What's Next for Procter & Gamble?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which consumer-goods editor and analyst Austin Smith discusses topics around the investing world.

In today's edition, Austin takes a look at textbook consumer-goods titan Procter & Gamble. The company finds itself in an undesirable Catch-22 right now, having recently admitted to overzealous international growth plans while neglecting its truly profitable domestic markets. To counter the trend it'll be spending less abroad and more on its own shores in the near future. While this is important for short-term profitability, it also cedes a lot of future international growth potential to rival Unilever, with which it was trying to play catch-up in the first place. This a tough spot, even for a great company like P&G.

These companies are one way to play international markets in 2012, but we think there is an even better one: an emerging-market company that's poised to become the Costco of Latin America. We are so excited about this company that we've named it our Top Stock for 2012. The Motley Fool has compiled a special free report outlining this company. In it, you'll discover the company hand-picked by our analysts that's positioned to be a titan of retail in the future. You can access the report -- 100% free of charge -- by clicking here. Fool on!

At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smithowns shares of Unilever. The Motley Fool owns shares of Costco.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendKimberly-Clark, Costco, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.