Honeywell Is the Best Dow Stock on Spinoff Speculation
Honeywell stock is higher Monday on news the industrial giant may spin off its aerospace segment. Here's what you need to know.


Honeywell International (HON) is the best Dow Jones stock Monday after the multinational conglomerate announced it was exploring strategic alternatives to unlock shareholder value, including a potential separation of its aerospace business.
"Following the portfolio enhancements announced earlier this year, Honeywell is now well-positioned for significant transformational alternatives, and we are continuing our deeper, more granular exploration of their feasibility and possible timing," said Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur in a statement.
The announcement comes just over a month after activist investor Elliott Investment Management built a stake worth more than $5 billion in Honeywell, with the goal of pushing for a breakup of the company.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
"Elliott welcomes Honeywell's announcement today of its ongoing review of strategic alternatives, including the separation of its aerospace business," Elliott said in a statement. "We believe the portfolio transformation Vimal and his team are leading represents the right course for Honeywell, and we look forward to the upcoming completion of the review and to supporting Honeywell as it implements the necessary steps to realize its full value."
Is Honeywell stock a buy, sell or hold?
Honeywell is up nearly 13% for the year to date and Wall Street is bullish on the blue chip stock. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for HON stock is $242.55, representing implied upside of roughly 3% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is Buy.
Financial services firm Argus Research is one of those with a Buy rating on HON along with a $240 price target.
"We believe that Honeywell will continue to benefit from its diverse product lines, as well as from its alignment with three key megatrends – supply chain automation, aerospace & defense, and energy and sustainability," wrote Argus Research analyst Kristina Ruggeri in a November 20 note. "Over the last year, Honeywell has made four key acquisitions to support these trends and has disposed of several non-core businesses. These actions should help simplify the company and increase revenue, margins and productivity in the long-term."
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
What's Next for Stocks After a Chaotic Spring
A chaotic tariff policy buffets investors looking for clarity on the economy and inflation.
-
Think a Repeal of the Estate Tax Wouldn't Affect You? Wrong
The wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney.
-
In Your 50s? We Need to Talk About Long-Term Care
Many people don't like thinking about long-term care, but most people will need it. This financial professional recommends planning for these costs as early as possible to avoid stress later.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain Market
In an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
My First $1 Million: Events Industry CEO, 65, Northern New Jersey
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?
Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
-
Stock Market Today: Investors Look on the Bright Side
A generally good week closes on another positive note, as investors, traders and speculators look for fresh catalysts.
-
My Three-Day Rule for Investing: And If it Applies Now
Stock Market I've seen a lot in my career. Here's what I see now in the stock market.