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 to Own for Decades and 2 to Ignore

VITL 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. Keeping that in mind, here is one company with a net cash position that can leverage its balance sheet to grow and two that may struggle.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Snap-on (SNA)

Net Cash Position: $161 million (1% of Market Cap)

Founded in 1920, Snap-on (NYSE: SNA) is a global provider of tools, equipment, and diagnostics for various industries such as vehicle repair, aerospace, and the military.

Why Are We Hesitant About SNA?

  1. Organic revenue growth fell short of our benchmarks over the past two years and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy
  2. Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 6.3 percentage points
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Snap-on’s stock price of $315.01 implies a valuation ratio of 15.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with SNA, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Regeneron (REGN)

Net Cash Position: $5.64 billion (9.9% of Market Cap)

Founded by scientists who wanted to build a company where science could thrive, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN) develops and commercializes medicines for serious diseases, with key products treating eye conditions, allergic diseases, cancer, and other disorders.

Why Does REGN Fall Short?

  1. Scale is a double-edged sword because it limits the company’s growth potential compared to its smaller competitors, as reflected in its below-average annual revenue increases of 6.7% for the last two years
  2. Efficiency has decreased over the last five years as its adjusted operating margin fell by 12.3 percentage points
  3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Regeneron is trading at $536.51 per share, or 13.4x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than REGN.

One Stock to Buy:

Vital Farms (VITL)

Net Cash Position: $137.1 million (8% of Market Cap)

With an emphasis on ethically produced products, Vital Farms (NASDAQ: VITL) specializes in pasture-raised eggs and butter.

Why Are We Bullish on VITL?

  1. Stellar 17.8% growth in unit sales over the past two years demonstrates the high demand for its products
  2. Market share will likely rise over the next 12 months as its expected revenue growth of 26.7% is robust
  3. Earnings per share grew by 161% annually over the last three years, massively outpacing its peers

At $38.20 per share, Vital Farms trades at 27.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.

While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking 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 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.