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.
Not all companies are created equal, and StockStory is here to surface the ones with real upside. That said, here is one cash-producing company that reinvests wisely to drive long-term success and two best left off your watchlist.
Two Stocks to Sell:
Royal Caribbean (RCL)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 12.6%
Established in 1968, Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company renowned for its innovative and exciting cruise experiences.
Why Do We Think Twice About RCL?
- 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 9.7% for the last five years
- Capital intensity will likely increase as its free cash flow margin is anticipated to drop by 7.1 percentage points over the next year
- Underwhelming -0.2% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities
Royal Caribbean is trading at $297 per share, or 19.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering RCL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Acuity Brands (AYI)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 12.1%
One of the pioneers of smart lights, Acuity (NYSE: AYI) designs and manufactures light fixtures and building management systems used in various industries.
Why Does AYI Give Us Pause?
- Annual revenue growth of 1.4% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector
- Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
At $305 per share, Acuity Brands trades at 16.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why AYI doesn’t pass our bar.
One Stock to Buy:
EMCOR (EME)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 8.7%
Through its network of over 70 subsidiaries, EMCOR (NYSE: EME) provides electrical, mechanical, and building construction and services
Why Is EME a Good Business?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 14.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Share repurchases over the last two years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 57.7% to outpace its revenue gains
- Returns on capital are growing as management capitalizes on its market opportunities
EMCOR’s stock price of $502.45 implies a valuation ratio of 21.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs.
While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. 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. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
