Illinois Tool Works, Inc. - ITW

Illinois Tool Works, Inc., stock ticker ITW, is a stable multinational manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with operations in 57 countries. Their most notable business segments include industrial packaging, power systems, electronics, food equipment, and construction products. ITW proudly serves the construction, general industrial, automotive and restaurant markets. In April 2010 ITW acquired Accessories Marketing, Inc. In March 2011, ITW acquired SOPUS Products' Car Care business. In July 2011, they acquired Despatch Industries.

ITW really is a great industrial company that pays a very steady dividend of $0.36 per quarter. Their dividend yield is currently 3.11%, which is above the current treasury rates. ITW has nearly a 50 year record of dividend increases and tends to float under the radar, but those who know about this stellar company are reaping the benefits of their dividend yield. ITW has outstanding management and are quite diversified. They are able to quickly produce their products that is needed in heavy construction. Illinois Tool Works make products, not deals. They offer multiple different manufacturing products and offer various niche market plays of investors. Once the housing market takes off and the economy gets better ITW will be well positioned to profit and increase their dividend.

Just this past October 24th, 2011, ITW reported a 22% increase in quarterly profit, helped by demand for welding products, stronger auto production and dollar weakness. Their revenue rose 16% to 4.58 billion which was much higher than Wall Street's forecast of 4.55 billion. Look for ITW to continue to have these types of profits over the course of the next year.

I expect ITW to outperform the market over the long term. Paring their consistent slow growth in earnings and dividend makes for an excellent reason to invest in their stock. Please visit their website, here, to learn more about this "Common Man" stock. Also, watch the videos below. ITW has been around since 1912 (visit http://www.itw.com/itw/this_is_itw/history) and is going nowhere. You can quote me on that one! Have a great day!