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-Heavy Stock for Long-Term Investors and 2 to Steer Clear Of

MOV 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.

Just because a business has cash doesn’t mean it’s a good investment. Luckily, StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the losers. That said, here is one company with a net cash position that can continue growing sustainably and two that may struggle.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Movado (MOV)

Net Cash Position: $111.2 million (32.5% of Market Cap)

With its watches displayed in 20 museums around the world, Movado (NYSE: MOV) is a watchmaking company with a portfolio of watch brands and accessories.

Why Should You Dump MOV?

  1. Annual revenue declines of 6% over the last two years indicate problems with its market positioning
  2. Operating margin of 4.4% falls short of the industry average, and the smaller profit dollars make it harder to react to unexpected market developments
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Movado’s stock price of $15.38 implies a valuation ratio of 0.5x trailing 12-month price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than MOV.

Proto Labs (PRLB)

Net Cash Position: $94.22 million (10.4% of Market Cap)

Pioneering the concept of online quoting and manufacturing for custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB) offers injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication for manufacturers in various industries.

Why Do We Avoid PRLB?

  1. Sales were flat over the last two years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
  2. Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its operating margin to decline by 7.3 percentage points
  3. Earnings per share have contracted by 10.5% annually over the last five years, a headwind for returns as stock prices often echo long-term EPS performance

At $38.02 per share, Proto Labs trades at 25.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with PRLB, check out our full research report (it’s free).

One Stock to Watch:

Deckers (DECK)

Net Cash Position: $1.61 billion (10.7% of Market Cap)

Established in 1973, Deckers (NYSE: DECK) is a footwear and apparel conglomerate with a portfolio of lifestyle and performance brands.

Why Does DECK Stand Out?

  1. Strong consumer demand for its brand drove 18.5% annual revenue growth over the last five years, outperforming sector peers
  2. Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 31.3%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last five years
  3. Improving returns on capital reflect management’s ability to monetize investments

Deckers is trading at $101.00 per share, or 16.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking 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 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% 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

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 following
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.