A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.
Not all companies are created equal, and StockStory is here to surface the ones with real upside. Keeping that in mind, here is one cash-producing company that leverages its financial strength to beat its competitors and two that may face some trouble.
Two Stocks to Sell:
Janus (JBI)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 9.1%
Standing out with its digital keyless entry into self-storage room technology, Janus (NYSE: JBI) is a provider of easily accessible self-storage solutions.
Why Are We Bearish on JBI?
- Sales tumbled by 7.2% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against it during this cycle
- Earnings per share have dipped by 5.3% annually over the past four years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
- Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability
Janus’s stock price of $4.24 implies a valuation ratio of 6.3x forward EV-to-EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with JBI, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Martin Marietta Materials (MLM)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 12.1%
Operating one of North America's largest networks of quarries, including 14 underground mines, Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE: MLM) is a natural resource-based building materials company that supplies aggregates, cement, and other construction materials for infrastructure and building projects.
Why Are We Wary of MLM?
- Flat sales over the last two years suggest it must find different ways to grow during this cycle
- Earnings per share were flat over the last two years and fell short of the peer group average
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam
Martin Marietta Materials is trading at $480.36 per share, or 25.6x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than MLM.
One Stock to Watch:
LegalZoom (LZ)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 18.9%
Founded by famous lawyer Robert Shapiro, LegalZoom (NASDAQ: LZ) offers online legal services and documentation assistance for individuals and businesses.
Why Are We Positive on LZ?
- Subscription Units have grown by 10.7% annually, allowing for more profitable cross-selling opportunities if it can build complementary products and features
- Strong engagement trends coupled with 17.2% annual growth in its average revenue per user demonstrate its platform’s stickiness with die-hard customers
- Healthy EBITDA margin of 23.1% shows it’s a well-run company with efficient processes, and its operating leverage amplified its profits over the last few years
At $5.96 per share, LegalZoom trades at 4.2x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
