Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What is your opinion on Black & Decker?

Article Excerpt

Black & Decker Corp., $28.06, symbol BDK on New York (Shares outstanding: 60.1 million; Market cap: $1.7 billion) is a leading maker of power tools, building products and fastening systems (such as screws and bolts). Aside from Black & Decker, its major brands include DeWalt, Toast-R-Oven and Price Pfister. The company sells its products in over 100 countries. As a result, international markets accounted for 39% of its 2008 sales. Black & Decker gets 30% of its total sales from home-improvement retailers Home Depot and Lowe’s. Black & Decker has three main divisions: 1) The power tools and accessories division accounted for 72% of Black & Decker’s 2008 sales, and 64% of its gross profits. Through this division, Black & Decker makes a wide variety of power tools, such as drills, screwdrivers and saws, for businesses and consumers. It also makes garden and household equipment, such as lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners. 2) Hardware and Home Improvement (16% of sales and 15% of…