Sunday, August 13, 2017

Eaton Offers An Interesting Valuation, But A Lot Of Uncertainties

Despite a good overall run in the industrial space, Eaton (NYSE:ETN) hasn't really kept pace, as the shares have actually lagged the S&P 500 over the past year, not to mention peers like Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH), Honeywell (NYSE:HON), and Schneider (OTCPK:SBGSY) (Emerson (NYSE:EMR) has more or less traveled in step with Eaton). Eaton management has been relatively less upbeat than some in its peer group, and the company's organic growth has trailed its peer group for a while now. 

Eaton's above average cyclicality is an “is what it is” sort of thing, and I don't believe management is likely to undertake a major restructuring that would see it sell or spin off an entire vertical. Likewise, I don't like large-scale M&A is especially likely. Although the company should be in place to benefit from several improving end-markets, weakness in commercial construction and passenger vehicles is a concern, as well as uncertainty regarding U.S. tax and trade policy. Eaton shares look like a rare undervalued option in the industrial space (assuming 6% long-term FCF growth), but the lagging revenue growth could be a headwind for a while longer.

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Eaton Offers An Interesting Valuation, But A Lot Of Uncertainties

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