Item 1. Business

Hubbell Incorporated (herein referred to as “Hubbell”, the “Company”, the “registrant”, “we”, “our” or “us”, which references shall include its divisions and subsidiaries as the context may require) was founded as a proprietorship in 1888, and was incorporated in Connecticut in 1905. Recognized for our innovation, quality, and deep commitment to serving our customers for over 135 years, Hubbell is a world-class manufacturer of electrical and utility solutions, with more than 75 brands used around the world. We provide utility and electrical solutions that enable our customers to operate critical infrastructure reliably and efficiently, and we empower and energize communities through innovative solutions supporting energy infrastructure In Front of the Meter, on The Edge, and Behind the Meter. In Front of the Meter is where utilities transmit and distribute energy to their customers. The Edge connects utilities with owner/operators and allows energy and data to be distributed back and forth. Behind the Meter is where owners and operators of building and other critical infrastructure consume energy.

Our products are either sourced complete, manufactured or assembled by subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China (“China”), the United Kingdom (“UK”), Brazil, Australia, Spain, Ireland, and the Republic of the Philippines. Hubbell also participates in joint ventures in Hong Kong and the Republic of the Philippines, and maintains offices in Singapore, Italy, China, India, Mexico, South Korea, Chile, and countries in the Middle East.

The Company’s reporting segments consist of the Utility Solutions segment and the Electrical Solutions segment.

The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://www.hubbell.com as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained on the Company’s website or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report.

Utility Solutions Segment

Hubbell Utility Solutions has leading positions In Front of the Meter and at The Edge. The Utility Solutions segment (61% of consolidated revenues in 2023, 58% in 2022 and 56% in 2021) consists of businesses that design, manufacture, and sell a wide variety of electrical distribution, transmission, substation, and telecommunications products, which support applications In Front of the Meter. This includes utility transmission & distribution (T&D) components such as arresters, insulators, connectors, anchors, bushings, enclosures, cutouts and switches. The Utility Solutions segment also offers solutions that serve The Edge of the utility infrastructure, including smart meters, communications systems, and protection and control devices. Hubbell Utility Solutions supports the electrical distribution, electrical transmission, water, gas distribution, telecommunications, and solar and wind markets. While Hubbell believes its sales in this area are not materially dependent upon any customer or group of customers, a substantial variability in purchases by electrical utilities would affect this segment.

On December 12, 2023 the Company acquired Northern Star Holdings, Inc. ("Systems Control") for approximately $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the "Systems Control Acquisition"). Systems Control is a manufacturer of substation control and relay panels, as well as turnkey substation control building solutions. This acquisition enhances Hubbell Utility Solutions' industry-leading franchise across utility components, communications and controls.

Products of the Utility Solutions segment are sold under the following brands and/or trademarks:

Electrical Solutions Segment

Hubbell Electrical Solutions is positioned Behind the Meter, providing key components to building operators and industrial customers that enable them to manage their energy and operate critical infrastructure more efficiently and effectively. The Electrical Solutions segment (39% of consolidated revenues in 2023, 42% in 2022 and 44% in 2021) comprises businesses that sell stock and custom products including standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, and lighting fixtures, as well as other electrical equipment.

Products of the Electrical Solutions segment have applications in the light industrial, non-residential, wireless communications, transportation, data center, and heavy industrial markets. Electrical Solutions segment products are typically used in and around industrial, commercial and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies. In addition, certain of our businesses design and manufacture industrial controls and communication systems used in the non-residential and industrial markets. Many of these products are designed such that they can also be used in harsh and hazardous locations where a potential for fire and explosion exists due to the presence of flammable gasses and vapors. Harsh and hazardous products are primarily used in the oil and gas (onshore and offshore) and mining industries. We also offer a variety of lighting fixtures, wiring devices and electrical products that have residential and utility applications, including residential products with Internet-of-Things ("IoT") enabled technologies.

In December 2023, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its residential lighting business for a cash purchase price of $131 million, subject to customary adjustments. The residential lighting business sells indoor and outdoor lighting solutions. The business generated $187.1 million in sales in 2023. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. The assets and liabilities of this business are recorded in assets and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023.

Products of the Electrical Solutions segment are sold under various brands and/or trademarks and are primarily sold through electrical and industrial distributors, home centers, retail and hardware outlets, lighting showrooms and residential product oriented internet sites. Special application products are primarily sold through wholesale distributors to contractors, industrial customers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). Brands and/or trademarks of products of the Electrical Solutions segment include:

*Brand is part of the residential lighting business, which is part of the pending sale discussed above.

Information Applicable to Our Business

International Operations

The Company has several operations located outside of the United States. These operations manufacture, assemble and/or procure and market Hubbell products and services for both the Utility Solutions and Electrical Solutions segments.

See Note 21 — Industry Segments and Geographic Area Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors relating to manufacturing in and sourcing from foreign countries.

Customers

We have an extensive customer base of distributors, wholesalers, electric utilities, OEMs, electrical contractors, telecommunications companies and retail and hardware outlets. We are not dependent on a single customer, however, our top ten customers account for approximately 42% of our Net sales.

Raw Materials

Raw materials used in the manufacture of Hubbell products primarily include steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, zinc, nickel, plastics, phenolics, elastomers and petrochemicals. Hubbell also purchases certain electrical and electronic components, including solenoids, lighting ballasts, printed circuit boards, integrated circuit chips and cord sets, from a number of suppliers. Hubbell is not materially dependent upon any one supplier for raw materials used in the manufacture of its products and equipment however the cost and supply of these materials may be affected by disruptions in availability of raw materials, components or sourced finished goods. See also Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Patents

Hubbell has approximately 3,100 active United States and foreign patents covering a portion of its products, which expire at various times. While Hubbell deems these patents to be of value, it does not consider its business to be dependent upon patent protection. Hubbell also licenses products under patents owned by others, as necessary, and grants licenses under certain of its patents.

Working Capital

Inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable levels, payment terms and, where applicable, return policies are in accordance with the general practices of the electrical products industry and standard business procedures. See also Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Backlog

Substantially all of the backlog existing at December 31, 2023 in the Electrical Solutions segment is expected to be shipped to customers in 2024. In the Utility Solutions segment, substantially all of the backlog existing at December 31, 2023 is expected to be shipped during 2024, along with $200 million of backlog of contracts that span multiple years, primarily related to long-term contracts of the Aclara business to deliver and install meters and grid monitoring sensor technology. The backlog of orders believed to be firm at December 31, 2023 was $2,328 million compared to $2,463 million at December 31, 2022. Although this backlog is important, the majority of Hubbell’s revenues result from sales of inventoried products or products that have short periods of manufacture.

Competition

Hubbell experiences substantial competition in all categories of its business, but does not compete with the same companies in all of its product categories. The number and size of competitors vary considerably depending on the product line. Hubbell cannot specify with precision the number of competitors in each product category or their relative market position. However, some of its competitors are larger companies with substantial financial and other resources. Hubbell considers product performance, reliability, quality and technological innovation to be important factors relevant to all areas of its business and considers its reputation as a manufacturer of quality products to be an important factor in its business. In addition, product price, service levels and other factors can affect Hubbell’s ability to compete.

Environment

The Company is subject to various federal, state and local government requirements relating to the protection of employee health and safety and the environment. The Company believes that, as a general matter, its policies, practices and procedures are properly designed to prevent unreasonable risk of environmental damage and personal injury to its employees and its customers’ employees and that the handling, manufacture, use and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances are in accordance with environmental laws and regulations.

Like other companies engaged in similar businesses, the Company has incurred or acquired through business combinations, remedial response and voluntary cleanup costs for site contamination, and is a party to product liability and other lawsuits and claims associated with environmental matters, including past production of products containing toxic substances. Additional lawsuits, claims and costs involving environmental matters are likely to continue to arise in the future. However, considering past experience and reserves, the Company does not anticipate that these matters will have a material adverse effect on earnings, capital expenditures, financial condition or competitive position. See also Item 1A. Risk Factors and Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Human Capital

Our commitment to developing our employees is one of four pillars that guide Hubbell as a company. We recruit, hire, and develop talent that meets and anticipates the ever-changing needs of our enterprise, while fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Hubbell provides market competitive compensation, health and well-being programs, and retirement benefits based on the countries and markets in which we operate to motivate market-leading performance.

As of December 31, 2023, Hubbell had approximately 18,317 salaried and hourly employees of whom approximately 11,182, or 61% are located in the United States. Approximately 2,332 of these U.S. employees are represented by 8 labor unions. Hubbell considers its labor relations to be satisfactory and regularly engages with its labor unions.

Hubbell is committed to fostering an environment that respects and encourages individual differences, diversity of thought, and talent. We strive to create a workplace where employees feel that their contributions are welcomed and valued, allowing them to fully engage their talents and training in their work, while generating personal satisfaction in their role within Hubbell. Hubbell has created a multi-year, enterprise-wide strategy dedicated to evolving our inclusive culture while addressing underrepresentation where it exists across our company. As of December 31, 2023, 33% of our employees identify as female, and within the United States, 32% identify as female and 41% are racially diverse.

Across the enterprise, there are a variety of ways we invest in our people to learn - on the job, in the classroom, through self-directed learning, or through leadership programs. We have expanded our learning management system (known as Hubbell University) to make new content and training available to our employees. The Company has also expanded leadership development programs to provide career development to employees at all levels and continues to expand its Campus Programs to foster a pipeline of early career talent at Hubbell.

The Company also encourages its employees to give back to their communities. The Company supports employees’ spirit of volunteerism in their communities throughout the year with its Volunteer Paid Time Off policy, which provides all employees with up to 8 hours of paid time off a year to volunteer with an eligible 501(c)(3) charity of their choice.

As a manufacturing company, we focus on protecting the health and safety of our employees. In 2023, the Company hosted a Culture of Safety Summit with safety and plant leaders from across the enterprise, focused on ensuring that employees Think Safe, Work Safe and Go Home Safe. We dedicate resources to track and monitor safety and recordable incidents using an enterprise-wide data management system. Through the Company’s myLife program, the Company provides comprehensive, competitive benefits that retain and support our employees supporting their health, wealth and peace of mind.

In 2023, Hubbell again conducted an enterprise-wide employee survey, the Elevate Employee Experience Survey, to better understand the voices of our employees worldwide. Elevate was the largest survey conducted by the Company and approximately 84% of Hubbell’s employees responded, providing insights that the Company developed into action plans to continue to drive employee engagement at the enterprise and local level.

Information about our Executive Officers

*(1)*As of February 8, 2024, there are no family relationships among any of the above executive officers and any of our directors. For information related to our Board of Directors, refer to Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.