10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed April 24, 2006For Securities:HONHONIV

Summary

Honeywell International Inc. reported a strong first quarter in 2006, with net sales increasing by 12% to $7,241 million compared to the prior year period. This growth was significantly driven by acquisitions, which contributed 11% to the sales increase, alongside organic volume growth. The company also saw an improvement in gross margin to 22.7%, up from 21.2% in Q1 2005, attributed to higher margins in the Aerospace and Specialty Materials segments, particularly following the acquisition of full ownership of UOP LLC. Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.51 from $0.42 in the prior year, reflecting improved segment profits and the contribution of UOP, partially offset by new stock-based compensation expenses. The company's performance demonstrates successful integration of recent acquisitions, notably UOP, and continued operational improvements. While facing some challenges such as increased selling, general, and administrative expenses related to acquisitions and stock-based compensation, Honeywell has maintained a positive financial trajectory. The strategic focus on balancing investments, acquisitions, and shareholder returns, including share repurchases and dividends, appears to be a key driver of its financial health.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 12% to $7,241 million in Q1 2006 compared to Q1 2005, largely driven by acquisitions (11%).
  • 2Gross margin improved to 22.7% from 21.2% in the prior year, benefiting from higher margins in Aerospace and Specialty Materials (following full UOP acquisition).
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.51 in Q1 2006 from $0.42 in Q1 2005.
  • 4The Aerospace segment showed a 5% sales increase and a 16% profit increase, with growth in air transport and business/general aviation markets.
  • 5Automation and Control Solutions reported a 19% sales increase, driven by organic growth and the acquisition of Novar's IBS business.
  • 6Specialty Materials saw a significant 44% sales increase, primarily due to the full acquisition of UOP, leading to a 175% profit jump in the segment.
  • 7The company raised approximately $1.25 billion by issuing senior notes in March 2006 to repay commercial paper and debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Honeywell's net sales growth was acquisitions, which contributed 11% to the overall 12% increase in net sales. Organic volume growth also played a significant role, accounting for an additional 4% of the sales increase.

The acquisition of full ownership of UOP LLC in November 2005 had a significant positive impact. It contributed to higher gross margins in the Specialty Materials segment and drove a substantial 44% increase in Specialty Materials net sales and a 175% increase in segment profit for the first quarter of 2006. UOP's results were consolidated, boosting income from continuing operations.

SG&A expenses increased by 17% primarily due to higher general and administrative expenses, driven by the impact of acquisitions ($57 million) and a $25 million charge for stock-based compensation following the adoption of FAS No. 123R. Additionally, higher sales incentives related to acquisitions in the Automation and Controls Solutions and Specialty Materials segments contributed to increased selling expenses.

Honeywell's liquidity management focused on maximizing operating cash flows. During the quarter, they issued $1.25 billion in senior notes to repay commercial paper and debt. The company also repurchased $225 million of its 5.125% Notes due November 2006. While operating cash flow decreased year-over-year due to working capital increases and pension plan payments, investing activities provided significant cash from divestitures, including the sale of Indalex for $425 million.