HUBBELL INC
10-K405, 1997-03-27
ELECTRIC LIGHTING & WIRING EQUIPMENT
Previous: HUBBELL INC, DEF 14A, 1997-03-27
Next: HUNT MANUFACTURING CO, 10-Q, 1997-03-27



<PAGE>   1
                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                 Washington, DC  20549

                                       FORM 10-K

[X]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

                           Commission File No. 1-2958

                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

              CONNECTICUT                             06-0397030
  (State or other jurisdiction of
   incorporation or organization)        (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

  584 Derby Milford Road, Orange, Connecticut         06477-4024
  (Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

                                 (203) 799-4100
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Title of each Class                             Name of Exchange on which Registered
<S>                                                         <C>
Class A Common - $.01 par value
    (20 votes per share)                                    New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common - $.01 par value
    (1 vote per share)                                      New York Stock Exchange
Class A Common Stock Purchase Rights                        New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock Purchase Rights                        New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such report), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / X /  No / /

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. / X /

The approximate aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant as of March 14, 1997 was
$2,660,405,500*. The number of shares outstanding of the Class A Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock as of March 14, 1997 was 11,384,710 and 55,827,223,
respectively.

                       Documents Incorporated by Reference

    The definitive proxy statement for the proposed annual meeting of
    stockholders to be held on May 5, 1997, filed with the Commission on March
    27, 1997 - Part III.
- ---------------

*Calculated by excluding all shares held by executive Officers and Directors
 of Registrant and the Roche Trust, the Hubbell Trust and the Harvey Hubbell
 Foundation, without conceding that all such persons are "affiliates" of
 registrant for purpose of the Federal Securities Laws.
<PAGE>   2
                                                                      Page 2

                                     PART I
Item 1.           Business

Hubbell Incorporated (herein referred to as "Hubbell", the "Company" or the
"registrant", 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. Hubbell manufactures and sells high quality
electrical and electronic products for a broad range of commercial, industrial,
telecommunications, and utility applications. Hubbell products are now
manufactured or assembled by twenty-one divisions and subsidiaries at thirty-two
locations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the United Kingdom
and Singapore. Hubbell also participates in joint ventures with partners in
South America, Germany and Taiwan, and maintains sales offices in Malaysia,
Mexico, Hong Kong, South Korea, and the Middle East.

Hubbell is primarily engaged in the engineering, manufacture and sale of
electrical and electronic products. These products can be divided into three
general segments: products primarily used in low-voltage applications, products
primarily used in high-voltage applications and products that either are not
directly related to the electrical business, or, if related, cannot be clearly
classified on a voltage application basis. Hubbell defines "low-voltage" as
being 600 volts and less and "high-voltage" as greater than 600 volts. Reference
is made to page 39 for information relative to Industry Segment and Geographic
Area Information for 1996, 1995 and 1994.

On February 14, 1997, Hubbell acquired the stock of Fargo Mfg. Company, Inc.
("Fargo"). Fargo, with a facility in Poughkeepsie, New York, is a manufacturer
of distribution and transmission products, principally for the utility industry.
Fargo's distribution products include electrical connectors, line splices, dead
ends, hot line taps, formed wire products, wildlife protectors, and various
associated products, and its transmission products include splices, sleeves,
connectors, dead ends, spacers and dampers. Fargo's products also consist of
original equipment and resale products including substation fittings for cable,
tube and bus as well as underground enclosures, wrenches, hydraulic pumps and
presses, and coatings.

                   PRODUCTS USED IN LOW-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

Electrical Wiring Devices

The Wiring Device Division of Hubbell specializes in the manufacture and sale of
highly durable and reliable wiring devices which are supplied principally to
industrial and commercial customers. These products, comprising several thousand
catalog items, include plugs, receptacles (including surge suppressor units),
wall outlets, connectors, adapters, floor boxes and switches (including passive
infrared motion sensing switches). The Wiring Device Division's pin-and-sleeve
devices built to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards have
incorporated improved water and dust-tight construction and impact resistance.
Switch and receptacle wall plates feature proprietary thermoplastic materials
offering high impact resistance and durability, and are available in a variety
of colors. Delivery systems, including the system PDC (under carpet cable
systems for power, data and communications distribution), provide efficiency and
flexibility in both initial installation and remodeling application. Hubbell
also sells wiring devices for use in certain environments requiring specialized
products, such as multi-pin connectors and cable assemblies for connection of
sensors in processing lines and electric cord reels and modular cable protection
systems. The Wiring Device Division also sells ground fault circuit interrupter
units for commercial and industrial applications.
<PAGE>   3
                                                                         Page 3

Some of these units contain a number of outlets to which electrically-powered
equipment may be simultaneously connected for ground fault protection. Ground
fault units interrupt the circuit to which they are connected when a fault to
ground is detected to protect the user from potentially lethal shock.

Bryant Electric, Inc. manufactures and sells electrical wiring devices,
including plugs, connectors, receptacles, switches (including motion sensing
switches), lampholders, control switches, pendants, weatherproof enclosures, and
wall plates, to a separate market segment of industrial and commercial
customers, utilizing its own sales and marketing organization.

Hubbell maintains operations in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada and Mexico
which sell a variety of wiring device products similar to those produced in the
United States. Most of the wiring device products sold by these operations are
manufactured in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Lighting Fixtures

Hubbell Lighting, Inc. manufactures and sells lighting fixtures and accessories
for both indoor and outdoor applications in the United States, Canada, Mexico,
United Kingdom, Singapore and elsewhere internationally. Hubbell Lighting has
three basic classifications of products: Outdoor, Industrial and Commercial. The
Outdoor products include floodlights, landscape lights, roadway lights and
poles, which are used to illuminate athletic and recreational fields, service
stations, outdoor display signs, parking lots, roadways and streets, security
areas, shopping centers and similar areas. In addition, a line of decorative
outdoor fixtures is sold for use in residences, parking lots, gardens and
walkways. The Industrial products include fixtures used to illuminate factories,
work spaces, and similar areas, including specialty requirements such as paint
rooms, clean rooms and warehouses. The Commercial products include fluorescent,
emergency and exit, and recessed and track fixtures which are used for offices,
schools, hospitals, retail stores, and similar applications. The fixtures use
high-intensity discharge lamps, such as mercury-vapor, high-pressure
sodium-vapor, and metal-halide lamps, as well as quartz, fluorescent and
incandescent lamps, all of which are purchased from other sources. Hubbell
Lighting also manufactures a broad range of track and down lighting fixtures and
accessories sold under the Marco trademark. These products supplemented existing
track and down lighting product lines developed internally by Hubbell Lighting.
Hubbell Lighting also has a line of Life Safety products, fixtures and related
components which are used in specialized safety applications.

Industrial Controls

Hubbell Industrial Controls, Inc. manufactures and sells a variety of heavy-duty
electrical and radio control products which have broad application in the
control of industrial equipment and processes. These products range from
standard and specialized industrial control components to combinations of
components that control industrial manufacturing processes. Standard products
include motor speed controls, pendant-type push-button stations, power and
grounding resistors and overhead crane controls. Hubbell Industrial Controls,
Inc. also manufactures and sells a line of transfer switches used to direct
electrical supply from alternate sources and a line of fire pump control
products used in fire control systems. Industrial controls are also manufactured
and sold in the United Kingdom by Hubbell, Ltd. Products sold by this subsidiary
are used in motor control applications and include fuse switches, contactors and
solid state timers.

Gleason Reel Corp. ("Gleason") manufactures and sells industrial-quality cable
management products including electric cable and hose reels, protective steel
and nylon cable tracks (cable and hose carriers) and cable festooning hardware,
highly engineered container crane reels and festoons for the
<PAGE>   4
                                                                      Page 4

international market, slip rings, and a line of ergonomic tool support systems
(workstation accessories and components such as balancers, retractors, torque
reels and column, tool support, boom and jib kits).

Special Application Products

In addition to its other products, Killark Electric Manufacturing Company
manufactures and sells weather proof and hazardous location products suitable
for standard, explosion proof and other hostile area applications. These
products consist of fittings, enclosures, lighting fixtures, distribution
equipment, motor controls, plugs and receptacles. Hazardous locations are those
areas where a potential for explosion and fire exists due to the presence of
flammable gasses, vapors, dust or easily ignitable fibers and include such
places as refineries, petro-chemical plants, grain elevators and processing
areas.

Sales and Distribution of Low-Voltage Products

A majority of Hubbell's low-voltage products are stock items and are sold
through distributors, home centers and lighting showrooms. A portion of these
products, primarily industrial controls, are sold directly to the customer.
Special application products are sold primarily through wholesale distributors
to contractors, industrial customers and original equipment manufacturers.
Hubbell maintains a sales organization to assist potential users with the
application of certain products to their specific requirements. Hubbell also
maintains regional offices in the United States which work with architects,
engineers, industrial designers, original equipment manufacturers and electrical
contractors for the design of electrical systems to meet the specific
requirements of industrial and commercial users. Hubbell is also represented by
sales representatives for its lighting fixtures, electrical wiring devices, and
industrial controls product lines. The sales of low-voltage products accounted
for approximately 41% of Hubbell's total revenue in 1996, 44% in 1995 and 45% in
1994.

                  PRODUCTS USED IN HIGH-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

Insulated Wire and Cable

The Kerite Company manufactures and sells premium quality, high performance,
insulated power cable for application in critical circuits of electric utilities
and major industrials. This product line utilizes proprietary insulation systems
and unique designs to meet the increasingly demanding specifications of its
customers. Applications include generating plants, underground and underwater
transmission and distribution systems, petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants
and mines. Kerite produces specially-designed cable for supplying power to
submersible pumps in oil wells. This cable is designed to offer increased
service life in the extreme temperature and corrosive conditions encountered in
these adverse environments. The Kerite Company also manufactures accessories for
splicing and terminating cable ends.

Electrical Transmission and Distribution Products

The Ohio Brass Company manufactures a complete line of polymer insulators and
high-voltage surge arresters used in the construction of electrical transmission
and distribution lines and substations. The Ohio Brass Company's primary focus
in this product area is its Hi*LiteXL and Veri*Lite polymer insulator lines and
its polymer based surge arrester lines. Electrical transmission products,
primarily suspension insulators, are used in the expansion and upgrading of
electrical transmission capability.
<PAGE>   5
                                                                      Page 5


A. B. Chance Company manufactures and sells products used in the electrical
transmission, distribution and telecommunications industries, including overhead
and underground electrical apparatus such as (a) distribution switches (to
control and route the flow of power through electrical lines); (b) cutouts,
sectionalizers, and fuses (to protect against faults and over-current conditions
on power distribution systems); and (c) Epoxirod(R) insulator systems (pole
framing and conductor accessories).

Anderson Electrical Products, Inc. ("Anderson") manufactures and sells
electrical connectors and associated hardware including pole line, line and
tower hardware, compression crimping tools and accessories, mechanical and
compression connectors, suspension clamps, terminals, supports, couplers, and
tees for utility distribution and transmission systems and substations, and
industry.

High Voltage Test and Measurement Equipment

Hipotronics, Inc. manufactures and sells a broad line of high voltage test and
measurement systems to test materials and equipment used in the generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity. In addition, Hipotronics
manufactures test equipment and high voltage power supplies for use in
electrical and electronic industries. Principal products include AC/DC hipot
testers and megohmmeters, cable fault location systems, oil testers and DC
hipots, impulse generators and digital measurement systems, AC series resonant
and corona detection systems, DC test sets and power supplies, variable
transformers, voltage regulators, and motor and transformer test sets.

Sales and Distribution of High-Voltage Products

Sales of high-voltage products are made through distributors and directly to
users such as electric utilities, mining operations, industrial firms, and
engineering and construction firms engaged in electric transmission projects.
Hipotronics' products are sold primarily by direct sales to its customers in the
United States and in foreign countries through its sales engineers and
independent sales representatives. While Hubbell believes its sales in this area
are not materially dependent upon any customer or group of customers, a decrease
in purchases by public utilities does affect this category. The sale of
high-voltage products accounted for approximately 23% of Hubbell's total revenue
in 1996 and 20% in 1995 and 1994.

                  PRODUCTS NOT CLASSIFIED ON A VOLTAGE BASIS

Outlet Boxes, Enclosures and Fittings

Raco Inc. is a leading manufacturer of steel and plastic boxes used at outlets,
switch locations and junction points as well as a broad line of fittings for the
electrical industry, including rigid conduit fittings, EMT (thinwall) fittings
and other metal conduit fittings. Raco also has a complete electrical
nonmetallic family of products including conduit tubing, fittings and outlet
boxes. Raco also manufactures a variety of electrical box products under the
Bell trademark, with an emphasis on weather-resistant types suitable for outdoor
application. The weatherproof lines include a full assortment of boxes, covers,
combination devices, lampholders, and lever switches.

The major markets for Raco Inc.'s products include industrial, commercial and
residential construction, the do-it-yourself market, the export market, and the
original equipment manufacturer market. Raco Inc.'s products are sold primarily
through distributors and in some retail and hardware outlets.
<PAGE>   6
                                                                      Page 6


E. M. Wiegmann & Co., Inc. manufactures a full-line of fabricated steel
enclosures such as rainproof and dust-tight panels, consoles and cabinets,
wireway and electronic enclosures. These products are used to enclose and
protect electrical conductors, terminations, instruments, distribution equipment
and controls. Wiegmann's products are primarily sold through distributors to
industrial customers and original equipment manufacturers.

In addition to its other products, Hubbell Canada Inc. manufactures a line of
quality nonmetallic plastic switch and outlet boxes configured for the Canadian
residential construction market.

Killark Electric Manufacturing Company is a leading manufacturer of quality
standard and special application enclosures and fittings including hazardous
location products for use in installations such as chemical plants, pipelines,
grain elevators, coal handling facilities and refineries. These products include
conduit raceway fittings, junction boxes, enclosures, lighting fixtures and
standard and custom controls. Killark also is a major participant in the
maintenance and repair, commercial and industrial construction segments of the
domestic electrical construction materials market. Killark's products are sold
primarily through electrical distributors to contractors, industrial customers
and original equipment manufacturers.

Voice and Data Signal Processing Equipment

Pulse Communications, Inc. designs and manufactures a line of voice and data
signal processing equipment primarily for use by the telephone and
telecommunications industry. Customers of this product line include various
telecommunications companies, the Regional Bell Operating Companies, independent
telephone companies and specialized common carriers and companies with private
networks. Pulse Communications, Inc. also manufactures electronic systems which
monitor various conditions, such as telephone traffic levels or the occurrence
of certain events at one or more remote locations. The information obtained is
processed and appropriate corrective or alarm signals are generated and
transmitted back to a central station. These products are sold primarily by
direct sales to its customers in the United States and in foreign countries
through Pulse Communications, Inc.'s sales personnel and sales representatives
under the Pulsecom trademark.

Hubbell Premise Wiring Division manufactures or sells components used in
telecommunications applications for power, voice and data signals. Products
include adapters and outlets, quick connect jacks, high density jacks,
connectorized cables, patch panels, baluns, flush plates, surface boxes, racks,
enclosures, modular furniture plates, undercarpet cable and other components and
systems used in the processing, distribution, and termination functions for
local area networks (LANS) in commercial and industrial buildings. These
products are sold through a direct sales organization and by selected,
independent telecommunications representatives.

Holding Devices

The Kellems Division manufactures a line of Kellems(R) grips used to pull,
support and relieve stress in elongated items such as cables, electrical cords,
hoses and conduits. The grips are made of wire mesh in a range of sizes and
strengths to accommodate differing needs. The mesh part of the grip is designed
to tighten around the surface of the items under tension. Kellems also makes a
line of cord connectors designed to prevent electrical conductors from pulling
away from electrical terminals to which the conductors are attached, and wire
management products including flexible, non-metallic conduit and fittings and
non-metallic surface raceway products used in wiring and cable harness
installations. These products are sold primarily through distributors.
<PAGE>   7
                                                                         Page 7


Construction Materials/Tools

Chance manufactures and sells (a) line construction materials, including anchors
used to hold overhead power and communications lines erect, for tower,
streetlight pole, pipeline, and apparatus foundation support, and a variety of
farm, home and construction anchoring, tie-back and holding applications; (b)
pole line hardware, including galvanized steel fixtures and extruded plastic
materials used in overhead and underground line construction and connectors, and
other accessories for making high voltage connections and linkages; (c)
construction tools and accessories for building overhead and underground power
and telephone lines; and (d) hot-line tools (all types of tools mounted on
insulated poles used to maintain energized high voltage lines) and other safety
equipment. These products are sold through distributors and directly to electric
utilities.

The sale of products not classified on a voltage basis accounted for
approximately 36% of Hubbell's total revenue in 1996, 36% in 1995, and 35% in
1994.

               INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO ALL GENERAL CATEGORIES

International Operations

Hubbell Ltd. in the United Kingdom manufactures and/or sells fuse switches,
contactors, solid state timers, selected wiring device products, premise wiring
products, specialized control gear, and chart recording products.

Hubbell Canada Inc. and Hubbell de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. currently manufacture
and/or market wiring devices, lighting fixtures, grips, fittings, plastic outlet
boxes, hazardous location products and electrical transmission and distribution
products. Industrial controls products are sold in Canada through an independent
sales agent.

Harvey Hubbell S.E. Asia Pte. Ltd. assembles and/or markets wiring devices,
lighting fixtures, hazardous location products, electrical transmission and
distribution products and cable.

Hubbell also manufactures lighting products, weatherproof outlet boxes, and
fittings in Juarez, Mexico. Hubbell also has interests in various other
international operations such as joint ventures in South America, India, Germany
and Taiwan. Hubbell also has sales offices in Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea
and the Middle East.

As a percentage of total sales, international shipments from foreign
subsidiaries were 6% in 1996, and 6% in 1995 and 1994, with the Canadian market
representing approximately 60% of the total.

Raw Materials

Principal raw materials used in the manufacture of Hubbell products include
steel, brass, copper, aluminum, bronze, 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 and, at the present time, raw
materials and components essential to its operation are in adequate supply.
<PAGE>   8
                                                                         Page 8


Patents

Hubbell has approximately 835 active United States and foreign patents covering
many 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 licenses under patents owned by others, as may be
needed, and grants licenses under certain of its patents.

Working Capital

Hubbell maintains sufficient inventory to enable it to provide a high level of
service to its customers. The inventory levels, payment terms and return
policies are in accord with the general practices of the electrical products
industry and standard business procedures.

Backlog

Backlog of orders believed to be firm at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were
approximately $93,300,000 and $90,100,000, respectively. Most of the backlog is
expected to be shipped in the current year. 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 its product categories. The
number and size of competitors vary considerably depending on the product line.
Hubbell cannot specify with exactitude 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
as 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 and other factors can affect Hubbell's
ability to compete.

Environment

Compliance with Federal, State and local provisions regulating the discharge of
materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment, is not believed to have any material effect upon the financial or
competitive position of Hubbell.

Employees

As of December 31, 1996, Hubbell had approximately 8,178 full-time employees,
including salaried and hourly personnel. Approximately 2,836 of Hubbell's United
States employees are represented by 10 labor unions. Hubbell considers its labor
relations to be satisfactory.

Item 2.           Properties

A list of Hubbell's material manufacturing facilities, classified by segment is
included on Page 40 hereof under Industry Segment and Geographical Area
Information.
<PAGE>   9
                                                                         Page 9


Item 3.              Legal Proceedings

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which Hubbell or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject, other
than ordinary and routine litigation incident to their business.

Item 4.              Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1996.
<PAGE>   10
                                                                         Page 10


                                     PART II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
         Matters

The Company's Class A and Class B common stocks are principally traded on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "HUBA" and "HUBB". The following
tables provide information on market prices, dividends declared and number of
common shareholders. Market prices and dividends declared have been restated for
the 2-for-1 common stock split in 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Market Prices (Dollars Per Share)     Common A              Common B
- ---------------------------------     --------              --------
Years Ended December 31,           High      Low         High      Low
- ------------------------           ----      ---         ----      ---

<C>                                <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
1996-First quarter                 32 1/2    30 3/8      35 1/8    31 3/4
1996-Second quarter                33 1/4    30 1/8      36        31 3/4
1996-Third quarter                 33 7/8    30 7/8      37 7/8    33 1/4
1996-Fourth quarter                39 1/8    32 3/4      43 3/4    36 3/8

1995-First quarter                 26        24 1/2      27        25 1/4
1995-Second quarter                27 7/8    25 1/8      29        26 1/2
1995-Third quarter                 28 1/8    27          30        28 1/4
1995-Fourth quarter                31        27 7/8      33        29 1/8
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dividends Declared (Cents Per Share)  Common A            Common B
- ------------------------------------  --------            --------
Years Ended December 31,          1996      1995       1996      1995
- ------------------------          ----      ----       ----     -----
<S>                               <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
First quarter                       24        20         24        20
Second quarter                      26        24         26        24
Third quarter                       26        24         26        24
Fourth quarter                      26        24         26        24
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Common Shareholders
- -----------------------------
At December 31,             1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
- ---------------             ----       ----       ----       ----       ----

<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Class A                    1,285      1,308      1,327      1,405      1,464
Class B                    5,359      5,521      5,354      5,628      5,555
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   11
                                                                         Page 11


                       THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
<PAGE>   12
                                                                         Page 12


Item 6.            Selected Financial Data

      The following summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes and Exhibit 11 contained herein (dollars in
thousands, except per share amounts).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATIONS, YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       1996         1995          1994           1993           1992
- ------------------------------------                       ----         ----          ----           ----           ----
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>
Net sales                                              $1,297,381    1,143,126     1,013,700        832,423       786,078
Gross profit                                           $  392,351      339,948       305,020        262,931       257,800
Restructuring charge                                   $     --           --             --         (50,000)(2)       --
Operating income                                       $  197,536      164,960       140,583         70,241       117,926
Provision for income taxes                             $   57,809       45,099        39,402         15,188        36,588
Income before cumulative effect of change
   in accounting principles                            $  141,532      121,934       106,533         66,306(2)     94,090
     Return on sales                                         10.9%        10.7%         10.5%           8.0%         12.0%
     Return on common shareholders' average equity           20.1%        19.1%         18.3%          12.1%         17.7%
     Return on average total capital                         18.4%        18.5%         18.2%          12.0%         17.6%

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles   $     --           --            --               --       (16,506)(3)
Net Income                                             $  141,532      121,934       106,533         66,306(2)     77,584
Earnings Per Share (1)
  Income before cumulative effect of change
     in accounting principles                          $     2.10         1.83          1.60           1.00(2)       1.42
  Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principles                             $     --           --            --               --         (0.25)(3)
         Net Income                                    $     2.10         1.83          1.60           1.00(2)       1.17
Cash dividends declared per common share               $     1.02          .92           .81            .78           .76
Additions to property, plant, and equipment            $   39,132       38,228        53,178         25,123        22,894
Depreciation and amortization                          $   39,253       36,240        34,011         30,098        26,813

FINANCIAL POSITION, AT YEAR-END
Working capital                                        $  335,758      305,168       112,833        131,875       129,401
Current ratio                                            2.3 to 1     2.6 to 1      1.3 to 1       1.6 to 1       1.6 to 1
Property, plant and equipment (net)                    $  217,913      204,190       201,968        154,621       153,339
Total assets                                           $1,185,440    1,057,245     1,041,569        874,298       806,688
Long-term debt                                         $   99,458      102,096         2,700          2,700         2,700
Common shareholders' equity:
  Total                                                $  743,146      667,338       608,996        557,660       541,327
  Per share                                            $    11.05        10.00          9.24           8.50          8.27

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, AT YEAR END                            8,178        7,410         7,405          5,885         5,759
- --------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) Share data have been restated for the 2-for-1 common stock split in 1996.

(2) In the fourth quarter of 1993, Hubbell recorded a restructuring charge for
    consolidation of manufacturing and distribution operations and other
    productivity programs which reduced net income by $31,000,000, $0.46 per
    share. Excluding the restructuring charge, net earnings from operations
    would have been $97,306,000, $1.46 per share.

(3) In 1992, Hubbell adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS)
    No. 106 Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
    Pensions, No. 109 -- Accounting for Income Taxes and No. 112 -- Employers'
    Accounting for Postemployment Benefits. As part of adopting the new
    accounting standards as of January 1, 1992, a one-time non-cash charge of
    $16,506,000 net of tax or $0.25 per share was recorded.
<PAGE>   13
                                                                         Page 13


Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
         Results of Operations


                         LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Management views liquidity on the basis of the Company's ability to meet
operational needs, fund additional investments, including acquisitions, and make
dividend payments to shareholders. At December 31, 1996, the Company's financial
condition remained strong with working capital of $335.8 million and a current
ratio of 2.3 to 1.

Net cash provided by operations increased reflecting higher net income and
continued emphasis on management of working capital. The increase in
depreciation and amortization is due to a higher level of depreciable assets and
the acquisition of businesses in 1996 and 1994. With the Company's continuing
emphasis on working capital management, the level of accounts receivable
increased at approximately half the rate of increase in sales volume.
Inventories were slightly reduced while maintaining appropriate levels of
customer service. The increase in current liabilities is principally due to the
higher level of business activity, increased income taxes and accrual of
interest for the ten year notes.

On January 2, 1996, the Company acquired the Anderson Electrical Products
business ("Anderson"). Anderson manufacturers electrical connectors and
associated hardware and tools for the electric utility industry. On January 31,
1996, the Company purchased the Gleason Reel Corporation ("Gleason"). Gleason
manufactures cable management products and a line of ergonomic tool support
systems. The purchase prices, consisting of cash and notes with a one year
maturity, were immaterial to the Company's financial position at December 31,
1996. Cash utilized in other investing activities was in line with the Company's
historic patterns. In 1994, investing activities were impacted by the purchase
of A.B. Chance and the high level of capital expenditures for plant and
equipment associated with the restructuring program. While no significant
commitments had been made at December 31, 1996, the Company anticipates that
capital expenditures will be between $50.0 million and $60.0 million annually
during the next three years. This level of expenditure reflects the historical
capital investment pattern plus the normal capital requirements of acquired
businesses.

Financing activities in 1996 reflect the thirty-sixth consecutive annual
increase in the dividend rate and repayment of industrial development bonds when
they became redeemable. During 1995, the Company realigned its financial
structure with the issuance of ten-year notes. The proceeds from the note
offering along with internal funds were used to pay down the Company's
outstanding commercial paper. At December 31, 1996, total borrowings of $118.1
million (including $18.6 of short-term notes issued for the acquisition of
Gleason) were 15.9% of shareholder's equity compared to 15.3% in 1995.

The Company believes that currently available cash, available borrowing
facilities, and its ability to increase its credit lines if needed, combined
with internally generated funds should be more than sufficient to fund capital
expenditures as well as any increase in working capital that would be required
to accommodate a higher level of business activity. The Company actively seeks
to expand by acquisition as well as through the growth of its present
businesses. While a significant acquisition may require additional borrowings,
the Company believes it would be able to obtain financing based on its favorable
historical earnings performance and strong financial position.
<PAGE>   14
                                                                         Page 14


                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1996 Compared to 1995

consolidated net sales increased more than 13% due to higher shipments by Pulse
Communications, Industrial Controls, Ohio Brass and Premise Wiring combined with
the acquisition of Anderson Electric Products, Inc., and Gleason Reel
Corporation in January 1996. The acquisitions contributed approximately six
points of the increase. Operating income increased by more than 18% on higher
sales volume, improved operating efficiencies from the Company's restructuring
program and the impact of the acquired businesses. The improvement in operating
efficiencies is reflected in the increase in net operating margins in 1996 to
15.2% from 14.4% in 1995 and 13.8% in 1994.

Low Voltage segment sales increased 7% as a result of higher shipments of
industrial controls, wiring device products and inclusion of Gleason Reel.
Operating income increased 13% on higher sales volume, improved operating
efficiencies and inclusion of Gleason Reel since its acquisition, which
represented four points of the increase.

High Voltage segment sales increased 28% on higher sales of test and measurement
equipment, electrical transmission and distribution products combined with the
sales of Anderson products. The inclusion of Anderson contributed approximately
twenty-one points of the increase. The segment's operating income increased in
line with sales.

The Other industry segment sales increased 13% as most units reported higher
sales with particularly strong increases for telecommunication and wire
management products. Operating income increased 23% over last year due to the
growth in sales which included an increased proportion of higher margin
telecommunication products combined with operating efficiencies.

Direct sales to customers by the Company's International subsidiaries were 11%
higher than 1995 while operating income increased 25% reflecting the improved
profitability of the restructured Canadian and European operations.
Additionally, export sales directly to customers or through electric wholesalers
from United States operations increased 32%. Total sales into the international
market represented 14% of sales in 1996 and 13% in 1995. The Canadian market
represents approximately 60% of total international sales followed by Europe,
Latin America and Asia, respectively. International operations expose the
Company to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage this
exposure, the Company closely monitors the working capital requirements of the
international units and may enter into currency hedges for specific
transactions. The Company does not engage in speculation. The gains and losses
on hedges are classified consistent with the transactions being hedged. At
December 31, 1996, there were no currency hedges in place.

Corporate expenses increased 8%, a rate below the rate of revenue growth and
consisted primarily of normal salary and benefit increases. Investment income
increased 2% as the average level of investment funds were lower than in 1995
due to the purchase of Anderson and Gleason while investment yields were higher.
Interest expense was essentially even with last year as the average level of
borrowings was lower which offsets the increase in interest rates. The increase
in other expenses net is primarily due to charges for the corporate owned life
insurance program. The effective tax rate was 29% in 1996 and 27% in 1995 and
1994. The increase in the tax rate reflects a higher portion of domestic source
income which is due in part to the acquisitions combined with changes in tax
regulations with regards to investment income earned in Puerto Rico. The
Company's tax rate benefits from lower taxes on earnings in its Puerto Rico
operations, utilization of corporate owned life
<PAGE>   15
                                                                         Page 15

insurance and continued emphasis on generating tax-exempt income. Net income
increased 16% while earnings per share increased 15% due to a higher average
number of shares outstanding.


1995 Compared to 1994

Consolidated net sales for 1995 increased by 13% as substantially all operating
units reported increases with particularly strong growth for the Lighting,
Industrial Controls, Ohio Brass, Pulse Communications and Premise Wiring
businesses. The sales growth primarily reflects the improved economic conditions
in the United States and Canadian markets and the inclusion for the full year of
1995 of A.B. Chance, which was acquired in April 1994. The inclusion of A.B.
Chance was approximately three percentage points of the increase. Total segment
operating income increased by 16% on the higher sales volume and the benefit of
improved operating efficiencies from the Company's restructuring program.

Low Voltage segment sales increased 9% reflecting the improved market conditions
in the United States and Canada. While all product lines in the segment showed
improvement, fluorescent lighting and industrial controls were particularly
strong. Segment operating income increased 9% on the higher sales volume which
included a higher mix of lower margin products.

Sales of the High Voltage segment increased 14% on higher sales of power cables,
surge arresters and insulators and inclusion of A.B. Chance high voltage
products since its acquisition in April 1994. Sales of test and measurement
equipment were essentially even with last year. Operating income increased 17%
on higher operating volumes, benefits from the realignment of administration and
sales functions and improved manufacturing efficiencies in power cables.

The Other industry segment sales increased 17% on improved shipments in all
product lines with especially strong improvements in telecommunications and wire
management products. Operating income for the segment increased 30% on the
improved volume of higher margin telecommunications products and improved
operating efficiencies.

Sales of products through the Company's international based subsidiaries
increased 27% on the strong performance of the Canadian business and inclusion
of A.B. Chance foreign operations. Sales in Europe were slightly ahead of last
year, and Asia was essentially even. Mexican shipments declined due to the
economic recession brought on by the devaluation of the peso. Operating income
increased by more than 50% on higher sales volume and continued operational
improvements in Canada.

As a percentage of total sales, International shipments from foreign
subsidiaries were 6% in 1995, 6% in 1994 and 5% in 1993 with the Canadian market
representing approximately 60% of the total. International operations expose the
Company to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage this
exposure, the Company closely monitors the working capital requirements of the
international units and may enter into currency hedges for specific
transactions. The Company does not engage in speculation. The gains and losses
on hedges are classified consistent with the transactions being hedged. At
December 31, 1995, there were no currency hedges in place.

General corporate expenses increased 3%. Investment income increased 13% as the
average level of investment funds were higher than 1994 combined with higher
interest rates. As the average level of borrowings were approximately the same
year-over-year, the increase in interest expense is due to higher interest
rates. The increase in other expenses reflects the impact of the second full
year of charges for a corporate owned life insurance program. The effective tax
rate was 27% in 1995, 27%
<PAGE>   16
                                                                         Page 16

in 1994 and 19% in 1993. The tax rate in 1993 was impacted by the recording of
the restructuring charge in that year. The Company's tax rate benefits from the
lower taxes on earnings in its Puerto Rico operations, utilization of corporate
owned life insurance and continued emphasis on generating tax-exempt income. Net
income and earnings per share increased 14% over the 1994 results on the
improvement in operating activity.

Restructuring Program

The Company's restructuring program initiated in the fourth quarter of 1993 for
the consolidation of all or a portion of ten manufacturing plants, a labor force
reduction of approximately 6%, (which will affect approximately one thousand
employees with a net reduction of approximately three hundred), the
reorganization of certain operations' management and structure, and a
realignment of warehousing and product distribution capabilities is proceeding
according to plan.

- -        Construction of a modern manufacturing facility at the Seymour,
         Connecticut, location of The Kerite Company subsidiary was completed in
         September 1994. Production in the new plant began in the first quarter
         of 1995. The last production line has been moved and became operational
         in September 1996. The consolidation of sales and marketing activities
         for the Ohio Brass and Kerite subsidiaries was completed in June 1995.

- -        A manufacturing site in Denver, Colorado was closed and production was
         transferred to another Hubbell location.

- -        Downsizing and consolidation of operations in the United Kingdom should
         be completed during 1997.

- -        Two satellite plants in Los Angeles, California of the Lighting
         operation were closed and production was transferred to other
         facilities including Christiansburg, Virginia; Martin, Tennessee; and
         Juarez, Mexico.

- -        Operations serving Canadian customers with marketing, distribution, and
         sales based in Ontario at Hubbell Canada Inc. have been reconfigured
         and production relocated to other Hubbell operations with available
         capacity.

- -        Construction of a new plant in Juarez, Mexico was completed in
         September 1994. Transfer of equipment and production started during
         1995 and was completed in 1996.

- -        Expansion of manufacturing capacity in Puerto Rico is continuing on
         schedule and should be completed in 1997.

- -        A 425,000 square foot warehousing and manufacturing facility in
         Asheville, North Carolina, was purchased. Consolidation of warehousing
         and manufacturing activity progressed throughout 1996 and should be
         completed in 1997.

- -        Warehousing and distribution operations for the Bryant Electric
         subsidiary in Allentown, Pennsylvania and Chicago, Illinois were
         closed.
<PAGE>   17
                                                                         Page 17

- -        The regional warehouse in Irving, Texas, which serviced the Wiring
         Device Division, Killark Electric Manufacturing Company and the
         Lighting Division, was closed in November 1995 and sold.

- -        The manufacturing facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania was closed in
         November 1995 and sold.

- -        Consolidation and realignment of Wiring Device Operations in
         Stonington, Bridgeport, and Newtown, Connecticut is continuing on
         schedule.

At December 31, 1996, the restructuring accrual balance was $8,734,000 and is
classified as a current liability. Through December 31, 1996, cumulative costs
charged to the restructuring accrual were $41,266,000 since inception as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           PLANT & EQUIPMENT COSTS
                  PERSONNEL COSTS         RELOCATION        DISPOSAL        TOTAL
                  ---------------         ----------        --------        -----
<S>                  <C>                    <C>             <C>           <C>
1993                 $ 4,456                $ 2,794          $   --        $ 7,250
1994                   7,550                  2,036           5,225         14,811
1995                   3,017                  5,048           1,461          9,526
1996                   2,223                  6,642             814          9,679
                     -------                -------          ------        -------
CUMULATIVE           $17,246                $16,520          $7,500        $41,266
                     =======                =======          ======        =======
</TABLE>

Personnel costs include non-cash charges of $6,203,000 for early retirement
programs which have been reclassified to the Company's pension liability. With
regards to plant and equipment disposals, idled assets are adjusted to estimated
fair value and are classified as property held as investment. At December 31,
1996, the balance of idled assets to be sold was $405,000. Cumulative proceeds
from asset disposals were $9,300,000 through December 31, 1996, which
approximated carrying value. Cost avoidance, savings-to-date and net cash flows
are in-line with the projected results for the project.

Inflation

In times of inflationary cost increases, the Company has historically been able
to maintain its profitability by improvements in operating methods and cost
recovery through price increases. In large measure the reported operating
results have absorbed the effects of inflation since the Company's predominant
use of the LIFO method of inventory accounting generally has the effect of
charging operating results with costs (except for depreciation) that reflect
current price levels.
<PAGE>   18
                                                                         Page 18


Item 8.            Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Hubbell Incorporated

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index on
page 49 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Hubbell Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.



Price Waterhouse LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
January 22, 1997, except as to the subsequent event note on page 42
which is as of February 14, 1997
<PAGE>   19
                                                                         Page 19

                    Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                    At December 31, (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS                                                   1996          1995
- ------                                                   ----          ----
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and temporary cash investments                   $  134,397   $   86,984
Accounts receivable less allowances of $4,866
  in 1996 and $4,334 in 1995                             172,351      140,765
Inventories                                              244,565      236,384
Prepaid taxes                                             30,162       30,958
Other                                                      9,713        5,015
                                                      ----------   ----------

  Total current assets                                   591,188      500,106
                                                      ----------   ----------

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST
Land                                                      13,342       13,426
Buildings                                                122,646      120,160
Machinery and equipment                                  308,249      284,761
                                                      ----------   ----------

                                                         444,237      418,347

  Less-Accumulated depreciation                          226,324      214,157
                                                      ----------   ----------

                                                         217,913      204,190

OTHER ASSETS
Investments                                              170,372      175,656
Purchase price in excess of net assets of
  companies acquired, less accumulated amortization
  of $19,433 in 1996 and $14,864 in 1995                 162,180      137,941
Property held as investment                                7,970        8,329
Other                                                     35,817       31,023
                                                      ----------   ----------

                                                         376,339      352,949
                                                      ----------   ----------
                                                      $1,185,440   $1,057,245
                                                      ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   20
                                                                         Page 20

                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                    At December 31, (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                         1996             1995
- ------------------------------------                         ----             ----

<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Commercial paper and other borrowings                    $    18,635    $      --
Accounts payable                                              52,485         34,272
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits                 26,486         26,079
Accrued income taxes                                          44,039         30,711
Dividends payable                                             17,177         15,475
Accrued restructuring charge                                   8,734         10,000
Other accrued liabilities                                     87,874         78,401
                                                         -----------    -----------

  Total current liabilities                                  255,430        194,938
                                                         -----------    -----------

LONG-TERM DEBT                                                99,458        102,096
                                                         -----------    -----------

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                                 74,736         76,766
                                                         -----------    -----------

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                         12,670         16,107
                                                         -----------    -----------

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, par value $.01
  Class A - authorized 50,000,000 shares, outstanding            115             58
   11,446,120 and 5,786,315 shares
  Class B - authorized 150,000,000 shares, outstanding           546            271
   54,612,590 and 27,139,225 shares
Additional paid-in capital                                   438,285        437,908
Retained earnings                                            312,534        238,303
Cumulative translation adjustments                            (8,546)        (9,276)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments                            212             74
                                                         -----------    -----------

Total common shareholders' equity                            743,146        667,338
                                                         -----------    -----------

                                                         $ 1,185,440    $ 1,057,245
                                                         ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   21
                                                                         Page 21


                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                1996           1995           1994
- ------------------------                ----           ----           ----

<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
NET SALES                           $ 1,297,381    $ 1,143,126    $ 1,013,700
Cost of goods sold                      905,030        803,178        708,680
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

GROSS PROFIT                            392,351        339,948        305,020
Selling & administrative expenses       194,815        174,988        164,437
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

OPERATING INCOME                        197,536        164,960        140,583
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Investment income                      16,852         16,485         14,626
  Interest expense                       (8,416)        (8,499)        (6,074)
  Other income (expense), net            (6,631)        (5,913)        (3,200)
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

  TOTAL OTHER INCOME, NET                 1,805          2,073          5,352
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES              199,341        167,033        145,935
Provision for income taxes               57,809         45,099         39,402
                                    -----------    -----------    -----------

NET INCOME                          $   141,532    $   121,934    $   106,533
                                    ===========    ===========    ===========


EARNINGS PER SHARE:                 $      2.10    $      1.83    $      1.60
</TABLE>



See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   22
                                                                         Page 22


                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                            (Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                             1996        1995         1994
- ------------------------                                             ----        ----         ----

<S>                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                       $ 141,532    $ 121,934    $ 106,533
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating
  activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                   39,253       36,240       34,011
    Deferred income taxes                                           (1,406)       2,592        6,269
    Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
    the effects of business acquisitions:
      (Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable                   (20,701)       3,097      (12,332)
      (Increase) Decrease in inventories                             1,269      (12,296)     (17,250)
      (Increase) Decrease in other current assets                   (4,747)       1,410        4,311
      Increase (Decrease) in current liabilities
        (excluding dividends payable and short-term borrowing)      36,893        6,088       10,451
      Increase (Decrease) in restructuring accruals                 (9,679)      (9,526)     (14,811)
      (Increase) Decrease in other, net                              6,788        3,047        4,655
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities                          189,202      152,586      121,837
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of non-current investments                                 (9,765)     (13,602)     (11,464)
Sale and maturity of non-current investments                        15,246       47,401       47,206
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired                    (32,470)        --       (110,000)
Additions to property, plant and equipment                         (39,132)     (38,228)     (53,178)
Other, net                                                          (8,075)       2,121        1,364
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                              (74,196)      (2,308)    (126,072)
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Short-term borrowing (repayment)                                      --       (139,350)      48,250
Long-term borrowing (repayment)                                     (2,700)      99,396         --
Payment of dividends                                               (65,269)     (58,644)     (52,621)
Acquisition of treasury shares                                      (5,573)      (6,642)        (215)
Exercise of stock options                                            5,949        3,081        3,455
Other, net                                                            --           --           --
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------
Net cash used in financing activities                              (67,593)    (102,159)      (1,131)
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TEMPORARY
   CASH INVESTMENTS                                                 47,413       48,119       (5,366)
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
Beginning of period                                                 86,984       38,865       44,231
                                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------
End of period                                                    $ 134,397    $  86,984    $  38,865
                                                                 =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   23
                                                                         Page 23


                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Class A    Class B     Additional                  Cumulative    Unrealized
For the three years ended          Common     Common       Paid-In        Retained    Translation   Gain (Loss)
December 31, 1996                   Stock      Stock       Capital        Earnings    Adjustments   on Investments
- -----------------                  -------    -------     ---------       --------    -----------   ---------------

<S>                                 <C>         <C>       <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993        $  59       $254      $ 358,219       $ 203,787       $(4,659)      $    --
Net income                                                                  106,533
Exercise of stock options                          1          6,170
Acquisition of treasury shares                               (2,930)
Cash dividends declared
     ($.81 per share)                                                       (53,300)
Translation adjustments                                                                    (2,991)
Stock dividend declared                           16         80,010         (80,026)
Unrealized loss on investments                                                                           (2,147)
                                    -----       ----      ---------       ---------       -------       -------


BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994        $  59       $271      $ 441,469       $ 176,994       $(7,650)      $(2,147)

Net income                                                                  121,934
Exercise of stock options                                     3,729
Acquisition of treasury shares         (1)                   (7,290)
Cash dividends declared
     ($.92 per share)                                                       (60,625)
Translation adjustments                                                                    (1,626)
Unrealized gain on investments                                                                            2,221
                                    -----       ----      ---------       ---------       -------       -------

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995        $  58       $271      $ 437,908       $ 238,303       $(9,276)      $    74

Net income                                                                  141,532
Exercise of stock options                          2         14,286
Acquisition of treasury shares                              (13,909)
Cash dividends declared
     ($1.02 per share)                                                      (66,971)
Translation adjustments                                                                       730
Stock split 2-for-1                    57        273                           (330)
Unrealized gain on investments                                                                              138
                                    -----       ----      ---------       ---------       -------       -------

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996        $ 115       $546      $ 438,285       $ 312,534       $(8,546)      $   212
                                    =====       ====      =========       =========       =======       =======
</TABLE>


See notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>   24
                                                                         Page 24


                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                       STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries; all significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in
joint ventures are accounted for by using the equity method. Certain
reclassifications, which were not significant, have been made in prior period
financial statements to conform to the 1996 presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures, if any, of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
Similarly, estimates and assumptions are required for the reporting of revenues
and expenses. Actual results could differ from the estimates that were used.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries are translated to U.S.
dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the year, and income and
expense items are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the
year. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the translated amounts of
foreign currency assets and liabilities are included as translation adjustments
in shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are
included in income of the period.

Cash and Temporary Cash Investments

Temporary cash investments consist of liquid investments with maturities of
three months or less when purchased. The carrying value of cash and temporary
cash investments approximates fair value because of their short maturities.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of substantially
all domestic inventories, 76% of total inventory value, is determined on the
basis of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory accounting. The cost
of foreign inventories and certain domestic inventories is determined on the
basis of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful
lives, principally using accelerated methods.

Purchase Price in Excess of Net Assets of Companies Acquired

The cost of companies acquired in excess of the amount assigned to net assets is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 40 year period.
<PAGE>   25
                                                                         Page 25

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequence of differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and
liabilities by applying the currently enacted statutory tax rates. The effect of
a change in statutory tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date. Federal income taxes have not been provided on the
undistributed earnings of the Company's international subsidiaries as the
Company has reinvested all of these earnings indefinitely.

Retirement Benefits

The Company's policy is to fund pension costs within the ranges prescribed by
applicable regulations. In addition to providing pension benefits, in some
circumstances the Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for
retired employees. The Company's policy is to fund these benefits through
insurance premiums or as actual expenditures are made.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share is based on reported income and the weighted average number
of shares of common stock and equivalents outstanding.

Change In Accounting Principles

In March 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards FAS No. 121 -
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of" was issued. The statement sets forth guidance as to when to
recognize an impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill and how to
measure such an impairment. The statement also requires that long-lived assets
to be disposed of be reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less
cost to sell. The methodology set forth in FAS No. 121 is not significantly
different from the Company's existing policies, and, therefore, the adoption of
the statement retroactive to January 1, 1995, had no impact on the consolidated
financial statements of the Company.

In October 1995, FAS No. 123 - "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" was
issued and is effective for the Company on January 1, 1996. FAS No. 123 permits,
but does not require, a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock
option plans which results in compensation expense being recognized in the
results of operations when stock options are granted. The Company plans to
continue to use the current intrinsic value based method of accounting for such
plans where no compensation expense is recognized. However, as required by FAS
No. 123, the Company will provide pro forma disclosure of net income and
earnings per share in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as if
the fair value based method of accounting has been applied.

Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted FAS No. 115 - "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". This statement requires
investment securities to be classified individually into one of three separate
categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and provides
guidelines for valuing investments based on their classifications. Trading
investments are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in
the near term and are carried at fair market value. Adjustments to the carrying
value of trading investments are included in current earnings. Investments which
the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are
classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost.
<PAGE>   26
                                                                         Page 26

Investments not classified as trading or held-to-maturity are classified as
available-for-sale. They are intended to be held for an indefinite period but
may be sold in response to events reasonably expected in the future. These
investments are carried at fair value with adjustments recorded in shareholders'
equity, net of income tax. Prior accounting standards required non-current
marketable equity securities to be carried at the lower of cost or market with
adjustments reflected in shareholders' equity, while all debt securities were
carried at amortized cost. The cumulative effect of adopting FAS No. 115 on
shareholders' equity as of January 1, 1994 was immaterial.
<PAGE>   27
                                                                         Page 27


                     Hubbell Incorporated and Subsidiaries
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Restructuring Charge

In the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company recorded a $50,000,000 pretax charge
($31,000,000 net of tax benefits, or $.46 per share) for the estimated costs of
a restructuring program. The program entails the consolidation of manufacturing
facilities, reduction in labor force and the realignment of warehousing and
distribution activities. The restructuring charge includes personnel costs
(severance and postemployment benefits), plant and equipment relocation, and
costs associated with disposal of plant and equipment. At December 31, 1996, the
restructuring accrual was $8,734,000 and is classified as a current liability.
Costs charged to the restructuring accrual were $9,679,000 in 1996, $9,526,000
in 1995, $14,811,000 in 1994 and $7,250,000 in 1993. These cumulative
expenditures represent personnel costs of $17,246,000, plant and equipment
relocation of $16,520,000 and asset disposals of $7,500,000. Personnel costs
include non-cash charges of $6,203,000 for early retirement programs which have
been reclassified to the Company's pension liability. With regards to plant and
equipment disposals, idled assets are adjusted to estimated fair value and are
classified as property held as investment. At December 31, 1996, the balance of
idled assets to be sold was $405,000. Cumulative proceeds from asset disposals
through December 31, 1996 were $9,300,000 which approximated carrying value.

Acquisitions

On January 2, 1996, the Company acquired the Anderson Electrical Products
business ("Anderson"). Anderson manufactures electrical connectors and
associated hardware and tools for the electric utility industry with
manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Tennessee. On January 31, 1996, the
Company acquired all the outstanding stock of Gleason Reel Corp. ("Gleason")
based in Mayville, Wisconsin. Gleason manufactures cable management products
(including electric cable and hose reels, protective steel and nylon cable
tracks and cable festooning hardware) and a line of ergonomic tool support
systems. Additionally, during 1996, the Company completed two minor acquisitions
which broadened its product lines -- a Canadian manufacturer of power poles for
commercial applications and a manufacturer of fault detection systems for power
cables.

The businesses were acquired for cash of $32,470,000 and notes of $18,635,000
that mature in one year and were recorded under the purchase method of
accounting. The costs of the acquired businesses have been allocated to assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair values with the residual amount
assigned to goodwill, which is being amortized over forty years. The businesses
have been included in the financial statements as of their respective
acquisition date and represented approximately 5% of total year net sales with
no material effect on the Company's reported earnings.

 On April 19, 1994, the Company completed its acquisition of A.B. Chance
Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of electrical apparatus, anchors, hardware,
insulators, hot-line tools, and other safety equipment. The acquisition was for
$110,000,000 in cash and was recorded under the purchase method of accounting.
The cost of the acquired business has been allocated to assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their fair values with the residual amount of
$78,000,000 assigned to goodwill, which is being amortized over forty years.
<PAGE>   28
                                                                         Page 28


Presented below is the unaudited pro forma combined summary of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1994, as if the transaction had occurred as of the
beginning of 1994 (in thousands, except per share):
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
            Net Sales                     $1,055,350
            Income Before Income Taxes    $  148,134
            Net Income                    $  107,592
            Earnings Per Share            $     1.62
</TABLE>


In preparing the unaudited pro forma combined summary of operations, adjustments
were made to the historical financial statements to reflect the reduction in the
securities portfolio and investment income; increase in short-term borrowing and
interest expense; amortization of goodwill; the repayment of existing debt of
A.B. Chance Industries, Inc.; and other estimated purchase accounting entries.
The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what would have been
obtained if the operations had been combined during 1994, nor are they
necessarily indicative of the results that may occur in the future.

In connection with the above acquisitions, liabilities were assumed as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996            1994
                                                        ----            ----
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>
Fair value of assets acquired including goodwill      $ 59,812       $ 166,824
Issuance of short term notes                           (18,635)           --
Cash paid for businesses, net of cash acquired         (32,470)       (110,000)
                                                      --------       ---------
Liabilities assumed                                   $  8,707       $  56,824
                                                      ========       =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   29
                                                                         Page 29

INVESTMENTS

Investments consist primarily of mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury
Notes, common and preferred stocks. Investments which are available-for-sale are
stated at market values based on current quotes while investments which are
being held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost. There were no securities
during 1996 and 1995 that were classified as trading investments. Certain
portfolio securities that are affected by changes in interest rates may be
hedged with futures contracts for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Market value
gains and losses on the futures contracts are recognized in income when the
effects of the related price changes in the value of the hedged securities are
recognized. At December 31, 1996 there were no open futures contracts.

The following tables set forth selected data with respect to the Company's
long-term investments at December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996                                                1995
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------      ---------
                                                      Gross       Gross
                                         Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized        Fair        Carrying      Amortized
                                           Cost       Gains       Losses          Value         Value          Cost
                                        --------      ------      -------       --------      --------      --------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
   AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
       INVESTMENTS
Common & Preferred Stocks               $    395      $  147      $  (161)      $    381      $    381      $    822
Federal National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities (FNMA)                  --          --           --             --            --            --
Mortgage-backed Securities                 1,031         287         --            1,318         1,318           911
U.S. Treasury Notes & Municipal
Bonds                                     11,484          65          (24)        11,525        11,525        10,901
                                        --------      ------      -------       --------      --------      --------
Total Available-For-Sale
Investments                             $ 12,910      $  499      $  (185)      $ 13,224      $ 13,224      $ 12,634
                                        ========      ======      =======       ========      ========      ========

    HELD-TO-MATURITY
       INVESTMENTS
Federal National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities  (FNMA)             $ 94,599      $1,833      $(4,419)      $ 92,013      $ 94,599      $104,399
Gov't. National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities  (GNMA)               30,181       1,752         (638)        31,295        30,181        35,095
Mortgage-backed securities                17,021         293          (25)        17,289        17,021        16,921
U.S. Treasury Notes & Municipal
Bonds                                     15,347          20           (9)        15,358        15,347         6,487
                                        --------      ------      -------       --------      --------      --------
Total Held-To-Maturity Investments      $157,148      $3,898      $(5,091)      $155,955      $157,148      $162,902
                                        ========      ======      =======       ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995
                                      -------------------------------------------------
                                         Gross        Gross
                                      Unrealized   Unrealized      Fair        Carrying
                                         Gains       Losses        Value         Value
                                        ------      -------       --------      --------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
   AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
       INVESTMENTS
Common & Preferred Stocks               $  236      $  (474)      $    584      $    584
Federal National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities (FNMA)                --           --             --            --
Mortgage-backed Securities                 241         --            1,152         1,152
U.S. Treasury Notes & Municipal
Bonds                                      122           (5)        11,018        11,018
                                        ------      -------       --------      --------
Total Available-For-Sale
Investments                             $  599      $  (479)      $ 12,754      $ 12,754
                                        ======      =======       ========      ========

    HELD-TO-MATURITY
       INVESTMENTS
Federal National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities  (FNMA              $3,194      $(2,389)      $105,204      $104,399
Gov't. National Mortgage
  Assoc. Securities  (GNMA)              2,174         (361)        36,908        35,095
Mortgage-backed securities                 220         --           17,141        16,921
U.S. Treasury Notes & Municipal
Bonds                                       43          (14)         6,516         6,487
                                        ------      -------       --------      --------
Total Held-To-Maturity Investments      $5,631      $(2,764)      $165,769      $162,902
                                        ======      =======       ========      ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   30
                                                                         Page 30

INVESTMENTS CONT'D.

Contractual maturities of investments in debt securities available-for-sale and
held-to-maturity at December 31, 1996 were as follow (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    U.S. Treasury
                                                                             Mortgage Backed           Notes &
                                      FNMA                  GNMA               Securities          Municipal Bonds
                                      ----                  ----               ----------          ---------------
                              Amortized     Fair    Amortized    Fair     Amortized     Fair     Amortized    Fair
                                Cost        Value      Cost      Value      Cost       Value       Cost       Value
                                ----        -----      ----      -----      ----       -----       ----       -----
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
     INVESTMENTS
Due within 1 year              $  --      $  --      $  --      $  --      $ --       $  --      $ 1,172    $ 1,163
After 1 but within 5 years        --         --         --         --         --         --        7,796      7,840
After 5 but within 10 years       --         --         --         --         --         --        1,316      1,319
After 10 years                    --         --         --         --        1,031      1,318      1,200      1,203
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------

TOTAL                          $  --      $  --      $  --      $  --      $ 1,031    $ 1,318    $11,484    $11,525
                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======

   HELD-TO-MATURITY
     INVESTMENTS
Due within 1 year              $  --      $  --      $  --      $  --      $ 9,921    $10,189    $ 1,747    $ 1,751
After 1 but within 5 years        --         --          101        124       --         --       13,600     13,607
After 5 but within 10 years       --         --        6,821      7,020      7,100      7,100       --         --
After 10 years                  94,599     92,013     23,259     24,151       --         --         --         --
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------

TOTAL                          $94,599    $92,013    $30,181    $31,295    $17,021    $17,289    $15,347    $15,358
                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   31
                                                                         Page 31


Inventories

Inventories are classified as follows at December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996         1995
                                                             ----         ----
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>
Raw material                                               $ 81,321    $ 81,253
Work-in-process                                              71,388      64,117
Finished goods                                              134,931     140,428
                                                           --------    --------
                                                            287,640     285,798

Excess of current production costs over LIFO cost basis      43,075      49,414
                                                           --------    --------

Total                                                      $244,565    $236,384
                                                           ========    ========
</TABLE>

The financial accounting basis for the LIFO inventories of acquired companies
exceeds the tax basis by approximately $29,600,000 at December 31, 1996.

Income Taxes

The following table sets forth selected data with respect to the Company's
income tax provisions for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1996          1995         1994
                                               ----          ----         ----
<S>                                          <C>           <C>         <C>
Income before income taxes and cumulative
 effect of change in accounting
  principles:
        United States                        $ 192,931     $163,093    $ 146,609
        International                            6,410        3,940         (674)
                                             ---------     --------    ---------
        Total                                $ 199,341     $167,033    $ 145,935
                                             =========     ========    =========

Provisions for income taxes:
        Federal                              $  49,071     $ 35,306    $  28,350
        State                                    7,040        5,492        4,612
        International                            3,104        1,709          171
        Deferred                                (1,406)       2,592        6,269
                                             ---------     --------    ---------
        Total                                $  57,809     $ 45,099    $  39,402
                                             =========     ========    =========
</TABLE>

The principal items making up the deferred tax provisions are set forth in the
following table for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1996        1995        1994
                                        ----        ----        ----
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
Transactions of leasing subsidiary    $(1,383)    $(1,016)    $  (912)
Restructuring reserve                   3,678       3,620       5,628
Depreciation                           (1,221)      1,478        (219)
Other, net                             (2,480)     (1,490)      1,772
                                      -------     -------     -------
Total                                 $(1,406)    $ 2,592     $ 6,269
                                      =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   32
                                                                         Page 32


The components of the net deferred tax (asset) liability at December 31, (in
thousands) were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996          1995
                                                       ----          ----
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets:
       Inventory                                     $  3,257     $  3,200
       Pensions                                        11,321       10,908
       Postretirement and postemployment benefits      11,143       10,324
       Accrued restructuring charge                     3,319        6,997
       Accrued liabilities                             42,912       40,917
       Miscellaneous other                              5,047        5,635
                                                     --------     --------

       Total deferred tax asset                        76,999       77,981
                                                     --------     --------

Deferred tax liabilities:
       Property, plant, and equipment                  24,024       25,245
       Leasing subsidiary                              16,785       18,168
       LIFO inventories of acquired businesses         11,250       11,250
       Miscellaneous other                              7,448        8,467
                                                     --------     --------

       Total deferred tax liability                    59,507       63,130
                                                     --------     --------

Net deferred tax (asset) liability                   $(17,492)    $(14,851)
                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>

Deferred taxes are classified in the financial statements as a net short-term
deferred tax asset of $30,162,000 and a net long-term deferred tax liability of
$12,670,000. 

At December 31, 1996, United States income taxes had not been provided on
approximately $8,900,000 of undistributed international earnings. Payments of
income taxes were $45,706,000 in 1996, $39,836,000 in 1995 and $37,362,000 in
1994.

The consolidated effective income tax rates varied from the United States
federal statutory income tax rate for the years ended December 31, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996       1995     1994
                                              ----       ----     ----
<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
Federal statutory income tax rate             35.0%     35.0%     35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit     2.3       2.3       2.2
Partially tax-exempt income                   (2.5)     (5.2)     (4.4)
Non-taxable income from
      Puerto Rico operations                  (6.6)     (6.5)     (5.4)
Other, net                                      .8       1.4      (0.4)
                                              ----      ----      ----
Consolidated effective income tax rate        29.0%     27.0%     27.0%
                                              ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   33
                                                                         Page 33


Other Non-Current Liabilities

Other Non-Current Liabilities consists of the following at December 31, (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1996       1995
                                   ----       ----
<S>                              <C>        <C>
Pensions                         $33,045    $27,573
Other postretirement benefits     21,074     20,166
Accrued restructuring charge        --        8,413
Other, net                        20,617     20,614
                                 -------    -------
   Total                         $74,736    $76,766
                                 =======    =======
</TABLE>

Pension Benefits

The Company and its subsidiaries have a number of non-contributory defined
benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans covering substantially all
employees. The pension plans provide pension benefits that are based on a
combination of years of service and either compensation levels or specified
dollar amounts.

The following table sets forth the components of pension cost for the years
ended December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996           1995          1994
                                                   ----           ----          ----
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>
Benefits earned                                  $  8,222      $  6,634      $  7,194

Increase in present value of
    benefits earned in prior years                 14,096        13,181        11,411

Actual return on plan assets                      (20,408)      (34,970)        3,202

Deferred gain or (loss)                             7,501        21,520       (14,847)

Amortization of actuarial gains and
   losses and prior service cost                       43        (2,808)         (200)
                                                 --------      --------      --------

Net Pension Cost                                 $  9,454      $  3,557      $  6,760
                                                 ========      ========      ========

ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING PENSION COST:
Discount rate                                        7.25%          8.5%          7.5%
Long-term rate of compensation increase               4.0%          5.0%          5.0%
Expected long-term rate of return
  on plan assets                                     8.25%          9.5%          8.5%
</TABLE>



Pension expense as a percent of payroll was 4.1% in 1996, 1.9% in 1995 and 3.2%
in 1994.
<PAGE>   34
                                                                         Page 34


The following table sets forth the retirement plans' status and the pension
liability recognized in the Company's balance sheet at December 31, (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Plans Where Assets Exceed    Plans Where Accumulated
                                                        Accumulated Benefits       Benefits Exceed Assets
                                                        --------------------       ----------------------
                                                         1996          1995          1996        1995
                                                         ----          ----          ----        ----
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
ESTIMATED FUNDS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE FOR FUTURE
PAYMENT OF:
Benefits based on service to date
 and present pay levels:
      Vested                                           $ 146,249     $ 140,745     $ 21,955     $ 17,386
      Non-vested                                           8,801        11,635        1,815        1,099
                                                       ---------     ---------     --------     --------
Accumulated benefit obligation                           155,050       152,380       23,770       18,485
Additional amounts related to
Projected pay increases                                   20,560        19,069        7,424        8,151
                                                       ---------     ---------     --------     --------
Projected benefit obligation                             175,610       171,449       31,194       26,636
                                                       ---------     ---------     --------     --------
ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS:
Plan assets (market value)                               190,732       175,660        5,775        4,667
Company assets (recorded liability)                       12,814        12,933       23,106       17,123
                                                       ---------     ---------     --------     --------
      Total Assets                                       203,546       188,593       28,881       21,790
                                                       ---------     ---------     --------     --------
ASSETS IN EXCESS OF (LESS THAN)
   PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION                        $  27,936     $  17,144     $ (2,313)    $ (4,846)
                                                       =========     =========     ========     ========
Consisting of:
Unrecognized net asset (obligation) at transition      $   3,711     $   4,406     $      0     $     (2)
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) since transition    $  25,395     $  13,517     $ (2,100)    $ (4,476)
Unrecognized prior service costs incurred
   since transition                                    $  (1,170)    $    (779)    $   (213)    $   (368)
</TABLE>

The projected benefit obligations were determined using discount rates of 7.5%
for 1996 and 7.25% for 1995 and assumed average long-term rate of compensation
increase of 4.0% for 1996 and 4.0% for 1995.

At December 31, 1996, approximately $110,719,700 of plan assets were invested in
common stocks, including Hubbell Incorporated common stock with a market value
of $13,728,000. The balance of plan assets are invested in short term money
market accounts, government and corporate bonds.

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

The Company and its subsidiaries have a number of health care and life insurance
benefit plans covering eligible employees who reached retirement age while
working for the Company, providing they retired prior to 1992. These benefits
were discontinued in 1991 for substantially all future retirees, with the
exception of the A.B. Chance Company which was acquired in 1994 and Anderson
Electrical Products, Inc. which was acquired in 1996.

For retirees prior to 1992, some of the plans provide for retiree contributions,
which are periodically increased. The plans anticipate future cost-sharing
changes that are consistent with the Company's past practices. The plans are
funded either on a monthly premium basis or as benefits become due.

At December 31, 1996, the recorded liability for providing these postretirement
benefits was based on a 7.25% discount rate and assumed health care cost trend
rate of 10% declining to 5.5% over ten years. The costs recognized for providing
these benefits in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $1,600,000, $1,300,000 and $1,400,000
respectively.
<PAGE>   35
                                                                         Page 35


Commercial Paper, Other Borrowings and Long-Term Debt

The following table sets forth the components of the Company's debt structure at
December 31, (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996                                          1995
                                              -----------------------------------      ------------------------------------------
                                              COMMERCIAL                               COMMERCIAL
                                              PAPER AND                                PAPER AND
                                                OTHER       LONG-TERM                    OTHER          LONG-TERM
                                              BORROWINGS      DEBT          TOTAL      BORROWINGS         DEBT          TOTAL
                                              ----------      ----          -----      ----------         ----          -----
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
Balance at year end                           $ 18,635     $ 99,458     $   118,093     $      0     $   102,096     $   102,096
Highest aggregate month end balance                                     $   135,151                                  $   149,752
Average borrowings during the year            $ 22,920     $100,546     $   123,466     $103,331     $    27,752     $   131,083
Weighted average interest rate:
At year end                                       6.00%        6.72%           6.61%         N/A            6.86%           6.86%
Paid during the year                              5.76%        6.78%           6.59%        6.03%           7.14%           6.26%
</TABLE>



Interest paid for commercial paper, bank borrowings, and long-term debt totaled
$8,072,000 in 1996, $7,181,000 in 1995 and $4,890,000 in 1994. The Company
maintains various bank credit agreements primarily to support commercial paper
borrowings. At December 31, 1996, the Company had total unused bank credit
agreements of $50 million. The expiration date for the bank credit agreement is
September, 1999. Borrowings under credit agreements generally are available at
the prime rate or at a surcharge over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).
Annual commitment fee requirements to support availability of credit agreements
at December 31, 1996 total approximately $30,000. In January, 1996, short term
notes of $18,635,000 with an interest rate of 6%, were issued as part of the
purchase price for Gleason Reel Corp. In October, 1995, the Company issued ten
year non-callable notes due in 2005 at a face value of $100,000,000 and a fixed
interest rate of 6 5/8%. The net proceeds of the offering were $99,380,000 and
were used to pay down commercial paper. Additionally, the Company had Industrial
Development Bonds of $2,700,000 due in 2001 with an interest rate of 11 1/4%
until these bonds were redeemed by the Company in June, 1996.
<PAGE>   36
                                                                         Page 36


Leases

Total rental expense under operating leases was $6,800,000 in 1996, $6,600,000
in 1995 and $6,900,000 in 1994.

The minimum annual rentals on non-cancelable, long-term, operating leases in
effect at December 31, 1996 will approximate $2,300,000 in 1997, $1,830,000 in
1998, and will decline thereafter.

Research, Development and Engineering

Expenses for new product development and ongoing improvement of existing
products were $14,200,000 in 1996, $12,400,000 in 1995 and $12,500,000 in 1994.

Financial Instruments

Concentration of Credit Risks: Financial instruments which potentially subject
the Company to concentration of credit risks consist of trade receivables and
temporary cash investments. The Company grants credit terms in the normal course
of business to its customers. Due to the diversity of its product segments, the
Company has a diverse customer base including electrical distributors and
wholesalers, electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, electrical
contractors, telephone operating companies and retail and hardware outlets. As
part of its ongoing procedures, the Company monitors the credit worthiness of
its customers. Bad debt write-offs have historically been minimal. The Company
places its temporary cash investments with financial institutions and limits the
amount of exposure to any one institution.

Fair Value: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for
cash and temporary cash investments, receivables, commercial paper and bank
borrowings, accounts payable and accruals approximate their fair values given
the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial investments.

The fair value of investment securities and long term debt are as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                       1995
                               ----                       ----
                      Carrying       Fair        Carrying         Fair
                        Value        Value        Value           Value
                      --------      --------    ---------      ---------
<S>                   <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>      
Investments
Available-for-sale    $ 13,224      $ 13,224    $  12,754      $  12,754
Held-to-maturity      $157,148      $155,955    $ 162,902      $ 165,769

Long-Term Debt        $(99,458)     $(97,710)   $(102,096)     $(106,324)
</TABLE>

Fair value is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities.
<PAGE>   37
                                                                         Page 37


Capital Stock

Share activity in the Company's preferred and common stocks is set forth below
for the three years ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Preferred Stock          Common Stock
                                       ---------------          ------------
                                                          Class A          Class B
                                                          -------          -------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>             <C>
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1993              --         5,875,748      25,382,793
Exercise of stock options                                   37,223         139,337
Acquisition/Issuance of treasury shares                    (17,874)        (34,330)
Stock dividend declared                                       --         1,569,145
                                           -------     -----------     -----------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1994              --         5,895,097      27,056,945
Exercise of stock options                                   15,596         101,089
Acquisition/Issuance of treasury shares                   (124,378)        (18,809)
                                           -------     -----------     -----------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1995              --         5,786,315      27,139,225
Exercise of stock options                                   53,314         528,370
Acquisition/Issuance of treasury shares                   (141,864)       (285,307)
2-for-1 stock split                                      5,748,355      27,230,302
                                           -------     -----------     -----------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1996              --        11,446,120      54,612,590
</TABLE>

Shares held in Treasury at December 31, 1996: Class A Common - 3,810,264; Class
B Common - 4,121,374. For accounting purposes, the Company treats treasury
shares as being constructively retired and accordingly charges the purchase
price against par value and additional paid-in capital. Voting rights per share:
Class A Common - twenty; Class B Common - one. In addition, the Company has
5,891,097 authorized shares of preferred stock; none are outstanding.

On June 13, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 split of the
Company's Class A and Class B common stock which was effected in the form of a
100% stock distribution to shareholders on August 9, 1996. In the accompanying
financial statements all per share amounts have been restated to reflect the
stock split.


The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan under which holders of Class A Common
Stock have Class A Rights and holders of Class B Common Stock have Class B
Rights. These Rights become exercisable after a specified period of time only if
a person or group of affiliated persons acquires beneficial ownership of 20
percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of the Company or
announces or commences a tender or exchange offer that would result in the
offeror acquiring beneficial ownership of 30 percent or more of the outstanding
Class A Common Stock of the Company. Once exercisable, the Rights would entitle
their registered holders to purchase, for each common share held, one share of
the Company's Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as the case may be,
at a price of $49.362 per share, subject to adjustment to prevent dilution. Upon
the occurrence of certain events or transactions specified in the Rights
Agreement, a holder of Rights applicable to one share is entitled to receive for
an exercise price of $49.362 per share owned, a number of shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, or
an acquiring corporation's common stock, having a market value equal to twice
the exercise price. The Rights may be redeemed by the Company for one cent per
Right prior to the tenth day after a person or group of affiliated persons has
acquired 20 percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of the
Company. The Rights expire on December 31, 1998, unless earlier redeemed by the
Company.
<PAGE>   38
                                                                         Page 38



Shares of common stock were reserved at December 31, 1996 as follows:

     Exercise of stock purchase rights                        66,058,710
     Exercise of outstanding stock options                     4,681,100
     Future grant of stock options                             1,570,148
                                                              ----------
     Total (Class A, 12,549,880;  Class B, 59,760,078)        72,309,958

Stock Options

The Company has granted to officers and key employees options to purchase the
Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock and the Company may grant to officers
and key employees options to purchase the Company's Class B Common Stock at not
less than 85% of market prices on the date of grant with a ten year term and a
three year vesting period. Stock option activity (restated for the 2-for-1
common stock split in 1996) for the three years ended December 31, 1996 is set
forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Number        Option price per    Weighted
                                      of shares         share range       Average
                                      ---------         -----------       -------

<S>                                <C>                <C>                 <C>
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1993     3,667,784        $ 6.66 - $27.00     $19.73
Granted                                742,770        $      - $25.72     $25.72
Exercised                             (370,776)       $ 6.66 - $27.00     $16.64
Canceled or expired                    (28,014)       $25.15 - $27.00     $25.99
                                   ------------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1994     4,011,764        $ 9.54 - $27.00     $22.00
Granted                                759,800        $      - $32.06     $32.06
Exercised                             (233,370)       $ 9.54 - $27.00     $15.98
Canceled or expired                    (34,310)       $25.15 - $27.00     $25.93
                                   ------------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1995     4,503,884        $10.95 - $32.06     $22.48
Granted                                796,000        $      - $41.69     $41.69
Exercised                             (581,684)       $10.95 - $32.06     $24.50
Canceled or expired                    (37,100)       $25.15 - $32.06     $27.93
                                   ------------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1996     4,681,100        $10.95 - $41.69     $23.59
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1996, outstanding options were comprised of 855,957 shares
exercisable with an average remaining life of three years and an average price
of $16.67 (range $10.95 - $19.33); 2,292,131 shares exercisable with an average
remaining life of seven years and an average price of $26.17 (range $23.39 -
$32.06); and 1,533,012 shares not vested with an average remaining life of nine
years and an average price of $36.07 (range $25.71 - $41.69). All outstanding
options were granted at 100% of the market price on their respective grant date.

The pro forma effect on net income, if compensation expense had been recognized,
for stock options granted after 1994 and weighted average fair value of the
grants have been estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with
the following assumptions: dividend yield of 2.5%, expected volatility of 13%,
risk free interest rate of 6.4% and an expected term of seven years. Using this
model pro forma net income for 1996 would be reduced by $1.2 million and for
1995 by $0.1 million from reported amounts. The pro forma effect on earnings per
share would be immaterial. The weighted average fair value of options granted in
1996 and 1995 was $9.38 and $7.22, respectively. These pro forma disclosures may
not be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years
since options vest over several years and options granted prior to 1995 are not
considered.
<PAGE>   39
                                                                         Page 39

Industry Segment and Geographic Area Information

Nature of Operations

Hubbell Incorporated was founded as a proprietorship in 1888, and was
incorporated in Connecticut in 1905. For over a century, Hubbell has
manufactured and sold high quality electrical and electronic products for a
broad range of commercial, industrial, telecommunications and utility
applications. Since 1961, Hubbell has expanded its operations into other areas
of the electrical industry and related fields. Hubbell products are now
manufactured or assembled by twenty-one divisions and subsidiaries at
thirty-two locations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, United
Kingdom and Singapore. Hubbell also participates in joint ventures with
partners in South America, Germany and Taiwan, and maintains sales offices in
Malaysia, Mexico, Hong Kong, South Korea and the Middle East.

The Company is primarily engaged in the engineering, manufacture and sale of
electrical and electronic products. These products can be divided into three
general segments: products primarily used in low-voltage applications, products
primarily used in high-voltage applications and products that either are not
directly related to the electrical business, or, if related, cannot be clearly
classified on a voltage application basis. At December 31, 1996, these segments
were comprised as follows:

Low Voltage products are in the range of 600 volts or less, are sold principally
to distributors and represent stock items of standard and special application
wiring device products, lighting fixtures, low voltage industrial controls and
cable management products.

High Voltage products are in the more than 600 volt range, are sold through
distributors, independent sales representatives and directly to customers by
sales engineers. Segment products are comprised of test and measurement
equipment, wire and cable, electrical transmission and distribution products
such as insulators, surge arresters, switches, cutouts, sectionalizers, fuses
connectors and related hardware.

The Other segment consists of products not classified on a voltage basis. This
segment includes standard and special application cabinets and enclosures,
fittings, switch and outlet boxes, wire management components and systems,
construction materials and tools for building and maintenance of overhead and
underground power and telephone lines, data transmission and telecommunications
equipment and components for voice and data signals. Segment products are sold
to customers in a wide range of markets including industrial, commercial and
residential construction; hardware and home center outlets; original equipment
manufacturers; electric and telephone utilities.

On a geographic basis, the Company defines "international" as operations and
subsidiaries based outside of the United States and its possessions. Sales of
international units were 6% of total sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994 with the
Canadian market representing approximately 60% of the total. Net assets of
international subsidiaries were 5% of the consolidated total in 1996, 4% in 1995
and 4% in 1994. Export sales directly to customers or through electric
wholesalers from the United States operations were $98,900,000 in 1996,
$75,000,000 in 1995 and $62,600,000 in 1994.
<PAGE>   40
                                                                         Page 40


The Company's principal manufacturing facilities are located in the following
areas, classified by segment:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Approximate Floor
               Segment       Location     No. of Facilities   Area in Square Feet
               -------       --------     -----------------   -------------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>              <C>
      Low Voltage Segment    Connecticut        1                140,000
                             Ohio               1                 76,900
                             Puerto Rico        3*               248,500(1)
                             Tennessee          1                250,000
                             Virginia           1                321,300
                             North Carolina     1                 22,000(2)
                             Georgia            1                130,000
                             Mexico             1                 40,000(2)

      High Voltage Segment   Connecticut        1                503,000
                             New York           2                171,000
                             Ohio               1                 92,000
                             South Carolina     1                197,000
                             Missouri           1*               795,000

         Other Segments      Connecticut        1                 67,400
                             Illinois           1                207,100
                             Indiana            1                320,000
                             Missouri           1**              234,400
                             Virginia           1                138,000
                             Mexico             1                161,500
                             North Carolina     1                 81,000(3)
                             Alabama            2                286,000
                             Tennessee          1                 77,000(2)
                             Wisconsin          1                 74,000
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------

(1)      96,500 square feet leased

(2)      Leased

(3)      35,000 square feet leased

*        Some products are classified in the Other Segment

**       Some products are classified in the Low Voltage Segment

Additionally, the Company owns or leases warehouses and distribution centers
containing approximately 760,850 square feet. The Company believes its
manufacturing and warehousing facilities are adequate to carry on its business
activities.

As of December 31, 1996, the Company has approximately 8,178 full-time
employees, including salaried and hourly personnel. Approximately 35% of the
total employees are represented by labor unions. During the next twelve months
there are five union contracts due for renegotiation.

Financial Information

Financial information by industry segment and geographic area for the three
years ended December 31, 1996, is summarized below (in thousands). When reading
the data the following items should be noted:

- -        Net sales comprise sales to unaffiliated customers - intersegment and
         inter-area sales are immaterial.
<PAGE>   41
                                                                         Page 41


- -        Segment operating income consists of net sales less operating expenses.
         General corporate expenses, interest expense, and other income, have
         not been allocated to segments.

- -        General corporate assets not allocated to segments are principally cash
         and investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   INDUSTRY SEGMENT                     1996            1995            1994
                                        ----            ----            ----
<S>                                 <C>             <C>             <C>
NET SALES:
Low Voltage                         $   532,664     $   497,428     $   456,287
High Voltage                            299,320         234,052         205,721
Other                                   465,397         411,646         351,692
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
  Total                             $ 1,297,381     $ 1,143,126     $ 1,013,700
                                    ===========     ===========     ===========

OPERATING INCOME:
Low Voltage                         $   109,897     $    96,965     $    89,148
High Voltage                             32,581          25,040          21,314
Other                                    70,921          57,630          44,368
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
Segment Total                       $   213,399     $   179,635     $   154,830
General corporate expenses              (15,863)        (14,675)        (14,247)
Interest expense                         (8,416)         (8,499)         (6,074)
Investment and other income, net         10,221          10,572          11,426
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
  Income before income taxes        $   199,341     $   167,033     $   145,935
                                    ===========     ===========     ===========


ASSETS:
Low Voltage                         $   286,485     $   262,399     $   261,789
High Voltage                            246,808         204,821         204,159
Other                                   264,234         248,336         241,835
General Corporate                       387,913         341,689         333,786
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
  Total                             $ 1,185,440     $ 1,057,245     $ 1,041,569
                                    ===========     ===========     ===========

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:
Low Voltage                         $    13,980     $    16,845     $    22,655
High Voltage                             12,424           8,546          16,377
Other                                    11,988          12,349          13,791
General Corporate                           740             488             355
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
  Total                             $    39,132     $    38,228     $    53,178
                                    ===========     ===========     ===========

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION:
Low Voltage                         $    14,541     $    14,407     $    14,521
High Voltage                             11,210           9,148           7,497
Other                                    12,577          11,753          10,746
General Corporate                           925             932           1,247
                                    -----------     -----------     -----------
  Total                             $    39,253     $    36,240     $    34,011
                                    ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   42
                                                                         Page 42

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     GEOGRAPHIC AREA
                        1996          1995          1994
                        ----          ----          ----
<S>                  <C>           <C>           <C>
NET SALES:
United States        $1,218,333    $1,072,267    $  957,740
International            79,048        70,859        55,960
                     ----------    ----------    ----------
  Total              $1,297,381    $1,143,126    $1,013,700
                     ==========    ==========    ==========

OPERATING INCOME:
United States        $  201,219    $  169,890    $  148,470
International            12,180         9,745         6,360
                     ----------    ----------    ----------
  Total              $  213,399    $  179,635    $  154,830
                     ==========    ==========    ==========

ASSETS:
United States        $1,125,137    $1,007,276    $  999,567
International            60,303        49,969        42,002
                     ----------    ----------    ----------
  Total              $1,185,440    $1,057,245    $1,041,569
                     ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

Subsequent Event

On February 14, 1997, Hubbell acquired Fargo Manufacturing Company, Inc.
("Fargo") based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Fargo manufactures distribution and
transmission line products primarily for the electric utility market. Each share
of Fargo was converted into a right to receive shares or fractions thereof of
Hubbell's Class B Common Stock with an approximate market value of $45.0 million
plus or minus an adjustment based on Fargo's net worth target of $9.8 million.
The acquisition of Fargo will not have a significant effect on earnings or the
Company's financial position at December 31, 1996.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The table below sets forth summarized quarterly financial data for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands, except per share amounts). Share
data has been restated for the 2-for-1 common stock split in 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        First      Second      Third      Fourth
1996                   Quarter     Quarter     Quarter    Quarter
- ----                   -------     -------     -------    -------
<S>                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Sales             $304,600    $328,927    $332,770    $331,084
Gross Profit          $ 90,160    $ 99,046    $ 99,786    $103,359
Net Income            $ 31,669    $ 35,746    $ 36,979    $ 37,138
Earnings Per Share    $   0.47    $   0.53    $   0.55    $   0.55

1995
- ----
Net Sales             $278,434    $295,006    $286,968    $282,718
Gross Profit          $ 80,500    $ 83,982    $ 86,395    $ 89,071
Net Income            $ 28,409    $ 30,077    $ 31,700    $ 31,748
Earnings Per Share    $   0.43    $   0.45    $   0.47    $   0.48
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   43
                                                                         Page 43


Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
            Financial Disclosure

            Not applicable.
                                    PART III


            Information relative to Executive Officers appears on Page 46 of
            this report.

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant(1)

Item 11.    Executive Compensation (1)

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management (1)

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (1)

                                     PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

1.    Financial Statements and Schedules

Financial statements and schedules listed in the Index to Financial Statements
and Schedules appearing on Page 49 are filed as part of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.

2.    Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Number                   Description
      ------                   -----------

<S>           <C>
      3a      Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended effective
              through May 13, 1996. Exhibit A of the registrant's proxy
              statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
              incorporated by reference.

      3b*     By-Laws, Hubbell Incorporated, as amended on March 11, 1997.

      3c      Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1988, between Hubbell
              Incorporated and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (now known as
              Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.) as Rights Agent
              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6 to the registrant's
              Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated March 3, 1992, and filed
              on March 4, 1992).
</TABLE>


- --------

1)       The definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders
         to be held on May 5, 1997, filed with the Commission on March 27, 1997,
         pursuant to Regulation 14A, is incorporated herein by reference.

*        Filed hereunder.
<PAGE>   44
                                                                         Page 44


2.    Exhibits - Continued

      Number                   Description

      4a      Instruments with respect to the 1996 issue of long-term debt have
              not been filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as
              the authorized principal amount on such issue does not exceed 10%
              of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a
              consolidated basis; registrant agrees to furnish a copy of each
              such instruments to the Commission upon request.

      10a+*   Hubbell Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as
              amended and restated effective January 1, 1997.

      10b(1)+ Hubbell Incorporated 1973 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees, as
              amended and restated effective May 2, 1994. Exhibit 10b(1) of the
              registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter, 1994,
              filed on May 9, 1994, is incorporated by reference.

      10c+    Description of the Hubbell Incorporated, Post Retirement Death
              Benefit Plan for Participants in the Supplemental Executive
              Retirement Plan, as amended effective May 1, 1993. Exhibit 10c of
              the registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter, 1993,
              filed on August 12, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.

      10f     Hubbell Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as
              amended and restated effective June 20, 1991. Exhibit 10f of the
              registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter, 1991,
              filed on August 7, 1991, is incorporated by reference.

      10g+    Hubbell Incorporated Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended
              effective January 1, 1996. Exhibit B of the registrant's proxy
              statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
              incorporated by reference.

      10h     Hubbell Incorporated Key Man Supplemental Medical Insurance, as
              amended and restated effective December 9, 1986. Exhibit 10h of
              the registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year 1987, filed on
              March 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference.

      10i     Hubbell Incorporated Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended and
              restated effective March 13, 1990. Exhibit 10i of the registrant's
              report on Form 10-K for the year 1989, filed on March 26, 1990, is
              incorporated by reference.

      10l+    Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
              1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and G. Jackson Ratcliffe,
              Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.
              Exhibit 10l of the registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year
              1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is incorporated by reference.



- --------

+        This exhibit constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan, or
         arrangement

*        Filed hereunder
<PAGE>   45
                                                                         Page 45


2.    Exhibits - Continued

      Number                   Description
      ------                   -----------

      10m+  Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
            1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and Vincent R. Petrecca,
            Executive Vice President. Exhibit 10m of the registrant's report on
            Form 10-K for the year 1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is
            incorporated by reference.

      10n+  Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
            1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and Harry B. Rowell, Jr.,
            Executive Vice President. Exhibit 10n of the registrant's report on
            Form 10-K for the year 1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is
            incorporated by reference.

      10o+  Hubbell Incorporated Policy for Providing Severance Payments to Key
            Managers, as amended and restated effective September 9, 1993.
            Exhibit 10o of the registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the third
            quarter, 1993, filed on November 10, 1993, is incorporated by
            reference.

      10p+  Hubbell Incorporated Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan,
            effective January 1, 1996. Exhibit C of the registrant's proxy
            statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
            incorporated by reference.

      11    Computation of earnings per share.

      21    Listing of significant subsidiaries.

      27    Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule (Electronic filings only)

3.    Reports on Form 8-K

      There were no reports on Form 8-K filed for the three months ended
December 31, 1996.



- --------

+        This exhibit constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan, or
         arrangement
<PAGE>   46
                                                                         Page 46

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Executive Officers of the Registrant

      Name         Age(1)            Present Position                         Business Experience
      ----         ------            ----------------                         -------------------
<S>                       <C>    <C>                             <C>
G. Jackson Ratcliffe      60     Chairman of the Board,          President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 1988;
                                 President and Chief Executive   Chairman of the Board since 1987; Executive Vice President -
                                 Officer                         Administration 1983-1987; Senior Vice President-Finance
                                                                 and Law 1980-1983; Vice President, General Counsel and
                                                                 Secretary 1974-1980.

Vincent R. Petrecca       56    Executive Vice President         Present position since January 1, 1988; Group Vice President
                                                                 1984-1987; Vice President and General Manager of the Wiring Device
                                                                 Division 1981-1984; Vice President and General Manager of the
                                                                 Lighting Division 1976-1981.

Harry B. Rowell, Jr.      55    Executive Vice President         Present position since January 1, 1988; Group Vice President
                                                                 1985-1987; Vice President Corporate Development and Planning
                                                                 1979-1985.

Thomas H. Pluff           49    Group Vice President             Present position since March 1989.

Richard W. Davies         50    Vice President, General Counsel  Present position since January 1, 1996; General Counsel since 1987;
                                and Secretary                    Secretary since 1982; Assistant Secretary 1980-1982; Assistant
                                                                 General Counsel 1974-1987.

James H. Biggart, Jr.     44    Vice President and Treasurer     Present position since January 1, 1996; Treasurer since 1987;
                                                                 Assistant Treasurer 1986-1987; Director of Taxes 1984-1986.
</TABLE>

    There is no family relationship between any of the above-named executive
officers.

- --------------------------

(1) As of March 14, 1997
<PAGE>   47
                                                                         Page 47


            Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

      HUBBELL INCORPORATED


By                                                            3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         G. J. Ratcliffe                                        Date
      Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
           Executive Officer and Director

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



By                                                            3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         G. J. Ratcliffe                                        Date
      Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
           Executive Officer and Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         H. B. Rowell, Jr.                                      Date
      Executive Vice President
      (Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         E. R. Brooks                                           Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         G. W. Edwards, Jr.                                     Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         J. S. Hoffman                                          Date
         Director
<PAGE>   48
                                                                         Page 48


By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         H. G. McDonell                                         Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         A. McNally IV                                          Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         D. J. Meyer                                            Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         J. A. Urquhart                                         Date
         Director



By                                                             3/11/97
  -------------------------------------------                ---------
         M. Wallop                                              Date
         Director
<PAGE>   49
                                                                         Page 49


                  INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Form 10-K for
Financial Statements                                                                   1996, Page:
- --------------------                                                                 ---------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>
      Report of Independent Accountants....................................................18

      Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996 and 1995.............................19

      Consolidated Statement of Income for the three years
      ended December 31, 1996..............................................................21

      Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years
      ended December 31, 1996..............................................................22

      Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
      for the three years ended December 31, 1996..........................................23

      Statement of Accounting Policies.....................................................24

      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................27


Financial Statement Schedule

      Report of Independent Accountants
      on Financial Statement Schedule......................................................50

      Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
      (Schedule VIII)......................................................................51
</TABLE>

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required
information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
<PAGE>   50
                                                                         Page 50

                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
                          FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


To the Board of Directors of Hubbell Incorporated


Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report
dated January 22, 1997, except for the subsequent event note which is as of
February 14, 1997, appearing on page 42 of this Form 10-K also included an audit
of the Financial Statement Schedule listed in the index on page . In our
opinion, the Financial Statement Schedule presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements.



Price Waterhouse LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
January 22, 1997
<PAGE>   51
                                                                         Page 51


                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED               Schedule VIII
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                                 (In thousands)



Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Additions                  Deductions -
                         Balance at   charged     Acquisition   uncollectible    Balance
                         beginning    to costs        of          accounts       at end
                         of period  and expenses   businesses    written off    of period
                         ---------  ------------   ----------    -----------    ---------

Allowances for doubtful
accounts receivable:

<S>                      <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>
       Year 1994         $3,768       $ 1,676       $ 77         $     (761)     $4,760

       Year 1995         $4,760       $   693       $  0         $   (1,119)     $4,334

       Year 1996         $4,334       $ 1,157       $126         $     (751)     $4,866
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   52
                                                                         Page 52


                                                                      Exhibit 11

                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

                       FIVE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                      (In thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996        1995        1994        1993       1992
                                           --------    --------    --------    --------   --------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Income before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principles            $141,532    $121,934    $106,533    $66,306    $ 94,090

Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles                          --          --          --         --       (16,506)
                                           --------    --------    --------    -------    --------

Net Income after cumulative effect
of change in accounting principles         $141,532    $121,934    $106,533    $66,306    $ 77,584
                                           ========    ========    ========    =======    ========

Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the year           65,938      65,852      65,814     65,566      65,470

Common equivalent shares                      1,314         892         768        834         980
                                           --------    --------    --------    -------    --------

Average number of shares outstanding         67,252      66,744      66,582     66,400      66,450
                                           ========    ========    ========    =======    ========


Earnings per share:

     Income before cumulative effect of
     change in accounting principles       $   2.10    $   1.83    $   1.60    $  1.00    $   1.42

     Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principles                     --          --          --         --         (0.25)
                                           --------    --------    --------    -------    --------

     Net income                            $   2.10    $   1.83    $   1.60    $  1.00    $   1.17
                                           ========    ========    ========    =======    ========
</TABLE>



Share data has been restated for the 2-for-1 stock split in 1996.
<PAGE>   53
                                                                         Page 53

                                                                      Exhibit 21

                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       LISTING OF SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          State or Other        Percentage
                                         Jurisdiction of        Owned By
                                          Incorporation        Registrant
                                          -------------        ----------
<S>                                       <C>                     <C> 
Anderson Electrical Products, Inc.           Delaware             100%
                        
The Kerite Company                        Connecticut             100%
                        
Hubbell, Ltd.                                 England             100%
                        
Hubbell Canada Inc.                            Canada             100%
                        
Killark Electric Manufacturing Company       Missouri             100%
                        
The Ohio Brass Company                       Delaware             100%
                        
Raco Inc.                                    Delaware             100%
                        
Hubbell Industrial Controls, Inc.            Delaware             100%
                        
Gleason Reel Corp.                           Delaware             100%
                        
Harvey Hubbell Caribe, Inc.                  Delaware             100%
                        
Hubbell Lighting, Inc.                    Connecticut             100%
                        
Pulse Communications, Inc.                   Virginia             100%
                        
Bryant Electric, Inc.                        Delaware             100%
                        
Hipotronics, Inc.                            Delaware             100%
                        
E. M. Wiegmann & Company, Inc.               Missouri             100%
                        
A. B. Chance Industries, Inc.                Delaware             100%
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   54
                                EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -----------


    3a        Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended effective
              through May 13, 1996. Exhibit A of the registrant's proxy
              statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
              incorporated by reference.

    3b*       By-Laws, Hubbell Incorporated, as amended on March 11, 1997.

    3c        Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1988, between Hubbell
              Incorporated and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (now known as
              Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.) as Rights Agent
              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6 to the registrant's
              Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated March 3, 1992, and filed
              on March 4, 1992).
    4a        Instruments with respect to the 1996 issue of long-term debt have
              not been filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as
              the authorized principal amount on such issue does not exceed 10%
              of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a
              consolidated basis; registrant agrees to furnish a copy of each
              such instruments to the Commission upon request.

   10a+*      Hubbell Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as
              amended and restated effective January 1, 1997.

   10b(1)+    Hubbell Incorporated 1973 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees, as
              amended and restated effective May 2, 1994. Exhibit 10b(1) of the
              registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter, 1994,
              filed on May 9, 1994, is incorporated by reference.

   10c+       Description of the Hubbell Incorporated, Post Retirement Death
              Benefit Plan for Participants in the Supplemental Executive
              Retirement Plan, as amended effective May 1, 1993. Exhibit 10c of
              the registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter, 1993,
              filed on August 12, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.

   10f        Hubbell Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as
              amended and restated effective June 20, 1991. Exhibit 10f of the
              registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter, 1991,
              filed on August 7, 1991, is incorporated by reference.

   10g+       Hubbell Incorporated Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended
              effective January 1, 1996. Exhibit B of the registrant's proxy
              statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
              incorporated by reference.

   10h        Hubbell Incorporated Key Man Supplemental Medical Insurance, as
              amended and restated effective December 9, 1986. Exhibit 10h of
              the registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year 1987, filed on
              March 25, 1988, is incorporated by reference.

   10i        Hubbell Incorporated Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended and
              restated effective March 13, 1990. Exhibit 10i of the registrant's
              report on Form 10-K for the year 1989, filed on March 26, 1990, is
              incorporated by reference.

   10l+       Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
              1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and G. Jackson Ratcliffe,
              Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.
              Exhibit 10l of the registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year
              1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is incorporated by reference.



- --------

+        This exhibit constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan, or
         arrangement

*        Filed hereunder

<PAGE>   55
EXHIBITS - CONTINUED

EXHIBIT NO.                    DESCRIPTION
- -----------                    -----------

   10m+     Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
            1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and Vincent R. Petrecca,
            Executive Vice President. Exhibit 10m of the registrant's report on
            Form 10-K for the year 1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is
            incorporated by reference.

   10n+     Employment Agreement, dated March 28, 1989 (effective January 1,
            1989), between Hubbell Incorporated and Harry B. Rowell, Jr.,
            Executive Vice President. Exhibit 10n of the registrant's report on
            Form 10-K for the year 1988, filed on March 29, 1989, is
            incorporated by reference.

   10o+     Hubbell Incorporated Policy for Providing Severance Payments to Key
            Managers, as amended and restated effective September 9, 1993.
            Exhibit 10o of the registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the third
            quarter, 1993, filed on November 10, 1993, is incorporated by
            reference.

   10p+     Hubbell Incorporated Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan,
            effective January 1, 1996. Exhibit C of the registrant's proxy
            statement, dated March 22, 1996 and filed on March 27, 1996, is
            incorporated by reference.

   11       Computation of earnings per share.

   21       Listing of significant subsidiaries.

   27       Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule (Electronic filings only)



- --------

+        This exhibit constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan, or
         arrangement


<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 3b

                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                      AS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                                 MARCH 11, 1997

<PAGE>   2
                                     BY-LAWS
                                       of
                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED
                                    ARTICLE I

                            Meetings of Shareholders

         Section 1. Place. All meetings of the shareholders shall be held at the
principal office of the Corporation in the State of Connecticut, or at such
other place or places within or without the State of Connecticut as may be
designated from time to time by the Chairman of the Board, or, in the absence of
such designation, as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

         Section 2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be
held on the first Monday of May in each year, or if that day be a legal holiday,
then on the next succeeding business day, at 10:00 o'clock in the forenoon, or
on such other date and at such other time as may be designated from time to time
by the Chairman of the Board, or, in the absence of such designation, as may be
determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, for the election of
directors and for such other business as may properly come before such meeting.

         Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders may
be called by the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors. Upon the
written request of the holders of not less than one-tenth of the voting power of
all shares entitled to vote at the meeting, the Chairman of the Board shall call
a special shareholders' meeting for the purposes specified in such request and
cause notice thereof to be given pursuant to the provisions of these By-Laws. If
the Chairman of the Board shall not, within fifteen days after receipt of such
shareholders' request, so call such meeting, such shareholders may call the
same. The general purpose or purposes for which a special meeting is called
shall be stated in the notice thereof, and no other business shall be transacted
at the meeting. Any such special meeting of the shareholders shall be held at
the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Connecticut or at such
other place or places within or without the State of Connecticut as may be
designated from time to time by the Chairman of the Board, or, in the absence of
such designation, as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

         Section 4. Notice. Written notice of all meetings of the shareholders
shall be given by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board or Secretary
to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting, by leaving such
notice with him or at his residence or usual place of business or by mailing a
copy thereof addressed to him at his last known post office address as last
shown on the stock records of the Corporation, postage prepaid, not less than
ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting; each
such notice shall state the place, day and hour of the meeting and, if the
notice is for a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting
is called.

         Section 5. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by statute or the
Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the votes provided by
the Certificate of Incorporation for the issued and outstanding shares shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of shareholders for all purposes, except as
otherwise provided in these By-Laws or by statute or the Certificate of
Incorporation, but no action required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation
or these By-Laws to be authorized or taken by the holders of a designated
proportion of the voting power of shares or of the shares of any particular
class or of each class, may be authorized or taken by a lesser proportion. The
holders of a majority of the voting power of

                                       1
<PAGE>   3

the shares entitled to vote represented at any such meeting may adjourn the
meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the
meeting, and any business may be transacted at such adjourned meeting which
might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. The
shareholders present at a duly-held meeting at which a quorum is present may
continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of
enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum.

         Section 6. Voting. Each outstanding share shall be entitled to the
number of votes on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders
as provided by the Certificate of Incorporation. Shares otherwise entitled to
vote but disqualified from voting for any reason of law, shall not be considered
as outstanding for the purpose of quorum or of computing the voting power of the
Corporation or shares of any class. Every person entitled to vote or execute
consents, waivers or releases in respect of shares may do so either in person or
by one or more agents authorized by a written dated proxy executed by him. Each
shareholder shall have the number of votes provided by the Certificate of
Incorporation for each share of stock registered in his name at the time at
which the record date shall be fixed as hereinafter in Section 7 of this Article
I provided. Except as otherwise provided by statute, or the Certificate of
Incorporation, the Corporation may treat the person in whose name shares of
stock or other securities stand of record on its books as the absolute owner of
such shares or other securities as if such person had full competency, capacity
and authority to exercise all rights of ownership, irrespective of: (a) any
knowledge or notice to the contrary, or (b) any description indicating a
representative, pledge or other fiduciary relation or any reference to any other
instrument or to the rights of any other person appearing upon its records or
upon the share, certificate or other security. Except as otherwise provided by
statute, these By-Laws or the Certificate of Incorporation, if a quorum exists,
action on a matter by the shareholders, other than the election of directors, is
approved if the votes cast which favor the action exceed the votes cast which
oppose the action. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of
Incorporation, if a quorum exists at a meeting of shareholders, directors are
elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the
election.

         Section 7. Fixing Record Date. For the purpose of determining the
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or
any adjournment thereof, or for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled
to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or the allotment of any
rights, or for the purpose of any other shareholder action, the Board of
Directors by resolution may fix a date, not more than seventy (70) days nor less
than ten (10) full days immediately preceding the date of the meeting, nor more
than seventy (70) days prior to any other action, as the record date for any
such determination of shareholders, such date in any case not to be earlier than
the date such action is taken by the Board of Directors. In the absence of such
direction by the Board of Directors, such day shall, in the case of each
shareholder meeting, whether the annual meeting or a special meeting, be the day
twenty-five (25) days immediately preceding the date of such meeting. If such
day be a holiday, the next preceding business day shall be fixed as such record
date. The books of the Corporation shall not be closed for transfers. When a
determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders
has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any
adjournment thereof.

         Section 8. List of Shareholders. The Secretary shall make or cause to
be made before each meeting of shareholders, a complete list or other equivalent
record of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, arranged in
alphabetical order, with the address of and the number and class of shares held
by each. Such list or other equivalent record shall be available for inspection
by any shareholder, beginning two business days after notice of the meeting is
given for which the list was prepared and continuing through the meeting, at the
Corporation's principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in
the city where the meeting will be held. A shareholder, his agent or attorney is
entitled on written demand to inspect and, subject to statutory requirements, to
copy the list, during regular business hours and

                                       2
<PAGE>   4

at his expense, for any proper purpose in the interest of the shareholder as
such or of the Corporation and not for speculative or trading purposes or for
any purpose inimical to the interest of the Corporation or its shareholders.
Such list or other equivalent record shall also be produced and kept open at the
time and place of the meeting and shall be subject for any such proper purpose
to such inspection during the whole time of the meeting.

         Section 9. Inspection of Books. Shareholders shall have no right except
as conferred by statute or by these By-Laws to inspect any books, papers,
records or accounts of the Corporation.

         Section 10. Floor Nominations. Subject to any exclusive rights of
holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to
elect directors upon the happening of certain events, nominations of candidates
for election as directors of the Corporation at any meeting of shareholders of
the Corporation may be made by the Board of Directors or by any shareholder
entitled to vote at such meeting who complies with this Section 10. Not less
than fifty (50) days prior to the date of the meeting, in the case of an annual
meeting, or, in the case of a special meeting called for the purpose of electing
directors, not more than ten (10) days following the earlier of the date of
notice of such special meeting or the date on which a public announcement of
such meeting is made, any shareholder who intends to bring before the meeting
any nomination for director shall deliver written notice to the Secretary of the
Corporation setting forth (a) the name and address of the shareholder who
intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (b)
a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of the
Corporation specified in such notice, is or will be entitled to vote at such
meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate
the person or persons specified in the notice; (c) a statement that the nominee
(or nominees) is willing to be nominated; and (d) such other information
concerning each such nominee as would be required under the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for
the election of such nominee and in a Schedule 14A (or other comparable required
filing then in effect) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the event
that a person is validly designated as a proposed nominee in accordance with
this Section 10 (including a bona fide statement that the nominee is willing to
be nominated) and shall thereafter become unable or unwilling to stand for
election to the Board of Directors, the shareholder who made such designation
may designate promptly in the manner set forth above a substitute proposed
nominee, notwithstanding the minimum time period set forth in this Section 10.
No person nominated by a shareholder may be elected as a director at a meeting
of shareholders unless nominated in accordance with this Section 10, and any
purported nomination or purported election not made in accordance with the
procedures as set forth in this Section 10 shall be void.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                    Directors

         Section 1. Election. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall
be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of not less than three (3)
directorships and not more than eleven (11) directorships, as shall be
determined by a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, or the
shareholders. Within the foregoing numerical limits the number of directorships
constituting the full Board of Directors may be increased by the concurring vote
of the directors holding a majority of the directorships constituting the full
Board of Directors immediately prior to such vote. Each of the directors shall
hold office until the annual meeting of the shareholders held next after his
election and his successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier death,
resignation or removal.

                                       3
<PAGE>   5

         Section 2. Vacancies. Vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting
from death, resignation, removal or other cause (including an increase in the
number of directorships constituting the Board of Directors) may be filled for
the unexpired term by action of the sole remaining director, or by unanimous
written consent of all remaining directors without a meeting, or by a majority
vote of the remaining directors, at a special meeting called for that purpose or
at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, though such remaining
directors are less than a quorum and though such majority is less than a quorum.
The shareholders may elect a director at any time to fill any vacancy which has
not been filled by the directors as herein provided, at a special meeting of the
shareholders called for such purpose.

         Section 3. Regular Meetings. The directors shall hold regular meetings
at the principal office of the Corporation on the second Tuesday of March, the
second Tuesday of June, the second Tuesday of September, and the second Tuesday
of December in each year, at 9:00 o'clock in the forenoon, local time, or at
such other place either within or without the State of Connecticut or on such
other date or at such other hour as may be determined by resolution of the Board
of Directors.

         Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be held wherever
and whenever ordered by the Chairman of the Board or by any two directors. The
Secretary shall call a special meeting when and as requested so to do in writing
by the Chairman of the Board or by any two directors.

         Section 5. Adjourned Meetings. If two or more directors be present at
any meeting, they may adjourn such meeting to any time prior to the day of the
next regular meeting of the Board of Directors. No notice of the time and place
appointed for the holding of any adjourned meeting need be given.

         Section 6. Action Without Meeting. Directors may participate in a
meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment enabling all directors participating in the meeting to
hear one another, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this By-Law shall
constitute presence in person at such a meeting. If all the directors severally
or collectively consent in writing to any action taken by the Corporation prior
to such consent, or to be taken by the Corporation subsequent to such consent,
and the number of such directors constitutes a quorum for such action, such
action shall be a valid corporate action as though it had been authorized at a
meeting of the Board of Directors and shall be effective when the last director
signs the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date. The
Secretary shall file such consents with the minutes of the meeting of the Board
of Directors.

         Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the directors qualified and acting
shall constitute a quorum provided that such quorum shall not be less than
one-third of the number of directorships provided by applicable statutes and
these By-Laws, nor at any time less than two (2) directorships. The act of a
majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present at
the time of the act shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act
of a greater number is required by these By-Laws or by statute.

         Section 8. Notice and Place of Meeting. No notice shall be required for
a regular meeting of the Board of Directors held at the principal office of the
Corporation except as provided in Article VIII of these By-Laws. The Secretary
shall give notice of regular meetings of the Board of Directors held at any
place other than the principal office of the Corporation and of special meetings
by mailing, postage prepaid, a written notice thereof to each director at least
five (5) days before the meeting, or by telegraphing or telephoning the same, or
by a personal service of written or oral notice, at least two (2) days before
the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all
business may be transacted at a 

                                       4
<PAGE>   6

special meeting, except as in these By-Laws otherwise expressly provided. At any
meeting at which every director shall be present, even though without any
notice, any business may be transacted.

                  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such
place or places, either within or without the State of Connecticut, as may be
designated from time to time by the Chairman of the Board, or, in the absence of
such designation, as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

                  The directors may have an office and keep the books of the
Corporation in the principal office of the Corporation; or they may have an
office and keep the books of the Corporation, except the stock book and the
transfer book, in such other place or places, either within or without the State
of Connecticut, as may be designated from time to time by the Chairman of the
Board, or, in the absence of such designation, as may be determined by
resolution of the Board of Directors.

         Section 9. Powers. In addition to the powers and authorities by these
By-Laws expressly conferred upon them, the Board of Directors may exercise all
such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not
by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws directed
or required to be exercised or done by the shareholders.

         Section 10. Compensation of Directors. The directors shall receive for
their services such fees, if any, as may be fixed from time to time by the Board
of Directors. The directors shall be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses
actually incurred in connection with their duties.

         Section 11. Resignation. Any director may resign by giving written
notice of his resignation to the Corporation in care of the Chairman of the
Board or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of
such notice by the Corporation, or at such later date as may be specified
therein.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                   Committees

         Section 1. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors shall, by
resolution adopted by an affirmative vote of directors holding a majority of the
directorships, appoint from among its members an Executive Committee consisting
of two or more directors, and may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of such Executive Committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified
member at any meeting of the Executive Committee, which Executive Committee
shall have and may exercise, during the intervals between the meetings of the
Board of Directors, all the powers of the Board of Directors in the management
of the business, properties and affairs of the Corporation, including authority
to take all action provided in the By-Laws to be taken by the Board of
Directors; except authority to: (i) authorize distributions; (ii) approve or
propose to shareholders action that by statute is required to be approved by
shareholders; (iii) fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or on any of its
committees; (iv) amend the Certificate of Incorporation; (v) adopt, amend or
repeal By-Laws; (vi) approve a plan of merger not requiring shareholder
approval; (vii) authorize or approve reacquisition of shares, except according
to a formula or method prescribed by the Board of Directors; (viii) authorize or
approve the issuance or sale or contract for sale of shares, or determine the
designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations of a class or
series of shares, except that the Board of Directors may authorize a committee
or a senior executive officer of the Corporation to do so within limits
specifically prescribed by the Board of Directors; (ix) fix compensation of
directors for serving on the Board of Directors or on any committee thereof; or
(x) amend or repeal any resolution of the Board of Directors which by its terms
shall not be so amendable or 

                                       5
<PAGE>   7

repealable. All acts done and powers conferred by the Executive Committee shall
be deemed to be, and may be certified as being done or conferred, under
authority of the Board of Directors.

         Section 2. Meetings, Quorums and Manner of Acting. Meetings of the
Executive Committee shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board
or the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Notice of any meeting shall be
mailed to each member, addressed to him at his residence or usual place of
business, not later than the second day before the day on which the meeting is
to be held, or shall be sent to him at such place by telegraph, or be delivered
personally, or by telephone, not later than the day before the day on which such
meeting is to be held. Unless limited by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation, the By-Laws, or the terms of the notice thereof, any and all
business may be transacted at any meeting of the Executive Committee. A majority
of the members of the Executive Committee in office at the time of any meeting
of the Executive Committee shall be present in person to constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business. The vote of a majority of the members present at
the time of such vote, if a quorum is present at such time, shall be the act of
the Executive Committee. Directors may participate in a meeting of the Executive
Committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment
enabling all members participating in the meeting to hear one another, and
participation in a meeting pursuant to this By-Law shall constitute presence in
person at such a meeting. A majority of the members present, whether or not a
quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place; and no
notice of an adjourned meeting need be given.

         Section 3. Records. The Executive Committee shall keep minutes of its
proceedings and shall submit the same from time to time to the Board of
Directors. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary to the
Executive Committee.

         Section 4. Vacancies. Any newly-created memberships and vacancies
occurring in the Executive Committee shall be filled by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors.

         Section 5. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution
adopted by an affirmative vote of directors holding a majority of the
directorships, designate one or more other committees, each such committee to
consist of two or more directors of the Corporation, and may designate one or
more directors as alternate members of such committee, who may replace any
absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee. Each such other
committee shall have such name, and such power and authority as may be
determined from time to time by resolutions adopted by an affirmative vote of
directors holding a majority of the directorships. The requirement with respect
to the manner in which each such other committee shall hold meetings and take
actions shall be set forth in the resolutions of the Board of Directors
designating such other committee.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    Officers

         Section 1. Number. The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman
of the Board, a President, such number of Vice Presidents, any of whom may be
designated as Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents, as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a
Controller, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers
as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this
Article IV. One person may hold the offices and perform the duties of any two or
more of such offices.

                                       6
<PAGE>   8

         Section 2. Election, Term of Office and Qualifications. The officers of
the Corporation shall be chosen annually by the Board of Directors, at the first
regular meeting of the Board of Directors held following the annual meeting of
shareholders. Each officer, except as to those provided for in Section 3 of this
Article IV, shall hold his office for the term of one year and until his
successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until his earlier death,
resignation or removal. The Chairman of the Board shall be elected from among
the directors; and the term of his office shall cease if not otherwise
terminated, when he shall cease to be a director.

         Section 3. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint such
other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, who shall have such
authority and shall perform such duties as from time to time shall be prescribed
by the Board of Directors.

         Section 4. Compensation of Officers. The compensation of the officers
of the Corporation shall be determined by the Board of Directors, which shall
have the power to authorize contracts for such compensation. However, the
appointment of any officers pursuant to these By-Laws for a given term, or a
general provision in these By-Laws or the Certificate of Incorporation of this
Corporation with respect to the term of office of any such officer, shall not of
itself create any contract rights.

         Section 5. Removal of Officers. Any officer may be removed at any time,
for or without cause, by resolution of the Board of Directors at any meeting.

         Section 6. Resignation of Officers. Any officer may resign at any time
by giving written notice of his resignation to the Corporation, in care of the
Chairman of the Board or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect
upon receipt of such notice by the Corporation, or at such later date as may be
specified therein.

         Section 7. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death,
resignation, removal or other cause may be filled for the unexpired portion of
the term by the Board of Directors.

         Section 8. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board, subject to
the control of the Board of Directors, shall have general and direct charge,
control and supervision and active management of all of the business and affairs
of the Corporation (other than those specific operations related duties
delegated by these By-Laws to the President), and shall see that all orders and
resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect, subject, however,
to the right of the Board of Directors to delegate any specific powers to any
other officer or officers of the Corporation. The Chairman of the Board shall,
when present, act as Chairman at all meetings of the shareholders of the
Corporation, and shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board of
Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall have general authority to execute
full and complete powers of attorney, bonds, deeds, mortgages, contracts,
agreements, proxies and other instruments and documents in the name and on
behalf of the Corporation. He shall have the general powers and duties of
supervision and management incident to the office of the Chairman of the Board
of the Corporation, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned
to him by the Board of Directors.

         Section 9. President. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation, and, subject to the control of the Board of
Directors, shall have general and direct charge, control and supervision and
active management solely of the operations of the Corporation, subject, however,
to the right of the Board of Directors to delegate any specific powers to any
other officer or officers of the Corporation. The President shall have general
authority to execute full and complete powers of attorney, bonds, deeds,
mortgages, contracts, agreements, proxies and other instruments and documents in
the name

                                       7
<PAGE>   9

and on behalf of the Corporation, and shall have such other duties as from time
to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Executive
Committee.

         Section 10. Vice Presidents. The Executive Vice Presidents and the
Senior Vice Presidents, if elected, and the other Vice Presidents shall perform
such duties as shall from time to time be imposed upon them by the Board of
Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President. In the absence or
disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board shall perform all duties
and exercise all powers of the President.

         Section 11. The Secretary. The Secretary shall, except as otherwise
provided by resolution of the Board of Directors:

         (a) keep the minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and the Board
of Directors in books provided for such purposes;

         (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these By-Laws and as required by law;

         (c) be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and
see that it is affixed to all documents, the execution of which, on behalf of
the Corporation under its seal, is duly authorized in accordance with the
provisions of these By-Laws;

         (d) have charge of the stock certificate books of the Corporation and
keep or cause to be kept by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Corporation,
or by any other agent, the stock ledger and transfer books and such lists and
records of shareholders as are required by Article I, Section 8 and Article V,
Section 1 of these By-Laws; shall exhibit the same at all reasonable times to
any director, upon application; and shall produce the same at any meeting of
shareholders, upon the request of any shareholder, to the extent set forth in
said other sections of these By-Laws;

         (e) see that the books, records, statements, certificates and all other
documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed; and

         (f) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of the
Secretary, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors.

         Section 12. Assistant Secretary. Any Assistant Secretary shall, at the
request of the Secretary, or in his absence or disability, perform any or all
the duties of the Secretary and, when so acting, he shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Secretary. He shall perform
such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors.

         Section 13. The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall, except as otherwise
provided by resolution of the Board of Directors:

         (a) have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and
securities of the Corporation, and deposit all such funds and securities in the
name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as
the Board of Directors, or any officer or officers duly authorized by the Board
of Directors, shall, from time to time, direct or approve;

         (b) receive, and give receipt for, money paid to the Corporation from
any source whatsoever;

                                       8
<PAGE>   10

         (c) exhibit at all reasonable times his records to any of the directors
of the Corporation upon application during business hours at the office of the
Corporation where such books and records are kept; and

         (d) perform all the duties and all necessary acts in connection with
the administration of the financial affairs of the Corporation, and in general
perform all the duties appertaining to the office of Treasurer, and such other
duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

         Section 14. Assistant Treasurer. Any Assistant Treasurer shall, at the
request of the Treasurer, or in his absence or disability, perform any or all
the duties of the Treasurer and, when so acting, he shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Treasurer. He shall perform
such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors.

         Section 15. The Controller. The Controller shall, except as otherwise
provided by resolution of the Board of Directors:

         (a) have active control of, and shall be responsible for, all matters
pertaining to the accounts of the Corporation;

         (b) supervise the auditing and keeping of all payrolls and vouchers of
the Corporation;

         (c) keep full and accurate account of all monies received and paid on
account of the Corporation;

         (d) receive, audit and consolidate all operating and financial
statements of the Corporation, and supervise the books of account of the
Corporation, and auditing practices of the Corporation;

         (e) prepare a statement of the condition of the finances of the
Corporation for submission at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors,
and a full financial report for submission at the annual meeting of the
shareholders; and

         (f) in general, perform all the duties appertaining to the office of
Controller, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors.

         Section 16. Delegation of Duties. In case of the absence of any officer
of the Corporation, or for any other reason that the Board of Directors may deem
sufficient, the Board of Directors may delegate the powers or duties of such
officer to any other officer, or to any director, for the time being, by a
resolution adopted by an affirmative vote of directors holding a majority of the
directorships.

                                    ARTICLE V

                            Administrative Provisions

         Section 1. Books. The following books and records of the Corporation
shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation: correct and complete
books and records of account; statements of the financial condition of the
Corporation; minutes of the proceedings of its incorporators, shareholders,
directors and committees of directors; and a record of its shareholders, giving
the names and addresses of all shareholders and the number and class of shares
held by each.

                                       9
<PAGE>   11
                  Subject to the provisions of the applicable statutes, the
Board of Directors shall determine, from time to time, whether, and if allowed,
when, and under what conditions and regulations the books, records and accounts
of the Corporation or any of them shall be open to the inspection of the
shareholders, and the shareholders' rights in this respect are, and shall be,
restricted and limited accordingly. No right of inspection accorded a
shareholder acting in person or by his agent or attorney shall be exercised
except at the reasonable time and for a specified, reasonable and proper purpose
and in good faith in the interest of such shareholder as such or of the
Corporation, and not for speculative or trading purposes or any purpose inimical
to the interest of the Corporation or its shareholders.

         Section 2. Checks and Notes. All checks, drafts, and other orders for
the payment of money, and all promissory notes of the Corporation, shall be
signed by such officer or officers of the Corporation or such other person or
persons as from time to time may be designated by resolution of the Board of
Directors, or as may be designated by any officer or officers duly authorized by
the Board of Directors to make such designation.

         Section 3. Dividends and Surplus. Except as otherwise provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation and applicable statutes, dividends and
distributions upon the shares of the Corporation in shares of the Corporation's
stock or in cash or property, may be declared and paid pursuant to resolution of
the Board of Directors, whenever, and in such amounts, as in the discretion of
the Board of Directors, the condition of the affairs of the Corporation shall
render advisable. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, subject to the
Certificate of Incorporation and applicable statutes, may purchase, take,
receive or otherwise acquire, hold, own, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose
of any of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation. The Board of
Directors may from time to time set aside from the unreserved and unrestricted
earnings of the Corporation such sum or sums as it, in its absolute discretion,
may deem proper, as a reserve fund to meet contingencies or for dividends or for
any other purpose it may deem to be conducive to the best interest of the
Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                            Shares and Their Transfer

         Section 1. Certificates of Stock. Certificates for shares of the stock
of the Corporation shall be in such form as may be approved by the Board of
Directors, shall be numbered in the order of their issue, may be under seal of
the Corporation, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board or the
President or a Vice President and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or
the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, except that such signature may be
facsimile if such certificate is signed by a transfer agent, transfer clerk
acting on behalf of the Corporation, or registrar. If any officer who has signed
or whose facsimile signature has been used on such certificate ceases to serve
the Corporation as an officer in the capacity as to which his signature was to
be used before such certificate is delivered by the Corporation, the certificate
may, nevertheless, be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as
though such officer had not ceased to hold such office. Each such certificate
shall set forth upon the face thereof as at the time of issue: (a) the name of
the Corporation; (b) a statement that the Corporation is organized under the
laws of the State of Connecticut; (c) the name of the person to whom issued; (d)
the number, class and designation of series, if any, of shares which such
certificate represents; and (e) the par value of each share represented by each
such certificate or a statement that the shares are without par value. Each such
certificate shall set forth upon the face or back of the certificate, or shall
state that the Corporation will furnish to any shareholder upon request and
without charge, a full or summary statement of the designations, terms,
limitations and relative rights and preferences of the shares of each class of
stock authorized to be issued, and if this Corporation is authorized to issue
any class in series, the variations in the relative rights and 

                                       10
<PAGE>   12

preferences between the shares of each such series so far as the same have been
fixed and determined, and the authority of the Board of Directors to fix and
determine the relative rights and preferences of subsequent series. Every
certificate exchanged or returned to the Corporation shall be marked "Cancelled"
with the date of cancellation, and shall be filed by the transfer agent or by
the Secretary or such other agency as the Secretary may direct.

         Section 2. Transfer of Stock. Transfers of shares of the stock shall be
made on the books of the Corporation only by the holder thereof, in person or by
his duly-authorized attorney, upon surrender of the certificate properly
endorsed. Transfer as collateral security shall be designated as such. A person
in whose name shares of stock stand on the books of the Corporation shall be
deemed the owner thereof.

         Section 3. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Securities. Where the owner of a
security issued by this Corporation claims that the security has been lost,
destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Corporation shall issue a new security in
place of the original security if the owner: (a) so requests before the
Corporation, its transfer agent or registrar has notice that the security has
been acquired by a bona fide purchaser; (b) files with the Corporation, its
transfer agent or registrar as the case may be, a sufficient indemnity bond; and
(c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by a proper officer of
the Corporation or by its transfer agent or registrar as the case may be. In the
event that the Corporation, its transfer agent or registrar has registered a
transfer of a security before receiving notification from the owner that such
security has been lost, apparently destroyed or wrongfully taken, the
Corporation, its transfer agent or registrar shall not issue a new security in
place of such lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken security.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                            Miscellaneous Provisions

         Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the
calendar year.

         Section 2. Offices. The principal office of the Corporation shall be
located at Derby Milford Road, Town of Orange, State of Connecticut.

         Section 3. Agents and Representatives. Except as otherwise provided in
Sections 8, 9, and 10 of Article IV, the Chairman of the Board, the President,
the Executive Vice Presidents, the Senior Vice Presidents, or any Vice
President, together with the Secretary or Treasurer, are authorized and
empowered in the name of, and as the act and deed of, the Corporation, to name
and appoint general and special agents, including, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, a registered agent for service of process in
Connecticut or any other jurisdiction, representatives, and attorneys to
represent the Corporation in the United States or in any foreign country, and to
prescribe, limit, and define the powers and duties of such agents,
representatives and attorneys, and to grant, substitute, revoke, or cancel, in
whole or in part, any power of attorney or other authority conferred on any such
agent, representative, or attorney. All powers of attorney or other instruments
which may be executed pursuant to this provision shall be signed by the Chairman
of the Board, the President, the Executive Vice Presidents, the Senior Vice
Presidents, or a Vice President and by the Secretary or the Treasurer and the
seal of the Corporation shall be affixed thereto. No further authorization by
the Board of Directors shall be necessary in connection with the foregoing, it
being intended that this By-Law shall constitute full and complete authority by
which the officers above-mentioned may act for the purposes aforesaid.

         Section 4. Notices. Whenever under the provision of these By-Laws
notice is required to be given to any officer, director or shareholder, such
notice shall be given as required or permitted by applicable

                                       11
<PAGE>   13

statutes or provisions of such By-Laws. In the absence of any such provisions of
applicable statutes or By-Laws, such notice may be given by leaving the notice
with the officer, director or shareholder in person, or at his residence, or
usual place of business, or by mailing a copy thereof, postage prepaid,
addressed to him at his last known post office address as last shown on the
books of the Corporation. If no address appears on the books of the Corporation
for such officer, director or shareholder, said notice shall be thus mailed to
him at the general post office in the Town of Orange, Connecticut. Any such
notice shall be deemed to be duly given at the time when the same shall be thus
mailed.

         Section 5. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice of time, place,
purpose or any other matter, including any special notice or form of notice, is
required or permitted to be given any person by law or under the provisions of
the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of this Corporation, waiver of
notice signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before
or after the time stated therein shall be equivalent to the giving of such
notice. The Secretary of the Corporation shall cause any such waiver to be filed
with or entered upon the records of the Corporation or, in the case of waiver of
notice of a meeting, the records of the meeting. A shareholder's attendance at a
meeting: (1) waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the
meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to
holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting; and (2) waives
objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not
within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the
shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented. A director's
attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him of
the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly
upon his arrival, objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the
meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the
meeting.

         Section 6. Proxy. Every person entitled to vote or execute consents,
waivers or releases in respect of shares may do so either in person or by one or
more agents authorized by a written proxy executed by him. Such proxy is not
valid after eleven months from its date of execution unless it specifies a
longer time for which it is to continue in force or limits its use to a
particular meeting not yet held. A photographic or similar reproduction of a
proxy or a telegram, cablegram, wireless, facsimile transmission or similar
transmission of a proxy sent by such person is a sufficient writing. A proxy
shall be revocable at will except as provided by statute in the case of
irrevocable proxies, but revocation shall not affect any vote or other action
theretofore taken. The Corporation may treat any duly-executed proxy as not
revoked and in full force and effect until it receives a duly-executed
instrument revoking it, or duly-executed proxy bearing a later date, or in the
case of death or incapacity of the person executing the same, written notice to
such effect. A duly-executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it specifies that it
is irrevocable and if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest
sufficient in law as provided by applicable statutes to support an irrevocable
power coupled therewith.

         Section 7. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words "Corporate
Seal, Connecticut".

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   Amendments

         By-Laws of the Corporation shall be subject to amendment or repeal, and
new By-Laws may be adopted by the shareholders and to the extent hereinafter
permitted, by the Board of Directors. Any notice of a meeting of shareholders or
the Board of Directors at which By-Laws are to be amended, repealed or adopted,
shall include notice of such proposed action. If such action has to be taken by
the Board of

                                       12
<PAGE>   14

Directors, said notice shall be delivered or mailed to the directors at least
five (5) days before the meeting, provided, however, that if all the directors
are present at such meeting, or waive such notice either before or after such
meeting, such circumstances or action shall be equivalent to giving of such
notice. Amendment, repeal or adoption of By-Laws by shareholders shall require
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of shares
entitled to vote thereon, or such greater proportion thereof, or such class vote
as the By-Laws shall provide. Amendment, repeal or adoption of By-Laws by the
Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote of directors holding a
majority of the directorships. No By-Law provision prescribing the vote required
to amend the By-Laws or any thereof shall be amended by a lesser vote. By-Laws
amended or adopted by the shareholders shall be subject to amendment or repeal
by the Board of Directors, except such By-Laws as the shareholders shall declare
to be not subject to amendment or repeal by the Board of Directors.

                                       13

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 10a

                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED


                     SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN






                 Restated and Amended, Effective January 1, 1997


<PAGE>   2






                              HUBBELL INCORPORATED

                     SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

                                Table of Contents


 Article                         Title                                  Page(s)
 -------          -------------------------------------                 -------

   I              Purpose                                                  1

   II             Definitions                                            1 - 3

   III            Effective Date                                           3

   IV             Eligibility                                            3 - 4

   V              Retirement Benefits                                    4 - 6

   VI             Payment of Retirement Benefits                         6 - 7

   VII            Disability Benefit                                     7 - 8

   VIII           Death Benefit                                          8 - 10

   IX             Funding                                                 10

   X              Plan Administration                                     10

   XI             Amendment and Termination                             10 - 11

   XII            Miscellaneous Provisions                              11 - 14

   XIII           Change of Control                                     14 - 17



<PAGE>   3
                                    ARTICLE I
                                     PURPOSE

1.1      The purpose of this Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "Plan")
         is to provide monthly supplemental retirement income for a select group
         of officers and other key employees of Hubbell Incorporated (the
         "Employer"). It is intended to provide a retirement benefit which
         supplements the retirement benefit payable under the Hubbell
         Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees and other such
         pension plans of Hubbell Incorporated and its subsidiaries as deemed
         appropriate by the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute
         discretion.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   DEFINITIONS

2.1      "Accrued Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit" means the benefit
         described in Article 5.4.

2.2      "Accrued Vested Participant" means a Participant who has been credited
         with ten (10) or more years of Service.

2.3      "Average Earnings" means the annual average of the Participant's
         Earnings for any three (3) calendar years in his last ten (10) years of
         Service which produce the highest such average.

2.4      "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of Hubbell
         Incorporated.

2.5      "Compensation Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board
         of Directors.

2.6      "Early Retirement" means retirement under this Plan at a Participant's
         election, between the ages of 55 and 65.

                                     - 1 -
<PAGE>   4

2.7      "Earnings" means, with respect to a particular calendar year, the total
         of (a) cash earnings paid to a Participant in the form of base salary,
         (b) awards in respect of the prior calendar year (regardless of when
         paid) under the incentive compensation plan (annual bonus) by his
         Employer, and (c) any amount by which an Employee's base salary and
         annual bonus awards are reduced under any 401(k) plan or any flexible
         benefit plans under the Internal Revenue Code Sections 125 and 129
         maintained by the Employer, during the respective calendar year.

2.8      "Employee" means a person who is employed by the Employer on a regular,
         full-time basis.

2.9      "Employer" means Hubbell Incorporated, and its successor, and any of
         its subsidiaries so designated by the Board of Directors.

2.10     "Key Executive" means (a) (i) any Officer elected prior to May 1, 1993
         and (ii) any other Employee who was so designated by the Compensation
         Committee prior to May 1, 1993, and (b) any Officer or other Employee
         who is so designated by the Compensation Committee on or after May 1,
         1993 and as to who the Compensation Committee has not withdrawn such
         designation.

2.11     "Normal Retirement" means retirement by a Participant under this Plan
         on the first day of the month coinciding with or next following his
         65th birthday.

2.12     "Officer" means the individual elected by the Board of Directors as
         provided in Article IV of the By-Laws of Hubbell Incorporated to any of
         the following offices: Chairman of the Board, President, Executive Vice
         President, Senior Vice President, Group Vice President, Vice President,
         Treasurer, Controller, or Secretary of Hubbell Incorporated.

2.13     "Participant" means a Key Executive.

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   5
2.14     "Plan" means the Hubbell Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement
         Plan.

2.15     "Postponed Retirement" means the Participant's actual retirement date
         after Normal Retirement.

2.16     "Service" means a Participant's entire period of employment with the
         Employer as an Officer and such other period of employment with the
         Employer as a Key Executive as designated and determined by the
         Compensation Committee.

2.17     "Spouse" shall mean the person to whom the Participant was lawfully
         married for at least one (1) year on the Participant's actual date of
         retirement (early, normal, postponed or disability, as the case may be)
         or termination from the Employer.

2.18     "Total Disability" means the Compensation Committee's determination
         that a Participant is totally and permanently disabled and can no
         longer perform his duties as a Key Executive of the Employer.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                 EFFECTIVE DATE

3.1      This Plan shall be effective as of April 1, 1980.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ELIGIBILITY

4.1      Key Executives shall continue to be Participants until their Service
         with the Employer is terminated or they are no longer entitled to
         retirement or deferred vested benefits under this Plan, whichever is
         later. A Participant who has been credited with ten (10) or more years
         of Service becomes an Accrued Vested Participant eligible for an
         Accrued Deferred Vested

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   6

         Retirement Benefit. If a Participant is no longer a Key Executive, but
         remains an Employee, his accrued Service as a Participant shall not be
         forfeited.

                                    ARTICLE V
                               RETIREMENT BENEFITS

5.1      Normal Retirement Benefit. A Participant's Normal Retirement Benefit
         under this Plan, computed as a straight life annuity, shall equal (a)
         minus (b), where:

         (a)      Equals - Six (6%) percent multiplied times the number of full
                  years of a Key Executive's Service.

         In no event shall the percentage of benefit credit calculated under
         this Article 5.1(a) exceed sixty (60%) percent. The appropriate
         percentage of benefit credit calculated under this Article 5.1(a) shall
         then be multiplied by the Participant's Average Earnings. 

         (b)      Equals - The benefits, if any, available from the following
                  sources:

                  (i)      any defined benefit pension plan or defined
                           contribution plan of the Employer which is qualified
                           under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code
                           (excluding, however: (a) any ancillary benefits such
                           as Medical or Transitional Supplements in the defined
                           benefit pension plans, and (b) any 401(k) plan
                           maintained by the Employer);

                  (ii)     any top-hat excess pension plan of the Employer; and

                  (iii)    any retirement benefits so designated and defined by
                           the Compensation Committee through a special
                           arrangement with the Employer.

         For purposes of determining the benefits available from any qualified
         defined benefit pension plan or qualified defined contribution plan of
         the Employer, it shall be assumed that the Participant commenced
         receiving his benefits under such plan on the fifteenth day of the
         month commencing after his actual retirement date.

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   7

5.2      Early Retirement Benefit. A Participant who elects to retire on or
         after age 55 shall be entitled to an early retirement benefit
         commencing on the date described in Article 6.1 hereof. The annual
         amount of the Early Retirement Benefit payable to a Participant who
         elects Early Retirement shall be an amount computed in accordance with
         Article 5.1 hereof except that the Early Retirement Benefit shall be
         based upon the Participant's years of Service up to his actual Early
         Retirement Date (the first day of any month elected by the Participant
         between the date the Participant attains age 55 and the date he attains
         age 65), with the amount reduced by three-tenths of one percent (3/10%)
         for each complete month by which the commencement date of his Early
         Retirement Benefit precedes his Normal Retirement Date and by an
         additional two-tenths of one percent (2/10%) for each complete month by
         which the commencement date of his Early Retirement Benefit precedes
         his 60th birthday, provided, however, the Compensation Committee may,
         in its sole discretion, waive, in whole or in part, said early
         retirement reduction factors and, for purposes of determining the
         benefits available from any qualified defined benefit pension plan or
         qualified defined contribution plan of the Employer, it shall be
         assumed that the Participant commenced receiving his benefits under
         such plan on the earliest date the Participant could have retired under
         such plan.

5.3      Postponed Retirement. A Participant's Postponed Retirement Benefit
         under this Plan shall be the same amount that would have been payable
         had the Participant retired on his Normal Retirement Date. For purposes
         of determining the benefits available from any qualified defined
         benefit pension plan or qualified defined contribution plan of the
         Employer, it shall be assumed that the Participant commenced receiving
         his benefits under such plan on the fifteenth day of the month
         commencing after his actual retirement date.

5.4      Accrued Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit. Subject to Article 12.4 and
         12.5 hereof, an Accrued Vested Participant whose employment with the
         Employer terminates on or after

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   8

         September 12, 1984, other than by normal, early, postponed, or
         disability retirement or death shall, if he has then completed ten (10)
         or more full years of Service, be entitled to a non-forfeitable Accrued
         Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit commencing on the date described in
         Article 6.1 hereof. The annual amount of the Accrued Deferred Vested
         Retirement Benefit payable to an Accrued Vested Participant shall be
         computed in accordance with Article 5.1 hereof except that the Accrued
         Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit shall be based upon the Accrued
         Vested Participant's Service as of the date of his termination of
         employment, with the amount reduced by three-tenths of one percent
         (3/10%) for each complete month by which the commencement date of his
         Accrued Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit precedes his Normal
         Retirement Date and by an additional two-tenths of one percent (2/10%)
         for each complete month by which the commencement date of his Accrued
         Deferred Vested Retirement Benefit precedes his 60th birthday,
         provided, however, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole
         discretion, waive, in whole or in part, said reduction factors and, for
         purposes of determining the benefits available from any qualified
         defined benefit pension plan or qualified defined contribution plan of
         the Employer, it shall be assumed that the Participant commenced
         receiving his benefits under such plan on the first date that the
         Participant could have received deferred vested retirement benefits
         under such plan.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                         PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS

6.1      Payment of Benefits. All retirement benefits hereunder shall be payable
         in monthly installments (on the fifteenth day of the month) equal to
         one-twelfth (1/12th) of the annual amounts determined under this Plan.
         A Participant's retirement benefit, if any, hereunder shall be payable
         for the life of the Participant, commencing (a) for normal, postponed
         or

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   9

         disability retirements, on the fifteenth day of the month commencing
         after his actual retirement date, (b) for Early Retirement, on the
         fifteenth day of the month commencing after the Participant's actual
         Early Retirement date and (c) for an Accrued Vested Participant, on the
         fifteenth day of the month commencing after the first date that the
         Accrued Vested Participant may receive deferred vested retirement
         benefits under the applicable defined benefit pension plan (qualified
         under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) maintained
         by the Employer, or any successor defined benefit pension plan. The
         Participant's last payment of retirement benefits hereunder shall be
         made on the fifteenth day of the month in which he dies unless the
         Participant has an eligible surviving Spouse at his date of death, in
         which case survivor benefit payments shall be made to said Spouse in
         accordance with Article VIII hereof.

6.2      Payments Rounded to Next Higher Full Dollar. Each monthly payment which
         is computed in accordance with this Plan will, if not in whole dollars,
         be increased to the next whole dollar. Such rounding shall be made
         after applying any applicable reduction factors.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                               DISABILITY BENEFIT

7.1      Disability Benefit. If a Participant is deemed by the Compensation
         Committee to have incurred a Total Disability, he shall receive a
         disability retirement benefit hereunder commencing on the fifteenth day
         of the month commencing after the date he is deemed by the Compensation
         Committee to be so disabled. The annual amount of the Participant's
         Disability Retirement Benefit hereunder shall be computed as in Article
         5.1 hereof, but assuming that the Participant has been employed with
         the Employer until his Normal Retirement Date at the last rate of his
         Earnings in effect at the time he was deemed by the Compensation
         Committee to be permanently and totally disabled.

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   10

7.2      Medical Examination. Any Participant retired for Total Disability may
         be required by the Compensation Committee to submit to a medical
         examination at any time prior to his 65th birthday, but not more than
         once each year, to determine whether the Participant is eligible for
         continuance of the Disability Retirement Benefit provided hereunder.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  DEATH BENEFIT

8.1      Pre-Retirement Death Benefit.

         (a)      If an Accrued Vested Participant or a former Accrued Vested
                  Participant whose benefit has not yet commenced dies, and he
                  is survived by a spouse to whom he was married throughout the
                  one-year period ending on the date of his death, such spouse
                  shall be entitled to receive a spouse's benefit described
                  herein, payable in the amount and manner prescribed in
                  subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 8.1.

         (b)      The spouse's benefit is an annuity for the life of the spouse
                  in an amount which is equal to the benefit the spouse would
                  have received under a joint and survivor annuity that provided
                  the spouse on the date of death of the Participant an annual
                  pension equal to 50 percent of the Participant's annual
                  pension if:

                  (i)      the Participant had retired on the day before his
                           death, in the case of a Participant who dies after he
                           is eligible for retirement, or

                  (ii)     the Participant had separated from service with the
                           Employer on the date of his death, survived to his
                           earliest retirement date, retired on such date, and
                           died on the day after such date, in the case of a
                           Participant who dies before he is eligible for
                           retirement.

         (c)      Payments of spouse's benefit shall commence as of the later of
                  (i) the first day of the month, following the Participant's
                  death; or (ii) the month following the date the

                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   11

                  Participant would have attained the earliest age on which he
                  could have retired, provided the spouse survives to that date.

         (d)      For purposes of computing the spouse's benefit, actuarial
                  factors shall be used as are then applicable under the Hubbell
                  Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees.

8.2      Post-Retirement Death Benefit. If a Participant or Accrued Vested
         Participant dies while receiving retirement benefits under this Plan, a
         death benefit equal to fifty (50%) percent of the retirement benefit
         which the Participant or Accrued Vested Participant was receiving under
         this Plan immediately prior to his death shall be paid to his eligible
         surviving Spouse, if any. If, as of the date of the Participant's or
         Accrued Vested Participant's death, his eligible surviving Spouse, if
         any, is ten (or more) years younger than the Participant or Accrued
         Vested Participant, then the death benefit payable to said eligible
         surviving Spouse shall be actuarially reduced pursuant to the actuarial
         factors then applicable under the Hubbell Incorporated Retirement Plan
         for Salaried Employees. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to
         the contrary, in no event shall an eligible surviving Spouse receive in
         any year under this Plan more than the excess (if any) of thirty-three
         and one-third percent (33-1/3%) of the Participant's or Accrued Vested
         Participant's Average Earnings over the aggregate value (as determined
         by the Compensation Committee) of benefits receivable in such year
         under the Hubbell Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees
         and any defined benefit pension plan or defined contribution plan of
         the Employer which is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
         Revenue Code (excluding, however: (a) any ancillary benefits such as
         Medical or Transitional Supplements in the defined benefit pension
         plans, and (b) any 401(k) plan maintained by the Employer). Payments of
         said death benefit to the surviving Spouse shall commence to be paid on
         the fifteenth day of the month coinciding 

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   12

         with or next following the Participant's or Accrued Vested
         Participant's death and shall continue until the Spouse dies.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                                     FUNDING

9.1      The Employer may enter into a trust agreement creating an irrevocable
         grantor trust for the holding of cash and/or annuity contracts for
         pension benefits accrued by the Participants under the Plan. Any assets
         of such trust shall be subject to the claims of creditors of the
         Employer to the extent set forth in the trust.

                                    ARTICLE X
                               PLAN ADMINISTRATION

10.1     The general administration of this Plan and the responsibility for
         carrying out the provisions hereof shall be vested in the Compensation
         Committee. The Compensation Committee may adopt, subject to the
         approval of the Board of Directors, such rules and regulations as it
         may deem necessary for the proper administration of this Plan, and its
         decision in all matters shall be final, conclusive, and binding.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

11.1     The Board of Directors of the Employer reserves in its sole and
         exclusive discretion the right at any time and from time to time to
         amend this Plan in any respect or terminate this Plan without
         restriction and without the consent of any Participant, Accrued Vested
         Participant, or Spouse, provided, however, that no amendment or
         termination of this Plan

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   13

         shall impair the right of any Participant, Accrued Vested Participant,
         or Spouse to receive benefits earned and accrued hereunder prior to
         such amendment or termination. The Board of Directors shall not
         terminate this Plan solely to accelerate benefits earned and accrued
         hereunder. Any amounts not currently payable to a Participant, Accrued
         Vested Participant or Spouse shall revert to the Employer in the event
         of termination of the Plan.

                                   ARTICLE XII
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

12.1     No Guarantee of Employment. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to
         give any individual the right to be retained in the service of the
         Employer or to interfere with the rights of the Employer to discharge
         any individual at any time, with or without cause.

12.2     Non-Alienation of Benefits. No retirement benefit payable hereunder may
         be assigned, pledged, mortgaged or hypothecated and, to the extent
         permitted by law, no such retirement benefit shall be subject to legal
         process or attachment for the payment of any claims against any person
         entitled to receive the same. Notwithstanding any provision herein to
         the contrary, the Employer may, as the Compensation Committee in its
         sole and absolute discretion shall determine, offset any amount to be
         paid to a Participant, Accrued Vested Participant, or Spouse hereunder
         in order to recoup amounts that have been misappropriated by such
         Participant or Accrued Vested Participant or in order to reimburse
         amounts that have been advanced to such Participant or Accrued Vested
         Participant for expense accounts or similar circumstances and that
         remain outstanding upon termination of employment.

12.3     Payment to Incompetents. If a Participant or Accrued Vested Participant
         entitled to receive any retirement benefit payments hereunder is deemed
         by the Compensation Committee or is adjudged by a court of competent
         jurisdiction to be legally incapable of giving valid receipt

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   14

         and discharge for such retirement benefit, such payments shall be paid
         to such person or persons as the Compensation Committee shall designate
         or to the duly appointed guardian. Such payments shall, to the extent
         made, be deemed a complete discharge for such payments under this Plan.

12.4     Loss of Benefits. At the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee,
         and after written notice to the Participant, Accrued Vested
         Participant, or his Spouse as beneficiary, rights to receive any
         retirement benefit under this Plan may be forfeited, suspended, reduced
         or terminated in cases of gross misconduct by the Participant or
         Accrued Vested Participant which is reasonably deemed to be prejudicial
         to the interests of the Employer or a subsidiary of the Employer,
         including but not limited to the utilization or disclosure of
         confidential information for gain or otherwise.

12.5     Noncompetition. A Participant and Accrued Vested Participant shall
         forfeit for himself and his Spouse any and all retirement benefits
         pursuant to this Plan if said Participant or Accrued Vested Participant
         violates the notice provision of the next paragraph hereof or anywhere
         in the United States or outside of the United States, directly or
         indirectly, owns, manages, operates, joins or controls, or participates
         in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or becomes a
         director or an employee of, or a consultant to, any person, firm, or
         corporation which competes with the Employer; provided, however, that
         the provisions of this Article 12.5 shall not apply to investments by
         the Participant or Accrued Vested Participant in shares of stock traded
         on a national securities exchange or on the national over-the-counter
         market which shall have an aggregate market value, at the time of
         acquisition, of less than two (2%) percent of the outstanding shares of
         such stock.

         A Participant and Accrued Vested Participant shall be obligated to give
         the Employer at least sixty (60) days' prior written notice, registered
         or certified mail, postage prepaid,

                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   15

         addressed to the Secretary, Hubbell Incorporated, 584 Derby Milford
         Road, Orange, Connecticut, 06477, of his intention, directly or
         indirectly, to own, manage, operate, join or control, or participate in
         the ownership, management, operation or control of, or become a
         director or an employee of, or a consultant to, any person, firm, or
         corporation, following which, within a period of sixty (60) days from
         its receipt of such notice, the Employer will mail to the Participant
         or Accrued Vested Participant by registered or certified mail, postage
         prepaid, a statement of its opinion as to whether said intention of the
         Participant or Accrued Vested Participant violates this Article 12.5.

12.6     Withholding. Payments made by the Employer under this Plan to any
         Participant, Accrued Vested Participant, or Spouse shall be subject to
         withholding as shall, at the time for such payment, be required under
         any income tax or other laws, whether of the United States or any other
         jurisdiction.

12.7     Expenses. All expenses and costs in connection with the operation of
         this Plan shall be borne by the Employer.

12.8     Governing Law. The provisions of this Plan will be construed according
         to the laws of the State of Connecticut, excluding the provisions of
         any such laws that would require the application of the laws of another
         jurisdiction.

12.9     Gender and Number. The masculine pronoun wherever used herein shall
         include the feminine gender and the feminine the masculine and the
         singular number as used herein shall include the plural and the plural
         the singular unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   16
12.10    Titles and Heading. The titles to articles and headings of sections of
         this Plan are for convenience of reference only and in case of any
         conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles and headings,
         shall control.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                                CHANGE OF CONTROL

13.1     The provisions of Section 13.3 shall become effective immediately upon
         the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in Section 13.2(a)).

13.2     (a)      "Change of Control" - shall mean any one of the following:

                  (i)      Continuing Directors no longer constitute at least
                           2/3 of the Directors;

                  (ii)     any person or group of persons (as defined in Rule
                           13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934),
                           together with its affiliates, becomes the beneficial
                           owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty (20%)
                           percent or more of the voting power of the then
                           outstanding securities of the Employer entitled to
                           vote for the election of the Employer's directors;
                           provided that this Article XIII shall not apply with
                           respect to any holding of securities by (A) the trust
                           under a Trust Indenture dated September 2, 1957 made
                           by Louie E. Roche, (B) the trust under a Trust
                           Indenture dated August 23, 1957 made by Harvey
                           Hubbell, and (C) any employee benefit plan (within
                           the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee
                           Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended)
                           maintained by the Employer or any affiliate of the
                           Employer;

                  (iii)    the approval by the Employer's stockholders of the
                           merger or consolidation of the Employer with any
                           other corporation, the sale of substantially all of
                           the assets of the Employer or the liquidation or
                           dissolution of the Employer,

                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   17
                           unless, in the case of a merger or consolidation, the
                           incumbent Directors in office immediately prior to
                           such merger or consolidation will constitute at least
                           2/3 of the Directors of the surviving corporation of
                           such merger or consolidation and any parent (as such
                           term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities
                           Exchange Act of 1934) of such corporation; or

                  (iv)     at least 2/3 of the incumbent Directors in office
                           immediately prior to any other action proposed to be
                           taken by the Employer's stockholders determine that
                           such proposed action, if taken, would constitute a
                           change of control of the Employer and such action is
                           taken.

         (b)      "Continuing Director" shall mean any individual who is a
                  member of the Employer's Board of Directors on December 9,
                  1986 or was designated (before such person's initial election
                  as a Director) as a Continuing Director by 2/3 of the then
                  Continuing Directors.

         (c)      "Director" shall mean any individual who is a member of the
                  Employer's Board of Directors on the date the action in
                  question was taken.

13.3     (a)      Section 2.10 is deleted and the following is inserted in lieu
                  thereof:

                           "'Key Executive' means (a) (i) any Officer elected
                           prior to May 1, 1993 and (ii) any other Employee who
                           was so designated by the Compensation Committee prior
                           to May 1, 1993, and (b) any Officer or other Employee
                           who is so designated by the Compensation Committee on
                           or after May 1, 1993."

         (b)      Section 2.18 is deleted and the following is inserted in lieu
                  thereof:
     
                           "'Totally and Permanently Disabled' shall mean, with
                           reference to a Participant hereunder, that as a
                           result of bodily or mental injury or disease, whether
                           occupational or non-occupational in origin, as
                           determined by

                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   18

                           competent medical authority selected by the
                           Participant or by such Participant's representative,
                           he is wholly and permanently prevented from engaging
                           for remuneration or profit in any occupation or
                           employment for which he is reasonably suited by
                           education, training and experience."

         (c)      The remainder of Section 5.2 is deleted after "attains age 65"
                  on line 8 of page 6.

         (d)      The remainder of Section 5.4 is deleted after "date of his
                  termination of employment" on the ninth line from the bottom
                  of page 7.

         (e)      In the first sentence of Section 7.1, the phrase "If a
                  Participant is deemed by the Compensation Committee to have
                  incurred a Total Disability" is deleted and in lieu thereof is
                  inserted the phrase "If a Participant becomes Totally and
                  Permanently Disabled". Section 7.2 is deleted.

         (f)      Section 10.1 is deleted and the following is inserted in lieu
                  thereof:

                              "The Plan shall be administered by the
                              Compensation Committee which shall have full
                              authority to interpret the Plan, to establish
                              rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to
                              determine the criteria for eligibility to
                              participate in the Plan, to select Participants in
                              the Plan, and to make all other determinations and
                              take all other actions necessary or appropriate
                              for the proper administration of the Plan. No
                              member of the Compensation Committee shall be
                              eligible to participate in the Plan."

         (g)      The remainder of Section 12.2 is deleted beginning with
                  "Notwithstanding any provision herein" on the fifth line of
                  Section 12.2 on page 14.

         (h)      In Section 12.3, all references to "Compensation Committee"
                  are deleted and in lieu thereof is inserted the term
                  "Trustee".

         (i)      Section 12.4 is deleted.

         (j)      Section 12.5 is deleted.

         (k)      New Section 12.11 is inserted as follows: 

                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   19

                           "Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan to
                           the contrary:

                           (i)      the accrued benefit hereunder of any
                                    Participant as of the date of a Change of
                                    Control may not be reduced;

                           (ii)     any Service accrued by a Participant as of
                                    the date of a Change of Control cannot be
                                    reduced;

                           (iii)    no amendment or action of the Compensation
                                    Committee which affects any Participant is
                                    valid and enforceable without the prior
                                    written consent of such Participant; and

                           (iv)     no termination of the Plan shall have the
                                    effect of reducing any benefits accrued
                                    under the Plan prior to such termination."

             Adopted by the Board of Directors on March 11, 1980 and amended on
             September 11, 1984, December 9, 1986, December 19, 1990, December
             18, 1991, December 16, 1992, May 1, 1993 and December 11, 1996.


                                     - 17 -

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                         134,397
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  177,217
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,866
<INVENTORY>                                    244,565
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               591,188
<PP&E>                                         444,237
<DEPRECIATION>                                 226,324
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,185,440
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          255,430
<BONDS>                                         99,458
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           661
<OTHER-SE>                                     742,485
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,185,440
<SALES>                                      1,297,381
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,297,381
<CGS>                                          905,030
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  905,030
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,405
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,416
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                199,341
<INCOME-TAX>                                    57,809
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            141,532
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   141,532
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.10
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.10
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission