Honeywell's aerospace segment reports first quarter sales down 2%

Honeywell released that sales for its aerospace segment were down 2% compared with the first quarter of 2013 driven by an 8% decline in Defense & Space sales as a result of planned program ramp downs and delays, as well as lower Government Services, partially offset by Commercial growth. Commercial OE sales were up 1% in the quarter driven by continued strong OE build rates and favorable platform mix, partially offset by lower regional jet sales. Commercial Aftermarket growth of 4% was driven by a 14% increase in spares sales, partially offset by lower maintenance activities. Segment profit was approximately flat, and segment margins expanded 30 bps to 19.2%, driven by commercial excellence, productivity net of inflation and favorable aftermarket mix, partially offset by lower volume.