United Technologies Corp., maker of Sikorsky helicopters and Otis elevators, said Wednesday first-quarter earnings rose 18 percent — beating Wall Street forecasts — as strong military demand lifted revenue 13 percent.
That prompted the company, which also makes Pratt & Whitney engines, Carrier air conditioners and Hamilton Sundstrand aviation controls, to raise its full-year earnings outlook.
In the latest quarter, net income rose to $768 million, or 76 cents a share, from $651 million, or 64 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts on average expected earnings of 73 cents a share, according to Thomson Financial.
Pratt & Whitney operating income jumped 26 percent to pace the earnings increase.
Revenue rose to $10.62 billion from $9.41 billion in the first quarter of last year, beating Wall Street's forecast of $10.38 billion. Sales fell 15 percent at Sikorsky, hurt by a five-week strike. All other units delivered revenue gains.
Looking ahead, Hartford-based United Technologies now expects 2006 earnings between $3.50 and $3.60 a share on revenue of about $46 billion, up from previous guidance of $3.40 to $3.55 a share.
