3 Profitable Stocks Facing Headwinds

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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.

A business making money today isn’t necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. That said, here are three profitable companies to steer clear of and a few better alternatives.

Global Business Travel (GBTG)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 6.3%

Holding close ties to American Express, Global Business Travel (NYSE:GBTG) is a comprehensive travel and expense management services provider to corporations worldwide.

Why Are We Wary of GBTG?

1. Estimated sales growth of 1.9% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its three-year trend
2. Steep infrastructure costs and weaker unit economics for a software company are reflected in its low gross margin of 60.8%
3. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 6.9% for the last year

Global Business Travel is trading at $6.33 per share, or 1.2x forward price-to-sales. If you’re considering GBTG for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Haemonetics (HAE)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 16.3%

With roots dating back to 1971 and a mission to improve blood-related healthcare, Haemonetics (NYSE:HAE) provides specialized medical devices and software for blood collection, processing, and management across plasma centers, blood banks, and hospitals.

Why Does HAE Worry Us?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 6.6% annual growth was below the typical healthcare company
2. Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $1.36 billion, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
3. Projected sales decline of 4.6% for the next 12 months points to a tough demand environment ahead

At $74.77 per share, Haemonetics trades at 15.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with HAE, check out our full research report (it’s free).

UL Solutions (ULS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 16.5%

Founded in 1894 as a response to the growing dangers of electricity in American homes and businesses, UL Solutions (NYSE:ULS) provides testing, inspection, and certification services that help companies ensure their products meet safety, security, and sustainability standards.

Why Is ULS Not Exciting?

1. Muted 4.3% annual revenue growth over the last three years shows its demand lagged behind its business services peers

UL Solutions’s stock price of $72.17 implies a valuation ratio of 41.2x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why ULS doesn’t pass our bar.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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 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