Building Boom Brightens Tyco's Earnings

Security systems, valves, and fire protection equipment maker Tyco International (NYSE: TYC  ) recently posted a better-than-expected fourth quarter in the wake of a better-performing construction and architecture industry. The company has topped analysts' estimates for four consecutive quarters now.

Let's dig deeper.

Billing brightens
Construction and architectural billing has been on the rise over the past quarter. This is an important indicator for industries dealing in related products such as electric and systems security. The improving construction industry boosted demand (although demand remains volatile). Compared to the same quarter last year and excluding results of Tyco's sale of a majority interest of its electrical and metal products business, Tyco's sales were up 14% to $4.69 billion, beating the market expectation of $4.51 billion.

All three of the company's businesses -- security, fire protection, and flow control -- saw double-digit revenue growth. The security solution business, which accounts for nearly half of Tyco's sales, grew 11%. Benefited by a growing infrastructure, Honeywell International's (NYSE: HON  ) automation and control solutions division also saw 14% revenue growth in the last quarter.

Flow-control products maker Flowserve (NYSE: FLS  ) recently posted a 15% revenue growth in its last quarter owing to strong industry demand. However, with 25% growth in its flow control business, Tyco outperformed its competitor significantly in growth.

Expanding profits
Tyco's net income increased to $402 million, an impressive 50% increase over last year. Earnings per share at $0.92 beat the Street's $0.86 per share view. Over the past year, Tyco has spent $1.3 billion on stock buybacks and is continuing to do so.

In fiscal 2012, Tyco expects to earn an average revenue of $17.7 billion, which is a little below analysts' expectations of $17.9 billion. Whether Tyco is successful in splitting itself into three separate companies will determine the future for the leftover security and fire-suppression systems company.

The Foolish bottom line
Tyco's bottom line has benefited largely from greater demand. The company remains fundamentally strong. Tyco's better-than-expected performance comes as no surprise.

Navjot Kaur does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.