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.

PVH (PVH)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 2.6%

Founded in 1881 by a husband and wife duo, PVH (NYSE: PVH) is a global fashion conglomerate with iconic brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Why Do We Avoid PVH?

1. Constant currency growth was below our standards over the past two years, suggesting it might need to invest in product improvements to get back on track
2. Free cash flow margin is not anticipated to grow over the next year
3. Stagnant returns on capital show management has failed to improve the company’s business quality

PVH’s stock price of $86.66 implies a valuation ratio of 7.2x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including PVH in your portfolio.

L.B. Foster (FSTR)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 4.7%

Founded with a $2,500 loan, L.B. Foster (NASDAQ: FSTR) is a provider of products and services for the transportation and energy infrastructure sectors, including rail products, construction materials, and coating solutions.

Why Are We Cautious About FSTR?

1. Average backlog growth of 4.4% over the past two years was mediocre and suggests fewer customers signed long-term contracts
2. Earnings per share were flat over the last five years and fell short of the peer group average
3. Low returns on capital reflect management’s struggle to allocate funds effectively

L.B. Foster is trading at $29.95 per share, or 20x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why FSTR doesn’t pass our bar.

NOV (NOV)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.6%

With roots stretching back to 1862 when it began making equipment for early oil fields, NOV (NYSE: NOV) manufactures drilling rigs, drill bits, pumps, and other equipment used to drill oil and gas wells.

Why Do We Pass on NOV?

1. Annual sales declines of 5.1% for the past ten years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
2. Gross margin of 20.2% reflects its high production costs and unfavorable asset base
3. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 3.6% for the last five years

At $19.03 per share, NOV trades at 19.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering NOV for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

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