I'll give credit where it's due - the involvement of Nelson Peltz and his Trian Fund Management, and the willingness of Ingersoll Rand's (IR) management to embrace that involvement, has definitely delivered substantial near-term benefits to shareholders. These shares are up more than 40% over the past year as management has committed itself to a greater return of capital, improved operating efficiency, and the spin-off of its security business.
Things may even get better from here. There are actual signs of progress in margins, even though the company remains heavily exposed to end-markets (residential and commercial construction) that are not yet out of their trough. Even so, it looks like investors have already given management ample benefit of...