A surplus of cash can mean financial stability, but it can also indicate a reluctance (or inability) to invest in growth. Some of these companies also face challenges like stagnating revenue, declining market share, or limited scalability.
Financial flexibility is valuable, but it’s not everything - at StockStory, we help you find the stocks that can not only survive but also outperform. That said, here are two companies with net cash positions that can continue growing sustainably and one that may struggle.
One Stock to Sell:
The New York Times (NYT)
Net Cash Position: $140.2 million (1.5% of Market Cap)
Founded in 1851, The New York Times (NYSE: NYT) is an American media organization known for its influential newspaper and expansive digital journalism platforms.
Why Do We Think Twice About NYT?
- Number of subscribers has disappointed over the past two years, indicating weak demand for its offerings
- Demand will likely be soft over the next 12 months as Wall Street’s estimates imply tepid growth of 6.9%
- Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
At $57.49 per share, The New York Times trades at 23.7x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with NYT, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Two Stocks to Watch:
Accenture (ACN)
Net Cash Position: $3.30 billion (2.1% of Market Cap)
With a workforce of approximately 774,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a professional services firm that helps organizations transform their businesses through consulting, technology, operations, and digital services.
Why Do We Like ACN?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 9.5% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
- Massive revenue base of $69.67 billion makes it a well-known name that influences purchasing decisions
- Market-beating returns on capital illustrate that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
Accenture’s stock price of $249.81 implies a valuation ratio of 18.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
Banner Bank (BANR)
Net Cash Position: $557.8 million (25.7% of Market Cap)
Founded in 1890 in Walla Walla, Washington, and evolving through more than a century of economic cycles, Banner Corporation (NASDAQ: BANR) operates Banner Bank, providing commercial banking services, loans, and financial products to individuals and businesses across Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Utah.
Why Could BANR Be a Winner?
- Sound unit economics and 3.8% net interest margin allow for higher marketing budgets versus competitors
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 10.2% to outpace its revenue gains
- Impressive 16.1% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last two years indicates it’s building equity value this cycle
Banner Bank is trading at $63.19 per share, or 1.1x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 6 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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
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