Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure.

A lack of profits can lead to trouble, but StockStory helps you identify the businesses that stand a chance of making it through. Keeping that in mind, here are three unprofitable companiesto steer clear of and a few better alternatives.

Tilly's (TLYS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -9.5%

With an emphasis on skate and surf culture, Tilly’s (NYSE: TLYS) is a specialty retailer that sells clothing, footwear, and accessories geared towards fashion-forward teens and young adults.

Why Are We Out on TLYS?

1. Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it’s having trouble bringing new shoppers into its brick-and-mortar locations
2. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last six years, showing each sale was less profitable
3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

Tilly's is trading at $1.86 per share, or 0.1x trailing 12-month price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than TLYS.

Estée Lauder (EL)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -5.5%

Named after its founder, who was an entrepreneurial woman from New York with a passion for skincare, Estée Lauder (NYSE: EL) is a one-stop beauty shop with products in skincare, fragrance, makeup, sun protection, and men’s grooming.

Why Is EL Not Exciting?

1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
2. Operating profits fell over the last year as its sales dropped and it struggled to adjust its fixed costs
3. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last three years, showing each sale was less profitable

Estée Lauder’s stock price of $87.80 implies a valuation ratio of 39.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering EL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

EchoStar (SATS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -3.4%

Following its 2023 acquisition of DISH Network, EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) provides satellite communications, pay-TV services, wireless networks, and broadband solutions across consumer and enterprise markets.

Why Do We Pass on SATS?

1. Incremental sales over the last five years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 8.1% annually while its revenue grew
2. 10.8 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
3. Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders

At $72.95 per share, EchoStar trades at 15.1x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why SATS doesn’t pass our bar.

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