10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 8, 2002For Securities:HONHONIV

Summary

Honeywell International Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. The company experienced a notable year-over-year decline in net sales, down 13% to $5.2 billion, largely driven by the ongoing impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the commercial aerospace sector and broader economic weakness affecting other segments. Despite lower sales, net income significantly increased to $376 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to $41 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. This increase in profitability was significantly influenced by the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization, and a substantial gain from the divestiture of the Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems business. The company also continued its repositioning efforts, incurring charges related to workforce reductions and facility consolidations, which are expected to yield significant cost savings in the future. Honeywell's balance sheet remained solid, with total assets slightly decreasing and debt levels remaining manageable. The company appears focused on strategic portfolio management, indicated by the disposition of non-strategic businesses and continued assessment of business units.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 13% to $5.2 billion for the first quarter of 2002 compared to the prior year, impacted by the aerospace sector and economic slowdown.
  • 2Net income surged to $376 million ($0.46/share) from $41 million ($0.05/share) year-over-year, significantly benefiting from the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (eliminating goodwill amortization) and the gain on sale of the Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems business.
  • 3The company recognized a $125 million pre-tax gain from the disposition of its Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems business.
  • 4Repositioning charges of $65 million were incurred in Q1 2002 for cost reduction actions, including workforce reductions and asset impairments, with significant future savings anticipated.
  • 5Aerospace sales and segment profit saw substantial declines due to the lingering effects of the September 11th attacks on the commercial aviation market.
  • 6Automation and Control Solutions segment profit increased year-over-year, despite a sales decline, highlighting cost control measures.
  • 7Cash flow from operations improved significantly, increasing by $158 million to $405 million, supported by better working capital performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in net income was primarily driven by two key factors: the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets that was previously expensed, and a significant gain of $125 million recognized from the sale of the Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems business. These non-recurring and accounting-driven benefits masked a more challenging operational performance in some segments.

Honeywell continued its repositioning efforts in the first quarter of 2002, incurring $65 million in charges for actions designed to reduce costs. These included severance costs for workforce reductions of approximately 1,100 positions and asset impairments. The company expects these initiatives to generate over $760 million in incremental pre-tax savings in 2002. These actions are contributing to improvements in segment profit in certain areas, like Automation and Control Solutions, and offsetting some of the impacts of lower sales.

The Aerospace segment experienced a significant sales and profit decrease, primarily due to the ongoing adverse impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the commercial aviation market. Reduced airline activity, fewer aircraft deliveries, and airlines' focus on cash preservation are key factors. While sales to military customers provided some offset, the commercial aftermarket and original equipment sectors remain weak. The company expects these challenges to persist in the near term.

The company is involved in shareholder litigation related to past alleged misleading statements, though the District Court dismissed claims against several former officers and the derivative complaint. Honeywell also faces environmental matters, including site contamination and product liability claims, particularly related to asbestos. While the company has insurance and reserves, and does not expect these matters to materially affect its financial position, an adverse outcome in shareholder litigation could be material. The NARCO bankruptcy filing related to asbestos claims introduces further complexity, though Honeywell believes its insurance coverage and proposed contribution to a trust will mitigate its direct financial exposure.