Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn't mean it will thrive tomorrow.
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 leverages its financial strength to beat the competition and two best left off your watchlist.
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 4.5%
Based in Tel Aviv, Fiverr (NYSE:FVRR) operates a fixed price global freelance marketplace for digital services.
Struggled with new customer acquisition as its active buyers averaged 14% declines
Forecasted revenue decline of 23% for the upcoming 12 months implies demand will fall off a cliff
Excessive marketing spend signals little organic demand and traction for its platform
Fiverr's stock price of $8.88 implies a valuation ratio of 1.3x forward price-to-gross profit. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why FVRR doesn't pass our bar.
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 13.8%
Specializing in local media coverage, Gray Television (NYSE:GTN) is a broadcast company supplying digital media to various markets in the United States.
Lackluster 4.8% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates the company is losing ground to competitors
Unchanged returns on capital make it difficult for the company's valuation multiple to re-rate
High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 8× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens
At $4.77 per share, Gray Television trades at 6.1x forward EV-to-EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with GTN, check out our full research report (it's free).
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 14%
With a 50-year legacy of "Leading with Science" and operations on all seven continents, Tetra Tech (NASDAQ:TTEK) provides high-end consulting and engineering services focused on water management, environmental solutions, and sustainable infrastructure for government and commercial clients worldwide.
Market share has increased this cycle as its 12.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 24.1% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
Tetra Tech is trading at $35.08 per share, or 20.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it's free.
WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don't just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses.
But our AI platform says the party isn't over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.