Honeywell International (HON) shares surged to an all-time high Tuesday after Elliott Investment Management disclosed a $5 billion-plus stake and called for a breakup of the conglomerate. The hedge fund urged Honeywell’s board to spin off its aerospace and automation divisions into standalone companies, arguing the move could unlock 51% 75% upside over two years.
Elliott criticized Honeywell’s current structure, citing “uneven execution” and “inconsistent financial results” that have weighed on shareholder value. The firm said simplification would allow for more focused management and improved performance mirroring the success of General Electric’s recent three-way split.
Honeywell International (HON) shares jumped 4.6% Tuesday morning to an all-time high after Elliott Investment Management revealed a $5B+ stake and urged the company to spin off its aerospace and automation divisions. The hedge fund believes such a breakup could unlock 51% 75% upside over two years.
Honeywell is one of the few remaining U.S. industrial conglomerates yet to undergo a full breakup. It recently announced plans to streamline operations and spin off its advanced materials division. The move echoes General Electric’s three-way split, completed in April, which saw GE Vernova’s (GEV) stock more than double this year.
Bloomberg reported Elliott’s stake as one of its largest-ever single investments, placing the fund among Honeywell’s top five shareholders. Despite a recent Q3 miss and lowered guidance due to weak industrial automation demand, Honeywell shares are up 12% year-to-date.