Hubbell Inc (HUBB) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Profit Growth and Raised EPS Guidance

In This Article:

  • Adjusted Earnings Per Share Growth: 14% year-over-year increase.

  • Operating Profit Growth: 14% year-over-year increase.

  • Adjusted Operating Margin Expansion: 180 basis points increase.

  • Sales Growth: 5% overall increase.

  • Free Cash Flow Growth: 19% increase.

  • Utility Segment Sales Growth: 11% increase, with 15% from acquisitions and -4% organic.

  • Utility Segment Operating Margin: 130 basis points expansion to over 25%.

  • Electrical Segment Organic Growth: 3% increase.

  • Electrical Segment Operating Margin Expansion: 190 basis points increase.

  • Full-Year EPS Guidance: Raised to $16.35 to $16.55.

Release Date: October 29, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB) reported a 14% year-over-year growth in adjusted earnings per share and operating profit.

  • The company achieved a 180 basis point expansion in adjusted operating margin.

  • Utility Solutions segment showed strong growth driven by grid modernization and electrification trends.

  • Electrabel solutions delivered solid organic growth and 190 basis points of adjusted operating margin expansion.

  • Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB) raised its full-year outlook, confident in delivering double-digit adjusted operating profit growth for 2024.

Negative Points

  • Telecom markets remained weak, impacting overall performance.

  • Utility distribution markets were affected by customer inventory normalization.

  • Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB) faced disruptions in three manufacturing facilities due to recent storm activity.

  • Organic sales were slightly down, with net M&A contributing to growth.

  • Interest expenses increased due to acquisitions, offsetting some financial gains.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you confirm the revenue contribution from Systems Control and provide insights on grid infrastructure's organic performance? A: Systems Control contributed approximately $120 million in revenue for the quarter. The grid infrastructure segment experienced around a 6% organic decline, but this was offset by strong performance in other areas.

Q: How is the storm impact affecting channel inventory, and what is the status of inventory normalization? A: The recent storms have helped flush out inventory, particularly in specific regions and with certain customers. This process is aiding in inventory normalization, although it varies by location and customer.

Q: What is the outlook for pricing in the utility segment for next year, and how are customer negotiations progressing? A: Pricing traction has been positive, especially outside of the telecom sector. We expect pricing to remain a lever, albeit at more modest levels, as we continue to focus on our value proposition, including service and quality.