Even if a company is profitable, it doesn’t always mean it’s a great investment. Some struggle to maintain growth, face looming threats, or fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their future potential.

Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here are three profitable companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Equifax (EFX)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 18.4%

Holding detailed financial records on over 800 million consumers worldwide and dating back to 1899, Equifax (NYSE: EFX) is a global data analytics company that collects, analyzes, and sells consumer and business credit information to lenders, employers, and other businesses.

Why Does EFX Give Us Pause?

1. Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last five years as its adjusted operating margin fell by 6.8 percentage points
2. Annual earnings per share growth of 4% underperformed its revenue over the last two years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
3. Underwhelming 10.6% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam

Equifax’s stock price of $257.83 implies a valuation ratio of 33x forward P/E. If you’re considering EFX for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

ScanSource (SCSC)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 3%

Operating as a crucial link in the technology supply chain since 1992, ScanSource (NASDAQ: SCSC) is a hybrid distributor that connects hardware, software, and cloud services from technology suppliers to resellers and business customers.

Why Do We Pass on SCSC?

1. Sales tumbled by 1.5% annually over the last five years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
2. Earnings per share have contracted by 8.5% annually over the last two years, a headwind for returns as stock prices often echo long-term EPS performance
3. Underwhelming 8.2% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

At $41.02 per share, ScanSource trades at 11.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SCSC in your portfolio.

Selective Insurance Group (SIGI)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.9%

Founded in 1926 during the early days of automobile insurance, Selective Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SIGI) is a property and casualty insurance company that sells commercial, personal, and excess and surplus lines insurance products through independent agents.

Why Are We Hesitant About SIGI?

1. Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last two years, causing its combined ratio to worsen by 7.9 percentage points
2. Earnings per share fell by 14.7% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
3. Underwhelming 11.2% return on equity reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Selective Insurance Group is trading at $88.57 per share, or 1.6x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with SIGI, check out our full research report (it’s free).

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