It seems almost incredible that one of America's truly great companies is trading at its current price of under $6 per share after hitting $51 a year ago. I'm talking about the Manitowoc Company (MTW), a diversified, multi-industry, capital goods manufacturer with 104 manufacturing and service facilities in 22 countries. It is recognized as one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes and boom trucks.

Manitowoc also is one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of commercial foodservice equipment serving the ice, beverage, refrigeration, food prep and cooking needs of restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, healthcare and institutional applications. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion services for government, military and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.

Excuse me, but the stock is trading at 2.6 times earnings. (And that's not a typo.) These guys are going to earn $2-$3 per share during the worst of times. I think this is a spring-loaded blue-chip company that will be an ultra home run when bullish sentiment returns. The company generates $4.5 billion in revenues with total debt of only $247 million. I'm looking to fund part of my retirement with this stock. I hope you do the same.

Recommendation:  Buy Manitowoc Company (MTW) at market.