What caused HUBB's earnings to decline in Q4 2024?

Hubbell's earnings decline in Q4 2024 was primarily caused by a combination of factors:

1. **Revenue Decline**: Total revenue for the quarter was $1.33 billion, which missed analyst estimates and represented a decline of approximately 1% year-over-year. This decline was due to underperformance in the Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) segment, which saw a significant drop in sales of grid automation products.
2. **Segmental Performance**: The Electrical Solutions segment experienced an 8% sales decline, primarily due to a divestiture. This contributed to an overall segment revenue drop to $487 million. On the other hand, while the Utility Solutions segment grew by 4% to $847 million, the organic net sales actually declined by 5%, with grid automation net sales falling by 11%. This suggests softness in demand for certain products.
3. **Market Conditions**: The company has been navigating a complex market landscape characterized by shifting demand patterns and evolving industry trends. This has likely impacted the company's performance, with certain segments facing more challenging conditions than others.

In summary, Hubbell's earnings decline in Q4 2024 was caused by a combination of revenue shortfalls in key segments, strategic divestitures, and challenging market conditions.