Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure.
Unprofitable companies face an uphill battle, but not all are created equal. Luckily for you, StockStory is here to separate the promising ones from the weak. Keeping that in mind, here are three unprofitable companiesto steer clear of and a few better alternatives.
Krispy Kreme (DNUT)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -2.6%
Famous for its Original Glazed doughnuts and parent company of Insomnia Cookies, Krispy Kreme (NASDAQ:DNUT) is one of the most beloved and well-known fast-food chains in the world.
Why Do We Pass on DNUT?
- Earnings per share have contracted over the last three years, a headwind for returns as stock prices often echo long-term EPS performance
- Cash-burning tendencies make us wonder if it can sustainably generate shareholder value
- Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders
Krispy Kreme’s stock price of $2.98 implies a valuation ratio of 29.2x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than DNUT.
NeoGenomics (NEO)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -13.3%
Operating a network of CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratories across the United States and United Kingdom, NeoGenomics (NASDAQ:NEO) provides specialized cancer diagnostic testing services, including genetic analysis, molecular testing, and pathology consultation for oncologists and healthcare providers.
Why Do We Think NEO Will Underperform?
- Earnings per share fell by 12% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, partly because it diluted shareholders
- Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction, and its falling returns suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up
- Unfavorable liquidity position could lead to additional equity financing that dilutes shareholders
NeoGenomics is trading at $7.89 per share, or 35.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including NEO in your portfolio.
LifeStance Health Group (LFST)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1%
With over 6,600 licensed mental health professionals treating more than 880,000 patients annually, LifeStance Health (NASDAQ:LFST) provides outpatient mental health services through a network of clinicians offering psychiatric evaluations, psychological testing, and therapy across 33 states.
Why Does LFST Give Us Pause?
- Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $1.28 billion, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
- Cash-burning history makes us doubt the long-term viability of its business model
- Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business
At $5.89 per share, LifeStance Health Group trades at 75.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering LFST for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Stocks We Like More
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