10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 9, 2003For Securities:HONHONIV

Summary

Honeywell International Inc. reported net sales of $5,399 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003, a 4% increase compared to the prior year, driven by acquisitions and foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by a decline in organic sales. Net income for the quarter was $254 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, a decrease from $376 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2002. This decline was largely due to higher pension expenses, a cumulative effect of an accounting change for asset retirement obligations, and the absence of a significant gain on business divestitures recorded in the prior year. The company's financial condition remains solid, with total assets at $27,961 million and cash provided by operating activities at $473 million. Management highlights ongoing efforts in portfolio management, including the recent sale of its engineering plastics business. A significant portion of the report details extensive ongoing litigation related to asbestos claims stemming from past operations, particularly concerning the NARCO and Bendix businesses. While significant reserves and insurance recoveries are in place, the ultimate outcome and financial impact of these matters remain uncertain.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 4% to $5,399 million in Q1 2003, primarily due to acquisitions and foreign exchange, though organic sales saw a slight decline.
  • 2Net income decreased to $254 million ($0.30/share) from $376 million ($0.46/share) in Q1 2002, impacted by higher pension costs and an accounting change.
  • 3Cash provided by operating activities strengthened to $473 million, demonstrating robust operational cash generation.
  • 4The company continues its portfolio optimization strategy, including a recent divestiture of its engineering plastics business.
  • 5Significant ongoing asbestos litigation related to past operations (NARCO and Bendix) is detailed, with substantial reserves and insurance coverage in place.
  • 6The company adopted SFAS No. 143 for asset retirement obligations, resulting in a non-cash charge and a cumulative effect on net income for the quarter.
  • 7The Aerospace segment experienced a sales decline primarily due to weakness in commercial OE aircraft deliveries, while defense and space sales increased.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily driven by higher pension expenses, which increased by $83 million year-over-year due to changes in assumed rates of return and asset performance. Additionally, the adoption of SFAS No. 143 for asset retirement obligations resulted in a $0.02 per share charge as a cumulative effect of an accounting change. The prior year also benefited from a significant gain on the sale of the Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (BCVS) business, which was not present in the current quarter.

Honeywell is addressing asbestos liabilities through ongoing negotiations, settlement agreements, and a proposed sale of its Bendix Friction Materials business to Federal-Mogul, which would include a channeling injunction to shield Honeywell from future claims related to Bendix. For NARCO-related claims, the company has reached agreements in principle with a majority of claimants and is working towards establishing a trust within NARCO's bankruptcy reorganization to handle claims. Significant reserves and substantial insurance coverage are in place for both Bendix and NARCO liabilities, with an expectation of probable insurance recoveries.

The Aerospace segment experienced a sales decrease of 1% in the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to continued weakness in sales to commercial original equipment (OE) customers, particularly in air transport OE, reflecting lower projected aircraft deliveries by manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Sales to business and general aviation OE customers also declined. However, sales to defense and space customers, and aftermarket customers for commercial air transport and business/general aviation, showed increases. Management anticipates further declines in full-year 2003 sales to commercial OE customers but expects moderate growth in the commercial aftermarket.

Sales in the Automation and Control Solutions segment increased by 7% to $1,717 million, driven by foreign exchange and acquisitions, partially offset by a decline in organic sales. Profit for the segment decreased by 11% due to higher pension expenses and a decline in higher-margin sales within the Service business. The company also noted an acquisition of a fire controls and detection technology business and a sensor business within this segment.