Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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.
Not all profitable companies are created equal, and that’s why we built StockStory - to help you find the ones that truly shine bright. That said, here are two profitable companies that balance growth and profitability and one best left off your watchlist.
One Stock to Sell:
Champion Homes (SKY)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 10.2%
Founded in 1951, Champion Homes (NYSE:SKY) is a manufacturer of modular homes and buildings in North America.
Why Are We Hesitant About SKY?
- Estimated sales growth of 2.6% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
- Earnings per share fell by 3.2% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
- Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
Champion Homes is trading at $91.64 per share, or 26.2x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why SKY doesn’t pass our bar.
Two Stocks to Watch:
Brady (BRC)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 17.4%
Founded in 1914 and evolving through more than a century of industrial innovation, Brady (NYSE:BRC) manufactures and supplies identification solutions and workplace safety products that help companies identify and protect their premises, products, and people.
Why Are We Fans of BRC?
- Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 7.5% annual sales growth over the last five years
- Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 15.7%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last five years
- Robust free cash flow margin of 11% gives it many options for capital deployment
Brady’s stock price of $84.34 implies a valuation ratio of 16.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Moody's (MCO)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 41.9%
Founded in 1900 during America's railroad boom when investors needed reliable information on bond risks, Moody's (NYSE:MCO) provides credit ratings, risk assessment tools, and analytical solutions that help organizations evaluate financial risks and make informed investment decisions.
Why Are We Bullish on MCO?
- Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 14.5% annual sales growth over the last two years
- Performance over the past two years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
- ROE punches in at 63.8%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
At $523.80 per share, Moody's trades at 32.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
If your portfolio success hinges on just 4 stocks, your wealth is built on fragile ground. You have a small window to secure high-quality assets before the market widens and these prices disappear.
Don’t wait for the next volatility shock. Check 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 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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.