10 Best Rule Of 40 Profitable for January 2026
Welcome to the Value Sense Blog, your resource for insights on the stock market! At Value Sense, we focus on intrinsic value tools and offer stock ideas with undervalued companies. Dive into our research products and learn more about our unique approach at valuesense.io
Explore diverse stock ideas covering technology, healthcare, and commodities sectors. Our insights are crafted to help investors spot opportunities in undervalued growth stocks, enhancing potential returns. Visit us to see evaluations and in-depth market research.
Market Overview & Selection Criteria
In the current market environment, high-quality growth stocks continue to dominate amid tech-driven innovation and economic resilience. ValueSense's Rule of 40 screening methodology identifies companies balancing strong revenue growth and profitability, targeting those with combined revenue growth plus FCF margin exceeding 40%. This collection features 10 standout stocks from the screener, primarily in technology and healthcare sectors, selected based on exceptional Quality ratings (above 7.0 for most), robust ROIC, high revenue growth, and attractive intrinsic value metrics. These picks emphasize firms with market caps over $500B, showcasing scalability and financial health as analyzed through ValueSense tools.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,608.1B |
| Quality Rating | 8.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $75.6 |
| 1Y Return | 36.6% |
| Revenue | $187.1B |
| Free Cash Flow | $77.3B |
| Revenue Growth | 65.2% |
| FCF margin | 41.3% |
| Gross margin | 70.1% |
| ROIC | 161.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 9.1% |
Investment Thesis
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) stands out with a Quality rating of 8.1, reflecting its dominance in AI and semiconductor markets. The company reports a massive market cap of $4,608.1B, revenue of $187.1B, and free cash flow of $77.3B, underpinned by explosive 65.2% revenue growth and an impressive 41.3% FCF margin. Its 161.5% ROIC signals extraordinary capital efficiency, while a low 9.1% total debt to equity ensures financial stability. ValueSense intrinsic value analysis pegs fair value at $75.6, offering educational insights into potential valuation relative to growth trajectory and 36.6% 1Y return. Gross margins at 70.1% highlight pricing power in high-demand chips.
Key Catalysts
- Explosive 65.2% revenue growth driven by AI data center demand
- Industry-leading 161.5% ROIC and 41.3% FCF margin for sustained profitability
- 70.1% gross margin supporting R&D reinvestment
- Strong 36.6% 1Y return with scalable semiconductor leadership
Risk Factors
- High market cap concentration in volatile tech sector
- Potential AI hype cycles impacting growth sustainability
- Dependency on cyclical semiconductor demand
Stock #2: Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,766.8B |
| Quality Rating | 7.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $228.4 |
| 1Y Return | 66.8% |
| Revenue | $385.5B |
| Free Cash Flow | $73.6B |
| Revenue Growth | 13.4% |
| FCF margin | 19.1% |
| Gross margin | 59.2% |
| ROIC | 31.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 8.7% |
Investment Thesis
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) earns a solid Quality rating of 7.9, bolstered by its $3,766.8B market cap and diversified tech ecosystem. Key metrics include $385.5B revenue, $73.6B free cash flow, 13.4% revenue growth, and 19.1% FCF margin, with 59.2% gross margin and 31.4% ROIC. Minimal 8.7% total debt to equity supports balance sheet strength, alongside a 66.8% 1Y return. ValueSense intrinsic value stands at $228.4, providing a framework for analyzing ad revenue stability and cloud expansion potential in this educational review.
Key Catalysts
- Steady 13.4% revenue growth from search and cloud segments
- High 31.4% ROIC and $73.6B FCF for innovation funding
- 66.8% 1Y return reflecting market leadership
- Low 8.7% debt to equity enabling strategic acquisitions
Risk Factors
- Regulatory pressures on digital advertising dominance
- Competition in cloud computing from hyperscalers
- Slower growth compared to pure AI plays
Stock #3: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,766.8B |
| Quality Rating | 7.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $224.9 |
| 1Y Return | 65.6% |
| Revenue | $385.5B |
| Free Cash Flow | $73.6B |
| Revenue Growth | 13.5% |
| FCF margin | 19.1% |
| Gross margin | 59.2% |
| ROIC | 31.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 8.7% |
Investment Thesis
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), the Class C shares, mirrors GOOGL with a 7.9 Quality rating and identical $3,766.8B market cap. It delivers $385.5B revenue, $73.6B free cash flow, 13.5% revenue growth, 19.1% FCF margin, 59.2% gross margin, and 31.4% ROIC, with 8.7% total debt to equity. The 65.6% 1Y return underscores performance, while ValueSense intrinsic value of $224.9 aids in comparative analysis across share classes for educational purposes.
Key Catalysts
- Consistent 13.5% revenue growth across core businesses
- Robust $73.6B FCF and 31.4% ROIC
- Strong 65.6% 1Y return with diversified revenue streams
- Pristine 8.7% debt to equity ratio
Risk Factors
- Shared regulatory risks with GOOGL class
- Market share battles in emerging tech
- Valuation sensitivity to ad spend fluctuations
Stock #4: Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,517.4B |
| Quality Rating | 7.3 |
| Intrinsic Value | $442.1 |
| 1Y Return | 13.4% |
| Revenue | $293.8B |
| Free Cash Flow | $78.0B |
| Revenue Growth | 15.6% |
| FCF margin | 26.6% |
| Gross margin | 68.8% |
| ROIC | 27.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 16.7% |
Investment Thesis
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) holds a 7.3 Quality rating with a $3,517.4B market cap, driven by $293.8B revenue and peak $78.0B free cash flow. Metrics show 15.6% revenue growth, 26.6% FCF margin, 68.8% gross margin, 27.2% ROIC, and 16.7% total debt to equity, paired with a 13.4% 1Y return. Intrinsic value at $442.1 from ValueSense highlights cloud and AI synergies in this stock analysis.
Key Catalysts
- Solid 15.6% revenue growth from Azure and Office
- Highest $78.0B FCF with 26.6% margin
- 68.8% gross margin fueling AI investments
- Reliable 27.2% ROIC across enterprise software
Risk Factors
- Enterprise spending cycles in economic downturns
- Competition in cloud from AWS and Google
- Moderate 13.4% 1Y return amid high expectations
Stock #5: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,647.0B |
| Quality Rating | 8.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $128.4 |
| 1Y Return | 49.8% |
| Revenue | $63.9B |
| Free Cash Flow | $26.9B |
| Revenue Growth | 23.9% |
| FCF margin | 42.1% |
| Gross margin | 67.8% |
| ROIC | 18.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 80.1% |
Investment Thesis
Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) leads with an elite 8.2 Quality rating and $1,647.0B market cap. It boasts $63.9B revenue, $26.9B free cash flow, 23.9% revenue growth, 42.1% FCF margin, 67.8% gross margin, and 18.3% ROIC, despite 80.1% total debt to equity. A 49.8% 1Y return complements intrinsic value of $128.4, emphasizing semiconductor and software diversification.
Key Catalysts
- Strong 23.9% revenue growth in custom chips
- Exceptional 42.1% FCF margin and $26.9B FCF
- 49.8% 1Y return from AI infrastructure demand
- 67.8% gross margin supporting acquisitions
Risk Factors
- Elevated 80.1% debt to equity from deals
- Cyclical semis exposure
- Integration risks post-mergers
Most investors waste time on the wrong metrics. We've spent 10,000+ hours perfecting our value investing engine to find what actually matters.
Want to see what we'll uncover next - before everyone else does?
Find Hidden Gems First!
Stock #6: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,638.1B |
| Quality Rating | 8.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $485.3 |
| 1Y Return | 58.6% |
| Revenue | NT$3,631.4B |
| Free Cash Flow | NT$889.9B |
| Revenue Growth | 37.0% |
| FCF margin | 24.5% |
| Gross margin | 59.0% |
| ROIC | 36.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 19.0% |
Investment Thesis
Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) scores a top 8.2 Quality rating with $1,638.1B market cap. Revenue reaches NT$3,631.4B, free cash flow NT$889.9B, 37.0% revenue growth, 24.5% FCF margin, 59.0% gross margin, 36.2% ROIC, and 19.0% total debt to equity. 58.6% 1Y return aligns with $485.3 intrinsic value, key for foundry leadership analysis.
Key Catalysts
- Robust 37.0% revenue growth in advanced nodes
- High 36.2% ROIC and strong cash generation
- 58.6% 1Y return amid chip demand surge
- Balanced 19.0% debt to equity
Risk Factors
- Geopolitical tensions in Taiwan
- Customer concentration risks
- Capex intensity for fabs
Stock #7: Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,629.6B |
| Quality Rating | 7.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $644.9 |
| 1Y Return | 8.5% |
| Revenue | $189.5B |
| Free Cash Flow | $44.8B |
| Revenue Growth | 21.3% |
| FCF margin | 23.7% |
| Gross margin | 82.0% |
| ROIC | 28.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 26.3% |
Investment Thesis
Meta Platforms (META) features a 7.4 Quality rating and $1,629.6B market cap, with $189.5B revenue, $44.8B free cash flow, 21.3% revenue growth, 23.7% FCF margin, standout 82.0% gross margin, 28.3% ROIC, and 26.3% total debt to equity. 8.5% 1Y return pairs with $644.9 intrinsic value for social media growth evaluation.
Key Catalysts
- Impressive 82.0% gross margin from ads
- 21.3% revenue growth in core platforms
- Solid 28.3% ROIC and $44.8B FCF
- Metaverse and AI efficiency gains
Risk Factors
- Ad revenue volatility
- Regulatory scrutiny on data privacy
- Capex for Reality Labs
Stock #8: Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $958.1B |
| Quality Rating | 7.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $279.3 |
| 1Y Return | 39.1% |
| Revenue | $59.4B |
| Free Cash Flow | $9,020.7M |
| Revenue Growth | 45.4% |
| FCF margin | 15.2% |
| Gross margin | 83.0% |
| ROIC | 36.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 178.2% |
Investment Thesis
Eli Lilly (LLY) achieves 7.9 Quality rating with $958.1B market cap, $59.4B revenue, $9,020.7M free cash flow, blockbuster 45.4% revenue growth, 15.2% FCF margin, 83.0% gross margin, 36.0% ROIC, but higher 178.2% total debt to equity. 39.1% 1Y return supports $279.3 intrinsic value in pharma innovation.
Key Catalysts
- Explosive 45.4% revenue growth from GLP-1 drugs
- Elite 83.0% gross margin and 36.0% ROIC
- 39.1% 1Y return on obesity treatments
- Pipeline expansion potential
Risk Factors
- High 178.2% debt to equity for R&D
- Patent cliffs ahead
- Drug pricing pressures
Stock #9: Visa Inc. (V)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $672.0B |
| Quality Rating | 7.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $191.8 |
| 1Y Return | 10.6% |
| Revenue | $40.0B |
| Free Cash Flow | $21.6B |
| Revenue Growth | 11.3% |
| FCF margin | 53.9% |
| Gross margin | 78.8% |
| ROIC | 38.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 66.4% |
Investment Thesis
Visa Inc. (V) posts 7.2 Quality rating and $672.0B market cap, with $40.0B revenue, $21.6B free cash flow, 11.3% revenue growth, exceptional 53.9% FCF margin, 78.8% gross margin, 38.0% ROIC, and 66.4% total debt to equity. 10.6% 1Y return aligns with $191.8 intrinsic value for payments network analysis.
Key Catalysts
- Superior 53.9% FCF margin and $21.6B FCF
- High 38.0% ROIC in transaction processing
- 78.8% gross margin scalability
- Digital payments tailwinds
Risk Factors
- 66.4% debt to equity level
- Fintech disruption risks
- Economic slowdowns on spending
Stock #10: Oracle Corporation (ORCL)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $557.8B |
| Quality Rating | 6.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $168.0 |
| 1Y Return | 18.2% |
| Revenue | $61.0B |
| Free Cash Flow | ($13.2B) |
| Revenue Growth | 11.1% |
| FCF margin | (21.6%) |
| Gross margin | 78.0% |
| ROIC | 13.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 408.4% |
Investment Thesis
Oracle Corporation (ORCL) has a 6.1 Quality rating with $557.8B market cap, $61.0B revenue, negative $13.2B free cash flow, 11.1% revenue growth, 21.6% FCF margin, 78.0% gross margin, and 13.1% ROIC, offset by very high 408.4% total debt to equity. 18.2% 1Y return and $168.0 intrinsic value offer turnaround insights in cloud transition.
Key Catalysts
- 11.1% revenue growth in cloud infrastructure
- Strong 78.0% gross margin potential
- 18.2% 1Y return from OCI momentum
- Enterprise software stickiness
Risk Factors
- Negative $13.2B FCF and 21.6% margin
- Extreme 408.4% debt to equity
- Intense cloud competition
Portfolio Diversification Insights
This 10-stock collection heavily weights technology (NVDA, GOOGL/GOOG, MSFT, AVGO, TSM, META, ORCL – ~80% allocation), providing exposure to AI, semiconductors, cloud, and software, with healthcare (LLY – 10%) adding defensive growth via pharma innovation and financials (V – 10%) for payments stability. Tech giants like NVDA and MSFT offer high ROIC complementarity to TSM's foundry backbone, while LLY diversifies beyond cyclical semis. GOOGL/GOOG provide dual exposure without overconcentration. Overall, low average debt (excluding outliers) and high margins create a Rule of 40-compliant portfolio balancing growth (avg. ~28% revenue growth) and profitability.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider positions during market pullbacks in tech, especially when intrinsic values (e.g., NVDA at $75.6, TSM at $485.3) show upside relative to prices. Dollar-cost average into high-conviction names like AVGO and LLY amid earnings beats. Monitor ROIC trends and FCF inflection (watch ORCL). Enter on sector rotations from overvalued areas, using ValueSense screeners for real-time Rule of 40 validation. Scale in over 3-6 months for volatility management.
Explore More Investment Opportunities
For investors seeking undervalued companies with high fundamental quality, our analytics team provides curated stock lists:
📌 50 Undervalued Stocks (Best overall value plays for 2025)
📌 50 Undervalued Dividend Stocks (For income-focused investors)
📌 50 Undervalued Growth Stocks (High-growth potential with strong fundamentals)
🔍 Check out these stocks on the Value Sense platform for free!
More Articles You Might Like
- Nelson Peltz - Trian Fund Management Portfolio Q3'2025: Top Holdings & Recent Changes
- Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
- The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
- Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises by Ray Dalio
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini Ph.D.
FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
These stocks were filtered via ValueSense's Rule of 40 screener, prioritizing high Quality ratings (6.1-8.2), strong revenue growth + FCF margins exceeding 40% where applicable, and superior ROIC, focusing on large-cap tech and healthcare leaders.
What's the best stock from this list?
NVDA and AVGO top the list with 8.1-8.2 Quality ratings, explosive growth (65.2% and 23.9%), and elite ROIC (161.5% and 18.3%), though "best" depends on portfolio needs—use ValueSense comparisons for personalization.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversification across tech subsectors (AI, cloud, semis) and adding LLY/V reduces risk; avoid full allocation due to tech tilt—aim for 5-7 positions weighted by conviction and intrinsic value upside.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Key concerns include high debt in AVGO/LLY/ORCL, tech sector volatility, geopolitical risks for TSM, and FCF negativity in ORCL; balance with overall strong margins and ROIC.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Optimal entry during 5-10% sector dips, post-earnings confirmation of growth, or when prices approach ValueSense intrinsic values—track via platform screeners for timing signals.