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Thursday, February 28, 2019

ABB: Solid Growth



ZURICH-Thursday 28 February 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- FULL YEAR 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

    Total orders +8%1, up in all divisions and regions
    Revenues +4%, strong growth in Robotics and Motion
    Order backlog +6% at end of year, book-to-bill ratio2 at 1.03x
    ABB Ability™ drives growth across all divisions
    Operational EBITA margin 10.9%2, impacted by a combined 250 basis points due to stranded costs, charges for legacy non-core projects and GEIS dilution
    Reported net income at $2,173 million, -2%
    Cash flow from operating activities at approx. $3 billion
    New ABB announced
        Focus of portfolio on digital industries through divestment of Power Grids
        Simplification of business model and structure
        Shape four leading businesses aligned with customer patterns
    Acquisition of GEIS completed on June 30, 2018
    CHF 0.80 per share dividend proposed

FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    Total orders +7%, higher in all divisions and regions
    Revenues +5%
    Operational EBITA margin 7.9%, impacted by a combined 400 basis points due to stranded costs, legacy non-core charges and GEIS dilution
    Solid cash flow from operating activities at approx. $1.9 billion
    Sylvia Hill to succeed Jean-Christophe Deslarzes as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2019

KEY FIGURES
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
   


   


   


   

Q4 2018
   


   


   


   

Q4 2017 Recast
   


   


   


   

US$
   


   


   


   

Comparable

1
   


   


   


   

FY 2018
   


   


   


   

FY 2017 Recast
   


   


   


   

US$
   


   


   


   

Comparable1
               

Orders
   


   


   


   

6,985
   


   


   


   

6,328
   


   


   


   

+10%
   


   


   


   

+7%
   


   


   


   

28,590
   


   


   


   

25,034
   


   


   


   

+14%
   


   


   


   

+8%
               

Revenues
   


   


   


   

7,395
   


   


   


   

6,804
   


   


   


   

+9%
   


   


   


   

+5%
   


   


   


   

27,662
   


   


   


   

25,196
   


   


   


   

+10%
   


   


   


   

+4%
               

Income from operations
   


   


   


   

275
   


   


   


   

324
   


   


   


   

-15%
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

2,226
   


   


   


   

2,230
   


   


   


   

0%
   


   


   


   


               

Operational EBITA2
   


   


   


   

584
   


   


   


   

664
   


   


   


   

-12%
   


   


   


   

-10%3
   


   


   


   

3,005
   


   


   


   

2,817
   


   


   


   

+7%
   


   


   


   

+5%3
               

as % of operational revenues
   


   


   


   

7.9%
   


   


   


   

9.7%
   


   


   


   

-1.8pts
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

10.9%
   


   


   


   

11.2%
   


   


   


   

-0.3pts
   


   


   


   


               

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
   


   


   


   

210
   


   


   


   

214
   


   


   


   

-2%
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

1,575
   


   


   


   

1,519
   


   


   


   

4%
   


   


   


   


               

Net income attributable to ABB
   


   


   


   

317
   


   


   


   

393
   


   


   


   

-19%
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

2,173
   


   


   


   

2,213
   


   


   


   

-2%
   


   


   


   


               

Basic EPS ($)
   


   


   


   

0.15
   


   


   


   

0.18
   


   


   


   

-19%4
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

1.02
   


   


   


   

1.04
   


   


   


   

-2%4
   


   


   


   


               

Operational EPS ($)2
   


   


   


   

0.30
   


   


   


   

0.33
   


   


   


   

-9%4
   


   


   


   

-6%4
   


   


   


   

1.33
   


   


   


   

1.25
   


   


   


   

+7%4
   


   


   


   

+8%4
               

Cash flow from operating activities
   


   


   


   

1,867
   


   


   


   

1,869
   


   


   


   

0%
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

2,924
   


   


   


   

3,799
   


   


   


   

-23%
   


   


   


   


               

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced an agreed sale of its Power Grids division. Consequently, the results of the Power Grids business are presented as discontinued operations. The company’s results for all periods have been adjusted accordingly.

“In 2018, we brought the company back to growth and delivered solid order and revenue growth. We drove topline momentum with our leading Robotics and Motion offering and played a strong role in the ongoing recovery of process industries with our industrial automation business and ABB Ability™ digital solutions. We will continue to drive the operational improvements in Electrification Products and our company overall”, said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.

“At the end of 2018, we set the course for a new ABB as a pioneering technology leader in digital industries. We announced three transformational actions to focus our portfolio, simplify and fundamentally reset our business model as well as strengthen the leading business positions of our company. Our confidence in ABB’s future is reflected in the proposed 10th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 0.80.”

Short-term outlook

Macroeconomic signs are mixed in Europe and trending positively in the United States, with growth expected to continue in China. The overall global market is growing, with rising geopolitical uncertainties in various parts of the world. Oil prices and foreign exchange translation effects are expected to continue to influence the company’s results.

Full-year 2018 Group results

ABB delivered strong order and revenue performance in 2018. The group’s digital solutions offering, ABB Ability™, continued to build its leading market position. Total orders were 8 percent higher (14 percent in US dollars) with strong positive contributions from Robotics and Motion and Industrial Automation as well as solid performance from Electrification Products. Total orders exhibited similar growth trends across all regions. Base orders (classified as orders below $15 million) improved 6 percent (14 percent in US dollars) in 2018, rising in all divisions and regions. Large orders increased 45 percent (20 percent in US dollars), albeit off a low comparative base, and represented 7 percent of total orders, compared to 6 percent in the prior year. Service orders were 7 percent higher (12 percent in US dollars) and now stand at 19 percent of total orders.

Revenues improved 4 percent (10 percent in US dollars) to $27,662 million. Revenues grew across all divisions, with strong performance from Robotics and Motion and robust contributions from Electrification Products and Industrial Automation. Service revenues were up 7 percent (11 percent in US dollars) to 19 percent of group revenues. The book-to-bill ratio stood at 1.03x in 2018 compared with 0.99x in the previous year.

ABB continued to shift its center of gravity, de-risking the portfolio and improving organic growth prospects. The exit from EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) activities progressed as ABB transferred its turnkey AC Substation business to Linxon, a new joint-venture with SNC Lavalin. ABB continues to unwind the remaining legacy EPC contracts, which impacted results reported through the period for the non-core business unit in Corporate and other. ABB strengthened the competitiveness of its Electrification Products division through the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions (“GEIS”) on June 30, 2018. Integration efforts are well underway. GEIS’ performance in the second half of 2018 has been in line with managements expectations.

ABB announced fundamental actions to focus, simplify and lead in digital industries on December 17, 2018. The group’s actions included the divestment of the Power Grids business. As a consequence of the announced sale, the results of the Power Grids business are now presented as discontinued operations and the group has reflected stranded costs in its operational EBITA result for both the 2017 and 2018 periods, in line with the guidance provided as part of the announcement on December 17, 2018. Stranded costs are services provided by the group to Power Grids that do not qualify to be reported as discontinued operations. These services include real estate, IT, and other shared corporate services. The company expects the vast majority of these costs to either be transferred to Power Grids or eliminated by the closing of the transaction, which is anticipated in the first half of 2020.

The company’s operational EBITA in 2018 reached $3,005 million, an increase of 7 percent in US dollars (5 percent in local currencies), including stranded costs of $297 million. The operational EBITA margin was 10.9%, including 110 basis points related to stranded costs as well as an 100 basis point charge related to legacy non-core business activities, and 40 basis points dilution from GEIS.

Net income attributable to ABB of $2,173 million was 2 percent lower compared to 2017. Basic EPS was 2 percent lower at $1.02. Operational EPS2 was $1.33, up 8 percent in constant currency2.

Cash flow from operating activities5 of $2,924 million for the full year was 23 percent lower year on year. This is mainly due to lower cash from discontinued operations as well as less favorable timing of tax payments. Net working capital of $2,584 million stood at 9 percent of revenues at the end of 2018, compared to 10 percent at the end of the prior year period. Capital expenditures for the group were $772 million during the year, at the same level as in 2017. Adjusted free cash flow2 of $2,024 million was 31 percent below the prior year.

Dividend

ABB’s board has proposed an ordinary dividend of 0.80 Swiss francs per share for 2018, subject to shareholder approval at the company’s annual general meeting on May 2, 2019. The proposal is in line with ABB’s dividend policy to pay a rising, sustainable dividend over time. The ex-dividend and payout dates in Switzerland are expected to be in May 2019. Further information will be available on ABB’s website.

Q4 2018 Group results

Orders

Total orders rose 7 percent (10 percent in US dollars), up in all divisions and regions compared to a year ago. Base orders increased 5 percent (11 percent in US dollars), higher in all divisions during the quarter. Large orders represented 5 percent of total orders, steady compared to the prior year period. The order backlog rose 6 percent (5 percent in US dollars) compared to a year ago, improving in all divisions, to end the year at $13.1 billion.

Service orders were up 5 percent (7 percent in US dollars). Service orders represent 20 percent of total orders, compared to 21 percent in the prior year period.

Changes in the business portfolio, including the acquisition of GEIS resulted in a net positive impact of 8 percent on total reported orders. Foreign exchange translation effects had a 5 percent negative impact on reported orders.

Market overview

ABB saw positive order trends across its three regions in the quarter:

    Total orders from Europe rose 4 percent (5 percent in US dollars), with positive contributions from Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and France outpacing lower contributions from Germany, Norway and Spain. Base orders rose 2 percent (2 percent in US dollars).
    Total orders from the Americas increased 11 percent (32 percent in US dollars). Orders from the United States rose 8 percent (38 percent in US dollars) and also improved in Mexico and Brazil. Base orders from the Americas increased 13 percent (37 percent in US dollars).
    In Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), total orders grew 7 percent (steady in US dollars), supported by growth in China, India and Japan. In China, demand was softer in select end-markets, but remained positive, with total orders rising 6 percent (6 percent in US dollars). Base orders for AMEA were steady (1 percent lower in US dollars).

Demand was supportive across the majority of ABB’s key customer segments:

    ABB saw healthy demand from process industries, including oil and gas, mining, and pulp and paper, with customers continuing to invest in automation and digital solutions.
    Demand across discrete industries remained solid, including continued growth from the food & beverage sector. Demand was strong in the automotive market, with customers seeking robotics solutions for both ICE and EV assembly lines, more than offsetting softer investments from customers in the consumer electronics sector.
    Transport and infrastructure demand was healthy. Demand from construction and buildings related customers was robust. Data center growth continued with customer demand focused on combined automation and distribution solutions. ABB saw further activity in cruise ships and from rail customers.

Revenues

Revenues improved 5 percent to $7,395 million (9 percent in US dollars), with strong growth in Robotics and Motion, robust performance from Electrification Products and a steady result from Industrial Automation. Service revenues were up 4 percent (8 percent in US dollars), enhanced by ABB’s leading digital portfolio, ABB Ability™ solutions. Services represented 20 percent of total revenues, steady versus the prior year period.

Business portfolio changes, including the acquisition of GEIS, contributed a net positive of 8 percent to reported revenues. Changes in exchange rates resulted in a negative translation impact on reported revenues of 4 percent.

The book-to-bill ratio stood at 0.94x in the quarter compared with 0.93x in the previous year’s period.

Operational EBITA

Operational EBITA of $584 million in the fourth quarter was 12 percent lower in US dollars (10 percent in local currencies) compared to the prior year period. The operational EBITA margin of 7.9 percent, included $72 million, or a 100-basis point impact from stranded costs. As well, operational EBITA reflects 260 basis points impact from charges for legacy non-core activities, mainly related to substations, and a 40 basis points impact due to the acquisition of GEIS.

Net income, basic and operational earnings per share

Net income was $317 million, 19 percent lower year on year. Basic earnings per share of $0.15 also moved the same amount in percentage terms. Operational earnings per share of $0.30 was 9 percent lower, and 6 percent in constant currency4.

Cash flow from operating activities

The group delivered solid cash flow from operating activities of $1,867 million, steady compared to the similarly strong cash flow delivered in the prior year period. Continued focus on working capital had a positive impact compared to the same period last year, offset by less favorable timing of tax payments and a lower contribution from discontinued operations.

Q4 divisional performance

($ in millions, unless otherwise indicated)
   


   


   


   

Orders
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   


   

3rd party base orders
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   


   

Revenues
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   


   

Op EBITA %
   


   


   


   

CHANGE
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

US$
   


   


   


   

Compa-

rable

1
   


   


   


   


   


   


   

US$
   


   


   


   

Compa-

rable1
   


   


   


   


   


   


   

US$
   


   


   


   

Compa-

rable1
   


   


   


   


   


   


               

Electrification Products
   


   


   


   

3,139
   


   


   


   

+23%
   


   


   


   

+2%
   


   


   


   

3,032
   


   


   


   

+27%
   


   


   


   

+3%
   


   


   


   

3,320
   


   


   


   

+23%
   


   


   


   

+3%
   


   


   


   

11.7%
   


   


   


   

-3.0pts
               

Industrial Automation
   


   


   


   

1,866
   


   


   


   

+4%
   


   


   


   

+8%
   


   


   


   

1,639
   


   


   


   

+0%
   


   


   


   

+4%
   


   


   


   

1,938
   


   


   


   

-4%
   


   


   


   

+0%
   


   


   


   

12.9%
   


   


   


   

-2.0pts
               

Robotics and Motion
   


   


   


   

2,175
   


   


   


   

+7%
   


   


   


   

+11%
   


   


   


   

1,872
   


   


   


   

+2%
   


   


   


   

+6%
   


   


   


   

2,341
   


   


   


   

+7%
   


   


   


   

+11%
   


   


   


   

15.0%
   


   


   


   

+1.2pts
               

Corporate & Other
   


   


   


   

(195)
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

11
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   

(204)
   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


   


               

ABB Group
   


   


   


   

6,985
   


   


   


   

+10%
   


   


   


   

+7%
   


   


   


   

6,554
   


   


   


   

+11%
   


   


   


   

+5%
   


   


   


   

7,395
   


   


   


   

+9%
   


   


   


   

+5%
   


   


   


   

7.9%
   


   


   


   

-1.8pts
               

Effective January 1, 2018, management responsibility and oversight of certain remaining engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business, previously included in the Industrial Automation and Robotics and Motion operating segments and the former Power Grids business, were transferred to a new non-core operating business within Corporate and Other. The Power Grids division was moved from continuing to discontinued operations. All previously reported amounts have been adjusted consistent with these portfolio changes.

Electrification Products

Total orders rose 2 percent (23 percent in US dollars) and third-party base orders increased 3 percent (27 percent in US dollars). Good demand for products was dampened by a lower order volume for systems. Revenues improved 3 percent (23 percent in US dollars), driven by growth in our short-cycle businesses. Operational EBITA margin was 300 basis points lower year-on-year at 11.7 percent. The integration of GEIS diluted margins by 210 basis points, in line with expectations. Excluding GEIS, operating margins were impacted by negative contractual charges amounting to approximately 90 basis points, which outweighed positive mix, cost savings and pricing actions during the quarter.

Industrial Automation

Compared to the prior year period, total orders improved 8 percent (4 percent in US dollars), boosted by selective large order activity, while third-party base orders were up by 4 percent (steady in US dollars). Order activity for cruise ships and in process industries including mining and pulp and paper was strong during the quarter. Revenues were steady (4 percent lower in US dollars). The operational EBITA margin of 12.9 percent reflects change in the business mix as well as a one-time charge due to payment default by a customer that impacted the divisional margin by approximately 80 basis points.

Robotics and Motion

The division saw continued order momentum with total orders up 11 percent (7 percent in US dollars) and third-party base orders up 6 percent (2 percent in US dollars). Order growth was achieved across all regions, supported by large orders from automotive and rail customers and continued demand from process industries. Revenues increased 11 percent (7 percent in US dollars). Operational EBITA margin at 15.0 percent expanded 120 basis points year-on-year, driven by positive volumes and continued cost management.

2018 Highlights

During 2018, ABB recorded strong order momentum across all divisions and regions. The company’s pioneering technology leadership in digital industries advanced, with ABB Ability™ recognized by industry analysts as #1 globally in Distributed Control Systems and Enterprise Asset Management software. ABB Ability™ was launched in 2017 and offers more than 220 digital solutions, which enable enterprises to increase productivity and safety at lower costs. For example, ABB and Helsinki City Transport held at the end of 2018 a groundbreaking trial of a remotely operated passenger ferry, which was retrofitted with ABB’s new dynamic positioning system, ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, and steered from a control center in Helsinki.

ABB continues to invest in its future. During 2018, the group announced a €100 million investment to build a cutting-edge R&D campus in Austria, and a $150 million investment to build a state-of-the-art flexible robotics manufacturing site, also including an Artificial Intelligence center of excellence, in Shanghai, China.

The acquisition of GEIS completed on June 30, 2018, strengthened the competitiveness of Electrification Products, particularly in the attractive North American market. ABB targets $200 million per annum synergies from GEIS by 2022.

On December 17, 2018, ABB announced the agreed sale of its Power Grids business, expanding its existing partnership with Hitachi. Alongside, ABB announced its intention to simplify the business structure and to shape four new leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics and Discrete Automation. ABB expects a total of $500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group over the medium-term. Approximately $500 million of related non-operational restructuring and implementation charges are expected to be taken through 2020. ABB is targeting a medium-term group operational EBITA margin target of 13-16 percent. New margin targets for the four businesses are available today at ABB̕s strategy update (further details can be found under www.abb.com).

Management changes

ABB announced today the appointment of Sylvia Hill (59) as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2019. She succeeds Jean-Christophe Deslarzes (55), who has decided to step down to pursue a non-executive career. Sylvia Hill joined ABB’s Human Resources (HR) team in 1993 and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the HR function, including Head of HR for the Robotics and Motion division, country HR manager for France and the Czech Republic, and Head of HR of the Mediterranean Region. Currently, she is Group Function Head of Global HR Services and HR Transformation.

“Sylvia brings a wealth of experience in HR, change management and talent management to the role,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “I am delighted to welcome Sylvia to the Executive Committee. I would like to thank JC Deslarzes for his outstanding contribution as Chief Human Resources Officer over the past five years. Under his leadership, ABB has developed a world-class talent management and people development strategy for the digital era, and significantly improved its attractiveness to young talent.”

Deslarzes will continue to support ABB’s transformation until beginning of 2020 and report directly to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. He will remain non-executive Chairman of ABB India.

In December 2018, ABB announced the appointment of Morten Wierod, currently Managing Director Business Unit Drives, as business leader for the newly created Motion business. He will become a member of the Executive Committee effective April 1, 2019.

Short- and long-term outlook

Macroeconomic signs are mixed in Europe and are trending positively in the United States, with growth expected to continue in China. The overall global market is growing, with rising geopolitical uncertainties in various parts of the world. Oil prices and foreign exchange translation effects are expected to continue to influence the company’s results.

ABB’s businesses are either the global #1 or #2 player in attractive markets with strong secular drivers. The company’s addressable market for its new businesses Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics and Discrete Automation is expected to grow long term by 3.5-4 percent per annum.

More information

The Q4 2018 results press release and financial information documents are available on the ABB News Center at www.abb.com/news and on the Investor Relations homepage at www.abb.com/investorrelations.

ABB will host a press conference today starting at 9:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET) (8:00 a.m. BST, 3:00 a.m. EST). The event will be accessible by webcast on https://new.abb.com/media/media-event---strategy-update-2019.

ABB will host an analyst and investor conference today starting at 12:00 p.m. CET (11:00 a.m. GMT, 6:00 a.m. EST). The event will be webcast for approximately 90 minutes, covering Q4 and FY18 results and the group’s Strategy update presentation. The webcast and related materials will be accessible from 11:00 a.m. CET at: go.abb/strategy-update-2019

A recorded session will be available as a webcast following the end of the conference call.

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


   


   


   


   


   

INVESTOR CALENDAR 2019

Annual General Meeting
   


   


   


   

May 2, 2019

First quarter 2019 results
   


   


   


   

May 2, 2019

Second quarter 2019 results
   


   


   


   

July 25, 2019

Third quarter 2019 results
   


   


   


   

October 23, 2019

Important notice about forward-looking information

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements as well as other statements concerning the outlook for our business, including those in the sections of this release titled “Short-term outlook”, “Full-year 2018 Group Results”, “2018 Highlights” and “Short- and long-term outlook”. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the factors that may affect our future performance, including global economic conditions, the economic conditions of the regions and industries that are major markets for ABB Ltd. These expectations, estimates and projections are generally identifiable by statements containing words such as “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intends”, “aims” or similar expressions. However, there are many risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information and statements made in this press release and which could affect our ability to achieve any or all of our stated targets. The important factors that could cause such differences include, among others, business risks associated with the volatile global economic environment and political conditions, costs associated with compliance activities, market acceptance of new products and services, changes in governmental regulations and currency exchange rates and such other factors as may be discussed from time to time in ABB Ltd’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on Form 20-F. Although ABB Ltd believes that its expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statement are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that those expectations will be achieved.

Zurich, February 28, 2019

Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO

1 Growth rates for orders, third-party base orders and revenues are on a comparable basis (local currency adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures). US$ growth rates are presented in Key Figures table.
2 For non-GAAP measures, see the “Supplemental Financial Information” attachment to the press release.
3Constant currency (not adjusted for portfolio changes).
4EPS growth rates are computed using unrounded amounts. Comparable operational earnings per share is in constant currency (2014 exchange rates not adjusted for changes in the business portfolio).
5 Cash flow from operating activities is presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cashflows and includes both cash flows from continuing and discontinued operations.

Contacts

For more information, please contact:
ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland
Media Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: media.relations@ch.abb.com
or
Investor Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: investor.relations@ch.abb.com


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نجوم نادي مانشستر سيتي لكرة القدم، سيرجيو أجويرو وديفيد سيلفا وإلكاي جوندوغان يُطلقون حملة أقرب ممّا تعتقدون من زايلم الرامية إلى تسليط الضوء على التحديات العالمية في مجال المياه

لاعبو مانشستر سيتي يهدفون إلى توجيه الأنظار نحو قضايا المياه في بلدانهم الأصلية لتوعية جماهير كرة القدم حول العالم حيال التحديات المُلحة كشُحّ المياه والفيضانات 

راي بروك، نيويورك-الخميس 28 فبراير 2019 [ ايتوس واير ]

(بزنيس واير)- تضافرت جهود كلٍّ من نادي "مانشستر سيتي"، أبطال الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وشركة "زايلم" (المدرجة في بورصة نيويورك تحت الرمز: NYSE: XYL)، الرائدة عالمياً في مجال تقنيات المياه، لإطلاق حملة "أقرب مما تعتقدون" الرامية إلى تعزيز الوعي حيال التحديات المُلحة في مجال المياه بين الملايين من مشجعي كرة القدم حول العالم. تُشير آخر البيانات الصادرة عن الأمم المتحدة إلى أنّ حوالي 3.6 مليار شخص- أي حوالي نصف سكان العالم- يعيشون في مناطق يُحتمل شُحّ المياه فيها لفترة لا تقل عن شهر واحد كلّ عام، وبحلول عام 2050، قد يُعاني أكثر من 5 مليارات نسمة من نقص المياه نتيجة لضغوطات مثل التغيّر المناخي، والطلب المتزايد، والإمدادات الملوثة. وعبر أسلوب مبتكر للسرد القصصي متعدد الوسائط، ستعرض المبادرة المشتركة بين "زايلم" و"مانشستر سيتي" للجمهور قضايا المياه الخطيرة والمتصاعدة التي تعاني منها كلّ من دول العالم، كانعدام الوصول إلى مياه الشرب النظيفة، والتحديات التي تواجه القدرة على الصمود في وجه التقلبات المناخية الحادة المتزايدة.   
انطلقت الحملة اليوم عبر عرض مقطع فيديو مؤثر يضم نجوم "مانشستر سيتي" سيرجيو أجويرو وديفيد سيلفا وإلكاي جوندوغان. صُوّر هذا الفيديو في غرفة تبديل الملابس الشهيرة الخاصة بفريق "مانشستر سيتي"، ويبدأ فيلم غرفة تبديل الملابس بمفاجئة اللاعبين بعرض ثلاثي الأبعاد يُحيط بهم من كلّ جانب يُظهر لهم رؤى بائسة حول المستقبل- يُعاني فيها العالم من الجفاف الشديد والفيضانات. وعلى مدى الأسابيع القليلة المقبلة، ستهدف سلسلة أفلام "أقرب إلى المنزل" إلى زيادة التوعية حول المجموعة المتنوعة من قضايا المياه التي تُعاني منها مختلف مناطق العالم؛ إذ يقوم لاعبو "مانشستر سيتي"، بمن فيهم لاعبات فريق "مانشستر سيتي" النسائي ولاعبي نادي "نيويورك سيتي" لكرة القدم بمناقشة التحديات في مجال المياه في بلدانهم الأصلية. ندعو الجماهير إلى الضغط هنا للاطلاع على محتوى المجريات خلف الكواليس والتعرف على نصائح خاصة بحل مشكلات المياه.
وقال باتريك ديكر، الرئيس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة "زايلم" في هذا الصدد: "كجزء من التزام ’كزايلم‘ بتوليد القيمة الاجتماعية، فإننا نستفيد من شراكاتنا المبتكرة لتعزيز حضورنا والنهوض بالحوار العالمي بشأن المياه. في الواقع، إنّ التهديدات التي تفرضها التحديات العالمية في مجال المياه تقترب منّا جميعاً أكثر فأكثر، وبالتالي تهدف هذه الحملة إلى زيادة الوعي حول هذه التحديات والحلول، وإلهام الناس من جميع الفئات العمرية حول العالم للمساعدة في تحقيق عالم يتسم بقدر أكبر من الأمن المائي. إنّنا مسرورون للبناء على شراكتنا الفريدة من نوعها مع ’مانشستر سيتي‘، والتي ترمي إلى استخدام قوة كرة القدم للمساعدة على نشر رسالة غاية في الأهمية، والإسهام في نهاية المطاف في تعزيز مهمتنا لحلّ مشكلات المياه".
ومن جانبه، قال داميان ويلوبي، نائب الرئيس الأول لشؤون الشراكات لدى مجموعة "سيتي" لكرة القدم المالكة لنادي "مانشستر سيتي"، في سياق تعليقه على هذه الشراكة: "نلتزم في ’مانشستر سيتي‘ بالاستفادة من كرة القدم كمنصة لتحسين حياة الناس حول العالم، وإنّنا مسرورون لدعم ’زايلم‘ في حملة مهمة كهذه".
وأضاف جوزيف فيسي، النائب الأول للرئيس والرئيس التنفيذي لشؤون التسويق لدى "زايلم"، قائلاً: "تتمحور حملة ’أقرب مما تعتقدون‘ حول الارتقاء بالحوار العالمي حول التحديات والحلول في مجال المياه، وإلهام الجيل المقبل من الجماهير للتفكير بشكل مختلف في مسألة المياه. ومن خلال الدعم الذي نتلقاه من لاعبي ’مانشستر سيتي‘، ولاعبات فريق ’مانشستر سيتي‘ النسائي، ولاعبي فريق ’نيويورك سيتي‘ لكرة القدم، فإنّنا أمام فرصة فريدة من نوعها للوصول إلى ملايين الجماهير حول العالم وإطلاع المزيد من الناس حول القضايا الملحة التي تؤثر علينا جميعاً".
وكجزء من شراكة "زايلم" متعددة الأعوام مع نادي "مانشستر سيتي"، تعاونت الشركة مع النادي لتقديم أبراج مياه نظيفة، وبرامج تعليم أساليب غسل الأيدي، وتدريبات رياضية وقيادية لمجتمعات محلية في بانجالور بالهند، وبموجب هذه المبادرة، ستعم الفائدة على أكثر من 5 آلاف طفل هذا العام. هذا وحصل مشروع "أهداف المياه" التابع لمبادرة "سيتيزنز جيفينغ"، الذي ترعاه "زايلم"، على أعلى تصنيف بين المشاريع الستة المدرجة ضمن مبادرة "سيتيزنز جيفينغ" المجتمعية السنوية العالمية، إذ حصد أكثر من 450 ألف صوت من جماهير كرة القدم حول العالم. يُعتبر مشروع "أهداف المياه" في بانجالور جزءاً من مبادرة الأثر الاجتماعي الحالية لشركة "زايلم"، والتي تنفذ من قبل برنامج الاستثمار الاجتماعي الخاص بها "زايلم ووترمارك" إلى جانب مؤسسة "بلانيت ووتر" الشريكة لـ "زايلم"، والتي تعد مسؤولة عن بناء الأبراج المائية.
لمحة عن "زايلم"
تعدّ "زايلم" (المدرجة في بورصة نيويورك تحت الرمز XYL) مزوداً عالمياً رائداً لتكنولوجيا المياه وهي مُلتزمةٌ بتطوير حلولٍ تكنولوجيةٍ مُبتكرة للتحديات التي تواجه العالم في مجال المياه. تقوم منتجات الشركة وخدماتها بنقل، ومُعالجة، وتحليل، ومراقبة، وإعادة المياه إلى البيئة ضمن إعدادات الخدمات  المخصّصة للمرافق العامة، والأبنية الصناعية، والسكنية، والتجارية. وبالإضافة إلى ذلك، توفر "زايلم" حافظة رائدة من التقنيات الذكية للقياس والشبكات وحلولاً متطورةً لتحليل البنية التحتية في مرافق المياه، والكهرباء، والغاز. يتمتع موظفو الشركة الذين يقارب عددهم الـ 17 ألف موظف بخبرات واسعة في مجموعة من المجالات مع تركيز قوي على إيجاد الحلول الشاملة والمستدامة. تتخذ الشركة من رايك بروك في نيويورك مقراً لها، وحققت عائدات بلغت 5.2 مليار دولار أمريكي في عام 2018. تُدير "زايلم" أعمالها في أكثر من 150 دولة حول العالم عبر مجموعة من العلامات التجارية الرائدة في السوق.
والجدير بالذكر أنّ الاسم "زايلم" مأخوذ من اللغة الإغريقية القديمة ويعني النسيج الذي ينقل المياه في النباتات، الأمر الذي يبرز الفعالية الهندسية لأعمالنا المرتكزة على المياه وذلك عبر ربطها بأفضل وسيلة نقل مياه – وهي تلك الموجودة في الطبيعة. للمزيد من المعلومات، الرجاء زيارتنا على www.xylem.com.
لمحة عن برنامج "زايلم ووترمارك"
"زايلم ووترمارك" هو برنامج المواطنة المؤسسية الخاص بالشركة، وأُطلق في عام 2008 بهدف التركيز على توفير وحماية مصادر المياه الآمنة للمجتمعات المحلية حول العالم، فضلاً عن تثقيف الناس حول القضايا المتعلقة بالمياه. في عام 2016، أطلق "ووترمارك" برنامجاً يمتد على ثلاثة أعوام ويتمحور حول العمل التطوعي للموظفين حول العالم للنهوض بالنمو السريع لمشاركة الموظفين في تقديم القيمة الاجتماعية داخل مجتمعاتنا.
لمحة عن نادي "مانشستر سيتي" لكرة القدم
نادي "مانشستر سيتي" لكرة القدم هو أحد أندية الدوري الإنكليزي المُمتاز، تأسّس في عام 1880 تحت اسم "سانت ماركس ويست جورتون". تغيّر اسم النادي بشكلٍ رسمي إلى "مانشستر سيتي" في عام 1894 ومنذ ذلك الحين فاز النادي ببطولة كأس الكؤوس الأوروبية، وأربعة ألقاب لبطولة الدوري الإنكليزي، بما في ذلك ثلاثة ألقابٍ للدوري الممتاز (في أعوام 2012،2014،2018)، بالإضافة إلى خمسة ألقابٍ لكأس الاتحاد الإنكليزي. يعدّ "مانشستر سيتي" أحد الأندية السبعة التي تُشكّل مجموعة "سيتي" لكرة القدم كنادي "نيويورك سيتي" لكرة القدم ونادي "ملبورن سيتي" لكرة القدم، وغيرها من الأندية الشقيقة.
يلعب النادي تحت إشراف المدير الفني بيب جوارديولا، والذي يُعتبر أحد المدربين المرموقين في عالم كرة القدم، ويخوض الفريق مبارياته المحلية ومباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا التي تجري على أرضه في ملعب الاتحاد الذي يتسع لـ 55 ألف متفرج، والذي اختاره النادي كملعبٍ أساسيٍ له منذ عام 2003. ويقع الملعب، في يومنا الحالي، في مُجمّع الاتحاد الأكبر في وسط مدينة مانشستر الشرقية، والذي يشمل أيضاً أكاديمية "سيتي" لكرة القدم، وهي أحدث المرافق التدريبية والتأهيلية لفئات الشباب. تتضمن أكاديمية "سيتي" لكرة القدم ملعب الأكاديمية والذي يتسع لـ 7 آلاف متفرج، ويتدرب فيه بشكلٍ يومي فريق "مانشستر سيتي" النسائي وفريق تطوير النُخبة، كما يلعبان فيه المُباريات التي تجرى على أرضهم خلال المنافسات الرسمية.
للحصول على المزيد من المعلومات، يرجى زيارة الموقع الإلكتروني عبر الرابط التالي: www.mancity.com.
إنّ نصّ اللغة الأصلية لهذا البيان هو النسخة الرسمية المعتمدة. أمّا الترجمة فقد قدِمتْ للمساعدة فقط، ويجب الرجوع لنصّ اللغة الأصلية الذي يمثّل النسخة الوحيدة ذات التأثير القانوني.

Contacts
جيني رايدر
هاتف: 19142467184+
البريد الإلكتروني: Jenny.Rider@xyleminc.com
أو
أوليفيا ديمبسي
هاتف: 35316789333+
البريد الإلكتروني: Olivia.Dempsey@edelman.com

 

Manchester City Stars Sergio Agüero, David Silva and Ilkay Gündoğan Kick Off Xylem’s ‘Closer Than You Think’ Campaign to Highlight Global Water Challenges

City players will spotlight water issues in their home countries to educate football fans globally about urgent challenges like water scarcity and flooding


RYE BROOK, N.Y.-Thursday 28 February 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Premier League Champions, Manchester City and Xylem (NYSE:XYL), a leading global water technology company, have teamed up to launch the ‘Closer Than You Think’ campaign to drive awareness of urgent water challenges among millions of football fans around the world. The latest UN data estimates that 3.6 billion people – almost half the global population – currently live in areas that are potentially water-scarce at least one month per year and, by 2050, more than 5 billion people could suffer water shortages due to pressures such as climate change, increased demand and polluted supplies. Through creative, multimedia storytelling, the Xylem-Manchester City initiative will show audiences how every country on earth faces serious – and escalating – water issues, such as lack of access to clean drinking water and resilience challenges in the face of increasing severe weather patterns.

The campaign kicked off today with the launch of a dramatic video featuring Manchester City players Sergio Agüero, David Silva and Ilkay Gündoğan. Filmed in the iconic Manchester City dressing room, The Changing Room sees the players surprised by a projection-mapped display that surrounds them with dystopian visions of the future – worlds faced with severe drought and flooding. Over the coming weeks, the Closer To Home video series will raise awareness of the diverse range of water issues faced across the world, as Manchester City players, Manchester City Women's team players and New York City FC players discuss water challenges in their home countries. Fans are invited to explore behind-the-scenes content and learn about water solving tips here.

Patrick Decker, Xylem President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “As part of Xylem’s commitment to creating social value, we are leveraging creative partnerships to extend our reach and elevate the global conversation on water. The reality is that the threats posed by the world’s water challenges are getting closer for us all, and this campaign is about raising awareness of these challenges and solutions, and inspiring people of all ages globally to help create a more water-secure world. We’re excited to build on our unique partnership with Manchester City, which aims to use the power of football to help spread our crucial message and, ultimately, further our mission to solve water.”

Damian Willoughby, Senior Vice President of Partnership at City Football Group, parent of Manchester City, said: “At Manchester City we are committed to using football as a platform for improving the lives of people around the world, and we are delighted to support Xylem for such an important campaign.”

Joseph Vesey, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Xylem, added: “Closer Than You Think is centered on driving the global conversation about water challenges and solutions and inspiring the next generation of fans to think differently about water. With the support of Manchester City players, Manchester City Women's team players and New York City FC, we have a unique opportunity to reach millions of fans around the world and inform more people about urgent issues that affect us all.”

As part of Xylem’s multi-year partnership with Manchester City, Xylem recently partnered with the Club to deliver clean water towers, WASH education, and sports and leadership training to communities in Bangalore, India, as part of an initiative that will benefit over 5,000 children this year. The ‘Cityzens Giving’ project ‘Water Goals,’ sponsored by Xylem, earned the top ranking among six projects in Manchester City’s annual Cityzens Giving global community initiative, receiving more than 450,000 votes from football fans around the world. The Water Goals project in Bangalore is part of Xylem’s ongoing social impact initiative, conducted by the company’s corporate citizenship program Watermark, alongside Xylem’s partner Planet Water Foundation, which is responsible for water tower construction.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to developing innovative technology solutions to the world’s water challenges. The Company’s products and services move, treat, analyze, monitor and return water to the environment in public utility, industrial, residential and commercial building services settings. Xylem also provides a leading portfolio of smart metering, network technologies and advanced infrastructure analytics solutions for water, electric and gas utilities. The Company’s approximately 17,000 employees bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on identifying comprehensive, sustainable solutions. Headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, with 2018 revenue of $5.2 billion, Xylem does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xylem.com.

About Xylem Watermark

Xylem Watermark, the company’s corporate citizenship program, was initiated in 2008, with a focus on protecting and providing safe water resources for communities around the world and also educating people on water related issues. In 2016, Watermark launched a three-year program focusing on employee volunteerism globally to drive rapid growth in employee engagement in providing social value within our communities.

About Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone onto win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, five League Championship titles, including three Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2018), and five FA Cups. Manchester City FC is one of seven clubs comprising the City Football Group and counts New York City FC and Melbourne City FC among its sister clubs.

Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world football, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 55,000 seat arena that City have called home since 2003. Today, the Stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus, which also encompasses the City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance training and youth development facility located in the heart of East Manchester. Featuring a 7,000 capacity Academy Stadium, the City Football Academy is also where Manchester City Women’s Football Club and the Elite Development Squad train on a daily basis and play their competitive home games.

For more information, please visit www.mancity.com.

Contacts

Jenny Rider
+1 (914) 246-7184
Jenny.Rider@xyleminc.com

Olivia Dempsey
+353 1 678-9333
Olivia.Dempsey@edelman.com

Permalink : https://www.aetoswire.com/news/manchester-city-stars-sergio-aguumlero-david-silva-and-ilkay-guumlndoan-kick-off-xylemrsquos-lsquocloser-than-you-thinkrsquo-campaignnbspto-highlight-global-water-challenges/en

جيه آي يو إن بصدد إطلاق نظام إدارة الصور الطبية القائم على السحابة سونيك ديكوم باكس كلاود في شهر مارس المقبل

فوكوكا، اليابان-الخميس 28 فبراير 2019 [ ايتوس واير ]
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(بزنيس واير): أعلنت شركة "جيه آي يو إن"، في 28 فبراير 2019، أنها بصدد إطلاق "سونيك ديكوم باكس كلاود"، وهو نظام إدارة الصور الطبية القائم على السحابة، في شهر مارس المقبل. يمكن التسجيل مسبقاً عبر الموقع الإلكتروني الخاص بالمنتج. سيتلقى المسجلون إشعارًا عبر بريدهم الإلكتروني عند إطلاق الخدمات.
للحصول على لمحة عامة حول الخدمة السحابية، يرجى زيارة الرابط الإلكتروني التالي:
يسمح نظام "سونيك ديكوم باكس كلاود" لأي حاسوب أو حاسوب لوحي متصل بالإنترنت بعرض الصور الطبية الموجودة في السحابة من أي مكان في العالم، ببساطة عن طريق الدخول إلى الرابط الإلكتروني ذات الصلة. لا تترتب عليكم أي نفقات مبدئية بما أن هذا النظام يسمح لكم باستخدام الأجهزة الموجودة لديكم بالفعل؛ لكن يمكنكم استخدام "باكس" مقابل رسوم شهرية فقط.
وتشمل الفوائد الرئيسية لهذه الخدمة الجديدة ما يلي:
  1. يمكن إنشاء "باكس" بسهولة في السحابة. يمكنكم البدء في استخدامه بعد بضع دقائق من الإعداد المستند إلى المتصفح.
  2. من السهل مشاركة الصور الطبية الضرورية فقط بين العيادات والمستشفيات. ما يلغي الحاجة إلى الأقراص المدمجة أو أقراص الفيديو الرقمية.
  3. يمكن استخدام 3 جيجابايت كحد أقصى من مساحة التخزين مجانًا. ولا يسمح ذلك لكم بتجربة الخدمة بسهولة فحسب، بل يتيح الاستخدام الفعلي للنظام في المستشفيات والعيادات، إضافة إلى استخدامه لأسباب شخصية، من قبل الأطباء والباحثين والمرضى.
  4. يمكنكم اختيار موقع بين بين ستة بلدان لتخزين بياناتكم. ستضاف مواقع إضافية في المستقبل.
  5. الخدمة متاحة في عشر لغات مختلفة. ستضاف لغات إضافية في المستقبل.

هذا وتطلق "جيه آي يو إن" هذه الخدمة في إطار التزامها بتحقيق أهداف الأمم المتحدة للتنمية المستدامة. يمكن استخدام هذه الخدمة لإنشاء شبكة طبية عالمية في السحابة وتعزيز التعاونات الطبية التي تتجاوز الحدود الوطنية. كما تعمل شركة "جيه آي يو إن" على تصحيح التباين في العلاجات الطبية في جميع أنحاء العالم، وتسعى جاهدة لحل المشاكل الاجتماعية في العالم.
تجدر الإشارة إلى أن هذه الخدمة طُورت بدعم من وزارة الاقتصاد والتجارة والصناعة اليابانية.
شركة "جيه آي يو إن"
منذ تأسيس الشركة في عام 2000، ركّزنا على تطوير الأنظمة ذات الصلة بالرعاية الطبية. وسرعان ما قدمنا خدمات فريدة من نوعها، الأمر الذي أسهم في كسبنا الثناء من جميع مستخدمي خدماتنا.
لمحة عامة عن الشركة
الاسم: شركة "جيه آي يو إن"
تاريخ التأسيس: يوليو 2000
قيمة رأس المال: 10 ملايين ين ياباني
المدير التمثيلي: فوميتاكا كاندا، الرئيس
العنوان: 9إف، مبنى إف آر سي، 1-14-1 تانوتسو، هيجاشي-كو، مدينة فوكوكا، محافظة فوكوكا، اليابان
الرابط الإلكتروني: https://sonicdicom.com/about-us/  (لمحة عامة عن الشركة)
 https://sonicdicom.com/  (الموقع الإلكتروني الخاص بالمنتج)
 https://sonicdicom.com/cloud/ (لمحة عامة عن الخدمة السحابية)
اللقطات
المخطط الهيكلي: https://sonicdicom.com/img/release/cloud.jpg

إن نص اللغة الأصلية لهذا البيان هو النسخة الرسمية المعتمدة. أما الترجمة فقد قدمت للمساعدة فقط، ويجب الرجوع لنص اللغة الأصلية الذي يمثل النسخة الوحيدة ذات التأثير القانوني.

يمكنكم الاطلاع على النسخة الأصلية للبيان الصحفي على موقع "بزنيس واير" (businesswire.com) على الرابط الإلكتروني التالي: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005357/en/


Contacts
شركة "جيه آي يو إن"
دايسوكي تيشيما
هاتف: +81926267002
فاكس: +81926267022
البريد الإلكتروني: sonic@sonicdicom.com
البريد الإلكتروني هو الوسيط المفضل للحصول على أي استفسارات إضافية.




JIUN to Release SonicDICOM PACS Cloud, a Cloud-Based Medical Image Management System, in March

FUKUOKA, Japan -Thursday 28 February 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]
Image not found

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JIUN Corporation has announced on February 28th, 2019, the March release of SonicDICOM PACS Cloud, a cloud-based medical image management system. Pre-registration is available at the following product website. Registrants will receive a notification in email when services begin.
Cloud service overview: https://sonicdicom.com/cloud/
SonicDICOM PACS Cloud enables any computer or tablet with an Internet connection to view medical images hosted in the cloud from anywhere in the world, simply by accessing a URL. There are no initial expenses because this system allows you to use the hardware you already have; you can use PACS for just a monthly fee.
The following are the key benefits for this new service.
1) PACS can be easily created in the cloud. You can start using it after just a few minutes of browser-based setup.
2) It is easy to share just the necessary medical images among clinics and hospitals. This eliminates the need for CDs or DVDs.
3) A maximum of 3 gigabytes of storage can be used for free. This not only allows you to try the service easily, but it enables actual use among hospitals and clinics, as well as use for personal reasons, for doctors, researchers, and patients.
4) You can select from among six countries for a location to store your data. Additional locations will be added in the future.
5) The service is available in ten different languages. Additional languages will be added in the future.

JIUN is launching this service as part of their commitment to meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This service can be used to create a global medical network in the cloud, and to promote medical collaborations that go beyond national borders. JIUN is working to rectify disparities in medical treatment across the world, and is striving to resolve global social issues.
The development of this service was made possible with support from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
JIUN Corporation
Since the company’s founding in 2000, our focus has been on developing systems related to medical care. We have rapidly provided highly unique services, earning us praise from our services’ users.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Name:   JIUN Corporation
Established:   July, 2000
Capitalization:   JPY 10 million
Representative Director:   Fumitaka Kanda, President
Address:   9F, FRC Building, 1-14-1 Tanotsu, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
URL:   https://sonicdicom.com/about-us/ (company overview)
    https://sonicdicom.com/ (product website)
    https://sonicdicom.com/cloud/ (cloud service overview)
 
Screenshots
Structural diagram: https://sonicdicom.com/img/release/cloud.jpg
Viewer screen: https://sonicdicom.com/img/release/viewer.png

The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005357/en/

Contacts

JIUN Corporation
Daisuke Teshima
TEL: +81-92-626-7002
FAX: +81-92-626-7022
E-mail: sonic@sonicdicom.com
Email is the preferred medium for inquiries.


ABB Strategy Update: Shaping a Leader Focused in Digital Industries


Global software partnership with Dassault Systèmes and targets for New ABB’s four leading businesses announced

ZURICH-Thursday 28 February 2019 [ AETOS Wire ]

    New ABB: focus, simplify, lead
    Focused portfolio: Divestment of Power Grids to Hitachi well on track
    Simplified structure: New operating model “ABB-OS™” for enhanced customer focus, agility
    and profitability; ~$500 million annual savings
    Four new leading businesses, #1 or #2 in their respective markets, effective April 1, 2019 with
    new medium-term business operational EBITA margin target corridors of:
        Electrification: 15-19 percent
        Industrial Automation: 12-16 percent
        Motion: 14-18 percent
        Robotics & Discrete Automation: 13-17 percent
    Medium-term group targets confirmed:
        3-6 percent annual comparable revenue growth
        Operational EBITA margin of 13-16 percent
        Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 15-20 percent
        Cash conversion to net income of approximately 100 percent
        Basic EPS growth above revenue growth
    ABB and Dassault Systèmes enter global software partnership for digital industries



(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On December 17, 2018, ABB announced fundamental actions to focus, simplify and lead in digital industries for enhanced customer value and shareholder returns. These actions are: focusing the portfolio on digital industries through the divestment of the Power Grids division, the simplification of the business model through the discontinuation of the legacy matrix structure, as well as the shaping of four leading businesses aligned with customer patterns.

At its strategy update to media and investors today, ABB presents details on and a roadmap for the future of its four new businesses, their leadership and customer value proposition for digital industries. As part of this, ABB is publishing the profit margin target corridors of the businesses.

ABB is announcing a new global software partnership with Dassault Systèmes, a unique end-to-end digital value proposition in combination with its leading digital solutions offering ABB Ability™ to support the planning, building and operations of industrial customers’ operations.

“The new ABB will be a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, operating in attractive markets, with a unique offering of innovative solutions in electrification, automation, robotization and digitalization. We are shaping four customer-focused, entrepreneurial businesses that are already the global #1 or #2 player in their respective markets today. With ABB Ability™, our digital solutions offering, we will continue to drive profitable growth, whilst managing the transformation of our ABB into a more agile, streamlined and customer-focused group. The partnership with Dassault Systèmes will further strengthen our position as leader in digital industries and provide our customers an end-to-end offering of advanced open digital solutions, enhancing their competitiveness and innovation patterns,” said ABB CEO, Ulrich Spiesshofer.

“This path will position us well for the future and will materially enhance value for all stakeholders. I would like to thank our employees worldwide for their outstanding commitment shown during this period of change as we look forward to the next chapter in this company’s proud history spanning more than 130 years,” added Spiesshofer.

Timo Ihamuotila, CFO of ABB: “Our healthy improved order backlog at the end of the year makes us confident about our new set up. We expect solid operating cash generation of the new ABB, positioning us well to continue investing in R&D and sales in a disciplined way. At the same time, we will relentlessly look for efficiency improvement potential to lower our cost base. We expect to deliver $500 million in net cost savings from our simplification program in the medium term.”

The new ABB: lower risk, less volatile, more growth

The new ABB will have in total $29 billion in annualized revenues and around 110,000 employees. Its four customer-focused, entrepreneurial businesses are either the global #1 or #2 player in their respective markets, influencing the future of how we power, produce, work, live and move. ABB’s addressable market is expected to grow by 3.5-4 percent per annum, adding $140 billion in size to reach $550 billion by 2025. Driving this demand will be growing influence of electric mobility, data centers and robotics.

Transformational milestone: Global Partnership with Dassault Systèmes

Following on from its proven track record of digital partnerships with Microsoft, HPE and IBM, ABB has today announced a wide spanning global partnership with Dassault Systèmes to offer customers in digital industries a unique software solutions portfolio ranging from product life cycle management to asset health solutions. The two companies will provide customers an end-to-end offering of advanced open digital solutions, enhancing competitiveness of industrial companies, while increasing flexibility, speed and productivity of their products' lifecycles, manufacturing and operations.

The partnership will combine the strengths of ABB Ability™ digital solutions and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and build on both companies’ strong installed base, deep domain expertise and global customer access. ABB has already adopted the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to model and simulate its solutions before delivering them to its customers. With this partnership, ABB will develop and provide customers with advanced digital twins, enabling customers to run ABB’s solutions and their operations with improved overall efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

The companies will, in a staged approach, focus on smart factories and robotics, process industry automation, as well as electrification solutions for smart buildings. The first joint solutions will be showcased at the upcoming industrial Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany, April 1-5, 2019.

Launched two years ago, ABB Ability™ represents the globally leading digital offering in Industry 4.0, from device to edge to cloud. Some 45 percent of ABB's new orders are generated from digital solutions, while the order pipeline for ABB Ability™ has increased by more than 20 percent since October 2018.

The platform of ABB Ability™ runs as an open architecture and cloud infrastructure, which allows customers to use other software from partners, suppliers and developers. ABB offers approximately 180 digital solutions, which enable enterprises to increase productivity, efficiency and safety at lower costs.

Simplification of business model and structure

During the first quarter of 2019, ABB is preparing for the new business structure and a new operating system – “ABB-OS™” – to be implemented in stages by mid-2020. ABB will discontinue the legacy matrix structure, thereby empowering its four leading businesses to serve customers even better, while further sharpening responsibilities and increasing efficiency.

ABB’s new organization will provide each business with full entrepreneurial ownership of operations, functions, R&D and territories. The businesses will be the single interface to customers, maximizing proximity and speed. The corporate center will be further streamlined, while existing country and regional structures including regional Executive Committee roles will be discontinued after the closing of the Power Grids transaction. Existing resources from country level will strengthen the new businesses.

ABB expects a total of ~$500 million annual run-rate cost reductions across the group with $150-200 million run-rate targeted during 2019 and the full run-rate targeted during 2021. Clear actions to deliver the ~$500 million have been identified, with approximately $300 million of savings to be realized from the businesses, for example through fewer P&Ls and management layers and optimizing ABB̕s manufacturing footprint. Approximately $200 million savings are planned to come from Group functions and a leaner corporate center.

Four new leading businesses

The four new businesses are: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion and Robotics & Discrete Automation. ABB will report according to the new business structure as of April 1, 2019.

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

    FY 2018 ~$13 billion revenues
    FY 2018 ~13% operational EBITA margin1
    Medium-term operational EBITA margin target corridor of 15-19%
    $160 billion addressable market, forecast to grow at 3% p.a.
    Above market revenue growth and significant margin growth potential

The Electrification business is the Global #2 providing one of the largest and most comprehensive portfolios with a complete offering from source to socket. The business delivers clear customer benefits including speed and uptime, contributing to significant investment payback.

It provides a complete portfolio of innovative products, digital solutions and services with some 1.7 million products shipped every day. Products range from critical power and building products to electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The business has 55,000 employees and will be led by Tarak Mehta.

The business expects to deliver above market growth through a combination of geographic growth in the US and China, focus on higher growth segments such as data centers, smart buildings and services for e-Mobility, along with portfolio benefits with modular, scalable, pre-configured solutions. Margin improvement will be delivered through volume leverage, focus on higher margin segments, the turnaround of GEIS and operational improvements.

ABB successfully launched in the USA last year its Terra HP 350kW electric vehicle charger, which recharges a vehicle for 200 kilometers in just eight minutes.

“There are good opportunities for Electrification as urban populations grow and the world forges ahead to create a lower-carbon future. We are expanding our operations in rapidly digitalizing markets, offering modular, scalable, preconfigured solutions with ABB Ability™-enabled products and services to ensure our customers realize safer, smarter and sustainable operations,” said Tarak Mehta, President of the Electrification business.

Industrial Automation – writing the future of safe and smart operations

    FY 2018 ~$6.5 billion revenues
    FY 2018 ~14% operational EBITA margin
    Medium-term operational EBITA margin target corridor of 12-16%
    $90 billion addressable market, forecast to grow at 3% p.a.
    Above market growth and good margin profitability with low capital requirement

The newly-shaped Industrial Automation business, without B&R, is the Global #2 focused on writing the future of safe and smart operations. Industrial Automation will address customer needs with a unique portfolio of integrated solutions based on its leading technologies, including its #1 DCS (distributed control systems), its deep industry expertise, the largest installed base with over 35 million connected devices and vast global footprint.

It is focused on providing integrated automation solutions across process, electrical and motion, measurement and analytics, as well as marine and turbo charging solutions for customers in the Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Utilities, Mining & Minerals, Pulp & Paper, and Marine & Ports industries. The business has 21,000 employees and will be led by Peter Terwiesch.

The business expects to drive above market growth through industry-specific, differentiated automation solutions across process, electrical and motion that build on its leading DCS and comprehensive ABB offering, as well as tailored growth initiatives for key verticals. It expects to accelerate revenues from ABB Ability™ solutions and new service business models leveraging its unique installed base and unrivalled service footprint to support customer during their assets’ lifecycle.

“With our deep industry knowledge and automation expertise, we understand the needs of our customers and enable them to lead through safer, more productive and energy efficient operations. Moreover, with our portfolio of integrated automation solutions, combined with our offering of ABB Ability™ digital applications, lifecycle services and artificial intelligence, we are driving the evolution towards more autonomous operations,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of the Industrial Automation business.

Motion – writing the future of smart motion

    FY 2018 ~$6.5 billion revenues
    FY 2018 ~16% operational EBITA margin
    Medium-term operational EBITA margin target corridor of 14-18%
    $80 billion addressable market, forecast to grow at 3% p.a.
    Above market growth and continued strong profitability

ABB’s newly created Motion business is the Global #1 in motion industries is set to capture the benefits of the world going electric. Motion will build on its pioneering technology leadership, its domain expertise and its global scale and coverage. Already today, a third of the world’s electricity is converted by electrical motors into motion, driven by a growing population, urbanization and digitalization. ABB expects the number of electric motors to double by 2040, which is the equivalent of the energy consumed by the whole of China annually.

Motion provides customers with a comprehensive range-energy efficient, reliable and safe electrical motors, generators, drives and services. Its ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain solution sets the standards for digitalization in motion industries. The business has 20,000 employees and will be led by Morten Wierod, who will also become a member of the Executive Committee, effective April 1, 2019.

The business expects to deliver above market growth by building on its leading local market positions in motors and drives. It will grow by dedicated geographic initiatives, its segment specific portfolio and using ABB Ability™ services to deliver the future of smart motion. Motion’s ability to sustain and improve its EBITA margin, against a backdrop of cost inflationary and pricing pressure, will come from being able to scale benefits, from ABB Ability™, from its innovation along with the simplified operating system.

“As the world goes electric, Motion has an excellent growth outlook. We will bring even more value to our customers and partners with ABB Ability™-based offering and services,” said Morten Wierod, President of the Motion business.

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

    FY 2018 ~$3.6 billion revenues
    FY 2018 ~15% operational EBITA margin
    Medium-term operational EBITA margin target corridor of 13-17%
    $80 billion addressable market, forecast to grow at 6% p.a.
    Strong top-line and margin growth potential

The Robotics & Discrete Automation business will combine ABB’s machine and factory automation Business (mainly B&R) with the Group’s superior robotics platform. It will be uniquely positioned to capture the opportunities associated with the “Factory of the Future” by writing the future of flexible manufacturing and smart machinery.

It provides a unique offering for flexible automation, combining control, motion, robotics, software and services – providing integrated solutions from machine to factory level. The business, which is already number two globally by size and number one by growth, has 11,000 employees and will be led by Sami Atiya.

The business expects to deliver above market growth driven through the portfolio and geographical expansion, driving synergies from unique portfolio and expansion in factory automation, including a greater role for ABB Ability™, artificial intelligence and partnering with Dassault Systèmes. Margin benefits will come from continued growth, scale benefits and performance initiatives whilst continuing to fund investments for future growth.

“In combining B&R’s machine and factory automation business with our superior Robotics solutions, we are driving an unmatched, comprehensive offering to help our customers create the flexible Factory of the Future,” said Sami Atiya, President of the Robotics & Discrete Automation business. “Our unique product portfolio, deep application expertise and advanced engineering and simulation tools, including ABB Ability™, ensure we help our customers improve quality and increase productivity and manufacturing flexibility, while maximizing uptime – all in a faster time-to-market solution.”

Value Creation in the new ABB

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

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

    3-6 percent annual comparable revenue growth
    Operational EBITA margin of 13-16 percent
    Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 15-20 percent
    Cash conversion to net income of approximately 100 percent
    Basic EPS growth above revenue growth

ABB’s sustained capital allocation priorities are unchanged:

    Fund organic growth in R&D and digital
    Rising sustainable dividend
    Value-creating acquisitions
    Returning additional cash to shareholders

The divestment of an 80.1% shareholding in Power Grids to Hitachi for an enterprise value of $11 billion is well on track. Following completion of the transaction in the first half of 2020, ABB intends to return 100 percent of the net cash proceeds of $7.6-7.8 billion to shareholders in an expeditious and efficient manner and execute a policy of a rising sustainable dividend. ABB intends to maintain the level of dividend per share post close and aims to maintain its “single A” credit rating long term.

More information

The strategy update results press release and financial information documents are available on the ABB News Center at www.abb.com/news and on the Investor Relations homepage at www.abb.com/investorrelations.

ABB will host a press conference today starting at 09:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET) (08:00 a.m. BST, 03:00 a.m. EST). The event will be accessible by webcast on https://new.abb.com/media/media-event---strategy-update-2019.

ABB will host an analyst and investor conference today starting at 12:00 p.m. CET (11:00 a.m. GMT, 6:00 a.m. EST). The event will be webcast for approximately 90 minutes, covering Q4 and FY18 results and the group’s Strategy update presentation. The webcast and related materials will be accessible from 11:00 a.m. CET at: https://new.abb.com/investorrelations/strategy/strategy-update-2019

A recorded session will be available as a webcast following the end of the conference call.

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

Important notice about forward-looking information

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

Zurich, February 28, 2019

Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO

1 Electrification result adjusted to include GEIS on an annualized basis, based on H2 2018 contribution

Contacts

ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland

Media Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: media.relations@ch.abb.com

Investor Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
E-mail: investor.relations@ch.abb.com

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