A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.
Cash flow is valuable, but it’s not everything - StockStory helps you identify the companies that truly put it to work. That said, here are two cash-producing companies that excel at turning cash into shareholder value and one best left off your watchlist.
One Stock to Sell:
Johnson Controls (JCI)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 11.5%
Founded after patenting the electric room thermostat, Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) specializes in building products and technology solutions, including HVAC systems, fire and security systems, and energy storage.
Why Do We Think JCI Will Underperform?
- Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
- Estimated sales growth of 4.1% for the next 12 months is soft and implies weaker demand
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities
Johnson Controls is trading at $105.18 per share, or 27.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering JCI for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Two Stocks to Watch:
Photronics (PLAB)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 10.5%
Sporting a global footprint of facilities, Photronics (NASDAQ: PLAB) is a manufacturer of photomasks, templates used to transfer patterns onto semiconductor wafers.
Why Could PLAB Be a Winner?
- Operating margin expanded by 14.3 percentage points over the last five years as it scaled and became more efficient
- Performance over the past five years was boosted by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
- Industry-leading 25.4% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments, and its returns are climbing as it finds even more attractive growth opportunities
Photronics’s stock price of $20.50 implies a valuation ratio of 9.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Eli Lilly (LLY)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 7.6%
Founded in 1876 by a Civil War veteran and pharmacist frustrated with the poor quality of medicines, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) discovers, develops, and manufactures pharmaceutical products for conditions including diabetes, obesity, cancer, immunological disorders, and neurological diseases.
Why Is LLY a Good Business?
- Annual revenue growth of 33% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 17.6% to outpace its revenue gains
- Market-beating returns on capital illustrate that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
At $778.32 per share, Eli Lilly trades at 30.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.
While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
