant growth in Brazil, with orders up 38%.
However, China saw a 4% decline in new business, largely due to reduced demand in process automation and electrification systems, while India’s orders fell 7%.
The regional divergence highlights how differing industrial cycles and policy environments are shaping ABB’s global performance. The company’s results also provide a snapshot of broader industrial trends — its equipment powers everything from factories and mines to data centres and smart buildings.
Analysts’ Take and Market Outlook
Mark Diethelm, an analyst at Bank Vontobel, described ABB’s results as “a touch ahead of expectations” across key metrics, noting that demand for short-cycle products such as motors and drives helped boost performance.
Looking ahead, ABB forecast that comparable sales would grow at a mid-single-digit rate in the fourth quarter, suggesting steady demand even amid global economic uncertainties.
Strategic Moves and Leadership Update
This was ABB’s first quarterly update since announcing plans to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group in a $5.4 billion deal, a move aimed at sharpening its focus on core electrification and automation businesses.
In a separate announcement, ABB also said that Chief Financial Officer Timo Ihamuotila will step down in 2026 after nearly a decade with the company. He will be succeeded by Christian Nilsson, currently CFO of ABB’s electrification business.
Despite trade tensions and regional disparities, ABB’s latest results reaffirm its resilience in a shifting global industrial landscape. With strong order books in the U.S. and Europe and a strategic repositioning under way, the company appears well placed to sustain growth into 2025.