These are offers (the “exchange offers”) by Carrier Global Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Carrier,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or the “Registrant”), to exchange:

Each of the exchange offers expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 8, 2020, unless Carrier extends one or more offers. You may withdraw tenders of Old Notes at any time prior to the expiration of the relevant exchange offer. The exchange offers are not subject to any condition other than that they will not violate applicable law or interpretations of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and that no proceedings with respect to the exchange offers have been instituted or threatened in any court or by any governmental agency. The exchange offers are not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of the outstanding Old Notes being tendered.

The terms of the Exchange Notes to be issued in the exchange offers are substantially identical, in all material respects, to the terms of the Old Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will not be subject to restrictions on transfer and the registration rights and additional interest provisions applicable to the Old Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes. No public market currently exists for the Old Notes. Carrier does not intend to list the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange, and, therefore, no active public market is anticipated.

The Exchange Notes will be unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Carrier and will rank equally in right of payment with all of Carrier’s existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness.

You should carefully consider the risk factors beginning on page 18 of this prospectus before participating in any of the exchange offers.

Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offers must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The letter of transmittal states that, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Carrier has agreed that, for a period of up to 180 days after the expiration date of the applicable exchange offer, if requested by one or more such broker-dealers, Carrier will amend or supplement this prospectus to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any Exchange Notes by any such broker-dealers. See “Plan of Distribution.”

None of the SEC, any state securities commission or other regulatory agency has approved or disapproved of the Exchange Notes or the exchange offers or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Carrier has not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from the information included in this document. Carrier cannot take responsibility for, nor provide assurances as to the reliability of, any different or additional information that others may give you. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities.

No person is authorized in connection with these exchange offers to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Carrier. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of its date.

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or buy any Exchange Notes in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to do so. You should base your decision to invest in the Exchange Notes and participate in the exchange offers solely on information contained in this prospectus.

No person should construe anything in this prospectus as legal, business or tax advice. Each person should consult its own advisors as needed to make its investment decision and to determine whether it is legally permitted to participate in the exchange offers under applicable legal investment or similar laws or regulations.

Carrier has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-249789) with respect to the exchange offers and the Exchange Notes. This prospectus, which forms part of that registration statement, does not contain all the information included in the registration statement, including its exhibits and schedules. For further information about Carrier, the exchange offers and the Exchange Notes described in this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules. Statements Carrier makes in this prospectus about certain contracts or other documents are not necessarily complete. When Carrier makes such statements, Carrier refers you to the copies of the contracts or documents that are filed, because those statements are qualified in all respects by reference to those exhibits. The registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules, is available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain this information without charge by writing to Carrier Global Corporation, 13995 Pasteur Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, Attention: Investor Relations.

To ensure timely delivery, you must request the information no later than December 1, 2020, which is five business days before the expiration of the exchange offers.

Unless indicated otherwise, the information concerning the industries in which Carrier participates contained in this prospectus is based on Carrier’s general knowledge of and expectations concerning the industry. Carrier’s position, share and industry size are based on estimates using publicly available information, Carrier’s internal data and estimates, based on data from various industry analyses, our internal research and adjustments and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Carrier has not independently verified data from publicly available information or industry analyses and cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. In addition, Carrier believes that data regarding the industry, share and its position within such industry provide general guidance but are inherently imprecise. Further, Carrier’s estimates and assumptions involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates and assumptions.

Among the trademarks that Carrier and its subsidiaries own or have rights to use that appear in this prospectus are the names “Automated Logic,” “Autronica,” “Bryant,” “Carrier,” “Carrier Commercial Refrigeration,” “Carrier Transicold,” “CIAT,” “Chubb,” “Day & Night,” “Det-Tronics,” “Edwards,” “Fireye,” “GST,” “Heil,” “Kidde,” “Interlogix,” “LenelS2,” “Marioff,” “NORESCO,” “Onity,” “Riello,” “Sensitech” and “Supra.” Carrier and its subsidiaries’ names, abbreviations thereof, logos and product and service designators are all either the registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names of Carrier and its subsidiaries. Names, abbreviations of names, logos and product and service designators of other companies are either the registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.

Unless the context otherwise requires or otherwise specifies:

This prospectus and other materials Carrier has filed or will file with the SEC contain statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” under the securities laws. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other information released to the public. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for Carrier’s future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “expectations,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “will,” “should,” “see,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “confident,” “scenario” and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance or the separation. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flow, results of operations, uses of cash, dividends, share repurchases, tax rates and other measures of financial performance or potential future plans, strategies or transactions of Carrier, the estimated costs associated with the separation, Carrier’s plans with respect to our indebtedness and other statements that are not historical facts. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For those statements, Carrier claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation:

The above list of factors is not exhaustive or necessarily in order of importance. For additional information on identifying factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in forward-looking statements, see the discussions under “Risk Factors.” The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information as to factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements is disclosed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

Carrier is subject to certain risks and uncertainties due to the nature of the business activities it conducts. The risks discussed below, any of which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows, performance and results of operations, are not the only risks Carrier faces. Carrier may experience additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to it; or, as a result of developments occurring in the future, conditions that Carrier currently deems to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows, performance and results of operations. In any such case, you may lose all or a part of your original investment and not realize any return you may have expected thereon.

Investing in the Exchange Notes involves risks. Prospective investors should consider carefully all of the information set forth in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The pandemic continues to result in widespread travel restrictions and reduced travel as well as extended or partial shutdowns and other restrictions on the operations of non-essential businesses, including construction and hospitality venues. The nature and extent of the resulting and continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operation is uncertain and will depend on future developments. Nonetheless, further prolonged closures and restrictions throughout the world or the rollback of reopening measures due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and continued decreases in the general level of economic activity may further disrupt our operations and the operations of our suppliers, distributors and customers.

As a result of the foregoing, we may be required to raise additional capital in the future and our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, our results of operations and prospects and our credit ratings. There is no guarantee that financing will be available in the future to fund our obligations, or that it will be available on terms consistent with our expectations. Similarly, the pandemic and its impacts have also affected and could continue to affect the ability of our customers to pay for our products and services and to obtain financing for significant purchases and operations, which has resulted in, and could further result in, a decrease and/or cancellation of orders for our products and services and/or payment delays or defaults. Similarly, further tightening credit may adversely affect our supply base and increase the potential for one or more of our suppliers to experience financial distress or bankruptcy, which could impact our ability to fulfill orders on time or at anticipated cost. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We conduct our business on a global basis, with approximately 52 percent of our 2019 sales derived from international operations, including U.S. export sales. Changes in local and regional economic conditions, including fluctuations in exchange rates, may affect product demand and reported profits in our non-U.S. operations, where transactions are generally denominated in local currencies. In addition, currency fluctuations may affect the prices we pay for the materials used in our products, and as a result, our operating margins may be negatively impacted by higher costs for certain cross-border transactions. Our financial statements are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in exchange rates may also give rise to gains or losses when financial statements of non-U.S. operating units are translated into U.S. Dollars. Given that the majority of our sales are non-U.S. based, a strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other major foreign currencies could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our international sales and operations are subject to risks associated with changes in local government regulations and policies, investments, taxation, foreign exchange controls, capital controls, employment regulations and the repatriation of earnings. Government policies on international trade and investments such as

import quotas, capital controls, punitive taxes or tariffs or similar trade barriers, whether imposed by individual governments or regional trade blocs, can affect demand for our products and services, impact the competitive position of our products or services or encumber our ability to manufacture or sell products in certain countries. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies or the renegotiation of existing trade agreements with the United States or countries, such as China and Mexico, where we sell or produce large quantities of products and services or procure materials incorporated into our products, including a further escalation of the trade conflict between the United States and China, could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our international sales and operations are also sensitive to political and economic instability and changes in foreign national priorities and government budgets. International transactions may involve increased financial and legal risks due to differing legal systems and customs in foreign countries. In addition, a novel strain of coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China in December 2019, resulting in widespread travel restrictions and reduced travel as well as extended or partial shutdowns and other restrictions on the operations of certain businesses in the region and, as the virus has continued to spread, throughout other regions within China and other regions throughout the world, including among others Europe, the Middle East and North America. The nature and extent of the resulting and continuing impact of the coronavirus on our business, financial condition and results of operation is uncertain and will depend on future developments. Nonetheless, further prolonged closures and restrictions in China and other regions throughout the world or the rollback of reopening measures due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and continued decreases in the general level of economic activity may further disrupt our operations and the operations of our suppliers, distributors and customers.

We expect that sales to emerging markets will continue to account for a significant portion of our sales as developing nations and regions around the world increase their demand for our products. In addition, as part of our globalization strategy, we have invested in certain countries, including Mexico, Brazil, China, India and countries in the Middle East. These emerging market operations can present many risks, including cultural differences (such as employment and business practices), compliance risks, economic and government instability, currency fluctuations, and the imposition of foreign exchange and capital controls. While these factors and their impact are difficult to predict, any one or more of them could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Our business operations, particularly in our HVAC segment, depend on various strategic relationships, joint ventures and non-wholly owned subsidiaries. We sell our products and services through certain key distributor, joint venture and customer relationships, including the Carrier Enterprise joint ventures with subsidiaries of Watsco, Inc.; AHI-Carrier FZC (“AHI-Carrier”), a UAE-based joint venture with Airconditioning & Heating International FZC, a subsidiary of United Motors & Heavy Equipment Co. LLC; Beijer, a publicly traded company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in which we maintain a significant ownership stake; various joint ventures with members of the Midea Group; and Toshiba Carrier, a joint venture with Toshiba with which we have several other joint ventures. Some of our strategic relationships or joint ventures engage in manufacturing and/or product development. Loss of a key channel partner, a significant downturn or deterioration in the business or financial condition of a key channel partner, joint venture or other partner, whether related to, among other things, a labor strike, diminished liquidity or credit unavailability, weak demand for products or delays in the launch of new products, could adversely affect our results of operations in a particular period or the value of our equity investment. If we are not successful in maintaining strategic distribution relationships, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.

We are party to numerous joint ventures, some of which we do not control. In addition, our ability to apply our internal controls and compliance policies to these businesses is limited and can expose us to additional financial and reputational risks. We seek to take proactive steps to mitigate these concerns, including through audits and similar reviews. During one such recent audit, for example, Carrier identified certain payments, representing an aggregate of approximately $380 million paid to AHI-Carrier over a ten-year period for products sold in the ordinary course by that minority-owned joint venture from entities of undetermined affiliation with AHI-Carrier’s distributors and customers, predominantly based in countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Carrier does not manage the joint venture and does not direct its treasury or related functions; however, Carrier exercised its audit rights under the joint venture agreement and conducted an investigation of these third-party payments. As previously disclosed, the Company reported the preliminary findings of its investigation to the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice in February 2020. Carrier subsequently concluded its investigation

and did not find evidence that these payments were the product of any identifiable criminal conduct or transactions, or any evidence that AHI-Carrier management had knowledge that these payments were the product of any identifiable criminal conduct or transaction. Carrier reported these findings to the SEC in April 2020 and intends to fully cooperate with any further inquiries from the SEC.

Joint ventures and strategic relationships inherently involve special risks. Whether or not we hold a majority interest or maintain operational control in such arrangements, our partners may (1) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or contrary to ours, (2) exercise veto or other rights, to the extent available, to block actions that we believe to be in our or the joint venture’s or strategic relationship’s best interests, (3) take action contrary to our policies or objectives or (4) be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations.

Additionally, some of our joint venture or other strategic agreements prohibit us from competing in certain geographic markets or product and services channels, and these restrictions may apply to other products and services we develop, or businesses we acquire, in the future. There can be no assurance that any particular joint venture or strategic relationship will be beneficial to us.

The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions, create financial risks to our business. For example, the demand for our products and services, such as residential air conditioning equipment, may be affected by unseasonable weather conditions. The effects of climate change could also disrupt our operations by impacting the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could increase insurance and other operating costs. These factors may impact our decisions to construct new facilities or maintain existing facilities in areas most prone to physical climate risks. We could also face indirect financial risks passed through the supply chain and disruptions that could result in increased prices for our products and the resources needed to produce them. Further, there is regulatory uncertainty around government incentives, which, if discontinued, could adversely impact the demand for energy-efficient buildings and could increase costs of compliance.

Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more international, regional and/or national requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of consistent climate change legislation creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. These factors may impact the demand for our products, obsolescence of our products and our results of operations.

Additionally, refrigerants are essential to many of our products, and there is a growing concern regarding the ozone-depletion and global warming potential of such materials. As such, national, regional and international regulations and policies are being considered to curtail their use, which may, in some cases, render our existing technology and products noncompliant. While we are committed to pursuing sustainable solutions, there can be no assurance that our commitments will be successful, that our products will be accepted by the market, that proposed regulation or deregulation will not have a negative competitive impact or that economic returns will reflect our investments in new product development.

Demand for our HVAC products and services, representing our largest segment by sales, is seasonal and affected by the weather. Cooler than normal summers depress our sales of replacement air conditioning products and services. Similarly, warmer than normal winters have the same effect on our heating products. Additionally, sales to residential customers in our HVAC business historically tend to be higher in the second and third quarters of the year because, in the United States and other northern hemisphere regions, spring and summer are the peak seasons for sales of air conditioning systems and services. The results of any quarterly period may not be indicative of expected results for a full year, and unusual weather patterns or events could positively or negatively affect our business and impact overall results of operations.

The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, power outages or other unexpected events, including hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and severe weather in the United States or in other countries in which we or our suppliers or customers operate could adversely affect our operations and

financial performance. Natural disasters, power outages or other unexpected events could damage or close one or more of our facilities or disrupt our operations temporarily or long-term, such as by causing business interruptions or by affecting the availability and/or cost of materials needed for manufacturing. In some significant cases, we have only one factory that can manufacture a specific product or product line. As a result, damage to or the closure of that factory may disrupt or prevent us from manufacturing certain products. Existing insurance arrangements may not cover the costs or lost cash flows that may arise from such events. The occurrence of any of these events could also increase our insurance and other operating costs.

We and certain of our products collect, store, have access to and otherwise process certain confidential or sensitive data that may be subject to data privacy and cybersecurity laws or customer-imposed controls. Although we seek to protect such data and design our products to enable our customers to use them while complying with applicable data privacy and cybersecurity laws and/or customer-imposed controls, our internal systems and products may be vulnerable to hacking or other cyber-attacks, theft, programming errors or employee errors, which could lead to the compromise of such data, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, defective products, production downtimes and/or operational disruptions in violation of applicable law and/or contractual obligations. A significant actual or perceived risk of theft, loss, fraudulent use or misuse of customer, employee or other data, whether by us, our suppliers, channel partners, customers or other third parties, as a result of employee error or malfeasance, or as a result of the imaging, software, security and other products we incorporate into our products, as well as non-compliance with applicable industry standards or our contractual or other legal obligations or privacy and information-security policies regarding such data, could result in costs, fines, litigation or regulatory actions, or could lead customers to select products and services of our competitors. In addition, any such event could harm our reputation, cause unfavorable publicity or otherwise adversely affect certain potential customers’ perception of the security and reliability of our services as well as our credibility and reputation, which could result in lost sales. In addition, because of the global nature of our business, both our internal systems and products must comply with the applicable laws, regulations and standards in a number of jurisdictions, and government enforcement actions and violations of data privacy and cybersecurity laws could be costly or interrupt our business operations. Any of the foregoing factors could result in reputational damage or civil or governmental proceedings, which could result in a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

The efficient operation of our business will require continued substantial investment in technology infrastructure systems, and we must attract and retain qualified people to operate these systems, expand and improve them, integrate new systems effectively and efficiently convert to new systems when required. An inability to fund, acquire and implement these systems might impact our ability to respond effectively to changing customer expectations, manage our business, scale our solutions effectively or impact our customer service levels, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage and negatively impact our financial results. Repeated or prolonged interruptions of service due to problems with our systems or third-party technologies, whether or not in our control, could have a significant negative impact on our reputation and our ability to sell products and services. Furthermore, we are highly dependent upon a variety of internal computer and telecommunication systems to operate our business. Failure to design, develop and implement new technology infrastructure systems in an effective and timely manner, or to adequately invest in and maintain these systems, could result in the diversion of management’s attention and resources and could materially adversely affect our operating results, competitive position and ability to efficiently manage our business. Our existing information systems may become obsolete, requiring us to transition our systems to a new platform. Such a transition could be time consuming, costly and damaging to our competitive position, and could require additional management resources. Failure to implement and deploy new systems or replacement systems on the schedules anticipated, could materially adversely affect our operating results.

In addition, our business may be impacted by disruptions to our own or third-party information technology (“IT”) infrastructure, which could result from (among other causes) cyber-attacks on or failures of such

infrastructure or compromises to its physical security, as well as from damaging weather or other acts of nature. Cyber-based risks, in particular, are evolving and include attacks on our IT infrastructure, as well as attacks targeting the security, integrity and/or availability of the hardware, software and information installed, stored or transmitted in our products, including after the purchase of those products and when they are installed into third-party products, facilities or infrastructure. Such attacks could disrupt our business operations, our systems or those of third parties, and could impact the ability of our products to work as intended. We have experienced cyber-based attacks and, due to the evolving threat landscape, may continue to experience them going forward, potentially with more frequency. We continue to make investments and adopt measures designed to enhance our protection, detection, response and recovery capabilities, and to mitigate potential risks to our technology, products, services and operations from potential cyber-attacks. However, given the unpredictability, nature and scope of cyber-attacks, it is possible that potential vulnerabilities could go undetected for an extended period. As a result of a cyber-attack, we could potentially be subject to production downtimes, operational delays or other detrimental impacts on our operations or ability to provide products and services to our customers; destruction or corruption of data; security breaches; manipulation or improper use of our or third-party systems, networks or products; financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business, potential liability, penalties, fines and/or damage to our reputation—any of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Due to the evolving nature of such risks, the impact of any potential incident cannot be predicted. Any disruption to our business due to such issues, or an increase in our costs to cover these issues that is greater than what we have anticipated, could have an adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

There can be no assurance that our systems will not fail or experience disruptions, and any significant failure or disruption of these systems could prevent us from making sales, ordering supplies, delivering products, providing functional products and otherwise conducting our business.

Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions and geopolitical risks, including credit market conditions, levels of consumer and business confidence, fluctuations in residential, commercial and industrial construction activity, pandemic health issues (including COVID-19 and its effects, among other things, on global supply, demand, and distribution disruptions as the COVID-19 outbreak continues and results in an increasingly prolonged period of travel, commercial and/or other similar restrictions and limitations), natural disasters, regulatory changes, commodity prices, raw material and energy costs, interest rates, exchange rates, levels of government spending and deficits, trade policies (including tariffs, boycotts and sanctions), political conditions, regulatory changes, actual or anticipated default on sovereign debt and other challenges that could affect the global economy.

These economic and political conditions affect our business in a number of ways. At this point, the extent to which COVID-19 may impact the global economy is uncertain, but pandemics or other significant public health events, or the perception that such events may occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, the tightening of credit in the capital markets could adversely affect the ability of our customers, including individual end-customers and businesses, to obtain financing for significant purchases and operations, which could result in a decrease in or cancellation of orders for our products and services. Similarly, tightening credit may adversely affect our supply base and increase the potential for one or more of our suppliers to experience financial distress or bankruptcy. Additionally, because we have a number of factories and suppliers in foreign countries, the imposition of tariffs or sanctions, or unusually restrictive border crossing rules could adversely affect our supply chain and overall business.

Our business is also adversely affected by decreases in the general level of economic activity, such as decreases in business and consumer spending, construction activity and shipping activity. A slowdown in building and remodeling activity also can adversely affect our financial performance. In addition, our financial performance may be influenced by the production and utilization of transport equipment, including truck production cycles in North America and Europe, and, particularly in our HVAC business, weather conditions.

Our reliance on suppliers (including third-party logistics providers) and commodity markets to secure the raw materials and components used in our products, and on service providers to deliver our products, exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these materials and services. In certain instances, we depend upon a single source of supply, manufacturing, logistics support or assembly, or participate in commodity markets that may be subject to allocations of limited supplies. Issues with suppliers (such as a disruption in deliveries, capacity constraints, production disruptions, quality issues and consolidations, closings or bankruptcies), price increases, decreased availability of raw materials or commodities or decreased availability of trucks and other delivery service resources could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating costs. Tariffs can increase our costs, the impact of which is difficult to predict. We believe that our supply management and production practices are based on an appropriate balancing of the foreseeable risks and the costs of alternative practices. Nonetheless, these risks may have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

We seek to grow our business through the design, development, production, sale and support of innovative products that incorporate advanced technologies. The laws and regulations applicable to our products, and our customers’ product and service needs, change from time to time, and regulatory changes may render our products and technologies noncompliant. Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our technological advancements or product improvements depends on a variety of factors, including meeting development, production, certification and regulatory approval schedules; execution of internal and external performance plans; availability of supplier and internally produced parts and materials; performance of suppliers and subcontractors; hiring and training of qualified personnel; achieving cost and production efficiencies; identification of emerging regulatory and technological trends in our target end markets; validation and performance of innovative technologies; the level of customer interest in new technologies and products; and the costs and customer acceptance of the new or improved products.

Our products and services also may incorporate technologies developed or manufactured by third parties, which, when combined with our technology or products, creates additional risks and uncertainties. As a result, the performance and market acceptance of these third-party products and services could affect the level of customer interest and acceptance of our own products in the marketplace.

Our research and development (“R&D”) efforts may not result in new technologies or products being developed on a timely basis or meet the needs of our customers as effectively as competitive offerings. Our competitors may develop competing technologies that gain market acceptance before or instead of our products. In addition, we may not be successful in anticipating or reacting to changes in the regulatory environments in which our products are sold, and the markets for our products may not develop or grow as we anticipate.

In certain of our businesses, our contracts are typically awarded on a competitive basis. Our bids are based upon, among other items, the cost to provide the products and services. To generate an acceptable return on our investment in these contracts, we must be able to accurately estimate our costs to provide the services and deliver the products required by the contract and to be able to complete the contracts in a timely manner. If we fail to accurately estimate our costs or the time required to complete a contract, the profitability of our contracts may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, some of our contracts provide for liquidated damages if we do not perform in accordance with the contract. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

From time to time customers and others may seek to become competitive suppliers of our products and services or pursue other strategies to disrupt our business model. For example, an affiliate of a customer in our

transport refrigeration business produces refrigeration units for shipping containers that compete with our products, and another one of our transport refrigeration customers produces refrigeration units for truck trailers that compete with our refrigeration units. In addition, our customers or existing or future competitors may seek to introduce non-traditional business models or disruptive technologies and products in the industries in which we participate, resulting in increased competition and new dynamics in these industries.

A significant portion of our employees are represented by labor unions or works councils in a number of countries under various collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. See “Business—Employees and Employee Relations.” We may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate these agreements before they expire. In addition, existing agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage, union and works council campaigns and other labor disputes. We may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to our specific business or collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, a shortage in certain workforces, such as technicians or truck drivers, may impact our business by affecting the ability to install, sell and deliver our products. Any such work stoppages (or potential work stoppages) could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, productivity, results of operations and reputation.

The performance of the financial markets and interest rates can impact our defined benefit pension plan expenses and funding obligations. Significant decreases in the discount rate or investment losses on plan assets may increase our funding obligations and adversely impact our financial results. See Note 12 – Employee Benefit Plans to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus for further discussion on pension plans and related obligations and contingencies.

In order to operate more efficiently and cost effectively, we have from time to time, and may continue to, adjust employment, optimize our footprint or undertake other restructuring activities. These activities are complex and may involve or require significant changes to our operations. If we do not successfully manage restructuring activities, expected efficiencies and benefits might be delayed or not realized. Risks associated with these actions and other workforce management issues include unfavorable political responses and reputational harm, unforeseen delays in the implementation of the restructuring activities, additional costs, adverse effects on employee morale, the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of employees or work stoppages, and difficulty managing our operations during or after facility consolidations, any of which may impair our ability to achieve anticipated cost reductions, otherwise harm our business or have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various international jurisdictions. Changes to tax laws and regulations as well as changes and conflicts in related interpretations or other tax guidance could materially impact our tax receivables and liabilities and our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to examinations by various tax authorities. In addition, governmental authorities in various jurisdictions could launch new examinations and expand existing examinations. The global and diverse nature of our operations means that these risks will continue and additional examinations, proceedings and contingencies will arise from time to time. Our competitive position, cash flows, results of operation or financial condition may be affected by the outcome of examinations, proceedings and contingencies that cannot be predicted with certainty.

See “Business Overview” and “Results of Operations—Income Taxes” under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 3 and 14 to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus for further discussion on income taxes and related contingencies, including our provisional accounting and assessment of the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”).

We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, nondisclosure agreements, customer and supplier agreements, license agreements, information technology security systems, internal controls and compliance systems and other measures to protect our intellectual property. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements, information technology security systems and other measures to protect certain customer and supplier information and intellectual property that we have in our possession or to which we have access. Our efforts to protect such intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be sufficient. We cannot be sure that our pending patent applications will result in the issuance of patents to us, that patents issued to or licensed by us in the past or in the future will not be challenged or circumvented by competitors or that these patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to preclude our competitors from introducing technologies similar to those covered by our patents and patent applications. Our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights also may be limited. In addition, we may be the target of competitor or other third-party patent enforcement actions seeking substantial monetary damages or seeking to prevent the sale and marketing of certain of our products or services. Our competitive position also may be adversely impacted by limitations on our ability to obtain possession of, and ownership or necessary licenses concerning, data important to the development or provision of our products or service offerings, or by limitations on our ability to restrict the use by others of data related to our products or services. Any of these events or factors could subject us to judgments, penalties and significant litigation costs or temporarily or permanently disrupt our sales and marketing of the affected products or services and could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Product and service quality issues could harm customer confidence in our company and our brands. If our product and service offerings do not meet applicable safety standards or our customers’ expectations regarding safety or quality, we could experience lost sales and increased costs and we could be exposed to legal, financial and reputational risks. Actual, potential or perceived product safety concerns could expose us to litigation as well as government enforcement action. In addition, if any of our products fail to perform as expected, we may be exposed to warranty and product liability claims.

We maintain strict quality controls and procedures. However, we cannot be certain that these controls and procedures will reveal defects in our products or their raw materials, which may not become apparent until after the products have been placed in use in the market. Accordingly, there is a risk that products will have defects, which could require a product recall or field corrective action. Product recalls and field corrective actions can be expensive to implement, and may damage our reputation, customer relationships and market share. We have conducted product recalls and field corrective actions in the past, and may do so again in the future.

In many jurisdictions, product liability claims are not limited to any specified amount of recovery. If any such claims or contribution requests or requirements exceed our available insurance or if there is a product recall, there could be an adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, a recall or claim could require us to review our entire product portfolio to assess whether similar issues are present in other products, which could result in a significant disruption to our business and which could have a further adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. There can be no assurance that we will not experience any material warranty or product liability claim losses in the future, that we will not incur significant costs to defend such claims or that we will have adequate reserves to cover any recalls, repair and replacement costs.

We are subject to a variety of litigation, legal and compliance risks. These risks relate to, among other things, product safety, personal injuries, intellectual property rights, contract-related claims, taxes, environmental matters, employee health and safety, competition laws and laws governing improper business practices. If convicted or found liable in connection with such matters, we could be subject to significant fines, penalties, repayments and other damages (in certain cases, treble damages).

As a global business, we are subject to complex laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. Those laws and regulations may be interpreted in different ways. They may also change from

time to time, as may related interpretations and other guidance. Changes in laws or regulations could result in higher expenses. Uncertainty relating to laws or regulations may also affect how we operate, structure our investments and enforce our rights.

Changes in environmental and climate change related-laws, including laws relating to refrigerants, efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, could require additional investments in product designs, which may be more expensive or difficult to manufacture, qualify and sell and/or may involve additional product safety risks, and could increase environmental compliance expenditures. Evolving climate change concerns or changes in regulations related to such concerns, including with respect to refrigerants, efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, could subject us to additional costs and restrictions, such as increased energy and raw materials costs. Furthermore, various jurisdictions and regulators may take different approaches to and impose differing or inconsistent requirements under environmental and climate change-related laws, which may make it more costly or difficult for us to sell our products (including by requiring that we monitor such developments, incur increased test and certification costs, increase time-to-market and develop additional country-specific variants for certain products) or prevent us from selling certain products in certain geographic markets.

At times we are involved in disputes with private parties over environmental issues, including litigation over the allocation of cleanup costs, alleged personal injuries and property damage. Existing and future asbestos-related and other product liability claims could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Personal injury lawsuits may involve individual and purported class actions alleging that contaminants originating from our current or former products or operating facilities caused or contributed to medical conditions. Property damage lawsuits may involve claims relating to environmental damage or diminution of real estate values. Even in litigation where we believe our liability is remote, there is a risk that a negative finding or decision could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, in particular with respect to environmental claims in regions where we have, or previously had, significant operations or where certain of our products have been used.

In addition, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and other anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA applies to companies, individual directors, officers, employees and agents. Under certain anti-corruption laws, U.S. companies also may be held liable for the actions of partners or representatives, including joint ventures. Certain of our customer relationships are with governmental entities and are, therefore, subject to the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws. Despite meaningful measures to ensure lawful conduct, which include training and internal controls, we may not always be able to prevent our employees or third-party agents or channel partners from violating the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws. As a result, we could be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement, changes or enhancements to our compliance measures that could increase our costs or other remedial actions. Moreover, we are subject to antitrust, anti-collusion and anti-money laundering laws in various jurisdictions throughout the world. Changes in these laws or their interpretation, administration and/or enforcement may occur over time, and any such changes may limit our future acquisitions or operations, or result in changes to our strategies, sales and distribution structures or other business practices. Though we have implemented policies, controls and other measures to prevent money laundering, collusion or anti-competitive behavior, our controls may not always be effective in preventing our employees, third-party agents or channel partners from violating anti-money laundering, antitrust or anti-collusion laws.

Violations of FCPA, antitrust, anti-money laundering or other anti-corruption or anti-collusion laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our operations, cause reputational harm, involve significant management distraction and result in a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

We also must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products, services and technology from the U.S. and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations. In the United States, these laws include, among others, the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and embargoes and sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Restrictions on the export of our products could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

For a description of current material legal proceedings and regulatory matters, see “Business—Legal Proceedings” and Note 20 – Contingent Liabilities to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus.

We seek to grow through strategic acquisitions in addition to organic growth. In the past several years, we have acquired various businesses and entered into joint venture arrangements in an effort to complement and expand our business. We expect to continue such pursuits in the future. Our due diligence reviews may not identify all of the material issues necessary to accurately estimate the cost and potential loss contingencies of a particular transaction, including potential exposure to regulatory sanctions resulting from an acquisition target’s previous activities. For example, we may incur unanticipated costs, expenses or other liabilities, or reduced sales, as a result of an acquisition’s violation of applicable laws, such as the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws outside of the United States. We also may incur unanticipated costs or expenses, including post-closing asset impairment charges as well as expenses associated with eliminating duplicate facilities, litigation, and other liabilities. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquired businesses with our operations, applying our internal controls to these acquired businesses, or in managing strategic investments. Additionally, we may not realize the degree or timing of benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, accounting requirements relating to business combinations, including the requirement to expense certain acquisition costs as incurred, may cause us to incur greater earnings volatility and generally lower earnings during periods in which we acquire new businesses.

We also make strategic divestitures from time to time. Our divestitures may result in continued financial exposure to the divested businesses, such as through guarantees, other financial arrangements, continued supply and services arrangements or through the retention of liabilities, such as for environmental and product liability claims. Under these arrangements, nonperformance by those divested businesses or claims against retained liabilities could result in obligations being imposed on us that could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

The success of future acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures will depend on the satisfaction of conditions precedent to such transactions and the timing of consummation of such transactions, which will depend in part on the ability of the parties to secure any required regulatory approvals in a timely manner, among other things. We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and certain other intangible assets.

We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and certain other intangible assets. Our other intangible assets primarily consists of trademarks. At September 30, 2020, the net carrying value of our goodwill and certain other intangible assets totaled $9.9 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we periodically assess these assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, planned or unexpected significant changes in the use of the assets, and sustained market capitalization declines may result in recognition of impairments to goodwill or certain other intangible assets. Any charges relating to such impairments could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations in the periods recognized.

As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $12 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness. We may need additional financing for our general corporate purposes. For example, we may need funds to increase our investments in R&D activities, to make acquisitions or otherwise grow our business or refinance or repay existing debt. Volatility in the world financial markets could increase borrowing costs or affect our ability to access the capital markets. Our ability to issue debt or enter into other financing arrangements on acceptable terms could be adversely affected if there is a material decline in the demand for our products or in the solvency of our customers, suppliers or distributors or other significantly unfavorable changes in economic conditions. We may be unable to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If we lose an investment grade credit rating or adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to

successfully develop or enhance products, fund our expansion or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could negatively affect our business. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our shareowners will experience dilution of their ownership interest. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to limitations on our operations due to restrictive covenants.

Carrier has been issued an investment grade credit rating by each of Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. Despite these investment grade credit ratings, any future downgrades could increase the cost of borrowing under any indebtedness we may incur in connection with the distribution or otherwise, reduce market capacity for our commercial paper or require the posting of collateral under certain contracts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our credit ratings, and any additional actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, may have a negative impact on our liquidity, capital position and access to the capital markets.

The historical information about Carrier in this prospectus for the period prior to April 3, 2020 refers to the Carrier Business as operated by and integrated with UTC. Our historical financial information included in this prospectus is derived from the combined financial statements and accounting records of UTC. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information included in this prospectus does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future primarily as a result of the factors described below:

Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a company separate from UTC. For additional information about the past financial performance of our business and the basis of presentation of the combined financial statements and the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of our business, see “Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operation,” “Selected Historical Combined Financial Data of Carrier,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical combined financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Following the separation, Carrier is a smaller, less diversified company than UTC. As a result, we may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the diversification of our sales, costs, and cash flows are diminished as a stand-alone company, such that our results of operations, cash flows, working capital and financing requirements may be subject to increased volatility and our ability to fund capital expenditures and investments, pay dividends and service debt may be diminished. As a stand-alone Company, we may also lose capital allocation efficiency and flexibility because we are no longer able to use cash flow from the UTC Aerospace Businesses or the Otis Business to fund our investments and operations.

We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the separation, or such benefits may be delayed or not occur at all. The separation is expected to provide the following benefits, among others: (1) enabling our management to more effectively pursue its own distinct operating priorities and strategies, while also enhancing our operational agility through a more nimble organization; (2) permitting us to allocate our financial resources to meet the unique needs of our businesses, which will allow us to intensify our focus on distinct strategic priorities and to more effectively pursue our own distinct capital structures and capital allocation strategies; (3) affording us the ability to offer an independent equity security to the capital markets and enabling us to more flexibly pursue strategic opportunities more closely aligned with our strategic goals and expected growth opportunities; (4) permitting us to more effectively recruit, retain and motivate employees through the use of stock-based compensation that more closely aligns management and employee incentives with specific business goals and objectives related to our businesses; and (5) allowing us to more effectively articulate a clear investment proposition to attract a long-term investor base suited to our businesses, growth profile and capital allocation priorities.

We may not achieve these and other anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons, including, among others: (1) we may lose capital allocation efficiency and flexibility as a stand-alone company because, for instance, we are no longer able to use cash flow from one of UTC’s other businesses to fund investments and operations; (2) we may be more susceptible to certain market fluctuations and other adverse events as a stand-alone company because our businesses are less diversified than UTC’s businesses prior to the completion of the distribution; (3) as a stand-alone company, we may be unable to obtain certain goods, services and technologies at prices or on terms as favorable as those UTC obtained prior to completion of the distribution; (4) we incurred substantial costs in connection with the separation, including accounting, tax, legal and other professional services costs, costs related to retaining and attracting business and operational relationships with customers, suppliers and other counterparties, recruiting and relocation costs associated with hiring key senior management personnel who are new to Carrier, costs to retain key management personnel, tax costs and costs to separate

shared systems and other dis-synergy costs; and (5) under the terms of the tax matters agreement that we entered into with UTC and Otis, we are restricted from taking certain actions that could cause the distribution or certain related transactions (or certain transactions undertaken as part of the internal reorganization) to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions and these restrictions may limit us for a period of time from pursuing certain strategic transactions and equity issuances or engaging in other transactions that might increase the value of our businesses. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the separation, or if such benefits are delayed, it could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We have incurred, as a result of the separation, both one-time and ongoing costs that are greater than those incurred prior to the separation. These increased costs arise from various factors, including financial reporting, costs associated with complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Exchange Act, Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act), and costs associated with accounting, auditing, tax, legal, human resources, investor relations, risk management, treasury and other general and administrative related functions, and it is possible that these costs will be material to our business.

On February 10, 2020, we entered into a revolving credit agreement providing for a $2.0 billion unsecured, unsubordinated 5-year revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a term loan credit agreement providing for a $1.75 billion unsecured, unsubordinated 3-year term loan credit facility (as amended, the “Term Loan Credit Facility”, and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). Additionally, on February 27, 2020, we issued $9.25 billion of Old Notes, which consisted of Old Notes other than the Old 11-Year Notes. We also entered into a $2.0 billion unsecured, unsubordinated commercial paper program prior to the separation. Approximately $10.9 billion of the proceeds of such financings were used to distribute cash to UTC. As a result of such transactions, we had $11.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness when the separation was completed. On June 19, 2020, we issued $750 million of Old 11-Year Notes. See “Description of Other Material Indebtedness.” As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $12 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness. We may also incur additional indebtedness in the future.

This significant amount of debt could potentially have important consequences to us and our debt and equity investors, including: (1) requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest payments; (2) making it more difficult to satisfy debt service and other obligations; (3) increasing the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of our debt, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing; (4) increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; (5) reducing the cash flow available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business; (6) limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; (7) placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that may not be as highly leveraged with debt; and (8) limiting our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase shares.

As described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Other Material Indebtedness,” the terms of our indebtedness contain covenants restricting our financial flexibility in a number of ways, including, among other things, restrictions on our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur liens, to make certain fundamental changes and to enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the Credit Facilities require that we not exceed a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio, subject to the amendments described in the “Description of Other Material Indebtedness” section. If we breach a restrictive covenant under any of our indebtedness, or an event of default occurs in respect of any of our indebtedness, our lenders may be entitled to declare all amounts owing in respect thereof to be immediately due and payable.

To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the foregoing risks could increase. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to repay all of the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to refinance our debt.

After the separation, certain members of management and the board of directors of each of UTC, Carrier and Otis own common stock in all three companies. This ownership overlap could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the management and directors of one company face decisions that could have different implications for themselves and the other two companies. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute regarding the terms of the agreements governing the separation and Carrier’s relationship with UTC and Otis thereafter. These agreements include the separation agreement, the transition services agreement, the tax matters agreement, the employee matters agreement, the intellectual property agreement and any commercial agreements between the parties or their affiliates. Potential conflicts of interest may also arise out of any commercial arrangements that we or UTC may enter into in the future.

We are in the process of further developing an IT infrastructure and systems to support our critical business functions, including accounting and reporting, in order to replace many of the systems and functions UTC provided prior to the separation. We may experience temporary interruptions in business operations as we continue to develop this IT infrastructure, which could disrupt our business operations and have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, our costs for the operation of these systems may be higher than the amounts reflected in the combined financial statements.

Under current U.S. federal income tax law, a spin-off that otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment can be rendered taxable to the parent corporation and its shareowners as a result of certain post-spin-off transactions, including certain acquisitions of shares or assets of the spun-off corporation. To preserve the tax-free treatment of the separation and the distribution, and in addition to Carrier’s indemnity obligation described below, the tax matters agreement restricts us, for the two-year period following the distribution, except in specific circumstances, from: (1) entering into any transaction pursuant to which all or a portion of the shares of Carrier stock would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise; (2) issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds; (3) repurchasing shares of Carrier stock other than in certain open-market transactions; and (4) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses. The tax matters agreement also prohibits us from taking or failing to take any other action that would prevent the distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a transaction that is generally tax-free, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or for applicable non-U.S. income tax purposes. Further, the tax matters agreement imposes similar restrictions on us and our subsidiaries during the two-year period following the distribution that are intended to prevent certain transactions undertaken as part of the internal reorganization from failing to qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code or for applicable non-U.S. income tax purposes. These restrictions may limit our ability to pursue certain equity issuances, strategic transactions, repurchases or other transactions that we may otherwise believe to be in the best interests of our shareowners or that might increase the value of our business. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

Pursuant to the separation agreement and certain other agreements among UTC, Carrier and Otis, each party has agreed to indemnify the other parties for certain liabilities as discussed further in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” Indemnities that we may be required to provide UTC and/or Otis are not subject to any cap, may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold us

responsible for any of the liabilities that UTC and/or Otis has agreed to retain. The indemnities from UTC and Otis for our benefit may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, and UTC and/or Otis may not be able to fully satisfy their respective indemnification obligations. Any amounts we are required to pay pursuant to such indemnification obligations and other liabilities could require us to divert cash that would otherwise have been used in furtherance of our operating business.

Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from UTC or Otis, as applicable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses. Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In connection with the separation and prior to the distribution, Carrier, Otis and UTC entered into the separation agreement and various other agreements, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement, an employee matters agreement, and an intellectual property agreement (such other agreements are referred to herein as the “ancillary agreements”).

These agreements, together with the documents and agreements by which the internal reorganization of UTC was effected, determine the allocation of assets and liabilities among the companies following the separation and include indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The transition services agreement provides for the performance of certain services by UTC for the benefit of Carrier and/or Otis and by Carrier and/or Otis for the benefit of UTC for a period of time after the separation. If UTC or Otis is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties and/or losses. We have created systems and services to replace many of the systems and services that UTC previously provided to us. However, we may not be successful in continuing to implement these systems and services in a timely manner or at all, we may incur additional costs in connection with, or following, the implementation of these systems and services, and we may not be successful in continuing to transition data from UTC’s systems to ours.

The agreements we entered into with UTC and Otis in connection with the separation, including the separation agreement, transition services agreement, tax matters agreement, employee matters agreement and intellectual property agreement, were prepared in the context of the separation while Carrier was still a wholly owned subsidiary of UTC. Accordingly, Carrier did not have a board of directors or a management team independent of UTC. In addition, certain of the terms in these agreements were provided for in, and were the result of negotiations between UTC and Raytheon in connection with, the Raytheon merger agreement. As a result of these factors, the terms of those agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arm’s-length negotiations between unaffiliated third parties. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

The distribution was conditioned on, among other things, (1) the IRS ruling regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters relating to the separation and distribution received by UTC remaining valid and satisfactory to the UTC Board of Directors and (2) the receipt by UTC and continued validity of an opinion of outside counsel, satisfactory to the UTC Board of Directors, regarding the qualification of certain elements of the distribution under Section 355 of the Code. The IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel were based upon and rely on, among other things, various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations, statements and

undertakings of UTC, Carrier and Otis, including those relating to the past and future conduct of UTC, Carrier and Otis. If any of these representations, statements or undertakings is, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, or if any of the representations or covenants contained in any of the separation-related agreements and documents or in any documents relating to the IRS ruling and/or the opinion of counsel are inaccurate or not complied with by UTC, Carrier, Otis or any of their respective subsidiaries, the IRS ruling and/or the opinion of counsel may be invalid and the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized.

Notwithstanding receipt of the IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel, the IRS could determine that the distribution and/or certain related transactions should be treated as taxable transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it determines that any of the representations, assumptions or undertakings upon which the IRS ruling or the opinion of counsel was based are inaccurate or have not been complied with. In addition, the IRS ruling does not address all of the issues that are relevant to determining whether the distribution, together with certain related transactions, qualifies as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The opinion of counsel represents the judgment of such counsel and is not binding on the IRS or any court, and the IRS or a court may disagree with the conclusions in the opinion of counsel. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt by UTC of the IRS ruling and the opinion of counsel, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert that the distribution and/or certain related transactions do not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including by reason of the Raytheon merger) or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. In the event the IRS were to prevail with such challenge, we, as well as UTC, Otis and UTC’s shareowners, could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liability.

If the distribution were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, UTC would recognize a taxable gain as if it had sold the Carrier common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value, and UTC shareowners who receive Carrier common stock in the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares. Even if the distribution were to otherwise qualify as a tax-free transaction under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, it may result in taxable gain to UTC (but not its shareowners) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the distribution were deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, shares representing a 50 percent or greater interest (by vote or value) in UTC or Carrier. For this purpose, any acquisitions of UTC or Carrier shares within the period beginning two years before the distribution and ending two years after the distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although UTC or Carrier may be able to rebut that presumption (including by qualifying for one or more safe harbors under applicable Treasury Regulations). Further, for purposes of this test, even if the Raytheon merger were treated as part of such a plan, the Raytheon merger alone should not cause the distribution to be taxable to UTC under Section 355(e) of the Code because pre-Raytheon merger holders of UTC common stock owned over 50 percent of the UTC common stock immediately following the Raytheon merger. However, if the IRS were to determine that other acquisitions of UTC or Carrier stock, either before or after the distribution, were part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the distribution, such determination could result in significant tax liabilities to UTC.

In addition, as part of the separation, and prior to the Carrier distribution and the Otis distribution, UTC and its subsidiaries completed the internal reorganization, and UTC, Carrier, Otis and their respective subsidiaries incurred certain tax costs in connection with the internal reorganization, including non-U.S. tax costs resulting from transactions in non-U.S. jurisdictions, which may be material. With respect to certain transactions undertaken as part of the internal reorganization, UTC requested and obtained tax rulings in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions and/or opinions of external tax advisors, in each case, regarding the tax treatment of such transactions. Such tax rulings and opinions were based upon and relied on, among other things, various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations (including with respect to certain valuation matters relating to the internal reorganization), statements and undertakings of UTC, Carrier, Otis or their respective subsidiaries. If any of these representations or statements is, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, or if UTC, Carrier, Otis or any of their respective subsidiaries do not fulfill or otherwise comply with any such undertakings or covenants, such tax rulings and/or opinions may be invalid or the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized. Further, notwithstanding receipt of any such tax rulings and/or opinions, there can be no assurance that the relevant taxing authorities will not assert that the tax treatment of the relevant transactions differs from the conclusions reached in the relevant tax rulings and/or opinions. In the event any such tax rulings and/or opinions cannot be

obtained or the relevant taxing authorities prevail with any challenge in respect of any relevant transaction, we, as well as UTC and Otis could be subject to significant tax liabilities.

Under the tax matters agreement entered into among UTC, Carrier and Otis in connection with the separation, Carrier is generally required to indemnify UTC and Otis for any taxes resulting from the separation (and any related costs and other damages) to the extent such amounts resulted from (1) an acquisition of all or a portion of the equity securities or assets of Carrier, whether by merger or otherwise (and regardless of whether we participated in or otherwise facilitated the acquisition), (2) other actions or failures to act by Carrier or (3) certain of Carrier’s representations, covenants or undertakings contained in any of the separation-related agreements and documents or in any documents relating to the IRS ruling and/or the opinion of counsel being incorrect or violated. Further, under the tax matters agreement, we are generally required to indemnify UTC and Otis for a specified portion of any taxes (and any related costs and other damages) (a) arising as a result of the failure of either of the distributions and certain related transactions to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free (including as a result of Section 355(e) of the Code) or a failure of any internal separation transaction that is intended to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free to so qualify, in each case, to the extent such amounts did not result from a disqualifying action by, or acquisition of equity securities of, Carrier, Otis or UTC or (b) arising from an adjustment, pursuant to an audit or other tax proceeding, with respect to any separation transaction that is not intended to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free. Any such indemnity obligations could be material. For a more detailed discussion, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act and are required to prepare our financial statements according to the rules and regulations required by the SEC. In addition, the Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports. Our failure to prepare and disclose this information in a timely manner or to otherwise comply with applicable law could subject us to penalties under federal securities laws, expose us to lawsuits and restrict our ability to access financing. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that, among other things, we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and disclosure purposes. Internal control over financial reporting is complex and may be revised over time to adapt to changes in our business, or changes in applicable accounting rules. We cannot assure you that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in the future or that a material weakness will not be discovered with respect to a prior period for which we had previously believed that internal controls were effective. If we are not able to maintain or document effective internal control over financial reporting, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting when required. While we successfully adhered to these laws and regulations as a subsidiary of UTC, we will need to continue to demonstrate our ability to manage our compliance with these laws and regulations as an independent, public company.

Matters affecting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis, or may cause us to restate previously issued financial information, and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions or investigations by the SEC, or violations of applicable stock exchange listing rules. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in our company and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements is also likely to suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm report a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. This could have a material and adverse effect on us by, for example, leading to a decline in our share price and impairing our ability to raise additional capital.

In connection with the separation, we entered into an intellectual property agreement with UTC and Otis governing, among other things, the allocation of intellectual property rights related to our and their businesses. As a result of the separation and such allocation, we no longer have an ownership interest in certain intellectual property rights; instead, we are a non-exclusive licensee of such rights. This loss of the ownership of certain

intellectual property rights could adversely affect our ability to maintain our competitive position through the enforcement of these rights against third parties that infringe these rights. In addition, we may lose our ability to license these rights to third parties in exchange for a license to such third parties’ rights that we may need to operate our business.

The terms of the intellectual property agreement also include cross-licenses among the parties of certain intellectual property rights owned by Carrier, Otis and UTC and needed for the continuation of the operations of the Carrier Business, Otis Business and the UTC Aerospace Businesses, respectively. The licenses granted to us by UTC and Otis are nonexclusive and, accordingly, UTC and Otis could license such licensed intellectual property rights to our competitors, which could adversely affect our competitive position in the industry. Moreover, our use of the intellectual property rights licensed to us by UTC and Otis is restricted to certain fields of use related to our business. The limited nature of such licenses, and the other rights granted to Carrier pursuant to the intellectual property agreement, may not provide us with all the intellectual property rights that UTC or Otis currently holds or may in the future hold that we may need as our business changes in the future. Accordingly, if we were to expand our business to include new products and services outside of our current fields of use, we may not have the benefit of such licenses for such new products or services. As a result, it may be necessary for us to develop our technology independently of such licensed rights, which could make it more difficult, time consuming and/or expensive for us to develop and commercialize certain new products and services.

In connection with the separation (including the internal reorganization), UTC completed several corporate reorganization transactions involving its subsidiaries which, along with the distribution, may be subject to various fraudulent conveyance and transfer laws. If, under these laws, a court were to determine that, at the time of the separation, any entity involved in these reorganization transactions or the separation:

As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $12 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness. Prior to the separation, on February 10, 2020, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carrier Intercompany Lending Designated Activity Company, as borrowers, entered into a credit agreement providing for the $2 billion unsecured, unsubordinated 5-year Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2020, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Also, on February 10, 2020, the Company, as borrower, entered into the $1.75 billion unsecured 3-year Term Loan Credit Facility. Prior to the separation, the Company drew the full $1.75 billion on the Term Loan Credit Facility. The proceeds from the

Term Loan Credit Facility and the issuance of the Old Notes, other than the Old 11-Year Notes, were used to distribute approximately $10.9 billion to UTC in connection with the separation.

The Credit Facilities and the Indenture impose restrictions on the Company and certain subsidiaries, including certain restrictions customary for financings of these types that, among other things, limit the ability to incur additional liens, to make certain fundamental changes and to enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the Credit Facilities require the Company to comply with a maximum consolidated total net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio. On June 2, 2020, we entered into (i) Amendment No. 1 to the Revolving Credit Facility and (ii) Amendment No. 1 to the Term Loan Credit Facility, which amendments impose additional restrictions on the Company and certain subsidiaries. Pursuant to the amendments, the leverage ratio described above will not be tested until the test period ending on June 30, 2021 and increases the consolidated total net leverage ratio limit until December 31, 2021. Certain terms of the applicable credit facility were amended for a period beginning on the June 2, 2020 and ending on December 30, 2021 (the “Covenant Modification Period”) . The Company may terminate the Covenant Modification Period prior to December 30, 2021, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Specifically, from June 2, 2020 until the earlier of (i) June 29, 2021 and (ii) the last day of the Covenant Modification Period, Carrier will not permit Liquidity (as defined in each amendment) to be less than $2.5 billion. Additionally, during the Covenant Modification Period, Carrier is subject to (a) limitations on the incurrence of subsidiary indebtedness, (b) limitations on the making of restricted payments, including the Company’s purchases of its ordinary shares and the amount of dividends it may pay, and (c) a “most favored nations” provision related to certain terms of any committed credit facility in an amount greater than $100 million.

The ability of the Company to comply with such restrictions and covenants may be affected by events beyond its control. If the Company breaches any of these restrictions or covenants and does not obtain a waiver from the lenders or holders, as applicable, then, subject to the applicable cure periods and conditions, any outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facilities or the Indenture, as applicable, could be declared immediately due and payable. The Company may incur significantly more indebtedness in the future by drawing under the Revolving Credit Facility or otherwise.

Neither the Company nor any of the Company’s subsidiaries are restricted from incurring additional unsecured debt or other liabilities, including additional unsubordinated debt, under the Indenture. If we incur additional debt or liabilities, the Company’s ability to pay the Company’s obligations on the Exchange Notes could be adversely affected. We expect that we will from time to time incur additional debt and other liabilities. In addition, we are not restricted under the Indenture from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our securities. We declared a cash dividend of $0.08 per share on October 15 and expect to pay quarterly dividends in the future.

There are no financial covenants in the Indenture; per the immediately preceding risk factor, the Credit Facilities do contain financial covenants. Except for the covenants described in “Description of the Exchange Notes” there are no covenants or any other provisions in the Indenture which may afford you protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, including one that may or may not result in a change of control of Carrier.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event with respect to a series of Exchange Notes, unless we have exercised our right to redeem the Exchange Notes of such series by giving irrevocable notice on or prior to the 30th day after the Change of Control Triggering Event in accordance with the Indenture, each holder of the Exchange Notes of such series will have the right to require us to purchase the Exchange Notes as described under “Description of the Exchange Notes—Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control Triggering Event.” However, the Change of Control Triggering Event provisions will not afford you protection in the event of certain highly leveraged transactions that may adversely affect you. For example, any leveraged recapitalization, refinancing, restructuring or acquisition initiated by us generally will not constitute a Change of Control that would potentially lead to a Change of Control Triggering Event. As a result, we could enter into any such transaction even though the transaction could increase the total amount of our outstanding indebtedness, adversely affect our capital structure or credit rating or otherwise adversely affect the holders of the Exchange Notes. If any such transaction were to occur, the value of the Exchange Notes could decline.

As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $12 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, including the Exchange Notes, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive, regulatory factors, as well as other factors beyond our control. The cash flow from operations in the future may be insufficient to service our indebtedness because of factors beyond our control. If we are unable to generate the necessary cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.

As described under “Description of the Exchange Notes—Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control Triggering Event,” we will be required to offer to purchase all of the Exchange Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event. We may not, however, have sufficient cash at that time or have the ability to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms to purchase the Exchange Notes under such circumstances. In addition, our ability to purchase the Exchange Notes for cash may be limited by law or the terms of other agreements relating to our debt outstanding at the time. If we were unable to purchase the Exchange Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, it would result in an event of default under each series of Exchange Notes, as applicable, under the Indenture.

In general, as market interest rates rise, notes bearing interest at a fixed rate decline in value because the premium over market interest rates, if any, will decline. Consequently, if market interest rates increase, the market values of your Exchange Notes may decline. We cannot predict the future level of market interest rates.

Any ratings assigned to the Exchange Notes could be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies if, in each rating agency’s judgment, circumstances warrant. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under further review for a downgrade, could affect the market value of the Exchange Notes.

The Exchange Notes are a new issue of securities for which there currently is no established public market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation of the Exchange Notes on any automated dealer quotation system. We cannot provide you with any assurance regarding whether trading markets for the Exchange Notes will develop, the ability of holders of the Exchange Notes to sell the Exchange Notes or the prices at which holders may be able to sell the Exchange Notes. If no active trading markets develop, you may be unable to resell the Exchange Notes at their fair market value or at any price. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the Exchange Notes and the market price quoted for the Exchange Notes may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for securities and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or changes in the financial performance or prospects of companies in our industry. In addition, such market-making activities may be limited during the exchange offers or while the effectiveness of a registration statement is pending.

If trading markets for any of the Exchange Notes do develop, changes in our credit ratings or the debt markets could adversely affect the market prices of the Exchange Notes. The prices for the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors, including, among others:

The Indenture includes covenants that will, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our Wholly-Owned Domestic Manufacturing Subsidiaries to create, incur, issue or assume any indebtedness secured by any mortgage, lien, encumbrance or security interest on and enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to Principal Properties, subject to certain important qualifications and limitations. However, as of the date of this prospectus, neither the Company, nor any of the Company’s Wholly-Owned Domestic Manufacturing Subsidiaries has any property that constitutes a Principal Property under the Indenture.

The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its Wholly-Owned Domestic Manufacturing Subsidiaries to create, incur, issue or assume any indebtedness secured by any mortgage, lien, encumbrance or security interest on and enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to Principal Properties, subject to certain important qualifications and limitations. The Indenture provides that a Principal Property means any manufacturing plant or warehouse, together with the land upon which it is erected and fixtures comprising a part thereof, owned or leased by the Company or any of its Wholly-Owned Domestic Manufacturing Subsidiaries and located in the United States, the gross book value (without deduction of any reserve for depreciation) of which on the date the determination as to whether a property is a Principal Property is being made, is an amount which exceeds 1% of the consolidated net total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. Under the terms of the Indenture, our Board of Directors may determine from time to time after the issuance of the Exchange Notes that any such property is not a Principal Property, and, therefore, such property is not subject to the covenants in the Indenture.

The Exchange Notes will be obligations exclusively of the Company. Additionally, the Exchange Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries. As a result, the Exchange Notes will be structurally subordinated to existing or future preferred stock, indebtedness, guarantees and other liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries. The Indenture does not restrict us or our subsidiaries from incurring substantial additional indebtedness in the future.

As of September 30, 2020, our subsidiaries had approximately $309.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness.

Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities from the Company and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the Exchange Notes or to provide us with funds to meet the respective payment obligations on the Exchange Notes. Any payment of dividends, loans or advances by our subsidiaries could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions and will be contingent upon the subsidiaries’ earnings and business considerations. Our right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar reorganization, and therefore the rights of the holders of the Exchange Notes to participate in those assets, will be structurally subordinated to the claims of such subsidiaries’ creditors, including trade creditors, and all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of such subsidiaries.

Any credit ratings assigned or that will be assigned to the Exchange Notes are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the Exchange Notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. An explanation of the significance of such rating may be

obtained from such rating agency. There can be no assurance that such credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the applicable rating agencies, if, in such rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant.

Agency credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Each agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under further review for a downgrade, could affect the market value of the Exchange Notes and increase our corporate borrowing costs.

We may redeem some or all of the Exchange Notes at any time and from time to time. See “Description of the Exchange Notes—Optional Redemption.” Although the Exchange Notes contain provisions designed to compensate you for the lost value of such Exchange Notes if we redeem some or all of such Exchange Notes prior to maturity, such provisions only approximate this lost value and may not adequately compensate you. Furthermore, depending on prevailing interest rates at the time of any such redemption, you may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security (including with comparable ratings) at an interest rate as high as the interest rate of the Exchange Notes being redeemed or at an interest rate that would otherwise compensate you for any lost value as a result of any redemption of Exchange Notes.

If you do not exchange your Old Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offers, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your Old Notes described in the legend on your Old Notes, and we will not be required to offer another opportunity for you to exchange your Old Notes for registered notes except in limited circumstances. The restrictions on transfer of your Old Notes arise because Carrier issued the Old Notes under exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, you may offer or sell the Old Notes only if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or offered and sold under an exemption from these requirements. We do not intend to register the Old Notes under the Securities Act. We may in the future seek to acquire untendered Old Notes in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any Old Notes that are not tendered in the exchange offers or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered Old Notes. To the extent Old Notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offers, the trading market, if any, for the remaining Old Notes would likely be adversely affected. See “Terms of the Exchange Offers—Consequences of Failure to Exchange” for a discussion of the possible consequences of failing to exchange your Old Notes.

Because we anticipate that most holders of Old Notes will elect to exchange their Old Notes, we expect that the liquidity of the market for any Old Notes remaining after the completion of the exchange offers will be substantially limited. Any Old Notes tendered and exchanged in the exchange offers will reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes of the applicable series outstanding. Following the exchange offers, if you do not tender your Old Notes you generally will not have any further registration rights, and your Old Notes will continue to be subject to certain transfer restrictions. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for the Old Notes could be adversely affected.

Any broker-dealer that exchanges its Old Notes in the exchange offers for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes, or resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own account in the exchange offers, may be deemed to have received restricted securities and may be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction by that broker-dealer. Any profit on the resale of the Exchange Notes and any commission or concessions received by a broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.

In addition to broker-dealers, any noteholder that exchanges its Old Notes in the exchange offers for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may be deemed to have received restricted securities and may be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction by that noteholder.

Delivery of Exchange Notes in exchange for Old Notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offers will be made only if such tenders comply with the exchange offer procedures described herein, including the timely receipt by the exchange agent of book-entry transfer of Old Notes into such exchange agent’s account at DTC, as depositary, including an agent’s message. We are not required to notify you of defects or irregularities in tenders of Old Notes for exchange. The method of delivery of Old Notes and the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the election and risk of the holders of the Old Notes.

Each of the exchange offers is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. See “Terms of the Exchange Offers—Conditions to the Exchange Offers.” Even if the exchange offers are completed, they may not be completed on the schedule described in this prospectus. Accordingly, holders participating in the exchange offers may have to wait longer than expected to receive their Exchange Notes, during which time such holders will not be able to effect transfers of their Old Notes tendered in the exchange offers. Until we announce whether we have accepted valid tenders of Old Notes for exchange pursuant to one of the exchange offers, no assurance can be given that such exchange offer will be completed. In addition, subject to applicable law and as provided in this prospectus, we may, in our sole discretion, extend, re-open, amend, waive any condition of or terminate any of the exchange offers at any time before our announcement of whether we will accept valid tenders of Old Notes for exchange pursuant to such exchange offer, which we expect to make as soon as reasonably practicable after the expiration date.

Carrier will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange Notes. In consideration for issuing the Exchange Notes as contemplated in this prospectus, Carrier will receive Old Notes in like principal amount. The Old Notes surrendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes will be retired and cancelled, and, as such, the issuance of the Exchange Notes will not result in any increase in Carrier’s indebtedness.

The following selected historical combined financial data reflect the combined operations of Carrier. The historical combined statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and the related historical combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been derived from Carrier’s audited combined financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus. The historical combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 was derived from our historical audited combined balance sheet not included in this prospectus. The selected unaudited historical combined financial data as of, and for each of, the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was derived from our underlying financial records, which were derived from the financial records of UTC. The selected unaudited historical combined financial data for each of the three months ending March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, September 30, 2019, December 31, 2019, and March 31, 2020 was derived from our underlying financial records, which were derived from the financial records of UTC. The selected unaudited historical consolidated financial data for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020 was derived from the reported results of Carrier as an independent company. In management’s opinion, the unaudited combined financial data has been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited combined financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of ordinary recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the selected historical combined financial data for the periods presented.

Our audited historical combined financial statements include certain expenses of UTC that were allocated to us for certain functions, including general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, insurance, compliance, employee benefits and incentives, information technology and human resources services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis with UTC and Otis of net sales, headcount or other measures when applicable. We believe the basis on which the expenses have been allocated are a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. Nevertheless, such allocations may not represent the actual expenses that we may have incurred if Carrier had been an independent public company during the periods or at the dates presented. As such, the combined financial statements do not necessarily reflect what our financial condition and results of operations would have been had Carrier operated as an independent public company during the periods or at the dates presented.

The selected historical combined financial data below are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial condition that may be expected for any future period or date. This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the combined financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus.

This registration statement does not include selected quarterly financial data for fiscal year 2018. The Company has determined that there were no material transactions or material trends that would be reflected in selected quarterly financial data for fiscal year 2018 that are not reflected in our annual financial data for fiscal year 2018, which is included in this registration statement. In making this determination, the Company considered, among other things, that during fiscal year 2018, seasonality related to our residential HVAC business was consistent year-over-year and the Company recorded a $799 million pre-tax gain on the divestiture of the Taylor business in the quarter ended June 30, 2018, which transaction is disclosed in our 2018 annual financial statements.

Effective as of 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on April 3, 2020, UTC completed the separation of Carrier through the distribution of all of Carrier’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock to UTC shareowners as of the close of business on March 19, 2020.

In conjunction with the separation and the distribution, UTC, Carrier and Otis entered into the separation and distribution agreement, tax matters agreement and other agreements (together, the “separation agreements”). Through the separation agreements, Carrier recognized certain assets and liabilities that may be due from or to UTC subsequent to the separation and the distribution.

The separation and the distribution and the assets and liabilities resulting from the separation agreements, described above, are collectively referred to as the “Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions” in this section.

While the historical statements of operations reflect the past financial results of Carrier, this unaudited pro forma information gives effect to the separation of that business into an independent, publicly traded company. The pro forma adjustments to reflect the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions include:

The unaudited pro forma statements of operations were prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and include certain adjustments to give effect to events that are (1) directly attributable to the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the consolidated results of the operations of Carrier.

The unaudited pro forma statements of operations have been prepared as though the separation and the distribution occurred on January 1, 2019. As of September 30, 2020, the impact of the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions is reflected in our financial position, and accordingly, a pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 is not presented. The unaudited pro forma statements of operations are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect what our results of operations would have been had the separation and the distribution occurred on the date indicated and are not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations. One-time transaction-related costs incurred prior to, or concurrent with, the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions are not included in the unaudited pro forma statements of operations. Carrier has and will continue to incur certain nonrecurring third-party costs related to the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions. Such nonrecurring amounts include financial advisory, information technology, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional advisory fees and other transaction-related costs that will not be capitalized. The unaudited pro forma statements of operations do not reflect these nonrecurring expenses.

The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes in the “Index to Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma financial information constitutes forward-looking information and is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma statements of operations are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the actual results that would have been achieved by Carrier if the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions had been consummated for the periods presented or that will be achieved in the future.

In addition, for the periods presented in the Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations, the operations of Carrier were conducted and accounted for as part of UTC until the separation and the distribution on April 3, 2020 and as a stand-alone public company after the separation and the distribution. Prior to the separation and the distribution, the historical statements of operations and Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations of Carrier have been derived from UTC’s historical accounting records and reflect certain allocations of expenses for the periods prior to the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions. All of the allocations and estimates in such financial statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable. For the periods subsequent to the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions, the results reflect the operations of Carrier as a stand-alone public company. The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations of Carrier do not necessarily represent the results of operations of Carrier had it been operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented.

Incremental recurring costs of being a stand-alone public company, other than those incurred in the periods presented, are not reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as they are a projection and are not factually supportable. Our preliminary estimates of these additional recurring costs expected to be incurred annually are approximately $75 million to $95 million greater than the expenses historically allocated to us from UTC, and primarily relate to general and administrative expenses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we have incurred non-recurring costs associated with becoming a stand-alone public company of approximately $92 million. We currently estimate that we will incur total one-time expenses before tax of between $120 million and $140 million associated with becoming a stand-alone public company. The accompanying Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations are adjusted for these expenses as they are not expected to have a continuing impact on the operating results following the consummation of the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions.

These expenses primarily relate to the following:

(A) Reflects the removal of approximately $92 million and approximately $58 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, of one-time separation costs directly related to the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions that were incurred during the historical periods and are not expected to have a continuing impact on the operating results now that the distribution has occurred.

(B) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the adjustment represents (1) the removal of non-recurring tax expenses of $51 million related to a valuation allowance recorded against a tax loss and credit carryforward as a result of separation-related activities and (2) the income tax impact of $10 million related to the pro forma adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily calculated by applying the statutory tax rates in the respective jurisdictions to each of the pre-tax pro forma adjustments. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the $62 million adjustment represents the income tax impact of the pro forma adjustments for that period, primarily calculated by applying the statutory tax rates in the respective jurisdictions to each of the pre-tax pro forma adjustments.

(C) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pro forma basic earnings per share and pro forma weighted-average basic shares outstanding reflect the number of shares of Carrier common stock upon completion of the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions and the activity in outstanding shares post the Separation, Distribution, and Related Transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2019, pro forma basic earnings per share and pro forma weighted-average basic shares outstanding reflect the number of shares of Carrier’s common stock outstanding at the distribution date.

(D) Pro forma diluted earnings per share and pro forma weighted-average diluted shares outstanding reflect the number of shares of Carrier common stock upon completion of the Separation, Distribution and Related Transactions and reflect the issuance of shares of our common stock under our equity plans. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the pro forma weighted-average diluted shares have been presented as if they have been outstanding from January 1, 2019.

(E) On February 27, 2020, we issued $9.25 billion of unsubordinated, unsecured Old Notes, which consisted of Old Notes other than the Old 11-Year Notes, and on March 27, 2020 we drew $1.75 billion on our unsecured, unsubordinated Term Loan Credit Facility. The adjustment of $51 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 represents estimated interest expense and amortization of issuance costs related to the Old Notes (other than the Old 11-Year Notes) for the period from January 1, 2020 through February 26, 2020 and for the Term Loan Credit Facility from January 1, 2020 through March 26, 2020. From the dates of issuance through September 30, 2020, interest expense related to the Old Notes and Term Loan Credit Facility is included in our historical results. The adjustment of $336 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 represents approximately $330 million of interest expense based on an assumed weighted-average interest rate of approximately 3.00 percent and approximately $6 million of amortization of issuance costs in connection with the incurrence of debt. A 1/8 percent variance in the assumed interest rate on the floating rate indebtedness would change annual interest expense by $2 million.

(F) Reflects depreciation expense of $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to fixed assets that were not part of our historical operations and were contributed by UTC to us prior to the separation.

(G) The adjustment of $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 represents the elimination of net related party interest income, principally related to legacy related party cash pooling activity.

(H) Primarily reflects the removal of Non-service pension benefit historically allocated to us for a UTC-sponsored defined-benefit pension plan. No portion of this plan transferred to us upon the separation and our employees no longer accrue additional benefits. The remaining Non-service pension benefit relates to pension plans retained by Carrier.

Carrier is a leading global provider of HVAC, refrigeration and fire and security solutions. Our innovative solutions promote smarter, safer and more sustainable buildings and infrastructure, and help to effectively preserve the freshness, quality and safety of perishables across a wide variety of industries. Our comprehensive range of products and services, reputation for quality and innovation, and our industry-leading brands make us a trusted provider for our customers’ critical applications in the construction, transportation, security, food retail, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Our company is built on a legacy of innovation, beginning with its founders—Willis Carrier, who designed the world’s first modern air conditioning system; Robert Edwards, who patented the first electric alarm bell; and Walter Kidde, who produced the first integrated smoke detection and carbon dioxide extinguishing system for use onboard ships. This culture of innovation supports our core strategy of developing smart, sustainable and efficient solutions to meet the complex challenges resulting from the mega-trends of urbanization, climate change and increasing requirements for food safety driven by the needs of our growing global population, rising standards of living and increasing energy and environmental regulation. The iconic Carrier brand, with its reputation for innovation and quality, is complemented by our other strong brands, including Automated Logic, Carrier Transicold, Edwards, GST, Kidde, LenelS2 and Marioff.

We believe that growth in our businesses is supported by favorable secular trends, including the mega-trends discussed above, which underpin growth across our HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security businesses. We also believe that we are well positioned to benefit from these long-term trends as a result of the strength of our industry-leading brands and track record of innovation.

We have an extensive global footprint with approximately 55,000 employees, including approximately 3,900 engineers, and our solutions are sold in 155 countries. We sell our products and services directly to end customers and indirectly through distributors, independent sales representatives, wholesalers, dealers, channel partners and retail outlets.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, our net sales were approximately $18.6 billion, and our operating profit was approximately $2.5 billion. Our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019 were derived from the Americas (55 percent), Europe-Middle East (30 percent) and Asia-Pacific (15 percent). Our international operations, including U.S. export sales, represented approximately 52 percent of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019. During the same period, new equipment and service and aftermarket contributed 72 percent and 28 percent, respectively, of our net sales excluding inter-segment eliminations.

We believe that Carrier is differentiated by our industry-leading portfolio of iconic brands, comprehensive product and service offerings and reputation for innovation and quality, which make us a trusted provider to our customers across a wide range of growing markets and channels for commercial and residential building, industrial and smart cold chain applications. Our competitive strengths include:

Portfolio of iconic brands and leading segment positions. Our iconic and enduring brands are among the most recognized in their respective industries. Individually, many of our brands are leaders within their respective segments and we believe that, collectively, they represent a uniquely positioned portfolio of trusted assets that, together with our ability to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art solutions, make us a supplier and business partner of choice.

Extensive and diversified portfolio of solutions, industries and customers. We have a comprehensive and diverse set of products and services in many industries. While many of our products and brands are leaders in their respective industries, our business model is not dependent on any single product, brand, industry or customer. Our products solve different problems for a diverse set of customers in a range of applications and locations, while benefiting from our fundamental operational strategies and focus on innovation. The diversity of our product and service offerings better qualifies us to be a supplier of choice for a comprehensive range of solutions, while mitigating potential short-term headwinds in particular locations, applications or industries.

Global scale and presence in developing and growth markets. We believe that our global scale and comprehensive offering of products and services provide us with advantages over other providers with respect to design, manufacturing, sourcing, sales and marketing. Our understanding of local conditions, regulations and customer needs helps position us to focus on attractive verticals and geographies and respond more rapidly to changing regulatory requirements. This knowledge also enables us to take learnings, technologies and products developed for one region or customer and apply them to others, driving further growth and creating value for our stakeholders. Many of the geographical, product or service markets in which we currently operate, including China, India, Vietnam and other developing countries in Southeast Asia, are experiencing long-term sustained growth. These countries have high growth potential due to increasing demand for our products and services from currently low penetration rates, rising living standards and consumption, and increasing regulatory emphasis on safety, energy efficiency and the environment. Our global scale, presence and extensive distribution network create opportunities for targeted geographic expansion of our product and service offerings, allow us to serve a diversified customer base and provide exposure to short- and long-cycle end markets.

Strong, long-term distribution relationships. We have long-term relationships with an extensive network of channel partners that uniquely position us to meet customers’ demands across the industries and geographies we serve. In many instances, these relationships have been forged over decades of selling HVAC, refrigeration, fire and security products to provide tailored solutions for a variety of customers and applications. We also have a number of joint venture arrangements and strategic relationships with our channel partners that align our respective incentives and facilitate our collective ability to win new business. We believe that we share a trust, relationship and mutual respect with our channel partners that is unmatched in our industry. These deep relationships are the product of decades of effort, extensive personal connections and a long history of dedicated performance and satisfied expectations. The strength of our relationships with our channel partners, our channel partners’ relationships with end users and the breadth of our distribution network, provide us with an important competitive advantage and help make Carrier a provider of choice even when we do not sell directly to the end user.

Proven track record of innovation with focus on world mega-trends. We have a strong history of innovation across all of our segments and our current priorities include solutions to address the challenges presented by the mega-trends of urbanization, climate change and the food needs of our growing global population. Since 2014, we have grown our engineering team globally by approximately 30 percent to approximately 3,900 engineers. We hold approximately 7,000 active patents and/or pending patent applications worldwide to protect our R&D investments in new products and services. In the last two years, we introduced over 200 new products. Our recent innovations include a suite of digital HVAC solutions that improve on-demand customer engagement, as well as visibility into system performance and remote management; combining carbon dioxide as a natural refrigerant with energy-efficient technology to reduce the carbon footprint of marine container refrigeration applications; and the first multi-criteria smoke detector to receive the UL 268 (7^th edition) Standard for Safety of Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarm Systems certification. Innovation in our

product portfolio is a strong driver of continued growth as customers increasingly value energy efficiency, sustainability and digitally-connected building systems. These factors are an important aspect of customers’ buying decisions and serve as key differentiators for Carrier.

Sizable service and aftermarket business drives growth. By virtue of our global scale and market tenure, we have one of the largest installed bases in many of the industries we serve, which enables us to drive recurring revenue streams from the sale of repair and maintenance services, parts, components, and end of lifecycle product replacements that are required for installed products. Our sales of other value added recurring and non-recurring services provide additional revenue streams over and above sales derived from our equipment business. In 2019, approximately 28 percent of our net sales were generated by service and aftermarket.

Attractive financial profile underpinned by strong margins and operating cash flow. We benefit from attractive margins and a track record of strong cash flow generation. In 2018 and 2019, our operating margins have consistently been over 13 percent, a level maintained through the reputational strength of our brands and our culture of operational efficiency. We also benefit from the low capital intensity of our businesses, which has contributed to our track record of generating strong operating cash flow. Over the past two years, our capital expenditures averaged approximately 1.3 percent of net sales and we generated a cumulative $4.1 billion of operating cash flow.

Experienced management team and skilled workforce. Our strategy is driven by an experienced global leadership team and implemented by skilled operating teams with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide, including approximately 3,900 engineers. Our global workforce, of which approximately 80 percent is located outside the United States, reflects our deep regional knowledge and enables us to maintain close relationships with our customers. Our leadership team includes executives who have deep industry expertise, as well as executives who have extensive experience driving growth and operational excellence across different businesses. This combination of collective industry experience and strong leadership supports our ability to successfully implement our business strategies.

We intend to continue to grow by serving our diverse industries, geographies and customer bases with a broad range of solutions to address the complex challenges resulting from global mega-trends and by innovating ahead of regulatory requirements. Our key strategies include both a sustained focus on growth opportunities as well as a commitment to establishing a best-in-class cost structure as a stand-alone company, encompassing the following elements:

Drive organic growth in existing served markets through technology and innovation. We plan to maintain our proven track record of innovation by leveraging our culture dedicated to designing smarter, more connected and more sustainable environments; our industry-leading brands; and our long-term relationships with channel partners and customers to provide solutions tailored for growing verticals and applications in the markets we serve. For example, in HVAC, through enhanced engagement with enterprise account owners and operators in key vertical segments, we are utilizing our broad building system offerings to provide innovative, intelligent building solutions to address our customers’ needs for energy efficiency, safety, security and an improved occupant experience. Our R&D efforts are focused on growing our products and services across our segments—we continue to invest in innovation and intend to continue to work closely with our distribution partners to offer best-in-class products and solutions that anticipate customer needs related to refrigerants, efficiency, emissions, noise levels and safety. As customer demands for more sustainable and connected equipment continue to evolve, our ability to innovate and provide cutting-edge products and technologies is key to our continued success and ability to grow our businesses. Our innovation efforts are supported by R&D investments, which were approximately 2.2 percent of net sales in 2019.

Invest for growth in attractive geographies. We believe that we are well positioned to expand our product, service and aftermarket offerings in a number of attractive geographies that have significant potential for substantial growth. Long-term growth opportunities in these geographies are supported by durable global mega-trends. We plan to leverage the scale of our global operations, the strength of our iconic brands and our proven track record in creating valuable partnerships to focus on targeted expansion into new locations and channels where we believe that we can drive profitable growth. We also continue to strengthen our long-term

relationships with channel partners to ensure global market coverage and a superior level of customer service. We believe our understanding of local conditions, regulations and customer needs helps position us to focus on attractive geographies and to move more quickly to meet rapidly changing regulatory requirements.

Expand in higher value-added services and aftermarket. Products make up the majority of our sales today. Our product sales, including installations, are more than two-thirds of total sales and will continue to be the foundation of the business going forward. However, as service and aftermarket offerings evolve in the industry to include more highly sophisticated digital and “as-a-service” models enabled by data and analytics, we will pursue targeted opportunities for growth, leveraging our smart, connected products and our broad technological expertise across building systems. In addition, we plan to utilize digital technologies to enhance our internal operations and enable seamless transactions with customers across the customer experience and equipment lifecycles (for example, by providing customers visibility from order through delivery).

Strategically optimize product, technology and geographic portfolio to enhance growth. We intend to seek opportunities to optimize our portfolio of products and services to allocate resources toward profitable growth, and to selectively pursue strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures that will enhance our core business, complement our existing array of brands, products and services, and leverage our global scale and scope.

Focus on cost-effective performance. As a stand-alone public company, we plan to continue to foster operational, financial and commercial excellence, to drive sales and earnings growth while maintaining an attractive cost structure, through Carrier’s longstanding way of doing business. With roots in our legacy manufacturing and business process excellence, the Carrier operating system is based on lean principles and a highly competitive cost structure that leverages low-cost manufacturing and R&D resources to drive end-to-end supply chain excellence. In connection with our focus on cost-effective performance, we launched a strategic cost reduction initiative in 2019 with the goal of reducing cumulative supply chain, factory and general administrative costs by up to $600 million in the aggregate by the end of 2022.

Under a broad portfolio of iconic brands, we provide a wide range of products and solutions, including cooling, heating, ventilating and building automation systems; refrigeration; fire, flame, gas, smoke and carbon monoxide detection; portable fire extinguishers; fire suppression systems; intruder alarms; access control systems and video management systems; and electronic controls. Our broad range of products is complemented by a spectrum of related services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance and monitoring services.

Our HVAC segment provides products, controls, services and solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of residential and commercial customers, while enhancing building performance, energy efficiency and sustainability. Through an industry-leading family of brands, including Automated Logic, Bryant, Carrier, CIAT, Day & Night, Heil, NORESCO and Riello, we offer an innovative and complete product portfolio, including air conditioners, heating systems, controls and aftermarket components, as well as repair and maintenance services and building automation solutions. Our broad product portfolio offers numerous solutions for our residential and commercial customers.

We have a leadership position serving residential customers in North America, supported by a large, installed base and new construction demand in both single-family and multi-family housing. We take a full system approach to commercial building solutions, from modeling a building’s HVAC needs to delivering innovative equipment and easy-to-use controls. We also leverage our commercial HVAC equipment sales to offer a portfolio of services to support the efficient, safe and predictable operation of our equipment.

As proven innovators in HVAC, our solutions are found in some of the most advanced, sustainable, and prestigious buildings around the world. Our HVAC products and solutions are sold directly, including to building contractors and owners, and indirectly through joint ventures, independent sales representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers and retail outlets, as well as through direct sales offices, which sell, in part, to mechanical contractors.

Our HVAC segment had net sales excluding inter-segment eliminations of $9.7 billion in 2019, and, as of December 31, 2019, remaining performance obligations (“RPO”), or the aggregate amount of total contract transaction price that is unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied, of approximately $2.7 billion.

Our Refrigeration segment is comprised of transport refrigeration and commercial refrigeration products and solutions. Our transport refrigeration products and solutions include refrigeration and monitoring systems for trucks, trailers, shipping containers, intermodal and rail. Our transport refrigeration products and cold chain monitoring solutions enable the safe, reliable transport of food and beverages, medical supplies and other perishable cargo. Our commercial refrigeration equipment solutions incorporate next-generation technologies to preserve freshness, ensure safety and enhance the appearance of retail food and beverage.

We sell our refrigeration products and solutions directly, including to transportation companies and retail stores, and indirectly through joint ventures, independent sales representatives, distributors, wholesalers and dealers. Our refrigeration products and solutions are sold under established brand names, including Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold and Sensitech. Carrier Transicold is an established industry leader providing customers around the world with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive truck units, trailer refrigeration systems and marine container refrigeration. Under the Carrier and other brand names, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of next-generation commercial refrigeration products, including refrigerated cabinets, freezers, systems and controls, all of which help maximize merchandising opportunities while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration sells products and services to customers in a wide range of food retail formats concentrated primarily in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Sensitech offers leading solutions and services for supply chain visibility addressing quality and compliance, security and logistics performance management. Sensitech’s innovative monitoring products and services help to maintain the quality, integrity and security of our customers’ valuable products at every step in their journey around the world.

Our Refrigeration segment had net sales excluding inter-segment eliminations of $3.8 billion in 2019 and, as of December 31, 2019, RPO of approximately $836 million.

We offer a broad array of fire and security products to meet the needs of our customers. Our fire and security products and solutions encompass a wide range of residential and building systems, including fire, flame, gas, smoke and carbon monoxide detection; portable fire extinguishers; fire suppression systems; intruder alarms; access control systems and video management systems; and electronic controls.

Our fire detection and suppression technologies protect a variety of premises, including homes, commercial buildings and industrial sites, and are sold under our trusted brands, including Autronica, Det-Tronics, Edwards, Fireye, GST, Kidde and Marioff. Our security products are sold under top-tier brands, including Interlogix, LenelS2, Onity and Supra. Our security solutions range from advanced physical security solutions, including access control, video surveillance, key management systems, electronic locks and mobile credentialing for a range of commercial applications, including corporate, healthcare, government, hospitality, education, real estate, property management, industrial and automotive, to intrusion monitoring and life-safety solutions for the residential market. Our technology includes web-based and mobile applications enhanced by cloud-based services.

Our fire and security service offerings include audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance and monitoring services. These solutions, primarily sold under our Chubb brand, complement our fire and security products. Chubb has a network of skilled technicians and 24/7 monitoring centers providing continuous support for customers in a number of countries across the world.

We sell our fire and security products and solutions directly to end customers, including governments, financial institutions, architects, building owners and developers, security and fire consultants and homeowners, as well as through manufacturers’ representatives, distributors, dealers, value-added resellers and retailers. Key purchasing factors considered by our fire and security customers include route to market, quality, innovation, brand loyalty, price and performance.

Our Fire & Security segment had net sales excluding inter-segment eliminations of approximately $5.5 billion in 2019 and, as of December 31, 2019, RPO of approximately $1.2 billion.

As a global business, our operations can be affected by a variety of economic, industry and other factors, including those described in this section and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”

Carrier is subject to significant competition from a large number of companies in the United States and other countries, and each competes on the basis of price, delivery schedule, product performance and service. The geographies in which we sell our products, solutions and services in the HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security segments tend to have a large number of local companies. We believe that Carrier is one of the leading equipment manufacturers in each of its addressable segments and that our portfolio of strong brands, together with our ability to provide comprehensive solutions in state-of-the-art building, refrigeration and industrial systems and services, make us a supplier and business partner of choice.

Competition in HVAC equipment includes many international, regional and local companies, the largest of which include Daikin Industries, Ltd., Gree Electric, Ingersoll-Rand PLC, Johnson Controls International PLC, Lennox International, Midea Group and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, among others. Contracts are typically awarded or negotiated on the basis of price, product availability, delivery schedule, product performance, product line breadth, brand reputation, design, technical expertise and service. We focus on technical innovation to produce sustainable solutions, which provide our customers with higher efficiency and lower operating costs. We believe that our ability to innovate in anticipation of regulatory requirements is a key advantage in HVAC equipment, and we leverage, both directly and through our local distributors and joint ventures, our knowledge and expertise in our own equipment and controls to sell our portfolio of services to customers. We regularly offer incentives and training, such as credits/discounts for offering promotional pricing and contract terms on our products, to our distribution partners to purchase and sell our products to ensure an adequate supply of our products.

Competition in refrigeration includes multinational companies, including Ingersoll-Rand PLC, Daikin Industries, Ltd. and Panasonic Corporation, as well as numerous regional and local companies. Sales depend heavily on product performance, efficiency and reliability, as well as service and support. We believe that our track record of technical innovation in producing environmentally sustainable solutions for precision temperature

and humidity control, as well as our global parts and service support footprint, differentiate us from the competition. The transport refrigeration business can be affected by truck production cycles in North America and Europe, which result from a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, replacement cycles, age of fleet and pre-buys.

Competition in fire and security products, solutions and services includes several large multinational companies, including Assa Abloy AB, Bosch Group, Zhejiang Dahua, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital, Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International PLC and Siemens AG, among others. We believe that our trusted brands (including Autronica, Chubb, Det-Tronics, Edwards, Fireye, GST, Interlogix, Kidde, LenelS2, Marioff, Onity and Supra), our understanding of our customers’ fire and security needs, our reputation for technical innovation and the reliable performance of our products and solutions are key competitive advantages.

We conduct our business through subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. Changes in legislation or government policies, including the ongoing changes in regulations, including with respect to climate change concerns, can affect our worldwide operations. In particular, our business may be affected by changes in governmental regulation of refrigerants and energy efficiency standards, noise regulation and product and fire safety regulations, including changes related to hydro fluorocarbons/emissions reductions efforts in the United States and Canada, energy conservation standards in the United States, the regulation of fluorinated gases in the European Union (“EU”), the EU’s Ecodesign implementation regulations and chemical regulations, the EU’s regulations on hazardous substances, electric and electronic equipment waste, and by other regulations promulgated by the European Committee for Standardization. Additionally, the increased fragmentation of regulatory requirements may increase our costs by requiring the development of country-specific variants, the monitoring and compliance of additional regulations as well as additional testing and certifications. The laws and regulations applicable to our products and services change regularly, and certain regulatory changes may render our products and technologies noncompliant. We do not anticipate that changes in laws and regulations applicable to our products will have a material adverse effect upon our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.

Our operations are also subject to and affected by environmental regulations promulgated by federal, state and local authorities in the United States and by authorities with jurisdiction over our foreign operations. Most U.S. laws governing environmental matters include criminal penalties. We have incurred and will likely continue to incur liabilities under various statutes for the cleanup of pollutants previously released into the environment. We do not anticipate that compliance with current provisions relating to the protection of the environment or that any payments we may be required to make for cleanup liabilities will have a material adverse effect upon our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations. Environmental matters are further addressed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 3 and 19 to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus.

Certain of our fire and security products are subject to certification by governmental agencies and regulatory bodies in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, including, among others, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, Health Canada, Transport Canada and the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor in Mexico. In addition, certain fire and safety products may be impacted by recent legislative and regulatory changes, such as the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 and the changing landscape related to tariffs and trade regulations.

U.S. laws, regulations, orders and other measures concerning the export or re-export of products, software, services and technology to, and other trade-related activities involving, non-U.S. countries and parties affect the operations of Carrier and its affiliates.

For further discussion of risks related to environmental matters and other government regulations, see “Risk Factors,” “—Legal Proceedings” and Note 20 – Contingent Liabilities to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus.

We maintain levels of inventory consistent with industry practices. These levels are impacted from time to time by seasonality and fluctuations in demand, and vary across and within segments. Additional requirements are usually met with procurement from suppliers and vendors.

RPO consists of the aggregate amount of total contract transaction price that is unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied. As of December 31, 2019, our total RPO for the HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security segments is approximately $2.7 billion, $836 million and $1.2 billion, respectively. Of these totals, we expect approximately 57 percent, 74 percent and 72 percent, respectively, will be recognized as sales over the following 12 months.

We maintain a broad portfolio of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licenses and franchises related to our business. We hold approximately 7,000 active patents and/or pending patent applications worldwide to protect our R&D investments in new products and services. From time to time, we take actions to protect our business by asserting our intellectual property rights against third-party infringers. We believe we have taken reasonable measures to build this portfolio of intellectual property rights, but we cannot be assured that none of these intellectual property rights may be challenged, found invalid or unenforceable. See the “Risk Factors” section for further discussion of intellectual property matters.

We believe that we have adequate sources for materials, components, services and supplies used in our manufacturing. We work continuously with our supply base to ensure an adequate source of supply and to reduce costs. We pursue cost reductions through a number of mechanisms, including consolidating purchases, reducing the number of suppliers, global sourcing, design changes and competitive bidding. In some instances, we depend upon a single source of supply or participate in commodity markets, including rare-earth metals, that may be subject to allocations of limited supplies. We believe that our supply management practices are based on an appropriate balancing of the foreseeable risks and the costs of alternative practices. Although at times high prices for some raw materials important to our business (for example, steel, copper and aluminum) have caused margin and cost pressures, we do not foresee near term unavailability of materials, components or supplies that would have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Additionally, because we have a number of factories and suppliers in foreign countries, the imposition of tariffs or sanctions, or unusually restrictive border-crossing rules, could adversely affect our supply chain. For further discussion of the possible effects of the cost and availability of raw materials on our business, see the “Risk Factors” section.

At December 31, 2019, we had approximately 55,000 employees, of which approximately 80 percent are based outside the United States. During 2019, we negotiated or concluded five domestic collective bargaining agreements. In 2020, two domestic collective bargaining agreements are subject to renegotiation, the largest of which covers certain workers at our Indianapolis, Indiana facility. Although some previous contract renegotiations have had a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations in prior years, we do not anticipate that the renegotiation of these contracts in 2020 will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, cash flows, financial condition or results of operations. At December 31, 2019, approximately 30 percent of our employees in the United States were covered by collective bargaining agreements. Employees in certain foreign jurisdictions are represented by local works councils as may be customary or required in those jurisdictions. Our business may be adversely affected by work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with our labor force. For discussion of the effects of our restructuring actions on employment, see “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 15 – Restructuring Costs to the Combined Financial Statements included in the “Index to Financial Statements” section of this prospectus.

We operate approximately 1,200 sites, which comprise approximately 35 million square feet of productive space. Of these, our large footprint facilities and key manufacturing sites comprise approximately 24 million

square feet of productive space. Approximately 60 percent, 15 percent and 21 percent of these significant properties are associated with our HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security segments, respectively, with approximately 4 percent not associated with a particular segment. Approximately 32 percent of these significant properties are leased and the remainder are owned. Approximately 30 percent of these significant properties are located in the United States.

Our fixed assets as of December 31, 2019 include manufacturing facilities and non-manufacturing facilities, such as warehouses, and a substantial quantity of machinery and equipment, most of which is general purpose machinery and equipment that use special jigs, tools and fixtures and that, in many instances, have automatic control features and special adaptations. The facilities, warehouses, machinery and equipment in use as of December 31, 2019 are in good operating condition, are well-maintained and substantially all are generally in regular use.

Our joint venture arrangements and strategic relationships are an important part of our business. We hold interests in approximately 60 such entities, which are either consolidated within our combined financial statements, accounted for by the equity method of accounting or the cost basis of accounting. While all three of our segments participate in joint ventures and strategic relationships, the majority of such interests are in our HVAC business. Our joint ventures and strategic relationships engage in various activities including distribution, manufacturing and product development. We consider our relationships with these joint ventures and strategic relationships to be integral to our business operations. We sell products to and purchase products from many of these related parties. See Note 16 – Equity Method Investments to the Combined Financial Statements for additional information.

Demand for certain of our products and services is seasonal and can be impacted by weather. For instance, sales and services of our HVAC products to residential customers have historically been higher in the second and third quarters of the calendar year, which represents the peak seasons of spring and summer for sales and services related to air conditioning in North America. For further discussion of the possible effects of seasonality on our business, see the “Risk Factors” section.

Like many other industrial companies, we and our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos that was integrated into certain of our historical products or business premises. While we have never manufactured asbestos and no longer incorporate it in any of our products, certain of our historical products, like those of many other manufacturers, contained components incorporating asbestos. A substantial majority of these asbestos-related claims have been dismissed without payment or were covered in full or in part by insurance or other forms of indemnity. Additional cases were litigated and settled without any insurance reimbursement. The amounts involved in asbestos-related claims were not material individually or in the aggregate in any year.

As of September 30, 2020, the estimated range of liability to resolve all pending and unasserted potential future asbestos claims through 2059 is approximately $250 million to $290 million. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely, the minimum is accrued. We have recorded the minimum amount of $250 million, which is principally recorded in Other long-term liabilities on our Unaudited Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2020. In addition, we have an insurance recovery receivable for probable asbestos-related recoveries of approximately $104 million, which is included primarily in Other assets on our Unaudited Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2020.

The amounts we have recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance recoveries are based on currently available information and assumptions that we believe are reasonable and are made with input from outside actuarial experts. Our actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be higher or lower than those recorded if actual results vary significantly from the assumptions. Key variables in these assumptions include the number and type of new claims to be filed each year, the outcomes or resolution of such claims, the average cost

of resolution of each new claim, the amount of insurance available, allocation methodologies, the contractual terms with each insurer with whom we have reached settlements, the resolution of coverage issues with other excess insurance carriers with whom we have not yet achieved settlements and the solvency risk with respect to co-defendants and our insurance carriers. Other factors that may affect our future liability include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, legal rulings that may be made by state and federal courts and the passage of state or federal legislation. At the end of each quarter, we will evaluate all of these factors and, with input from an outside actuarial expert, make any necessary adjustments to both our estimated asbestos liabilities and insurance recoveries.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (“AFFF”) is a firefighting foam developed in the 1970s pursuant to U.S. military specification and used to extinguish certain types of fires primarily at airports and military bases. AFFF was manufactured by several companies, including National Foam and Angus Fire, which had a very small share of the AFFF market both in the United States and worldwide. UTC acquired the National Foam and Angus Fire businesses in 2005 as part of the acquisition of Kidde, which has been operated by Carrier. In 2013, UTC divested the National Foam and Angus Fire businesses to a third party.

Carrier and many other parties, including the third party buyer of the National Foam and Angus Fire businesses, have been named as defendants in numerous putative class actions and other lawsuits alleging that the historic use of AFFF caused personal injuries and property damage. Additionally, several state and municipal plaintiffs have commenced litigation against the same defendants to recover remediation costs related to historic use of AFFF. In December 2018, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred and consolidated all of the AFFF cases pending in the federal courts to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina for pre-trial proceedings.

Plaintiffs allege that an ingredient in AFFF contains, or breaks down into, chemicals known as perflourooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) and perflourooctane acid (“PFOA”) that were released into the environment and, in some instances, ultimately into drinking water supplies. National Fire and Angus Fire purchased these perflourinated chemical ingredients from third party chemical manufacturers. PFOS and PFOA have also been used by many third parties to manufacture carpets, clothing, fabrics, cookware and other consumer products.

Carrier is vigorously defending these cases and believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted. At this time, however, given the numerous factual, scientific and legal issues to be resolved relating to these claims, Carrier is unable to assess the probability of liability or reasonably estimate the damages, if any, to be allocated to Carrier, if one or more plaintiffs were to prevail in these cases.

On August 12, 2020, several former employees of UTC or its subsidiaries filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut against UTC, Carrier, and Otis, the former members of the UTC Board of Directors, and the members of the Carrier and Otis Boards of Directors (Geraud Darnis, et al. v. Raytheon Technologies Corporation, et al.). The complaint challenges the method by which UTC equity awards were converted to UTC, Carrier, and Otis equity awards following the separation. The complaint claims that the defendants are liable for breach of certain equity compensation plans and for breach of fiduciary duty, and also asserts claims under certain provisions of ERISA. Carrier believes that the claims against the Company are without merit.

We have commitments and contingent liabilities related to legal proceedings, self-insurance programs and matters arising out of the ordinary course of business. We accrue contingencies based on a range of possible outcomes. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other, we accrue the minimum amount.

In the ordinary course of business, Carrier is also routinely a defendant in, party to or otherwise subject to many pending and threatened legal actions, claims, disputes and proceedings. These matters are often based on alleged violations of contract, product liability, warranty, regulatory, environmental, health and safety, employment, intellectual property, tax and other laws. In some of these proceedings, claims for substantial monetary damages are asserted against Carrier and could result in fines, penalties, compensatory or treble damages or non-monetary relief. We do not believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect upon our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

For a further discussion, see “Risk Factors” and “—Compliance with Government Regulations.”

Carrier was incorporated in Delaware for the purpose of holding the Carrier Business in connection with the separation and distribution described herein. Prior to the contribution of the Carrier Business to us by UTC, which occurred on April 3, 2020, Carrier had no operations other than those incidental to the separation. Our principal executive offices are located at 13995 Pasteur Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, and our telephone number is (561) 365-2000. We maintain an Internet site at www.carrier.com. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated into this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, or in any other filings with, or any information furnished or submitted to, the SEC.

You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition together with the audited historical combined financial statements (referred to as the “combined financial statements”) and the notes thereto and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this prospectus as well as the discussion in the “Business” section of this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this prospectus. The financial information discussed below and included in this prospectus may not necessarily reflect what our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow would have been had we been a stand-alone company during the periods presented or what our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be in the future.

Amounts are in millions unless otherwise stated.

On April 3, 2020, UTC completed the separation of Carrier through the distribution of all of Carrier’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock to UTC shareowners as of the close of business on March 19, 2020. UTC distributed 866,158,910 shares of Carrier common stock in the distribution, which was effective at 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on the distribution date. As a result of the distribution, UTC shareowners of record received one share of the Company’s common stock for every one share of UTC common stock and Carrier became an independent public company and our common stock is listed under the symbol “CARR” on the New York Stock Exchange. In connection with the separation, Carrier issued an aggregate principal balance of $11.0 billion of debt and transferred approximately $10.9 billion of cash to UTC on February 27, 2020 and March 27, 2020. On April 1, 2020 and April 2, 2020, Carrier received cash contributions totaling $590 million from UTC related to the separation. See Note 10 – Borrowings and Lines of Credit and Note 3 – Earnings Per Share to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

The combined financial statements included in this prospectus have been prepared from UTC’s historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the combined financial statements and accounting records of the Carrier Business. The combined financial statements reflect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as we were historically managed, in conformity with GAAP. The Company’s financial statements for the period from April 3, 2020 through September 30, 2020 are consolidated financial statements based on the reported results of Carrier as a stand-alone company.

Our combined financial statements include all revenues and costs directly attributable to Carrier, including costs for facilities, functions and services used by Carrier. Prior to the separation, costs for certain functions and services performed by UTC were directly charged to Carrier based on specific identification when possible or based on a reasonable allocation driver such as net sales, headcount, usage or other allocation methods. The results of operations include allocations of costs for administrative functions and services performed on behalf of Carrier by centralized groups within UTC.

We entered into a transition services agreement with UTC and Otis in connection with the separation pursuant to which UTC provides us with certain services and we provide certain services to UTC for a limited time to help ensure an orderly transition following the separation. The services we receive include, but are not limited to, information technology services, technical and engineering support, application support for operations, legal, payroll, finance, tax and accounting, general administrative services and other support services. The costs for these services historically were included in our operating results based on allocations from UTC and, in the nine months ended September 30, 2020, were not materially different under the transition services agreement, nor do we expect such costs to be materially different when these services are transitioned from UTC to Carrier. For additional discussion, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Subsequent to the separation, we have, and will continue to, incur expenses consisting primarily of employee-related costs, costs to establish certain stand-alone functions and information technology systems and other transaction-related costs. Additionally, we have incurred and will continue to incur increased costs as a result of becoming an independent, publicly traded company, primarily from establishing or expanding corporate

support for our businesses, including information technology, human resources, treasury, tax, internal audit, risk management, accounting and financial reporting, investor relations, governance, legal, procurement and other services. Our preliminary estimates of these additional recurring costs expected to be incurred annually are approximately $75 million to $95 million greater than the expenses historically allocated to us from UTC, and primarily relate to Selling, general and administrative expenses. We believe our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund these additional corporate expenses.

In connection with the separation, we entered into a tax matters agreement with UTC and Otis that governs the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax matters (including responsibility for taxes, entitlement to refunds, allocation of tax attributes, preparation of tax returns, control of tax contests and other tax matters). Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the tax matters agreement, Carrier generally is responsible for federal, state and foreign taxes imposed on a separate return basis upon Carrier (or any of its subsidiaries) with respect to taxable periods (or portions thereof) that ended on or prior to the date of the distribution. The tax matters agreement provides special rules that allocate responsibility for tax liabilities arising from a failure of the separation transactions to qualify for tax-free treatment based on the reasons for such failure. The tax matters agreement also imposes restrictions on each of Carrier and Otis during the two-year period following the distribution that are intended to prevent certain transactions from failing to qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free. For additional discussion, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

In connection with the separation, we also entered into an employee matters agreement and intellectual property agreement with UTC and Otis. These agreements are not expected to have a material impact on the financial results of Carrier. For additional discussion, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Carrier is a leading global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, fire and security solutions. We also provide a broad array of related building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance and monitoring. Our innovative solutions promote smarter, safer and more sustainable buildings and infrastructure, and help to effectively preserve the freshness, quality and safety of perishables across a wide variety of industries. Our comprehensive range of products and services, reputation for quality and innovation and our industry-leading brands make us a trusted provider for our customers’ critical applications in the construction, transportation, security, food, retail, pharmaceutical and other industries.

Our worldwide operations are affected by industrial, economic and political factors on both a regional and global level. This includes the mega-trends of urbanization, climate change, the increasing requirements for food safety driven by the food needs of our growing global population, rising standards of living and increasing energy and environmental regulation. We believe that growth in our businesses is supported by favorable secular trends, including these mega-trends, which underpin growth across our HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security businesses. We also believe that we are well positioned to benefit from these long-term trends as a result of the strength of our industry-leading brands and track record of innovation.

The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions, create financial risks to our business. For example, the demand for our products and services, such as residential air conditioning equipment, may be affected by unseasonable weather conditions. Demand for our HVAC products and services, representing our largest segment by sales, is seasonal and affected by the weather. Cooler-than-normal summers depress our sales of replacement air conditioning products and services. Similarly, warmer-than-normal winters have the same effect on our heating products.

Our business is also affected by changes in the general level of economic activity, such as changes in business and consumer spending, construction (including remodeling) and shipping activity. In addition, our financial performance may be influenced by the production and utilization of transport equipment, including truck production cycles in North America and Europe.

COVID-19 surfaced in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and has since spread throughout the rest of the world. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency

by the U.S. Government. The pandemic has negatively affected the U.S. and global economies, disrupted global supply chains and financial markets, resulted in significant travel restrictions, mandated facility closures and shelter-in-place orders.

Carrier is taking all prudent measures to protect the health and safety of our employees. In particular, we have implemented work from home requirements (where possible), social distancing and deep cleaning protocols at all of our facilities as well as travel restrictions, among other measures. We have also taken appropriate measures to work with our customers to minimize potential disruptions and to support the communities that we serve to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic as well as any worsening or additional outbreaks of the pandemic, and related containment and mitigation actions taken by the U.S., state and local and international governments to prevent disease spread. The extent of the pandemic’s impact on Carrier will also depend upon our employees’ ability to work safely in our facilities, our customers’ ability to continue to operate or to receive our products, and the level of activity and demand for the ultimate products and services of our customers or their customers.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we temporarily closed or reduced production at manufacturing facilities in North America, Asia and Europe for safety reasons and in response to lower demand for our products. Subsequently, our manufacturing operations have resumed, measures have been enacted to scale capacity to demand, and we continue to actively take steps to mitigate supply chain risk. We continue to apply appropriate safety measures and have not experienced any significant disruptions to our manufacturing operations. We also initiated return-to-work protocols at our non-manufacturing facilities where employees were previously working remotely.

We continue to focus on navigating the challenges COVID-19 presents by preserving our liquidity and managing our cash flows through preemptive actions to enhance our ability to meet our liquidity needs over the next twelve months. Such actions during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 include, but are not limited to, modifying the financial covenants in our revolving and term loan credit facilities and issuing $750 million of unsecured, unsubordinated long-term debt (see Note 10 – Borrowings and Lines of Credit to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information), reducing our discretionary spending, capital investments and general and administrative costs by implementing pay freezes and cuts, employee furloughs and suspending non-critical hiring, and participating in global COVID-19 relief measures, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.

Our operations are organized into three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security. Our HVAC segment provides products, controls, services and solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of residential and commercial customers. Our Refrigeration segment provides refrigeration and monitoring systems for trucks, trailers, shipping containers, intermodal and rail, as well as commercial refrigeration products. Our Fire & Security products encompass a wide range of residential and commercial building systems and security and service solutions. Our customers are in both the public and private sectors, and our businesses reflect extensive geographic diversification. See Note 21 – Segment Financial Data to the Combined Financial Statements and Note 19 – Segment Financial Data to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of sales attributed to geographic regions.

Our earnings growth strategy contemplates earnings from organic sales growth, including growth from new product development and product improvements, structural cost reductions, operational improvements and incremental earnings from acquisitions.

Both acquisition and restructuring costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. Depending on the nature and level of acquisition activity, our earnings could be adversely impacted due to acquisition and restructuring actions initiated in connection with the integration of businesses acquired. For additional discussion of acquisitions and restructuring, see “—Liquidity and Financial Condition,” “—Restructuring Costs,” Note 10 – Borrowings and Lines of Credit and Note 15 – Restructuring Costs to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our combined net sales (excluding inter-segment eliminations) were as follows:

As part of our growth strategy, we invest in businesses in certain countries that carry high levels of currency, political and/or economic risk, such as Mexico, China, Brazil, India and countries in the Middle East. As of December 31, 2019, the net assets in any one of these countries did not exceed 10% of our combined equity.

Organic sales growth was 1% in 2019 and 6% in 2018. 2019 reflects growth in HVAC (1%) and Fire & Security (1%), partially offset by declines in Refrigeration (1%). 2018 reflected growth across all segments, as Refrigeration, HVAC and Fire & Security sales were up (9%), (7%) and (2%), respectively.

Our earnings growth strategy contemplates earnings from organic sales growth, including growth from new product development and product improvements, structural cost reductions, operational improvements and incremental earnings from future investments in acquisitions.

Operating profit in 2019, 2018 and 2017 includes the impact from activities that are not expected to recur often or that are not otherwise reflective of our underlying operations, such as net gains from sales of businesses, the unfavorable impact of contract matters with customers, transaction, acquisition and integration costs, impairments and other significant non-recurring and non-operational items. For additional discussion, see “Results of Operations.”

Our investments in businesses in 2019, 2018 and 2017 included a number of small acquisitions primarily in our HVAC and Fire & Security segments.

Both acquisition and restructuring costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. Depending on the nature and level of acquisition activity, earnings could be adversely impacted due to acquisition and restructuring actions initiated in connection with the integration of businesses acquired. For additional discussion of acquisitions and restructuring, see “—Liquidity and Financial Condition,” “—Restructuring Costs” and Notes 9 and 15 to the Combined Financial Statements.

On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was enacted. For additional discussion, see “Critical Accounting Estimates—Income Taxes” and Note 14 – Income Taxes to the Combined Financial Statements.

The factors contributing to the total percentage change year-over-year in total net sales are as follows:

Organic sales increased 3% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the same period of the prior year, reflecting organic sales growth of 11% in HVAC, partially offset by lower organic sales of 6% in Refrigeration and 7% in Fire & Security. The growth in HVAC was driven by strong sales for North America

residential, which were driven by new housing starts and higher demand for replacement units due to increased usage attributed to a warmer-than-normal summer and remote work and school activities associated with COVID-19. Refrigeration sales declined organically driven by declines in transport refrigeration due to economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cyclical peak experienced in 2019. The organic sales decline in Fire & Security reflects lower product and field service sales. Lower product sales were primarily driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality and industrial businesses in North America and in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), partially offset by strength in commercial fire products, particularly in North America and China. The decline in field service sales was primarily driven by continued partial shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic across a number of regions and a slowdown in economic activity across several regions.

Organic sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects lower sales volumes across all of the segments driven by the economic slowdowns attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year. The organic sales decrease in HVAC reflects declines in commercial HVAC and light commercial HVAC that were largely driven by the economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by increases in North America residential HVAC. The increase in residential sales was driven by new housing starts in addition to higher demand for replacement units due to increased usage attributed to a warmer than normal summer and remote work and school activities associated with COVID-19. This increase more than offset the year-over-year impact of increased demand for furnaces for the three months ended March 31, 2019 that was associated with a change in furnace fan efficiency ratings that went into effect in 2019. The decrease in Refrigeration was driven by declines in commercial refrigeration that were primarily due to lower demand and the closure of new equipment installation sites because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in transport refrigeration in Europe and North America due to economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and lower truck trailer sales volume in North America when compared against the cyclical peak experienced in 2019. Fire & Security sales decreased organically reflecting lower product and field service sales. The decline in product sales was primarily driven by lower volume in North America and EMEA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Field service sales were down primarily in Europe and Asia reflecting the impact of business shutdowns and project delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. See “Segment Review.”

The factors contributing to the percentage change year-over-year in total cost of products and services sold are as follows:

The 1% increase in organic Cost of products and services sold for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the organic sales increase of 3% reflects the benefits from improved logistics and material productivity. The 8% decrease in organic Cost of products and services sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is attributable to the sales volume declines driven by the economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 120 basis point increase in gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2020 reflects the effects of higher sales volumes in HVAC and the benefits from improved logistics and material productivity. The 30 basis point increase in gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflects the benefit from favorable material productivity, partially offset by the effects of lower sales volume largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research and development spending is subject to the variable nature of program development schedules and, therefore, year-over-year fluctuations in spending levels are expected. Research and development costs for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 reflect the absence of costs as a result of the wind-down of a residential intrusion business.

The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the same period of the prior year was driven by the absence of a prior year $34 million consultant contract termination charge and lower restructuring costs of $16 million, partially offset by higher costs associated with Carrier’s transition to an independent, publicly traded company of $20 million and one-time separation costs of $11 million. As a percentage of sales, the 100 basis point decrease was primarily driven by the absence of the prior year consultant contract termination charge.

The decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily driven by cost-containment initiatives implemented to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our businesses. Such cost-containment actions included furloughs, temporary pay freezes and pay cuts and reductions in discretionary spending across the business. Higher year-over-year one-time separation-related costs of $79 million and higher costs associated with Carrier’s transition to an independent, publicly traded company of $53 million were partially offset by lower restructuring costs of $56 million and lower costs associated with the wind-down of a residential intrusion business of $18 million. As a percentage of sales, the 100 basis point increase was primarily driven by lower sales volumes experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are continuously evaluating our cost structure and have implemented restructuring actions to keep our cost structure competitive. The amounts reflected previously include the impact of restructuring actions on Selling, general and administrative expenses. For additional discussion, see “—Restructuring Costs” and Note 15 – Restructuring Costs to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restructuring actions are a component of our operating margin improvement efforts and relate to existing and recently acquired operations. Charges generally arise from severance related to workforce reductions, facility exit and lease termination costs associated with the consolidation of field and manufacturing operations and costs to exit legacy programs. We continue to closely monitor the economic environment and may undertake further restructuring actions to keep our cost structure aligned with the demand for our products and services and prevailing market conditions.

2020 Actions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded net pre-tax restructuring charges of $18 million relating to ongoing cost reduction actions initiated in 2020. For actions initiated in 2020, we are targeting to complete the majority of the remaining workforce and facility-related cost reductions in 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we had $8 million of cash outflows related to the 2020 actions. As of September 30, 2020, we expect to incur additional restructuring and other charges of $4 million to complete these actions.

2019 Actions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded net pre-tax restructuring charges of $3 million and $82 million, respectively, for actions initiated in 2019. For actions initiated in 2019, we are targeting to complete the majority of the remaining workforce and facility-related cost reductions in 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we had cash outflows of approximately $25 million related to the 2019 actions.

In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded net pre-tax restructuring costs totaling $(2) million and $16 million, respectively, for restructuring actions initiated in 2018 and prior.

Investments over which we do not exercise control, but have significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investment net earnings decreased $16 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 primarily driven by the adverse impact of a product performance matter at one of our HVAC joint ventures. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, equity method investment net earnings decreased $50 million driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse impact of a product performance matter at one of our HVAC joint ventures.

In September 2020, the Company sold 9.25 million B shares of Beijer for SEK290 ($32.38) per share equal to approximately 7.9% of the outstanding B shares in Beijer, through an accelerated equity offering. We received proceeds of approximately $300 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $252 million. Following the sale, Beijer, which is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm, continues to be reported as an equity method investment with Carrier continuing to hold approximately 30% of Beijer’s B shares, approximately 22% of Beijer’s A shares.

Other income (expense), net primarily includes the impact of gains and losses related to the sale of interests in our equity method investments or infrequently occurring items. The year-over-year change of $330 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, is primarily driven by a $252 million gain on the sale of 9.25 million Beijer shares and the absence of a $108 million other-than-temporary impairment charge on a minority-owned joint venture investment in 2019, partially offset by an $11 million charge resulting from a litigation matter.

The year-over-year change of $210 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is primarily driven by a $252 million gain on the sale of 9.25 million Beijer shares and the $37 million year-over-year impact from other-than-temporary impairment charges on minority-owned joint venture investments. We recorded a $71 million and $108 million other-than-temporary impairment charge on minority-owned joint venture investments in 2020 and 2019, respectively. These impacts were partially offset by the unfavorable impact of a change in the estimate of certain long-term liabilities of $12 million, an $11 million charge resulting from a litigation matter and the absence of gains on the sale of investments of $34 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Prior to the separation, interest income and expense related primarily to interest on related party activity between Carrier and UTC. See “—Liquidity and Financial Condition” and Note 5 – Related Parties and Note 10 – Borrowings and Lines of Credit to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest (expense) income, net reflects higher year-over-year interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 due to the issuance of $9.25 billion of Old Notes, which consisted of Old Notes other than the Old 11-Year Notes, in February 2020, a $1.75 billion draw on our Term Loan Credit Facility in March 2020 and the issuance of $750 million of Old 11-Year Notes in June 2020, partially offset by a decrease in interest income earned on related party receivables due from UTC.

The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the prior year is primarily due to the absence of a net tax reduction resulting from separation-related activities impacting non-U.S. deferred taxes, partially offset by a tax reduction for the 2020 tax year from the finalization of the U.S. Treasury GILTI HTE regulations.

The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the prior year is primarily due to the absence of a prior year combined tax benefit of $149 million resulting from the filing by a Carrier subsidiary to participate in an amnesty program offered by the Italian Tax Authority and conclusion of an audit by the IRS for UTC tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016. In addition, during the current year the Company recognized a $51 million charge related to a valuation allowance recorded against a United Kingdom tax loss and credit carry forward as a result of separation-related activities and a charge of $46 million resulting from Carrier’s decision to no longer permanently reinvest certain pre-2018 unremitted non-U.S. earnings.

We continue to monitor potential tax impacts from final regulations issued under the TCJA, as well as the economic impacts from COVID-19 and related legislative actions.

For additional discussion of income taxes and the effective income tax rate, see Note 14 – Income Taxes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net income attributable to common shareowners for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes $3 million pre-tax ($2 million, net of tax benefit) and $19 million ($14 million, net of tax benefit) of restructuring charges, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Net income attributable to common shareowners also reflects the impact of the following:

Net income attributable to common shareowners for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 includes restructuring charges of $34 million pre-tax ($24 million, net of tax benefit) and $97 million ($70 million, net of tax benefit), respectively. Net income attributable to common shareowners for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 also reflects the impact of the following:

We determine our segments based on how our Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), allocates resources, assesses performance and makes operational decisions. The CODM allocates resources and evaluates the financial performance of each of our segments (HVAC, Refrigeration and Fire & Security) based on net sales and operating profit. Adjustments to reconcile segment reporting to the consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are included in “Eliminations and other and General corporate expenses.”

Summary performance for each of our segments for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Summary performance for each of our segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Our HVAC segment provides products, controls, services and solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of residential and commercial customers, while enhancing building performance, energy efficiency and sustainability. In 2020, we combined our North America residential and our light commercial HVAC businesses. Our established brands include Automated Logic, Bryant, Carrier, CIAT, Day & Night, Heil, NORESCO and Riello. Products include air conditioners, heating systems, controls and aftermarket components, as well as aftermarket repair and maintenance services and building automation solutions. HVAC products and solutions are sold directly, including to building contractors and owners, and indirectly through equity method investees, independent sales representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers and retail outlets, and through direct sales offices which sell, in part, to mechanical contractors.

The organic sales increase of 11% was driven by North America residential HVAC (46%) due to strong residential sales, partially offset by declines in North America light commercial HVAC (13%) and Commercial HVAC (7%). The strength in residential was driven by new housing starts and higher demand for replacement units due to increased usage attributed to a warmer than normal summer and remote work and school activities associated with COVID-19. Commercial HVAC sales declined globally except in China, which saw an increase.

The operational profit increase of 20% was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes (20%). Favorable productivity initiatives (18%), primarily from lower logistics costs and material productivity, were mostly offset by increased research and development costs (4%) and increased selling, general and administrative costs (5%), including higher costs primarily as a result of becoming an independent, publicly traded company, as well as lower income from equity method investments (3%) and an unfavorable change in the estimate of certain liabilities (3%).

The increase in Other of 86% reflects a $252 million gain on the sale of 9.25 million Beijer shares (62%) and the absence of a $108 million impairment charge on a minority joint venture investment (27%) recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2019. These increases were partially offset by charges resulting from a litigation matter (4%).

The organic sales decrease of 4% reflects declines in commercial HVAC (10%) and light commercial HVAC (16%) largely driven by the economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by increases in North America residential HVAC (6%). Commercial HVAC sales declined around the globe except in China, which saw an increase. The residential HVAC sales increase was driven by new housing starts in addition to higher demand for replacement units experienced in the three months ended September 30, 2020. This higher demand was triggered by increased usage as a result of a warmer than normal summer and remote work and school activity related to COVID-19. This increase more than offset the year-over-year impact of increased demand for furnaces for the three months ended March 31, 2019 that was associated with a change in furnace fan efficiency ratings that went into effect in 2019.

The operational profit decrease of 13% was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes and unfavorable mix (11%), lower income from equity method investments (4%), higher research and development costs (2%) and the unfavorable impact of a change in the estimate of certain long-term liabilities (4%), which were partially offset by the benefit of lower commodity costs as well as favorable material productivity (9%).

The increase in Other of 20% primarily reflects a $252 million gain on the sale of 9.25 million Beijer shares (20%). Other also includes a non-cash, other-than-temporary impairment charge of $71 million on a minority-owned joint venture investment due to a reduction in sales and earnings that were driven by a deterioration in the oil and gas industry (the joint venture’s primary market) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors (6%), the absence of a prior year gain on the sale of interests in joint ventures (2%) and a charge resulting from a litigation matter (1%), offset by the absence of a $108 million prior year impairment charge on a minority-owned joint venture investment (9%).

Our Refrigeration segment includes transport refrigeration and monitoring systems for trucks, trailers, shipping containers, intermodal and rail, as well as commercial refrigeration products. Transport refrigeration products and cold chain monitoring solutions are used to enable the safe and reliable transport of food and beverages, medical supplies and other perishable cargo. Commercial refrigeration solutions include refrigerated cabinets, freezers, systems and controls. Our commercial refrigeration equipment solutions incorporate next-generation technologies to preserve freshness, ensure safety and enhance the appearance of food and beverage retail. Our Refrigeration products and services are sold under established brand names, including Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold and Sensitech. Refrigeration products and services are sold directly, including to transportation companies and retail stores, and indirectly through equity method investees, independent sales representatives, distributors, wholesalers and dealers.

The organic sales decrease of 6% was driven by declines in transport refrigeration (10%). Commercial refrigeration sales were flat. The decline in transport refrigeration sales reflects lower volume in North America and Europe truck trailer, due to economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cyclical peak experienced in 2019. Although total sales in Asia were flat, sales in China increased in both transport and commercial refrigeration.

The operational profit decrease of 26% was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes and unfavorable mix (21%), increased research and development (7%) and increased selling, general and administrative expenses (6%), including higher costs primarily as a result of becoming an independent, publicly traded company, partially offset by the benefit of favorable material productivity (9%).

The organic sales decrease of 15% was driven by declines in transport refrigeration (17%) and commercial refrigeration (10%). The decline in transport refrigeration sales reflects lower sales volume in North America when compared with the cyclical peak experienced in 2019 in addition to the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, while Europe truck trailer sales volume decreased due to economic slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commercial refrigeration sales declined primarily due to lower demand and the closure of new equipment installation sites because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The operational profit decrease of 33% was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes and unfavorable mix (38%), partially offset by favorable material productivity (8%). The operational profit decrease also reflects increased selling, general and administrative costs (1%), including higher costs associated with Carrier’s transition to an independent, publicly traded company, as well as lower income from equity method investments (1%).

Our Fire & Security segment provides a wide range of residential and building systems, including fire, flame, gas and smoke detection; portable fire extinguishers; fire suppression systems; intruder alarms; access control systems and video management systems. Other Fire & Security service offerings include audit, design, installation and system integration, as well as aftermarket, maintenance and repair and monitoring services. Our established brands include Autronica, Chubb, Det-Tronics, Edwards, Fireye, GST, Kidde, LenelS2, Marioff, Onity and Supra. Our Fire & Security products and solutions are sold directly to end customers as well as through manufacturers’ representatives, distributors, dealers, value-added resellers and retail distribution.

The organic sales decrease of 7% reflects lower product (7%) and field service (7%) sales. The decline in product sales was primarily driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitality and industrial businesses in North America and EMEA, partially offset by strength in commercial fire products, primarily in North America and China. The decline in field service sales was primarily driven by continued partial shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a slowdown in economic activity across several regions.

The operational profit decrease of 9% was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes (14%) as well as higher selling, general and administrative expenses (3%), including higher costs associated with Carrier’s transition to an independent, publicly traded company. These decreases were partially offset by favorable material productivity and cost-containment initiatives (7%).

The organic sales decrease of 11% reflects lower product (11%) and field service (12%) sales. The decline in product sales was primarily driven by lower volume in North America and EMEA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Field service sales were down primarily in Europe and Asia reflecting the impact of business shutdowns and project delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The operational profit decrease of 24% was primarily attributed to lower sales volumes and unfavorable mix (32%). This decrease was partially offset by favorable material productivity and cost containment initiatives (7%) and lower selling, general and administrative costs (2%).

The increase in Other of 2% primarily reflects a favorable adjustment related to a product trouble matter liability.

Eliminations and other reflects the elimination of sales, other income and operating profit resulting from activity between segments, net hedging and foreign exchange-related gains and losses, as well as other infrequently occurring items, such as divestiture transaction costs. In addition, Eliminations and other includes costs associated with the settlement and defense of potential future asbestos-related claims, insurance settlements on asbestos-related matters and revisions in the estimated liability for potential future asbestos-related claims. Inter-segment sales eliminations decreased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the $32 million year-over-year increase in operating profit in Eliminations and other, compared with the prior year, was primarily attributed to lower year-over-year inter-segment profit eliminations and $11 million of lower separation-related costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the $27 million decrease in year-over-year in operating profit, compared with the prior year, was primarily attributed to $74 million of higher separation-related costs and an unfavorable impact from the change in the estimate of certain long-term liabilities of $9 million, partially offset by the absence of $34 million attributed to a consultant contract termination charge and the benefit from lower year-over-year inter-segment profit eliminations.

General corporate expenses remained consistent with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. General corporate expenses include allocations of corporate expenses from UTC prior to the separation, which are not necessarily indicative of our future expenses and do not necessarily reflect the results that Carrier may experience as an independent company for the periods presented. Also included within General corporate expenses in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are approximately $2 million and $6 million of separation-related costs, respectively.

The factors contributing to the total percentage change year-over-year in total net sales are as follows:

The 2019 organic sales increase of 1% was primarily driven by growth in HVAC (1%) as well as increases in Fire & Security (1%) and partially offset by declines in Refrigeration (1%). HVAC organic sales growth was driven by stronger sales in the North America residential HVAC market, as well as growth in Asia and the Americas for commercial HVAC. Organic growth in the Fire & Security segment was driven by stronger product sales globally, as well as field service growth primarily within Asia. Refrigeration declines were driven by transport refrigeration, primarily the container business, partially offset by growth in North America Truck Trailer as well as a decline in commercial refrigeration, primarily in Europe. The divestiture related sales decrease in 2019 was due to the 2018 sale of the Taylor business within the Refrigeration segment.

All three segments experienced organic sales growth during 2018 compared to 2017. Refrigeration grew 9% organically, reflecting stronger transport refrigeration sales and additional growth in commercial refrigeration sales. HVAC organic sales growth of 7% was driven by higher sales to residential customers in North America, as well as global growth for commercial HVAC. Organic sales growth of 2% in the Fire & Security segment was driven by growth in both product and field service sales.

The factors contributing to the total percentage change year-over-year in cost of products and services sold are as follows:

The decrease in total cost of products and services sold in 2019 was primarily driven by favorable foreign currency translation and net acquisition and divestiture activity, which more than offset increases from organic sales growth as well as higher tariffs and unfavorable commodity impacts.

The increase in total cost of products and services sold in 2018 was primarily driven by the organic sales increases noted above.