Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now

Here's some marketing 101: If people don't want your product, then give them an incentive to want it. That's exactly the thinking Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) has had over the past few weeks with its tablet marketing.

Last week the company started throwing in a free keyboard -- which usually costs $100 -- with the purchase of a Surface RT. 颅This week the company has apparently lowered its OEM software-licensing fee for smaller Windows RT tablets, according to an article�from Bloomberg. The two changes come as Windows RT struggles to gain the attention of tablet consumers.

Is it really that bad?
So are things really that bad for Microsoft, or are these just typical promotional incentives that all companies do to move products?

It's not the latter. Things really are that bad.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Tianli Agritech Inc.(OINK)

Tianli Agritech, Inc., through its subsidiary, HC Shengyuan Limited, engages in breeding, raising, and selling hogs for use in Chinese pork meat production, as well as for breeding by other hog producers. The company primarily sells its products to hog brokers, hog farmers, and slaughterhouses. Tianli Agritech, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Wuhan City, the People?s Republic of China.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: A.s. Roma(ASR.MI)

A.S. ROMA S.P.A. owns and operates a football club. The company was founded in 1927 and is based in Rome, Italy. A.S. ROMA S.P.A. operates as a subsidiary of NEEP Roma Holding spa.

Top 5 Gold Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Xiaoxiao Education Ltd (XXL)

Xiaoxiao Education Limited (Xiaoxiao) is an Australia-based company. The Company is engaged in the provision of pre-school educational services in the Zhejiang Province. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately 4,000 enrolled students and in excess of 4,000 additional children attending extra-curricular programs out of school hours and during holiday periods. In addition, Xiaoxiao has approximately 8,000 students attending short courses at its Hangzhou Binjiang Art Training School. Happy Elegant International Limited is the Company�� wholly owned subsidiary.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Coldwater Creek Inc. (CWTR)

Coldwater Creek Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer of women's apparel, accessories, jewelry, and gift items primarily in the United States. It operates premium retail stores located in traditional malls, lifestyle centers, and street locations; merchandise outlet stores; and day spas, which offer spa treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures, as well as provide relevant apparel and personal care products. The company also offers its products through its e-commerce Web site coldwatercreek.com and catalogs, as well as through phone and mail. As of October 27, 2012, it operated 354 premium retail stores and 38 factory outlet stores, as well as 9 spas. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: United-Guardian Inc.(UG)

United-Guardian, Inc. researches, develops, manufactures, and markets cosmetic ingredients, personal and health care products, pharmaceuticals, and specialty industrial products in the United States, Canada, China, France, and internationally. Its personal care products include LUBRAJEL, a line of water-based moisturizing and lubricating gel formulations; KLENSOFT, a surfactant for cosmetic formulations; UNITWIX, a cosmetic additive used as a thickener for oils and oil-based liquids; CONFETTI DERMAL DELIVERY FLAKES for use in various water-based products; ORCHID COMPLEX, a base for cosmetics; LUBRASLIDE and B-122 lubricants used in cosmetics; AQUATHIK, a powder used as a gelling agent for aqueous solutions or emulsions; and HYDRAJEL PL, a personal lubricant for the feminine personal care market. The company?s medical products comprise LUBRAJEL RR and RC water-based gels used as lubricants for catheters; LUBRAJEL MG to lubricate urinary catheters, prelubricated enema tips, and other medical devices; LUBRAJEL LC, a mouth moisturizer for oral use; and LUBRAJEL FLUID to lubricate water-soluble products. Its pharmaceuticals consists of RENACIDIN, a prescription drug to prevent and dissolve calcifications in urethral catheters and the urinary bladder; and CLORPACTIN WCS-90, an antimicrobial for use in urology and surgery to treat infections in the urinary bladder. United-Guardian?s industrial products include DESELEX Liquid, a sequestering and chelating agent; and POLYCOMPLEX M and Q complexing agents to produce clear solutions of water-insoluble materials. The company distributes its products to drug wholesalers, drug stores, hospitals, physicians, long-term care facilities, Veteran?s Administration, and other government agencies through marketing partners, distributors, advertising in medical and trade journals, mailings to physicians, and exhibitions. United-Guardian, Inc. was founded in 1942 and is based in Hauppauge, New York.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Central European Distribution Corp (CEDCQ)

Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC), incorporated on September 4, 1997, operates primarily in the alcohol beverage industry. CEDC is a producer of vodka and is Central and Eastern Europe�� integrated spirit beverages business. During the year ended December 31, 2011, as measured by total volume, the Company produced and distributed approximately 33.2 million nine-liter cases . The Company�� business primarily involves the production and sale of its own spirit brands (principally vodka), and the importation on a basis of a range of spirits, wines and beers. Its primary operations are conducted in Poland and Russia. In addition the Company also has operations in Hungary and Ukraine. CEDC has six manufacturing facilities located in Poland and Russia. On February 7, 2011, the Company completed purchasing of the remaining stake of the Whitehall Group.

CEDC is an importer of spirits, wines and beers in Poland, Russia and Hungary. The Company maintains import contracts for a number of internationally recognized brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Campari, Jagermeister, Remy Martin Cognac, Corona, Budweiser (Budvar), E&J Gallo wines, Carlo Rossi wines, Sutter Home wines, Metaxa Brandy, Sierra Tequila, Teacher�� Whisky, Cinzano, Old Smuggler, Grant�� Whisky and Concha y Toro wines. In addition to its operations in Poland, Russia, and Hungary the Company has Ukraine and distribution agreements for its vodka brands in a number of key export markets including the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the Baltics and the CIS for Green Mark, Zhuravli, Parliament and Zubrowka, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France for Zubrowka and many other Western European countries. In 2011, exports represented 11% of its sales by value.

Poland

In Poland, CEDC is the vodka producers with a brand portfolio that includes Absolwent, Zubrowka, Zubrowka Biala, Bols, Palace and Soplica brands, each of which it produces at its Polish distilleries. It produces and sells vodka! s primarily in three vodka sectors: premium, mainstream, and economy. The Company owns two production sites in Poland: one in Oborniki and one in Bialystok. In the Oborniki distillery, it produces the Bols and Soplica vodka brands, among other spirit brands. In Bialystok it produces Absolwent and Zubrowka. Zubrowka is also exported out of Poland to many markets around the world, including the United States, England, Japan and also France. In addition to the Absolwent and Zubrowka brands, in Bialystok it produces the Zubrowka Biala brand. The Company has rights to import and distribute approximately 70 brands of spirits, wine and beer into Poland. It also provides marketing support to the suppliers. During 2011, the Company sold approximately 10.7 million nine-liter cases of vodka, wine and spirits through its Polish business during 2011 including both its own produced vodka brands as well as its exclusive agency import brands. During 2011, the Company sold approximately 191 thousand nine-liter cases of Zubrowka outside of Poland. During 2011, the Company�� Polish operations accounted for 26.3% of its revenue.

Russia

CEDC produces Green Mark in Russia and the sub-premium vodkas in Russia, Parliament and Zhuravli. During 2011 the Company introduced new brands to the Russian market Talka, Sotka and Silver Blend. The Company also produces Yamskaya, the economy vodka in Russia, and premixed alcohol drinks, or long drinks. The Company also owns Whitehall, which holds the exclusive rights to the import of such leading premium wine and spirit brands as Concha y Toro, Paul Masson, Robert Mondavi, DeKuyper, Jose Cuervo and Label 5. In addition to these import activities, Whitehall has distribution centers in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Rostov as well as a wine and spirits retail network located in Moscow. During 2011, the Company�� Russian operations accounted for 70.2% of its revenue. During 2011,the Company produced and sold approximately 16.6 million nine-liter cases of vodka th! rough its! Russian business in the main vodka segments in Russia: premium, sub-premium, mainstream, economy and cheap. In addition it produced and sold approximately 2.8 million nine-liter cases of long drinks.

Hungary

The Company sells Royal Vodka in Hungary through its Bols Hungary subsidiary. The imported brands to Hungary include Bols Vodka, Zubrowka, Royal Vodka, Campari, Cinzano, Jaegermeister, Bols Liqueurs, Cointreau, Carolans, Galliano, Irish Mist, Jose Cuervo, Calvados Boulard, Remy Martin, Metaxa, St Remy, Grant��, Glenfiddich, Tullamore Dew and Old Smuggler.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Davide Campari(CPR.MI)

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, operates in the beverage sector worldwide. The company offers spirits under the Campari, Carolans, SKYY Vodka, Wild Turkey, Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Frangelico, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Zedda Piras, Dreher, Old Eight, and Drury's brands; sparkling and still wines, including aromatized wines, such as vermouth wines under the Cinzano, Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca, and Teruzzi & Puthod names; and soft drinks under the Crodino and Lemonsoda brands. It also provides semi-finished goods; and is involved in bottling activities. The company was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy. Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Alicros S.p.A.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Treehouse Foods Inc.(THS)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. operates as a food manufacturer in the United States and Canada. The company?s products include non-dairy powdered creamers; private label canned soups; salad dressings and sauces; powdered drink mixes; and hot cereals, such as oatmeal, farina, and grits in single-serve instant packets and microwaveable bowls. It also offers macaroni and cheese; skillet dinners; Mexican and other sauces comprising salsa, picante, cheese dip, enchilada sauce, pasta sauce, and taco sauce; jams and pie fillings; pickles and related products, including peppers and pickled vegetables; aseptic products, such as cheese sauces and puddings; and refrigerated salad dressings and liquid non-dairy creamer products. The company offers pickles under the Farman?s, Nalley?s, Peter Piper, and Steinfeld brand names; sauces and syrups under the Bennett?s, Hoffman House, Roddenbery?s Northwoods, and San Antonio Farms brand names; non-dairy powdered creamer under the Cremora brand na me; refrigerated products under the Mocha Mix and Second Nature brand names; jams and other sauces under the E.D. Smith and Habitant brand name; oatmeal under the McCann?s brand name; and food away from home products under the Schwartz and Saucemaker brands. It primarily serves grocery retailers, mass merchandisers, and foodservice operators through various distribution channels, including retail grocery; foodservice distributors; and industrial and export channels comprising food manufacturers and repackagers of foodservice products. TreeHouse Foods, Inc. was founded in 1862 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Spartech Corporation(SEH)

Spartech Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an intermediary processor of engineered thermoplastics, polymeric compounds, and concentrates. The company operates in three segments: Custom Sheet and Rollstock, Packaging Technologies, and Color and Specialty Compounds. The Custom Sheet and Rollstock segment primarily manufactures plastic sheets, custom rollstock, calendered films, laminates, and acrylic products. This segment?s custom sheet and rollstock is used in various markets, including material handling, transportation, building and construction, recreation and leisure, electronics and appliances, sign and advertising, and aerospace. The Packaging Technologies segment manufactures custom-designed plastic packages and custom rollstock primarily used in the food and consumer product markets. This segment?s packaging technologies products are principally used in the food, medical, and consumer packaging, as well as in graphic arts markets. The Color and Specialty Compounds segment manufactures custom-designed plastic alloys, compounds, and color concentrates for use by manufacturing customers servicing the transportation, building and construction, packaging, agriculture, lawn and garden, and electronics and appliances end markets. The company sells its products through its sales force, as well as through independent sales representatives and wholesale distributors. It serves customers primarily in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Spartech Corporation was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Clayton, Missouri.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Hesler]

  Spartech Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, is an intermediary processor of engineered thermoplastics, polymeric compounds and concentrates. Its EPS forecast for the current year is 0.37 and next year is 0.71. According to consensus estimates, its topline is expected to grow 5.52% current year and 5.19% next year. It is trading at a forward P/E of 10.37. Out of four analysts covering the company, one is positive and has a buy recommendation and three have hold ratings.

Top 10 Consumer Companies To Watch In Right Now: Primo Water Corporation(PRMW)

Primo Water Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides three- and five-gallon purified bottled water, self-serve filtered drinking water, water dispensers, and carbonating beverage appliances in the United States and Canada. The company?s Primo Water segment sells multi-gallon purified bottled water and self-serve filtered drinking water vending service through retailers in the United States and Canada. It offers its services through point of purchase display racks or self-serve filtered water vending displays, and recycling centers. Its Primo Dispensers segment sells water dispensers that are designed to dispense Primo and other dispenser-compatible bottled water. This segment engages in dispensers sales primarily through retailers. The company also offers home beverage appliances, flavor concentrates, carbon dioxide cylinders, and accessories used with the appliances to make various cold beverages. As of December 31, 2011, its exchange and refill services wer e offered in each of the contiguous United States and in Canada at approximately 23,600 combined retail locations. Primo Water Corporation was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.