SNAP-ON INC. $55 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 58.6 million; Market cap: $3.2 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) makes tools and diagnostic equipment for mechanics. The company distributes its products directly to garages through a fleet of dealer vans. Similar to Tupperware’s model, this method keeps Snap-On’s distribution costs down. Mechanics prefer it since it cuts the time to buy new tools. In November 2006, Snap-On paid $527 million for the Business Solutions division of ProQuest Co. This business helps car dealers electronically access information about auto parts, warranties and service bulletins. It also helps them manage their inventory and billing systems. Snap-On earned $1.69 a share (total $100.1 million) in 2006. However, this figure includes a $0.40 a share charge related to the settlement of a lawsuit. In 2005, Snap-On earned $1.59 a share ($92.9 million). Revenue rose 8.7%, to $2.5 billion from $2.3 billion, including $20.4 million from the new acquisition. It will probably take Snap-On several months to fully integrate the new operations. But this acquisition should enhance the long-term prospects of the company’s existing vehicle-diagnostic services. Snap-On is still working on improving the profitability of its core tool business, including new marketing campaigns and better customer service. These moves should eventually cut its annual expenses by $13 million. The stock now trades at 15.9 times its forecast 2007 profit of $3.02 a share. The $1.08 dividend is safe, and yields 2.3%. Snap-On is a buy.