Unprofitable companies can burn through cash quickly, leaving investors exposed if they fail to turn things around. Without a clear path to profitability, these businesses risk running out of capital or relying on dilutive fundraising.

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

The RealReal (REAL)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -6.7%

Founded by consignment store aficionado Julie Wainwright, The RealReal (NASDAQ: REAL) is an online marketplace for buying and selling secondhand luxury goods.

Why Does REAL Give Us Pause?

1. Annual revenue growth of 4.1% over the last three years was below our standards for the consumer internet sector
2. Preference for prioritizing user growth over monetization has led to 11.7% annual drops in its average revenue per user
3. Depletion of cash reserves could lead to a fundraising event that triggers shareholder dilution

The RealReal’s stock price of $12.60 implies a valuation ratio of 34.6x forward EV/EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with REAL, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Bally's (BALY)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -8.5%

Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) is a diversified global casino-entertainment company that owns and manages casinos, resorts, and online gaming platforms.

Why Are We Out on BALY?

1. 2.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years was slower than its consumer discretionary peers
2. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
3. Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders

Bally's is trading at $18.39 per share, or 2.3x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why BALY doesn’t pass our bar.

Heartland Express (HTLD)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -3.6%

Founded by the son of a trucker, Heartland Express (NASDAQ: HTLD) offers full-truckload deliveries across the United States and Mexico.

Why Should You Dump HTLD?

1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 14.2% annually over the last two years
2. Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 12.7 percentage points
3. Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned

At $7.72 per share, Heartland Express trades at 8.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than HTLD.

Stocks We Like More

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