Unique factors set these industrials apart

Article Excerpt

These three firms are well-established leaders in their niche markets. That helps cut the risk of operating in highly cyclical industries. Moreover, their recent acquisitions improve their long-term prospects. Still, only one of the three stocks is currently a buy. QUAKER CHEMICAL CORP. $151 (New York symbol KWR; Income Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares o/s: 13.3 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.5; Dividend yield: 0.9%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.quakerchem.com) makes lubricants and chemicals that keep mechanical parts from rusting. The company recently agreed to acquire Houghton International Inc. Based in Philadelphia, privately owned Houghton makes specialty chemicals, oils, and lubricants for customers in the automotive, aerospace, mining, and beverage industries. Under the terms of the takeover, Houghton’s owners will receive $172.5 million in cash and a 24.5% stake in the combined company. The purchase will double its annual sales and gross profits, excluding any cost savings from combining the two businesses. Due to charges stemming from the new U.S. tax laws and costs…