Tariff Pressures And Separations Will Open Upside In Automation

Key Takeaways

• Incremental tariffs and changing trade patterns may compress margins and hinder revenue growth across segments.
  
• Separation into three companies increases execution risk and near-term earnings pressures due to substantial costs.
  
• Honeywell's strategic moves, including acquisitions, share buybacks, and company separation, aim to enhance growth, stakeholder value, and earnings sustainability amidst economic challenges.

Catalysts

Engages in the aerospace technologies, industrial automation, building automation, and energy and sustainable solutions businesses in the United States, Europe, and internationally.

• The uncertain global economic climate, exacerbated by shifting trade patterns, increased tariffs, and potential end-market demand weaknesses, suggests revenue growth may not meet expectations. A weakened global sentiment might hinder revenue generation across various segments.
  
• Incremental cost pressures are expected from tariffs, which could impact net margins. Despite Honeywell's mitigation strategies and local-for-local operations, the anticipated tariff exposure of approximately $500 million could compress margins if the offsetting measures are insufficient.
  
• The planned separation into three standalone companies brings significant execution risk, especially with the associated onetime separation costs estimated between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. These costs, along with potential stranded costs, may burden earnings in the near term.
  
• The projected slowdown or exit of the Personal Protective Equipment business could reduce future revenue streams and profit margins within Industrial Automation. These strategic exits reflect a shift away from businesses not aligned with Honeywell's long-term priorities, potentially missing out on any rebounding demand in this sector.
  
• Industrial Automation and Aerospace segments are exposed to significant risks due to their reliance on exports to and from China, estimated to contribute 60% to 70% of overall tariff exposure. Tariff-related volume declines and cost impacts could compromise earnings, especially if geopolitical tensions persist or worsen.

Honeywell International Future Earnings and Revenue Growth

Assumptions

• This narrative explores a more pessimistic perspective on Honeywell International compared to the consensus, based on a Fair Value that aligns with the bearish cohort of analysts.
• The bearish analysts are assuming Honeywell International's revenue will grow by 3.3% annually over the next 3 years.
• The bearish analysts assume that profit margins will increase from 14.5% today to 16.5% in 3 years time.
• The bearish analysts expect earnings to reach $7.1 billion (and earnings per share of $11.19) by about April 2028, up from $5.7 billion today. The analysts are largely in agreement about this estimate.
• In order for the above numbers to justify the price target of the more bearish analyst cohort, the company would need to trade at a PE ratio of 21.5x on those 2028 earnings, down from 23.8x today. This future PE is greater than the current PE for the US Industrials industry at 19.8x.
• Analysts expect the number of shares outstanding to decline by 1.31% per year for the next 3 years.
• To value all of this in today's terms, we will use a discount rate of 7.13%, as per the Simply Wall St company report.

Honeywell International Future Earnings Per Share Growth

Risks

• Honeywell International is raising its adjusted EPS guidance and maintaining its full-year organic growth guidance, indicating confidence in its future earnings potential despite macroeconomic uncertainties.
  
• The company is actively engaging in strategic acquisitions like Sundyne, which are expected to boost organic growth and segment margins, potentially improving future earnings.
  
• Honeywell's ongoing share repurchase program, with $3 billion worth of shares bought back in early 2025, suggests management sees intrinsic value in the stock, which could support earnings per share.
  
• The company's strategy to separate into three industry-leading public companies is intended to unlock significant value for stakeholders, likely having a positive impact on long-term revenue and profitability.
  
• Local-for-local strategy and ongoing tariff mitigation efforts are expected to offset the impact of tariffs, aiming to stabilize or potentially improve net margins.

Valuation

• The assumed bearish price target for Honeywell International is $202.24, which represents one standard deviation below the consensus price target of $232.34. This valuation is based on what can be assumed as the expectations of Honeywell International's future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors from analysts on the more bearish end of the spectrum.
  
• However, there is a degree of disagreement amongst analysts, with the most bullish reporting a price target of $300.0, and the most bearish reporting a price target of just $182.0.
  
• In order for you to agree with the bearish analysts, you'd need to believe that by 2028, revenues will be $43.3 billion, earnings will come to $7.1 billion, and it would be trading on a PE ratio of 21.5x, assuming you use a discount rate of 7.1%.
  
• Given the current share price of $210.42, the bearish analyst price target of $202.24 is 4.0% lower. The relatively low difference between the current share price and the analyst bearish price target indicates that they believe on average, the company is fairly priced.
  
• We always encourage you to reach your own conclusions though. So sense check these analyst numbers against your own assumptions and expectations based on your understanding of the business and what you believe is probable.