Free cash flow is one of the most reliable indicators of financial durability. These businesses not only generate cash but reinvest intelligently to sustain momentum.
Identifying the most effective companies isn’t easy, and that’s why we started StockStory. That said, here are three cash-producing companies that leverage their financial strength to beat the competition.
Lam Research (LRCX)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 28.3%
Founded in 1980 by David Lam, the man who pioneered semiconductor etching technology, Lam Research (NASDAQ:LRCX) is one of the leading providers of wafer fabrication equipment used to make semiconductors.
Why Will LRCX Outperform?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 11.2% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Free cash flow margin increased by 9.4 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders
- ROIC punches in at 64.3%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
At $158.73 per share, Lam Research trades at 32x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
LSI (LYTS)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 3.7%
Enhancing commercial environments, LSI (NASDAQ:LYTS) provides lighting and display solutions for businesses and retailers.
Why Does LYTS Stand Out?
- Impressive 15.6% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
- Earnings per share grew by 50.7% annually over the last five years, massively outpacing its peers
LSI is trading at $18.75 per share, or 15.1x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free for active Edge members .
Zoetis (ZTS)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 23.8%
Originally spun off from Pfizer in 2013 as the world's largest pure-play animal health company, Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) discovers, develops, and sells medicines, vaccines, diagnostic products, and services for pets and livestock animals worldwide.
Why Are We Fans of ZTS?
- Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 10.5% to outpace its revenue gains
- Robust free cash flow margin of 21.4% gives it many options for capital deployment
- Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
Zoetis’s stock price of $118.67 implies a valuation ratio of 18.2x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
If your portfolio success hinges on just 4 stocks, your wealth is built on fragile ground. You have a small window to secure high-quality assets before the market widens and these prices disappear.
Don’t wait for the next volatility shock. Check 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 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).
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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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
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