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Hubbell Reports Third Quarter Results; Projects Fourth Quarter Charge

ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2001--Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBA, HUBB) today reported its results for the third quarter and nine month periods ended September 30, 2001.

The Company also noted that it expects to record a charge to fourth quarter 2001 earnings for capacity reduction and other programs.

For the third quarter 2001, sales were $326 million versus $361 million for the period in the prior year. Net income totaled $19.5 million or $.33 per share, fully diluted, as compared to $33.0 million and $.55, respectively, in 2000.

Sales for the first nine months of 2001 totaled $1,011 million as compared to $1,078 million for the equivalent period last year. Net income and fully diluted earnings per share in the current year were $62.4 million and $1.06 as compared to $109.9 million and $1.77 in the prior year.

Year-over-year comparison of operating results should note a number of relevant events during the base year of 2000 which had been previously announced. These included asset sales, special and nonrecurring charges and reversals of prior restructuring charges in the first and second quarters, and the acquisition of GAI-Tronics during the third quarter.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

In analyzing Hubbell's operating experience during the third quarter of 2001, Timothy Powers, President and CEO, cited the impact of the September terrorism. ``Each of us, as Americans, has been affected by the treachery and the horror of last month. The effect of the attacks has been a further slowing in an already weak economy, and a sharp decline in consumer confidence. That combination is translating into a worsening of the recessionary trend.''

``The task is to manage for the realities,'' Powers continued, ``to take consistent and prudent steps to mitigate the effects of weak markets. Our action plan to lower operating costs has been in place since the third quarter of last year with successive stages implemented as the Company continuously adjusts to the economic environment. The effort has been across the board, and the accomplishments in 2001 have been substantial:

  • Total labor force is 18% lower than the third quarter 2000,
  • Reduction of capital expenditures, operating expenses, and work force will reduce 2001 costs by $70 million.
  • $30 million in inventory reduction, receivables lower by $13 million, and other cash management programs which have increased cash flow from operations by more than 70% compared to the same period last year.

The next stage is underway and includes development of a comprehensive program to further reduce manufacturing capacity and targeted fixed costs. This program is expected to result in a fourth quarter charge in the range of $45-55 million once finalized. Actions being considered include changes in product sourcing and further product line rationalization intended to take advantage of low cost areas of supply as well as to increase utilization of existing facilities. The charge is expected to primarily include asset write-downs of redundant machinery, tooling and other assets associated with reducing the number of plants. In addition, severance costs will be provided in connection with these and other actions aimed at adjusting costs to current and projected levels of business activity.``

SEGMENT REVIEW

During the third quarter, Hubbell's Electrical Segment reported a 10% decline in sales and a 45% decline in operating profit. Positive year-over-year sales and profit comparisons within the segment were reported by units serving the energy industries under Killark and Chalmit brand names, and Hubbell operations in Canada and Mexico. The impact on profitability of lower volumes at the high margin Wiring Systems business and at the Lighting operations were primarily responsible for the Segment's negative profit comparison.

Similar effects were seen in the Power Systems Segment where sales declined by 10% and operating profit by 39%. Volume declined throughout the segment but the impact on operating profit was most pronounced at industry-leading units such as Ohio Brass, Anderson, and Fargo. Exacerbating the impact on profitability of continuing low volume was the unabsorbed overhead of these high fixed costs operations. Even with mounting concern about the reliability of the power grid infrastructure in North America, the level of incoming orders has not yet begun to rise.

Profitability for the Industrial Technology Segment was especially impacted even though sales declined only by 6%. The bulk of the Segment's North American markets are industrial manufacturers contending with a recession while the Haefely operation with substantial business in international markets saw an abrupt slowing and a 24% volume decline.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Cash flow from operations continued the positive trend of 2001 by strengthening to $73 million in the third quarter for a year-to-date total of $150 million. Inventory management programs reduced that component of working capital by $21 million in the third quarter or $30 million so far in 2001. In addition, Hubbell continued its repayment of short-term debt - - reduction of more than $108 million through September - - and achieved further reductions in receivables during the quarter. Hubbell's balance sheet remains strong with more than $225 million in cash and investments.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

In looking toward the remainder of this year and beyond, Powers said: ``The effect of the September events is likely to extend the recession well into, if not through, the year 2002. As the nation moves forward and the impact of September can be fully assessed, the economy will have the advantages of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts of the past year, continued low inflation, and the lower individual tax rates already passed and the possible addition of new proposals.''

``Nonetheless, and before the effect of the charge noted earlier, we expect Hubbell's fourth quarter 2001 sales and earnings to be below the third quarter results announced today.''

``With the economic environment so uncertain, it is impossible to quantify expectations for 2002 from this vantage point. We will remain tightly focused on the factors that we can control to further reduce our costs and capacity as needed.''

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as ``expects'', ``projected'', ``scheduled'', and ``unanticipated''. 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: achieving sales levels to fulfill revenue expectations; unexpected costs or charges, certain of which may be outside the control of the Company; general economic and business conditions; and competition.

Hubbell Incorporated is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for commercial, industrial, utility, and telecommunications markets. With approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenues, Hubbell Incorporated operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, participates in a joint venture in Taiwan, and maintains sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, People's Republic of China, and the Middle East. The corporate headquarters is located in Orange, CT.

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                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
            (in millions, except per share data) unaudited

                    THREE MONTHS ENDED       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                       SEPTEMBER 30             SEPTEMBER 30

                     2001         2000         2001         2000
                ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Net Sales           $ 325.7      $ 360.8    $ 1,011.0    $ 1,078.0
Cost of goods
 sold                 245.7        260.4        759.6        800.1
                ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Gross Profit           80.0        100.4        251.4        277.9

Special charge
 (credit), net            -            -            -         (0.1)
Selling &
 administrative
  expense              54.3         54.3        167.3        167.4
(Gain) on sale
 of business              -            -            -        (36.2)
                ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Total Operating
 Income                25.7         46.1         84.1        146.8

Investment
 income                 2.2          4.4          8.7         11.9
Interest
 expense               (3.3)        (5.7)       (12.8)       (13.8)
Other income,
 net                    0.7         (0.2)         1.1          3.6
                ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Total Other
 Income
 (Expense)             (0.4)        (1.5)        (3.0)         1.7

Income Before
 Income Taxes          25.3         44.6         81.1        148.5
Provision for
 income taxes           5.8         11.6         18.7         38.6
                ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Net Income           $ 19.5       $ 33.0       $ 62.4      $ 109.9
                ============ ============ ============ ============

Earnings per
 share - basic        $0.33        $0.55        $1.06        $1.78

Earnings per
 share - diluted      $0.33        $0.55        $1.06        $1.77

 Average number
  of shares
   outstanding -
    basic            58,587       60,257       58,488       61,875

 Average number
  of shares
   outstanding -
    diluted          58,996       60,406       58,749       62,039

                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
            (in millions, except per share data) unaudited

                    THREE MONTHS ENDED       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                       SEPTEMBER 30             SEPTEMBER 30

                   2001         2000          2001        2000
               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------

Net Sales
 Electrical         $ 210.3      $ 234.4      $ 644.8      $ 711.7
 Power                 80.9         89.9        258.0        280.7
 Industrial
  Technology           34.5         36.5        108.2         85.6

               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------
 Total Net Sales    $ 325.7      $ 360.8    $ 1,011.0    $ 1,078.0
               ============ ============  =========== ============

Operating Income
 Electrical          $ 18.4       $ 33.2       $ 58.8       $ 98.5
   Special & non-
    recurring
     charge, net          -            -            -        (19.2)
   Gain on sale
    of business           -            -            -         36.2
 Power                  5.9          9.7         19.8         29.0
   Special & non-
    recurring
     charge, net          -            -            -         (3.7)
 Industrial
  Technology            1.4          3.2          5.5          6.8
   Special charge         -            -            -         (0.8)
               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------
 Total Operating
  Income               25.7         46.1         84.1        146.8
               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------

Other income, net      (0.4)        (1.5)        (3.0)         1.7
               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------

Income Before
 Income Taxes          25.3         44.6         81.1        148.5
Provision for
 income taxes           5.8         11.6         18.7         38.6

               ------------ ------------  ----------- ------------
Net Income           $ 19.5       $ 33.0       $ 62.4      $ 109.9
               ============ ============  =========== ============

Earnings per
 share - basic        $0.33        $0.55        $1.06        $1.78

Earnings per
 share - diluted      $0.33        $0.55        $1.06        $1.77

 Average number
  of shares
   outstanding -
    basic            58,587       60,257       58,488       61,875

 Average number
  of shares
   outstanding -
    diluted          58,996       60,406       58,749       62,039

                         HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                             (in millions)

                                 (UNAUDITED)
                                  SEP 2001              DEC 2000
                           --------------------  --------------------
 ASSETS

 Cash and temporary
  cash investments                      $ 97.8                $ 74.8
 Accounts receivable
  (net)                                  196.9                 209.8
 Inventories (net)                       268.8                 298.6
 Prepaid taxes
  and other                               26.7                  36.8
                           --------------------  --------------------

 CURRENT ASSETS                          590.2                 620.0

 Property, plant
  and equipment
  (net)                                  286.6                 305.3
 Investments                             128.4                 192.9
 Goodwill, (net)                         257.7                 262.0
 Other                                    71.6                  74.3
                           --------------------  --------------------

 TOTAL ASSETS                        $ 1,334.5             $ 1,454.5
                           ====================  ====================

 LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Commercial paper
  and notes                            $ 151.0               $ 259.5
 Accounts payable                         62.8                  69.9
 Accrued salaries,
  wages and
  employee benefits                       21.4                  21.0
 Accrued income
  taxes                                   42.3                  43.9
 Dividends payable                        19.3                  19.5
 Other accrued
  liabilities                             74.9                  75.6
                           --------------------  --------------------

 CURRENT LIABILITIES                     371.7                 489.4

 Long-term debt                           99.8                  99.7
 Other non-current
  liabilities                             89.6                  89.9
 Deferred income taxes                     6.2                   6.0
                           --------------------  --------------------

 TOTAL LIABILITIES                       567.3                 685.0

 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                    767.2                 769.5
                           --------------------  --------------------

 TOTAL LIABILITIES &
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY               $ 1,334.5             $ 1,454.5
                           ====================  ====================

Contact:
     Hubbell Incorporated, Orange
     Thomas R. Conlin, 203/799-4100