Best Consumer Stocks To Watch For 2014

If there's one health-care stock every investor knows by name, it's Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ  ) . This industry titan makes everything from consumer health products to medical devices to pharmaceuticals, reaching into every niche of the medical sector. It's a strong dividend stock with a history of stability -- there's seemingly some perk for every �J&J�investor.

However, growth investors might want to take a look elsewhere. For all J&J does right, it's anything but a fast-growing, chart-topping stock for those looking for the best possible annual returns. While J&J isn't short on financial growth and makes a great foundation for any portfolio, a few key trends should make growth investors think twice before doubling up on shares.

Core businesses, slow growth
J&J is much more than a medicine company, and is far more diverse than its Big Pharma rivals. It is heavily reliant on sales of consumer health products and medical devices. In 2012, these two segments made up more than 62% of all revenue.

Best Consumer Stocks To Watch For 2014: E2V TECHNOLOGIES ORD GBP0.05(E2V.L)

e2v technologies plc engages in the development and manufacture of electronic components and sub-systems for the medical and science, aerospace and defense, and commercial and industrial markets. Its RF power solutions segment offers electronic devices and sub-systems used in defense electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment machines, radar systems, satellite communications amplifiers, industrial heating, cargo screening, bulk materials processing, missile control safety and arming devices, and digital television transmitters. The company?s High performance imaging solutions segment provides charged coupled devices and complimentary metal oxide semiconductor imaging sensors, and cameras used in a range of applications, such as space and earth observation imaging, science and life science imaging, machine vision, ophthalmology, and dental x-ray systems, as well as fire, rescue, and security thermal imaging. Its Hi-rel semiconductor solutions segment offers microprocessors, data converters, and MRAMs; and assembly and test, and semiconductor lifecycle management services. The company?s product portfolio includes coupled cavity and helix TWTs, gridded and inductive output tubes, industrial processing systems, klystrons, magnetrons, microwave devices, modulators, safety and arming devices, spark gaps, amplifiers, thyratrons, automotive air quality sensors, and x-ray spectroscopy detectors. It offers its products through a network of agents and distributors primarily in the Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and rest of the world. The company was formerly known as Marconi Applied Technologies and changed its name to e2v technologies plc in July 2002. e2v technologies plc was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Chelmsford, the United Kingdom.

Best Consumer Stocks To Watch For 2014: Stoneridge Inc.(SRI)

Stoneridge, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design and manufacture of engineered electrical and electronic components, modules, and systems for the medium and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural, and off-highway vehicle markets primarily in North America and Europe. The company operates in two segments, Electronics and Control Devices. The Electronics segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, and driver information systems, as well as electrical distribution systems, principally wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution. Its products collect, store, and display vehicle information, such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled, and driver messages related to vehicle performance. In addition, this segment?s power distribution systems regulate, coordinate, and direct the operation of the electrical system within a vehicle. The Control Devices segment designs and manufactures products that monitor, measure, or activate a specific function within the vehicle. This segment?s product lines include sensors, which are employed in a range of vehicle systems, such as the emissions, safety, power train, braking, climate control, steering, and suspension systems; switches that transmit signal to activate or deactivate selected functions; and electromechanical actuator products, which enable original equipment manufacturers to deploy power functions in a vehicle. Stoneridge, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Warren, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephen]

  Stoneridge, Inc. is an independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. Its EPS forecast for the current year is 1.19 and next year is 1.84. According to consensus estimates, its topline is expected to grow 15.57% current year and 17.53% next year. It is trading at a forward P/E of 7.82. Out of three analysts covering the company, two are positive and have buy recommendations and the other has a hold rating.

5 Best Canadian Stocks To Invest In 2014: Leapfrog Enterprises Inc(LF)

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. designs, develops, and markets technology-based learning platforms and related proprietary content primarily for infants and children worldwide. The company offers interactive reading systems, such as the Tag reading system that focuses on fundamental reading skills and offers a library of software-based books; and Tag Junior reading system used for the introduction of younger children to books and reading. It also provides mobile learning system products, including Leapster platform, a handheld device with a multi-directional control pad and a touch-screen enabled by a built-in stylus; Leapster2 platform, a Web-connected version of Leapster; and Leapster Explorer to download digital content, such as games, e-Books, videos and flash cards. In addition, the company offers Scout collection, a line of learning toys that are Web-enabled and connect to the Learning Path; and My Own Leaptop, a Web-enabled customizable laptop; Fridge Collection, a line of magnetic learning toys that introduce letter names, letter sounds, spelling, and songs; Learn and Groove Collection, which include bilingual musical learning toys; and various products that address basic learning needs and milestones. Further, it provides LeapFrog Learning Path, an online tool enabling parents to track what their children are learning with Web-connected products; and LeapWorld, which allows children to play online games, customize their mobile learning and gaming experiences, access new content, watch trailers for new games, and view demonstrations. It sells its products directly to national and regional mass-market and specialty retailers; other retail stores and distributors; school-related distributors and resellers; and through online store and other Internet-based channels. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is a subsidiary of Mollusk Holdings, LLC.

Best Consumer Stocks To Watch For 2014: 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.