Updating Our Conservative-Growth Payers: Snap-On Inc.

Article Excerpt

SNAP-ON INC., $162, is still a high-quality hold for your portfolio. The company (New York symbol SNA; Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 54.9 million; Market cap: $8.9 billion; Dividend yield: 2.7%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.snapon.com) makes tools for auto mechanics and sells them through a fleet of franchised vans that visit garages. It also makes specialized tools for industrial customers. Snap-On has paid investors quarterly dividends continuously since 1939. Starting in December, it increases that payment by 13.7%, to $1.08 a share from $0.95. The new annual rate of $4.32 yields a solid 2.7%. In August 2019, the company acquired U.K.-based Cognitran Ltd. for $30.7 million. Cognitran makes software for the diagnostic equipment used by auto repair shops. The system helps clients easily access a vehicle’s repair history and other data. It will join Snap-On’s Repair Systems & Information Group. It also adds value for investors. In the three months ended September 28, 2019, overall revenue rose 0.4%, to $901.8…