The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which editor/analyst Isaac Pino and editor/analyst Austin Smith discuss topics across the investing world.

In today's edition, Austin and Isaac look at the trash collection industry to expose a strong company that investors should consider for their portfolios. Many companies in this area were able to weather the economic downturn over the past few years. The most diversified players not only generate cash and strong margins, but they continue to invest in growth opportunities. Find out which company Isaac likes for the year ahead.

The retail sector is full of industry winners and losers. To learn about a few, we invite you to take a look at The Motley Fool's special free report: "The Death of Wal-Mart: The Real Cash Kings Changing the Face of Retail." In it, you'll see which retailers are able to consistently outperform and how two cash kings are planning to ride the waves of retail's changing tide. You can access it by clicking here.