Mark Lin

Size isn't everything. This small grocer boasts superior operating margins relative to its larger competitors--but how did Roundy's manage this feat?

It’s most investors’ dream to invest in a company that operates in a stable industry which boasts consistent market demand. One such industry is the tissue-paper business.

Children-oriented businesses tend to be attractive investment candidates, as the paymasters are usually less price-sensitive. However, not every child-focused stock is equally appealing.

As more consumers switch to private-label products and place less emphasis on brands, consumer-brand companies are increasingly losing pricing power with customers and bargaining power with retailers. One exception is Church & Dwight.

It is getting harder and harder to find a specialty retailer that is insulated from the duel threats of discount retailers and e-commerce. But there is one company that fits the bill.

If you find pleasure in taking fresh pizza home and baking it yourself, you aren't alone. As more consumers prefer this over the traditional way of calling for cooked pizza, Papa Murphy's will benefit.

It’s always better to pick a good company in a bad industry rather than vice-versa. Chicken fast-food chain Popeyes has been an outperformer in its industry.

There are many ways to grow, apart from market share gains and domestic industry growth. The country's largest chocolate maker boasts multiple drivers of growth that set it apart from other consumer companies.

You can find the best investment ideas in the most unlikely of places. This company will make money as long as swimming pools remain in service in your neighborhood.

In the cutthroat world of retail, retailers have to continuously innovate to keep up with customers' needs. Target's recent initiatives don't seem to have hit the mark, given its inferior financial results relative to peers.

It's always easier to grow from one dollar to two than to double a million dollars. Similarly, retail giant Wal-Mart faces an uphill battle delivering year-over-year growth on its large revenue base.

Make your staff happy, and they will in turn please your customers. Building a successful company is as simple as that.

The best profitable investment opportunities are found with companies still at the high growth stage of their corporate life cycle. Sportsman’s Warehouse, which has the potential to increase its store footprint from 49 to 300, is one such company.

What kind of company can increase its annual dividend for 48 years running? By focusing on the right products and the right deals, Hormel Foods has managed to outshine its peers in the packaged-meat industry with its stellar financial track record.

If you found your lunch today appetizing or your partner's perfume smelling good, you are the reason why companies like International Flavors & Fragrances maintain consistent revenues and profits.

If you have any Mickey Mouse merchandise in your possession or recently watched Frozen, you and other consumers are the reason why Disney is so successful.

The share price of SodaStream has reacted positively to news of potential M&A activity with Starbucks. However, investors should find out whether synergies exist between the two companies before committing to an investment.

Investors should look beyond near-term financial results when evaluating an investment. While Dr Pepper Snapple recently delivered good quarterly results, it isn't well positioned for the future.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) aren't necessarily value-destroying, if done for the right reason. For example, buying new companies to stay relevant with customers is justified.

Companies compete on a host of other factors apart from size. Kroger doesn’t fear competition from rivals like Wal-Mart and Costco, because it has its own unique set of competitive advantages.