Press Release

SHELTON, CT.  (January 24, 2013) - Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:  HUBA, HUBB) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012.

Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $752.5 million, an increase of 2% compared to the $740.0 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating income was $110.5 million, or 14.7% of net sales, compared to $109.8 million, or 14.8% of net sales, for the comparable period of 2011. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2012 was $71.9 million versus $70.0 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. Earnings per diluted share were $1.20 in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $1.17 reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. Free cash flow (defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures) was $139.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 versus $103.7 million reported in the comparable period of 2011.  

Net sales for the full year 2012 were $3.0 billion, an increase of 6% compared to 2011. Operating income was $471.8 million, or 15.5% of net sales, compared to $423.8 million, or 14.8% of net sales, for the comparable period of 2011. Net income for the full year 2012 was $299.7 million, an increase of 12% compared to the $267.9 million reported in 2011. Earnings per diluted share were $5.00, or 13% above the $4.42 reported for the comparable period of 2011. Free cash flow was $300.0 million compared to $279.6 million reported in 2011.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

Timothy H. Powers, Chairman of the Board said "Before we discuss the financial results, I would like to take this opportunity to express what an honor and privilege it has been leading Hubbell over the past decade. As many of you already know, Dave Nord has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer while I will remain Chairman of the Board. I am looking forward to working with Dave and the Board during this transition and am highly confident that the Company will continue to prosper under Dave's leadership.

"Now turning to the results, the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. election and the "fiscal cliff" appeared to have a dampening effect on demand in the fourth quarter. Our overall sales increased slightly in the quarter with essentially flat organic demand while acquisitions added two percentage points to our sales growth. From a profitability perspective, we reported operating margin of 14.7%, in line with our expectations despite some market softening as we exited the year. I am pleased to report that we completed the acquisition of Continental Industries, Inc. in January which will be added to our Electrical segment. Continental makes high quality exothermic welding and connector products and is a strong fit with our Burndy business. This marks the seventh deal we have completed in the past year and a half and highlights our capabilities in this area.

"Looking at our end markets, we experienced a slightly weaker environment than anticipated during the fourth quarter. U.S. non-residential new construction was weak as it appeared that spending decisions may have been delayed due to economic uncertainty. Within this market, relight projects and demand for LED fixtures were areas of strength in the quarter. The residential market was another area of growth for us and the recovery is clearly underway. North American electrical utility demand for our products was higher due in large part to Hurricane Sandy as well as increased spending on transmission projects. At the same time, we experienced weaker demand for maintenance related distribution products as utility budgets were limited due to higher levels of spending earlier in the year. Industrial demand was mixed with solid growth in the energy related industries while our high voltage test businesses were much weaker."

Mr. Powers added "In reviewing the full year results, we achieved the highest sales and earnings per share in our history. For the year, our sales increased 6% with balanced growth between our two segments. We experienced growth in several key areas; utility, oil and gas and residential markets as well as continued higher demand for energy efficient lighting used for renovation and relighting. Looking at our profitability, we finished the year at 15.5% operating margin which is well above the same point in our previous cycle. This margin level was attained through a disciplined process of managing costs and driving productivity across the enterprise and as a result we have evolved into a structurally more profitable organization. I would also like to highlight that we have increased the pace of acquisitions; adding to our branded product breadth. In addition, we raised our dividend two times during the course of the year and returned approximately $75 million to shareholders by repurchasing nearly one million shares reflecting our confidence in Hubbell's cash flow generating abilities and commitment to increasing shareholder value."

SEGMENT REVIEW

The comments and year-over-year percentages in this segment review are based on fourth quarter results in 2012 and 2011.

Electrical segment net sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 increased 2% to $521.4 million compared to $513.6 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase was due to acquisitions which contributed 2% to sales in the quarter. In addition, higher demand in the energy and residential markets was offset by weakness in high voltage test equipment. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, operating income decreased 8% to $68.0 million, or 13.0% of net sales. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to a less favorable product mix and higher costs, including pension and benefit related expenses.     

Hubbell's Power segment net sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $231.1 million compared to $226.4 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. The acquisition that was completed in the 4^th quarter of 2012 contributed 2% to sales. The organic sales were essentially flat as the favorable impact of storm sales and large transmission related projects were offset by lower levels of spending for distribution maintenance. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, operating income increased 18% to $42.5 million, or 18.4% of net sales. The increase in operating income was primarily due to productivity improvements and price realization in excess of cost increases.

SUMMARY & OUTLOOK

David G. Nord, President and Chief Executive Officer commented "Looking to 2013, we expect overall sales to increase in the 3 to 5% range comprised of low single digit growth from organic volume and 2% from acquisitions. We expect the volume increases to be more weighted towards the second half of the year due to anticipated strengthening in the markets and more favorable comparisons to the prior year. Within our Electrical segment, we expect 3 to 5% growth led by strong growth in our residential businesses. The non-residential new construction market is likely to remain challenging in the near term but third party forecasts still point to some improvement in the second half of the year and relight opportunities should also have a favorable impact. The industrial market is expected to be flat to slightly higher with modest increases in factory utilization and the energy markets partially offset by lower demand for high voltage test equipment. The Power segment is expected to grow in the 4 to 6% range with acquisitions contributing 2%. We expect modest growth for maintenance and repair work on the distribution and transmission networks. Spending for transmission related projects is expected to remain at historically high levels but the growth rate will be lower than the past couple of years."

Mr. Nord added "Turning to profitability, we expect that operating margins will expand by approximately 40 basis points in 2013 primarily due to leveraging the higher volume. As always, we will continue focusing on carefully balancing productivity and pricing actions to offset all cost increases. Our tax rate is expected to be approximately 31.5% in 2013 which includes the two year benefit of the reinstatement of the R&D tax credit."

Mr. Nord concluded "On a more personal note, I am energized by the opportunity to lead an organization with such a rich heritage as Hubbell. As I look forward, I am excited to work with Tim, the Board and all of Hubbell's employees to continue to build upon our successes."

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.  In addition, all statements regarding anticipated growth or improvement in operating results, anticipated market conditions, and economic recovery are forward-looking.  These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "improved", "leading", "improving", "continuing growth", "continued", "ranging", "contributing", "primarily", "plan", "expect", "anticipated", "expected", "expectations," "should result", "uncertain", "goals", "projected", "on track", "likely", "intend" 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; anticipated impacts from the Federal stimulus package; expected benefits of process improvement and other lean initiatives; the expected benefit and effect of the business information system initiatives and streamlining 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; competition; and other factors described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the "Business", "Risk Factors", and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" Sections in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Hubbell Incorporated is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications.  With 2012 revenues of $3.0 billion, Hubbell Incorporated operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the People's Republic of China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia.  Hubbell also participates in joint ventures in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and maintains sales offices in Singapore, the People's Republic of China, India, Mexico, South Korea and the Middle East.  The corporate headquarters is located in Shelton, CT.

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Contact:   James M. Farrell
           Hubbell Incorporated
           40 Waterview Drive
           P.O. Box 1000
           Shelton, Connecticut  06484
           (475) 882-4000