Readers of this space know that my investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models that have a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. And with the above in mind, Honeywell is worth a review.

Honeywell (NYSE: HON) is one of the world's leading automation / control manufacturers for heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems and a key aerospace contractor. Further, Honeywell has the diversity Wall Street likes -- in this case, business diversity within a company.

Thermostats and aircraft maintenance would seem like business lines at opposite ends of the spectrum, but they are at Honeywell's core, and they speak to the company's strength.

Analysts like HON's aerospace division (36% of revenue), which manufactures cockpit controls, power generation equipment and wheels/bakes for commercial/military aircraft. The division also makes jet engines for regional/business jet manufacturers.

Oil surged above $98 per barrel Wednesday on expectations that U.S. oil stockpiles declined for a seventh consecutive week, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

Oil rose $2.31 to $98.29 before pulling back slightly to $97.75, as traders attempted to gauge both U.S. demand and geopolitical factors affecting supply as the new year dawns.

Demand, Nigeria weigh

Independent energy trader Jim Dietz told BloggingStocks Wednesday that unrest in Nigeria is also putting energy traders' moods in a bullish frame of mind.

"We've got the political situation in Nigeria popping up again where 12 people were killed by militants and a near-unanimous consensus that U.S. stock piles will be lower, so that's more than enough to send this oil market higher," Dietz said. "I know it's not what consumers want to hear at the start of a new year, but oil and heating oil prices are heading higher, at least for the short-term."

Heating oil gained about 4 cents to $2.69, while unleaded gasoline rose 5 cents to $2.53 in Wednesday morning trading. Natural gas gained 17 cents to $7.65 per million BTUs.

It's a Wall Street axiom, but one that's worth repeating in choppy markets: diversity provides greater safety. That's diversity across a portfolio, and diversity within a company, and a good example of the latter is Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON).

Thermostats and aircraft maintenance would seem like business lines at opposite ends of the spectrum, but they are at Honeywell's core, and they speak to the company's strength.

Analysts like HON's aerospace division (36% of revenue), which manufactures cockpit controls, power generation equipment, and wheels/brakes for commercial/military aircraft. The division also makes jet engines for regional/business jet manufacturers.

Further, analysts really like HON's automation/control division (35% of revenue), which makes home/office climate control equipment. Analysts see solid demand for HON's next-generation energy-efficient controls as businesses and homeowner re-emphasize energy efficiency, due to high energy prices. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for HON are $3.16 to $3.73.

Bull market, or -- as has been the case recently -- not-so-bull-market, United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) remains an attractive play for all but the most conservative investors.

United Technologies is one of those handful of stocks where you can buy 200 shares or 50 shares for your child's college fund, then look back on it in 10 or 15 years and be very glad you did.

Here are some of UTX's more impressive attributes: leadership position in high-value-added sectors, substantial defense contracts, infrastructure/capital improvement businesses, technological leadership, diversification & operational balance, economies of scale, massive amounts of engineering talent, long history of steady earnings growth and dividend growth. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for UTX are $4.26-4.85.