A low risk story
On current 2013 end-market trends, Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) remains cautious as most end markets are “going sideways.” China has not been an exception. However, still investors are bullish on growth in China since the performance of this region has been much better than that of Europe. Since the start of the year, the company has been expecting incremental sales from China given higher turbo gas penetration in that region.
For 2013, the company expects 6% growth in revenue from China. This is more than the growth expected in the US (2% only). As far as Europe is concerned, the company is seeing European orders positive but thinks it is still too early to get more bullish. It could just be a “dead cat bounce” given the amount of recent de-stocking. Honeywell said that overall, Europe could show flat growth over the next three years on an annual basis.
Overall, Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) has been a top pick in the industrial sector given its low risk story. The risk level in the Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) story has fallen dramatically over the past several years with the cultural transformation at the company arguably on an unstoppable curve. Execution over the past several quarters (even years) has been best in class and speaks to a sharply improved and deeper management team.
Medical industry on a gallop in China
Life Sciences & Diagnostics is an integral segment at Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR), the producer of medical and industrial equipment and services. The segment accounts for medical equipment sales at the company.
At the EPG conference, the company claimed that the market for medical equipment has grown 7% to 10% in the developing economies, which is way higher than the growth in developed markets. In April and early May, the company continued to see strength in these regions and thinks they will be key contributors to Life Sciences & Diagnostics growth forecast in 2Q. As for China specifically, management is seeing double-digit growth so far in 2Q driven by strength in healthcare products.
Overall, Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is expected to be a relative out-performer from here if it can put money to work. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) recently upped its available M&A capacity over the next couple of years to ~$8 billion from a range of ~$5 billion to $6 billion, post the sale of the Tools JV. The Street is expecting several attractive bolt-on sized deals over the next two quarters. In addition, Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) has a best-in-class portfolio, can make good companies better (through acquisitions) and has positioned its portfolio well both strategically and geographically.
An honest company
Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) was given the title of the “most honest” company present at the conference as company officials clearly pointed out how the global macro fundamentals are still weak and hence there are still potential price headwinds. CEO Dave Farr gave an update on current business conditions by both geography and business segment.
In this context, the company’s future prospects in China are only relevant. The company sees revenue growth of 4% to 6% in 2013. This is well below the double-digit growth rate that the company had earlier predicted as the Chinese economy has not accelerated according to expectations. Overall, the company didn’t change its revenue outlook for 2013, which was lowered at its recent earnings release (three weeks ago). Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) now expects a revenue growth rate of 1.5% to 2.5% and EPS of $3.48 to $3.58.
On an overall note, Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) still has a lot of work ahead to regain its past premium valuation but it appears to be executing better than previous years and on the right track. Given that it is managing under realistic assumptions, the guidance is much more attainable than many of its peers. Moreover, the company’s dividend yield of 2.8% lies in the top-decile of the industry.
Final word
For sure, the Chinese economy has not displayed a growth rate that was anticipated by the market at the start of the year. There are several companies that are expecting incremental revenue from this region. I am bullish on all three of them – Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON), Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) and Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR).
Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON)’s bottom line has largely improved on the back of some superbly executed organizational efficiency programs. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is a good investment given that it is exposed to the medical equipment industry, which is one of the few industries that are really flying in China. Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) remains a good buy given its conservative estimates and cheap valuations.
The article How Will China Play Out for These Companies? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Zain Abbas.
Zain Abbas has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Emerson Electric Co (NYSE:EMR). Zain is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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