SNAP-ON INC. $76 - New York symbol SNA

SNAP-ON INC. $76 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 58.2 million; Market cap: $4.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.5; Dividend yield: 1.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.snapon.com) makes tools for auto mechanics. The company sells its products through a fleet of franchised vans that visit garages. It also makes specialized tools for mining companies, electrical power generators and other industrial customers.

Snap-On’s earnings rose 8.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2012, to $1.26 from $1.16 a year earlier. That’s mainly due to improved results from its financing division, which provides loans to help mechanics buy Snap-On tools. Revenue rose 3.0%, to $752.1 million from $729.9 million.

Snap-On is a buy.

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