Quick Take: Manitowoc Co.

Manitowoc Co. Inc. (MTW)  is a world leader in the manufacture of construction cranes, and will soon be one of the world's largest foodservice companies. Does a P/E ratio of 9 and a forward growth estimate of 30% per year sound interesting? A look at Manitowoc.

Manitowoc is an industrial equipment mini-conglomerate. Their main business is construction cranes, from small telescoping cranes to gigantic lattice boom tower cranes. This sector of the business produces over 80% of revenues and earnings, and has been the main driver behind Manitowoc's explosive growth over the past 3 years. The second business is foodservice, specifically "cool side" equipment such as ice makers, walk-in refrigerators, display cases, etc. This has been a distant second in importance, bringing in 11% of sales and earnings. The final business is marine, consisting of ship construction, repair, and maintenance. This smallest segment contributes 8% of revenue and slightly under 5% of profits.