Updating Symantec Corp., Snap-on Inc., and North West Co.

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SYMANTEC CORP. $23 (Nasdaq symbol SYMC; High Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 638.9 million; Market cap: $14.7 billion; Dividend yield: 1.3%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Average; www.symantec.com) sells computer-security technology, including antivirus and email-filtering software, to both businesses and consumers. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.075 a share for an annual rate of $0.30; the stock yields 1.3%. The stock is up 20% in the past month on speculation that technology-focused private-equity firm Thoma Bravo LLC has approached Symantec with a possible takeover bid. While the chance of a takeover is not reason enough to buy the stock, it adds appeal. Symantec is a buy. SNAP-ON INC. $164 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 57.6 million; Market cap: $9.4 billion; Dividend yield: 2.3%; 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 raised its quarterly dividend…