While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity".
A business making money today isn’t necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. Keeping that in mind, here is one profitable company that generates reliable profits without sacrificing growth and two that may face some trouble.
Two Stocks to Sell:
Vestis (VSTS)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 2.8%
Operating a network of more than 350 facilities with 3,300 delivery routes serving customers weekly, Vestis (NYSE: VSTS) provides uniform rentals, workplace supplies, and facility services to over 300,000 business locations across the United States and Canada.
Why Is VSTS Risky?
- Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 1.5% annually over the last two years
- Capital intensity has ramped up over the last four years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 9.8 percentage points
- 5× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings
Vestis’s stock price of $4.54 implies a valuation ratio of 13x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than VSTS.
Carrier Global (CARR)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 13.7%
Founded by the inventor of air conditioning, Carrier Global (NYSE: CARR) manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products.
Why Is CARR Not Exciting?
- Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
- Free cash flow margin shrank by 5.3 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive
- Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging
Carrier Global is trading at $66.75 per share, or 20.2x forward P/E. If you’re considering CARR for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One Stock to Watch:
Astronics (ATRO)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.4%
Integrating power outlets into many Boeing aircraft, Astronics (NASDAQ: ATRO) is a provider of technologies and services to the global aerospace, defense, and electronics industries.
Why Are We Positive On ATRO?
- Annual revenue growth of 15.1% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 89.9% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
- Rising returns on capital show the company is starting to reap the benefits of its past investments
At $37.15 per share, Astronics trades at 21.8x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.
The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 6 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 Comfort Systems (+782% 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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