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Hubbell Reports Fourth Quarter, Full Year Results: Fourth Quarter Net Sales up 10%, Earnings of $.48 Per Diluted Share

ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2007--Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBA, HUBB) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006.

Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2006 rose 10% to $589.0 million compared to $535.7 million reported in the equivalent period of 2005. Net sales for the full year rose 15% to $2.4 billion compared to $2.1 billion reported for 2005. Acquisitions completed in 2006 contributed approximately four points to both the fourth quarter and full year percentage comparisons.

Reported net income in the fourth quarter of 2006 declined 44% to $29.2 million versus $52.1 million reported for the equivalent period of 2005. Earnings per diluted share were 43% lower at $.48 as compared to $.84 reported in the fourth quarter of 2005. Both periods included items that affect the quarter-over-quarter comparison:

-- The fourth quarter of 2006 included:

   -- A reduction in tax expense of $1.9 million or $.03 per diluted
      share reflecting the full year benefit associated with the
      reinstatement of the Federal research and development tax
      credit.

   -- Stock-based compensation expense of $3.6 million, pre-tax, or
      $.04 per diluted share.

-- The fourth quarter of 2005 included:

   -- A benefit of $10.8 million or $.18 per diluted share related to
      completion of federal tax audits for 2002 and 2003.

   -- A benefit of $4.9 million, pre-tax, or $.05 per diluted share
      from sale of a building in the Electrical segment.

Reported net income for the full year 2006 was 4% lower at $158.1 million compared to $165.1 million reported in 2005. Diluted earnings per share declined by 3% to $2.59 versus $2.67 reported for 2005. Included in these results were:

-- In 2006, full year results included special charges totaling $7.5
   million, pre-tax, or $.08 per diluted share, and expense for stock-
   based compensation equaled $11.8 million, pre-tax, or $.12 per
   diluted share.

-- In 2005, in addition to the fourth quarter benefits resulting from
   the federal tax audit completion and a building sale, the Company
   recorded transactional expenses in support of its strategic growth
   initiatives of $4.6 million, pre-tax, or $.05 per diluted share,
   and special charges totaling $10.9 million, pre-tax, or $.12 per
   diluted share.

Cash flow from operations in 2006 was $139.9 million compared to $184.1 million in 2005 with the decline being primarily due to higher working capital requirements. Capital spending increased to $86.8 million compared to $73.4 million in 2005 principally due to costs associated with the nearly completed new headquarters for Hubbell Lighting.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

"A rapid and unexpected slowdown in fourth quarter order input and sales volume impacted what had been a year of strong growth for Hubbell," said Timothy H. Powers, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "We expected and had planned for volume in the residential construction market - approximately 15% of Hubbell's business - to be 10% lower quarter-over-quarter. In fact, the pace and depth of the decline accelerated more than we anticipated. Order input to Hubbell from nonresidential construction markets, which comprise 40% of the Company's sales, also declined. In addition, lower order input rates due to higher inventory levels at end customers and distributors dampened volume in the Electrical and Power Systems segments.

"The impact on the profit side was disproportionate as the lower volume resulted in a much lower rate of overhead absorption. That negative effect on our profitability was exacerbated by higher than expected costs and inefficiencies most of which are related to our restructuring and system implementation initiatives, as well as raw material cost increases in excess of product price increases.

"We acted as quickly as possible," Powers added, "with significant reductions in production levels and labor force, and with a public announcement on December 11 to lower our previous projections. These efforts and other cost-cutting measures are continuing."

SEGMENT REVIEW

The comments and year-over-year percentage comparisons in this segment review are based on fourth quarter results in 2006 and 2005.

Electrical segment net sales improved 5% year-over-year but operating profit declined by 36% primarily due to lower profit at Hubbell Lighting and the comparative effect of the prior year building sale gain. The Lighting operation contended with much lower volume and order input from residential construction markets, and higher costs associated with what had been a higher level of nonresidential business earlier in the year. Most of the businesses in the segment were affected by material cost increases not yet recovered by selling price increases. Profitability at Wiring Systems was negatively impacted by costs associated with the launch of the new homeSELECT(TM) and netSELECT(TM) residential product lines in October 2006; internally developed, these were the largest new product introductions in the Company's history.

Hubbell's Power Systems segment reported 22% higher net sales but 22% lower operating profits. Contributing to the improved sales was the acquisition in June, 2006, of Hubbell Lenoir City which added approximately $18 million in sales to the quarter's results. Impacting the segment's profitability was the negative effect of a significant cost/price deficit, and lower factory productivity. Slowing order input from utilities resulted in a much lower pace of activity. Inventory levels at distributors and utility customers were high primarily resulting from purchases earlier in 2006 in anticipation of storm activity that did not materialize.

The Industrial Technology segment completed another quarter of strong growth with net sales and operating profit rising by double-digits. This segment generates a substantial part of its sales internationally in industrial, specialty communications, and high voltage instrumentation markets. Strength in international markets, and the segment's prominent positioning, provided much of the increase. Hubbell's most recent acquisition - Austdac PTY Limited in Australia which closed November 1, 2006 - also contributed.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

"We are determined to return to the level of profitability and performance that all of us - shareholders, management and channel partners - expect from Hubbell Incorporated," Powers said.

"We are focused on three primary goals: price realization, productivity, and cost containment. Actions in all three areas are underway including, as one example, pricing actions in 2006 and 2007. We are developing additional steps targeted on those objectives.

"For the long-term, the greatest benefits will come from our strategic initiatives. Their completion, and the beginning of those benefits are within reach.

"Our plan for 2007 is based on an expectation of continued growth in most of Hubbell's markets although year-over-year improvement is likely to be slower than in 2006. Only the residential market is expected to decline. We expect net sales growth for Hubbell of 6-8% including the full year benefit of acquisitions completed during 2006. This growth combined with productivity improvements and moderating cost headwinds are expected to result in earnings per diluted share of $2.90 - $3.15.

"Cash flow from operations after capital expenditures is also expected to improve and should approximate net income as the level of capital to support our growth initiatives subsides, and working capital requirements, in particular investment in inventory, are reduced.

"Speaking for management at every level of our Company," Powers concluded, "our operations' efficiency, productivity, and profit margins demand immediate improvement. We are confident that 2007 will begin to demonstrate the value of our recent initiatives."

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements about capital resources, performance and results of operations and are based on the Company's reasonable current expectations. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "may", "potential", "plan", "could", "expect", "anticipated," "expected", "expectation," "are determined", "should", "uncertain", "goal", "probably", "likely", and others. Such forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual and future performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: achieving sales levels to fulfill revenue expectations; unexpected costs or charges, certain of which may be outside the control of the Company; expected benefits of process improvement and other lean initiatives; the effect and costs of the ongoing Hubbell 2006 business information system initiative and restructuring programs; the availability and costs of raw materials and purchased components; realization of price increases; the ability to achieve projected levels of efficiencies and cost reduction measures; general economic and business conditions; and competition; and other factors described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the "Business" and "Risk Factors" Sections in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Hubbell Incorporated is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for commercial, industrial, residential, utility, and telecommunications markets. With 2006 revenues of $2.4 billion, Hubbell Incorporated operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia and the United Kingdom, participates in joint ventures in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China, and maintains sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, the People's Republic of China, Mexico, and the Middle East. The corporate headquarters is located in Orange, CT.

                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
              Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
                 (in millions, except per share data)


                    THREE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                        DECEMBER 31             DECEMBER 31
                 (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
                    2006          2005       2006        2005
                   -------   -----------   ---------   ---------


Net Sales          $589.0        $535.7    $2,414.3    $2,104.9
Cost of goods sold  437.4         384.7     1,757.5 (1) 1,509.9    (1)
Selling &
 administrative
 expenses           106.2          87.7 (2)   415.6       357.9 (2)(3)
Special charges       3.7           5.1         7.3        10.3
                   -------   -----------   ---------   ---------

Total Operating
 Income              41.7          58.2       233.9       226.8
  Operating income
   as a % of Net
   Sales              7.1%         10.9%        9.7%       10.8%
Interest expense,
 net                 (3.1)         (1.4)      (10.3)       (9.8)
Other expense, net   (1.2)         (1.2)       (2.1)       (1.3)
                   -------   -----------   ---------   ---------

Income Before
 Income Taxes        37.4          55.6       221.5       215.7
Provision for
 income taxes         8.2 (4)       3.5 (5)    63.4        50.6    (5)
                   -------   -----------   ---------   ---------

Net Income         $ 29.2        $ 52.1    $  158.1    $  165.1
                   =======   ===========   =========   =========


Earnings Per
 Share:
  Basic            $ 0.49        $ 0.86    $   2.62    $   2.71
  Diluted          $ 0.48        $ 0.84    $   2.59    $   2.67

Average Shares
 Outstanding:
  Basic              60.0          60.8        60.4        61.0
  Diluted            60.8          61.7        61.1        61.8


(1) Cost of goods sold includes special charges of $0.2 and $0.7 for
 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to the Electrical segment
 streamlining.

(2) 2005 fourth quarter and full year Selling & administrative
 expenses includes $4.9 of gain on sale of a building.

(3) 2005 full year Selling & administrative expenses includes $4.6 of
 transactional expenses in support of the Company's strategic growth
 initiatives.

(4) 2006 fourth quarter provision for income taxes includes $1.9 of
 full year tax benefit from reinstatement of the Federal research and
 development tax credit which had expired on December 31, 2005.

(5) 2005 fourth quarter and full year Provision for income taxes
 includes a benefit of $10.8 related to the completion of IRS
 examinations.
                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                         Segment Information
                            (in millions)


                    THREE MONTHS ENDED        TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                        DECEMBER 31                DECEMBER 31
                 (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------
                    2006         2005           2006        2005
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------

Net Sales
----------------
  Electrical         $ 389.0      $ 370.4       $1,631.2  $1,496.8
  Power                146.8        120.4          573.7     455.6
  Industrial
   Technology           53.2         44.9          209.4     152.5

                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------
    Total Net
     Sales           $ 589.0      $ 535.7       $2,414.3  $2,104.9
                 ============ ============   ============ =========

Operating Income
----------------
  Electrical         $  25.2      $  38.6 (1)   $  140.2  $  153.6 (1)
  Special
   charges              (3.7)        (5.1)          (7.5)    (10.9)
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------
    Total
     Electrical         21.5         33.5          132.7     142.7
  Power                 15.3         19.7           78.6      69.0
  Industrial
   Technology            8.5          5.7           34.4      20.4
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------
        Subtotal        45.3         58.9          245.7     232.1
  Stock-based
   compensation         (3.6)        (0.7)         (11.8)     (0.7)
  Unusual item             -            -              -      (4.6)(2)
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------
    Total
     Operating
     Income          $  41.7      $  58.2       $  233.9  $  226.8
                 ------------ ------------   ------------ ---------


(1) 2005 fourth quarter and full year includes $4.9 of gain on sale of
 a building, included in Selling & administrative expenses.

(2) 2005 full year unusual item of $4.6 represents transactional
 expenses in support of the Company's strategic growth
initiatives, included in Selling & administrative expenses.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
                      current year presentation.
                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
                            (in millions)


                                               (UNAUDITED)
                                               DECEMBER      DECEMBER
                                                  2006          2005
                                              ------------   ---------
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents                        $   45.3    $  110.6
Short-term investments                               35.9       121.3
Accounts receivable, net                            354.3       310.4
Inventories, net                                    338.2       237.1
Deferred taxes and other                             40.7        40.7
                                              ------------   ---------

  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                              814.4       820.1

Property, plant and equipment, net                  318.5       267.8
Investments                                           0.3        78.8
Goodwill                                            436.7       351.5
Intangible assets and other                         181.6       148.8
                                              ------------   ---------

  TOTAL ASSETS                                   $1,751.5    $1,667.0
                                              ============   =========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Short-term debt                                  $   20.9    $   29.6
Accounts payable                                    163.9       159.5
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits        49.2        41.4
Accrued income taxes                                 18.5        20.0
Dividends payable                                    19.9        20.2
Other accrued liabilities                           109.9        89.8
                                              ------------   ---------

  TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                         382.3       360.5

Long-term debt                                      199.3       199.2
Other non-current liabilities                       154.4       109.2
                                              ------------   ---------

  TOTAL LIABILITIES                                 736.0       668.9

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                              1,015.5 (1)   998.1
                                              ------------   ---------

  TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY       $1,751.5    $1,667.0
                                              ============   =========


 (1) 2006 Shareholders' Equity includes a charge of $36.8, net of tax,
  in connection with the Company's adoption of Financial Accounting
  Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 158, "Employers' Accounting
  for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an
  amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)", on
  December 31, 2006.
                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
            Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows
                            (in millions)


                                                 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      DECEMBER 31
                                                (UNAUDITED)
                                                -----------  ---------
                                                   2006        2005
                                                -----------  ---------

Cash Flows From Operating Activities
   Net Income                                     $  158.1   $  165.1
   Depreciation and amortization                      55.4       50.4
   Stock-based compensation expense                   11.8        0.7
   Tax benefit from exercise of stock options         (6.0)         -
   Changes in working capital                       (103.8)     (25.5)
   Contribution to domestic pension plans                -      (28.0)
   Other, net                                         24.4       21.4
                                                -----------  ---------

     Net cash provided by operating activities       139.9      184.1
                                                -----------  ---------

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
   Capital expenditures                              (86.8)     (73.4)
   Acquisition of businesses, net of cash
    acquired                                        (145.7)     (54.3)
   Net proceeds from investments                     163.8       81.1
   Other, net                                          2.0       16.2
                                                -----------  ---------

     Net cash used in investing activities           (66.7)     (30.4)
                                                -----------  ---------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
   Borrowings/repayments of debt                      (8.9)     (71.6)
   Payment of dividends                              (80.1)     (80.6)
   Acquisition of common shares                      (95.1)     (62.7)
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options            38.5       32.8
   Tax benefit from exercise of stock options          6.0          -
                                                -----------  ---------

     Net cash used in financing activities          (139.6)    (182.1)
                                                -----------  ---------

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
 and cash equivalents                                  1.1       (0.9)
                                                -----------  ---------

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents                (65.3)     (29.3)
Cash and cash equivalents
    Beginning of period                              110.6      139.9
                                                -----------  ---------
    End of period                                 $   45.3   $  110.6
                                                ===========  =========

    CONTACT: Hubbell Incorporated
             Thomas R. Conlin, 203-799-4100

    SOURCE: Hubbell Incorporated