Updating Snap-On Inc., T. Rowe Price Group Inc., Ameren Corp., and Buckeye Partners L.P.

Article Excerpt

SNAP-ON INC. $51 (New York symbol SNA) earned $0.59 a share before unusual items in the fourth quarter of 2006, up 22.9% from $0.48 a year earlier. Most of that gain is due to the benefits of a restructuring plan and a recent acquisition. Revenue grew 16.4%, to $656.0 million from $563.4 million. Cost savings should continue to spur earnings in 2007, but the stock is expensive in relation to its prospects. Hold. T. ROWE PRICE GROUP INC. $50 (NASDAQ symbol TROW) has increased its quarterly dividend 21.4%, from $0.14 a share to $0.17. The new annual rate of $0.68 yields 1.4%. The company is doing a good job attracting new mutual fund clients, and it stands to profit from rising equity markets. Buy. AMEREN CORP. $53 (New York symbol AEE) spent about $0.26 a share in 2006 to repair power lines and other operations due to severe storms in Missouri. Rising fuel and interest costs also hurt its profit growth…