It makes sense to look at companies that are trading below net cash level. Many stocks are trading at mis-priced level--yes it does happen, and if you still believe in efficient market, you'd lost your shirt already. But I agree that the list prepared by the author is misleading. I'd be happy to hear comments on the list of companies I selected above. These maybe good starting points to pick the next winner.
I ran an equity search with the following criterias: US stocks with over 100mm mkt cap, debt/equity ratio less than 20% and cash/mkt cap ratio>1. This list could be a good starting point to further narrow down the names. However, none of the names mentioned in the article showed up:
11 Stocks Selling Below Cash [View article]
11 Stocks Selling Below Cash [View article]
TRID, ATV, ACTS, HTH, ORBK, GRO, ZAP, KONG, ANAD, SYMX, GILT, ULCM, COWN, MEDQ, ADLR
I have to say I don't know or heard of most of these companies. I hope this is helpful.