Focus on UTX’s strengths

Article Excerpt

United Technologies fell slightly in late November, after Louis Chenevert, its chief executive for the past six years, retired suddenly. However, new CEO Gregory Hayes (who is also a former vicepresident) will likely continue Chenevert’s focus on the company’s main aerospace and construction divisions. These businesses operate in cyclical markets, but their outlook is bright. Airlines are replacing their aging fleets, increasing demand for jet engines and other parts, while developing countries’ongoing urbanization fuels building-product sales. United Technologies also has another advantage many competitors can’t match: because of its many subsidiaries, it can offer construction clients an integrated package of building products, such as elevators, heating and fire-control systems. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. $110 (New York symbol UTX; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 911.7 million; Market cap: $100.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.6; Dividend yield: 2.1%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.utc.com) has five main divisions: Climate, Controls & Security (26% of 2013 revenue, 27% of earnings) makes heating and…