Rockwell Collins Nears $20B Deal With United Technologies

Rockwell Collins Inc. (NYSE:COL) is set to close a deal, per which it is expected to be acquired by United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX) , for more than $20 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. United Technologies had submitted an offer to acquire the the company on Aug 4.

Details of the Acquisition

Rockwell Collins, which has a market capitalization of $19.3 billion, on being successfully acquired, would expand United Technologies’ aerospace group. This, in turn, will offer an opportunity to separate the group from the company’s other industrial units. However, this deal has not yet been confirmed as both companies are in talks and currently nearing the closure of the deal.

If the transaction is finalized, Rockwell Collins’ commercial and military aircraft avionics business will merge with United Technologies' wide portfolio, which includes aircraft engines, structures, cockpit and cabin controls, ventilation systems and other electronic and mechanical devices used in aviation.

Per the Journal, United Technologies and Rockwell Collins are considering an acquisition deal worth almost $140 per share.

Benefits of the Merger

The buyout will help United Technologies to become a $93-billion group and a more critical supplier of components to aircraft companies such as The Boeing co. (NYSE:BA) and Airbus Group (PA:AIR) SE (OTC:EADSY) .

In fact, the above discussed deal will create one of the world’s largest aircraft-equipment manufacturers. Moreover, it is expected to clear the way for Rockwell Collins to capitalize on connected aircraft, which can broadcast sophisticated data regarding onboard systems, routes and weather, facilitating airlines to develop operations and maintenance.

Our View

In April, Rockwell Collins acquired B/E Aerospace, a maker of aircraft seats, lavatories and galleys, which broadened its product lines. With this buyout, the company currently has almost 30,000 employees, and projects its annual revenue to be more than $8 billion, based on 2016 results.

Markedly, this acquisition combined Rockwell Collins’ capabilities in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management systems with B/E Aerospace's array of cabin interior products. Also, Rockwell Collins expanded its avionics business on the back of this deal, in a bid to provide aircraft data networking services, known as FOMAX, for all new Airbus A320 aircraft starting in 2018.

Considering this, if United Technologies eventually acquires Rockwell Collins, a new defense bellwether will emerge, boasting a significant share of the aerospace-defense industry.

Price Performance

Rockwell Collins has outperformed the broader industry in a year's time. The company’s shares have soared 55.3% compared with the industry’s gain of 26.3% during the same period.

Being the foremost global supplier of communications and avionics equipment for both commercial and military customers resulted in higher volume of sales for Rockwell Collins. This led the company to outperform the industry.

Zacks Rank

Rockwell Collins currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

4 Surprising Tech Stocks to Keep an Eye On

Tech stocks have been a major force behind the market’s record highs, but picking the best ones to buy can be tough. There’s a simple way to invest in the success of the entire sector. Zacks has just released a Special Report revealing one thing tech companies literally cannot function without. More importantly, it reveals 4 top stocks set to skyrocket on increasing demand for these devices. I encourage you to get the report now – before the next wave of innovations really takes off.

See Stocks Now>>