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Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

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3 Cash-Producing Stocks We’re Skeptical Of

By: StockStory

CHWY Cover Image

A company that generates cash isn’t automatically a winner. Some businesses stockpile cash but fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their ability to expand.

Not all companies are created equal, and StockStory is here to surface the ones with real upside. That said, here are three cash-producing companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Chewy (CHWY)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 3.7%

Founded by Ryan Cohen, who later became known for his involvement in GameStop, Chewy (NYSE: CHWY) is an online retailer specializing in pet food, supplies, and healthcare services.

Why Is CHWY Not Exciting?

  1. Annual sales growth of 9.3% over the last three years lagged behind its consumer internet peers as its large revenue base made it difficult to generate incremental demand
  2. Estimated sales growth of 5.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its three-year trend
  3. Bad unit economics and steep infrastructure costs are reflected in its low gross margin of 29%

Chewy’s stock price of $35.83 implies a valuation ratio of 20.3x forward EV/EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including CHWY in your portfolio.

Red Robin (RRGB)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 3.3%

Known for its bottomless steak fries, Red Robin (NASDAQ: RRGB) is a chain of casual restaurants specializing in burgers and general American fare.

Why Do We Steer Clear of RRGB?

  1. Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its menu offerings and dining experience
  2. Performance over the past six years shows each sale was less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 25.5% annually
  3. 10× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly

Red Robin is trading at $5.71 per share, or 1.6x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why RRGB doesn’t pass our bar.

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 2.7%

With an iconic “STANLEY” logo which has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a manufacturer primarily catering to the tool and outdoor equipment industry.

Why Are We Out on SWK?

  1. Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
  2. Earnings per share fell by 8.6% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
  3. 10.5 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

At $67.93 per share, Stanley Black & Decker trades at 11.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering SWK for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - 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 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 Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.

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.

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