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.

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 4.1%

Celebrated for its delicious (and free) brown bread, gigantic portions, and delectable desserts, Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ: CAKE) is an iconic American restaurant chain that also owns and operates a portfolio of separate restaurant brands.

Why Does CAKE Give Us Pause?

1. Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it’s having trouble bringing new diners into its restaurants
2. Estimated sales growth of 4.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its six-year trend
3. 6× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly

The Cheesecake Factory’s stock price of $57.91 implies a valuation ratio of 14x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with CAKE, check out our full research report (it’s free).

General Dynamics (GD)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 7.5%

Creator of the famous M1 Abrahms tank, General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) develops aerospace, marine systems, combat systems, and information technology products.

Why Are We Hesitant About GD?

1. The company has faced growth challenges as its 6.7% annual revenue increases over the last five years fell short of other industrials companies
2. Estimated sales growth of 4.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
3. Earnings per share lagged its peers over the last five years as they only grew by 7% annually

General Dynamics is trading at $352.75 per share, or 21.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including GD in your portfolio.

Matrix Service (MTRX)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: 5.4%

Founded in Oklahoma, Matrix Service (NASDAQ: MTRX) provides engineering, fabrication, construction, and maintenance services primarily to the energy and industrial markets.

Why Are We Cautious About MTRX?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 1.1% annual growth was below the typical industrials company
2. High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 3.7% that must be offset through higher volumes
3. Earnings per share fell by 21.4% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, partly because it diluted shareholders

At $10.27 per share, Matrix Service trades at 15.3x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than MTRX.

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