10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 5, 2005For Securities:HONHONIV

Summary

Honeywell International Inc. reported solid financial results for the first quarter of 2005, with net sales increasing by 4% to $6.45 billion and net income rising 21.7% to $359 million, or $0.42 per diluted share. This growth was driven by strong performance across most segments, particularly Aerospace, which saw a 9% sales increase due to robust aftermarket demand and original equipment deliveries. The company also benefited from lower pension and postretirement benefit expenses. The company announced the completion of its acquisition of Novar plc for approximately $2.4 billion, a significant strategic move that is expected to bolster its Automation and Control Solutions segment, especially in Europe. While the integration of Novar will impact the balance sheet, its operational results were not yet included in the first quarter's income statement due to the timing of the acquisition. Honeywell is also actively managing its portfolio by divesting non-strategic businesses, including the Indalex and Security Printing segments acquired as part of Novar. Despite the positive operational performance, investors should note the ongoing significant expenses related to repositioning, environmental matters, and asbestos litigation, which totaled $99 million in the quarter. While the company maintains adequate reserves and expects insurance recoveries to mitigate these costs, these liabilities remain a material factor in its financial disclosures. The company's balance sheet shows increased goodwill and assets related to the Novar acquisition, along with ongoing efforts to manage debt and capital resources.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 4% year-over-year to $6.45 billion.
  • 2Net income rose 21.7% to $359 million, with diluted EPS at $0.42.
  • 3Acquisition of Novar plc for approximately $2.4 billion completed on March 31, 2005, enhancing the Automation and Control Solutions segment.
  • 4Aerospace segment showed strong performance with a 9% sales increase and a 23% profit increase, driven by aftermarket and OE sales.
  • 5Total repositioning, environmental, and litigation charges amounted to $99 million, a notable but managed expense.
  • 6Goodwill increased significantly due to the Novar acquisition, reflecting the strategic expansion.
  • 7Cash flow from operations remained strong at $329 million, supporting investment activities and debt management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisition of Novar plc was completed on March 31, 2005. While its financial results did not impact the income statement for the first quarter of 2005 due to the timing of the close, it significantly increased total assets, particularly goodwill ($1.578 billion recorded for Novar), and liabilities on the balance sheet. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Automation and Control Solutions segment and is being funded by existing cash resources. The company is also pursuing strategic alternatives for two businesses acquired as part of Novar: Indalex Aluminum Solutions and Security Printing.

In the first quarter of 2005, Honeywell recorded $99 million in repositioning, environmental, and litigation charges, an increase from $56 million in the prior year's quarter. These charges include severance costs, environmental liabilities, and asbestos-related litigation expenses. While these costs impact reported net income, management believes they are manageable and are funded from operating cash flow. The company has recorded reserves and expects insurance recoveries to mitigate many of these expenses, particularly those related to asbestos litigation.

The Aerospace segment demonstrated robust performance, with a 9% increase in net sales and a 23% increase in segment profit year-over-year. Sales growth was primarily driven by higher volumes across various end-markets, including air transport aftermarket and original equipment, regional transport aftermarket, and business and general aviation aftermarket and original equipment. Defense and space OE and aftermarket sales also saw increases. This strong performance suggests positive momentum and demand in the aerospace sector for Honeywell's offerings.

The acquisition of Novar significantly impacted the balance sheet, increasing total assets to $34.66 billion and total liabilities to $23.11 billion as of March 31, 2005. Total debt increased by $796 million, largely due to short-term debt assumed in the Novar acquisition. The company expects to fund the Novar share capital payment and debt repayment with existing cash resources. Additionally, Honeywell is actively managing its portfolio by divesting non-strategic assets acquired with Novar and aims to generate $1.0 to $1.5 billion in proceeds from these sales. The company's cash flow from operations remains strong, providing liquidity.