While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns.
Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.
Cash flow is valuable, but it’s not everything - StockStory helps you identify the companies that truly put it to work. That said, here are two cash-producing companies that reinvest wisely to drive long-term success and one that may face some trouble.
One Stock to Sell:
Edgewell Personal Care (EPC)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 1.8%
Boasting brands such as Banana Boat, Schick, and Skintimate, Edgewell Personal Care (NYSE:EPC) sells personal care products in the skin and sun care, shave, and feminine care categories.
Why Should You Dump EPC?
- Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
- Overall productivity fell over the last year as its plummeting sales were accompanied by a decline in its operating margin
- 6× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings
Edgewell Personal Care is trading at $21.14 per share, or 9.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including EPC in your portfolio.
Two Stocks to Watch:
O'Reilly (ORLY)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 8.8%
Serving both the DIY customer and professional mechanic, O’Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ:ORLY) is an auto parts and accessories retailer that sells everything from fuel pumps to car air fresheners to mufflers.
Why Is ORLY a Good Business?
- Locations open for at least a year are seeing increased demand as same-store sales have averaged 3.8% growth over the past two years
- Excellent operating margin of 19.5% highlights the efficiency of its business model
- Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
At $95.10 per share, O'Reilly trades at 29.2x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Elevance Health (ELV)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 1.6%
Formerly known as Anthem until its 2022 rebranding, Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) is one of America's largest health insurers, serving approximately 47 million medical members through its network-based managed care plans.
Why Are We Positive On ELV?
- Annual revenue growth of 10.3% over the last five years was above the sector average and underscores its products and services value to customers
- Enormous revenue base of $197.6 billion gives it leverage over plan holders and advantageous reimbursement terms with healthcare providers
- ROIC punches in at 27.3%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
Elevance Health’s stock price of $288.55 implies a valuation ratio of 11x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.