Honeywell Delivers On Earnings (HON)

Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON) has turned in the conglomerate’s earnings for the fourth quarter.  The company reported a sales gain of 8% to $9.5 billion.  The company attributed its 7% organic growth on “continued strength in most end markets and the contribution of new product launches and geographic expansion.”  As far as pro forma earnings, that rose 21% to $1.05 EPS. Thomson Reuters had estimates of $1.04 EPS and $9.56 billion in revenues.

The company’s guidance is somewhat tepid due to the challenging environment from Europe and it noted, “While we expect growth to moderate in the first half of 2012, we’re confident that we can drive strong sales conversion leading to higher segment margins over the course of the year.”

Here were some of the metrics driving the past quarter:

• Aerospace sales were up 8%
• Automation and Control Solutions sales were up 4%
• Performance Materials and Technologies sales were up 24%
• Transportation Systems sales were up 10%

Honeywell is indicated up about 1.5% at $58.75 and the 52-week trading range is $41.22 to $62.28.  Be advised that volume is extremely thin this early and that trading indication could be very different by the 9:30 AM EST opening bell.

JON C. OGG