Industrial stocks with special appeal

Article Excerpt

Rising prices for steel, copper and other raw materials have weighed on profits at all American industrial companies in the past few years. Higher oil prices have also made it more expensive to operate factories and transport goods to customers. The best way to profit from this uncertainty is to focus on high-quality stocks with unique products, high market shares and other factors that give them special appeal. These four industrial stocks have struggled lately, but we see them as a “heads-you-win, tails-you-break-even” situation. That means they should thrive during cyclical peaks, and keep losses to a minimum in economic downturns. GENUINE PARTS CO. $50 (New York symbol GPC; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 170.5 million; Market cap: $8.5 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) makes and distributes automotive replacement parts to over 4,800 independent outlets in North America. The company also owns 1,100 stores that operate under the NAPA banner. It also distributes industrial parts, electrical supplies and office equipment. The…