My American Stock List - Short Version

From the last few posts you might of thought I am an international investor. Nothing of the sort. There are many good quality companies in Canada and the US to invest in. I have never invested in Europe, Japan or any other exotic locale. The reason is simple. I don't know what is going on these countries. Maybe that will change one day.

I probably follow about 50 stocks in the US. Maybe more. Like everybody else I follow the blue chips and the better known names. My investment focus has always to get into stocks (businesses) that I understand. Remember that any stock listed here is NOT investment advice. Please refer to my disclaimer. These are stocks that I follow and buy/sell from time to time.

Here is a short list of stocks that are at the top of the list:

1. The Timken Co. - Symbol is TKR on NYSE. For most engineers Timken needs little introduction. The company supplies bearings to the North American and Global markets.
2. Fluor Corp. - Symbol is FLR on NYSE. Fluor is one of the largest engineering companies in the world.
3. United Rentals, Inc. - Symbol is URI on NYSE. Over the last 15 years the highly fragmented construction equipment rental market has consolidated. URI has bought out most of the competition and created a multi billion company.
4. Crane Co. - Symbol is CR on NYSE. Crane is a long time (1850's!) supplier of pumps, valves and fluid handling control devices. They operate in NA and globally.
5. Parker Hannifin - Symbol is PH on NYSE. Parker is the world's leading supplier of motion control technology.
6. Gardner Denver - Symbol is GDI on NYSE. GD is a leading supplier of air compressors and vacuum pumps. They operate globally and have been around since the 1850's.
7. Pall Corp. - Symbol is PLL on NYSE. Pall is a leading supplier of filtration, separation and purification systems.
8. Mettler Toledo - Symbol is MTD on NYSE. Mettler is a world leader in weighing systems for industry, laboratory and food retailing.
9. Flowserve - Symbol is FLS on NYSE. Flowserve is a leader in manufacturing and designing fluid handling equipment such as pumps and valves. This is primarily for hard-to-handle fluids or corrosive fluids.
10. Autodesk - Symbol is ADSK on Nasdaq. Autodesk is a leader in design software and digital content for the engineering and architectural industry. They have been in business since 1982.
11. Fastenal - Symbol is FAST on Nasdaq. Fastenal is a leading supplier of hardware (bolts/nuts/screws/cutting tools/etc) to industry and construction. They deal mainly in the US and Canada but also have international operations.
12. Jacobs Engr. Grp. - Symbol is JEC on NYSE. Jacobs is also one of the leading engineering companies in the world.
13. Grainger W.W. - Symbol is GWW on NYSE. GWW provides operating supplies such as safety equipment to industry and institutions. GWW has a large supplier network that gives it market dominance.
14. Terex Corp. - Symbol is TEX on NYSE. Terex is a leading manufacturer of construction cranes and aerial work platforms for industry and the mining sector.
15. Flotek - Symbol is FTK on AMEX. Flotek is a supplier of specialty equipment to the oil and gas industry. They are also a supplier to the mining industry.
16. Worthington Ind. - Symbol is WOR on NYSE. Worthington is a steel supplier with manufacturing capability and also a supplier of pressure cyclinders.
17. Chicago Bridge and Iron - Symbol is CBI on NYSE. Chicago Bridge is a leading engineering and construction company.
18. Manitowac - Symbol is MTW on NYSE. The company supplies aerial work platforms and cranes to industry and construction. It is also a supplier of food and beverage equipment.

One day I will probably get into more details on these stocks.