Stanley Diversifies For Growth

Article Excerpt

We first recommended Stanley Works at $30 in our August, 2003 issue. We liked the strong earnings potential of its brands, and its expansion into less cyclical industries like building security services. The company also has a long history of rising dividends. Stanley reached a high of $64.25 in July this year, but has since moved down with slowing housing and renovation markets. However, it’s diversifying its product lines and expanding overseas. The stock is also cheap in relation to earnings, cash flow and sales. THE STANLEY WORKS $51 (New York symbol SWK; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 82.2 million; Market cap: $4.2 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) makes a wide variety of hand and power tools for consumers and industrial users. In addition to the Stanley brand, the company’s best-known trademarks include Bostitch, Husky, Monarch, and Mac Tools. It sells its products through home improvement chains such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, and independent distributors. In the past few years,…