Honeywell's Losing Grip in Industrial Automation: What's Impeding Its Growth?

Core Insights - Honeywell International Inc. (HON) is experiencing ongoing challenges in its Industrial Automation segment, with a revenue decline of 6.1% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2025 [1][8] - The company anticipates low-single-digit declines in organic sales for the Industrial Automation segment in 2025, despite strong performance in aerospace and building automation [3][8] Industrial Automation Segment - Sales from the sensing & safety technologies business fell by 29.3% year-over-year, primarily due to the divestiture of the PPE business and project execution timing [2] - The productivity solutions and services unit also saw a 9% decline in sales, largely attributed to reduced license and settlement payments [2] - Within the Industrial Automation segment, the products group experienced a 10% year-over-year sales drop, influenced by a slowdown in the overall manufacturing sector [3] Aerospace and Building Automation - The aerospace segment is performing well, driven by growth in commercial aviation and defense, as well as an increase in air transport flight hours [4] Peer Performance - RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC) reported a 0.7% year-over-year revenue increase in its Industrial segment, supported by stable demand across various markets [5] - 3M Company (MMM) has shown solid growth in its Safety and Industrial segment, with organic sales increasing by 3.1% year-over-year [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Honeywell's shares have decreased by 1.8% over the past month, compared to a 7.3% decline in the industry [7] - The company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.28X, which is above the industry average of 14.17X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Honeywell's 2025 earnings has been increasing over the past 60 days [10]