Feb 6 (Reuters) - Honeywell International ( HON ) is

preparing to split into three independent companies, the Wall

Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with

the matter.

Honeywell ( HON ) plans to separate its aerospace division from its

automation business and move ahead with plans to spin off its

advanced materials arm, the Journal reported.

The company's shares were up 5.3% in premarket trading.

Honeywell ( HON ) is expected to provide a portfolio update along

with its fourth-quarter earnings later on Thursday.

The company did not immediately respond to a Reuters email

seeking comment.