It has been brought to my attention that one of the worst performing stocks of 2010 is NutriSystem, Inc. (ticker: NTRI). This struck me as a little odd since the time of year that a lot of people make funny little New Year's resolutions is around......January. A lot of those resolutions have something to do with weight loss. Which is NutriSystem's bag. So what's up?
Well, I must admit, since I can afford to lose a few lbs. (hey, who among us can't?), I've tried the NutriSystem product for a month. It definitely worked. Lost some weight. Felt better. Maybe not as much or as good as guys like Dan Marino or Lawrence Taylor or Mike Golic but it worked. (I got a little hint about those guys, and anybody else who is a "celebrity spokesman" for these kinds of things. They are also working out about 2 hours a day with a NutriSystem sponsored trainer to MAKE SURE they look good when they do those "before and after" photos.)
However, the thing ain't necessarily cheap. Its about $400 a month and they might've just gotten pinched by the economy. Many of you might say, "Geez, Richie, that works out to about $13 a day, that ain't that bad." No its not, but people have a problem coughing up that kind of cash upfront I think these days. Could be a marketing problem at the old "fat farm". They also probably pay these "celebrity spokesmen" a few dollars too. Someone also told me its not selling well in places like Wal-Mart or Walgreens due to the cost of the program, but it is doing Ok at Costco where there are more affluent shoppers. That made me feel good since I am a member at Costco and dont really go to Wal-Mart or Walgreens. But from my trips to Costco, I'm not sure I'd call people there, affluent. But, I digress.
I'm gonna keep an eye on this stock for a bit. No, I don't think I'd buy it yet, but I think it will be attractive soon when they get their house in order. I can't say I miss the "Pasta Parmesan" that you just add boiling hot water to, and that's dinner, (those who have served in the military might think of the term "MRE" right now, or without the acroynm, Meals Ready to Eat.) but like I said, the program did work. Maybe they should sponsor this blog and we could help them with their "before and after" photos. It wouldn't be the worst thing they could do. Just a thought. Let's watch ticker NTRI for a bit. Put that Twinkie down.
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