ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

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


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

2 Cash-Heavy Stocks with Competitive Advantages and 1 Facing Headwinds

WK Cover Image

Companies with more cash than debt can be financially resilient, but that doesn’t mean they’re all strong investments. Some lack leverage because they struggle to grow or generate consistent profits, making them unattractive borrowers.

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. Keeping that in mind, here are two companies with net cash positions that balance growth with stability and one with hidden risks.

One Stock to Sell:

Workiva (WK)

Net Cash Position: $68.52 million (1.3% of Market Cap)

Nicknamed "the Excel killer" by some finance professionals for its ability to eliminate spreadsheet chaos, Workiva (NYSE: WK) provides a cloud-based platform that enables organizations to streamline financial reporting, ESG, and compliance processes with connected data and automation.

Why Are We Cautious About WK?

  1. Operating margin improvement of 2.8 percentage points over the last year demonstrates its ability to scale efficiently
  2. Free cash flow margin is forecasted to shrink by 2.4 percentage points in the coming year, suggesting the company will consume more capital to keep up with its competitors

At $90.12 per share, Workiva trades at 5.5x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with WK, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Two Stocks to Watch:

Capital One (COF)

Net Cash Position: $18.55 billion (12.6% of Market Cap)

Starting as a credit card company in 1988 before expanding into a full-service bank, Capital One (NYSE: COF) is a financial services company that offers credit cards, auto loans, banking services, and commercial lending to consumers and businesses.

Why Could COF Be a Winner?

  1. Impressive 15% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
  2. Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 44.9% outpaced its revenue gains
  3. Acceptable return on equity suggests management generated shareholder value by investing in profitable projects

Capital One is trading at $230.90 per share, or 11.6x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

NerdWallet (NRDS)

Net Cash Position: $112.9 million (10.1% of Market Cap)

Born from founder Tim Chen's frustration with the lack of transparent credit card information when helping his sister in 2009, NerdWallet (NASDAQ: NRDS) is a digital platform that provides financial guidance to help consumers and small businesses make smarter decisions about credit cards, loans, insurance, and other financial products.

Why Are We Fans of NRDS?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 26.5% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Incremental sales over the last two years have been highly profitable as its earnings per share increased by 266% annually, topping its revenue gains

NerdWallet’s stock price of $15.39 implies a valuation ratio of 11.1x 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

The market’s up big this year - but there’s a catch. Just 4 stocks account for half the S&P 500’s entire gain. That kind of concentration makes investors nervous, and for good reason. While everyone piles into the same crowded names, smart investors are hunting quality where no one’s looking - and paying a fraction of the price. Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in 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  222.56
+0.02 (0.01%)
AAPL  274.61
+0.50 (0.18%)
AMD  209.17
+1.59 (0.77%)
BAC  54.81
-0.52 (-0.94%)
GOOG  307.73
-1.59 (-0.51%)
META  657.15
+9.64 (1.49%)
MSFT  476.39
+1.57 (0.33%)
NVDA  177.72
+1.43 (0.81%)
ORCL  188.65
+3.73 (2.02%)
TSLA  489.88
+14.57 (3.07%)
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.