Updating SNAP-ON INC., PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. and AMERICAN EXPRESS CO.

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SNAP-ON INC. $48 (New York symbol SNA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 57.8 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.2; Dividend yield: 2.5%; WSSF Rating: Average) earned $36.8 million in the three months ended April 3, 2010. That’s up 5.7% from $34.8 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose 5.0%, to $0.63 from $0.60, on more shares outstanding. Revenue rose 8.6%, to $621.6 million from $572.6 million. The slow economy has prompted more consumers to hold on to their older cars instead of buying new ones. As a result, auto mechanics are ordering more tools and diagnostic equipment from Snap-On. The company is also benefiting from a recent cost-cutting plan. However, Snap-On’s European sales remain weak, and its financing division continues to lose money. Snap-On is a hold. PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. $63 (New York symbol PG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 2.9 billion; Market cap: $182.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.4; Dividend yield: 3.1%; WSSF Rating:…