Honeywell's Quantum of Solace: A Three-Way Split and a Billion-Dollar Gamble

The Name's Bond Restructuring Bond

Right time to decode this corporate jargon. Honeywell it seems is playing a high stakes game of poker darling. A three way split? It's like dividing the spoils after a particularly daring heist. They're streamlining they say. I say they're making moves that could either save the world... or blow it up. As always I'll be watching with a careful eye.

License to Divest

Two divisions on the chopping block eh? 'Productivity Solutions and Services' and 'Warehouse and Workflow Solutions.' Sounds rather dull doesn't it? Like something Blofeld would use to track his cat. But don't let the name fool you; these are billion dollar babies. Honeywell's considering 'strategic alternatives,' which in my line of work usually means someone's about to get double crossed hopefully not me. It's all about simplifying the portfolio. 'Never say never' to a good restructuring I suppose. It's like shaking a martini – gotta get the proportions just right.

Goldeneye on the Bottom Line

Barcode scanners printing solutions conveyors... sounds like Q Branch is branching out. Of course these 'tools' are the bedrock of modern efficiency. Honeywell says each unit generated over a billion dollars in revenue this year. My guess is that the real value lies in the future but sometimes you need to 'die another day' in order to see it.

The Man with the Golden Board Seat

Adding Elliott Investment Management's Marc Steinberg to the board? Interesting. It seems Honeywell is playing this game by the rules at least on the surface. Alliances are always shifting in this world. One minute you're allies the next you're trying to 'live and let die'.

From Russia with Automation

And Jim Masso takes the helm at Honeywell Process Automation. A new face at the table. One has to wonder if he knows what he's getting into. New leadership can either be a 'world is not enough' kind of boost or a 'view to a kill' situation. I will be watching his progress with great interest.

No Time to Simplify

So Honeywell is splitting streamlining and shuffling the deck. It's a gamble no doubt. But as I always say 'the name's Bond James Bond.' And I'm always ready for a bit of high stakes corporate espionage... er analysis. Time to see if this house of cards stands or falls. After all sometimes you have to roll the dice to win. But remember 'shaken not stirred' is always the best approach.