Actuant (ATU), a diversified industrial product maker based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., is a company with staying power. It’s been around for 101 years. Actuant’s dominant position in various businesses provides a cushion from the cyclicality of each of them. You may not be aware of most of Actuant’s products, but they are vital to several industries around the world. If the global manufacturing sector continues to rebound, Actuant will benefit.

The company is divided into four units. The biggest is engineered solutions, with $525 million of annual sales. Its products include hydraulic position and motion control systems, engine and turbocharger air flow valves, and steel cables and assemblies.

The second-largest division is Actuant’s industrial business, with yearly sales of $370 million. Its products include hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, and production automation. Next is the electrical unit, with $300 million of yearly revenue. Its products include tools, marine power systems, and utility switches.

And finally there is the energy division, with $270 million of annual sales. It provides torque wrenches, tensioners, on-site joint integrity, emergency pipeline connectors, and engineered synthetic rope.

With strong global distribution networks and cheap sourcing from Asia, Actuant has a powerful business model.

Strong earnings

Profit surged 67 percent in the fiscal third quarter, to $36.4 million from $21.8 million a year earlier. Revenue jumped 27 percent to $392.8 million. The day after the report, analysts at UBS upgraded their rating on the stock to buy from neutral.

Actuant’s performance exceeded their expectations, with core growth of 14 percent and EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margins rising 1.4 percentage points.

“Going forward we think growth accelerates in late cycle energy, but moderates in industrial on a maturing cycle and tough comparisons, while still outpacing end markets on share gains and new products,” the analysts wrote.