3 Profitable Stocks We’re Skeptical Of

Barchart·05/05/2026 23:50:20

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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. Keeping that in mind, here are three profitable companies that don’t make the cut and some better opportunities instead.

Tyson Foods (TSN)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 2.1%

Started as a simple trucking business, Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) is one of the world’s largest producers of chicken, beef, and pork.

Why Do We Avoid TSN?

1. Flat unit sales over the past two years imply it may need to invest in product improvements to get back on track
2. Commoditized products, bad unit economics, and high competition are reflected in its low gross margin of 7%
3. Incremental sales over the last three years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 3.8% annually while its revenue grew

Tyson Foods is trading at $67.71 per share, or 15.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with TSN, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Illumina (ILMN)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 19.4%

Pioneering the ability to read the human genome at unprecedented speed and affordability, Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) develops and sells advanced DNA sequencing and microarray technologies that allow researchers and clinicians to analyze genetic variations and functions.

Why Do We Think Twice About ILMN?

1. Sales were flat over the last two years, indicating it’s failed to expand this cycle
2. Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
3. Underwhelming 0.7% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Illumina’s stock price of $137.50 implies a valuation ratio of 26x forward P/E. If you’re considering ILMN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Connection (CNXN)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 3.8%

Starting as a small computer products seller in 1982 and evolving into a Fortune 1000 company, Connection (NASDAQ:CNXN) is a technology solutions provider that helps businesses and government agencies design, purchase, implement, and manage their IT infrastructure and systems.

Why Does CNXN Fall Short?

1. 2.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years was slower than its business services peers
2. Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 6.9% annually
3. Poor free cash flow margin of 3.4% for the last five years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends

At $65.40 per share, Connection trades at 16.7x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including CNXN in your portfolio.

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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 Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

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