Unique concept gives Snap-On an edge

Article Excerpt

SNAP-ON INC. $50 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 58.2 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; Dividend yield: 2.4%; WSSF Rating: Average) makes hand and power tools for auto mechanics. It sells its tools through a fleet of franchised vans that visit garages. This method lets Snap-On build closer relationships with its customers, which gives it an edge over its competitors. It also keeps Snap-On’s distribution costs down. New markets have huge potential The company aims to cut its exposure to the cyclical car market. To that end, it is diversifying its operations, including making specialized tools for mining companies, electrical power generators and other industrial customers. Snap-On is also expanding in China, India and other fast-growing markets, where rising prosperity is fuelling demand for new cars. Snap-On’s revenue rose 25.1%, from $2.3 billion in 2005 to $2.9 billion in 2008. However, revenue fell 17.2%, to $2.4 billion, in 2009,…