There are no safe havens in the stock market. Every stock carries risk. But some less than others. This column features stocks that have shown one or more of the following characteristics: less volatility, better earnings, larger market caps, safe and increasing dividends. In these times of turmoil, our goal is to show readers better opportunities for investing with fewer risks.

February 3, 2011 -  United Technologies Corporation (UTX-NYSE) provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide.

The company's Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, as well as provides maintenance and repair services.

Its Carrier segment offers heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, controls, services, and energy-efficient products for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications.

The UTC Fire and Security segment provides electronic security products comprising intruder alarms, and access control and video surveillance systems; fire safety products, such as specialty hazard detection and fixed suppression products, fire extinguishers, fire detection and life safety systems, and other firefighting equipment; systems integration, video surveillance, installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and monitoring, response, and security personnel services.

Its Pratt and Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; industrial gas turbines; geo thermal power systems; and space propulsion systems, as well as provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

The Hamilton Sundstrand division supplies aerospace products, such as power generation, management and distribution, flight control, engine control, environmental control, auxiliary power units, and propeller systems; and industrial products, including air compressors, metering pumps, and fluid handling equipment under the Sullair, Sundyne, and Milton Roy names.

Its Sikorsky segment manufactures military and commercial helicopters, as well as offers aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.

Latest News:
A webcast of United Technologies Corp. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Greg Hayes speaking at the Cowen and Company 33rd Annual Aerospace/Defense Conference is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The presentation will be broadcast live on the Internet at www.utc.com and will be archived on the Web site afterward.

From Forbes, Feb. 1: In trading on Wednesday, shares of United Technologies Corp. crossed above their 200 day moving average of $78.83, changing hands as high as $80.15 per share.

Expectations:
First quarter 2012: $1.20 vs $1.11 first quarter of last year.
Second quarter 2012: $1.54 compared to $1.45 second quarter of 2011.
Full year 2012: $5.58 vs $5.49 in 2011.
Full year 2013: $6.77

Important Numbers:
- Trailing P/E: 14.79
- Forward P/E: 12
- Price to sales ratio: 1.22
- Price to book: 3.25
- Operating margin: 13.92%
- Profit margin: 8.56%
- Return on equity: 23.45%
- Return on assets: 8.44%
- Revenue for last 12 months: $58.19 billion
- Total cash: $5.96 billion
- Cash per share: $6.71
- Total debt: $10.26 billion
- Debt to equity: 44.27%
- Current ratio: 1.38
- Book value per share: $24.64
- Beta: 1.15
- 52 week change: - 3.03%
- Shares Outstanding: 888 million
- Float: 815.55 million
- Held by institutions: 84.3%
- Annual dividend: $1.92
- Yield: 2.4%

- Company Web site: www.utc.com

-  Ted Allrich