1 Profitable Stock to Own for Decades and 2 That Underwhelm

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.

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 is one profitable company that balances growth and profitability and two best left off your watchlist.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Sabre (SABR)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 11.1%

Originally a division of American Airlines, Sabre (NASDAQ:SABR) is a technology provider for the global travel and tourism industry.

Why Do We Think SABR Will Underperform?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 15.7% annual growth was below the typical consumer discretionary company
2. Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
3. 7× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings

Sabre is trading at $1.49 per share, or 6.8x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SABR in your portfolio.

Hillman (HLMN)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 7.3%

Established when Max Hillman purchased a franchise operation, Hillman (NASDAQ:HLMN) designs, manufactures, and sells industrial equipment and systems for various sectors.

Why Are We Hesitant About HLMN?

1. 2.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years was slower than its industrials peers
2. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 2.6% for the last five years
3. Underwhelming 2.5% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Hillman’s stock price of $8.11 implies a valuation ratio of 13.4x forward P/E. If you’re considering HLMN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Stock to Buy:

Howmet (HWM)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 24.8%

Inventing the first forged aluminum truck wheel, Howmet (NYSE:HWM) specializes in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing multi-material components used in vehicles.

Why Should You Buy HWM?

1. Impressive 11.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 42.8% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
3. Free cash flow margin jumped by 12.3 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends

At $237.72 per share, Howmet trades at 50.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don't just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses.

But our AI platform says the party isn't over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE.

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.