ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

1 Cash-Producing Stock with Impressive Fundamentals and 2 We Avoid

IOT Cover Image

While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns. Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.

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:

Kulicke and Soffa (KLIC)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 14.7%

Headquartered in Singapore, Kulicke & Soffa (NASDAQ: KLIC) is a provider of production equipment and tools used to assemble semiconductor devices

Why Do We Think Twice About KLIC?

  1. Sales were flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
  2. Efficiency has decreased over the last five years as its operating margin fell by 27.7 percentage points
  3. Performance over the past five years shows each sale was less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 26.9% annually

Kulicke and Soffa’s stock price of $45.60 implies a valuation ratio of 30x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including KLIC in your portfolio.

Albany (AIN)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 8%

Founded in 1895, Albany (NYSE: AIN) is a global textiles and materials processing company, specializing in machine clothing for paper mills and engineered composite structures for aerospace and other industries.

Why Do We Pass on AIN?

  1. 2.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years was slower than its industrials peers
  2. 9.9 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value

At $47.68 per share, Albany trades at 16.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering AIN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Stock to Buy:

Samsara (IOT)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 11.9%

From sensors on vehicles to AI-powered cameras that help prevent accidents, Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is a cloud-based Internet of Things platform that helps businesses improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of their physical operations.

Why Are We Backing IOT?

  1. Customers view its software as mission-critical to their operations as its ARR has averaged 31.8% growth over the last year
  2. Forecasted revenue growth of 21.2% for the next 12 months indicates its momentum over the last two years is sustainable
  3. Fast payback periods on sales and marketing expenses allow the company to invest heavily and onboard many customers concurrently

Samsara is trading at $37.75 per share, or 12.6x forward price-to-sales. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

If your portfolio success hinges on just 4 stocks, your wealth is built on fragile ground. You have a small window to secure high-quality assets before the market widens and these prices disappear.

Don’t wait for the next volatility shock. Check out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  234.92
+1.04 (0.44%)
AAPL  286.49
+3.39 (1.20%)
AMD  214.95
-4.81 (-2.19%)
BAC  53.17
-0.07 (-0.13%)
GOOG  315.69
+0.57 (0.18%)
META  647.60
+6.73 (1.05%)
MSFT  489.95
+3.21 (0.66%)
NVDA  181.57
+1.65 (0.92%)
ORCL  201.00
+0.06 (0.03%)
TSLA  429.54
-0.60 (-0.14%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.