ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

Cash-Producing Stock to Target This Week and 2 We Question

PRDO Cover Image

Generating cash is essential for any business, but not all cash-rich companies are great investments. Some produce plenty of cash but fail to allocate it effectively, leading to missed opportunities.

Luckily for you, we built StockStory to help you separate the good from the bad. Keeping that in mind, here is one cash-producing company that reinvests wisely to drive long-term success and two that may face some trouble.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Perdoceo Education (PRDO)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 24%

Formerly known as Career Education Corporation, Perdoceo Education (NASDAQ: PRDO) is an educational services company that specializes in postsecondary education.

Why Should You Sell PRDO?

  1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 3.7% annual growth was below the typical consumer discretionary company
  2. Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last five years as its EPS grew by just 10.8% annually
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Perdoceo Education’s stock price of $27.41 implies a valuation ratio of 37.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with PRDO, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Apogee (APOG)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 4.8%

Involved in the design of the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, Apogee (NASDAQ: APOG) sells architectural products and services such as high-performance glass for commercial buildings.

Why Do We Steer Clear of APOG?

  1. Annual sales declines of 1.3% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
  2. Projected sales growth of 1% for the next 12 months suggests sluggish demand
  3. Earnings per share have dipped by 8.7% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term

Apogee is trading at $36.41 per share, or 9x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including APOG in your portfolio.

One Stock to Buy:

Dycom (DY)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 6%

Working alongside some of the most popular mobile carriers in the world, Dycom (NYSE: DY) builds and maintains telecommunications infrastructure.

Why Do We Love DY?

  1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 11.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
  2. Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
  3. Performance over the past five years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue

At $360 per share, Dycom trades at 29.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

Stocks We Like Even More

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 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% 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  229.53
+0.42 (0.18%)
AAPL  278.78
-1.92 (-0.68%)
AMD  217.97
+1.99 (0.92%)
BAC  53.95
+0.07 (0.13%)
GOOG  322.09
+3.70 (1.16%)
META  673.42
+11.89 (1.80%)
MSFT  483.16
+2.32 (0.48%)
NVDA  182.41
-0.97 (-0.53%)
ORCL  217.58
+3.25 (1.52%)
TSLA  455.00
+0.47 (0.10%)
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.