Companies that burn cash at a rapid pace can run into serious trouble if they fail to secure funding.
Without a clear path to profitability, these businesses risk dilution, mounting debt, or even bankruptcy.
Negative cash flow can lead to trouble, but StockStory helps you identify the businesses that stand a chance of making it through. That said, here are three cash-burning companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.
Couchbase (BASE)
Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: -8.5%
Formed in 2011 with the merger of Membase and CouchOne, Couchbase (NASDAQ:BASE) is a database-as-a-service platform that allows enterprises to store large volumes of semi-structured data.
Why Do We Think Twice About BASE?
Revenue increased by 19.2% annually over the last three years, acceptable on an absolute basis but tepid for a software company enjoying secular tailwinds
Long payback periods on sales and marketing expenses limit customer growth and signal the company operates in a highly competitive environment
Poor expense management has led to operating losses
Founded in Virginia in 1932, Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) is an auto parts and accessories retailer that sells everything from carburetors to motor oil to car floor mats.
Why Should You Sell AAP?
Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its product selection and store experience
Operating profits fell over the last year as its sales dropped and it struggled to adjust its fixed costs
Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders
Spun off from FTAI Aviation in 2021, FTAI Infrastructure (NASDAQ:FIP) invests in and operates infrastructure and related assets across the transportation and energy sectors.
Why Does FIP Fall Short?
Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating losses
Revenue growth over the past three years was nullified by the company’s new share issuances as its earnings per share fell by 45.7% annually
Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs.
While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
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