New name & focus

Article Excerpt

WW INTERNATIONAL $68.27 (Nasdaq symbol WTW; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (212-589-2700; www.ww.com; Shares outstanding: 66.6 million; Market cap: $4.0 billion; No dividends paid) is the new name of Weight Watchers International. The company’s brand name is now just “WW,” with the tagline “Wellness that works.” WW has also moved its stock listing to the tech-heavy Nasdaq exchange from New York. This is just the latest in a number of changes the 55-year-old company has introduced over the last couple of years: eliminating artificial ingredients from the food it sells to customers; and enlisting Oprah Winfrey as both a brand ambassador and investor. The new name and tagline are meant to reflect the company’s goal of promoting healthy living beyond weight control. Just as important, WW continues to strenghten its online presence. That digital expansion, including mobile apps, should let it attract younger clients and extend its global reach. WW International is a buy for aggressive investors. investors…