Stanley Black & Decker Shuts CT Plant, Cuts 300 Jobs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy SWK?
Stanley Black & Decker is shutting its New Britain, Connecticut, tape measure plant, eliminating about 300 jobs, as it shifts production overseas to lower-cost facilities amid changing product demand toward double-sided tape measures and ongoing cost-cutting efforts to protect margins and streamline its manufacturing footprint, The Wall Street Journal's John Keilman reports.
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Analyst Views on SWK
Wall Street analysts forecast SWK stock price to rise
9 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 80.200
Low
69.00
Averages
84.89
High
98.00
Current: 80.200
Low
69.00
Averages
84.89
High
98.00
About SWK
Stanley Black & Decker Inc. is a global provider of hand tools, power tools, outdoor products and related accessories, as well as a provider of engineered fastening solutions. The Company's segments include Tools & Outdoor and Engineered Fastening. The Tools & Outdoor segment is comprised of the Power Tools Group (PTG), Hand Tools, Accessories & Storage (HTAS), and Outdoor Power Equipment (Outdoor) product lines. The PTG product line includes both professional and consumer products. The HTAS product line sells hand tools, power tool accessories and storage products. The Outdoor product line primarily sells corded and cordless electric lawn and garden products. The Engineered Fastening segment sells engineered components such as fasteners, fittings and various engineered products, which are designed for specific applications across multiple verticals. Its brands include DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER, DEWALT FLEXVOLT, IRWIN, LENOX, PORTER-CABLE, among others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Stanley Black & Decker Closes Final Factory in Connecticut
- Factory Closure: Stanley Black & Decker is closing its last tape-measure factory in New Britain, Connecticut, affecting about 300 workers who will lose their jobs in May, marking a significant step in the company's long-term strategy to shift production to lower-cost regions to enhance profitability and adapt to changing market demands.
- Investment Shift: Instead of upgrading the aging Connecticut facility, the company is concentrating investments in facilities like Thailand, which are equipped to produce double-sided tape measures more efficiently, reflecting Stanley's focus on cost discipline and evolving market preferences.
- Operational Streamlining: This closure is part of Stanley's broader effort to simplify its manufacturing footprint, protect margins, and reduce excess capacity following pandemic-era inventory buildups, demonstrating the company's commitment to global production efficiency.
- Execution Risks: While the company attributes the closure partly to changing product preferences, some workers and industry observers question whether demand changes alone justify the decision, suggesting that cost considerations and capital allocation priorities may play a more significant role.
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York Water: Wall Street's Greatest Dividend Stock
- Dividend Yield Advantage: York Water's dividend yield stands at 3.1%, which may seem modest, but its uninterrupted dividend payments since 1816 highlight its strong income stability and appeal in the market.
- Market Performance Review: Over the past five years, York Water's stock has plummeted by 44%, nearing a 50% decline from its peak, reflecting the market's indifference towards utilities, especially amid a tech stock rally that has diminished interest in traditional utilities.
- Regulatory Support and Revenue Growth: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's approval for York Water to raise rates is expected to boost annual revenue by $18.85 million, or 24%, providing robust support for the company's future cash flow and profitability.
- Valuation Attractiveness: York Water is currently trading at less than 18 times earnings, significantly below the industry average, and represents a 44% discount to its average forward P/E ratio over the past five years, presenting a compelling investment opportunity at this price level.
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- Dividend Performance: Analysts from Hartford Funds and Ned Davis Research found that dividend-paying stocks have delivered an average annual return of 9.2% over the past 52 years, more than double that of non-payers, highlighting the long-term investment value of dividend stocks.
- Stock Price Volatility: York Water's stock has declined by 44% over the past five years, primarily due to premium valuations, inflation, and a recent public offering that pushed shares to an eight-year low, creating opportunities for opportunistic investors.
- Stable Cash Flow: York Water has paid dividends continuously since 1816, benefiting from predictable water demand and its monopoly status, ensuring cash flow predictability, with a projected $18.85 million increase in annual revenue from rate hikes.
- Attractive Valuation: Currently, York Water trades at less than 18 times earnings, significantly below the industry average, representing the cheapest investment opportunity in 25 years, drawing increased investor interest.
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- Emerson Electric's Automation Shift: Emerson Electric is focusing on industrial automation, with software sales expected to grow by 40% from 2025 to 2028, increasing its share of total sales from 14% to 17%, thereby enhancing the company's resilience during economic downturns.
- Nordson's Fluid Control Systems: Nordson specializes in fluid control equipment and, despite experiencing a deep drawdown in 2025, currently boasts a dividend yield near the 10-year high, with an annualized dividend growth of approximately 13%, reflecting strong demand in healthcare and electronics sectors.
- Stanley Black & Decker's Restructuring Progress: Stanley Black & Decker is undergoing a business turnaround aimed at reducing leverage and costs; although its stock is down 60% from its 2021 peak, its 4.1% dividend yield remains attractive, indicating the company's commitment to maintaining its Dividend King status.
- Conflicting Economic Signals: While tightening consumer spending and high oil prices raise recession concerns, U.S. economic growth has yet to turn negative, making industrial stocks like Emerson, Nordson, and Stanley Black & Decker stable dividend options in an uncertain economic environment.
See More
Dividend Kings in the Industrial Sector
- Dividend Growth Potential: Emerson Electric anticipates a 40% sales increase in its software division from 2025 to 2028, raising its share of sales from 14% to 17%, which will provide a stable income stream and enhance its competitive position in the automation market.
- Diverse Investment Appeal: Nordson boasts an annualized dividend growth rate of around 13%, and while its P/E ratio aligns with its five-year average, its fluid control systems' applications in healthcare and electronics make it an attractive option for diversified investors.
- High Yield Attraction: Stanley Black & Decker's dividend yield has reached a historical high of 4.1%, and despite facing cyclical challenges and undergoing a business turnaround, its consistent dividend growth reflects the board's commitment to maintaining its Dividend King status, appealing to income-seeking investors.
- Complex Economic Signals: While tightening consumer spending and high oil prices raise recession concerns, U.S. economic growth remains positive, suggesting that industrial stocks like Emerson Electric, Nordson, and Stanley Black & Decker may offer relatively safe investment options amid economic fluctuations.
See More
Stanley Black & Decker Q1 2026 Earnings Highlights
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Stanley Black & Decker reported a 3% revenue increase in Q1 2026, with adjusted EPS of $0.80, surpassing market expectations and demonstrating resilience amid economic uncertainty.
- Divestiture and Capital Allocation: The successful divestiture of the Aerospace Fasteners business is expected to channel approximately $1.6 billion in net proceeds towards debt reduction, further optimizing the capital structure and providing funds for future share repurchases.
- Tools & Outdoor Business Performance: While organic revenue in power tools and hand tools declined, the outdoor segment saw a 1% organic revenue increase, driven by strong preseason sales for spring 2026, indicating potential market demand.
- Future Outlook and Guidance: Management maintained full-year adjusted EPS guidance at $4.90 to $5.70, with Q2 net sales expected around $3.9 billion and an anticipated 300 basis point year-over-year improvement in adjusted gross margin, reflecting confidence in future growth.
See More
Stanley Black & Decker Closes Final Factory in Connecticut
- Factory Closure: Stanley Black & Decker is closing its last tape-measure factory in New Britain, Connecticut, affecting about 300 workers who will lose their jobs in May, marking a significant step in the company's long-term strategy to shift production to lower-cost regions to enhance profitability and adapt to changing market demands.
- Investment Shift: Instead of upgrading the aging Connecticut facility, the company is concentrating investments in facilities like Thailand, which are equipped to produce double-sided tape measures more efficiently, reflecting Stanley's focus on cost discipline and evolving market preferences.
- Operational Streamlining: This closure is part of Stanley's broader effort to simplify its manufacturing footprint, protect margins, and reduce excess capacity following pandemic-era inventory buildups, demonstrating the company's commitment to global production efficiency.
- Execution Risks: While the company attributes the closure partly to changing product preferences, some workers and industry observers question whether demand changes alone justify the decision, suggesting that cost considerations and capital allocation priorities may play a more significant role.
See More
York Water: Wall Street's Greatest Dividend Stock
- Dividend Yield Advantage: York Water's dividend yield stands at 3.1%, which may seem modest, but its uninterrupted dividend payments since 1816 highlight its strong income stability and appeal in the market.
- Market Performance Review: Over the past five years, York Water's stock has plummeted by 44%, nearing a 50% decline from its peak, reflecting the market's indifference towards utilities, especially amid a tech stock rally that has diminished interest in traditional utilities.
- Regulatory Support and Revenue Growth: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's approval for York Water to raise rates is expected to boost annual revenue by $18.85 million, or 24%, providing robust support for the company's future cash flow and profitability.
- Valuation Attractiveness: York Water is currently trading at less than 18 times earnings, significantly below the industry average, and represents a 44% discount to its average forward P/E ratio over the past five years, presenting a compelling investment opportunity at this price level.
See More
York Water's Dividend Advantages Shine Amid Market Challenges
- Dividend Performance: Analysts from Hartford Funds and Ned Davis Research found that dividend-paying stocks have delivered an average annual return of 9.2% over the past 52 years, more than double that of non-payers, highlighting the long-term investment value of dividend stocks.
- Stock Price Volatility: York Water's stock has declined by 44% over the past five years, primarily due to premium valuations, inflation, and a recent public offering that pushed shares to an eight-year low, creating opportunities for opportunistic investors.
- Stable Cash Flow: York Water has paid dividends continuously since 1816, benefiting from predictable water demand and its monopoly status, ensuring cash flow predictability, with a projected $18.85 million increase in annual revenue from rate hikes.
- Attractive Valuation: Currently, York Water trades at less than 18 times earnings, significantly below the industry average, representing the cheapest investment opportunity in 25 years, drawing increased investor interest.
See More
Dividend Kings in Industrial Stocks Amid Economic Uncertainty
- Emerson Electric's Automation Shift: Emerson Electric is focusing on industrial automation, with software sales expected to grow by 40% from 2025 to 2028, increasing its share of total sales from 14% to 17%, thereby enhancing the company's resilience during economic downturns.
- Nordson's Fluid Control Systems: Nordson specializes in fluid control equipment and, despite experiencing a deep drawdown in 2025, currently boasts a dividend yield near the 10-year high, with an annualized dividend growth of approximately 13%, reflecting strong demand in healthcare and electronics sectors.
- Stanley Black & Decker's Restructuring Progress: Stanley Black & Decker is undergoing a business turnaround aimed at reducing leverage and costs; although its stock is down 60% from its 2021 peak, its 4.1% dividend yield remains attractive, indicating the company's commitment to maintaining its Dividend King status.
- Conflicting Economic Signals: While tightening consumer spending and high oil prices raise recession concerns, U.S. economic growth has yet to turn negative, making industrial stocks like Emerson, Nordson, and Stanley Black & Decker stable dividend options in an uncertain economic environment.
See More
Dividend Kings in the Industrial Sector
- Dividend Growth Potential: Emerson Electric anticipates a 40% sales increase in its software division from 2025 to 2028, raising its share of sales from 14% to 17%, which will provide a stable income stream and enhance its competitive position in the automation market.
- Diverse Investment Appeal: Nordson boasts an annualized dividend growth rate of around 13%, and while its P/E ratio aligns with its five-year average, its fluid control systems' applications in healthcare and electronics make it an attractive option for diversified investors.
- High Yield Attraction: Stanley Black & Decker's dividend yield has reached a historical high of 4.1%, and despite facing cyclical challenges and undergoing a business turnaround, its consistent dividend growth reflects the board's commitment to maintaining its Dividend King status, appealing to income-seeking investors.
- Complex Economic Signals: While tightening consumer spending and high oil prices raise recession concerns, U.S. economic growth remains positive, suggesting that industrial stocks like Emerson Electric, Nordson, and Stanley Black & Decker may offer relatively safe investment options amid economic fluctuations.
See More
Stanley Black & Decker Q1 2026 Earnings Highlights
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Stanley Black & Decker reported a 3% revenue increase in Q1 2026, with adjusted EPS of $0.80, surpassing market expectations and demonstrating resilience amid economic uncertainty.
- Divestiture and Capital Allocation: The successful divestiture of the Aerospace Fasteners business is expected to channel approximately $1.6 billion in net proceeds towards debt reduction, further optimizing the capital structure and providing funds for future share repurchases.
- Tools & Outdoor Business Performance: While organic revenue in power tools and hand tools declined, the outdoor segment saw a 1% organic revenue increase, driven by strong preseason sales for spring 2026, indicating potential market demand.
- Future Outlook and Guidance: Management maintained full-year adjusted EPS guidance at $4.90 to $5.70, with Q2 net sales expected around $3.9 billion and an anticipated 300 basis point year-over-year improvement in adjusted gross margin, reflecting confidence in future growth.
See More
