A company with profits isn’t always a great investment. Some struggle to maintain growth, face looming threats, or fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their future potential.
Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. 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:
Victoria's Secret (VSCO)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 4.9%
Spun off from L Brands in 2020, Victoria’s Secret (NYSE: VSCO) is an intimate clothing and beauty retailer that sells its own brands of lingerie, undergarments, and personal fragrances.
Why Is VSCO Risky?
- Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its product selection and store experience
- Responsiveness to unforeseen market trends is restricted due to its substandard operating margin profitability
- Earnings per share have contracted by 25.8% annually over the last three years, a headwind for returns as stock prices often echo long-term EPS performance
Victoria's Secret is trading at $18.42 per share, or 8.5x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with VSCO, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Avnet (AVT)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 3.1%
With a century-long history of adapting to technological evolution, Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT) is a global electronic components distributor that connects manufacturers of semiconductors and other electronic parts with businesses that need these components.
Why Do We Steer Clear of AVT?
- Sales tumbled by 8.3% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
- Earnings per share have dipped by 30.9% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
- Poor free cash flow margin of 0.1% for the last five years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
At $51.15 per share, Avnet trades at 10x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why AVT doesn’t pass our bar.
One Stock to Buy:
Graham Corporation (GHM)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.5%
Founded when its founder patented a unique design for a vacuum system used in the sugar refining process, Graham (NYSE: GHM) provides vacuum and heat transfer equipment for the energy, petrochemical, refining, and chemical sectors.
Why Do We Love GHM?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 15.6% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 645% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
- Free cash flow margin increased by 6.5 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders
Graham Corporation’s stock price of $46.25 implies a valuation ratio of 39.2x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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 Exlservice (+354% 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
